Volume One: Our Own League Chapter 74: The Second Semifinal Approaches

The next day, Xu He and his teammates were once again put through defensive drills. This left Zhang Zhen and Yang Xin utterly miserable. The sacrifices they made were considerable, and the physical demands enormous—sometimes, they simply couldn’t keep up.

Mu Yang’s brow was furrowed; this was a problem he hadn’t anticipated. It was clear that if they played like this in an actual match, issues would arise—Zhang Zhen and Yang Xin might be undone by their own team’s tactics. Mu Yang pondered deeply, his brows knitting in concern.

Xu He and the others were anxious. If the team began to fall apart now, how could they face the match against Class Six’s football team tomorrow? Were they to lose? Xu He dared not imagine it.

In the end, Mu Yang compromised. Though he still required Zhang Zhen and the others to participate in defense, he was no longer as stringent as before, nor did he demand they drop back every time. This news brought a palpable sense of relief to Zhang Zhen and his companion. Training became easier and more comfortable, and soon they found their rhythm. Gradually, they grew confident that they would perform well in the coming match and help their team secure victory.

Still, Mu Yang noticed that the intensity of their defense had dropped significantly. Nevertheless, overall, he was satisfied. With this, Mu Yang felt even more confident about the match ahead.

Of course, Mu Yang and his team also noticed that players from Class Six’s football team were frequently coming to observe their training, clearly scouting for information. But Mu Yang paid them no mind; even if they were being watched, what did it matter? He was confident in victory.

At the end of Thursday’s training, Zhu Ge gathered the Class Ten football team, offering encouragement and urging them to face the next day’s match with confidence. He also reminded them to maintain a positive mindset and prepare themselves for victory.

Xu He was deeply moved, thinking Zhu Ge a born orator—every speech left his blood boiling with excitement. Xu He was now brimming with confidence for the match. Over the past few days, the Class Ten team had prepared thoroughly, and this was their first time devising tactics specifically for a single opponent. Given Mu Yang’s research on Class Six and his meticulous planning, Xu He was convinced their team was destined to win.

He eagerly awaited the coming day. He and his teammates were ready.

Throughout the campus, anticipation for the match was high—especially among the players of Class Sixteen, who were anxious to discover their opponents for the final. Clearly, Class Sixteen hoped to face Class Six. The reason was plain: Class Ten’s strength was greater, and facing Class Six would improve their own chances of victory.

Though no one really believed Class Sixteen had a shot at the championship, they still longed to win. In truth, their very appearance in the final was considered a miracle. No one thought them contenders for the league title; their abilities simply weren’t up to the task.

Many spectators viewed the match between Class Ten and Class Six as the de facto championship—the winner would surely go on to claim the league trophy. It seemed few had any faith in Class Sixteen.

Even Xu He felt that Class Sixteen had probably reached the end of the line, though he couldn’t shake the feeling that they had yet to reveal their full strength. If Class Sixteen unveiled something new in the final, might they still have a chance at glory?

But for now, Xu He’s mind was focused solely on the game against Class Six.

Class Six’s Yang Hao was a formidable opponent. His individual ability left Xu He in awe—the boy was known as the Messi of Jinguancheng No. 17 High, and almost no one could stop him. Facing such a rival was dangerous, to say the least.

Yet Xu He believed in his team. He was convinced their chances of victory were excellent. The Class Ten team was ready. All that remained was for the match to begin.

Rumor had it that the school itself was paying close attention to this game, and many teachers were discussing it. Most of these were PE teachers, who had been tasked by the principal to take over and coach one of the teams. Now, they were evaluating the squads, and the renowned Class Ten football team was the prize everyone coveted. Coaching them would be an easy task, with guaranteed results—an opportunity no one wanted to miss.

Indeed, most teachers favored Class Ten for their obvious strength. Yet some put their faith in Class Six, dazzled by Yang Hao’s extraordinary talent. They believed he could lead Class Six to the final by defeating Class Ten.

