"England have broken through another difficult away night!"
"Wherever his gaze falls, it becomes shooting range — a divine cannon blast shatters Serbia's wall!"
"Three seconds to ignite Belgrade, a perfect interpretation of speed, power, and passion!"
"A no-look long pass carved from a bird's-eye view!"
"The New Madman's Quote: 'I don't pay attention to Serbian defenders individually, and I can't tell them apart. To me, they're all the same!'"
"..."
England's victory over Serbia caused a huge stir across the football world.
Various related news dominated sports platforms, and edited clips spread wildly across video-sharing sites.
📰 BBC Sport: England Beat Serbia 3–1 as Ling Produces Another Statement Performance
📰 Sky Sports: Free-Kick Thunderbolt and Solo Run: Ling Lights Up Belgrade
📰 The Athletic: England's Ceiling Rises Again, But Dependence on Ling Remains Clear
📰 Manchester Evening News: United Star Returns From England Duty After Another Match-Winning Display
📰 Dongqiudi: Ling Scores Twice for England; Chinese Fans Debate Pride, Pain, and What Comes Next
📱 @ThreeLionsWatch ✔
Ballon d'Or soon. Ling the King. Ballon d'Or soon. Ling the King!
| ↳ 📱 @StretfordEndTom
| Reply: Hurry up, I can't wait to see him crowned.
📱 @BallonDorWatch ✔
I declare the end of the Two Legends Era and the arrival of the Unrivaled Era.
📱 @EnglandTalks ✔
Ling's two goals sent my adrenaline through the roof. I stayed up until past five, couldn't sleep, gave up, ate breakfast, and went to work. Half the office had dark circles too!
📱 @YouthCoachLiu
My academy kids are watching that solo goal tomorrow. Not to copy it blindly, but to understand what speed, balance, and decision-making look like together.
The usual criticism vanished, replaced by praise.
And honestly, it made sense.
Praising wins and criticizing losses was normal behavior in competitive sports.
...
At that moment, in Belgrade, Serbia.
"Just a little light makeup, don't put on too much!"
"The hair on the left is a bit messy. Tidy it up again!"
"Is the reflector ready?"
"All set. Equipment is fully assembled!"
Staff wearing media vests scurried around like ants on a hot pan.
There was no other way.
This was a live-streamed interview.
Every detail had to be perfect, with absolutely no room for error.
"Ling, after the interview, could you give me an autograph? My boyfriend is a die-hard fan of yours and has watched your matches for two years now."
A pretty young makeup artist asked shyly.
"Of course, no problem. I'll get you a signed jersey later. Guaranteed to turn your boyfriend into your husband."
Ling winked at the mirror.
"Really? Is it that good?"
The girl seemed a bit skeptical.
Ling smiled without answering.
'Don't underestimate my influence, okay?'
Do you know what a Manchester United jersey signed by a Chinese-born player means to a die-hard Chinese fan?
It represents dreams and youth from the past.
Not long after, all preparations were complete, and Ling sat in front of the camera.
"Ling, say hello to everyone." He Wei said.
"Hello everyone watching. I'm Jeremy Ling, a Manchester United player and a member of the England national team."
Ling smiled and waved.
He Wei's expression softened slightly.
Even now, hearing that sentence still felt complicated.
But complicated did not mean hostile.
"Alright, let's randomly pick a question from a netizen. 'China Team Rise Up' asks: 'In our lifetime, is there still hope for the national team to qualify for the World Cup?'"
He Wei thought this question was painful but very real.
After all, even with Ling choosing England, Chinese fans had not stopped caring about Chinese football.
"Well, the primary premise of this question is, how old are you this year?"
Ling cracked a joke first.
"If you're a 10-year-old kid, I hope you can see China win the World Cup one day."
"If you're a 100-year-old man, then I wish you good health, and I hope you can see the picture you want to see."
Then he put away his smile and spoke seriously.
"We all know football is a sport that cannot be rushed. It requires accumulation — talent, systems, leagues, coaches, experience, facilities, competition structure, and so on. It's like the barrel principle. One short plank limits everything."
"To be honest, the gap between Chinese football and Asia's top teams, let alone the world's top teams, cannot be bridged in a day or two, or even a month or two."
"So I hope everyone can be patient. I can promise the fans this: even if the gap cannot be bridged in the short term, there will definitely be progress and change."
Listening to Ling's words, He Wei felt deeply moved.
Looking at the bullet comments scrolling across the screen, many emotions rose in his heart.
So he turned toward Ling and spoke.
"As a Chinese football fan, I also have something to say to everyone. Football is my lifelong love, the place where my faith resides."
"Chinese football has not been great for many years, but I could never stop loving it, because it is something born from us and our compatriots."
"Its pride and its humiliation both reflect part of my soul. I believe Chinese football should rise, and it must rise."
"For what?"
"For so many people who have endured disappointment and pain yet remain unwavering in their devotion."
"I am very proud to be one of them."
Finally, He Wei looked at Ling and said sincerely, "Thank you for everything you continue to do for Chinese football."
He knew Chinese football was a quagmire.
