Volume One: Our Own League Chapter 16: What Is Genius? This Is Genius!

What is genius? This is genius! That number 10 player on the other team is the very embodiment of genius, a dazzling talent!

To be honest, Xu He had never imagined that a middle school student could possess such skill. It was truly astonishing. Xu He murmured, “Our school is really a place where dragons and tigers lie in wait.”

Of course, Xu He was also thrilled, itching to get onto the field. He wanted to play, to personally experience the strength of their number 10, and show off his own skills in return!

On the sidelines, the manager of Class Ten’s football team, Li Liying, kept her keen eyes fixed on the opposing number 10. She whispered, “No wonder my father called him a prodigy. Yang Hao, you’re single-handedly carrying this team!”

Her gaze was full of admiration.

On the pitch, Mu Yang’s eyes were sharp as torches, locked onto the number 10. In truth, he hadn’t taken this so-called first-year football league seriously before―how skilled could students from an ordinary school possibly be? In his view, this was just children playing house, and winning the championship would be effortless.

But now, this number 10 made him reconsider. The boy’s strength was extraordinary. It seemed he had underestimated this upcoming league.

The number 10 had earned Mu Yang’s respect. He became more invested in the match. Turning to his teammates with a cool air, he said, “If you don’t want to lose, get serious.”

With that, he strode toward their own half.

His words sent a jolt through the team. They could sense the vice-captain’s displeasure with their performance, and each of them grew more focused and earnest.

Zhu Ge, his face dotted with youthful acne, added, “No more fooling around. Play seriously. Our opponents aren’t weak—it’s time to put our training to use. Play well, and let’s win this match!”

Yes, they wanted to win!

Both Zhu Ge and Mu Yang were determined to secure victory, to set the tone for the league ahead.

Hearing this, the players all nodded in understanding. Satisfied, Zhu Ge went to prepare for the next half.

Just then, Xu He stood up on the sidelines and shouted loudly onto the field, “Let’s go! Let’s go! Come on, Class Ten Football Team!”

The players on the field all waved back, acknowledging his encouragement.

At the same time, a group of girls led by Xia Xinyi began to call out in lilting voices, “Go Lin Xuefeng! You’re the best! Victory for Lin Xuefeng!”

Lin Xuefeng truly was the chosen one.

Two to zero—the first half ended. Class Six led Class Ten, an outcome few had expected before the match.

As the Class Ten players came off, Xu He rushed over, handing out towels and water he’d prepared for his teammates. “Here, drink some water and wipe off your sweat. Have a good rest. We’ll fight again in the second half!”

At that moment, Xu He was full of enthusiasm and energy. He did not wallow in self-pity over being a substitute; instead, he threw himself into supporting the team. Li Liying looked at him with new appreciation.

Even during the halftime tactical meeting, Xu He contributed actively, earnestly sharing his views. “Their number 10 is strong, but Class Six as a whole isn’t! Apart from him, none of the others are much of a threat.”

Zhu Ge glanced at Xu He and nodded slightly, then addressed his teammates. “Xu He is right—their overall strength isn’t high. They’re relying on their captain, number 10 Yang Hao. As long as we keep him under wraps, the rest of Class Six is nothing to worry about, understood?”

The players nodded in agreement. It was true: Class Six’s only real weapon was number 10. He was carrying the team on his own. If they could lock him down, there would be little to fear.

Zhu Ge instructed Li Jie, “Old Li, the left wing is yours. You’re in charge of the defense. Send a few players to double up on Yang Hao. As long as he’s shut down, they’re sure to lose.”

Li Jie nodded. “Got it!”

Xu He came over to Li Jie as well, saying, “Go get them, Old Li!”

Li Jie replied, “Don’t worry about it!”

The starting players of Class Ten took to the field once more. The second half was about to begin.

Watching their backs, Xu He was filled with envy. He longed to be out there with them, playing on the field.

When would it be his turn? Would he have a chance to play in this match?

As Xu He’s thoughts wandered, the second half began.

With renewed vigor, the Class Ten team took control, dictating the pace of the game. The relentless pressing from Class Six was to no avail; the midfield, led by Mu Yang and Zhu Ge, was dominant.

The ball came to Mu Yang’s feet. With a deft drag-back, he evaded a closing defender, then used his strength to shrug off another. Surging forward past two opponents, he drew gasps from the crowd.

Xu He was stunned—Mu Yang was truly impressive.

Mu Yang intended to keep going, but spotting Lin Xuefeng making a run down the flank, he thought, “A perfect opportunity!” Xu He, too, saw the opening and leapt up, shouting, “Far side, Lin Xuefeng! There’s a chance!”

Before anyone else reacted, Mu Yang sent the ball through with a sharp ground pass, speeding straight to the advancing Lin Xuefeng.

It was a huge gap—most hadn’t noticed it until the ball was already there.

