Chapter 78

When Rongguang assisted and scored a goal in the first half, helping São Paulo take a two-goal lead over Botafogo at home, the match had already lost its suspense.

The away team Botafogo had lost their confidence to win.

Even Botafogo's head coach, Levi Kupi, was at a loss.

With Rongguang on the field and Kaká on the bench, São Paulo was perfectly suited for a defensive counter-attack.

After taking a two-goal lead, they could fully retreat to defend, allowing the desperate opponents to push forward, and they could take advantage of the gaps behind the opponents.

This was São Paulo's greatest advantage.

Any opponent facing this situation would feel helpless.

Botafogo was no exception.

At the 80th minute, Rongguang was substituted off the field.

The person who replaced him was none other than Kaká!

Although in the first half of the Rio-São Paulo Championship, Kaká had also replaced Rongguang, this time it was completely different.

The last time Kaká replaced Rongguang, it was when Rongguang was performing poorly. Being replaced by Kaká meant that Kaká had pushed him out of the starting lineup.

But this time, when Kaká replaced Rongguang, few people would think that Rongguang could be easily replaced by Kaká.

Everyone had seen Rongguang's performance in this match, and with one assist and one goal, he would definitely start in the next game.

In Brazil, there is a saying: "If the team wins, don't mess with it." This means to let things take their natural course; if something succeeds, there must be a reason for it, and you shouldn't easily change a successful arrangement.

This mindset is deeply rooted in Brazil.

Since São Paulo won this match, Rongguang would definitely start in the next game.

What about Kaká?

Rational people didn't think Kaká could reclaim his starting position in the next game.

Even if Kaká's physical condition was at its best before the next game, it was unlikely he would regain his starting position.

Rongguang no longer seemed to be a helpless sacrifice in front of Kaká.

If Kaká wanted to reclaim his starting position, he needed to show actual performance, not just rely on his reputation.

But with only ten minutes of playing time, it was impossible for him to deliver an outstanding performance.

Only Kaká's die-hard fans, or brainwashed fans, firmly believed that Kaká could outshine Rongguang and reclaim his starting position in the next game.

Kaká was the true star of São Paulo, and Rongguang was just a backup. Why should Rongguang steal the spotlight from our Kaká?

This was the mindset of Kory's friends.

Kory's thoughts were slightly different.

Rongguang's one assist and one goal in this match made her long-held belief waver slightly.

***

When Rongguang walked off the field, many São Paulo fans stood up from their seats and applauded him!

This treatment clearly showed how well Rongguang had performed in the match.

Remember, when Oswaldo decided to let Rongguang start instead of Kaká as the attacking midfielder, many people questioned whether Rongguang could replace Kaká.

In the first ten minutes, when he wasn't performing well, there were scattered boos from the stands.

But now, he had turned the tide with his performance, earning the respect and affection of the fans.

This is football; you get what you put in. Even if the reward isn't always a win.

Godo also stood up and applauded Rongguang.

There were many others around him doing the same.

Seeing this, Godo genuinely felt proud of Rongguang.

When Rongguang was substituted off, many São Paulo fans spontaneously stood up and applauded.

This showed that Rongguang's status in São Paulo had risen significantly.

Such a performance would help Rongguang secure his starting position, ensuring he would at least get his appearance fee.

The more money earned, the better. Godo's standard for good and bad was that simple.

Even Oswaldo and Mauro noticed the sudden applause.

Was this applause for Kaká?

Obviously not, it would have been louder if it were for Kaká.

So it was for Rongguang.

"It seems this kid has won the hearts of many..." Mauro looked back at the São Paulo fans standing and applauding.

Oswaldo didn't say anything, but a smile appeared on his face.

For some reason, Rongguang wasn't his choice, nor was he part of his inner circle. He and Rongguang had only met by chance, and he wasn't as familiar with Rongguang as Mauro was.

But seeing this rookie's progress always made him feel gratified.

***

Hearing the applause from the stands, Kory's friends huffed, "So what? When it's our Kaká's turn to play, the cheers will definitely shake the whole stadium!"

They were dissatisfied that Rongguang received applause when he was substituted off.

Kory's father on her left didn't take the children's complaints seriously. He, like the others, stood up and applauded Rongguang's performance.

He genuinely felt proud of his young countryman.

Initially, filming Rongguang was just out of curiosity and a whim.

But it turned out to be a turning point for Rongguang...

