Volume One: Our Own League 114: The Showdown Between Zhu and Class Sixteen's Football Team

One to zero—the football team of Class 16 ultimately claimed victory.

When the match ended, many were left stunned.

This game spoke volumes.

If they won once, one might call it luck; but when they beat you twice or thrice, can you still chalk it up to fortune?

In the stands, Zhu Ge sighed, patting his thighs as he stood up and remarked, “A champion is truly a champion; they have the strength to back it up.”

Xu He and Li Jie nodded in agreement with Zhu Ge’s words.

Though Class 16’s team still adopted a defensive strategy, nearly every minute spent on defense, they ultimately emerged victorious. This alone proved their genuine capability.

Especially Xu Donglai.

Xu Donglai’s performance in this match was outstanding—still the invincible force in the finals. Much of the credit for their win belonged to him.

Yang Hao also played exceptionally well, unleashing nearly his full strength. He created numerous chances, showcasing his talent brilliantly. His performance was truly eye-catching, yet he faced Xu Donglai.

And then there was Zhuo Jun.

Zhuo Jun remained steady, leading a formidable defensive line.

Despite Yang Hao’s prowess, he was heavily restricted.

Yang Hao failed to score in this match precisely because of Zhuo Jun and Xu Donglai.

After the game, Yang Hao’s expression darkened, but when he glanced at Zhuo Jun and the others, a hint of respect flashed in his eyes. This time, he truly had no words to counter.

Yet Yang Hao said nothing and simply left with his usual proud demeanor.

Watching Yang Hao’s retreating figure, Lin Xuefeng said, “Yang Hao is undeniably strong, but he’s too solitary, too distrustful of his teammates. That’s why they lost—the fault lies mostly with him.”

Xu He stared at Yang Hao’s back and nodded slightly.

But he didn’t fully agree with Lin Xuefeng. He said, “Maybe it’s because his teammates aren’t skilled enough. So Yang Hao chooses to handle things himself. Passing the ball to them to attack might be less effective than him doing it alone.”

Lin Xuefeng nodded thoughtfully, acknowledging Xu He’s point.

Looking at Class 6’s football team, there aren’t many who can truly play well. That’s why Yang Hao is reluctant to give up precious attacking opportunities to his teammates—he’d rather do it himself. The fact that Yang Hao can carry Class 6’s team almost single-handedly shows just how exceptional he is.

On the field, Zhuo Jun exhaled in relief.

This match had placed tremendous pressure on them; Class 6’s team was indeed strong.

Of course, that strength was largely thanks to Yang Hao.

Yang Hao’s individual talent was extraordinary—definitely among the top three in their entire school. If Yang Hao had one or two other skilled leaders by his side, Class 16’s team wouldn’t stand a chance against Class 6.

Watching Yang Hao’s back, Zhuo Jun said, “That kid is truly formidable!”

This wasn’t mere flattery; it was Zhuo Jun’s genuine feeling. Yang Hao had left a deep impression on him throughout this series of matches, and he admired him greatly.

Unfortunately, Yang Hao clearly wasn’t the type to submit to others.

Otherwise, Zhuo Jun’s first choice to recruit would have been Yang Hao, not Xu He.

Yang Hao’s ability to perform solo attacks up front perfectly suits their defensive counterattack style. They just need to hold the defense, intercept the ball, and pass it to Yang Hao’s feet. The rest is his personal showcase.

There aren’t many in Jinguancheng No. 17 Middle School who can stop Yang Hao.

So, if they could recruit Yang Hao, it would be a qualitative leap for Class 16’s team—they would undoubtedly be the next league champions.

But unfortunately, Yang Hao’s personality is problematic.

Someone as proud as him would never yield to others.

He certainly wouldn’t want to join Class 16’s team; otherwise, he wouldn’t have stayed with Class 6 this season but would have long ago transferred to a strong team like Class 10.

It’s clear Yang Hao wants to be the king himself.

That’s why Zhuo Jun never seriously considered recruiting Yang Hao and went straight for Xu He instead.

Xu He is currently the best fit for them—a perfect puzzle piece. Zhuo Jun firmly believes that with Xu He’s arrival, they could achieve the same impact as if Yang Hao joined. If Xu He truly came to Class 16’s team, they would surely defend their title successfully.

Unfortunately, there’s been no news on Xu He’s side yet.

Zhuo Jun sincerely hopes Xu He will join their team; with him, they would be truly invincible.

Xu Donglai sighed as he watched Yang Hao’s retreating figure.

Yang Hao had put immense pressure on him. Despite Xu Donglai’s excellent performance in this match, saving many sure goals, he was genuinely afraid of Yang Hao.

Today, Xu Donglai had indeed played beyond expectation.

He blocked many brilliant shots from Yang Hao—shots so difficult that even he lacked confidence at the moment. Yang Hao was truly remarkable, extraordinarily so.

