Volume One: Our Own League Chapter 21: The First Year Football League Kicks Off

That day, Xu He didn’t stay for extra practice but hurried straight home. This left Li Jie utterly astonished.

What on earth? Why wasn’t this guy staying late to practice today? Had he changed? As he watched Xu He’s figure disappear into the distance, Li Jie’s mind swirled with questions. After a long pause, he could only shake his head with a wry smile and leave.

Xu He dashed into his house in a flash, surprising Tang Qian, who was busy cooking.

Tang Qian asked in confusion, “Why are you home so early today?”

Xu He said nothing, simply pulling a test paper from his bag and handing it to Tang Qian. She glanced at him, then took the paper. One look, and her eyes lit up with delight. In an instant, she understood why the boy had rushed home so early.

It was a math test, and the score was 105. Out of a total of 120 points, 105 wasn’t exactly outstanding, but it was certainly a solid result—especially compared to his previous 74. It was a huge improvement.

Seeing Xu He’s expectant face, Tang Qian smiled and praised him, “Well done, you did great on this test. But don’t get cocky—keep working hard. There’s still room for you to improve. Study diligently, and maybe next time you’ll get 110!”

Truly, with scores, there’s no best—only better.

Xu He, however, paid no mind to the lecture. He fixed his gaze on Tang Qian and asked, “Can I have my friend back now?”

Tang Qian was puzzled. “Huh? What friend?”

Xu He’s heart skipped a beat. Anxiously, he said, “Mom, you promised that if I scored over 100 in math, you’d return the soccer ball you confiscated.”

Ah! Suddenly it all made sense to Tang Qian. So that was the “friend” he meant.

He really was still just a child. Tang Qian smiled slightly. “Of course, I keep my word. Go ahead—it’s in the same cupboard as before.”

Xu He let out a sigh of relief, his excitement barely contained. He said gratefully, “Thank you, Mom!” Then, in a flash, he darted out to retrieve his ball.

Watching him, Tang Qian could only shake her head. If only he showed the same motivation for studying as he did for football, she’d never have to worry about his academics.

Seeing Xu He’s elation, she couldn’t help but call out, “Don’t let the ball distract you from your studies! If your grades drop on the next test, I’ll have to confiscate it again, you know!”

With the ball in hand, Xu He replied, “I know! I won’t let my best friend leave me again!”

He gazed at the soccer ball, his eyes shining with excitement. “My friend, you’re finally back with me. This time, I’ll never let you go!”

Watching Xu He’s earnest expression, Tang Qian shook her head again, sighing inwardly—he really hadn’t grown up at all.

Having his “best friend” back meant the world to Xu He. That night, he even slept hugging his soccer ball. Yet, he found it hard to fall asleep.

Because tomorrow afternoon, the long-awaited soccer league they’d founded themselves would finally begin. Just thinking about it sent a thrill through him—his blood raced, his mind was clear as ever, and sleep was nowhere to be found.

He pictured himself sprinting across the field in a crisp white Huaxia men’s soccer kit, imagining how he might play. Would he score a goal?

That night, Xu He was so excited he could hardly think straight. He wished the night would pass in an instant, and that morning would come quickly. But no matter how he tried, he couldn’t sleep. He tossed and turned until late at night, and only when his body was utterly exhausted did he finally drift off.

When he woke up the next day, Xu He had no idea what time he’d fallen asleep. All he knew was that his head was heavy and he felt a bit groggy. Even so, he was full of anticipation for the day. He rushed off to school, eager for the afternoon to arrive, barely able to wait for the start of the soccer league that belonged to them, the first-year students.

As soon as he stepped into the classroom, Xu He noticed Li Jie’s dark circles.

Xu He laughed, “Old Li, couldn’t sleep last night either?”

Li Jie replied, “Yeah, thinking about the league starting today, I was so excited I just couldn’t sleep, no matter what I did.”

Xu He nodded in agreement, feeling exactly the same.

Li Jie said, “But actually, our team doesn’t play today. I don’t know why I’m so worked up, but I just couldn’t settle down.”

Xu He replied, “After all, we built this league together. Now, as it’s about to become reality, how can we not be excited?”

Li Jie agreed, nodding slightly.

Both were brimming with anticipation for the afternoon’s matches, itching to head to the field and witness the birth of their very own soccer league. Just thinking about it, the hours seemed to crawl.

