Volume One: Our Own League Chapter 109: Almost Sealed the Deal with Coach Song

Watching the boys of Class Sixteen’s football team celebrating with excitement, Principal Wang wore a bitter smile. Suddenly, he said, “You win, Coach Song.”

Song Yu’s gaze remained fixed on Xu Donglai, filled with admiration. He hadn’t expected Principal Wang to say that and instinctively replied, “Huh?”

Principal Wang glanced at Song Yu and said, “What I mean is, our school won’t bother you anymore. You’re simply not destined to be connected with our school.”

As he spoke, a deep bitterness welled up inside Principal Wang. To him, this was also a kind of failure.

He had been brimming with confidence about securing Song Yu, firmly believing that Song Yu would become the head coach of their school team.

But now, he realized how naive his confidence had been.

In a professional matter, the professionals always had the upper hand.

Only then did Song Yu understand what Principal Wang meant. He could see the reluctance in Principal Wang’s eyes and smiled, saying, “It was a stroke of luck! Honestly, I didn’t expect the Class Sixteen football team to be so strong and actually win this match.”

Luck, was it?

Principal Wang didn’t believe that. Song Yu must have seen something before the match that made him so certain.

“Don’t be modest!” Principal Wang said immediately.

Song Yu didn’t dwell on this. He truly admired several players from Jingancheng No. 17 Middle School. He thought these young players were gifted, and with proper nurturing, they would surely become an asset to Chinese football in the future. The prospects were promising.

He said, “I really didn’t expect your school to have so many promising talents!”

Principal Wang’s spirits lifted. He saw a spark in Song Yu’s eyes and felt a surge of hope.

Could it be that Song Yu held great faith in these young talents from their school? Would he be willing to stay for them?

This was a turning point.

Perhaps, in the end, Coach Song would become the head coach of their school team after all.

“Coach Song, you really think highly of them?” Principal Wang asked eagerly.

Song Yu didn’t hide his admiration. “Yes, I really like these boys. They are talented, and such talent is rare even within the country. I believe that with proper cultivation, their futures are limitless.”

Principal Wang’s heart swelled with joy. He saw hope in keeping Song Yu.

“Unfortunately, our school lacks renowned teachers. I fear our current coaches might squander their talent,” Principal Wang said, his eyes locking onto Song Yu’s.

Song Yu clearly understood Wang’s implication. This man was waiting for him to respond.

But Song Yu feigned ignorance, saying, “There are still many excellent youth training coaches in the country. If you invite them here, I believe several players in this group will succeed and might even emerge in the future Chinese Super League.”

Principal Wang was at a loss for words. At this moment, Song Yu was pretending not to catch on.

He knew if he didn’t break the silence, Song Yu would never engage.

“Why look far when the best is right here?” Principal Wang said immediately. “Coach Song, you’re one of the finest youth coaches in the country. If you join us, these gifted kids won’t have their talents wasted. I firmly believe only you can unlock their potential and nurture them to success. No one else can do it better than you.”

Principal Wang praised Song Yu highly, but Song Yu’s abilities were indeed impressive.

The praise stirred something within Song Yu, though what truly moved him was not the flattery but the outstanding young players emerging from Jingancheng No. 17 Middle School.

His evaluation of these youngsters was exceptionally high, and he had great faith in their potential.

Yet, he still hesitated.

He glanced again at Xu Donglai, the goalkeeper of Class Sixteen’s team, eyes brimming with undisguised fondness and admiration. Truth be told, Xu Donglai was the main reason he was so tempted.

He saw boundless possibilities in Xu Donglai.

Moreover, Song Yu believed that Xu Donglai had the potential to become a starting goalkeeper for a top European club, provided he fully realized his talent.

Being able to nurture a first-choice keeper for a prestigious European team was a powerful allure for Song Yu, and a key reason he wanted to stay.

But he had his own reasons for declining the coaching position.

He was torn.

Principal Wang could naturally sense Song Yu’s inner conflict and immediately asked, “Coach Song, do you have some difficulties? Don’t hesitate to share them. Even if we can’t solve them, we might offer some advice. Two heads are better than one, right?”

Clearly, Principal Wang was ready to do everything possible to help Song Yu over his hurdles and keep him at Jingancheng No. 17 Middle School.

Song Yu smiled wryly. “There’s no difficulty or hardship. Please don’t guess wildly, Principal Wang.”

