204: Ferguson's invitation and the "super child labor" program

The victory at Old Trafford was like a bombshell, creating a huge stir in European football.

Hartlepool United's official website server was on the verge of crashing, with traffic surging three thousandfold within 24 hours.

From Asia to America, countless fans began to pay attention to this magical team from a small town in northeast England.

Lin Feng sat in Ferguson's office, looking around at the sparkling trophies on the walls.

The Scottish veteran personally poured him a glass of whisky, the amber liquid gently swaying in the crystal glass.

"You know, young man, in all my years of coaching, very few people have surprised me so much on my home ground," Ferguson said, sitting opposite him, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

"You flatter me, Sir," Lin Feng said, picking up his glass and taking a small sip.

"I merely made the necessary preparations."

Ferguson chewed his gum and suddenly changed the subject: "Let's talk about the future.

What direction do you think football will develop in?"

Lin Feng put down his glass, a deep glint flashing in his eyes.

"Data analysis will completely revolutionize the sport.

Every pass, every run, will be precisely quantified.

Sports science will maximize the physical capabilities of players."

"Interesting," Ferguson leaned forward, "Continue."

"Commercial globalization is an irreversible trend.

Clubs are no longer just symbols of local communities but brands that transcend national borders.

Youth training systems will become the core competitiveness determining a club's survival," Lin Feng's voice was calm and firm.

Ferguson listened intently, occasionally nodding in agreement.

When Lin Feng spoke of predicting player injuries through big data and training goalkeepers' reactions with VR technology, the old Sir's eyes showed a look of shock.

"The future of football, it seems, truly rests in the hands of people like you," Ferguson sighed, a hint of relief in his eyes.

The two smiled at each other and raised their glasses in a toast.

At this moment, the boundaries of age and nationality completely disappeared; only two souls who loved football were communicating.

Back at the Phoenix Training Center, Lin Feng's phone kept ringing.

Richard Arnold's voice was filled with excitement: "Boss, Real Madrid is offering thirty-five million for De Bruyne!

Barça is offering forty million for Coutinho!

Chelsea is also asking about Henderson's price!"

"Reject them all," Lin Feng's reply was decisive.

"Immediately initiate contract extension negotiations and offer them irresistible terms."

"Understood.

Should we include loyalty bonuses and Champions League appearance clauses?"

"Exactly.

Let them know that staying here offers the brightest future."

Hanging up the phone, Lin Feng opened the system interface.

The winter transfer window was about to open, and it was time to implement his "Super Child Labor" plan.

The screen displayed detailed information for three young faces:

Luke Shaw, 13 years old, Southampton Youth Academy left-back.

Speed A-, Crossing B+, Future Potential Rating: S-class.

Raheem Sterling, 14 years old, Queens Park Rangers Youth Academy winger.

Dribbling A, Speed A+, Future Potential Rating: S+-class.

John Stone, 14 years old, Barnsley Youth Academy center-back.

Passing A-, Defense B+, Future Potential Rating: S-class.

"Ben Carter, contact our scout team," Lin Feng pressed the intercom.

"Have them approach the families of these three players separately.

Remember, show the utmost sincerity."

"Boss, they're just kids..."

"Precisely because they are kids, they need the right guidance even more," Lin Feng interrupted him.

"Execute the order."

Feedback from the scout team came quickly.

Southampton showed strong resistance to Hartlepool's approach, even threatening to report them to The FA.

Queens Park Rangers' attitude was slightly better but still full of doubts.

Barnsley directly refused any form of contact.

"Crazy!" Southampton's Youth Academy Director roared over the phone.

"Who would spend millions to buy teenagers?"

Lin Feng was not surprised.

In this era, few could understand his foresight.

But he knew that these "kids" would become the brightest stars in world football in the future.

The Phoenix Training Center was quiet and peaceful at night.

Lin Feng stood alone by the floor-to-ceiling window of his office, gazing at the night sky in the distance.

Soft footsteps came from behind him as Sophie walked in, carrying two cups of hot tea.

She saw the transfer list spread out on Lin Feng's desk, her brows slightly furrowed.

"They're just kids, is it worth it?" Sophie gently placed the teacups on the table.

Lin Feng turned, put his arm around her shoulder.

He pointed to the starry night sky outside the window, his voice gentle and firm.

