The night sky over Madrid was dotted with stars, and the lights of the Rayo Vallecano training base burned brightly all night.
The schedule for the segunda división restart had just been announced, with the first match being the rescheduled game against Albacete, which had been interrupted due to the pandemic.
This would be immediately followed by a devilish schedule: an away challenge against League leaders Cádiz.
Lu Chuan stood by the training pitch, watching his teammates undergo their final recovery training.
Three months of suspension left most players in worrying condition, with their physical fitness clearly unable to meet Paco's tactical demands.
Álvaro García was gasping for breath during sprint training, and Isi Palazón's passing accuracy was far from what it used to be.
"Damn pandemic," Trejo wiped the sweat from his forehead, "I feel like my legs aren't even my own anymore."
Suárez nodded, "We need more time to get back in form."
However, when Lu Chuan joined the training, everyone was stunned.
His sprint speed was faster than before the suspension, his tackling ability stronger, and even Paco, usually the most critical, widened his eyes.
"This is impossible," Catena watched Lu Chuan effortlessly complete high-intensity training, "How did he get stronger?"
In the team's training match, Lu Chuan's performance was even more astonishing.
After receiving the ball in midfield, he executed a sudden stop and change of direction, shaking off two defenders, followed by a long shot that flew straight into the top corner of the goal.
Goalkeeper Dimitrievski didn't even react.
"Damn, what kind of pills did this kid take?" Savić shook his head, his eyes full of confusion.
After training, Paco called Lu Chuan aside.
Paco crossed his arms, walked around Lu Chuan, and raised an eyebrow, "Kid, honestly, have you been secretly doing extra training behind my back these past three months?"
Lu Chuan just smiled and said nothing, patting Paco's shoulder, "Coach, some secrets are better kept."
Paco shook his head helplessly, but the surprise in his eyes was undeniable. With Lu Chuan in such form, Rayo Vallecano's hopes for promotion would greatly increase.
In the locker room, teammates surrounded Lu Chuan, asking questions excitedly.
"Brother, how did you do it?" Advíncula asked curiously.
"Share the secret with us," Comesaña also chimed in.
Lu Chuan smiled mysteriously, "The secret is to never stop believing in yourself."
Trejo stood up and patted Lu Chuan's shoulder, "No matter what method you used, you've given us immense confidence now."
He turned to his other teammates, his voice loud, "With Lu here, we have nothing to fear. He will lead us to promotion!"
A cheer erupted in the locker room. "Well done, Lu!"
"With you, what do we have to fear from Cádiz!" The teammates' shouts rose and fell, their previous despondency completely gone.
Outside the training base, Carlos was waiting for Lu Chuan.
"Lu! Good news, great news!" Carlos's voice was eight octaves higher than usual, unable to hide his excitement.
Carlos waved the documents in his hand, "All the details of the Brand endorsement contract are finalized, just waiting for the official announcement after the League restart."
Lu Chuan took the documents and quickly scanned them. A five-year, 20-million-euro contract, plus various bonus clauses—this figure was enough to make any player's heart race.
"Joma is also making moves," Carlos continued to report.
"They've decided to add incentive clauses linked to the number of goals scored, in addition to the existing contract. An extra 5,000 euros for every goal scored."
Lu Chuan nodded. The success of these commercial collaborations proved that his commercial value was rapidly increasing.
"There's also news on the investment front," Carlos lowered his voice.
"The companies you invested in are all making good progress. The user base of the home fitness APP has tripled, and the mobile office software has secured a new round of financing."
A hint of satisfaction flashed in Lu Chuan's eyes. His memories from his previous life gave him a head start in investments, and these strategic placements were gradually yielding returns.
Back at the apartment, Esther was already busy in the kitchen. The fragrant aroma instantly relaxed Lu Chuan.
"Welcome home, my champion," Esther stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek.
A lavish dinner was laid out on the table: Spanish paella, roasted lamb chops, and Lu Chuan's favorite potato omelet.
Candlelight flickered, red wine was fragrant, and the entire room was filled with a warm atmosphere.
"Is this a special day?" Lu Chuan asked curiously.
A hint of reluctance flashed in Esther's eyes, "Starting tomorrow, you'll be entering closed training.
Our sweet world for two will temporarily come to an end."
