Volume One: Our Own League Chapter 057: Will Xu He Return to the Starting Lineup?

The Group A matches of the Junior One Football League at Jinguancheng No. 17 Middle School had now come to a close, and it could be said the ending was perfect.

Ranked first was Class Sixteen’s football team, undefeated with two wins and one draw, accumulating seven points. Second place belonged to Class Six, who had one win, one draw, and one loss, earning five points. These two teams advanced to the semifinals, taking another step toward the championship.

Class Fourteen’s football team ranked third, with three draws in three matches—still unbeaten, but only three points. At the bottom were the joint football team of Class One and Seven, with one draw and two losses, totaling one point.

In Xu He’s opinion, it was a pity both eliminated teams had to go.

Class Fourteen’s football team needed no further explanation; at one point, they held their fate in their own hands, and had nearly stepped into the semifinals. Yet, burdened by their own heavy thoughts, they were dragged down, ultimately conceding a late equalizer and handing the chance to advance to Class Six.

As for the joint team of Class One and Seven, they possessed some strength, especially their two fullbacks, whose attacking abilities were impressive. But the other players were simply too mediocre. They created many opportunities, but unfortunately failed to seize them.

If the joint team had someone like Zhang Zhen, Yang Xin, or Xu He, the outcome would have been entirely different. They could have even challenged Class Sixteen toe-to-toe.

They certainly made a lasting impression.

Xu He remembered clearly their goalkeeper, Wang He, with his duckbill cap, purple scarf wrapped around his arm, loudly shouting and making flamboyant, exaggerated saves. When facing one-on-ones or organizing defense, he roared like a lion, reminiscent of the legendary Lion King Kahn.

There were also the twin brothers, both wearing headbands and scarves, skilled and fond of showing off—their talents left a deep impression.

Their sudden elimination left Xu He feeling the fun had lessened.

Zhu Ge immediately stood up and said, “Alright, the match is over. Everyone, go prepare well for Friday’s game.”

Although their Class Ten football team had all but secured advancement, Zhu Ge still attached great importance to Friday’s final round.

He said, “Even though we’ve already qualified, we still have to give our all in the last match. It’s a matter of respect for all our opponents.”

Xu He quickly replied, “Got it.”

The other teammates nodded, indicating their understanding.

Just then, a flock of lively girls began shouting Lin Xuefeng’s name loudly, drawing everyone’s gaze to him, and Lin Xuefeng’s face flushed bright red.

Lin Xuefeng was far too shy.

Seeing his embarrassment, the girls became even more excited, screaming and continuing to call his name. Unable to stay any longer, Lin Xuefeng muttered, “Brothers, the wind’s too strong—I’m out!” and swiftly turned to leave.

Of course, Mu Yang left as well.

Mu Yang remained as cool and solitary as ever.

Seeing him leave, Zhu Ge had instinctively raised his hand to stop him, but after a moment’s thought, he awkwardly lowered it, mumbling, “Forget it.”

He knew he couldn’t keep Mu Yang.

Zhu Ge turned to the others, saying, “Let’s go? Who wants to play PES with me today?”

It was clear Zhu Ge was a diehard PES fan; after almost every training session, he’d invite people to play.

Xu He wanted to join, but had more urgent matters—extra practice. He hadn’t played PES for ages, needing to train instead.

Xu He shook his head, “Not me!”

Zhu Ge glanced at him, smiling wryly, “I never counted on you, you training fanatic. Go focus on your practice. Li Jie, you’re not coming either, right?”

Li Jie looked at Xu He, “I’d love to, but I have to accompany him for extra training.”

Zhu Ge wore a knowing expression. “Alright, train hard. I hope you’ll grow quickly and help us win the league championship this season.”

Zhu Ge never hid his hunger for the trophy.

Xu He clenched his fists, “I’ll do my best.”

Zhu Ge nodded at him, then turned to speak with the others. “Yang Xin, how about it? Up for PES?”

Yang Xin waved his hand, “Sorry, captain. Can’t make it today—I’ve scheduled a CrossFire team match with friends.”

Zhu Ge nodded, “Alright.”

He tried to rally others, but they all shook their heads, saying they had tutoring, enrichment classes, or interests to pursue, needing to return for extra lessons.

Zhu Ge felt disappointed—would he end up alone again?

Suddenly, Zhang Zhen said, “Alright, I’ll play with you for a bit.”

Zhu Ge looked up, “Your old man won’t mind?”

