155: Public Opinion's "Praise and Killing" (Part 2)

The Guardian's headline read: "Hartlepool Boss's Art of Management: Resolving Transfer Troubles with a Barbecue."

The Independent commented: "Lin Feng has shown leadership beyond his years."

Even the usually critical The Times gave a positive review: "This young Chinese owner is redefining modern football management."

"Looks like it worked well."

Lin Feng put down the documents, a slight smile playing on his lips.

"Indeed, the players' condition has clearly improved a lot."

Arnold nodded, "And the PR department, following your instructions, has already prepared the official statement."

"Read it to me."

Arnold cleared his throat and began to read.

"We thank the major clubs for their recognition of our players, which proves the success of Hartlepool United's youth academy system."

"However, our 'gems' are working hard to build a new dynasty and currently have no plans to leave."

"Of course, if any club is truly sincere, you are welcome to come to the Northern Dragon Arena with a check in the future to discuss with us."

"Please note, we only accept cash, no installment payments."

Lin Feng couldn't help but laugh.

"This tone is great, both confident and humorous."

"When will it be released?"

"At 2 PM, which is exactly the news slot for major European media outlets."

Arnold closed the document, "This will maximize the communication effect."

"Very good, let's do that."

Lin Feng walked to the window, watching the players sweating on the training ground in the distance.

After last night's "psychological massage," everyone's condition had significantly improved.

Vardy's passes were more accurate, and Walker's breakthroughs were more decisive.

The entire team had rediscovered that relaxed and confident feeling.

At exactly 2 PM, Hartlepool United's official website released the statement.

Within just one hour, the statement was reposted by major media outlets.

The reaction on social media was even more enthusiastic.

Fans praised the club's stance.

"Haha, 'only cash, no installment payments,' that's so domineering!"

"This is the style of our Hartlepool!"

"Boss Lin Feng is so interesting, I love this statement!"

Even some neutral fans were amused by the humorous expression.

"Although I'm not a Hartlepool fan, I like this boss's style."

"Football needs more interesting statements like this."

The media's reaction was equally positive.

The Guardian's football reporter commented: "Lin Feng has once again demonstrated his excellent public relations skills."

The Daily Mail analyzed: "This statement successfully seized the initiative of public opinion."

Even some media outlets that had originally planned to publish negative reports changed their direction.

The Sun's front page changed from "Vardy to Join Gunners" to "Hartlepool Boss's Witty Reply to Transfer Rumors."

In Lin Feng's office, the telephone rang continuously.

All major media outlets wanted to interview this young Chinese boss.

But Lin Feng declined them all.

He knew that a moderate sense of mystery was more valuable than excessive exposure.

In the evening, Sophie Green arrived at the Phoenix Training Center.

Her face wore the excited expression typical of a reporter.

"Lin Feng, I must say, your crisis management this time was textbook-level."

Sophie sat on the sofa in Lin Feng's office, her eyes full of admiration.

"Using a small effort to achieve a great effect, you resolved the most difficult problem in the most relaxed way."

Lin Feng poured her a cup of tea and sat down in the chair opposite her.

"Just telling the truth."

"We are indeed building a dynasty, and we indeed only accept cash."

Sophie smiled; she increasingly liked Lin Feng's calm and composed demeanor.

No matter what difficulties he faced, he always found the most elegant solution.

"You know, I've been thinking about one question all day today."

Sophie picked up her teacup, took a small sip, "Your art of management is far more captivating than your tactics."

Lin Feng raised an eyebrow.

"Is that a compliment?"

"Of course it's a compliment."

Sophie put down her teacup and looked at him seriously, "Few people can remain so calm and humorous under such pressure."

"You always seem to see through everyone's hearts."

She paused, the office light reflecting in her eyes, making her gaze appear brighter and more focused than usual.

"Then can you... see through mine?"

The office suddenly fell silent.

Only the ticking of the clock on the wall reminded them of the passage of time.

Lin Feng gazed at Sophie, his eyes deep and gentle.

"I don't need to see through."

His voice was very soft, but every word was clearly audible.

"Because I believe that sincere eyes are the best window to the soul."

Sophie's heart suddenly quickened.

