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Chapter 04— A Brace and a Bitter Simulation
Date:2003,U17World Cup, Finland
Su Long knew he had to score more goals— not just to earn more achievement points, but also to attract the attention of scouts and coaches everywhere.
In the simulation of his football career, when he had scored 2 goals, head coach Liu Ming had already shown interest, and even offered him a chance with the Chinese Super League side, Jinmen Datai.
What if I score 3 goals… or even 4?
He steadied his breathing and rejoined the match with fresh determination.
By now, the Mexican players had realized Su Long's threat and began marking him closely. So Su Long adjusted—working more with his teammates, using his movement to create openings.
After a clever feint, he drew two defenders before slipping the ball to a teammate. This time, unlike earlier mistakes, the teammate carried it smoothly into the box—only to be shoved down by a defender.
Instead of awarding a penalty, the referee shockingly pulled out a yellow card against Su Long's teammate.
The player jumped up in disbelief, gesturing frantically.
"I was knocked down! He fouled me, not me!"
Even the Chinese players protested angrily, but the referee refused to budge.
Su Long shook his head. His earlier reading was right: relying on penalties was impossible. This referee won't give us anything.
Still, Su Long's sharp passing had left the Mexican defenders uneasy—they could no longer focus solely on his shooting.
In the 81st minute, Su Long pushed forward again, forced the ball off a Mexican defender, and won a corner kick.
He remembered his football career simulation: back then, it was No. 7 who delivered the decisive corner. Sure enough, No. 7 lined up to take it again. The cross was good, but Su Long's header flew just wide.
But now… he saw hope.
Two minutes later, in the 83rd, another corner came. This time, No. 8 was prepared to take it. Su Long quickly urged No. 7 forward.
"Let him take it!"
No. 8 was clearly displeased, but under Su Long's firm insistence, he gave way. Su Long didn't care about hurt feelings—what mattered was scoring.
As the corner came in, Su Long disguised his run with a retreating step, then suddenly burst forward. His powerful frame ripped through the defense, leaving them flat-footed.
He leapt high—higher than anyone else.
Bang!
The header struck like a cannonball. The Mexican keeper stretched out desperately, eyes wide with fear, but the ball blasted straight through his hands and into the net.
Goal!
The stadium roared. Su Long spread his arms wide, running in wild celebration—he had scored a brace!
〖 Ding! Congratulations to the host for scoring! 〗
〖 Achievement Points +1 〗
Su Long clenched his fist. "Yes!"
——
In the stands, scouts were left stunned. Pens dropped from hands, jaws fell open.
"Oh my God!" one whispered. "Who is this No. 9 from China? Why is there no record of him?"
Another, from Belgian club Bruges, muttered, "Twice in ten minutes… this is a real talent. Get me everything on him—immediately."
A rival scout from Anderlecht sneered dismissively. "Bruges will take anyone."
But the Bruges scout only smiled. He had seen something special.
——
Back on the field, Su Long's heart raced.
〖 In 2003, at the age of 17, you represented China in the U-17 World Cup in Finland. After sitting out the first two games, you finally appeared in the second half of the third match. 〗
〖 In those last 5 minutes, you had 2 shots—1 deflected, 1 hitting the post—becoming the greatest regret of your life. 〗
〖 Do you wish to use the Football Career Simulator? One use will consume 1 Achievement Point. 〗
"Yes!" Su Long answered firmly.
——
〖 Simulation begins… 〗
In 2003, at age 17, you scored 2 goals on your debut. Though the team still lost 2–3 and was eliminated, your performance made you the brightest hope of Chinese football.
In 2004, at age 18, you were loaned to Portugal's Athletic youth side.
In 2005, aged 19, your potential stalled. You made a token first-team appearance, but were soon sent back home.
In 2006, aged 20, poor performances kept you out of the national youth team. Clashes with teammates in training led to suspensions and fines.
In 2009, aged 23, your contract with Jinmen Datai ended. You tried and failed to join other Chinese Super League clubs—even second division teams rejected you.
In 2010, at 24, you drifted into lower leagues, fading from the spotlight.
By 2016, at age 30, you retired due to a knee injury.
In 2017, at the age of 31, you returned to your hometown team—not as a player, but as a coach.
〖 This football career has ended. 〗
Su Long exhaled heavily. Retiring at 30, after a collapse abroad and wasted years at home…
What a pity.
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