Xu Donglai looked at Yang Hao’s back and said, “Good thing this guy has no backup; otherwise, we’d be finished.”

This victory was not Xu Donglai’s alone.

His ability to keep the goal intact was largely thanks to Zhuo Jun’s outstanding defense. The defensive line led by Zhuo Jun was formidable, making it uncomfortable for Yang Hao to play freely.

This win was mainly due to Zhuo Jun.

Xu Donglai felt he and Zhuo Jun were a perfect match. With Zhuo Jun in front of him, he felt more secure and could focus wholeheartedly on goalkeeping. This full dedication was a key reason for his excellent performance.

He and Zhuo Jun were a perfect pair; he would never leave Zhuo Jun to join another team.

Indeed, other teams had already approached him, hoping to recruit him.

The most formidable of these was naturally the Class 10 football team led by Zhu Ge.

Seeing Zhuo Jun poach one of his star players, Zhu Ge took action. Not only did he try to recruit Zhuo Jun, but he also extended an offer to Xu Donglai.

Xu Donglai’s performance in the league had left a deep impression on Zhu Ge, who was eager to acquire him. With Xu Donglai, they would hardly worry about defense.

After poaching Zhuo Jun, Zhu Ge immediately tried to woo Xu Donglai.

However, Xu Donglai refused Zhu Ge outright, without hesitation. Seeing Xu Donglai’s resolve, Zhu Ge gave up.

Since then, Zhu Ge had paid even more attention to Zhuo Jun.

Zhuo Jun was a man of great charisma; even someone as strong as Xu Donglai was completely won over and obedient to him. This alone spoke volumes about Zhuo Jun’s power.

Hence, Zhu Ge had to keep a close eye on Zhuo Jun.

Because Zhuo Jun was ambitious and full of ideas. Having poached Xu He, he could easily poach others as well.

Zhu Ge genuinely feared Zhuo Jun would snatch other key players from their team.

He didn’t want to lose any of his current lineup; his plan was to maintain the roster and strengthen it with one or two more players. Then, they would be the strongest team at Jinguancheng No. 17 Middle School and the champions of the next league.

Watching Xu Donglai and Zhuo Jun walking arm in arm on the field, Zhu Ge felt immense pressure. He sensed that next season’s final would once again be a battle between Class 10 and Class 16.

The rivalry for next season had already begun.

Zhu Ge was now frantically recruiting players to bolster his team’s strength for the upcoming season. At this moment, he had no intention of losing to Zhuo Jun; he was determined to poach players before his rival could.

Looking at Zhuo Jun, Zhu Ge suddenly said, “Losing the league final—are you all satisfied with that?”

Xu He and the others were taken aback by the question.

What was going on? What was Zhu Ge planning?

They immediately turned to their captain, Zhu Ge, seemingly waiting for his next words.

Zhu Ge glanced at his teammates and said, “To be honest, I feel the loss in the league final was deeply frustrating. I’m very dissatisfied. I believe we should have won that match. Class 16’s championship title is undeserved and illegitimate.”

The players of Class 10 fell into thoughtful silence, as if beginning to grasp Zhu Ge’s meaning.

Truth be told, they all felt the defeat had been unfair. They were unhappy, convinced they were far stronger than Class 16’s team. The championship should have belonged to Class 10, not that so-called Class 16 team.

If given another chance, they firmly believed they could beat Class 16 and claim the league title.

Xu He remained silent, while Lin Xuefeng smiled wryly and said, “Of course, we had the absolute advantage in the final; we should have won. Unfortunately… the penalty shootout was such an unexpected twist. Even now, I feel Class 10 is far superior to Class 16. That championship should have been ours!”

Other members of Class 10 nodded in agreement with Lin Xuefeng.

Zhu Ge quickly added, “I feel the same way. Our team is much stronger than Class 16. We must challenge them again and let the whole school know which team is truly the strongest. We’ll defend our reputation and status with victory!”

Xu He and the others were eager, ready for the rematch.

They all believed they could easily defeat Class 16. Another match would surely teach them a lesson.

Seeing the eager players of Class 10, Zhu Ge immediately said, “Since you all agree on a rematch, wait here—I’ll go challenge Zhuo Jun!”

With that, Zhu Ge dashed onto the field and ran toward Zhuo Jun.

Zhuo Jun looked puzzled, unsure of Zhu Ge’s intent.

Zhu Ge suddenly asked, “Zhuo Jun, do you have the courage to face us again?”

Zhuo Jun’s pupils constricted as he instantly understood Zhu Ge’s meaning. He glanced at the Class 10 players on the stands, then at his own teammates, and smiled faintly.

“Then let’s have a rematch. You say when.”

Seeing Zhuo Jun agree so readily, Zhu Ge was momentarily stunned but quickly recovered.

“How about this Friday?”

Zhuo Jun nodded. “No problem. Friday—we’ll be waiting.”