Chapter 6

The next day, Chen Yu arrived early at the park's football field with a soccer ball. Unlike before, he didn't stay up late playing games. Although yesterday's match wasn't too intense, he felt somewhat tired. Over the past year, he hadn't trained systematically, and staying up late to play games had almost depleted the foundation he had built over nearly a decade. He was no longer able to adapt to professional matches. Although he now had the Star Player Awareness Acceleration System, it could only give him superhuman awareness, not a strong body. He had to start training again. Even though the trial training would begin soon, Chen Yu couldn't guarantee that he would impress the coaching staff of Fiorentina. He needed to prepare for future trials. He wasn't a child and didn't expect everything to go smoothly.

Chen Yu locked his bicycle, took off the Adidas sportswear he had worn for over a year, and changed into a Liverpool jersey. This jersey was an authentic one he and Lin Hong had bought at the Liverpool club when they visited England. Just as he was about to start training, his phone rang. It was an unfamiliar number. "Chen Yu? Hello, I'm Zhang Shubin, Gao Fei's agent. I want to talk to you about playing football. Where are you?"

"I am, I'm at the Siena City Park field, practicing."

"Great, I'll be there in about an hour."

"Okay, I'll wait for you."

After hanging up, Chen Yu pondered for a moment and then continued his training.

Running, juggling, dribbling, shooting, running to retrieve the ball, practicing variable-speed running... Under the current conditions, Chen Yu performed each technical and physical exercise one by one. He only stopped when his legs felt heavy, his breathing was rapid, and sweat appeared on his temples and forehead. He relaxed for ten minutes and then sat by the side of the field to rest.

"Are you Mr. Chen Yu?"

It was familiar Chinese. Chen Yu turned around and saw a middle-aged man with a typical Asian face standing behind him.

"Yes, you are...?" Chen Yu asked in surprise.

"Yes, I am Zhang Shubin, Gao Fei's agent. I came here today specifically to see you. Gao Fei told me about your situation, and I watched your video. You do have the ability to play professional football. Working at the hotel is a waste of your talent."

Zhang Shubin had a kind face and a gentle manner, not at all like a typical agent. He had been there for a while, secretly observing Chen Yu. After watching Chen Yu's video last night, he immediately realized the potential. So he came early to find Chen Yu. When he arrived at the park, he saw a Chinese person practicing and recognized Chen Yu based on his appearance and build from the video.

Chen Yu understood Zhang Shubin's intentions and said, "I've already quit my job at the hotel, or rather, I've been fired."

"Ha ha, that's perfect. Today I'll talk to Coach Vercellino about your situation. Get ready for the trial training."

Zhang Shubin didn't ask why Chen Yu was fired. There was no need to ask.

Chen Yu said, "Thank you, Mr. Zhang."

Zhang Shubin chuckled, "No need to be so formal. We're compatriots. However, before I talk to Coach Vercellino, I need your authorization to act on your behalf, as many things require your authorization."

Chen Yu smiled. He had some experience in the football world and understood that Zhang Shubin wanted to be his agent. Although he didn't know much about this middle-aged man, he didn't have many other options. "What authorization? I'm just an unemployed worker. You can represent me. I don't need high conditions; just having a chance to play is enough."

Zhang Shubin smiled, "Although you're not a professional player and have only played one year in the second division, to get a better contract and higher pay, I won't mention this. Of course, they won't know your past. This is just a third-tier team with no scouting network. The key is whether you have the ability to impress them. I, although familiar with Coach Vercellino, can only play a facilitating role."

Although Chen Yu wasn't sure how much of what Zhang Shubin said was true, he trusted Gao Fei. He said, "Thank you for your thorough consideration. Let's proceed as you suggest. If it works out, I'll be grateful."

Zhang Shubin laughed, "Great, that puts my mind at ease. You're a university student from North China University of Technology with excellent ball skills. Becoming a professional player is definitely possible, and you have a lot of potential. If it works out, I don't need much in return. Just let me be your agent."

"I'm more than happy to."

Chen Yu wasn't naive. Due to his parents' divorce, he had been living independently since he was young. He had received professional football training since junior high and played one year in the second division. He understood the importance of an agent. Although he didn't know Zhang Shubin well, choosing him as his agent was a bit rash, but he had no better options, so he agreed.

"Great, I'll head to Florence now. Wait for my news."

Zhang Shubin drove away in a new Mercedes, and Chen Yu rode his old bicycle back to his rented apartment.

He took a shower and then went to a small street for breakfast.

Italian breakfasts are varied and focus on nutritional balance. Chen Yu ordered a slice of toasted bread, a half-cooked fried egg, a half-grilled tomato, a slice of cured meat, a few slices of potato and mushrooms, and a bowl of soybean and tomato soup.

This was the most substantial breakfast Chen Yu had had in the past six months. He had been short on money and in no mood. Now, with the possibility of restarting his professional football career, he had to pay attention to his nutrition, even if it meant depleting his limited savings. Otherwise, he wouldn't be able to handle the rigorous professional matches.

After breakfast, Chen Yu returned home and started cleaning. He threw away things he no longer needed and cleaned the accumulated dust from the furniture and windows. He washed and dried his dirty clothes, smelly socks, sheets, and pillowcases.

After cleaning everything, Chen Yu's gaze fell on Lin Hong's photo. Her beautiful, arched eyebrows above her delicate nose, her straight nose bridge showing her independence and strength, and her small mouth making her overall appearance cute and gentle. She was a very unique and beautiful girl.

"Women, your name is deceit."

Chen Yu sneered, tore up Lin Hong's photo, and threw it in the trash. Six months after his girlfriend left, Chen Yu finally decided to leave his depression behind and start a new life.