A Madrid morning, sunlight streamed through the blinds onto Lu Chuan's face.
His phone screen lit up, displaying a message from Carlos.
"Check the news today, there's a surprise."
Lu Chuan rubbed his eyes and opened social media.
The latest update from Brand's official account caught his eye, featuring a photo of him wearing the captain's armband, with concise and powerful text: "Leadership has nothing to do with age, nothing to do with nationality, only with responsibility."
[Remember this site's domain Taiwan Novel Website for entertainment, super smooth]
The number of shares had already exceeded 100,000, and the comment section was filled with support.
"This is the captain we need!"
"What does youth matter? Ability is what counts!"
"Support Lu Chuan, support Rayo Vallecano!"
Immediately after, Red Bull's official account also released a poster.
In the image, Lu Chuan stood in the wind and rain, his captain's armband fluttering in the strong wind, with an even more impactful caption: "True wings unfold against the wind."
Carlos's call came through shortly after.
"Did you see it?" his agent's voice was excited, "This is even better than we expected. Your 'lone brave' persona is now even more well-rounded."
Lu Chuan sat on the edge of the bed, feeling the support from his business partners.
When the media was generally questioning him, these Brands chose to stand by him, a trust more precious than any contract.
"The 'crisis appointment' plot actually increased your topicality," Carlos continued to analyze.
"Now everyone is watching to see if you can lead the team out of its predicament. This kind of drama is exactly what Brands love."
"I just want to focus on the game," Lu Chuan's voice was soft.
"I know, I'll handle all of this. You just need to prove yourself on the field."
Hanging up the phone, Lu Chuan walked towards the kitchen. Esther had already prepared breakfast, and a package was on the table.
"What's this?" Lu Chuan pointed at the package.
"A gift for you," Esther smiled mysteriously, "Open it and see."
Lu Chuan tore open the packaging; inside was a small punching ball with "Stress Reliever" written on its base.
"If you feel angry or stressed, hit it. Don't keep it bottled up inside," Esther's eyes were full of concern, "I know it might seem silly, but..."
"Not silly," Lu Chuan interrupted her, holding the punching ball in his palm, "This is the most thoughtful gift I've ever received."
Esther's cheeks flushed slightly, and she gently hugged him.
"Your parents called me yesterday," she whispered in his ear, "They're worried about your stress."
Lu Chuan nodded. Last night he had a video call with his parents, and his father was so excited he was gesticulating wildly:
"My son has made something of himself! Becoming a captain at 20 is rare in the history of Chinese football!"
His mother was more delicate, her eyes filled with worry: "Chuan Chuan, will too much pressure affect your health? Do you want to come back home to rest for a while?"
"I'm fine, Mom," Lu Chuan smiled easily in the video, "This is the opportunity I've always dreamed of."
He didn't tell his parents about the team's predicament, nor did he mention the pain of three consecutive losses. Some burdens, he had to bear alone.
His phone rang again; this time it was a report from a fund manager at L&E Capital.
"Mr. Lu, our initial investment in that metaverse concept game studio has been completed."
The email content was detailed: "According to your instructions, we also looked into several virtual reality technology companies. The market outlook is very optimistic."
Lu Chuan quickly skimmed the report. With memories from his previous life, he knew these investments would bring substantial returns in the coming years.
But now, his full attention was on the team.
"A business empire can be left to a professional team," he thought to himself, "My battlefield is on the green pitch."
On the way to the training base, Lu Chuan received a video call from Esther.
"I'm at the library, and I just saw an article about leadership," Esther aimed her phone at the book page, "I wanted to share it with you."
"A true leader is not the strongest person, but the one who makes those around him stronger," she read softly.
Lu Chuan stopped, listening intently.
"This made me think of you," Esther's eyes sparkled,
"You're always helping teammates, always taking responsibility. That's why everyone chose you as captain."
"Thank you, Esther," Lu Chuan's voice was a little choked, "You always know what I need."
"This is what love should be like," Esther smiled, "I'll be here when you need me most."
Hanging up the video call, Lu Chuan felt a warmth in his heart.
Amidst external doubts and the team's difficulties, Esther was like a lighthouse, guiding him.
