"Sigh, with Su Hang pulling this stunt, it'll be hard for our players to go play in Spain from now on."
"Not just Spain! Playing anywhere in Europe will be difficult!"
"It's all Su Hang's fault! He was never one of us, and now we're dragged down because of him!"
"One rotten apple spoils the bunch!"
"And he still comes back every year to visit relatives? Screw that! Don't ever come back again! What a disgrace!"
It's hard to imagine why such things happened.
Looking back, most people would struggle to understand the stance of Football News and the mindset of those who echoed it.
But in that era, incidents like this—and the attitudes behind them—weren't rare.
During that time, self-blame was rampant in China.
Many believed humility could win friendship, treating it as a traditional virtue.
But our traditional virtues had already made the truth clear:
Strength with humility wins respect.
Strength with arrogance brings obedience.
Weakness with arrogance provokes fear.
Weakness with humility invites contempt.
In China at that time, the fourth principle was treated—consciously or not—as a guiding truth.
As Su Hang began facing criticism from misinformed members of the public,
He Wei spoke out on social media to defend him:
"I see nothing wrong with Su Hang's actions. If anyone needs to reflect, it should be Puyol, who struck first."
"Su Hang is the victim here, not the one at fault."
"If people insist on saying Su Hang will make it harder for our players to break into the world stage, I find that unreasonable. We can't dismiss him as 'not one of us' while also claiming he drags us down."
"Those attacking Su Hang are contradicting themselves. I hope everyone can show more tolerance and understanding toward overseas patriotic Chinese like him."
"Instead of giving more tolerance and understanding to the foreigners who truly harm us!"
The next day, He Wei was called into his superior's office.
For his "inappropriate remarks," he was suspended from the station.
The date of his return was left uncertain.
There was even talk of transferring him to the documentary channel—
a channel nobody cared about.
After leaving the office, He Wei's tears of frustration finally fell.
At that moment, he felt like reciting poetry.
"Huh? Sports Weekly published an exclusive interview? With Su Hang? Amazing!" Han Qiaosheng exclaimed, holding the paper in awe. "This Zhan Jun is really something—he actually got in touch with Su Hang."
He Wei rushed over, snatched the paper, and saw—
Sports Weekly Special Edition!
The entire front page was filled with Su Hang's exclusive interview!
Headline: "In Mortal Form, He Stands Shoulder to Shoulder with the Gods!"
Subheadline: "Spain's No.1 Female Reporter Clara: Su Hang Was My First Football Love!"
Second Subheadline: "Su Hang: Privately, I Am Not Tough. But in Public, I Cannot Be Weak—Because I Carry the Dignity of 1.3 Billion People!"
Already holding back tears, He Wei broke down the moment he read it.
He wept uncontrollably.
The supervisor stepped out, frowning. In his mind, He Wei was far too impulsive.
Defending Su Hang before things were clear—what if it hurt the station's credibility?
And now, crying over a simple reprimand? Didn't he know that after a suspension, one could just quietly look for another job?
How could such a man ever become the station's top sports commentator?
But when Han Qiaosheng handed the newspaper to the supervisor...
His expression changed.
A few minutes later, the supervisor said in a deep voice:
"He Wei, get in touch with this Zhan Jun from Sports Weekly and verify the story."
"Postpone the original Friday program. This week, we're covering this instead."
He Wei's tears instantly turned into excitement. "Me?"
Supervisor: "What? Don't want to do it? Then get out!"
He Wei: "Of course! I've dreamed of this! I'll contact him right away!"
He Wei rushed off in excitement.
Meanwhile, fans across the country were caught up in a football storm from Spain.
"His fundamentals weren't great, nor was his physical talent outstanding. He was barely surviving at Real Madrid. But his dedication in training earned him a precious opportunity."
"And with that chance, coming off the bench, Su Hang helped Real Madrid win the Copa del Rey!"
"Every time he stepped onto the pitch, he almost always brought a goal or an assist."
"He was so clumsy, committing more offsides in one match than some strikers do in an entire season. But it was precisely his relentless running that allowed him to surpass himself again and again, producing unforgettable performances!"
"Two goals! A hat trick! A deadly assist! A last-minute winner! He was almost unstoppable! With mortal strength, he carved out a place among the galaxy of stars at Real Madrid—standing shoulder to shoulder with the gods!"
Many fans who read Sports Weekly were deeply moved.
"Holy crap! For real? Su is that inspirational?"
"Some media said he bought his way into Real Madrid's academy—I thought he was just fooling around!"
"Looks like European youth training really works. With talent like Su Hang's, back home he'd probably be hauling bricks on a construction site!"
"God loves hardworking kids! Su Hang's perseverance is exactly the kind of spirit our nation embodies!"
"I'm standing with Su Hang on this one!"
"My first football crush! Clara said it wasn't just her—Su Hang is every Madrid girl's dream boyfriend!"
"He really is handsome! Who knew his looks would be so popular abroad?"
"Su Hang has finally given us a positive image when it comes to looks!"
...
Friday.
The most anticipated football program in China, Football on the Ground, aired.
This show introduced countless football stars.
Every time a new player was featured, countless fans across the country became their supporters.
Its influence in China was unmatched.
And this episode's title was—
I Am Weak, Yet I Must Be Strong!
The program featured footage from Su Hang's exclusive interview with Zhan Jun.
Dressed in a stylish Tang suit, Su Hang sat before the camera:
"I'm just an ordinary man, average in every way. I feel fear, I worry, and I want to avoid unpleasant situations."
...
(35 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / GhostParser