129: Chess pieces and players

Lin Feng poured wine for the two of them, the amber liquid shimmering in the moonlight.

“I want to build a true football empire.”

“Not just a club, but a complete ecosystem encompassing youth training, scientific research, and business.”

The light of dreams flickered in his eyes.

“I want to make Hartlepool United a place young players all over the world aspire to.”

“Let our youth academy cultivate generations of world-class stars.”

Sophie listened quietly, deeply moved by the grand blueprint Lin Feng described.

“What about that person?”

She mustered her courage and asked.

“In your future plans, is there a place for someone?”

Lin Feng paused slightly, then showed a gentle smile.

“Sophie, I’ve always believed that true success isn’t a solo performance.”

“It’s a duet for two.”

“I hope that one day, I can watch the dynasty we built together shimmer in the sunset with the person I love most.”

“I hope to have a warm home and lovely children.”

These words instantly brought tears to Sophie’s eyes.

She had never imagined that this ruthless and rational business magnate, in the eyes of outsiders, harbored such tender desires deep within.

“I want a home too.”

Sophie said softly.

“But as an independent professional woman, sometimes I worry…”

“Worry about what?”

Lin Feng gently held Sophie’s hand, a warm temperature radiating from his palm.

“Worry about not being able to balance career and family.”

“Worry about losing my independence.”

There was a hint of vulnerability in Sophie’s voice.

“Throughout my growth, I’ve always strived to prove myself.”

“I’m afraid that one day, I’ll become a satellite revolving solely around a man.”

Lin Feng gently stroked the back of Sophie’s hand, his movements soft and comforting.

“Sophie, truly loving someone isn’t about changing her, but about helping her achieve her potential.”

“I want to be your strongest support, so you can fearlessly pursue your dreams.”

“Just like the King and Queen on a chessboard, we each have our own value, our own mission.”

“But we are a whole, each other’s most important support.”

These words completely broke down Sophie’s emotional defenses.

She had never met a man like this, both powerful and gentle, ambitious yet understanding.

Two hearts drew closer than ever under the moonlight.

Time seemed to stand still at this moment.

The moonlight on the lake grew brighter, creating a dreamy atmosphere for the lovers.

“Lin, I…”

Sophie’s words were gently stopped by Lin Feng.

“Don’t rush into any commitments.”

Lin Feng said gently.

“Let’s give ourselves some time to get to know each other slowly.”

“I just hope that during this process, you can feel my sincerity.”

As night deepened, the outlines of the distant mountains became more indistinct under the moonlight.

The two talked a lot, from their childhood memories to their aspirations for the future.

From career planning to life philosophy.

Each exchange gave them a deeper understanding of each other.

“It’s getting late.”

Lin Feng looked at his watch; it was almost midnight.

“I’ll take you home.”

Sophie nodded, feeling a bit reluctant to let go of this beautiful time.

After packing up the picnic supplies, the two returned to the car.

On the way back, the atmosphere in the car became exceptionally warm.

Soft music continued to play from the car’s stereo, providing a perfect end to the night.

Forty minutes later, the car stopped downstairs at Sophie’s apartment building.

Lin Feng got out and opened the car door for Sophie, his gentlemanly gesture warming her heart.

“Tonight… thank you.”

Sophie stood downstairs at the apartment building, the moonlight illuminating her face, making her breathtakingly beautiful.

“This was the best night I’ve ever had.”

Lin Feng smiled gently.

“For me too.”

The two looked at each other in silence, as if an electric current was flowing in the air.

Just as Lin Feng was about to say goodbye, Sophie suddenly mustered her courage.

She stood on tiptoe and left a soft kiss on Lin Feng’s cheek.

The kiss was light, but for the first time, it created a blank in all his plans and deductions about the future.

“Goodnight, my King.”

Sophie said this with a blush, then turned and ran towards the apartment building.

Her figure disappeared into the hallway, leaving Lin Feng with only a pretty silhouette.

Lin Feng reached up and gently touched his kissed cheek, his lips curving into an involuntary smile.

At this moment, he felt like he owned the whole world.

While the romantic plot made groundbreaking progress, the flames of war in the football world were about to reignite.

The next morning, the League Cup third-round draw ceremony was held at The FA headquarters.

Lin Feng was handling club affairs at the Phoenix Training Center when Richard Arnold rushed into the office.

“Boss, the draw results are out.”

Arnold’s expression was somewhat complex, both excited and worried.

“We drew…”

He paused, seemingly organizing his words.

“Sunderland.”

Lin Feng looked up, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, followed by a meaningful smile.

“Sunderland?”

“Our old neighbors?”

Arnold nodded.

“Yes, the ‘big brother’ also in the Northeast of England.”

“And they are currently in the Premier League.”

This news quickly spread throughout the small town of Hartlepool.

