Volume One: Our Own League 101: Breaking the Myth of Xu Donglai

Extra time was over, and the score remained nil-nil.

A draw.

Seeing this outcome, Xu He truly did not know what to say.

They had fought with all their might in this match, pushing themselves to the very limit and exhausting every ounce of strength they had, yet still they had failed to score.

At one point, they had come extremely close to a goal.

And yet, in the end, the ball still would not go in.

Luck had not been on their side.

Xu He felt deeply disappointed.

He thought he himself had played quite well in this match, but they still had not found the net. It was not that they lacked ability; it was that fortune had deserted them. Of course, they had also underestimated the strength of the Sixteen Class soccer team.

And then there was that man, Xu Donglai.

Xu He’s mood sank a little, but he knew this was no time to hang his head. He quickly composed himself and made his way to the sideline.

The players of the Class Ten soccer team had already gathered there, discussing the penalty shootout.

Truth be told, they had never expected it would come to penalties, and they had not made any arrangements or preparations for one at all. That alone showed how overconfident they had been, and how little they had thought of the Sixteen Class soccer team.

The Sixteen Class soccer team had not reached the final on luck alone. They had real strength as well.

At that moment, Zhu Ge was terribly anxious, sweat beading on his forehead.

Xu He and the others naturally did not add to his burden. They simply stood quietly and waited for Zhu Ge’s instructions.

Seeing his teammates so cooperative, Zhu Ge let out a breath of relief.

He knew he did not have much time left, and immediately said, “I’ve already decided how we’ll handle the penalty shootout. The first five will be me, Lao Mu, Xuefeng, Zhang Zhen, and Xu He. After that, it’ll be Li Jie, Zhong Haokun...”

Hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement.

Zhu Ge’s choices were indeed dependable. Their shooting was all decent, and everyone was satisfied with letting these players take the penalties.

Zhu Ge asked, “Any objections?”

Everyone shook their heads.

Zhu Ge gave a slight nod and continued, “The order for the shootout will be this: first Zhang Zhen, second Lao Mu, third me, fourth Lin Xuefeng, and fifth Xu He.”

Xu He frowned slightly. Instantly, he felt a tremendous weight of pressure and responsibility.

He had not expected to be the last penalty taker. He stepped forward at once and said, “Captain, this spot is too crucial. Shouldn’t we switch it to someone else?”

The others also turned to look at Zhu Ge.

Zhu Ge shook his head at once. “It wasn’t my idea alone. I discussed it with the other three penalty takers. You’re the best fit for this position. You have to believe in yourself, and don’t doubt your ability. We all believe in you. Come on!”

Mu Yang, Lin Xuefeng, and Zhang Zhen all nodded at Xu He to show that they felt the same.

Seeing those trusting gazes, Xu He was deeply moved.

He nodded firmly and said, “Thank you all for trusting me. I’ll do my best.”

Zhu Ge stepped forward, patted Xu He on the shoulder, then gathered everyone together and said, “Right now, it’s not just the five of us entering this battle. It’s all of you too. You’re with us, and at a time like this, we especially need your support!”

The other players nodded one after another and said with determination, “We’ll cheer for you no matter what. We’re right here with you!”

The Class Ten soccer team was truly united, no less so than the Sixteen Class soccer team.

Soon, the referee of the match began urging both sides to get onto the field. The penalty shootout was about to begin.

Xu He immediately walked slowly onto the pitch with his teammates.

Meanwhile, the two captains, Zhu Ge and Zhuo Jun, went at once to the referee’s side. They had been called over to choose ends.

Xu He and his teammates stood together, shoulder to shoulder, arms linked, their eyes fixed sternly on the field. Their gazes were filled with resolve and confidence.

Soon, both captains returned.

Xu He and the others immediately looked toward Zhu Ge. Zhu Ge said at once, “The goal for the kicks is the one on the right, nearest the main stand. We kick second, and the Sixteen Class soccer team will go first.”

Everyone nodded slightly at the news, then all looked at Xu He.

Xu He would be the final kicker, and the pressure on him could easily be imagined.

A faint smile appeared on Xu He’s lips. “Don’t worry. I’m fine. I’ll give it my all!”

Since Zhu Ge and the others had chosen Xu He, they naturally trusted him unconditionally. They nodded and said, “We believe in you. Don’t put pressure on yourself.”

The referee then called the two goalkeepers over and explained the key points in front of the goal. At last, he motioned for Wang Xu, the Class Ten goalkeeper, to hurry into position. The penalty shootout was truly about to begin.

The atmosphere on the field was suffocatingly tense. Neither side’s supporters dared to breathe too loudly.

In the stands, Song Yu said, “This penalty shootout is hard to call. The Sixteen Class goalkeeper, Xu Donglai, is very strong. I think they’ve got a real chance now. Failing to beat the Sixteen Class soccer team in regulation and extra time was a mistake on the part of the Class Ten soccer team.”

Yes, Song Yu’s view was gradually changing. He had suddenly begun to feel that the Sixteen Class soccer team had the better chance of winning.

After all, Xu Donglai’s performance was right there for everyone to see.

Principal Wang gave a slight nod, thinking Song Yu made a lot of sense, but he himself still believed more strongly in the Class Ten soccer team. He felt they would win.

The Class Ten soccer team was a bit stronger.