Choosing England had hurt many fans, but walking away completely would have been easier.
Ling could have ignored everything back home.
He could have focused solely on Manchester United, England, endorsements, trophies, and his own career.
But he did not.
He spent huge sums establishing youth football camps, built pitches for children in remote mountainous areas, helped young players find opportunities abroad, and used his influence to force attention onto issues that had been ignored for too long.
He did a lot.
He still brought hope to Chinese football, even if he no longer wore that shirt.
He Wei admired him from the bottom of his heart.
"No, no. Many sponsors were willing to sponsor me not only because I was strong, but because I was Chinese."
Ling pursed his lips.
"How much benefit have I received from Chinese fans and Chinese football culture? Buying a private jet outright was certainly no small thing."
"People often say effort should be rewarded. But after accepting those rewards, should you give something back?"
"I believe you should. That is the foundation of being human, at least according to my values."
"Alright, the second question is from the netizen 'China Wins the World Cup.' They ask: 'I heard the Chinese FA tried very hard to persuade you back then. Why did you choose England in the end?'"
He Wei looked at Ling carefully.
This matter had been fiercely debated at the time, but no one knew the full story.
Tick, tock.
Tick, tock.
For a moment, Ling seemed to hear the clock turning back.
"Can I not answer this question?"
Only after his swirling thoughts settled did he say helplessly.
Mainly because some things were difficult to say.
"Definitely not," He Wei said with a smile. "This segment is known for answering every question."
He actually wanted to know the answer too.
"Well, then I'll say it simply."
Ling looked calmly into the camera.
"I never hated China. I was born there. My parents are Chinese. Many of the earliest people who supported me were Chinese fans."
"But a country and a football association are not the same thing."
The studio fell quiet.
Ling continued, "My football life was built in England. Carrington, Old Trafford, the Premier League — that environment gave me the road I needed. If I chose England, it was not because I wanted to turn my back on China. It was because I knew where my football path truly belonged."
"And because I did not want my career to become a slogan."
His tone remained calm.
"I can't play for China now, but I can still help Chinese football. I can help young players go abroad. I can build academies. I can invest in pitches. I can help create a road for those who come after me."
"That is the answer I can give."
As his words fell, the room remained silent for a few seconds.
"That was beautifully said."
He Wei thought of many eloquent phrases, but ultimately only said this.
Sometimes, sincere emotion did not need too much embellishment.
"The third question comes from 'When Will Ling Get Married?' They're asking when you're getting married."
He Wei could not help chuckling as he spoke.
"Oh, that question. Well, I won't hide it then."
"It's planned for December 31st."
Ling smiled when he spoke about it.
He Wei glanced at the bullet comments and was startled.
The screen was instantly flooded with crying Minion emojis!
Immediately after, comments like [Taking in heartbroken girls], [I'm just as handsome as Ling], [My football skills are only slightly worse than Ling's], [Ling from Walmart reporting in], and [Ling from Temu is here] scrolled across the screen.
"Can you tell us how you two met?"
He Wei's curiosity was burning fiercely.
"Hasn't all that already been exposed by the media?"
"Ahem... Actually, it's pretty much what they said. You could say we met by fate, but the process was very cliché. The kind of 'hero saves the damsel' story everyone's tired of hearing."
Ling cleared his throat.
"Alright, that concludes the Q&A session. Finally, it's time for the prize draw. Today, we'll be giving away 30 signed jerseys."
He Wei smiled, helping Ling out of the awkward situation.
He thought this young man was really quite interesting.
...
On the private jet back to Manchester.
"Boss, here's the recent report on the youth academy."
The assistant handed over a tablet.
He was quite fortunate.
Back when Mendes assigned him to Ling, his status had skyrocketed.
His income had multiplied several times over.
Thinking about it now, he could not help feeling emotional.
He had watched a young player go from substitute to starter, and now to this point.
Even the way he addressed him had changed to "Boss."
"Don't let the kids get into tactics too early. It won't do them any good. The basics — passing, receiving, and movement — matter most."
"And for the older age groups, they need to play more matches, and they have to be high-quality, high-level games. Don't worry about the costs. A few companies will be increasing their investment."
"Academic studies can't be neglected either. Not everyone will make it as a professional player. We're not just responsible for who they are now, but also for who they'll become in the future."
"..."
Ling did not micromanage too much.
Because he was not a professional in that field.
But he kept a firm grip on the overall direction.
After all, the situation back home was different.
...
After returning to Carrington, the intense Premier League schedule resumed.
November 25th.
Due to injuries within the squad, Mourinho fielded a rotated lineup.
Fortunately, the opponents were not too strong.
Sheffield United, newly promoted this season, were mid-to-lower table in terms of paper strength.
But perhaps because of the FIFA virus, it was surprisingly Sheffield United who scored first.
Fleck unleashed a long-range shot from outside the box.
A random, hopeful effort turned into a wonder goal.
"There's really nothing I could do."
De Gea watched as the ball nestled into the corner of the net, wearing a helpless expression.
"It's fine. We'll just get it back. Everyone, stay calm."
Ling caught the ball thrown by De Gea.
