Chapter 19 The Day Before the Battle

After a brief celebration.

The fourth official raised the LED number board near the center circle.

"Bayer Leverkusen makes their second substitution, Bellarabi replaces Li Kang!"

"It's probably to conserve the young player's energy, preparing for the second round of the Champions League group stage in three days!"

The BayArena erupted in thunderous applause.

Bayer Leverkusen fans reluctantly watched their Chinese youngster.

Li Kang's behavior was a bit unusual...

He quickly ran off the field.

After high-fiving the coaching staff, he hurried towards the players' tunnel.

Dragon Country's live broadcast room.

The fans laughed.

-【A substitution after taking the lead, shouldn't he be slowly walking off the field? Enjoying the enthusiasm of the home fans and delaying the game a bit!】

-【He still lacks match experience. If it were someone else, they could delay for at least three minutes, right? Li Kang ran off the field in less than thirty seconds!】

-【It has a lot to do with Platini's resignation a few days ago. UEFA has announced a new rule: requiring the top five leagues to increase net playing time.】

-【The net playing time rule won't last long.】

-【Platini hasn't resigned, he's just been suspended for 90 days.】

....

Li Kang took a shower and changed his clothes.

He returned to the locker room, took out his schoolbag, and started doing his homework.

Havertz said unhappily, "Ms. Berentata clearly knows Leverkusen's schedule is tight, yet she still assigns so much homework..."

Li Kang smiled.

The difficulty of the homework was equivalent to the level of a Dragon Country junior high school student.

There were just a lot of questions.

If he hadn't been substituted early, he might have had to stay up late again.

Havertz continued to grumble, "Li, you should have saved a lot of money, right? Aren't you buying a house? Not investing in something?"

Li Kang shook his head.

Is it easy to go from frugality to extravagance?

Actually, it's also difficult.

A person's consumption habits aren't so easily changed in just a few months.

The Veltins advertising endorsement, the club's new contract with top salary, plus goal bonuses and assist bonuses...

Had suddenly given him a lot of money.

He really didn't know how to spend it.

His adoptive mother wasn't willing to take a single penny either.

His material desires weren't high. In terms of diet, he was strictly controlled by the coaching staff. Brandt even used his name to get the club to buy all the mainstream gaming consoles...

Buy a house?

He hadn't decided where to buy yet, plus many countries have age restrictions.

Living in the first team dormitory was quiet, with company, and with twenty-four-hour security guards...

Invest?

He had just bought a bunch of Bitcoin.

It seemed that money hadn't had any impact on his daily life.

.......

After finishing his homework.

Li Kang and Havertz put away their schoolbags.

They returned to the bench.

The LED scoreboard above the BayArena changed: 4:1.

The small print showed the goal times and the names of the goalscorers.

78 minutes, Brandt.

88 minutes, Mahler.

Li Kang had just sat down for a while.

The regular time of the game came to the 90th minute.

Beep! Beep, beep~

The referee blew the whistle to end the game.

This was one of the most criticized points by Bundesliga fans: if the score difference was more than three goals, the referee team wouldn't give any stoppage time!

Old man Toppmöller seemed very unhappy with the goal conceded at the last moment.

He shook hands with Uncle Martin, then put his hands in his pockets and walked alone towards the dark players' tunnel.

.........

Leverkusen's players immediately pulled Li Kang from the bench back onto the field.

Taking turns giving him big hugs.

Then they raised his hands to thank the home fans in the stands on all sides!

Havertz couldn't help but complain, "Li, that shower was a waste!"

This guy was a bit of a clean freak.

As soon as he finished speaking.

Everyone quickly shifted their target and pounced on him.

The home fans looked at this scene, thinking of the Camp Nou in a few days... for a moment, their emotions were mixed.

A thousand words ultimately converged into one sentence:

"Leverkusen allez!!!"

"Leverkusen allez!!!"

"Leverkusen allez!!!"

In the distance.

Karius asked in confusion, "Muto, weren't you saying before the game that you wanted to exchange jerseys with Li? Go over there!"

Yoshinori Muto looked conflicted and said regretfully, "Li-san has already showered, and the one he's wearing isn't the original one covered in sweat..."

Karius quickly took two steps back, looking disgusted: This little Japanese... is really a bit perverted.

.......

Post-match press conference.

The melancholy Uncle Martin was snubbed.

The media reporters threw their questions at old man Toppmöller.

"Mr. Toppmöller, is Leverkusen fully prepared for the battle at the Camp Nou in three days?"

