Volume One: Our Own League 150: Undermining at Every Turn

The score stood at four to two as the first half came to an end.

The most striking figure during this half was, without a doubt, Xu He.

Xu He had scored a hat-trick, showcasing his greatest strengths to the fullest. Many couldn’t help but fix their gaze on him, convinced that he would surely be selected for the school team. Their eyes gleamed with envy whenever they looked at him.

Naturally, the next best performer was Zhuo Jun.

Zhuo Jun had been outstanding in defense, especially in his duel with the number 39 forward from the United Team. Everyone noticed that the United Team’s number 39 was extremely formidable—physically strong and towering in height, completely overshadowing Zhuo Jun. Yet, Zhuo Jun stood firm against this fierce onslaught, preventing the forward from scoring against him.

Zhuo Jun’s performance was impressive, and everyone believed he too would be chosen for the school team.

However, when Zhuo Jun left the field, his expression was far from pleased.

When Xu He approached him, he immediately sensed something was amiss. “Zhuo Jun, what’s wrong?” he asked.

But Zhuo Jun seemed not to hear him and ignored the question. Xu He repeated himself, and only then did Zhuo Jun snap out of it. He looked up at Xu He with a forced smile and said, “It’s nothing. Congratulations, Xu He. You’ll definitely make the school team!”

Though Zhuo Jun smiled, the expression was stiff and unsettling.

Xu He furrowed his brow slightly, puzzled by Zhuo Jun’s strange demeanor.

“You played really well today,” Xu He said. “Congratulations on making the school team too.”

Yes, it might sound a bit cocky, but Xu He truly believed he’d be selected. If he couldn’t make it with such a performance, then there was something seriously wrong with the selection process. And in his view, Zhuo Jun’s inclusion was also a certainty.

Why, then, was Zhuo Jun unhappy?

Could it be because of the United Team’s number 39 forward?

At the mere thought of that player, Xu He was momentarily stunned. To be honest, this number 39 really was a powerhouse. If the match had lasted longer, he might have scored.

Xu He’s eyes lit up. Could that be the reason?

He looked at Zhuo Jun again and asked, “Zhuo Jun, is it because of number 39?”

Zhuo Jun turned to Xu He with a sigh. “I always thought I was strong, really strong. Not many people in our school can break through my defense to score. But today, that number 39 forward... he put tremendous pressure on me and made me realize how much I still need to improve. I’ve been so narrow-minded and arrogant...”

So it was indeed because of him.

Xu He glanced at the United Team’s number 39. You couldn’t deny it—the guy’s physique was exceptional, almost like Adriano’s. But his playing style was quite different; this number 39 was a true aerial threat, with a deadly header.

At least that was what he showcased in the first half. Other skills were yet to be seen.

“Yes, number 39 is impressive,” Xu He said. “But you’re no less formidable. Do you know how we all rate you?”

Zhuo Jun looked at him curiously. “How do you rate me?”

Xu He’s eyes gleamed as he said firmly, “Your skills are outstanding. We all consider you the top central defender of Jinguan City No. 17 Middle School.”

Hearing this, Zhuo Jun’s eyes sparkled with pride.

Yet he didn’t boast. “I still have a long way to go. Today made me clearly understand my shortcomings. That’s good—I can work hard to overcome them. I’m not Jinguan City No. 17’s number one central defender yet, but I believe that with effort, I will be.”

Seeing Zhuo Jun’s fiery determination, Xu He smiled faintly. This was the Zhuo Jun he knew.

Suddenly, Zhuo Jun looked up at Xu He. “So you all really think I’m No. 1 at Jinguan City No. 17?”

Xu He nodded slightly. “Yes.”

Zhuo Jun’s face lit up. “Have you ever thought about becoming teammates with the top central defender of Jinguan City No. 17 and fighting together in the league? If you, the top forward of Jinguan City No. 17, join us, defending the championship next season would be so much easier.”

Xu He gave a wry smile. He hadn’t expected Zhuo Jun to be trying to poach him at this moment.

Clearly, Zhuo Jun’s mood had lifted considerably.

Xu He rubbed his nose awkwardly. “Well, um...”

Zhuo Jun caught the discomfort and quickly said, “Alright, alright! Just joking. I won’t force you to answer now. Think it over—I’ll be waiting for your reply.”

Xu He was speechless. He had thought Zhuo Jun’s joke meant he’d given up, but the guy was still trying.

The two walked off the field together toward the sidelines.

From the stands, Zhu Ge watched everything with a displeased look.

