The morning sun of Madrid streamed into the room through the blinds.
Lu Chuan sat in front of the computer, adjusting the camera angle.
Today was a special day—the official press conference for his Brand endorsement contract.
"Testing, testing." The technician's voice came through the headphones. "Mr. Lu Chuan, the picture is very clear."
Carlos was busy nearby, holding thick contract documents.
"Over three hundred media outlets will watch this press conference online, including Marca, AS, and domestic CCTV Sports."
Lu Chuan nodded, straightening his Brand sportswear.
His name and number were printed on this special jersey, and the Brand logo on his chest sparkled under the lights.
The screen displayed the scene from the Brand headquarters in Beijing.
Through holographic projection technology, Lu Chuan seemed to be sitting in the same conference room with Brand executives thousands of miles away.
"Dear media friends, welcome to the press conference for the cooperation between Brand and Mr. Lu Chuan."
The clear voice of Brand Director Zhang Wei came through.
Zhang Wei turned to Lu Chuan's projection: "Lu Chuan is the most special athlete we have ever seen."
"He not only has excellent skills, but more importantly, he embodies the core spirit of Brand: 'Anything is possible.'"
"In our opinion, Lu Chuan is a lone brave fighting for his dream."
Zhang Wei's tone was full of respect, "He perseveres in his dream in a foreign country, proving himself with strength, which is precisely the spirit our Brand advocates."
It was Lu Chuan's turn to speak. He took a deep breath and faced the camera with a confident smile.
Lu Chuan faced the flashing lights, his voice not loud but very clear: "For me, this is a spur.
In the future, what everyone sees will not only be me, Lu Chuan, but also the Chinese Brand behind me. I have to play even better, for the club and for this trust."
"Brand represents the pride of 'Made in China,' and I hope to use my performance to show the world the power of Chinese football."
Reporters raised their hands to ask questions. A Marca reporter was the first to speak: "Lu Chuan, what is the specific amount of this contract?"
Carlos took the microphone: "Although we are not at liberty to disclose specific figures, we can confirm that this is one of the largest endorsement contracts in Segunda División history."
Another domestic reporter asked: "Lu Chuan, what does signing a domestic Brand mean to you?"
Lu Chuan's eyes deepened: "This means responsibility. I not only have to play for the club but also bring glory to Chinese football."
"Every shot, every assist, carries the expectations of fans from my homeland."
The press conference lasted for an hour. When the last question ended, Lu Chuan breathed a sigh of relief.
The data on the screen showed that the number of online viewers exceeded 500,000.
"Perfect!" Carlos clapped his hands excitedly. "The reactions from all major media outlets are very positive."
"Your commercial value can no longer be measured by the standards of ordinary players."
Lu Chuan turned off the computer and walked to the window, looking into the distance. Congratulatory messages kept flooding his phone, among which the message from Esther caught his attention the most:
"I watched the live broadcast, you're so handsome! I'm proud of you!"
In the afternoon, Lu Chuan packed his luggage, preparing to go to the training base.
After the League restarted, the team implemented closed management, and he would not be able to go home for some time.
Just AS he was about to leave, his phone rang with a video call. Esther's smiling face appeared on the screen.
"Congratulations, my big star!" Esther waved the newspaper in her hand. "You're on the front page!"
Lu Chuan smiled and shook his head: "Don't tease me. During closed training, we can only chat like this."
"About that…" Esther blinked mysteriously. "Look behind me."
Lu Chuan observed carefully and found that the decoration style behind Esther was very familiar. That bookshelf, that painting… "Wait, this is…" Lu Chuan's eyes widened.
Esther rotated her phone, showing the full view of the room.
This layout, this angle, it was clearly the apartment next door to his!
"Surprise!" Esther happily spun around. "I rented the apartment next to yours."
"This way, we're neighbors. Although we can't meet, it feels like we're together."
Lu Chuan was stunned for a few seconds, then broke into a brilliant smile: "You little crazy one! When did you move in?"
"Last night." Esther proudly raised her chin. "I wanted to give you a surprise. Now, even if you go to the training base, I can guard your home."
Lu Chuan was so moved that he couldn't speak. This girl always managed to bring him warmth at the most unexpected times.
"Let's go to the balcony," Esther suggested.