While they were suffering through the interminable day, their homeroom teacher, Ye Ziqing, walked in. But neither Xu He nor Li Jie looked at her—they both stared at the tall figure behind her.

They exchanged glances, surprise clear in their eyes.

Ye Ziqing addressed the class, “Everyone, please quiet down. I have an announcement.”

The students of Class Eleven fell silent, all eyes turning to the podium—and, curiously, to the tall figure beside their teacher.

“Today, our class is welcoming a new student.”

Her words sparked both surprise and curiosity. All eyes fell upon the tall newcomer—was this their new classmate? A transfer student?

Ye Ziqing ignored the chatter and addressed the tall boy, “Introduce yourself.”

Without a trace of shyness, the tall newcomer stepped forward and spoke, “Hello, everyone. My name is Yang Xin. I’m a sixteen-year-old boy, 192 centimeters tall. I love playing soccer, reading comics, and listening to music—especially rock. I’m happy to meet you all, and I hope we have a great three years together.”

Indeed, the tall boy was none other than their new teammate, Yang Xin.

Yesterday, when Yang Xin said he was joining Class Eleven, Xu He and Li Jie still had some doubts—but now, there was no reason to question it.

Yet Xu He was still taken aback. So this guy was sixteen—no wonder he was so tall.

Wait a minute. Sixteen? Shouldn’t he be in high school by now? Why was he only just starting first year?

Xu He couldn’t figure it out. But since neither Yang Xin nor Ye Ziqing explained, he was left without answers. The question lingered in his mind, leaving him a little dazed all day.

Fortunately, he managed to stay focused during class, so no time was wasted. With that on his mind, the school day seemed to pass quickly, and in the blink of an eye, afternoon arrived.

Xu He and Li Jie were bursting with excitement—the league was finally about to begin.

After the second period in the afternoon, they headed straight to the sports field, joining their Class Ten soccer teammates. Together, they were ready to welcome the arrival of the league created by and for the first-year students, and to watch the day’s matches together.

Mu Yang, as always, stood cool and silent, saying nothing.

Zhu Ge declared, “Today, our soccer league officially kicks off. This is a momentous day. I hope no one misses it—this is incredibly important for us.”

Xu He and the others nodded in agreement.

Zhu Ge continued, his voice full of emotion, “Right now, I’m really excited—truly thrilled. We’ve achieved something remarkable. I’m proud of us. But most of all, we should thank Li Liying. If not for her, this league wouldn’t exist.”

Everyone turned to Li Liying, their eyes filled with gratitude.

Xu He looked at her with admiration—he was genuinely impressed by this capable girl.

He gave her a thumbs-up.

With a sweet smile, Li Liying replied, “Thank you all for your recognition, but this isn’t just my achievement. We built this league together—the ones you should thank are yourselves.”

Everyone insisted she was just being modest and thanked her profusely.

Li Liying went on, “Our league is about to officially begin. It marks the birth of something we’ve worked so hard to create. I’m so excited, so thrilled. I hope you’ll all cherish and care for this league and help it grow strong and healthy. Thank you, thank you all!”

Applause rang out—Xu He clapped until his hands were red.

Li Liying truly was amazing; he was becoming her little fan.

She said, “All right, let’s head to the stands—the opening match of our first-year soccer league is about to begin. Let’s witness this historic moment together.”

Zhu Ge nodded. “Right!”

He waved, signaling the team to head for the stands to bear witness to the birth of their league.

Of course, it wasn’t just them—players from other classes also filled the stands, all full of hope and excitement, awaiting the league’s debut.

Normally, such a momentous occasion would be marked by a grand ceremony. But their league had nothing fancy—not even a pledge or speech. The only “ceremony” was the two teams lining up before the first match.

It was that simple.

Yet, for everyone present, the moment felt sacred. Their hearts were pounding with excitement.

The opening match was A1 versus A2—Class Sixteen against Class Six.

As the players, led by the referee, walked onto the field, one team wore the deep red of the Portugal national team, the other donned the blue of Italy.

The teams lined up and shook hands. And with that, the first-year soccer league—created by and for the students of Jinguancheng No. 17 Middle School—was officially underway.

Xu He and the others were beside themselves with excitement. Some even shed silent tears.