220: The King's Wedding and the Dragon's Roar

The May defeat lingered like a nightmare in everyone's hearts, but as the bus slowly drove into the town of Hartlepool, the streets on both sides were already packed with people.

Children held up hand-drawn banners, old people stood by the roadside with walking sticks, and workers put down their tasks and flocked to the streets. There was no disappointment on their faces, only pride.

"Welcome home, heroes!" a thunderous shout erupted from the crowd.

Vardy looked at these familiar faces through the bus window, his eyes slightly moist. The factory he once worked at, the colleagues he struggled with, and the football field that witnessed his growth—everything was vivid in his mind.

Henderson tightly gripped the League Cup trophy, the sunlight pouring through the window onto the metal surface, reflecting a dazzling glow. Two Championship trophies lay quietly on the seats, witnessing the incredible journey of this team.

The bus stopped in front of Victoria Park, and the players disembarked one by one. De Bruyne held the Championship trophy, determination etched on the Belgian teenager's face. The pain of defeat had transformed into motivation to move forward.

Old John was the last to get off, his white hair fluttering in the breeze. He looked around the stadium he was about to bid farewell to, his eyes filled with reluctance. It held too many memories and witnessed too many miracles.

The crowd spontaneously parted, creating a path, and the players slowly walked towards the stadium. There were no flowers, no streamers, only the most genuine applause and the sincerest gazes.

Lin Feng stood in the center of the field, impeccably dressed in a suit, his demeanor calm. Sophie stood beside him, her white long dress gently swaying in the breeze. Today, this place would witness two important moments.

June 1st, the sun shone brightly.

The steel behemoth of the Northern Dragon Arena finally revealed its true form. Sixty-five thousand seats were neatly arranged, and the modern roof shimmered in the sunlight. This stadium, costing two hundred million pounds, represented the highest standard of English football architecture.

Ferguson slowly walked onto the rostrum, the Scottish old sir's face full of admiration. He had seen countless stadiums, but the design concept of this one surpassed its time.

"Lin, you've built not just a stadium, but a football sanctuary," Ferguson patted Lin Feng's shoulder, his eyes filled with respect.

Wenger followed closely, the French professor's gaze sweeping across every part of the stadium. From the turf system to the lighting equipment, every detail reflected a pursuit of perfection.

Abramovich stood in the executive box, overlooking the entire stadium. Complex light flickered in the Russian billionaire's eyes as he recalled what Lin Feng had told him last night.

"The collapse of Lehman Brothers stemmed from the deepest greed of human nature. When everyone believes that house prices will always rise, a crash becomes inevitable."

Lin Feng's words still echoed in Abramovich's mind. This young man's insight far exceeded his imagination.

Sixty-five thousand fans filled every seat, a blue and white ocean shimmering in the sunlight. They were the first audience to step into this stadium, and also witnesses to this historic moment.

Lin Feng slowly walked onto the makeshift podium, the microphone trembling slightly in his hand. This was his moment, and also the moment of Hartlepool United.

"Friends, welcome to the Northern Dragon Arena!"

Applause erupted like thunder, lasting for a full three minutes. Lin Feng waited quietly, his gaze sweeping over every face in the audience.

"Three years ago, I came to this small town. At that time, we were struggling in League Two, and we were unknown."

The audience was silent, everyone listening to the young chairman's narration.

"But I always believed that the power of dreams can create miracles. Today, we have built a nest for the Northern Dragon. From tomorrow on, all of Europe will hear its roar!"

As soon as his voice fell, the entire stadium erupted in deafening cheers. Sixty-five thousand people shouted in unison, the sound waves piercing the sky. At this moment, everyone believed that miracles would continue.

Night fell, and the stadium lights came on one after another. Staff members busily arranged the venue, making final preparations for tomorrow's wedding.

Lin Feng stood in the center of the empty pitch, feeling every inch of this stadium. The turf beneath his feet was soft and delicate; this would be the witness to his and Sophie's love.

Sophie tiptoed to his side, the pure white of her wedding dress beautiful like moonlight under the lights. Tomorrow, she would become Mrs. Lin here.

"Are you nervous?" Sophie's voice was as gentle as water.

Lin Feng turned and embraced her, feeling the warmth emanating from her. Through three years of ups and downs, this woman had always stood by him.

"Not nervous, just reflective," Lin Feng gently stroked Sophie's long hair, his eyes full of affection. "From tomorrow on, we will be a true family."

In the distance, workers were still making final adjustments. Flowers, red carpet, archways—every detail was meticulously arranged. This wedding would be broadcast live globally via Northern Storm TV, allowing the world to witness this sincere love.