Maintain the rhythm.
Advance slowly.
Look for opportunities.
No one could see the slightest impatience from Manchester United.
In the 24th minute, Wan-Bissaka broke through on the wing and delivered a cross.
Ling at the near post forcefully pushed past the defender and fired a shot into the net, equalizing the score.
"LING AT THE NEAR POST!"
"He forces the door open with strength, with timing, with the certainty of a man who refuses to let trouble linger!"
"Sheffield United struck first, but Manchester United have struck back through their inevitable No.7!"
Next, Sheffield United's goal was breached three more times.
1–4.
Manchester United went from one goal down to three goals ahead, dominantly taking all three points from Bramall Lane.
📰 Sky Sports: Manchester United Come From Behind to Beat Sheffield United
📰 BBC Sport: Ling Leads Response as Mourinho's Rotated Side Recover
📰 Manchester Evening News: United Survive Early Scare and Keep Title Pace
📱 @UnitedStand ✔
We conceded a random thunderbolt, Ling looked mildly annoyed, and then Sheffield United paid for it. Standard.
| ↳ 📱 @StretfordEndTom
| Reply: If you score first against United, you're not winning. You're just waking Ling up.
After the 13th round of the Premier League, another Champions League match arrived.
Manchester United versus Genk.
Even with a rotated squad, they won comfortably.
Only one round remained in the Champions League group stage.
And with Manchester United's current points total, regardless of the final result, they had already advanced as group winners.
According to Mourinho's intention, the final match was just for fun.
After all, the league was more important.
Manchester City and Liverpool, perhaps suppressed by Manchester United for too long, had become almost insane.
Their players were in peak form.
Their tactics were perfectly executed.
They clung tightly to United's heels.
No matter how hard Manchester United tried, they could not shake them off.
So this Christmas fixture schedule was crucial.
It was the best opportunity to widen the gap.
But at the same time, if Manchester United performed poorly, they could also fall behind.
These two teams were not Arsenal, who automatically faltered in spring.
Falling behind meant moving further away from the Premier League title.
📰 The Athletic: United, Liverpool and City Refuse to Blink as Title Race Tightens
📰 Sky Sports: Christmas Schedule Could Define Premier League Title Battle
📰 Manchester Evening News: Mourinho Prioritizes League After Securing Champions League Group Top Spot
📱 @PremWatch ✔
United, Liverpool, City. Nobody is dropping properly. Christmas is going to be a war.
📱 @CityZenBlue ✔
United can feel us behind them. Good.
| ↳ 📱 @UnitedStand ✔
| Reply: We can feel you. We just don't fear you.
"Brothers, brothers, are you ready?"
Maguire, dressed in a suit, looked like a bodyguard.
That's right.
Standing tall and imposing next to Ling, he was no different from a bodyguard.
"Ling, do I look handsome?"
Finding no one paying attention to him, Maguire turned to Ling.
"Extremely handsome my man."
Ling gave him a thumbs-up.
Mahrez, Nemanja Matić, De Gea, Kanté, and the others were all wearing well-fitted suits.
Where were they going?
Paris, France!
What were they doing?
Attending the 2019 Ballon d'Or awards ceremony!
"How many awards do you think our team will win?"
De Gea rubbed his hands together.
"The Yashin Trophy is probably yours, the Ballon d'Or is definitely Ling's, but what about the Kopa Trophy?"
Mahrez stroked his chin.
Finally, he said with certainty, "The Kopa Trophy is definitely Ling's too. Best player under 21."
"Isn't Ling 22 this year?"
Maguire was confused.
"First, Ling's birthday is December 14th. He's still 21 now."
"Second, this award is season-based, referencing last season's performance."
Wan-Bissaka gave him a disdainful look.
"Oh, do you think Cristiano Ronaldo will come?"
Maguire cleverly changed the subject.
"Whenever he doesn't win an award, he usually doesn't attend the ceremony."
De Gea seemed to know Cristiano Ronaldo well.
Once everyone had straightened their clothes, they headed to the airport by car.
Whoosh!
Outside the airport terminal, Manchester United fans were everywhere.
"Ling, bring another Ballon d'Or to Old Trafford!"
"We'll be waiting for your return!"
"Wishing you shine across Europe — no, across the globe!"
"Beat Messi!"
"Bring it home!"
Manchester United fans shouted fervently.
After all, although Manchester United were one of the world's top clubs, they had not produced that many Ballon d'Or winners.
Denis Law in 1964.
Bobby Charlton in 1966.
George Best in 1968.
Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008.
It had been exactly 11 years since Manchester United last produced a Ballon d'Or winner player.
But history would be rewritten tonight.
As for the possibility of Ling not winning?
Manchester United fans had never even considered such a scenario!
Seven glorious championship trophies.
Premier League.
Champions League.
UEFA Super Cup.
FIFA Club World Cup.
And more.
What would it mean if he did not win the Ballon d'Or?
It would mean the Ballon d'Or should be smashed to pieces!
"Let's go."
Ling took Maria's hand and boarded the flight to Paris.
He was going to fulfill his dream!
---------
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