Volume 1: Our Own League 123: Xu He Is Someone I Must Recruit

Zhuo Jun had originally thought Xu He would pass the ball sideways, since Zhang Zhen was already positioned in the center. Zhang Zhen had shaken off his defender and was in open space; if Xu He passed the ball to him, it would be a clear shot at an empty goal. Seeing this, Zhuo Jun was certain Xu He would make the cross pass.

He immediately shifted his position toward the center. But as he adjusted his stance, he realized Xu He had tricked him. Instead of passing, Xu He faked the pass and deftly dribbled past him.

Zhuo Jun muttered to himself, “Cunning!”

Xu Donglai had the same instinct as Zhuo Jun, focusing his defense on Zhang Zhen. After all, Zhang Zhen was exceptionally skilled, an undeniable threat with his precise shooting. He couldn’t afford to leave such a huge gap for Zhang Zhen to exploit, so his defensive weight was also on Zhang Zhen’s side.

But Xu He, sly as ever, faked the pass and dribbled past, deceiving him completely.

Danger.

Even more perilous was Xu He’s quick follow-up move. Without missing a beat after bypassing Zhuo Jun, he immediately swung his leg and unleashed a powerful shot.

With a sharp crack, the ball hurtled toward the near post’s lower corner, flying at an incredible speed, slicing through the air with a whistling sound.

Xu Donglai’s reaction was lightning-fast. He immediately shifted his weight back and lunged sideways to block the shot. But just as he dived, the ball zipped past him and slammed into the net behind.

The shot was just too fast!

Xu Donglai didn’t touch the ball at all this time.

Before that shot, he had no chance.

From the stands, Zheng Xiao’s eyes lit up with delight. “Did you see that? Number 17 is truly gifted. His timing for the shot was impeccable, and his instinct right in front of the goal is extraordinary. He’s a natural-born striker.”

Principal Wang glanced at Xu He twice, intrigued by this boy’s raw talent.

Noticing Wang’s doubt, Zheng Xiao quickly added, “Of course, his ball control is still rough, and his shooting technique needs work. His rhythm and movement transitions are far from polished. He still lags behind those who’ve trained formally from a young age.”

Hearing this, Principal Wang nodded in agreement. It was hard to believe a boy with no formal training could outshine those who had been rigorously coached since childhood.

“But,” Zheng Xiao continued, “his innate talent surpasses many formally trained players, especially his mental attributes—no one can match him there. I’m confident he’s a very gifted prodigy.”

Zheng Xiao genuinely believed in Xu He’s bright future.

Principal Wang looked at Xu He again, surprised that Zheng Xiao held him in such high regard.

Zheng Xiao went on, “Of course, success isn’t just about talent. True achievement requires one percent talent and ninety-nine percent effort. If this boy doesn’t work hard and cuts corners, he won’t amount to much.”

Zheng Xiao was unaware of Xu He’s usual discipline or dedication during training, so he still harbored some doubts.

Hearing this, Principal Wang smiled wryly.

Yes, success demands one percent talent and ninety-nine percent effort—at least for those blessed with talent.

Talented individuals only need to work hard to succeed. But for those lacking natural gifts, even one hundred percent effort may not be enough.

Thus, for most people, that one percent of talent often outweighs ninety-nine percent of effort.

Right now, Xu He was far ahead of many peers.

If Xu He continued to work diligently and found a good mentor, his future was truly limitless.

Principal Wang earnestly hoped Zheng Xiao would stay at Jinguan City No. 17 Middle School.

He looked at Xu He and said, “I hope this boy will work hard and not waste his talent.”

On the field, Xu He was ecstatic after scoring. He jumped up, thrilled beyond measure.

That goal was invigorating, filling him with joy.

It completely shattered Xu Donglai’s defense; Xu He had single-handedly broken through the goalkeeper’s line during open play. He had defeated Xu Donglai.

After scoring, Xu He ran straight up to Xu Donglai, pumping his fists excitedly, unable to hide his exhilaration. He even shouted out loud.

Excitement—it was overwhelming!

The players from Class Ten’s soccer team were equally thrilled. They rushed over, embracing Xu He warmly, jumping and celebrating together with unbridled joy.

This victory was theirs.

The score was now 2-0.

With little time left in the match and Class Sixteen’s team lacking any real offensive threat, the outcome was sealed.

