Chapter 1 Arsenal

Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal fans cheerfully tapped out a rhythm.

The stands rippled like waves, shaking red and white team flags and scarves.

Suddenly, a huge banner was unfurled in the night sky.

A "sky advertisement," a Premier League staple, almost entirely purchased spontaneously by the home fans.

The red and white lettering was no longer filled with insults.

Arsenal's continuous slaughter in the new season had allowed fans to recapture the joy of the early 2000s.

...

West Ham United fans were crestfallen, clutching the soap they had originally intended to celebrate with. The Iron Hammers' bubbles ultimately failed to engulf the Gunners' territory once again.

Slaven Bilić, after the massacre, looked ashen. He tried his best to maintain his composure... and shook hands with Arsène Wenger as he walked off the platform.

The game contained elements that were too distinct.

From collisions filled with gunpowder to a one-sided slaughter.

The two London teams' future reunions would definitely not be peaceful.

In the players' tunnel.

Bould let out a sigh of relief, rejoicing, "God bless us, we didn't have too many players injured in this match."

Wenger nodded, reviewing the entire game, still shaken, "It's a good thing Li is okay..."

As soon as he said it, he felt it wasn't quite right.

"We need to prepare well for the North London Derby."

...

The North London Derby refers to Arsenal vs. Tottenham Hotspur.

The two teams are absolutely irreconcilable enemies, rivals in every sense of the word.

As for the feud between the two, it dates back to 1913...

Arsenal's original territory was in South London.

On the verge of bankruptcy, Sir Henry Norris bought the club.

He believed that the territory was too small and unsuitable for the club's long-term development, and that it should either merge with Fulham or move.

That's right, Sir Henry Norris's other identity was: former chairman of Fulham.

Fulham didn't agree.

Arsenal also didn't agree.

There was no choice but to move.

The old knight ran back and forth on the London map and finally found a good place: North London - Highbury.

He quickly gained the support of the FA and local people.

Highbury Stadium immediately began construction.

In 1913, Arsenal officially moved to North London!

Tottenham Hotspur was unhappy. They believed that Arsenal's relocation affected the North London market and attention.

The first point of conflict was born: "Who is the master of North London."

The two relegation and promotion incidents in 1919 and 1928... made the two clubs complete and irreconcilable enemies.

Liking is a kind of inertia.

Hatred needs to be spurred on.

From their grandfathers' generation, the local fans on both sides have been telling their descendants about the old grudges between the Gunners and the Lilywhites in every annual city derby...

New hatreds are formed during the viewing.

....

On the green field.

The players on both sides took turns shaking hands with the refereeing team.

Morata stood in front of the billboards, surrounded by cameras and photographers.

He stood with his hands behind his back, calm and composed.

"You can't just look at goals to measure whether a striker is excellent. You can look at the Premier League assist rankings."

"Tactical arrangements deliberately made by the coaching staff? I have to keep that answer a secret."

"Playing with Li is simply the best enjoyment in the world!"

"If one day I'm not on the same team as him, then I might fall into confusion."

"You're right, I will lift the third league title of my career this season!"

This guy has already won the La Liga, Serie A titles, and the European Cup.

If he wins the Champions League as a starting player in the future, and the World Cup two years later... he will definitely be a winner in life.

In the distance.

Li Kang was escorted into the players' tunnel by his teammates.

Xhaka and Mustafi's desire to fight had not yet subsided, and they viciously stated that the next time they encountered Payet, they would definitely give him something to remember.

Maguire took notes in a small notebook, occasionally biting his pen in confusion. After entering the locker room, he couldn't help but sigh and say, "Carroll, this kind of traditional center forward, is easy to deal with... but next round against Tottenham Hotspur, the focus of their pressing in the frontcourt will definitely revolve around my first pass..."

Cazorla agreed and nodded, comforting him, "Don't think too much, the coaching staff may not let you start."

The offensive characteristics of Tottenham Hotspur's midfielders and forwards are simply the nemesis of Maguire and Mustafi's center-back combination.

....

Arsenal has a very spacious schedule for the next week.

The players have a full six days to prepare for the North London Derby.

After the tactical review.

Wenger didn't hesitate and gave everyone a day off.

No teammates suggested holding wild parties or going to nightclubs. The atmosphere in the Gunners' locker room this season has undergone subtle changes: Sánchez no longer lets friends hide in his closet to secretly film himself playing games with his girlfriend, and Giroud no longer uses online dating to hook up with sexy models...

Self-discipline is not contagious.

