Chapter 69: Chapter 69: Ye Chen, You Are Not Fighting Alone

The post-match press conference concluded, but the journalists left with satisfied smiles.

Some reporters didn't rush to leave, instead hurriedly sending out their first-hand reports:

• "Ye: It's not that I refuse to represent the country; it's that they look down on me!"

• "How strong is the Chinese national soccer team? Bundesliga record-breaker Ye excluded from the roster?"

• "Shocking! Tomoaki Makino exits the Bundesliga; 17 strikers collectively mourn!"

• "Klopp: Ye is better than both Gomez and Podolski. Ask Löw if you don't believe me!"

• "Ye Chen: Four hat-tricks can't set records? Then I'll make it five!"

• "Ye Chen: I disdain aligning with the Chinese Football Association!"

Though the press conference was brief, it was explosive.

Back in the locker room, Ye Chen was approached by uniformed officials who escorted him away. But Ye Chen wasn't alone—assistant coach Buvac accompanied him.

"Cologne's coach Solbakken filed a post-match complaint with the committee, accusing you of using banned substances. The officials need to conduct a urine test," Buvac explained as they walked.

Ye Chen chuckled. "Can't handle losing, huh?"

Clear conscience breeds no fear. Still...

Bundesliga's drug testing process was indeed stringent. During sampling, officials watched your every move!

Luckily, Ye Chen's natural talent and confidence were unmatched. Otherwise, one might feel self-conscious in front of Europeans.

This routine test wasn't unusual—events like the Euros and World Cup had similar procedures. However, news of Ye Chen being escorted spread like wildfire.

Back in China, the narrative took a sinister twist.

• "Shocking! Ye Chen caught using banned substances, arrested by German authorities!"

• "The real reason behind Ye Chen's 12 goals in four matches! Evidence inside!"

• "Still cheering for Ye Chen? Take a look at his true colors!"

Malicious headlines flooded Chinese social media, sparking widespread uproar.

Fans, still elated from Dortmund's match, were suddenly deflated by the accusations. Even the hot-headed ones who had been storming the Chinese Football Association's website froze in disbelief.

At the CFA headquarters, a portly middle-aged man with a cigar smirked confidently.

"Well, how's that? Problem solved as soon as I stepped in, right?"

"Brother-in-law, you're amazing!" Tan Bing gave a thumbs-up. "But where did those photos come from? The media hadn't published anything yet!"

"I sent Wang Bo to Germany!"

"Huh? What's Bo doing in Germany?"

"Keeping tabs on that brat Ye Chen. If he makes me uncomfortable, I'll make his life miserable!" Liang Kailai squinted menacingly.

With no close friends in China, Ye Chen was unaware of the situation until an hour later—when Li Xinran informed him.

Li Xinran had already reported the drug test to headquarters, but there was no response or media coverage in China. She found this highly suspicious, given the internet backlash against Ye Chen.

Comments flooded in:

• "I knew it—there's no way a Chinese player could be this good."

• "Ah, so that's the secret. He's a doping king!"

• "Even Medicine Dust would bow to him!"

• "I can't believe I supported a cheater. Returning my Dortmund jersey now!"

Still, some fans defended him:

• "Guys, can't you see the accusations come from tabloid sources? No credible outlets reported this!"

• "Stop jumping to conclusions. It's all baseless speculation."

• "Fake fans, leave now. Ye Chen doesn't need you!"

• "Wait for official confirmation. Learn to distinguish real news from fake!"

While arguments raged online, another wave of reports surfaced, including footage and translations of Ye Chen's interviews abroad:

• "Ye Chen: I refuse to join the national team unless the CFA reforms!"

• "Ye Chen speaks on returning to the national team: Not without CFA reform!"

In response, the CFA issued an official notice:

"Regarding player Ye Chen, we have decided as follows:

1. During his time abroad, Ye Chen displayed irresponsibility in training and matches, setting a poor example.

2. Despite being underage, Ye Chen engaged in early romantic relationships, negatively influencing young fans.

3. During a club press conference, Ye Chen made false statements, severely damaging the CFA's reputation.

Therefore, Ye Chen is banned from all national team matches for three years."

The brevity of the announcement belied its weight—Ye Chen had officially severed ties with the CFA.

The CFA stooped low by citing Ye Chen's relationship with Lina as a reason for punishment. He was 17, in a foreign country—what was wrong with dating? Plenty of players became fathers before 20, and it didn't hinder their performance!

However, fans remained subdued, likely influenced by the drug test rumors. If proven true, even Ye Chen's staunchest supporters would turn against him.

Amid the chaos, prominent commentator Zhan Jun clarified on Weibo:

"The rumors of Ye Chen using banned substances and being taken away by Bundesliga officials are false. He only underwent a routine drug test, and the results show he's clean. Cologne's coach Solbakken has been fined €30,000 for filing false allegations."

Attached was the Bundesliga's official statement.

The internet exploded.

Half an hour later, in the CFA Director's office, programmer Cao Ji placed his resignation letter on Tan Bing's desk.

"What did you say? Do you think the CFA has treated you poorly? Do you know how many people would kill for these benefits?" Tan Bing sneered. "Take your resignation back. I'll give you one last chance!"

Cao Ji smirked coldly. "Save the theatrics. I've had enough. As a fan, I now understand—Chinese football is in shambles because of parasites like you! Remember, football isn't a political tool for your ambitions! And don't think I don't know who's behind those posts smearing Ye Chen!"

Tan Bing's face turned pale. "You... you... Are you trying to ruin me? Don't forget your parents paid 100,000 yuan to get you this job!"

"Thanks for the reminder. You have one day to return the money, or I won't be responsible for what surfaces online." Cao Ji leaned on the desk, then strode out.

Once spineless under the weight of life, he now stood tall.

If he couldn't contribute positively to Chinese football, he'd at least refuse to be complicit in its corruption.

Ye Chen was right—without reform, the CFA was doomed.

Individually, he was but a firefly compared to the vast, decayed system.

But when countless fireflies unite, they can illuminate even the darkest nights.

This time, he'd fight alongside Ye Chen against the corrupt CFA to the end.

"I laugh facing heaven's blade;

My heart for the cause, come what may!"