Lin Xuefeng chased the ball down, breaking through alone.

On the sidelines, the girls squealed with excitement, shouting Lin Xuefeng’s name.

But Xu He’s eyes were fixed on Mu Yang. Now he understood why Mu Yang was also their coach.

On the other side, Yang Hao, the captain of Class Six, immediately saw the gap too, but by the time he called for a cover, it was too late—the ball was gone.

Yang Hao sighed inwardly: “Such vision. Remarkable!”

Lin Xuefeng, one-on-one with the keeper, curled his left foot around the ball, sending it past the goalie and into the net.

One to two! Class Ten pulled one back, thanks to Lin Xuefeng.

“Brilliant!” Xu He was the first to jump up, waving his arms in excitement, congratulating Lin Xuefeng as if he’d scored himself.

Of course, the girls on the sideline were even more ecstatic, screaming, “Lin Xuefeng, you’re the best! Victory for Lin Xuefeng!”

With a goal back, Class Ten’s morale soared. They pressed for another to equalize.

Class Six, meanwhile, pushed forward, eager to extend their lead.

The ball naturally found its way to number 10, Yang Hao. Taking the ball on the flank, he went directly at Class Ten’s defense.

Previously, Yang Hao had been unstoppable. But now, he felt the challenge had increased. Perhaps they hadn’t understood his style before, making it easier to break through. But now, Class Ten had adjusted their tactics, marking him with multiple defenders, making progress much harder.

Yang Hao furrowed his brow, sensing the issue, but persisted in going it alone. With several Class Ten players doubling up, some of his own teammates were left unmarked. Passing would have been a good option, yet he chose to keep dribbling, trusting in his own technique.

Even against more defenders, Yang Hao showed no fear.

He forced his way through, beating two defenders in succession, but with a thud, the ball was snatched away by Li Jie, who had closed down in time.

The ball rolled swiftly to Zhong Haokun, who passed it up to Zhu Ge.

“Nice one, Old Li! What a defense!” Xu He shouted, elated for his close friend.

Yang Hao glanced at Li Jie, then quickly turned to defend.

Class Ten launched a quick attack. Zhu Ge passed rapidly to Lin Xuefeng on the wing, who danced past his marker and sent in a cross. Zhang Zhen rose above the center-back but headed just over the bar—a close call.

Xu He applauded Zhang Zhen. If not for the opponent pulling him back, that would surely have been a goal.

Class Six counterattacked. Yang Hao again went solo, attempting to force his way through, only to be intercepted by Li Jie once more.

Xu He cheered wildly for his friend.

Yang Hao locked eyes with Li Jie, his gaze burning with fighting spirit.

Li Jie gave a faint smile. In his mind, the outcome was already decided—they would win.

Class Six’s attacking play was too predictable. With Yang Hao contained, they were finished.

Now, they were doing a great job neutralizing Yang Hao.

The match continued. Zhu Ge and Mu Yang combined in a one-two, surging forward and unleashing a fierce shot from the edge of the area, the ball flying just wide.

Three minutes later, Yang Hao’s lone effort was again read and intercepted by Li Jie, who passed the ball to Mu Yang. After a quick exchange with Lin Xuefeng, Mu Yang fired a cannon shot from outside the box, the ball slamming into the post and bouncing out, leaving the goalpost trembling in the wind.

Xu He exclaimed, “Goodness, what power!”

It was a thunderous strike—unlucky not to score.

Class Six attacked again, the ball once more with Yang Hao. Seeing this, Xu He and Mu Yang shook their heads. Yang Hao was too confident—still trying to force his way through. It was a fool’s errand.

Li Jie thought so too.

As usual, Yang Hao danced past the first two defenders, but now faced Li Jie and a covering Zhong Haokun. Getting past them seemed impossible.

Li Jie saw that by the time Yang Hao reached them, he was already running on fumes. Sensing his moment, Li Jie lunged forward to intercept. He’d done this many times before and was confident he’d win the ball.

But just as he was about to make contact, the stumbling Yang Hao darted forward, toe-poking the ball through Li Jie’s legs. Lunging, Yang Hao nearly fell, but managed to plant a hand on the ground and pushed himself forward in one swift motion.

He broke through—Yang Hao was past Li Jie and into the box, facing the keeper.

The goalkeeper, Wang Xu, was caught off-guard. Yang Hao fired, the ball whistling past Wang Xu’s face and into the net.

Three to one!

A hush fell over the crowd.

Everyone stared wide-eyed at Yang Hao.

What is genius? This is genius!

Xu He was awestruck by Yang Hao’s astonishing skill and his relentless, indomitable spirit.

He muttered, “That’s incredible. Simply amazing!”

“Xu He, what are you standing there for? Get ready to play!”

A cold voice rang out from afar, striking Xu He like a bolt of lightning.