Volume One: Our Own League Chapter 127: Mu Yang Will Not Participate in the School Team Trials

Although Xu He had never heard the name Zheng Xiao before, the fact that he was a junior fellow student of Coach Song Yu and served as a youth team head coach in European football was proof enough of his caliber. Naturally, Xu He felt a sense of anticipation regarding this individual.

Xu He and Li Liying arrived at the gathering spot of the Class 10 football team and greeted the players. Before they had even arrived, the group was already chatting animatedly. Upon seeing them, Zhu Ge immediately approached Li Liying and asked eagerly, "Manager Li, you're here?"

Li Liying gave a slight nod in acknowledgement. She asked, "How is the discussion going? Is everyone planning to participate in the school team tryouts?"

Zhu Ge nodded slightly and replied, "Those present have all expressed their intent to participate. After all, everyone is eager to play in the national tournament, and with an opportunity like this, no one is going to turn it down." He then turned to Xu He and asked, "You and Li Jie will be participating too, right?"

"Yes, we've both already registered," Xu He confirmed.

Zhu Ge clapped a hand on Xu He’s shoulder. "Good brother! Once we make the team, we’ll work hard together and lead the squad to the national tournament." It was clear that Zhu Ge had high hopes for the national stage. Xu He nodded in agreement.

"Hey, where is Li Jie?" Zhu Ge asked.

"Old Li is still in the classroom finishing his registration; he’ll be down in a moment," Xu He replied.

Meanwhile, players from other teams were not training either; they were huddled together in heated discussion, clearly talking about the upcoming tryouts. The enthusiasm was palpable, and everyone seemed full of anticipation.

Zhu Ge turned to Li Liying again. "Li Liying, do you know who our school team head coach will be? And what format will the tryouts take?" Although Zhu Ge was confident in his abilities and believed he would make the cut, knowing the format would put his mind at ease. Lin Xuefeng, Zhong Haokun, and the others looked toward Li Liying, clearly just as concerned.

"I’m not entirely sure about the specifics, as I’m not the principal’s secretary," Li Liying admitted, leaving the group slightly disappointed.

However, she continued, "I have gathered some information. Recently, Coach Song Yu recommended Coach Zheng Xiao to Principal Wang, and the principal has been in contact with him. Just yesterday, Coach Zheng was on the pitch with the principal, watching our match against the Class 16 team."

Zhu Ge and the others recalled seeing a middle-aged man standing next to Principal Wang the day before; it turned out that was the coach Song Yu had recommended. The Class 10 players felt relieved. If it was indeed him, he had already seen them play and would have an understanding of their strengths, giving them a head start over other competitors.

"If it’s really him, that’s great news!" Zhu Ge said, ever the optimist. "Doesn't that mean many of our players have a good chance of being selected?"

Li Liying added, "I believe Principal Wang has reached an agreement with Coach Zheng. The student council mentioned today that the school has successfully hired a head coach, and since the principal has only been in contact with Coach Zheng, it must be him."

Everyone felt even more confident. Zhu Ge pressed on, "Do you know anything about the selection process? What kind of format will they use?" Lin Xuefeng and the others chimed in, eager for any inside information that might help them prepare. They stared at Li Liying with hopeful, gleaming eyes. Xu He was also listening intently.

Just then, Li Jie and Yang Xin ran over. "Sorry we're late, everyone, our apologies!"

The group waved it off, telling them not to worry. "It’s nothing major," Zhu Ge said. "We aren't training today; we're just discussing the tryouts."

Li Jie’s guilt subsided. "What is everyone talking about? Is everyone deciding to join the tryouts?"

"Yes, basically our whole team is going to participate," Zhu Ge said, then turned to Yang Xin. "Old Yang, you're joining too, right?"

Yang Xin gave a humble smile. "Yes, I’ve signed up!"

"Then you two need to listen up," Zhu Ge said. "We’re asking Li Liying for any inside scoop on the selection format so we can coordinate and increase our chances of making the team." While Zhu Ge didn't personally need the intel given his skill, he was doing this to help his less-talented teammates. If he could help them get selected, his prestige within the team would grow, fostering unity and making it easier to win the league championship next season.

Yang Xin and Li Jie listened with interest. Li Liying glared at Zhu Ge, annoyed that he was using her to curry favor—especially since she had no such inside information. Seeing their expectant faces, she sighed, "Don't let Zhu Ge fool you. I don't have any secret information. The tryout process is likely confidential."

The group realized she wasn't lying and felt a bit deflated, though they understood her position. Zhu Ge awkwardly rubbed his nose. "No insider info is fine, don't be discouraged. Our Class 10 team is the strongest in Jinguancheng No. 17 High School. I believe we can all make it. Besides, Coach Zheng already watched us play yesterday, so he’ll have a deep impression of us. I'm sure he’ll choose us."

Zhu Ge’s words restored their confidence. He then discussed with Xu He and the others that even without knowing the specific format, it would likely resemble the recruitment tests used by football academies. They decided to look into those, with Zhu Ge volunteering to ask Mu Yang, who would likely know.

Only then did they realize Mu Yang was missing from the field. A sudden unease settled over the group. Was Mu Yang not participating? Did he have no interest in the school team? If Mu Yang wasn't interested, would he even care about the league next season? If so, the team's strength would be severely compromised.

"I think Mu Yang must have something going on at home," Zhu Ge said, trying to reassure them. "I’ll ask him and let you all know tomorrow about the typical football academy test content."

As they walked home, Xu He frowned. "Do you think Mu Yang really won't participate? He hasn't trained with us since the season ended. Has he... given up on football?"

Li Liying looked troubled. "I’m not sure. I haven't seen him in a while, so I don't know his thoughts."

Xu He’s brow furrowed further. Mu Yang’s talent was immense; his absence would be a massive loss for both the Class 10 team and the school team. "To be honest, I really hope he participates. He belongs on the pitch!"

Li Liying looked at him and nodded. "I agree." She could see the genuine respect Xu He had for Mu Yang—a classic case of heroes appreciating heroes. They both knew that if Mu Yang didn't join the school team, it would be a true loss for Jinguancheng No. 17 High School.