Zhu Ge, overcome with excitement, ran up to Xu He and lightly punched his chest. “Xu He, you’re amazing! You carried the entire game today. We all owe you big time!”

Though touched, Xu He remained humble.

“Captain, you flatter me. It’s all thanks to the teammates,” he said modestly.

Despite his words, the pride on Xu He’s face was unmistakable. His joy was genuine.

Zhu Ge smiled and said, “Cut it out—you earned this win today.”

He then gave Xu He a big hug and declared, “Thanks to you, our Class Ten team has finally reclaimed our pride. We are truly the strongest team at Jinguan City No. 17 Middle School. We are the league champions!”

Zhu Ge still held a grudge over the league championship.

It wasn’t that he valued the title all that much, but he had boasted at the season’s start that Class Ten would be champions. When they failed to clinch it, he felt he lost face.

Now, having defeated Class Sixteen’s team, Zhu Ge had restored his pride.

“See? No luck involved. Class Sixteen simply can’t beat us. We’re the real champions. I wasn’t just hot air at the start of the season.”

Zhu Ge hugged Xu He tightly, his heart overflowing with happiness.

The Class Ten players were all ecstatic, leaping with joy, reluctant to even return to the center for the restart—they were eager to celebrate their victory.

Watching the jubilant Class Ten players, Zhuo Jun shook his head in disbelief.

He had anticipated losing this match.

After all, Class Ten’s strength was undeniable, posing a significant threat to them.

The league had ended, and this was merely a friendly match. His players wouldn’t be as focused or invested as they had been in the league finals.

A team that relied on defense and willpower couldn’t afford to slack off, or they’d lose.

Sure enough, the match played out as he expected.

Still, seeing the opposing players celebrate made him uneasy—a deeply uncomfortable feeling.

Their team was simply outclassed by Class Ten.

Their victory over Class Ten in the finals had some luck involved.

That wasn’t to say they lacked talent. They were strong, but their weaknesses were glaring, which cost them this match.

If they didn’t address these flaws soon, next season would be tough.

Not just defending their title—reaching the semifinals would be difficult.

Zhuo Jun approached Xu Donglai with a wry smile. “See? I told you the kid was good.”

Xu Donglai nodded slightly, eyes fixed on Xu He’s retreating figure.

He could see Xu He still had much to improve, especially in shooting technique, but the boy’s displayed talent was undeniable, just as Zhuo Jun had said.

“So, do you agree now that we should recruit him to our team?” Zhuo Jun pressed.

Xu Donglai nodded firmly. “He’s really talented and fits us well. If you can bring him over, that’d be great.”

Hearing this, Zhuo Jun sighed.

Yes, recruiting Xu He would be a tough challenge.

Look at him now, surrounded by his teammates, cherished like a treasure. Could they really poach him? Highly unlikely.

Recalling Xu He’s reactions when Zhuo Jun had approached him before, Zhuo Jun felt the chances were even slimmer—almost impossible.

“It’s so difficult to get him over here,” he admitted.

Xu Donglai nodded, his expression troubled.

“But don’t worry,” Zhuo Jun continued, “I’ll keep reaching out. I’ll do everything I can to bring him to our team. He’s the perfect fit.”

He still held hope because Xu He’s position in Class Ten wasn’t always secure. The starting lineup showed that Zhu Ge and others trusted the Zhang Zhen and Yang Xin forward pairing more. This was Zhuo Jun’s chance.

He wouldn’t give up on recruiting Xu He. Deep down, he was determined to make it happen.

Watching Xu He’s back, Zhuo Jun felt bittersweet.

Meanwhile, the other players on Class Sixteen’s team were not as downhearted. They hadn’t taken this match seriously; it was just an ordinary game. Losing didn’t mean much—they were still the league champions.

So their spirits were okay, though understandably a bit unsettled.

That was all.

Soon, the referee called both teams back onto the field to continue play. Two minutes later, the final whistle blew—the match ended with Class Ten’s team defeating the reigning league champions, Class Sixteen, two to zero.

Xu He, coming off the bench, scored twice and became the brightest star on the field.

After the match, Xu He was surrounded and celebrated by his teammates. This victory was a triumphant release of pent-up emotions and a reclaiming of their status as the strongest team at Jinguan City No. 17 Middle School.