"Falling stars are beautiful, but what I want is to personally light up the permanent stars that will always hang in the sky."

Sophie gazed into his deep eyes, an indescribable shock welling up in her heart.

This man's vision could always penetrate the mists of time and see a future that others could not.

Moonlight streamed through the blinds into the room, casting dappled shadows on the floor.

Lin Feng gently stroked Sophie's hair, and their breaths gradually mingled.

"Do you really believe they will become stars?" Sophie's voice trembled slightly.

"I don't believe, I'm certain," Lin Feng lowered his head and kissed her forehead.

"Just as I'm certain that you are the most important person in my life."

Sophie's cheeks flushed, and her heart rate accelerated.

She knew that from this moment on, she was no longer just an observer but an indispensable part of Lin Feng's imperial blueprint.

They embraced and kissed, and the atmosphere in the office became warm and sweet.

The starlight outside the window witnessed the sublimation of the couple's emotions.

The next morning, as Lin Feng was reviewing the team's training plan, Richard Arnold's urgent call came in.

"Boss, something's happened!" Arnold's voice was anxious.

"Southampton rejected our offer for Luke Shaw and notified The FA, accusing us of illegal contact with underage players!"

Lin Feng's brows furrowed slightly but quickly returned to normal.

"What are their specific accusations?"

"They said we directly contacted the player's family without proper channels and also claimed we offered improper financial inducements."

"Interesting," Lin Feng chuckled softly.

"It seems Southampton's financial situation is worse than I imagined."

"You mean?"

"They're trying to drive up the price," Lin Feng's voice was confident.

"Have the legal team prepare a response, and at the same time, investigate Southampton's debt situation.

I have a feeling they'll contact us soon."

Hanging up the phone, Lin Feng opened the system's market analysis module.

Sure enough, Southampton Football Club was facing a huge bank loan that was about to mature, and their capital chain was extremely tight.

"An interesting game," Lin Feng's lips curved into a smile, a playful glint in his eyes.

"Since you want to play, I'll play along to the end."

On the training ground, the players were undergoing high-intensity physical training.

De Bruyne and Coutinho were practicing passing in midfield, the chemistry between the two young talents growing increasingly tacit.

Vardy was doing speed training; his explosiveness and sustained sprinting ability drew everyone's admiration.

Henderson was practicing long passes, his passing accuracy and vision having significantly improved.

Old John stood on the sidelines, observing every detail.

Since the victory at Old Trafford, his trust in Lin Feng had reached a point of blind obedience.

"Coach, has our opponent for the League Cup semi-final been confirmed?" Schmeichel walked over to ask.

"Manchester City," Old John's expression became serious.

"They've just been acquired by a Middle Eastern consortium, and their strength should not be underestimated."

"So what?" Vardy wiped his sweat, his eyes flashing with fighting spirit.

"We even defeated Manchester United, who are we afraid of now?"

The players nodded in agreement.

The victory at Old Trafford had given them boundless confidence, and now Hartlepool United no longer feared any opponent.

Lin Feng stood by the office window, watching the players sweating it out on the training ground.

His phone rang again, and an unfamiliar number appeared on the screen.

"Mr. Lin? This is the chairman of Southampton Football Club," a somewhat nervous voice came from the other end of the line.

"Regarding Luke Shaw's transfer, and that... misunderstanding with The FA, I think we might be able to sit down and talk again."

Lin Feng's lips curved into a victorious smile.

Just as he had predicted, financial pressure had ultimately made Southampton bow its head.

"Of course," Lin Feng's voice was calm and polite.

"However, the price will need to be renegotiated.

After all, dealing with such 'misunderstandings' also incurs costs."

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone, followed by a helpless sigh: "I understand.

When can we meet?"

"Tomorrow afternoon, in my office," Lin Feng checked his watch.

"Remember, this time I expect to see your sincerity."

Hanging up the phone, Lin Feng turned to face the world map on the wall.

Three red markers indicated the locations of Southampton, Queens Park Rangers, and Barnsley, respectively.

Soon, these places would supply him with future superstars.

And Hartlepool United would, therefore, establish an absolute advantage in youth training.

As night fell, the lights of the Phoenix Training Center remained bright.

Lin Feng knew that the real challenge had only just begun.

But he was fully prepared to welcome the era of his football empire.