Arriving at the training base, Lu Chuan walked towards the locker room. Teammates were already preparing, and the atmosphere was much better than yesterday.
"Good morning, Captain!" Pascual greeted him proactively, the gloom from yesterday gone from his eyes.
"Ready?" Trejo patted his shoulder.
Lu Chuan nodded and walked to his spot. He opened the system panel to check his current status.
[Host: Lu Chuan]
[Current LP Balance: 4300]
[Activated Skills: Full Field Vision, Big Heart, Penalty Box Finisher, Direction Change Acceleration Master, Iron Body, Perpetual Motion]
Looking at Aura of Leadership in the legendary store, priced at 4000 LP, Lu Chuan fell into thought.
The skill's description tempted him: "When the host is on the field, he can subtly influence teammates' mentality, enhance team cohesion and tactical execution, and prevent collapse in adversity."
The current team needed such an ability. Three consecutive losses had sent morale to rock bottom, and teammates needed a true spiritual leader.
"Redeem Aura of Leadership," Lu Chuan thought to himself.
[Ding! Consumed 4000 LP, successfully redeemed unique spiritual skill: Aura of Leadership!]
Instantly, a warm current surged through his body. Lu Chuan felt a subtle change in his spiritual dimension; his gaze towards teammates was no longer just that of a collaborator, but held more responsibility and infectiousness.
"Lu Chuan, you look different today," Savić walked over, curiosity in his eyes.
"How am I different?"
"I can't quite put my finger on it, but you just feel more... like a leader," Savić scratched his head, "Maybe it's psychological."
Lu Chuan smiled and shook his head. The effect of Aura of Leadership had already begun to show; although his teammates couldn't pinpoint the exact reason, they could feel the change in him.
Before training began, Assistant Coach Juan walked towards Lu Chuan, holding a piece of paper.
"Coach Paco asked me to give this to you," Juan's expression was serious.
Lu Chuan took the note; it contained only one line: "Captain, take them home."
These seven simple words carried the head coach's complete trust. Lu Chuan carefully folded the note and put it in his pocket.
"Gather!" Juan shouted loudly.
The players formed a circle, with Lu Chuan in the center. The effect of Aura of Leadership made his every movement infectious.
"Brothers, today we're going to prove it to everyone," Lu Chuan's voice wasn't loud, but every word was clear and powerful, "Rayo Vallecano will never fall."
Strangely, the morale that usually required loud shouting to be stirred, today only needed his soft words. The fighting spirit burned in his teammates' eyes.
"We believe in you, Captain," Antoñín was the first to speak, yesterday's doubts having vanished.
"For Rayo Vallecano!" Trejo raised his right fist high.
"For Rayo Vallecano!" Everyone responded in unison.
The sound echoed across the training ground, stirring hearts. Lu Chuan felt the team cohesion brought by Aura of Leadership, a feeling he had never experienced before.
During training, Lu Chuan's every move was watched by his teammates. His tackles inspired the defensive line, his positioning guided the midfield, and his shots encouraged the forwards.
"This is what a captain should be like," José Pozo exclaimed after a play, "He makes all of us better."
After training, Lu Chuan stayed on the field alone. The sun was setting, and the training ground seemed especially quiet.
He took out the small punching ball Esther had given him and gently threw punches. Each strike released the pressure in his heart, and each rebound gave him new strength.
"A silly gift?" Lu Chuan murmured to himself, "This is the smartest gift."
His phone vibrated, Esther sent a message: "What do you want for dinner tonight? I'll make it."
"I like anything you make," Lu Chuan replied.
"Then I'll make your favorite sweet and sour pork, though it might not be very authentic."
"As long as you make it, it's the best in the world."
Putting down his phone, Lu Chuan looked into the distance. Tomorrow was the match against Almería, his debut as captain.
The pressure still existed, and the doubts continued. But now, he was no longer alone.
The support of business partners, the love of his family, Esther's companionship, the trust of his teammates, and the Aura of Leadership bestowed by the system.
All these forces converged, making him stronger.
"Captain, take them home," Lu Chuan softly repeated Paco's words, a determined flame burning in his eyes.
Night fell, and Madrid's lights began to twinkle. Lu Chuan walked out of the training base, his steps firm and strong.
Tomorrow's battle was about to begin, and he was ready.