Lu Chuan didn't speak, he just reached out and pulled her tightly into his arms. This woman was always so thoughtful, always giving him the warmest support when he needed it.
"I'll miss you," he held Esther's hand.
"I'll miss you too," Esther's eyes sparkled with tears, "But I'm even more excited to see you shine on the field."
After dinner, Esther mysteriously brought out an exquisite box.
"This is a gift for you."
Lu Chuan opened the box; inside was a Brand new pair of shin guards.
The shin guards were intricately engraved with the small letters "L & E," and below them was a line in Spanish: "Ve a conquistar el mundo, yo conquistaré tu corazón."
"You go conquer the world, and I will conquer your heart," Esther translated softly, her cheeks flushing.
Lu Chuan hugged her tightly. He carefully placed the shin guards back in the box, as if safeguarding a precious promise.
Late into the night, Esther was already sound asleep beside him. Lu Chuan tiptoed to the study, preparing for one last system review.
"System, display personal panel."
A translucent blue interface appeared in his mind:
Host: Lu Chuan
Current LP Balance: 340
Activated Skills: [Full Field Vision] (Permanent), [Big Heart] (Permanent), [Direction Change Acceleration Master] (Beginner Level)
Skills to Activate: [Penalty Box Finisher], [Iron Body], [Volley Master]
Core Talents: Guaranteed Long Shot (10%), Guaranteed Penalty Kick (30%)
Physical Attributes: Stamina (Greatly Improved), Strength (Slightly Improved), Speed (Slightly Improved), Explosiveness (Significantly Improved)
Looking at these statistics, Lu Chuan nodded with satisfaction.
The special training during the pandemic had given him a qualitative leap in strength; he was now completely different from three months ago.
Suddenly, the system's notification sound rang out:
[Ding! Main Quest Released: The Storm Returns!]
[Quest Objective: In the Segunda División after the restart, achieve the feat of scoring in 12 consecutive League matches, breaking the segunda división historical record.]
[Quest Reward: 5000LP, [Legendary Shop] Refresh Card x1, Designated Skill Upgrade Card x1]
Upon seeing this quest, Lu Chuan's breathing quickened. Lu Chuan's heart skipped a beat. Five thousand points were enough to redeem [Penalty Box Finisher], and he could even get [Iron Body]!
Scoring in 12 consecutive matches meant he needed to score in every single upcoming game. This challenge was extremely difficult, but the rewards were also extremely generous.
"12 consecutive goals," Lu Chuan silently repeated the number in his mind.
The Segunda División historical record was 11 consecutive goals, set by an Argentinian striker in the 1990s. If he could break this record, he would leave a significant mark in segunda división history.
Lu Chuan walked to the window, gazing at the night view of Madrid. Although the city was quiet during the pandemic, it still exuded a powerful vitality. Just like himself, after the silence of the suspension, he was about to usher in an explosion.
He thought of the opponents he was about to face: Albacete, Cádiz, Zaragoza, Almería... none of them were easy, and every match would be a tough battle.
But he was ready. The special training during the pandemic had transformed him, and the system's boost filled him with confidence.
More importantly, he had a clear goal and powerful motivation.
Lu Chuan returned to the bed, looking at the sleeping Esther.
Moonlight streamed through the curtains onto her face; her beautiful features appeared exceptionally serene under the moonlight.
"Albacete, Cádiz... wait for me," he murmured in his heart, "The paused world, it's time for me to restart it."
Tomorrow, the Segunda División would officially restart. Tomorrow, he would begin his scoring spree.
Tomorrow, the entire Spain football world would witness how a young man from the East would conquer everything with goals.
Lu Chuan closed his eyes, and scenes from the stadium appeared in his mind.
Empty stands, a silent stadium, only 22 players sweating on the green pitch. This would be a Brand new beginning, and also the most important turning point in his professional career.
The system's mission had been released, the goal was clear.
In the next 12 matches, he would let his goals speak, proving himself with his strength.
He wanted everyone to know that Lu Chuan was not just an excellent player, but a legend who could rewrite history.
Outside the window, Madrid gradually quieted down, but a raging fire burned in Lu Chuan's heart.
This fire would be fully ignited in tomorrow's match, illuminating the entire sky of the Segunda División.
The storm was coming, and he was at its center.