In the meeting room of the Vallecas training base, the air conditioner hummed softly.
Lu Chuan sat at one end of the long table, a laptop in front of him.
On the screen, a middle-aged woman was adjusting video equipment.
"Hello, players, I am Dr. Maria Sanchez," the woman's voice was gentle and professional.
"Today we are going to have a team psychological counseling session. Please relax, there is no right or wrong here, only true feelings."
Players entered the meeting room one after another. Trejo sat next to Lu Chuan, and Suárez chose a seat by the window.
The young players gathered in the back row, their eyes filled with curiosity and nervousness.
"Is this Lu Chuan's idea?" Antoñín whispered to Pozo next to him.
"It should be." Pozo nodded, "I heard Mr. Carlos arranged it."
Paco Jémez was the last to enter the room. The head coach's face was still gloomy, but a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. He didn't expect Lu Chuan to proactively arrange such an activity.
"First, I want to understand how everyone has been feeling recently." Dr. Sanchez's voice echoed through the room via the speakers.
"A series of defeats is a blow to everyone. Please tell me, what are you most worried about right now?"
Silence fell in the meeting room. The players looked at each other, no one willing to speak first.
"I'll start first." Lu Chuan stood up and took a deep breath.
"I'm worried about becoming a burden to the team. The media says we suffer from 'Lu Chuan dependence,' and I'm afraid it's true."
His honesty broke the deadlock of silence. Other players began to exchange glances, the wariness in their eyes gradually disappearing.
"I'm afraid of losing my starting position." Fran García clenched his fists, "Every mistake makes me feel like I don't deserve to wear this jersey."
"I'm worried about the team being relegated." Comesaña's voice trembled slightly, "This is the first team in my professional career, and I don't want to see it fall."
Once the floodgates were opened, the torrent of emotions could not be stopped. Players began to open up, expressing their deepest fears and pressures.
"I feel like I've let everyone down." The young center-back Pascual lowered his head, "That own goal keeps replaying in my mind."
"Everyone makes mistakes." Dr. Sanchez responded gently, "What's important is how to learn and grow from them."
Advíncula covered his face with his hands. The Peruvian international's shoulders trembled slightly.
"I miss home." His voice was muffled, "Playing football here is much harder than I imagined. The language, culture, tactics... everything feels foreign to me."
Lu Chuan walked over and gently patted Advíncula's shoulder.
"I understand how you feel." Lu Chuan's voice was full of sympathy, "I was the same when I first came to Spain. But you need to know, we are all here to support you."
Other players also nodded. This shared experience allowed them to find an emotional resonance.
"Very good." Dr. Sanchez nodded with satisfaction, "Now I want to ask you all, what made you choose football? What makes you keep going until now?"
Trejo was the first to raise his hand.
"I first played football when I was seven." The captain's eyes sparkled with memories.
"That feeling of controlling the ball fascinated me. Even now that we're facing difficulties, that initial intention still burns in my heart."
"I want to prove myself." Suárez's voice was firm, "To prove that a kid from a small city can also make a living in professional football."
Players began to share their football stories. Everyone's experience was different, but their love for football was the same.
"Lu Chuan, what about you?" Dr. Sanchez turned her gaze to him.
Lu Chuan pondered for a moment. He thought of his past life's experiences and the opportunities after his rebirth.
"I want to change some things." His voice was low and firm.
"Change people's perception of Chinese football, change my own destiny, and also change the future of this team."
Paco Jémez listened quietly in the corner. Complex emotions flashed in the head coach's eyes.
After an hour of counseling, the atmosphere in the meeting room had changed significantly.
The players' eyes no longer avoided contact; instead, they showed a rekindled fighting spirit.
"Thank you all for your cooperation." Dr. Sanchez closed her laptop, "Remember, difficulties are temporary, but your love for football is eternal."
Players left the meeting room one after another. Paco walked up to Lu Chuan, his eyes filled with appreciation.
"This was a great idea." The head coach patted Lu Chuan's shoulder, "I'm proud to have a player like you. Now, we need to win a game for him, and for ourselves."
Lu Chuan felt the weight of the head coach's words. This was not only recognition but also an expectation.
After leaving the training base, Lu Chuan received a call from Carlos.
"Red Bull's GG plan has been finalized." The agent's voice was excited.
"They want to film a short video of you playing football with local kids on the streets of the Vallecas District. The theme is 'Football comes from the streets, dreams know no social status.'"
"Sounds good." Lu Chuan nodded, "When does it start?"