"Are you confident in defeating... the post-Dream Team era MSN Barcelona?"

"Mr. Enrique said he will field a full-strength lineup!"

"Do you think Li Kang can continue his high-profile performance at the Camp Nou? According to relevant news, Barcelona intends to make another offer to Leverkusen in the winter transfer window!"

What a bunch of messy, boring questions?

Old man Toppmöller paused and said, "We have made full preparations! The main lineup has no injury problems, and the core players have also had plenty of rest!"

"I believe Li Kang will put on an even better performance at the Camp Nou, he's only 17 years old this year! Barcelona can't stop his growth!"

.......

Back at the training base.

Old man Toppmöller hesitated for a moment and announced that all players would have a day off.

Dino said, "The coaching staff hopes everyone stays in the best condition to meet the battle at the Camp Nou!"

As soon as these words came out.

It instantly diluted the joy of victory.

The atmosphere was a bit heavy.

Captain Bender didn't organize a big white girl party.

Son Heung-min didn't go out for "extra training".

Kramer put away his game console.

Even Havertz refused a date with his online girlfriend.

After a simple farewell, everyone drove away.

....

Li Kang returned to the first team dormitory.

The system prompt quietly sounded:

【Ding! Congratulations to the host for completing the Bundesliga weekly treasure chest mission!】

【Personal evaluation: SSS+!】

【Mission rewards are being upgraded... triggering cross-league rewards!】

【Congratulations to the host for obtaining: Golden Treasure Chest → Serie A Legend · Golden Treasure Chest!】

What the hell?

Serie A?

An SSS+ rating can trigger cross-league rewards?

He glanced at the prize pool.

He immediately felt dizzy.

【Zoff "Immovable Mountain" Module (Fragmented)!】

【Rivera "Miracle Cannon" Module (Fragmented)!】

【Rossi "Magic Golden Boy" Module (Fragmented)!】

【Piola "Classical Striker" Module (Fragmented)!】

【Baresi "Last Sweeper" Module (Fragmented)!】

【....】

Limited by the treasure chest level.

Most modules are fragmented versions.

Many names.

Li Kang didn't recognize them at all.

【Treasure chest is opening....】

【Congratulations to the host for obtaining: Roberto Baggio "Sense of the Ball" Module (Fragmented)!】

【Additional attribute increase: None.】

【Life is like taking a penalty kick.】

......

The next day.

Leverkusen club, sports director's office.

Völler held an advertising quote, frowning: "1 million euros for an endorsement fee? For a supercar? That's too stingy! Which brand would offer such a low endorsement fee, no! Are they crazy? Li is only 17 years old!"

The assistant said nervously: "Their boss is a die-hard AC Milan fan... in his words: Li's through balls are exactly like Rui Costa!"

"There's also something very important! Boss, Dr. Haken's electrotherapy for Li Kang..."

"Tell him to get lost! This contract... ask Li himself what he thinks."

....

Li Kang only heard the news after finishing his morning training.

Of course, he had no objections.

Although the other party was the stingiest supercar brand...

But they would immediately pay 1 million euros after filming just one commercial.

The most important thing was: he didn't need to sign any non-compete agreement.

He felt like his life was a science fiction movie.

With his current level, he could get a supercar endorsement? That's too sci-fi!

Leverkusen's coaching staff had no objections to the filming date. Today was supposed to be a day off, and they only made one request: he couldn't make any intense movements during the filming of the commercial!

.......

Three hours later.

Li Kang and Leverkusen's staff arrived at Koenigsegg headquarters in Sweden.

The architectural complex of this supercar brand looked more like a junkyard in Mac'aroon.

Several vicious dogs kept barking at the gate!

A bald man in a suit and shorts rushed out and shook his hand tightly.

"God! I finally met you! Rui Costa's successor! You should join Milan! To reshape..."

Völler's expression was a bit stiff...

The bald man quickly smiled and said, "Now is not the time to say this! Let's hurry, Mr. Völler!"

He used to be a Dragon Country internet celebrity.

The world's youngest supercar brand founder.

Chris von.

He liked to encourage young people to be independent, saying how he had struggled in his 20s... how he had taken 20,000 euros... and a hundred million given by his dad, and founded Koenigsegg.

....

Many people believe that Koenigsegg is the king of supercars, the most valuable supercar on earth.

But this has been denied by relevant organizations: the pricing of high-end luxury goods is never affected by the market. A supercar brand that has sold less than 100 cars in ten years cannot be valued in the usual way...

