Chinese Football Association!

  Inside a spacious office.

  The newly appointed director of the Chinese Football Association, Director Li, sat in the foremost seat, sipping premium Da Hong Pao tea and stretching his back comfortably.

  "Director, all the districts are ready, and the leaders of every National Games team have arrived!"

  "Hmm."

  "Also, regarding those overseas players—I’ve assigned them to each team as per your instructions! Right now, Su is being fought over by several teams!"

  "What’s the issue?"

  "I told them that according to the Football Association’s regulations, everything must comply with the Football Association’s arrangements. Don’t they understand?"

  "Well, the main problem is that Deputy Director Wang wants Su and Hao for his province. There’s also a young player named Chu, currently in France!"

  "Oh, Wang? His request is somewhat reasonable. After all, he’s from that province—it’s only natural he’d want to look after his former subordinates. Here’s what you do: go tell Wang to rest assured. After all, he was one of the supporters who helped me get to this position."

  "Yes, Director Li. Also, Chairman Zhang from another province knows you love tea and brought over a few packets. I’ve already placed them in your desk. They also want Su."

  "Tsk! I know, they’re all old friends. This puts me in a tough spot! Oh, right—recall all those players immediately. Our league is almost over, and to ensure all players maintain their competitive form, have every National Games participant report to the military training camp. We’ve just secured the location!"

  "Understood, Director Li. Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao Football Club has also offered not only free facilities but an additional $10 million in sponsorship for our training camp!"

  "Haha, that coach really knows how to get things done! Good, good."

  "It’s just that some overseas players still have ongoing leagues. Su and Hao have already won their championships and should be available, but Chu’s season isn’t over yet."

  "The league? They’re just playing for money! Do they even understand national honor? No need to consult them—just release the list. Assign Su and Hao to that province, and let Wang’s side take care of Chu. As for overseas players, the Football Association can’t control them anyway!"

  After finalizing the arrangements, Director Li closed his eyes.

  The secretary left, shutting the door behind him.

  After waiting a moment, Director Li peeked around furtively to confirm no one was watching. Then, stretching lazily, he stood up and opened the cabinet!

  ......

  2:00 PM, China time!

  The Football Association released the team roster for the National Games.

  What happened next shocked everyone.

  Su, who had never participated in domestic tournaments—nor even played for the Chinese National Youth Team or the senior national team—had suddenly appeared on the roster for that province.

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  And!

  The most exaggerated part was the Football Association’s notice, which demanded that all listed players report to the Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao Football Club training camp over the weekend to prepare for the National Games Preparatory Military Training.

  The whole of China was in an uproar.

  Did this mean they would finally get to see Su play on home soil?

  The media went wild.

  One had to realize just how influential Su was—not just in China, but in the global football scene.

  The entire world knew that all the football giants were already making offers for Su.

  Real Madrid, Barcelona, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Manchester United, Liverpool!

  Every one of these legendary clubs was desperately vying for Su. And yet, to their astonishment, they might now see him playing in the National Games—wearing that province’s jersey—sooner than expected.

  In an instant, ticket prices for the National Games football matches skyrocketed, tripling, even quadrupling or quintupling in value!

  That was the sheer impact Su carried.

  And yet, at this very moment...

  Su, who was playing Bugs Bunny Eating Carrots with Lisa at the hotel, had no idea he’d already been drafted for the National Games.

  Meanwhile, in distant France...

  Inside the FC Metz players’ dormitory, a tanned, dark-skinned player had just finished washing his face when he noticed his roommate, Chu, looking despondent.

  “Chu! Why the long face?”

  “Uh… Mané, I’ve been called back home for military training. For the National Games.”

  “What? Are you insane? This is the team’s most critical period, and you’re leaving now? What are you thinking?”

  “I know! But… there’s no refusing the Football Association. I’m just a nobody. Even Su is going back!”

  “Su? Su’s returning? Oh—well, his team already won the title, so it doesn’t matter for him. But the squad needs you now. The gaffer just gave you ten minutes last match! If you leave, you’ll never make the lineup again!”

  Mané spoke urgently, his voice thick with concern.

  “I know… But I’m nobody. I… I can’t…”

  ......

  Early the next morning, Su indulged himself by sleeping in until nine.

  Lisa was still asleep when he picked up his phone—only to find a dozen missed calls, all from Carvajal.

  He dialed back immediately.

  “Su! Did you agree to go back to China for that military training nonsense?”

  Carvajal’s frantic voice blared through the receiver the moment the call connected.

  “What military training? What are you talking about? Since when did I say I was going back?”

  “But your Chinese FA already contacted Schalke! They’re demanding you take leave and return for the National Games. And the worst part? They’ve already lined up Chinese sponsors for you—expecting free promotional shoots!”

  Su was confused.

  This...

  This time, there was really no way to dodge it.

  The National Games?

  Thinking about the National Games, Su suddenly remembered something.

  From what he recalled, China's most promising young talent—the one who used to live with Mané—had his career ruined by a deliberate foul during the 2011 National Games.

  Because of that, Chinese fans still gritted their teeth whenever the National Games were mentioned.

  And now they wanted him to play?

  Not only that, but they'd even arranged sponsors for him to shoot free promotional videos?

  What the hell was this? Treating him like a workhorse?

  He didn’t have many games left, but the others... Hmph!

  It seemed like only three overseas players were being targeted right now—him, Hao, and that kid Chu from Metz.

  "Tell them to go to hell!"

  Su hung up the phone.

  Meanwhile...

  At home, Hao stared gloomily at the message from the Chinese Football Association.

  He had already booked tickets to the Maldives. After a grueling double-campaign season, his body was exhausted, and he was looking forward to a proper break. Now they wanted him to play in some National Games?

  What was the point of that tournament, anyway?

  Let’s be honest—it was just a political game orchestrated by the Football Association.

  If you had connections, you got the best players. If you didn’t, you were stuck with second-rate scrubs.

  And the worst part? The playing environment was a nightmare. Every match was a brutal battle, filled with reckless tackles and career-threatening injuries. That was the real "appeal" of National Games football.

  Before long...

  Another bombshell dropped.

  Su publicly announced his withdrawal from the National Games—citing injury!

  Hao’s eyes widened as he read the news.

  Su really had guts.

  This was a direct slap in the face to the Football Association.

  No, this kid’s too reckless!

  Hao couldn’t let him take the fall alone—this could ruin his career.

  The veteran immediately logged into his social media account.

  Soon after, Hao made his own announcement:

  "Recurring knee injury! I hereby withdraw from the National Games!"

  And at that very moment...

  Chu, still at FC Metz, received an unexpected phone call.

  ......