Volume One: Our Own League Chapter 66: I Will Definitely Become Even Stronger in the Future

Five to one—Class Ten’s football team triumphed over Class Nine. Yet before the victorious players of Class Ten could even begin to celebrate, the players from the joint team of Class Five and Eight on the sidelines erupted into cheers first. For them, it truly felt like a narrow escape, a dramatic last-minute breakthrough—they had snatched a spot in the semifinals in the most thrilling of fashions.

Such joy was truly beyond words.

Of course, the players on the field from Class Ten were also elated. With this victory, they defended their honor as the strongest team in the first-year football league, their strength proven before all.

Li Jie, unable to contain his excitement, rushed over to Xu He and gave him a huge hug. “Old Xu, you’re amazing! It’s like you’ve evolved! That shooting technique today—just two words: truly impressive!”

He gave Xu He a thumbs-up.

Lin Xuefeng came over as well, smiling and nodding. “Li Jie’s right, Xu He, you were really outstanding today.”

Xu He had scored straight away after coming on, helping the team equalize; in the end, he’d even pulled off a hat trick. None of them had expected this—everyone was delighted.

Was this really the same Xu He who used to send every shot skyward?

He’d even earned the nickname “The Satellite Launcher,” but after today, perhaps that moniker would finally be retired.

Xu He was formidable today.

Zhang Zhen approached as well, nodded at Xu He, and said, “Well done.”

Zhu Ge, not to be outdone, came over to high-five Xu He, then pulled him into a hug. “Not bad, kid. You were like the top scorer of the entire league today! Maybe you’re going to be a real star in the future, hahah!”

Even the cool-headed Mu Yang came over. Though he said nothing, he gave Xu He a look of genuine approval.

Xu He was overwhelmed, his face even turning a little red.

Wasn’t this praise a bit much?

He quickly waved his hands. “I know I’m good, and I know I played well today. But… are you all trying to set me up for a fall?”

Sure enough, this bunch had ulterior motives.

There are always schemers trying to bring down the emperor.

The imperialists’ plot to destroy me never dies!

Li Jie rolled his eyes at Xu He. This guy’s inner drama was too much.

“What nonsense are you thinking up now?”

Zhu Ge and the others could only shake their heads. Set you up for a fall? Xu He’s imagination really was something else.

Zhu Ge immediately said, “Alright, enough joking. Our victory today was thanks to everyone working together. To thank you all, and to celebrate, no one’s allowed to leave—I’m treating everyone today!”

Wang Xu, who had just taken off his gloves, came up to Zhu Ge, his face alight with surprise. “Treating us? To Handsome Hometown Restaurant? Captain, you’re the best!”

Everyone turned in unison, staring at Wang Xu in disbelief.

Handsome Hometown Restaurant?

He dared to even suggest it!

That restaurant was famous near their school. The owner, rumor had it, came from the same hometown as Marshal Chen, one of the founding marshals of the nation. The dishes were all special hometown specialties, unique in flavor, especially the grilled meats—said to be unrivaled anywhere else.

It was said the restaurant had been open for over thirty years, with several branches in Jinguancheng. It was always packed, often impossible to get a reservation.

Naturally, it was expensive too.

Though these middle schoolers had saved up some pocket money, it was still beyond their means. Even if they could afford it, no one could host a meal for twenty people at once.

Wasn’t Wang Xu just trying to get Zhu Ge into trouble?

Zhu Ge shot Wang Xu a fierce glare. “Handsome Hometown Restaurant? You little glutton! Why not just suggest the Dragon Court Hotel?”

Obviously, Dragon Court Hotel was even fancier than Handsome Hometown Restaurant.

Wang Xu just grinned. “Dragon Court Hotel would be even better!”

Zhu Ge couldn’t help but laugh, pushing Wang Xu aside. “Go on, get out of here, always daydreaming!”

Wang Xu retreated, still grinning. “Can’t I even dream about it?”

Zhu Ge laughed. “Well, dream all you like—maybe you’ll get to eat there tonight in your dreams.”

Wang Xu replied, “No need, I already ate at Dragon Court Hotel in my dreams last night.”

Laughter broke out. Xu He and the others couldn’t help themselves—Wang Xu really was a comedian.

Even Zhu Ge couldn’t stifle another laugh. He truly didn’t know how to describe Wang Xu any more—he certainly lived up to his reputation as the group’s foodie.

Zhu Ge sobered up. “Alright, enough joking. The little barbecue place next to the school, I’ll cover everyone today. No one’s allowed to leave!”

As he finished, Zhu Ge glanced nervously at Mu Yang.

