This was Ye Chen's first official Bundesliga match.
In the game, his once-proud speed seemed ordinary hereâespecially when compared to the black players, who completely outclassed him.
Then there was physical confrontation.
As a forward, the opponents he had to face were the opposing center-backs.
And what does it take to be a center-back? Physical prowess, first and foremost!
So Ye Chen was overpowered once again.
Thankfully, his exceptional game reading, clever positioning, and powerful long shots helped him score a hat trick in this match.
But Ye Chen didn't dare to be arrogant, much less complacent.
He didn't think Bundesliga was "no big deal" or anything like that.
He understood that his hat trick was largely due to the opponent's lack of familiarity with him. Now that he had scored a hat trick in his debut, it wouldn't take longâno, maybe just a matter of hoursâfor his name to spread across the Bundesliga!
That's why he was anxious.
After all, without outstanding performances, his teammates wouldn't pass him scoring opportunities!
"I looked into it before the match: China's U17 team lost to Jordan. Any thoughts on that?" a reporter asked.
Ye Chen shook his head. "Let's focus on this game instead."
"At the last minute, you scored a brilliant free kick that looked a lot like Cristiano Ronaldo's tomahawk shot. Have you given your move a name?"
Ye Chen shook his head again. "I haven't thought of one yet."
"Who taught you to take free kicks like that?" the reporter pressed on.
"I mostly studied how Ronaldo, Pirlo, and Juninho Pernambucano take their shots. It seems like I've picked it up pretty well!" Ye Chen replied with a smile.
"Ye, you're my hero!"
As Ye Chen was being interviewed, Kagawa suddenly ran over, picked him up, and shouted loudly into the camera.
Ye Chen's mouth twitched in embarrassment.
Is this guy channeling Hai Qing or something?
The beautiful reporter smiled radiantly. "You've scored a hat trick today. Anything you'd like to say to Manchester United?"
"In the past, you ignored me; now, you can't reach me!" Ye Chen said, laughing.
The reporter's smile grew even brighter. "Congratulations on being today's MVP. I hope to interview you again in the future!"
"Thank you!" Ye Chen was about to leave when the reporter handed him a business card.
Probably just for another interview, right?
Like those TV shows where leaders claim they just want to learn a new language.
After the interview, the Dortmund players gathered in front of the away fans' section to thank them for their support.
Once all that was done, they returned to the locker room.
Of course, the first thing Ye Chen did was pull out his phone to contact Lina.
"Lina, where are you now?"
"I'm in the parking lot, but it'll take me a while to get outâthere are too many cars here!" Lina replied helplessly.
In Europe, the car rental industry is highly developed, and everything can be arranged with a smartphone.
Lina had flown to Germany and driven to the stadium herself. Naturally, she planned to drive back tonightâit was still early enough to make the trip.
Ye Chen approached Klopp directly. "Boss, can I take some time off?"
"What for?" Klopp asked.
"Boss, his girlfriend came to watch the match!" Before Ye Chen could answer, Kuba interjected. "We saw her during the entrance. She's stunning!"
Ye Chen blushed and hurriedly explained, "She's not my girlfriend. We're just good friends!"
"Sure, good friends," Kuba said, grinning.
The others joined in, jeering and teasing.
"Definitely special friends!"
"Can your 'friend' give kisses?"
"Oh, I'd love a 'friend' who gives hugs and kisses!"
Klopp, ever the understanding one, gave Ye Chen a knowing look. After all, he was young once, too.
"You've got two days off. Be back at the team in 48 hours!" Klopp said generously.
"That's not necessary. I'll just grab a meal with her!" Ye Chen tried to clarify.
"Hahaha, you Chinese guys are so shy!"
Still, Ye Chen took a shower and left the team.
It was clear that Dortmund's victory had put Klopp in a great mood.
For the team's hero in the comeback win, Klopp was willing to bend the rules.
Ye Chen could rest since he wasn't needed for the Champions League match. The other players, however, weren't so lucky. They had recovery training the next day, and the coaching staff had to analyze Marseille's tactics for the upcoming game.
Dortmund had been drawn into the "group of death" for the Champions League, with Arsenal, Marseille, and Olympiacos as their group-stage opponents.
Their first match was at home against Arsenal at the Westfalenstadion. After conceding a goal in the first half, they managed to equalize in the 88th minute thanks to Perisic's solo effort.
The next match, however, was an away game against Marseille, requiring them to travel to France a day early to acclimatize.
Such is the norm in the Champions Leagueâyou don't just step off the plane and play immediately.
The coaching staff would scout the venue in advance, and as head coach, Klopp would also attend the pre-match press conference.
Leaving the stadium with his backpack, Ye Chen spotted Lina, who had rented a sleek convertible Mercedes. She was a picture-perfect combination of beauty and luxury.
"Hey, Lina!" Ye Chen called out, waving from a distance.
Lina stepped out of the car immediately. "Is it okay for you to leave the team like this?" she asked.
"Of course, it's fine! I got permission from Klopp," Ye Chen assured her.
"Come on, I'll treat you to something delicious!" Lina flashed a radiant smile.
"No, this time it's on me!" Ye Chen insisted.
"Fair enough. You're a professional player now! I heard your weekly salary is 20,000 euros?" Lina teased.
"Yep! But that's not my only income."
"Oh? What else?"
"Goal bonuses, win bonuses... oh, and appearance bonuses too!" Ye Chen counted on his fingers.
His negotiations with Klopp had clearly paid off. With his hat trick, he had earned nearly 20,000 euros in bonuses alone!
"Let's go for steak. I found a highly-rated place online!"
"Your pick is fineâI'll cover the bill!" Ye Chen said confidently.
"Wow, when did you turn into a domineering CEO?"
"When a guy goes out with a girl, he shouldn't make her pay, right?" Ye Chen smirked. "By the way, why did you come all this way to watch my match?"
"This was your first official match. Of course, I had to be there! Don't forget, I'm your number one fan!" Lina said, fastening her seatbelt. Her beautiful smile was absolutely dazzling.
She underestimated her own allure.
Looking at Lina up close, Ye Chen couldn't help himself. He leaned in without hesitation.
Forget it, he thought. Kiss first, talk later!