Volume One: Our Own League Chapter 103: An Unexpected Bold Move

Two to one!
After two rounds of penalty shootouts, Class Ten’s football team was leading Class Sixteen’s.
The players of Class Ten were ecstatic, their nerves easing, the pressure lifting from their hearts. It felt as if everything was moving in a promising direction, and they could almost see themselves claiming the league championship.
Zhu Ge walked over and gave Mu Yang a big hug.
Mu Yang said calmly, “Just routine, don’t get too excited.”
Zhu Ge curled his lip, speechless. This guy insisted on keeping his cool even now—his idol persona was just too heavy.
Nevertheless, Zhu Ge gave Mu Yang a thumbs up.
“You’re impressive, really daring! You actually tried a Panenka in front of Xu Donglai. I bet you’re the only one bold enough to do that!”
Mu Yang paused, then shook his head.
He was certain he wasn’t the only one who’d dare attempt such a thing in front of Xu Donglai; there were others at this school who could pull it off.
Thinking of this, Mu Yang glanced at Xu He.
Zhu Ge followed his gaze, surprised. “You think Xu He would dare do something like that?”
Mu Yang replied coolly, “I never said that.”
With that, he walked back to join his teammates.
The players of Class Ten surged forward, enveloping Mu Yang in a big embrace, full of joy and excitement, their hearts brimming with hope for victory.
From the stands, Principal Wang remarked, “Now you’re in trouble.”
Song Yu responded calmly, “We’re not even halfway through the shootout—anything could still happen.”
Seeing Song Yu refuse to admit defeat, Principal Wang asked, “You still favor Xu Donglai?”
Song Yu nodded. “Of course. That young man is very talented, truly formidable. Anyone who underestimates him will surely pay for it.”
Principal Wang glanced at Song Yu, said nothing, and turned his attention to the penalty area.
Wang Xu approached the goal, preparing for the third round of penalties.
Yes, the third round was about to begin.
Wang Xu stood quietly in front of the goal, his face exuding confidence, as if he had the situation, the entire match, under control.
At this moment, every eye in the stadium was fixed on Class Sixteen’s team, waiting to see who would take this crucial penalty kick.
The pressure on the chosen player would be immense.
He had to score to boost morale and keep hope alive. If he missed, Class Sixteen would almost certainly have to concede defeat.
This shot was pivotal.
Principal Wang turned to Song Yu. “This match might very well be decided by this kick.”
Song Yu answered, “I believe in Xu Donglai.”
Principal Wang nodded slightly, refraining from provoking Song Yu further, his eyes locked on the pitch.
Song Yu hoped that the next player for Class Sixteen would be Song Xiang, whose skills were solid. If Song Xiang took the shot, he could stabilize the situation.
But that was almost impossible!
Song Xiang would surely take the final shot; Class Sixteen was out of options.
Song Yu felt uneasy, thinking Class Sixteen’s prospects looked bleak.
He even began to doubt why he had trusted Class Sixteen in the first place. Was it all because of Xu Donglai?
Song Yu sighed, saying nothing.
Xu He was also speculating about who would take this crucial shot for Class Sixteen. The pressure was enormous—not everyone could bear it.