"Next week. And there's a small request." Carlos paused.
"They hope Esther can appear AS a 'passerby' at the end of the video, creating an easter egg."
Lu Chuan imagined the scene, and the corners of his mouth curved upwards.
"I'll discuss it with her."
After ending the call, Lu Chuan drove to the L & E Capital office. The fund manager was already waiting in the meeting room.
"Mr. Lu, we have a new investment opportunity." The manager placed a report on the table, "It's about an early-stage company in virtual social and metaverse concepts."
Lu Chuan carefully read the report. His memories from his past life told him that these concepts would experience explosive growth in the coming years.
"What's the investment amount?"
"An initial investment of 5 million euros for a 15% stake." The manager explained, "This company has an excellent technical team and has already developed a preliminary virtual reality social platform."
Lu Chuan didn't hesitate.
"Approve the investment." He signed his name on the document, "This will be an important step in our future layout."
Back at his apartment, Lu Chuan opened the system panel. The continuous defeats and psychological adjustments made him re-evaluate his abilities.
Host: Lu Chuan
Current LP Balance: 7050
Activated Skills: Full Field Vision (Permanent), Big Heart (Permanent), Penalty Box Finisher (Permanent), Direction Change Acceleration Master (Master Level), Iron Body (Permanent)
His gaze wandered over the store interface. Aura of Leadership required 4000 LP, Perpetual Motion required 2800 LP.
Considering the intensity of the upcoming matches, physical fitness would be a key factor. Lu Chuan finally made a decision.
Consumed 2800 LP, successfully exchanged for Perpetual Motion!
A continuous surge of power flowed into his body. Lu Chuan felt every cell of his body filled with vitality.
Current LP Balance: 4250
His phone rang; it was a video call from Esther.
"How was today's psychological counseling?" Her face appeared on the screen, her eyes filled with concern.
"Very successful." Lu Chuan replied with a smile, "The players finally opened up. I think we've rediscovered a sense of unity."
"I knew you could do it." Esther's eyes sparkled with pride, "You're not just an excellent player, but a born leader."
"Oh, by the way, Red Bull wants to invite you to participate in the GG filming." Lu Chuan told Esther about Carlos's suggestion.
"In what capacity?" Esther asked curiously.
"A passerby. A fleeting glimpse at the end of the film, creating an easter egg."
Esther thought for a moment, then nodded.
"Sounds interesting. I agree."
The two chatted for a while until Esther had to leave for an event, ending the call.
AS night fell, the lights of Madrid began to twinkle. Lu Chuan stood on the balcony, looking at the distant city skyline.
Tomorrow was another new day. The team's psychological issues had been alleviated, the business empire continued to expand, and his personal abilities had improved.
But the real test was yet to come. Numancia was a team fighting for survival, and they would give it their all.
Lu Chuan clenched his fists. This time, he would lead the team out of the slump. Not just for himself, but for the teammates who trusted him.
The next day, Rayo Vallecano officially announced its cooperation with a sports psychologist. This move was seen by the media AS a positive signal for the team seeking change.
Marca commented: "Rayo Vallecano is trying to solve problems from within. This positive attitude is commendable."
AS analyzed: "Psychological counseling may help the team regain its form. The key is whether it can be reflected in the matches."
Meanwhile, Numancia coach Luis Carrión spoke at a press conference.
"We will treat every match AS a final." His eyes burned with fighting spirit, "Rayo Vallecano is a strong team, but we will not give up easily."
On the training ground, Lu Chuan felt the changes brought by Perpetual Motion. His stamina seemed endless, covering the entire attacking half with his runs.
"You're in good shape." Trejo ran over, "You seem particularly energetic today."
"The effect of psychological counseling." Lu Chuan replied with a smile, "We all need to find ourselves again."
Paco observed the players' performance from the sidelines. The head coach's face finally showed a long-lost smile.
"Keep it up!" he shouted, "Let me see your fighting spirit!"
After training, the players gathered. The atmosphere was much more relaxed than in previous days.
"Tomorrow is the match." Trejo looked around at his teammates, "We need to prove that Rayo Vallecano hasn't fallen yet."
"Fight together!" Lu Chuan extended his right hand.
Other players piled their hands together.
"Fight together!"
AS the sun set, the turf on the training ground looked exceptionally beautiful in the golden light. Lu Chuan knew that the real test was about to come.
But he was ready. Not just physically, but mentally.
This team had rediscovered the power of unity. Now, it was time to prove it in the match.