The desire to compete for the championship will spread.

This is Arsenal's strongest season in recent years, and no one can go wrong.

...

An hour later.

Li Kang returned home.

He didn't continue to watch Tottenham Hotspur's game footage, because Pochettino's on-the-spot tactical changes were too rich.

He just picked up the game controller.

The system prompt sounded again.

[Ding, congratulations on completing: Frenzied Rhythm!]

[Mission Receipt: Well, Payet was consumed by hatred and lost his mind. What was originally a soul-stirring rhythm war became a one-sided massacre. Next time we visit the London Olympic Stadium... the Iron Hammers may create a new offensive core.]

[Congratulations on obtaining: West Ham United Legend - Golden Treasure Chest.]

West Ham United was very wealthy in the past.

Founded in 1895, it has gone through many ups and downs.

It has many famous old stars.

The golden treasure chest floated in mid-air.

The dazzling array of modules in the prize pool occupied Li Kang's vision.

[Hurst "Monument" Module!]

[Brooking "Gentleman of the Green Field" Module!]

[Peters "Wingless Miracle" Module!]

[Joe Cole "Flying Fish Bomber" Module!]

[Bobby Moore "Nightmare of the King" Module! (Incomplete)]

[...]

Nightmare of the King?

An incomplete module limited by the treasure chest level?

Among the legends of West Ham United, there is actually such a domineering epithet?

[The treasure chest is opening...]

[Congratulations on obtaining: Bobby Moore "Imperial Star" Module! (Incomplete)]

[I didn't steal that gold bracelet.]

[Effect: Unknown!]

A fragmented version of Zidane's "King's Moment" template?

Li Kang's module fusion plan was disrupted.

The treasure chest emitted an even more dazzling golden light, shrouding the bedroom.

After a moment.

Li Kang opened his eyes and stood on a simple open-air green field.

Not far away.

A small black egg in yellow clothes showed off ball skills beyond his time...

....

The next morning.

The little assistant walked into the living room with a stack of faxes and said hesitantly, "Li, Longwei Company proposed to add a commercial a while ago, and the time is today. I forgot to remind you... but there are no conflicts in the schedule."

"The price for the temporary addition is 2 million euros!"

"The shooting time is one afternoon."

Li Kang nodded and put down the game console controller.

Xhaka couldn't help swallowing, with an envious look on his face, "Tell them about me too, I can become Longwei Company's spokesperson in Switzerland."

He beat up his agent, Nogueira, a while ago, and the two couldn't reconcile for the time being, and there was a high possibility that they would terminate the contract early.

...

Two hours later.

Inside a large building on the outskirts of London.

Li Kang met Zhang Wei, the head of Longwei Mobile's European region!

This guy was only in charge of the German branch last season...

The bearded director in the distance was setting up the shooting background with the crew.

"Little Li! Long time no see, I'm an Arsenal fan too!"

"With you, we will definitely not be eliminated from the Champions League Round of 16 this season!"

Zhang Wei trotted forward and enthusiastically shook Li Kang's hand.

The little assistant twitched the corner of her mouth: Li can lead Leverkusen to the Champions League semi-finals, let alone Arsenal's group of T1-level teammates?

Li Kang smiled.

Expressed understanding.

Arsenal has repeatedly fallen in the Champions League Round of 16 in recent years.

Last season, they were eliminated by Leverkusen because of away goals.

They have created quite a few embarrassing records.

The number of goals conceded in the Champions League is 198, surpassing all Premier League teams.

In the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 in the past six seasons, they have conceded more than 3 goals in four seasons, with a record of 0 wins, 1 draw, and 5 losses.

....

The staff quickly handed over a pile of gift boxes, containing unknown electronic products.

"Li... um? Why are you using other brands of tablets?"

"You are one of our two most important spokespersons in Europe!"

Li Kang's endorsement contract only stipulates that he must use Longwei mobile phones in public, not that he must use Longwei tablets.

Zhang Wei's expression at this time was like seeing a child holding a neighbor's bowl...

He quickly put his arm around the little assistant's shoulder and prepared to negotiate the endorsement of derivative products.

Li Kang's advertising effect in Europe is too strong!

Especially in Iberia and the Balkan Peninsula, France, the British Isles, and North Rhine sales!

Not only concentrated in those few cities with the strongest consumption power.

Even sales in small countries like Monaco are not bad.

Although mobile phones are not Longwei's main business, having a healthy spokesperson in Europe is of great strategic significance!

....

There was not much small talk.

