Volume One: Our Own League Chapter 84: Keep Up This Momentum

It was over; Class 10’s soccer team had defeated Class 6’s team by a score of five to three. At first glance, that score seemed perfectly reasonable. After all, the Class 10 team was widely acknowledged as the strongest in Jinguancheng No. 17 Middle School—they had the skill to back it up. Yet, anyone who had witnessed the match unfold would have gained an entirely new perspective on Class 10’s team.

Certainly, they were still formidable.

But not so invincible as to inspire fear.

It was clear that it was still possible to challenge Class 10; who knew, perhaps victory might even be within reach.

Class 6’s team had come agonizingly close.

Unfortunately, they still leaned too heavily on Yang Hao’s individual talent. Yang Hao was exceptionally skilled, but relying so much on a single player made immense demands on his stamina. In the first half, he managed to dominate, but by the closing minutes of the second, his threat had all but disappeared.

Class 6 lost without injustice, but it was a bitter defeat.

They had been just seconds away—half a minute—from toppling Class 10 during regulation time.

Even Zhuo Jun felt regret on their behalf.

Had Class 6 won, Zhuo Jun would have felt much more confident about the final. After all, facing Class 6 was far less daunting than facing Class 10. But there were no “ifs” in the end; Class 6 could not best Class 10.

Still, they could walk away with their heads held high.

Zhuo Jun offered applause to the team from Class 6.

Their performance was outstanding and deserved everyone’s respect. And, of course, no one would forget the name Yang Hao—he had been truly remarkable.

In fact, Yang Hao’s individual prowess was second to none in the entire school.

As the match ended, every player on Class 6’s team collapsed onto the grass, some even lying flat on their backs, gulping for air.

Exhausted, utterly spent.

At that moment, they simply wanted to sleep and never wake. Their hearts ached too—tears of pain streamed down more than one face.

They’d had their chance, been so close to victory, only to see it slip away in the final seconds. Their hearts were heavy with grief and frustration, verging on despair.

Yang Hao stood with his hands on his hips, head bowed, silent and motionless.

He resembled a statue, standing there in defeat.

Melancholy radiated from every fiber of his being.

No one approached him; neither did he try to comfort his teammates. He simply stood there, as if time itself had frozen in that sorrowful instant.

Seeing this, the students from Class 6 felt their eyes brimming with tears.

They had never imagined that watching a soccer match could bring such heartbreak, nor that a game could stir such deep emotion. At that moment, they truly understood both the joy and pain that soccer could bring.

They felt for the players on the field.

Their team had fought with everything they had, pouring out all their energy, only to meet such a bitter end.

It just didn’t seem fair.

They wanted nothing more than to rush onto the field, to offer comfort and encouragement to their players.

The students of Class 6 began calling out the names of their team members, shouting, “You were brilliant! We’re proud of you and your performance!”

They gave their applause to those who had battled to the end.

The players from Class 6 found a measure of solace in this support.

Meanwhile, on the other side, the players from Class 10 were leaping with excitement, celebrating their hard-won victory. Moments before, they had been drained of all strength, but the final whistle and the taste of triumph filled them with boundless new energy.

They sprinted across the pitch, embracing each other, waving ecstatically at their classmates in the stands, exultant cries filling the air.

It was a wonderful feeling.

Their joy was overflowing.

Zhu Ge jumped for joy, pumping his fist toward the sky, letting out all the pent-up tension he had carried. This match had been incredibly tough; today’s victory was, in many ways, pure fortune. Of course, that fortune was inseparable from the team’s relentless effort.

Especially thanks to Xu He!

Without Xu He, Zhu Ge would have struggled to regain his composure, would not have played so well, and victory would have been out of reach.

He owed Xu He sincere thanks.

Without hesitation, Zhu Ge went to Xu He, opened his arms, and gave him a huge embrace. “Xu He, thank you. Without you, we wouldn’t have won today.”

The other players nodded in agreement, all expressing their gratitude to Xu He.