The club’s official website was instantly overwhelmed by an influx of fans.

The message board was filled with excited and enthusiastic voices.

“Finally, we can go head-to-head with the big brother!”

“Let those Premier League players see our strength!”

“Northern Derby! This is the real derby match!”

The fans’ passion was completely ignited.

This was not just a League Cup match, but a war for regional honor.

Challenging a Premier League team itself held immense appeal.

What’s more, the opponent was Sunderland, a “dead rival” from the same region.

These two elements combined to instantly push the tension of the match to its peak.

Less than an hour after the news broke, Sunderland manager Roy Keane gave a media interview after training.

The Irish legend, known for his iron will and toughness, spoke with clear disdain for his “little brothers.”

“Hartlepool United?”

Keane pursed his lips, his expression contemptuous.

“I’ve heard of them; they’re doing well in the lower League.”

“But gentlemen, the Premier League and League One are completely different sports.”

“It’s like the difference between adults and children.”

The reporter continued to press: “So do you think this match will be one-sided?”

Keane sneered.

“We’ll do our best to teach the little brothers a lesson.”

“Let them understand what Premier League quality means.”

These provocative remarks were quickly reported by major media outlets.

Hartlepool fans were furious after seeing these comments.

The club’s official website message board was flooded with angry denunciations.

“That old man Keane is too arrogant!”

“Just wait until we teach him a lesson!”

“Let them see what the power of the North is!”

The players also clearly felt this anger during training.

Vardy said to his teammates during a training break: “Brothers, did you hear that?”

“They said we’re children.”

Henderson clenched his fists: “Then let them see the strength of these ‘children’!”

Sigurdsson, though not a man of many words, showed everything with the cold glint in his eyes.

Lin Feng keenly noticed this emotional shift within the team.

He knew this was an excellent opportunity.

Anger can be the most powerful motivation, but it can also be a fatal weakness.

The key was how to guide and utilize it.

In the afternoon, Lin Feng gathered the club’s marketing team.

“I want to launch a city-wide mobilization campaign.”

The light of wisdom flickered in Lin Feng’s eyes.

“It will be called ‘Blue Ocean, Drowning the Black Cats’.”

Sunderland’s nickname was indeed “The Black Cats.”

“We need to call on all fans to wear their home jerseys on match day.”

“Let Victoria Park stadium become a blue and white ocean.”

The marketing director excitedly recorded the boss’s ideas.

“Boss, we can also create some special slogans and banners.”

Lin Feng nodded.

“Very good, but pay attention to moderation.”

“We need to show fighting spirit, but without losing our composure.”

“We are fighting for honor, not engaging in a war of words.”

The activity plan was quickly formulated.

The club’s official accounts began to publish promotional content on various social media platforms.

Within a few hours, the hashtag #BlueOceanDrowningTheBlackCats became a trending topic on Twitter.

Not only Hartlepool fans participated, but even fans of other teams were infected by the atmosphere.

Many neutral fans expressed their desire to attend the match and cheer for Hartlepool United.

In the evening, Lin Feng went to the local TV station.

He wanted to personally record a motivational video.

In front of the camera, Lin Feng’s expression was serious and inspiring.

“Hello, Hartlepool fans.”

His voice was firm and powerful.

“In the upcoming League Cup match, we will face a strong opponent.”

“Sunderland is our neighbor, and an opponent we respect.”

“But for these ninety minutes, we are warriors.”

The camera zoomed in on Lin Feng’s resolute face.

“We fight not only for ourselves, but for the honor of this city!”

“We want to tell everyone that Hartlepool United is not a weakling to be bullied.”

“We have our own pride, our own dignity!”

His voice gradually rose, filled with the passion of battle.

“Let us unite as one, and let our shouts shake all of England!”

“Long live the Blues! Long live Hartlepool!”

This video was broadcast during prime time that evening.

Not only residents of Hartlepool watched, but fans across the entire Northeast region were infected by this passion.

After the video aired, ticket sales for the match instantly exploded.

Victoria Park stadium, which had some remaining tickets, sold out within a few hours.

Some fans even offered high prices for tickets.

This unprecedented fervor shocked the club’s staff.

That same night, when Roy Keane was interviewed by BBC Evening News, a reporter asked how he viewed Lin Feng, the mysterious Chinese boss.

Keane’s expression remained cold.

He pursed his lips, his tone clearly contemptuous.

“I don’t care who he is, or where he comes from.”

“In the world of football, ultimately, it’s the eleven players on the field who speak.”

“Not a businessman sitting in an office.”

These words were undoubtedly a challenge to Lin Feng.

It was not just a contest between teams, but a clash of philosophies.

Iron-willed football versus technical football.

Traditional English style versus modern operational concepts.

A true Northern Derby was about to unfold.