If not for that video, Rongguang might still be herding sheep in the mountains.

But he didn't consider himself Rongguang's benefactor. Instead, he was always proud and gratified by Rongguang's progress and achievements.

He admired his young countryman more and more.

From this young countryman, he saw the struggles he faced when he first arrived in Brazil. Back then, he started from scratch, working hard in jobs that required no skills, and built his current business. If he had given up in the face of difficulties, where would he be now?

Certainly not living a life without worries about food and clothing.

When Kory saw Rongguang walk off the field, she instinctively raised her hands as if to applaud.

But she quickly realized—wouldn't this boost the morale of the other side? More importantly...

She secretly glanced at her friends, who were all cursing Rongguang. One of them noticed Kory's gaze and turned to ask, "What's wrong, Kory?"

Kory quickly shook her head.

No way, how could she tell them she almost applauded for Rongguang? They would look at her differently and wouldn't consider her a friend...

Then she pointed at the field, "Look! Kaká!!"

Hearing her shout, everyone turned to the field, and sure enough, Kaká was on!

"Kaká!"

"Kaká!!!"

"Kaká, I love you!!"

"Kaká, I want to marry you!!"

These young girls, around twelve or thirteen, screamed uncontrollably, and Kory was among them.

Not just them, but similar wild screams echoed from other parts of the stands.

The welcome for Kaká quickly surpassed the applause for Rongguang...

Seeing this, Godo shook his head with a bitter smile—looks like it would be a long and difficult process for Rongguang to surpass Kaká...

***

When Rongguang walked off the field, he didn't high-five Kaká, and Kaká didn't extend his hand either.

As soon as Rongguang's left foot touched the ground, Kaká rushed onto the field, not wanting to waste a second.

He wanted to use the ten minutes to show his strength, telling Oswaldo that his stamina and condition were fine, and he didn't need a rest.

Kaká was so proactive because he finally felt the real threat from Rongguang.

Before, this feeling was vague, and he even doubted it.

Now he was certain. Watching Rongguang assist and score a goal from the bench made him feel restless.

He had never been so eager to play as he was today.

He ran onto the field amidst the thunderous cheers, determined to show his worth.

Kaká's intentions were good, but reality gave him a harsh blow.

Until the end of the match, he didn't deliver any memorable performance.

The score was already 3-0 when Rongguang was substituted off, and neither team had the intention to continue fighting.

The match entered garbage time.

"Match over! São Paulo defeated Botafogo 3-0 at home, starting their new season's championship on a good note!"

The commentator sounded delighted.

But Kaká's expression was far from it.

His lackluster performance and lack of standout moments made him doubt his future.

His face was gloomy. The usually handsome and sunny young man was rarely seen in such a low mood.

Kaká's performance did not go unnoticed by assistant coach Mauro and head coach Oswaldo—they had been closely watching him.

Mauro looked at Oswaldo, "Shouldn't we comfort him?"

Rongguang was a pleasant surprise, but he was still a rookie with many rookie flaws.

Relying solely on Rongguang was not enough. Kaká was the key player and needed close attention.

They didn't want to drive Kaká away...

Recently, there had been many transfer rumors about Kaká, and they were not baseless.

If they pushed too hard and drove Kaká away, it would be a disaster.

This was Mauro's concern.

But Oswaldo shook his head, "Don't underestimate Kaká's pride. I don't think he'll give up so easily..."

He wanted to see how Kaká would improve under the stimulation of the rookie Rongguang.

Kaká had achieved fame at a young age, and his progress had slowed over the past six months. Oswaldo had high hopes for Kaká, believing he could become a world-class player.

If he just sank in the Brazilian league, it wouldn't be good.

He had noticed this issue early on.

But he didn't know how to motivate Kaká.

Kaká was handsome, had a good temper, and a humble personality due to his strong faith. His skills were outstanding and extraordinary. Facing a player like Kaká, he didn't know how to approach him.

Unexpectedly, when the rookie Rongguang, who declared, "I will beat you, Kaká, I will definitely beat you," appeared, things changed.

No one expected that Kaká would be motivated by Rongguang!

For Kaká, having a rapidly improving rookie chasing him and pushing him was a good thing.

However, when Oswaldo said this, he wasn't as confident as he appeared.

What if Kaká, pushed by Rongguang, went to Europe?

You won't let me down, Kaká, will you?

Looking at the unusually gloomy Kaká, Oswaldo asked himself.