Before 2015, Koenigsegg had never filmed a commercial.

Chris von didn't seem to care about supercar sales either.

Globally, Koenigsegg doesn't sell many cars a year.

....

The signing ceremony was simple.

He put down his pen.

Von the Bald smiled mysteriously: "Li! To show our sincerity, I will personally give you a..."

Völler and the assistant were dumbfounded!

Who said Koenigsegg was stingy?

This was too sincere!

You should know!

Any Koenigsegg supercar! Costs more than a hundred million...

Crazy!

Too crazy!

"Deng deng deng deng~"

Von the Bald took out a car model from his pocket...

......

A moment later.

The group came to a basement.

Dozens of filming staff were busily walking back and forth.

The bearded director excitedly waved to Li Kang!

A graceful young girl came slowly.

Von the Bald explained, "I don't want any woman to get close to our Milan genius! But my wife said, there's no need to care about the level of the commercial. Your partner... is an actress that my wife really likes!"

Milan genius?

Völler and the assistant were about to retort, but they were pulled to the side lounge by Von the Bald.

The girl smiled and introduced herself to Li Kang.

The name was too long.

Li Kang didn't remember it, nor did he take a close look at her.

He was a serious person, he wouldn't like every girl he saw.

He was still texting Asuka-chan on the way here.

.....

After the two came out of the dressing room.

The commercial shooting officially began!

The big red cloth in the middle of the basement was lifted!

A supercar full of power attracted everyone's attention!

The bearded director waved his hand: "Let's hurry up!"

He suddenly had a flash of inspiration, seemed to remember something, and pointed to the girl and said: "Esley! Stand further away! Yes! Stand further away, don't get so close to Li!"

The content of the commercial was a bit complicated.

It took a full four hours.

Finally, the filming ended.

The staff hurriedly packed up the props.

Before leaving, the bearded director didn't forget to remind: "Li, I have to go shoot outdoor scenes! We'll meet again at the Veltins brewing museum. I signed a long-term contract with them..."

The girl named Esley looked like she wanted to kill the director.

She tried to control her emotions and left Li Kang a contact information with a smile.

How to say it.

Cooperating with young stars in commercials, in some ways, is a long-term investment.

In case Li Kang puts on a high-profile performance in some important game one day.

As the commercial airs.

Her traffic and popularity will increase!

She had inquired, Li Kang's private life was very disciplined, even if there were scandals, they were limited to dating.

This kind of self-disciplined and positive young genius would also raise her own level!

.....

That night.

The bearded director was very efficient and immediately cut out the finished product.

Esley watched it repeatedly with anticipation... and was dumbfounded.

Where was her shadow?

Damn director!

In the picture.

A supercar with exaggerated lines drove on the road in the vast mountains of Northern Europe!

Accompanied by passionate background music, and the roar of a beast!

The speed of the supercar was brought to the extreme!

The wind howled!

At the end of the film.

Li Kang's figure in the car flashed by.

Where was the female partner's shadow?

....

The bearded director explained: "The endorsement fee of 1 million euros, according to international regulations on portrait development rights, this is the amount of screen time you get. Look at the Veltins Group..."

Von the Bald looked a little excited: "Very good, not a big problem. If Li is willing to put on a red and black jersey, that would be even better!"

He had completely forgotten that Li Kang had a female partner.

.....

That night.

Koenigsegg's commercial quickly topped the trending searches.

The number of comments and likes skyrocketed.

-【This car seems to be the One:1 released at the Geneva Motor Show last year! It broke the Bugatti Veyron's world speed record!】

-【Wait! The spokesperson is Li Kang? Awesome! He got a supercar endorsement at the age of 17! It also broke the world record, right?】

-【Judging from the screen time! The endorsement fee shouldn't be high! But it's a miracle that an Asian can endorse a supercar brand.】

-【Instead of preparing well for Barcelona! He ran out to shoot commercials... but it doesn't matter, losing to Barcelona is nothing, after all, the opponent is Messi.】

-【There's also Neymar, Suarez, Iniesta, Busquets... What do you think Leverkusen can win with? Parking the bus, conceding fewer goals, and striving for second place in the group is the correct strategy for qualifying!】

.....

After deducting various taxes, Koenigsegg's advertising fee.

Became hundreds of thousands of euros.

Li Kang just returned to the Leverkusen base, without resting, and came to the training field downstairs in the dormitory with a football!

Without the system, he was just trash.

There were no complicated negative emotions.

The battle at the Camp Nou could not be lost.