Sophie subconsciously clutched the teacup tightly, the warm sensation on her fingertips calming her turbulent thoughts slightly.

Under the light, her originally fair cheeks showed a subtle blush, making her professional expression seem a little unnatural.

"You're always like this, stating the most profound truths with the simplest words."

Sophie lowered her head, her voice trembling slightly, "Sometimes I feel you have a kind of magic about you."

"What magic?"

Lin Feng asked curiously.

"It makes people can't help but want to understand you, want to get close to you."

Sophie gathered her courage and looked up, "But at the same time, you feel very distant, like you have countless secrets."

Lin Feng was silent for a moment, then said softly:

"Everyone has secrets, Sophie."

"But I can tell you a secret that isn't a secret."

"What?"

"I really enjoy my time with you."

She subconsciously lowered her head, looking at the tea leaves floating in her teacup, but couldn't help but let the corners of her lips curve slightly upward.

She suddenly felt that the mysterious aura about this man was not aloofness, but a unique charm.

"Me too."

Sophie replied softly, her eyes full of affection.

They smiled at each other, and the atmosphere in the office became warm and beautiful.

Outside the window, the setting sun cast a golden glow over the entire room.

Just then, there was a gentle knock on the office door.

"Come in."

Lin Feng collected himself, his usual calm expression returning.

Old John pushed the door open, holding tomorrow's training plan.

"Boss, sorry to disturb you."

He saw Sophie there and felt a little awkward, "Should I come back later?"

"It's alright, John."

Lin Feng stood up, "Sophie was just about to leave."

Sophie also stood up and straightened her clothes.

"It's time to go, I have interview assignments tomorrow."

She nodded to Lin Feng, "Thank you for the tea."

"You're always welcome."

Lin Feng saw her to the office door.

After watching Sophie leave, Lin Feng turned to Old John.

"How's the team's condition?"

"Very good, Boss."

Old John's face showed a relieved smile, "Last night's party really had a good effect."

"The players' mentality has completely adjusted."

"Today's training quality was high, everyone was focused and committed."

Lin Feng nodded in satisfaction.

"That's good. Next, we face Luton."

"Although the opponent isn't strong, it's precisely at times like this that we need to be most careful."

"Underestimating the opponent is the biggest enemy on a winning streak."

Old John agreed wholeheartedly.

"You're right, I'll remind the players to stay focused."

"By the way, Boss, Luton's head coach said something at the press conference today."

"What did he say?"

Lin Feng raised an eyebrow.

Old John took out his phone and found the relevant news report.

"He said: 'We know we can't stop them, but we will use our most tenacious defense to defend our dignity and try to concede fewer goals at Victoria Park.'"

Lin Feng shook his head after listening.

"Another opponent who surrenders before fighting."

"This mentality is more terrifying than any tactic."

He walked to the window, looking at the gradually dimming sky in the distance.

"John, for tomorrow's game, I demand that the players remain vigilant."

"Although the opponent's mentality is negative, it's often at such times that surprises are most likely to occur."

"Understood, Boss."

Old John carefully noted Lin Feng's requirements.

As night fell, the Phoenix Training Center gradually quieted down.

Lin Feng stayed alone in his office, contemplating the upcoming match.

Ten consecutive wins had already made club history, but his goal was far beyond that.

The League One winning streak record was 13 games, and he wanted to lead the team to challenge this historical height.

But he also understood that the closer they got to the record, the greater the pressure would be.

Every match would be a severe test.

Lin Feng took out his phone and sent a message to his assistant in China.

"Continue to monitor Lallana and Clyne's situation; prepare to make a move in the winter transfer window."

Soon, a reply came.

"Understood, Boss. Both players are performing excellently and the acquisition process can be initiated at any time."

Lin Feng put down his phone, a satisfied smile on his face.

No matter how the outside world changed, he would continue to move forward at his own pace.

The path to building a dynasty was destined to be full of challenges, but he had the confidence and patience to face everything.

Outside the window, Hartlepool was quiet and peaceful in the night, and the distant sound of waves gently lapped against the shore.

Tomorrow would be a new day, a new starting point for chasing dreams.