June 2nd, sunlight poured through the clouds onto the earth.

The wedding stage set up in the center of the stadium sparkled in the morning light. White archways were entwined with flowers, and a red carpet stretched from the players' tunnel all the way to the center of the pitch.

Vardy adjusted his suit and tie, the English striker's face full of excitement. Today, he would be a groomsman, witnessing his boss's big life event.

Henderson, De Bruyne, Smalling—all the main players were dressed in formal wear. They were Lin Feng's players, and even more, his brothers.

Coutinho stood at the end of the line, the shadow of the Wembley defeat still lingering in the Brazilian teenager's eyes. But today was a special day, and he wanted to offer his sincerest blessings to his boss.

Old John wore a brand-new suit, holding the wedding host's script. His white hair was neatly combed, and his nervousness was evident.

Guests took their seats one after another, from football legends to business elites, each a heavyweight. Ferguson sat in the front row, the Scottish old sir's face full of a benevolent smile.

Music began to play, and Sophie, arm in arm with her father, slowly walked down the red carpet. The hem of her wedding dress gently swayed on the turf, and her veil floated like a fairy in the breeze.

Everyone stood up, and thunderous applause erupted. This beautiful bride captivated everyone present, her smile as warm and bright as sunshine.

Lin Feng stood beneath the archway, his eyes fixed only on Sophie, who was slowly approaching. Dressed in his suit, he looked handsome and tall, his smile genuine.

Sophie's father gently placed his daughter's hand in Lin Feng's, the old man's eyes full of blessings. This young man had proven himself in three years; he was worthy of entrusting his daughter's life to.

Old John cleared his throat, his voice echoing through the stadium: "Distinguished guests, today we gather here to witness the sacred wedding of Mr. Lin Feng and Miss Sophie Green."

As his voice fell, the entire stadium became silent. Sixty-five thousand pairs of eyes watched the newlyweds in the center of the pitch, witnessing this sacred moment.

"Mr. Lin Feng, do you take Miss Sophie Green to be your wife, to love her, honor her, and protect her, in poverty or wealth, in sickness and in health, until forever?"

"I do." Lin Feng's answer was firm and powerful, his voice clearly carried throughout the stadium.

"Miss Sophie, do you take Mr. Lin Feng to be your husband, to love him, honor him, and support him, in poverty or wealth, in sickness and in health, until forever?"

"I do." Sophie's voice, though gentle, was filled with deep affection in every word.

Vardy handed over the rings, the diamonds sparkling in the sunlight. Lin Feng took a ring and gently placed it on Sophie's finger. The cool metal against her warm skin symbolized the eternal union of two hearts.

Sophie also placed a ring on Lin Feng's finger, her hand trembling slightly, her excitement evident.

"Now, I pronounce you husband and wife. Groom, you may kiss the bride."

Lin Feng gently lifted Sophie's veil, and the two gazed deeply into each other's eyes. Time stopped at this moment, and the whole world consisted only of the two of them.

Their lips met, this kiss carrying three years of waiting, three years of perseverance. The entire stadium erupted in the most fervent cheers, and the applause was sustained.

Confetti flew everywhere, and music played a magnificent melody. Vardy, Henderson, and other players rushed forward, surrounding the newlyweds. This was their boss, and even more, their brother.

Cameras recorded every wonderful moment, and Northern Storm TV's live broadcast signal was sent to all parts of the world. Tens of millions of viewers witnessed this romantic wedding through their screens.

After the wedding, guests moved to the stadium stands. A lavish banquet was ready, and champagne bubbles danced merrily in glasses.

Lin Feng and Sophie mingled among the guests, receiving blessings from all directions. Every handshake, every blessing, made this special day even more perfect.

Abramovich walked over to Lin Feng, the Russian billionaire raising his champagne glass.

"Congratulations, Lin. I hope your marriage is even more successful than your football career."

Lin Feng clinked glasses with him, the fresh aroma of the liquid spreading on his lips. "Thank you, Mr. Roman. Our cooperation has just begun."

Chelsea had become Northern Eye's first client, marking the further expansion of Lin Feng's business empire. Data analysis would become the core competitiveness of future football.

As night fell, guests gradually dispersed. The players also received a vacation; they would rest for two weeks, then begin preparations for the new season.

Lin Feng took Sophie back to the office, the newlywed couple's figures looking especially warm under the lights.

Outside the floor-to-ceiling window, the Northern Dragon Arena lay quiet like a sleeping giant.

(The End)