In the days leading up to the match, debate was everywhere. The magnitude of the game was clear—there was immense pressure on both sets of players.

On Friday, Zhu Ge sought out his team early, offering psychological guidance. He urged them to set aside the burden of expectation and focus solely on playing their best. Outside distractions were irrelevant; all that mattered was the game.

Xu He was exhilarated. The sheer attention paid to this match was cause enough—many teachers, even the principal, were expected to be in the stands. This was no ordinary game.

Turning to Li Jie, Xu He asked, “Old Li, are you nervous?”

Li Jie shook his head slightly. “Not nervous? That’d be a lie. Who’d have thought our match would draw such big names? Of course I’m nervous, but more than anything, I’m excited. I can’t wait to get on the field.”

Xu He nodded vigorously; he felt the same. He wanted nothing more than for the game to begin.

He also yearned for victory. He wanted his team to win and reach the final, where he’d have the chance to face Zhuo Jun—the opponent he most hoped to challenge. Xu He was eager to test his own strength.

Friday dawned bright and clear, with a gentle breeze; by afternoon, even the sun was mellow, the weather perfect for football—a true blessing.

As the match drew near, the stands filled quickly. One section was commandeered by Lin Xuefeng’s devoted fans—excited young women who cheered wildly for him, as if they were there solely to support Lin Xuefeng rather than watch a game. This, of course, made Xu He and his teammates envious.

Li Jie sighed, “This really is a world that prizes good looks.”

Xu He patted his own face. “I’m handsome too—why don’t I have any fangirls?”

Li Jie rolled his eyes and said dryly, “Have some self-respect, will you?”

Xu He fixed Li Jie with a look. “Jealousy—that’s plain, naked jealousy.”

Li Jie had no desire to continue the conversation; any further and he might have retched. Xu He was just too vain.

The stands were also filled with classmates from both teams, each side cheering lustily for their own. Even players from teams already eliminated came to watch. The members of Class Sixteen, the other finalists, occupied their own seats, keen to see whom they’d be facing.

Beside Zhuo Jun, Song Xiang asked, “Captain, who do you think will win?”

Zhuo Jun, watching the field, replied, “Both teams have strong attacks and a chance at victory. But Class Ten is more powerful and balanced—they’re likelier to win. Still, I hope Class Six prevails.”

Compared to Class Ten, Class Six would be easier to defend against. With Class Six, all you had to do was stop Yang Hao; with Class Ten, there were too many threats.

Song Xiang nodded slightly. “I think so too.”

Time ticked on. The semi-final was about to begin.

But then, an unexpected development.

Zhu Ge scanned his team, frowning. “Lin Xuefeng isn’t here yet?”

Everyone looked around, but Lin Xuefeng was nowhere to be seen. At this crucial moment, he was still missing.

Xu He’s nerves were taut. Lin Xuefeng was vital to their squad; without him, victory would be so much harder.

Their eyes were fixed on the entrance, hoping to glimpse Lin Xuefeng’s figure. But he didn’t appear.

Even Lin Xuefeng’s supporters in the stands noticed his absence and were in an uproar, demanding to know what had happened—where was he?

He had been here just moments ago; why had he suddenly disappeared? Some of the girls were so worried they ran to ask about his situation.

Xu He, however, ignored them. He just hoped nothing serious had happened to Lin Xuefeng.

Indeed, Lin Xuefeng had been on the field, preparing diligently for the match. But just before kickoff, he received word that something had happened at home and he was needed immediately. With a family emergency, Lin Xuefeng had no choice but to leave. He promised to return as soon as possible—his house wasn’t far, and the round trip shouldn’t take long. That hope kept everyone waiting for his return.

But time passed, and Lin Xuefeng did not come back. Perhaps he wouldn’t make it in time.

For this semi-final, Class Ten might have to do without one of their star players.

That would make things much harder for Class Ten, and Xu He felt a rising sense of unease.

At that moment, both teams were called to the pitch.

Lin Xuefeng, it seemed, would miss the match after all.