Principal Wang looked at Song Yu and said, “Coach Song, why don’t we make a bet? If I win, how about you come to our school and coach our team?”

Song Yu blinked, not expecting even Principal Wang to start gambling.

Seeing that Principal Wang was not joking, Song Yu gave a faint wry smile and said, “And if I win?”

Principal Wang answered immediately, “If you win, then our school will no longer bother you. How about that?”

Song Yu studied him carefully, then said, “All right.”

Principal Wang was delighted, as though he could already see his chance to bring Song Yu on board.

He said at once, “You really favor the Sixteen Class soccer team? You’re sure you’re not changing your pick?”

Song Yu smiled at him and said, “I still trust my judgment. I think the Sixteen Class soccer team will win this match, and I favor their goalkeeper, Xu Donglai.”

Principal Wang said, “Since Coach Song chooses the Sixteen Class soccer team, then I’ll choose the Class Ten soccer team. I’m more optimistic about them. They can win this match.”

Song Yu laughed softly. “Then let’s wait and see.”

Principal Wang nodded slightly, and both men turned their attention to the field.

By then, Wang Xu, the Class Ten goalkeeper, was already standing on the goal line. Standing at the penalty spot was Zhuo Jun, the captain of the Sixteen Class soccer team, stepping forward under the greatest pressure.

The students of the Sixteen Class applauded Zhuo Jun one after another. He truly bore a great sense of responsibility.

Xu He also admired Zhuo Jun greatly. To be able to step forward at a moment like this took real courage and responsibility.

Zhuo Jun stood at the penalty spot, looking calm.

He even lifted his head to glance at goalkeeper Wang Xu, the relaxed expression on his face making it seem as though he did not take Wang Xu seriously at all.

It was obvious that Zhuo Jun was trying to engage Wang Xu in a battle of nerves.

He wanted to provoke Wang Xu and throw him off balance.

Clearly, Wang Xu did not take the bait. He kept adjusting his breathing and silently stared at the ball on the penalty spot. No one knew what he was thinking.

Suddenly, the referee blew the whistle to signal the kick.

At once, everyone’s attention fell on Zhuo Jun. Yet Zhuo Jun seemed unaffected. He gave Wang Xu a cool glance, then began his run-up with easy confidence and charged toward the ball.

Once again, Zhuo Jun glanced toward the lower right corner of the goal, then swung his leg and struck.

With a bang, the ball rocketed toward the upper left corner.

Wang Xu dived immediately to the lower right corner of the goal. Clearly, he had been deceived. The ball rolled into the net, and Zhuo Jun calmly sent it home.

There was no challenge at all.

After scoring, Zhuo Jun remained composed, pumping his fist toward his teammates to inspire them.

The players of the Sixteen Class soccer team were extremely excited. They jumped and cheered as though they had already won.

Song Yu turned to Principal Wang and said, “Are you still backing the Class Ten soccer team now?”

Principal Wang’s brow twitched, the corner of his mouth spasming awkwardly. He forced a smile and said, “Of course I’m still backing the Class Ten soccer team. Our Class Ten team hasn’t even taken a kick yet.”

Song Yu smiled faintly and said nothing.

In truth, he already knew he was going to win today.

That was because the Class Ten goalkeeper was simply too amateurish. As long as the Sixteen Class kicker did not do anything too outrageous, Song Yu was certain to win today.

Of course, he did not say any of this to Principal Wang. He simply watched in silence.

At this point, all the pressure fell onto Zhang Zhen, the Class Ten forward.

Zhang Zhen had to face the pressure of Zhuo Jun scoring first, while also dealing with the extraordinary form Xu Donglai had shown that day. The pressure was easy to imagine.

Xu He was anxious for Zhang Zhen as well. He immediately roared toward him, “Lao Zhang, come on! You can do it!”

Zhang Zhen seemed quite relaxed. He turned back toward Xu He, smiled faintly, and waved to him, signaling him not to worry.

Seeing this, the Class Ten players all let out a breath of relief, feeling much steadier in their hearts.

Zhang Zhen came up to the ball. As he bent over to adjust it, he took a deep breath.

He was not without pressure. He simply did not want to show that pressure to his teammates and add to their burden.

He bore the pressure himself.

After setting the ball in place, Zhang Zhen stood firmly before it, hands on hips, his eyes fixed tightly and unmistakably on the lower left corner of the goal.

Xu Donglai, standing in front of the goal, felt a chill in his heart. This Zhang Zhen was not easy to deal with.

Xu Donglai was trying to guess where Zhang Zhen intended to place the shot. Were Zhang Zhen’s eyes a feint, or was he really aiming there?

Xu Donglai kept guessing.

Then the referee’s whistle rang out, and Zhang Zhen immediately began his run-up. He rushed straight to the ball without the slightest hesitation and lashed it with all his strength.

Xu Donglai’s eyes lit up. “That’s not a feint. He’s shooting to the lower left!”

Xu Donglai sprang into a rapid dive, his arms fully outstretched.

He had a real chance to save it.

Delighted, Xu Donglai thought he had it.

But then the ball shot past the tips of his fingers and slammed hard against the inside of the left post before bouncing into the net.

Zhang Zhen withstood the pressure and struck with precision, breaking Xu Donglai’s miracle run for the day.

The Class Ten players erupted with excitement and all leapt up at once.

Xu He even threw back his head and let out a thunderous cry of joy.