The two walked to their respective balconies simultaneously. Although only separated by a wall, they couldn't meet directly due to epidemic regulations.
"Hi!" Esther waved from the next balcony.
"Hi!" Lu Chuan waved back.
Although this "Platonic" way of dating was helpless, it was full of a different kind of romance. The two chatted across the wall, sharing their feelings.
"Oh, by the way, Carlos brought me good news today." Lu Chuan leaned against the balcony railing. "All those companies I invested in before are making a lot of money now."
Esther's eyes lit up: "Really? How much did you earn?"
"For the home fitness company, my 100,000 euros investment is now worth 1.2 million. The mobile office software company is even more exaggerated, it's fifteen times over."
"Oh my goodness!" Esther covered her mouth. "You're a genius investor!"
Lu Chuan smiled and shook his head: "Just good luck, catching the trend. But this gave me an idea."
"What idea?"
"I want to set up an investment company, called 'L & E Capital'." Lu Chuan looked at her seriously. "Would you like to do it with me?"
Esther paused for a moment, then nodded: "Of course! We are the best partners!"
"I've already asked Carlos to start registering the company." Lu Chuan continued, "We need to recruit professional fund managers and build a complete investment team."
Esther clapped her hands excitedly: "I can help! I know a very famous entertainment industry investment consultant in Hollywood,
named Mark Rosen. He has invested in many successful films and streaming projects."
Lu Chuan's breathing became a little rapid. He paced back and forth: "Mark Rosen? He's a big shot! Esther, you really are my lucky star. The entertainment industry, this move must be made!"
The two became more and more excited AS they talked, AS if they had already seen the prototype of a business empire.
"By the way, you're going to Cádiz tomorrow, right?" Esther suddenly remembered something.
Lu Chuan nodded, his expression becoming serious: "Yes, that's a tough battle. Cádiz is the League leader, and their home ground is known AS 'Hell Away Ground'."
"I know they are strong, but now you are stronger than ever." Esther's eyes were full of trust. "Go conquer that 'hell', my warrior."
Lu Chuan was moved by her words and nodded vigorously: "I will. For you, for our future."
AS the sun set, the two continued to chat on the balcony. This kind of romantic interaction across a wall deepened their feelings.
In the evening, Lu Chuan received an email from Carlos. The email title read: "Cádiz Opponent Analysis Report."
He opened the attachment, and the first page was a photo—a bearded, fierce-eyed middle-aged man.
Below the photo was written: Juan Cala, Cádiz center-back, 34 years old.
Next to it was a red warning text: "This person is extremely dangerous, has repeatedly caused malicious injuries. Known for trash talk and dirty tricks, with superb psychological tactics."
Lu Chuan carefully read the information.
Cala's "record" was shocking: a cumulative 12 red cards and over 80 yellow cards in his professional career, with a total suspension time of over half a year due to malicious fouls.
"This guy is a butcher." Lu Chuan frowned.
The information showed that Cala's specialty was provoking opponents.
He would use various trash talk and dirty tricks to make young players lose their minds, and then defeat them in close combat.
"But…" Lu Chuan's mouth curved upwards, "I'm not an ordinary young player."
The system training during the epidemic had transformed him, not only significantly improving his physical fitness but also making his mental fortitude more resilient.
He opened the system panel to check his current status:
[Host: Lu Chuan]
[Current LP Balance: 820]
[Activated Skills: Full Field Vision (Permanent), Big Heart (Permanent), Direction Change Acceleration Master (Beginner Level)]
[Consecutive Matches Scored Record: 8 / 12]
There were still four matches left to complete the system mission. And tomorrow's battle against Cádiz would be the biggest test.
Lu Chuan closed his laptop and walked to the window. In the next room, Esther's figure was faintly visible behind the curtains.
"See you tomorrow, Cala." Lu Chuan murmured softly, his eyes flashing with fighting spirit,
"Let's see whether your trash talk is more powerful, or my goals are more convincing."
AS night deepened, the streets of Madrid gradually quieted down. But Lu Chuan's heart was burning with fierce battle.
Tomorrow, he would embark on the journey to Cádiz. Waiting for him there,
was not only the challenge of the League leader but also a contest of dignity and will.
And he was ready.