Clearly, he thought Xu He was getting too close to Zhuo Jun. Zhuo Jun’s intentions were obvious to all, and now he was laughing and chatting with Xu He as they walked—Zhu Ge couldn’t help but feel uneasy.

He stared hard at Zhuo Jun, seething with resentment. The nerve of Zhuo Jun trying to poach his star player!

At the same time, Zhu Ge felt uneasy. Xu He and Zhuo Jun seemed close, and he wasn’t sure if Xu He had already agreed to leave Class Ten’s soccer team to join Class Sixteen’s.

Zhu Ge was well aware of Xu He’s situation in Class Ten’s team: he had to compete with Zhang Zhen and Yang Xin for a starting spot. Compared to Class Sixteen’s team, where the starting position was more attractive, class ten’s was far less so.

He was genuinely worried Xu He might leave.

Moreover, there had been some friction between them last season...

At the thought of this, Zhu Ge felt increasingly distant from Xu He.

He was anxious but couldn’t enter the field to talk to Xu He now. He’d have to wait until after the school team tryouts to speak with him.

Meanwhile, Xu He and the others reached the sidelines.

Li Jie immediately came up and punched Xu He lightly in the chest, eyes shining with excitement. “Awesome, Old Xu! You’re the brightest star on this field today. Didn’t you hear Coach Xu Dongsheng’s praise? He really thinks highly of you. You’ve definitely made the school team—congratulations!”

Xu He smiled faintly at Li Jie. “It’s easy for you too. Your skills are so strong, Coach Xu Dongsheng won’t pass you up. Just play well next; show them what you’ve got!”

Indeed, the second half would see Li Jie and his teammates take the field.

This was the last half of today’s test match.

Hearing Xu He’s praise, Li Jie smiled confidently. “Don’t worry, I’ll give it my all to make the school team and fight alongside you.”

Xu He nodded slightly, then instinctively warned, “Old Li, watch out for that number 39 forward. He’s tough to handle.”

Li Jie nodded, having already observed number 39’s performance from the sidelines. This guy played with raw physical talent—tall, sturdy, good jumping ability, and impressive heading skills. A perfect aerial threat.

They were at a height disadvantage, so defending against him would be challenging.

“We’ll do our best,” Li Jie assured.

Xu He nodded, trusting his good friend.

At that moment, Lin Xuefeng approached and embraced Xu He. “Congratulations, Xu He. You’re officially on the school team now.”

Xu He smiled lightly. “Not quite yet.”

Lin Xuefeng rolled his eyes. “Cut the modesty. If you don’t make it, none of us will. You played amazingly today. Didn’t you hear Coach Xu Dongsheng’s praise? You’re already part of the school team.”

His eyes shone with envy.

Xu He quickly said, “Thanks to Coach Xu Dongsheng for the vote of confidence. But congratulations to you too—it’s a sure thing you’ll get in. I believe your performance in the second half will be just as good. You’re really strong.”

This wasn’t flattery; Xu He truly believed in Lin Xuefeng’s abilities. Though slightly behind him, Xu He considered himself the strongest in Jinguan City No. 17 Middle School. Lin Xuefeng’s entry was also guaranteed due to his skill and distinctive style.

Besides, the United Team’s number 39 forward especially needed someone like Lin Xuefeng to maximize his strengths.

Lin Xuefeng replied, “Thanks for the encouragement. I’ll try my best in the game to secure my spot.”

Xu He still found Lin Xuefeng too modest. Did his little fans know he was so humble?

Lin Xuefeng’s admirers regarded him as the number one footballer at Jinguan City No. 17 Middle School and wouldn’t tolerate anyone surpassing him.

Xu He’s school team tryout was over, and he felt relieved. He believed he’d be selected. Now, all that remained was to wait for the second half to conclude to reveal the final results.

The second half would see players from class 1B like Lin Xuefeng, Li Jie, Zhao Bin, Wang Jun, Tang Jike, Jin Yubin, Deng Ning, and Jiang Hao take the field—none of them to be underestimated.

Xu He was keenly interested in this half, especially since his good friend Li Jie was playing. Although he thought Li Jie’s selection was a given, he still felt nervous and hoped for his strong performance.

Xu He and Zhuo Jun sat by the sideline. Noticing Xu He’s concern, Zhuo Jun reassured him, “Don’t worry. Li Jie is very strong. Making the school team should be easy for him. You don’t need to stress.”

Xu He nodded gratefully.

Suddenly, Zhuo Jun said, “I really believe in Li Jie. If you join our Class Sixteen soccer team, I’m sure Li Jie will come too. Don’t you think?”

Xu He was stunned, mouth agape. He hadn’t expected Zhuo Jun to be trying to poach him right now!