Zhang Zhen smiled, “Can’t be tense all the time—got to have a day or two for rest.”

Zhu Ge slapped his shoulder, thrilled, “Good brother!”

The two left arm-in-arm, with Zhu Ge turning back to remind the remaining teammates, “Don’t be late for tomorrow’s training!”

Then they ran off to the PES arcade.

With Zhu Ge gone, the others said their goodbyes and headed home.

Xu He and Li Jie stayed behind for extra practice, specifically for Xu He to work on his shooting.

Recently, Xu He had found a sense for shooting, making significant progress in training. He hoped to seize this feeling, train hard, and quickly improve his technique.

Li Jie stood in goal, playing the goalkeeper.

He called out, “Come on, Xu—let me see your progress.”

Xu He nodded firmly, hands on his hips, eyes fixed on the goal, then on the ball at his feet. Taking a deep breath, he silently recalled the shooting essentials, then suddenly burst forward like a rabbit, charging at the ball.

Li Jie’s pupils contracted; he sensed his friend’s aura had grown much stronger.

Had his shooting really improved so much? Was he so confident?

Li Jie focused, eyes locked on the ball.

Xu He’s left foot planted firmly in the turf, aligned with the ball’s center of gravity, then his right leg swung back, and with a shout, he whipped it forward like a lash, striking the ball fiercely.

With a thud, the ball soared away.

Xu He felt his instep was taut and straight, with no deformation after contact. As soon as the ball flew, he felt confident.

Li Jie’s eyes widened in shock.

He stared at the ball speeding toward the goal—it was frighteningly fast.

Top right corner.

Li Jie judged the trajectory, but before he could react, the ball had already entered the net.

Indeed, Li Jie wasn’t a professional goalkeeper.

In fact, Li Jie could barely be called an amateur in goal.

If Wang He had been in goal, he’d have exaggeratedly dived to make a save.

Watching the ball go in, Li Jie was stunned for a long moment, then finally burst into applause for Xu He, saying, “Xu, you’re amazing! Your shooting’s improved so fast—impressive!”

It was a fine shot, but not particularly extraordinary.

Xu He didn’t let his friend’s praise go to his head; he knew there were still flaws. But he also acknowledged his progress—reward for his hard work.

Xu He said, “Don’t flatter me. I still have a long way to go.”

Besides, his shooting was as unpredictable as Duan Yu’s Six Meridian Sword—sometimes on target, sometimes not. He needed more training; the repetitions weren’t enough yet, not enough for a qualitative leap.

Xu He said, “I need to keep working hard.”

Li Jie gave a thumbs-up, genuinely admiring him.

By the sidelines, Lu Yiming watched everything, and said to the person beside him—who looked somewhat like him, “See? Even the outstanding ones keep working hard. What reason do I have not to?”

With that, he carried the ball toward the opposite goal, continuing his own practice.

The lookalike paused, glanced at Xu He, then nodded with determination and ran after Lu Yiming to train together.

Xu He had noticed Lu Yiming too.

They often stayed for extra practice at the same time, so Xu He knew this guy worked even harder than he did. Seeing him train with such intensity, Xu He felt, “Seems I’m not working hard enough. Xu He, you must give it your all!”

He turned and shouted to Li Jie, “Come on, Li, let’s keep going!”

Li Jie was a bit bewildered by Xu He’s sudden burst of energy—what had gotten into him? Was he motivated by something?

Did he have big plans for Friday’s match? Was he hoping to start?

Li Jie thought about it.

Honestly, it wasn’t impossible for Xu He to start Friday’s game, since Class Ten had already qualified and the last match wasn’t especially crucial. Perhaps captain Zhu Ge would give opportunities to those who rarely played, and someone like Xu He could earn a starting spot.

“Is that why Xu He’s suddenly so fired up?” Li Jie wondered.

Whatever the reason, he cheered for his friend in his heart. He hoped Xu He would appear on the pitch—he loved playing alongside him. Maybe Friday would be the day.

Li Jie responded, “Alright, let’s go! Keep it up!”

Xu He nodded and resumed his shooting practice. Although his shots varied from precise to wildly off-target, he was extremely diligent, always discovering and solving problems, improving with every attempt.

Xu He truly worked hard.

This in turn inspired Lu Yiming, who became even more focused and enthusiastic.

Their silhouettes on the training field persisted until dusk, when they finally dispersed.

As Xu He left, he saw Lu Yiming and his companion still training on the pitch. He couldn’t help but feel deep admiration.