Xu He immediately shook his head. “This wasn’t just me—it was everyone’s achievement. Without all of you, I couldn’t have won either. If thanks are due, thank yourselves! It was your effort that brought us this victory. Thank you!”

The team gazed at Xu He with gratitude—he truly was a good person.

Li Jie also came over, hugging Xu He tightly. “Old Xu, you were incredible today, the real spiritual leader of our team. Without you, this match would have been dangerous.”

Xu He waved off the compliment. “I’m no leader, just an ordinary member. I only did my part.”

At that moment, Xu He’s humility took Li Jie by surprise.

Li Jie studied him for a moment, then said, “That’s not like you.”

Xu He rolled his eyes. “This win belongs to everyone. I need to thank my teammates for their effort, for bringing us to the final.”

Thinking of the final, Xu He was filled with excitement.

He had never imagined making it this far, with a real chance at the championship. He could hardly contain his joy.

All the players came to embrace Xu He, each expressing their heartfelt thanks.

Xu He felt deeply content and happy; this was the fulfillment and joy soccer brought him. He cherished it and hoped he could experience it many more times.

Mu Yang also walked over, gave Xu He a thumbs-up without a word.

But from Mu Yang’s rare smile, Xu He felt even more satisfied.

Mu Yang hardly ever smiled like that.

Xu He felt that today had been a true gain.

The players from Class 10 celebrated wildly, as if they had already won the seventh-grade league championship.

In truth, many of them felt as much; they believed the title was theirs.

Their final opponent was Class 16, whom they considered far less formidable than Class 6. They expected a comfortable win, certain that Class 16 would be no trouble at all.

Already, they were preparing to celebrate their championship.

But Zhu Ge spoke up: “Don’t underestimate any opponent. If Class 16 made it to the final, they must have something special. Their strength isn’t bad, especially their defense. Maybe they’ve had some luck, but who’s to say luck won’t help them again in the final?”

Everyone paused at his words.

Zhu Ge continued, “If we want to win and take the championship, we must put aside any thoughts of underestimating our opponent. Remember, they’re strong too—unbeaten so far.”

Xu He and the others nodded in agreement; Zhu Ge made perfect sense.

Even if Class 16’s advancement owed much to luck, it was wrong to dismiss their ability, especially their formidable defense.

Zhu Ge’s concern was perfectly reasonable—every opponent deserved respect.

He went on, “The final’s next Friday. So for now, let’s just celebrate and enjoy ourselves. When the time comes, we’ll give it everything we have.”

He wanted to ease the pressure he saw weighing on his teammates.

Xu He nodded. “Don’t worry, Captain. We’ll give it our all.”

Zhu Ge nodded, satisfied.

Then he went around embracing each teammate, thanking them for their effort in earning a place in the final.

Once more, Zhu Ge hugged Xu He tightly.

He was truly grateful—without Xu He, the victory would have been impossible. “Xu He, keep up the good work—we need you!”

The Class 10 players were lost in celebration, paying no attention to the players from Class 6, who made their quiet exit while their rivals whirled and leapt about the pitch, eyes closed in their elation.

Class 10’s team was ecstatic.

This victory meant far more than just a win; they were deeply satisfied. They hoped they could continue their efforts and perform at their best in the final, striving for the ultimate prize.

At last, Zhu Ge brought up the subject of a celebratory treat.

As before, Mu Yang refused him, saying simply, “It’s not the right time yet.”

Cool as ever, Mu Yang turned and left.

Xu He was full of admiration—Mu Yang was just too cool.

Naturally, Xu He also skipped the gathering—he needed to hurry home; there was much waiting for him there. He wanted to do what he could to help his family and lighten their burdens.

Saying goodbye to Li Jie and the others, Xu He set off quickly for home.

Along the way, he did not see Li Liying. He frowned slightly, wondering where she had gone. Had she come to watch him play?

Questions like these filled his mind, leaving no room for anything else.

Had Li Liying really gone to organize the table tennis tournament instead?