Volume One: Our Own League Chapter 85: The Poacher Makes His Move

On his way home, Xu He didn’t run into Li Liying, but he did encounter Zhuo Jun.

He was a bit surprised, for he’d never run into Zhuo Jun here before.

With a gentle smile, Zhuo Jun said, “No need to be so surprised. I’m here waiting for you deliberately.”

Xu He was astonished. “Waiting for me? Why?”

Zhuo Jun replied at once, “Of course, to congratulate you in person—congratulations on your victory today and making it to the finals.”

Xu He had always admired Zhuo Jun, but as far as he knew, there wasn’t much connection between them.

They didn’t really know each other. For Zhuo Jun to wait for him here and offer his congratulations—what did this mean?

Xu He’s mind was full of questions.

He said, “Thank you!”

After that, he simply looked at Zhuo Jun quietly, wearing an expression that clearly asked, “What are you up to?”

Zhuo Jun found Xu He’s gaze somewhat awkward. He hadn’t expected Xu He to react this way, so thoroughly unorthodox.

Trying to cover up his embarrassment, Zhuo Jun pinched his chin.

Then he said, “Your performance today was truly brilliant. I believe you’re the one who defeated Class Six’s football team, giving them enormous trouble. It was your indomitable spirit that crushed them—you were the most valuable player on the field.”

Xu He stared at Zhuo Jun in surprise. Why was this guy saying all this?

Could it be that Zhuo Jun had come all this way just to flatter him? That was unfathomable. Was Zhuo Jun another one of those obsessive fans?

Xu He was starting to feel embarrassed by Zhuo Jun’s praise.

He touched his nose and replied, “You’re impressive yourself. I’ve watched every match you’ve played. You’re strong, you command the whole defensive line, and you’ve shown great ability. You’re the main reason your Class Sixteen team made it to the finals.”

So, the two of them were now engaged in mutual flattery.

Zhuo Jun was momentarily taken aback, clearly not expecting Xu He to compliment him like that. It caught him off guard.

He quickly tried to deflect with modesty: “Not at all, not at all—the feeling is mutual.”

Well then.

Xu He was at a loss for words; Zhuo Jun had managed to bring the conversation to a standstill.

The two of them stared at each other for a while before Xu He finally said, “If there’s nothing else, I should get going. I have things to do at home.”

Seeing Xu He really about to leave, Zhuo Jun reached out to stop him.

Xu He looked at him, puzzled. “Do you… still have something to say?”

He truly wondered what Zhuo Jun wanted.

Zhuo Jun, feeling a bit awkward under Xu He’s gaze, quickly looked up and asked, “Xu He, have you thought about next season?”

Next season?

Xu He’s brow furrowed. What did that mean? The current season wasn’t even over, and already he was talking about the next?

Xu He asked, “Next season?”

Zhuo Jun nodded firmly. “Yes, next season.”

Xu He said, “But this season isn’t even finished. Isn’t it a bit premature to be thinking about next season?”

Zhuo Jun shook his head. “Not at all. There’s only one match left in this season. Planning for next season should be starting soon. Besides, from what I’ve heard, the school is going to get involved and set up a school-wide football league.”

At that, Xu He’s eyes widened in shock.

He had known the school was going to strongly support campus football, but he hadn’t expected anything like this—a whole school league? That sounded grand and official.

He looked at Zhuo Jun, still unsure why Zhuo Jun was telling him all this.

Seeing Xu He’s attention, Zhuo Jun pressed on. “Now that you know, what are your plans for next season?”

Xu He replied, “What plans can I have? I’ll play my best and try to win the championship. Wait—what are you getting at, what do you really want to say?”

Zhuo Jun said, “I mean, will you stay with Class Ten’s team next season? Have you considered joining another team?”

A realization dawned on Xu He—now he understood why Zhuo Jun had come.

This guy was here to poach him.

Xu He stared hard at Zhuo Jun. “You’re saying you want me to leave Class Ten’s team?”

Zhuo Jun didn’t evade the question, nodding. “Yes.”

Xu He felt a surge of dissatisfaction. Why should he leave Class Ten’s team? Who was Zhuo Jun to ask that? What was their relationship, anyway?

Suppressing his feelings, Xu He replied coldly, “I haven’t thought of leaving Class Ten’s team. You’d better go.”

Zhuo Jun, having expected this response, didn’t get angry. He simply smiled and said, “Are you really willing to stay with Class Ten as a substitute? With your ability, you could be a main player on another team—a team contending for the championship. You’re every bit as good as Zhang Zhen and Yang Xin.”

