Everyone faces pressure in life.
Take the Chinese men's national football team, for example. Although they are a large institution, they also have superiors to answer to.
When news spread domestically that Ye Chen was about to join the German team, public opinion overwhelmingly supported his decision.
After all, players longed for a Chinese athlete to appear on the World Cup stage.
But what could be done? The Chinese men's team just hadn't lived up to expectations!
And who was Ye Chen?
Even people who didn't follow football had heard of him to some extent!
It couldn't be helped â they were simply too famous...
The German national team had officially announced that Ye Chen's naturalization process would be finalized by the end of the week, allowing him to be part of the squad for the March 1st international friendly.
Germany would face France at Allianz Arena!
The match tickets sold out as soon as they were released online.
The excitement was palpable.
Even without Ye Chen, a clash between two powerhouses like this was already a hot ticket â but his upcoming addition made it even more thrilling.
Fans eagerly anticipated Ye Chen wearing the German jersey. After his stellar half-season performance, it was hard to say no to such a football prodigy!
Even Beckenbauer praised the German Football Association's (DFB) decision.
But the more things escalated, the more anxious the domestic leadership grew.
After multiple unsuccessful attempts to contact Ye Chen, Liang Zhijun personally flew to Dortmund with Liang Kailai. Along with them was a balding 40-year-old middle-aged man.
Although his identity wasn't publicly disclosed, Liang Zhijun's cautious demeanor around him suggested he was someone important.
News of Liang Zhijun's trip to Germany quickly spread back home.
The purpose of the visit was obvious â to do whatever it took to keep Ye Chen.
Ye Chen was called into the meeting room by Klopp, where not only Klopp but also Watzke awaited him â along with many Chinese faces.
To be honest, Ye Chen didn't recognize a single one of them.
"Ye, these are leaders from the Chinese Football Association," Watzke said with a smile.
A flicker of surprise crossed Ye Chen's face, but he nodded nonetheless.
The first to speak was Liang Kailai, who extended his hand and said, "Hello, Ye Chen. I was the one who brought you into the U-17 team back then. I'm Liang Kailai, the U-17 head coach! It was a shame you left before we even had the chance to meet."
U-17 head coach Liang Kailai?
Ye Chen raised an eyebrow but didn't shake his hand. Instead, he asked directly, "Why did so many of you come here?"
Liang Kailai's expression stiffened, but he quickly retracted his hand and forced a smile.
"We're here because, as a talent nurtured by China, you shouldn't be joining the German Football Association. We've brought 'sincere offers' to invite you back to the national team!"
"If that's the reason, then there's no need. I've already made my decision," Ye Chen said bluntly. "If there's nothing else, I'll be going now."
Without waiting for a response, he turned and left.
"Stop right there!" Liang Kailai shouted, but realizing his tone was too harsh, he quickly softened his voice. "Mr. Ye, please wait. We truly came with sincerity! Besides, I haven't introduced you to Chairman Liang yet."
Liang Zhijun coughed lightly and smiled. "You're young and full of fire. I believe nothing is set in stone yet. We can have a proper discussion. Whatever Germany is offering you, we can match it!"
Ye Chen turned around, eyeing the smiling Liang Zhijun. "Let's not talk about it. I'm just a substitute."
Liang Zhijun's expression darkened. What did this kid mean by that?
But the situation left him no choice â he quickly adjusted his attitude.
This wasn't the time to lose his temper!
He glanced at the silent bald man beside him and forced a smile. "I admit my previous remarks were inappropriate, and I sincerely apologize. But as fellow countrymen, we should stick together and strive toward the same goal! Even though the country now allows dual citizenship, have you ever seen another Chinese player represent a foreign team?"
It wasn't entirely wrong to say that.
But wasn't that simply because no one else had been wanted?
Still, the rhetoric was clever.
"So, what exactly are you trying to say?" Ye Chen asked impatiently.
"We earnestly invite you to return to the Chinese Football Association and become part of the national team," Liang Zhijun said, bowing deeply.
Where was this enthusiasm when I got kicked out of the U-17 team?
Ye Chen smiled â he couldn't deny the satisfaction he felt.
Thinking back to being dismissed from the U-17 squad...
They probably never imagined this day would come.
Seeing Ye Chen remain silent, Liang Zhijun added, "Don't join the German national team. Whatever terms they've offered, we can match. We can even consult you on coaching hires and player lineups!"
Now that's real sincerity!
But wouldn't that basically make him the chairman?
As someone who had crossed into this world, Ye Chen was all too familiar with how Mbappé was mocked for similar treatment.
"Actually, I only made two requests when I agreed to join the German Football Association."
"First, I won't sing the national anthem."
"Second, I will always identify as Chinese in any public setting â nothing more."
"So, do you still think I joined Germany for the benefits?" Ye Chen smirked at Liang Zhijun.
"Impossible!" Liang Kailai interjected. "Aside from Löw, even the CEO of Adidas was there. There's no way those were your only conditions!"
That was the CEO of a trillion-dollar international company â how could he not offer any incentives?
It didn't make sense!
There had to be significant perks involved!
After all, Ye Chen's value was undeniable â joining Germany would boost both influence and competitive strength.
Ye Chen shrugged. "Believe what you want. Anyway, you've wasted enough of my training time."
"Wait, Ye Chen!" The bald man finally spoke. "Can we talk privately?"
"Director Cao, let's discuss it together," Liang Zhijun quickly chimed in.
"Yes, we can all talk," Liang Kailai added.
But the bald man shook his head. "Just the two of us â it won't take long."
"Are you higher up than them?" Ye Chen asked, curious.
"Sort of."
"Alright, let's talk."
Since he had traveled this far, Ye Chen figured a brief chat wouldn't hurt.
Still, joining the German national team was already a done deal.
Why agree to the conversation, then?
Maybe deep down, he still hoped Chinese football could improve...
But the dual nationality matter wasn't negotiable anymore.