Sigh.

Hearing this, Principal Wang sighed deeply, his heart sinking.

He knew the matter was essentially over. Song Yu would not take over their school team. His mood darkened as he regretted the missed opportunity for their talented youngsters.

Perhaps these kids would lose their chance to pursue professional football.

It pained Principal Wang deeply.

Song Yu looked at Xu Donglai and Zhuo Jun on the field with a sense of emotion, then glanced toward Xu He on the other side. He truly admired them.

He had almost clenched his teeth and agreed, but in the end, he said, “Sorry, Principal Wang. I can’t take over your school’s team. I truly apologize.”

It was a firm refusal.

The answer was not surprising, but it left Principal Wang feeling terrible. He had been hoping for a miracle, but it seemed all his hopes were in vain.

Still, he didn’t press the matter, only responding with disappointment, “It seems these kids are just not destined for this. Their fortunes are shallow.”

Song Yu lifted his head and said, “Please don’t say that, Principal Wang. Even without me, China has many other outstanding youth coaches. I believe in your abilities to find excellent coaches for these boys.”

Principal Wang smiled bitterly. “You know I’m unfamiliar with your circle. I don’t know anyone. Where would I find those excellent youth coaches? Even if I find them, would they agree to come to Jingancheng No. 17 Middle School?”

He shook his head, doubting his own ability to recruit good coaches.

Song Yu frowned, knowing Principal Wang was telling the truth.

He also understood how difficult it was now in China to find good youth coaches. Most top youth coaches worked within professional club academies. How could they leave their clubs for an ordinary middle school?

He could feel Principal Wang’s predicament and why he had invested so much effort in this.

At once, Principal Wang said, “Enough, Coach Song. Don’t waste your thoughts on this. I will do my best to find good coaches and create the best conditions for these kids. I hope we won’t let their talents go to waste. Come with me to the banquet; it’s already prepared!”

Principal Wang didn’t want to trouble Song Yu further and quickly shifted the topic. He intended to extend proper hospitality to their honored guest.

After all, Coach Song was a rare guest they had managed to invite.

Song Yu looked at Principal Wang, feeling touched. Perhaps Principal Wang’s strong support for campus football had his own reasons, but his genuine effort and care for its development were undeniable.

To Song Yu, Principal Wang was a man of action.

Suddenly, Song Yu said, “Let’s postpone the meal. The future of these boys is the real priority.”

Hearing this, Principal Wang’s heart leapt with joy. Song Yu was softening—was he going to stay and coach Jingancheng No. 17 Middle School’s team?

He exclaimed excitedly, “Coach Song, do you mean you’re willing to stay and coach our school team? That would be wonderful!”

Song Yu smiled wryly. “Principal Wang, you misunderstand. There really is no fate between me and your school. I am moved and wish I could personally train these promising talents, but I have my reasons—I truly cannot come.”

Principal Wang saw through him and could only smile bitterly.

He had hoped for a turnaround but was left with empty joy.

Seeing the principal’s disappointment, Song Yu quickly added, “Although I can’t coach at your school, I know many people in the circle, and they are just as capable as I am. I can tell them about your school’s situation—maybe they’ll be interested. Then your school won’t be short of a head coach!”

Principal Wang’s heart brightened. Even if Song Yu didn’t come, if the coaches he recommended came, that would be a blessing.

“Thank you, Coach Song, for your help in connecting us,” Principal Wang said promptly.

Song Yu waved his hand modestly. “I’m only doing a little for campus football.”

Principal Wang gave Song Yu a thumbs-up—he was indeed a man of integrity.

Song Yu didn’t waste time and immediately recommended several capable youth coaches he knew. Though relatively young, they were all promising. Particularly, he mentioned his junior, Zheng Xiao, who had studied abroad, worked in youth teams of European top-five leagues, and was now looking to develop his career back home.

Principal Wang was thrilled. Here was another top talent educated in Europe, following almost the same path as Song Yu. He looked forward to Zheng Xiao with great anticipation and sincerely thanked Song Yu for recommending such an excellent coach.

At the banquet, Principal Wang expressed his gratitude repeatedly. Song Yu had truly done a great service for their school. If the head coach position was resolved, a huge burden would be lifted.

Principal Wang was filled with hope for the future. Though he regretted not securing Song Yu, he believed that with the right leadership, their school team could make a mark on the national stage.