The crew set up the set.

Li Kang changed his clothes and walked out of the locker room.

The bearded director had a slightly tangled expression: "Li! You and Feltinges Group have not renewed your contract for the time being, right?"

He had asked the little assistant.

But I still want to confirm it again.

Before he could get an answer.

A Southeast Asian girl with extremely exaggerated body proportions appeared in everyone's sight.

Mature and charming.

Exquisite facial features.

Flame red lips.

Black stockings and high heels.

It's Chi Pu.

After not seeing her for more than half a year, she has completely faded away from her girlish air and looks more plump and moving.

She smiled slightly, her voice gentle: "Li, I'm also an Arsenal fan now."

There is still some frustration in my heart.

After so much effort, Li Kang still ignores her.

Her career has encountered a bottleneck. If she can get involved with this young star with unlimited potential, the future...

.....

Zhang Wei is still haggling with the little assistant in the corner.

I didn't even notice that the promotional advertisement had started shooting.

The content of the shooting is very simple.

It's almost a replica of the first meeting.

Li Kang just stands there juggling the ball.

It's a pity that Chi Pu didn't even have the chance to get close this time.

He was always sent out of the camera by the bearded director.

"Li, take a break!"

"Ms. Chi Pu, you put up that human-shaped sign, yes, yes, be more intimate."

"You have to trust our post-production!"

.....

In the evening.

The shooting is over.

The little assistant handed over a dry towel and a banana.

Li Kang peeled the skin and walked into the locker room.

After simply saying goodbye to everyone.

The two packed up their luggage and left quickly.

Chi Pu is a little disappointed.

She even suspects that Li Kang is gay...

But last year there were obviously rumors about him and Japanese girls in Tokyo and Barcelona.

.....

The next day.

A 50-second mobile phone promotional short film was released.

It quickly occupied the headlines of online media and topped the trending searches.

The content of the promotional video is very simple.

Streets with heavy traffic.

Cheerful BGM.

Li Kang juggles the football.

As the football rises and falls.

As the figure is covered by various vehicles.

Each time he reappears in the picture, he will change into a solid-color jersey.

Finally.

At the end of the film, several mobile phone cases in various colors popped up.

...

The number of comments, likes, and reposts skyrocketed.

-[This female partner looks like she was photoshopped in.]

-[Too fake, not a bit of realism.]

-[I don't want to see Little Li too close to other women, director please keep it up.]

-[I heard that there is a different advertising version in Southeast Asia.]

-[The mobile phone endorsed by Li Mingdeng is the only product I can afford... Damn, why are domestic mobile phones so expensive?]

-[I hope an electric car brand will find him to endorse! My little electric scooter is broken!]

-[The North London Derby is coming up soon, and you still ran out to shoot an advertisement?]

-[Tottenham Hotspur is very fierce, the two full-backs are too strong, Kyle Walker and Trippier, and there is also a real British Imperial Star - Kane in the frontcourt! I think the derby game will be a 50-50 game!]

-[The Premier League currently has three and a half strongest teams: Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and half of Manchester City!]

-[Why is Manchester City half?]

-[Because Guardiola likes to play tricks, there are also some small problems inside the locker room, the record is not stable enough, sometimes they play like gods, sometimes they play like ghosts.]

-[I think Tottenham Hotspur will take down Arsenal, no joke, their firepower in the frontcourt is too fierce, Arsenal's defense can't handle it, plus the home advantage.]

-[Take away Li Mingdeng and compare the paper strength, Tottenham Hotspur's lineup is one level stronger, but why is the player value so much lower?]

.....

At the same time.

The coaching teams of the entire Premier League are studying Arsenal's game footage.

After arriving in the Premier League, Mr. 200 Million has shown too strong dominance.

Originally, I thought that Guardiola's Manchester City was the most difficult to deal with and would bring revolutionary tactical changes to the entire British Isles.

Unexpectedly, Arsenal went all the way like a hot knife through butter, with blood flowing like a river.

In the current Premier League standings, the Gunners and Chelsea are tied on points, and they are even occupying the first place by virtue of the number of net goals!

Pochettino is also studying.

He is a very professional coach and specially stayed up all night to deconstruct Arsenal's tactical deployment.

"Arsenal still maintains a low defense!"

"Where exactly is Wenger's tactical change?"

"The focus of the high pressing in the frontcourt... is to destroy Li's first pass!"

"It seems that Tottenham Hotspur doesn't have players with this ability..."

"Exchange?"

"Exchange two midfielders for one Li?"