This match—we’re destined to win.
That was Xu He’s thought at that moment.
Suddenly, everyone in the stadium widened their eyes in disbelief, staring at the pitch.
No one expected that the player stepping up for Class Sixteen’s third penalty was their goalkeeper, Xu Donglai.
Song Yu in the stands was equally stunned.
A goalkeeper taking the third penalty—this was exceedingly rare, even in professional matches. For Class Sixteen to send up Xu Donglai was truly unexpected.
What a bold move!
A genuine stroke of audacity!
Yet, upon reflection, Song Yu realized it was actually the best choice.
Perhaps only a remarkable goalkeeper like Xu Donglai could withstand such pressure. At this moment, only Xu Donglai could shoulder this burden.
Song Yu’s eyes suddenly sparkled, his confidence in the remainder of the match rekindled.
It was as if he were saying, “Xu Donglai, I believe in you. Go for it!”
Xu He kept shaking his head; this was completely unforeseen. Xu Donglai, the goalkeeper, as the third shooter—his worldview was shattered. Was Xu Donglai’s shooting so extraordinary? Was his penalty-taking that impressive?
For Class Sixteen to send up Xu Donglai now showed their utter faith in his penalty skills. Xu He narrowed his eyes; clearly, there was more to this than met the eye.
The entire stadium focused on Xu Donglai, eager to witness his technique.
Wang Xu in front of the goal was equally stunned, unable to believe the player before him was the opposing goalkeeper. His brows knitted; did Class Sixteen underestimate him so much?
Wang Xu stared intently at Xu Donglai, his face set in determination, as if ready to teach him a lesson.
Wang Xu thought, “Come on! Let me shatter your legend!”
He was full of confidence, convinced that a goalkeeper couldn’t breach his defenses. He didn’t take Xu Donglai seriously at all.
Xu Donglai stood before the ball, his eyes locked on the bottom right corner of the goal.
It seemed as if he would shoot for that corner, but Wang Xu wasn’t fooled. He didn’t regard Xu Donglai as a threat and felt no anxiety, planning to react only after the ball was struck.
That should be enough time!
Just then, the referee’s whistle blew for the kick.
Xu Donglai took a running start and struck the ball with force. With a thunderous sound, the ball shot toward the goal like lightning.
Fast!
Too fast!
The speed was astonishing, and indeed, it flew straight toward the bottom right corner. Xu Donglai had not deceived anyone.
But the players of Class Ten turned pale, visibly distressed.
Because the ball soared directly into the bottom right corner, and Wang Xu’s reaction was slow. Of course, one could say the ball was simply too fast—Wang Xu tried his best, but he couldn’t block it.
Wang Xu’s eyes widened, murmuring incredulously, “What? How could this be?”
He could not accept that Xu Donglai had scored against him, his mood sour as he stared fiercely at Xu Donglai.
Xu Donglai gently swung his fist, then walked back to the goal, ready to defend once more.
Song Yu’s eyes shone in the stands. “Did you see that? That’s Xu Donglai!”
Principal Wang offered a wry smile—Song Yu was getting ahead of himself. Even if the ball went in, what difference did it make? Class Ten had taken one penalty fewer; the score was still tied. As long as they scored, Class Ten would still be ahead.
So, Principal Wang said graciously, “Xu Donglai is indeed excellent!”
Song Yu’s triumphant expression faded instantly. The situation remained dire for Class Sixteen; they still risked falling behind.
Song Yu looked toward Class Ten to see who would take their kick.

On the pitch, Class Sixteen’s players were elated, shouting and cheering Xu Donglai’s name—today, he was their hero.
At that moment, Class Ten’s captain, Zhu Ge, stepped up to the penalty spot.
He was their third kicker.
Seeing this, Principal Wang relaxed; this was a certain goal.
Song Yu’s expression darkened—Class Ten had a high chance of scoring. Zhu Ge was skilled and had a strong shot; he’d be steady for this penalty.
Song Yu sighed, his heart tense.
Class Sixteen was on the brink of collapse.
Xu Donglai watched Zhu Ge with no change in expression, as if he were just looking at any other player. He wasn’t nervous at all, even exuding confidence, which was infectious—spreading to Song Yu and all of Class Sixteen’s players.
This shot, Xu Donglai would save.
Many in the crowd called out his name, urging him on.
Zhu Ge was unaffected by the atmosphere, or by Xu Donglai; he prepared methodically for his penalty. He was confident—nothing would stop this goal.
Just then, the referee’s whistle blew. Zhu Ge jogged slowly to the ball, glanced at the bottom right corner, and then fired quickly toward the goal.
Xu Donglai launched himself immediately, diving toward his lower right—Zhu Ge’s left.
In the stands, Song Yu jumped up excitedly, waving his arms.
With a crisp slap, Xu Donglai deflected the ball out of bounds with one hand.
A spectacular save!
Class Sixteen’s players leapt and raced toward Xu Donglai in excitement. His save was flawless, rescuing his team and bringing both sides back to even footing.
After three rounds, the score was two to two!
Zhu Ge’s eyes were wide with disbelief; he couldn’t fathom that his shot had been stopped.
He struggled to accept it.
Class Ten’s players were silent, staring in shock. Xu He shook his head repeatedly, unable to accept what he was seeing. In the stands, Principal Wang sprang to his feet, his face full of disbelief.
How could Zhu Ge have missed?
Principal Wang was furious at Zhu Ge; how could he make such a mistake at this critical moment?
Zhu Ge hadn’t expected to falter either.
He shook his head, feeling bitter. Then he turned to his teammates and said, “Sorry, everyone. I messed up! But we haven’t lost yet—keep your spirits up. We still have a chance, we can win.”
Then he looked at Lin Xuefeng and Xu He. “The rest of the match is up to you!”
Xu He and Lin Xuefeng nodded, indicating their understanding.
Soon, the fourth round began. Perhaps Xu Donglai’s astounding performance had given Class Sixteen confidence, as their number 10 player stepped up and unleashed a powerful shot without hesitation—but the ball whistled past and missed the goal entirely.
Class Sixteen’s players sank into despair.
How had it come to this?
Song Yu’s expression was grim; Xu Donglai and Zhuo Jun really couldn’t carry this group on their own.
Then, Class Ten sent out Lin Xuefeng.
A man of both beauty and talent stepped forward, and the crowd erupted in a chorus of admiration, all chanting Lin Xuefeng’s name.