Every time he hosted, Mu Yang never gave him any face, and he was worried he’d refuse again.

Everyone else looked at Mu Yang too.

Under so many gazes, Mu Yang’s face remained stone-cold and unaffected. As though nothing touched him, he said coolly, “I have something to do.”

Zhu Ge closed his eyes in resignation—it was just as he’d thought.

Mu Yang was as cold and direct as ever, refusing him without a trace of hesitation.

But Zhu Ge wasn’t upset; he knew that was just Mu Yang’s nature.

Still, he couldn’t help feeling a little disappointed.

He said, “Alright, you head off. Next time it’s on me.”

Mu Yang nodded slightly, gave the group another nod, slung his bag over his shoulder, and left without hesitation.

As they watched him go, the mood on the field seemed to sink.

Zhu Ge clapped his hands. “What’s the matter? This is a day to celebrate! Come on, let’s go!”

Seeing that some still didn’t move, he asked, “Don’t tell me you all have plans too?”

Truthfully, Xu He wanted to hang out with his teammates, but he really did have something to do.

Seeing the others still hesitant, Xu He stepped forward. “Captain, I really do have something at home. You know that.”

It was true—Zhu Ge had noticed that Xu He and Mu Yang were similar in this way, always declining when he offered to treat them.

Zhu Ge nodded, as if he’d expected this. “I knew you were waiting to hide behind Mu Yang again. You’re too sly, always letting him be your shield.”

Xu He just grinned, saying nothing.

Zhu Ge said, “I’d planned to celebrate you today—you played really well. But you’re just not fated for it. Too bad you have plans.”

Xu He quickly replied, “Next time, next time.”

Zhu Ge retorted, “In your dreams. Miss it now and you’ll never get another chance.”

Xu He sighed. “That’s a real shame.”

Zhu Ge rolled his eyes. Xu He talked about regret but didn’t look the slightest bit sorry.

Zhu Ge waved his hands. “Let’s go, let’s go—hurry up!”

Xu He waved goodbye to Zhu Ge, Lin Xuefeng, Zhang Zhen, Zhong Haokun, and the others, and left with Li Jie.

Just as they stepped out the school gate, Xu He ran into Li Liying.

Wearing her school uniform as always, Li Liying looked sharp and spirited, her aura unique—a feeling Xu He never quite got used to, no matter how often he saw her.

He walked over to greet her.

After a few pleasantries, Xu He asked, “Why didn’t I see you at the match?”

Li Liying gripped her backpack straps. “A teacher from the student council needed me for something, so I had to go.”

Though only a first-year student, Li Liying was highly valued in the student council. Especially after organizing the football league for the first-years, the council paid even more attention to her, and the teachers were grooming her for leadership. That explained why Xu He hadn’t seen much of her lately.

Xu He, curious, asked, “What did they need you for? Was it football team business?”

She shook her head. “Not exactly, but close.”

Xu He looked at her, puzzled by her cryptic answer.

Seeing his confused, innocent expression, Li Liying burst into laughter—a sweet chuckle like gentle spring sunshine, warm and intoxicating.

Xu He couldn’t help staring, entranced.

She blushed, rolled her eyes at him, and teased, “What are you looking at? If you keep staring, I’ll dig your eyes out.”

Xu He shivered, a chill running down his spine.

He quickly said, “I was just distracted for a moment—what did you say?”

She shot him a sharp look and thought, “Like I’d believe that.”

But she didn’t press the point. “The student council teacher saw how well I organized the first-year football league and wants me to start a table tennis league next.”

Xu He was taken aback. “A… what kind of league?”

“Table tennis,” she replied.

Now he understood, but he couldn’t imagine why the school suddenly wanted a table tennis league. Were they turning into a sports academy? Football, now table tennis?

He was baffled.

She said, “Let’s not talk about that. You played really well today—I haven’t congratulated you yet. Congrats on your hat trick and being named Man of the Match.”

Xu He scratched his head sheepishly but said with pride, “Didn’t I tell you I was good? Just wait, I’ll get even better.”

She nodded. “I believe you.”

Without realizing it, they’d reached the place where they’d part ways. She waved, “Goodbye—hurry home, don’t stay out too late.”

Xu He rolled his eyes. “When did I ever stay out late?”

She giggled. “Who knows?”

With that, she ignored him, spun around, and skipped away. Xu He watched, entranced—he’d rarely seen this lively, playful side of her.

Today was truly a good day.

Xu He thought so to himself.

Then he turned and ran home—he couldn’t be late today. He still had to teach his younger brother Xu Yi to play ukulele, and if he got home late, his mother would surely have words for him.