He didn’t hesitate to name Zhang Zhen and Yang Xin, a clear attempt to sow some discord.

Xu He fell silent.

It seemed those two names still held some sting.

For Xu He, staying with Class Ten’s football team meant he couldn’t avoid facing Zhang Zhen and Yang Xin. They were the main competitors for the forward position. Because of Yang Xin’s natural physique, he was very likely to secure a starting place.

After all, there wasn’t another player in the entire school with Yang Xin’s qualities; he was unique.

And Yang Xin’s height was a real threat—Class Ten wouldn’t let go of that. In the recently ended semifinal, Xu He had already seen that Yang Xin was highly valued; in the crucial moments, all the corner kicks were directed toward him, regardless of his positioning.

That said a lot: Class Ten trusted and had high hopes for Yang Xin.

It was clear Yang Xin would claim a starting spot next season.

That left Xu He and Zhang Zhen, and it would be up to the team to decide between them.

Truth be told, Xu He and Zhang Zhen weren’t the same type of striker. Xu He had better physicality—stronger, faster, more agile—but his shooting technique was poor. Zhang Zhen wasn’t as physically gifted, nor as quick or nimble, but his shooting was superb.

What’s more, Zhu Ge and Mu Yang trusted Zhang Zhen more, and Zhang Zhen’s partnership with Yang Xin was highly effective—they had great chemistry. So, in all likelihood, those two would start as the forward pair in the new season, leaving Xu He on the bench.

At the start of this season, when Xu He wasn’t as strong, he might have been content to fight for a starting spot as a substitute. But now, things were different.

He had improved tremendously, especially in his shooting.

Xu He believed he was ready for a starting position, but Class Ten’s team usually played a 4-4-2 formation. As long as Lin Xuefeng and the others weren’t an issue, Xu He would always be left waiting for his chance on the bench.

Was that what he really wanted?

Zhuo Jun laid out in detail what would happen if Xu He stayed with Class Ten. Though persuasive, Xu He had to admit it was all true.

Yang Xin and Zhang Zhen were the first choices up front. Next season, he’d still be their backup—sometimes not even getting to play.

That was a frustrating thought, and Xu He didn’t like it.

He pondered for a moment. Zhuo Jun seized the opportunity, saying, “If you join our team, things would be completely different. You’d be our starting striker, leading the attack in every match.”

Indeed, Zhuo Jun was dangling plenty of playing time as bait.

Xu He fixed his gaze on Zhuo Jun, who continued, “You know our team lacks a strong striker. If you come, you’ll be our main forward. We really need someone like you. With you, our team’s strength would skyrocket, and our chances of winning the championship next season would increase dramatically.”

Zhuo Jun genuinely hoped Xu He would join their team. That would make them complete, with no obvious weaknesses.

Xu He considered Zhuo Jun’s proposal carefully.

He truly admired Zhuo Jun and wanted to play alongside him. More importantly, Class Sixteen’s defense was already solid; if he joined, their attack would become formidable, greatly improving their chances of winning the title.

Xu He was tempted. “Still, it doesn’t seem right—”

Zhuo Jun pressed on, “And you know well that your good friend Li Jie is not at his best playing left back; his talents are wasted there. His real position is in midfield, but being played at left back limits his offensive abilities—he’s sacrificing too much.”

Xu He grew quiet—Zhuo Jun was right.

He looked at Zhuo Jun—this guy had come prepared.

Zhuo Jun went on, “If you and your good friend Li Jie both join our team, our team’s strength would leap forward. You’d be able to play dazzling combinations up front together, fighting for victory side by side. Just think how wonderful that would be.”

Now he was appealing to friendship.

Xu He knew Zhuo Jun was right; Li Jie’s best position was midfield, where he could be most effective. If Class Sixteen’s team was willing to offer him that opportunity, Xu He thought it was a good thing.

He was wavering.

Still, Xu He didn’t agree immediately. He said, “This is a big decision. I can’t give you an answer now—I need to think it over.”

Hearing this, Zhuo Jun’s face lit up; he thought he’d succeeded.

Clearly, Xu He was already moved—he just couldn’t bring himself to say yes right away. Zhuo Jun promptly said, “Alright, take your time. I’ll be waiting for your good news!”

Xu He gave a sheepish grin, then parted ways with Zhuo Jun and quickly ran home.

As he ran, Xu He wondered if Zhuo Jun had already persuaded Li Jie, which was why he’d brought him up as part of the pitch.

If his best friend Li Jie really did join Class Sixteen’s team, should he do the same?

Xu He was lost in thought.