Chapter 16

In the summer of 2004, with Jowan Xian's presence, the most sensational transfer in the world of football was not the record-breaking 35 million euro deal for Didier Drogba by Real Madrid, but the investment by Chelsea in the future of England—Wayne Rooney!

And less than half a month later, Chelsea once again stirred up a wave of media frenzy in the gradually calming world of football—Chelsea and AC Milan had reached an agreement, with Chelsea acquiring the Brazilian Kaka from Milan for 20 million euros plus Hernan Crespo!

Chelsea's press conference was held on August 14th, with head coach Jowan Xian and the club's CEO Peter Kenyon introducing Kaka, who was wearing the number 22 jersey.

Kaka's handsome appearance and charming smile momentarily overshadowed Jowan Xian, the handsome coach, making him feel a bit sour. However, despite the sourness, acquiring Kaka still filled Jowan Xian with joy and excitement.

Ever since Jowan Xian joined Chelsea, the club has been at the center of media attention, prompting Roman Abramovich to smile wryly: "I thought improving the team's performance would gradually raise Chelsea's profile, but Jowan Xian has done a lot to help. In just over a month, Chelsea has repeatedly made the front pages of major media outlets."

The Q&A session, which is usually a routine part of a press conference, became the focal point for all media reporters at Chelsea's event, even surpassing the transfer of Kaka itself! Because, they were finally able to hear Jowan Xian's "shocking predictions" again.

"Mr. Xian, experts estimate that Crespo's value is at least 15 million euros, which means Kaka's transfer fee is as high as 35 million euros. Do you think it's worth it for an unknown young player?" A reporter from the Daily Express was the first to challenge.

Jowan Xian laughed lightly, "Is 35 million a lot? Mourinho spent 35 million on Drogba, and I think I'm much smarter than him!"

Instantly, the room was in an uproar. This Jowan Xian, who had first targeted England's head coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, was now clashing with Mourinho. No one knew what their beef was!

The reporters had no idea that Jowan Xian was merely using friction with certain celebrities to hype himself. Of course, the innocent and kind reporters could never guess the ulterior motives behind Jowan Xian's shameless words.

"Mr. Xian, Chelsea will face the first round of the new Premier League season tomorrow night. Will you start Kaka?"

Jowan Xian answered without hesitation, "Of course, I bought Kaka to play! He will not only play but also start!"

All the reporters were quickly taking notes, afraid to miss any of Jowan Xian's words. Kaka, upon hearing this, his blue eyes sparkled, and he looked at Jowan Xian with deep gratitude.

"Xian, Kaka has only been with the team for one day, and tomorrow night's opponent is a strong rival, Manchester United. Do you really plan to start him?" A reporter from The Guardian, who never seemed friendly, asked.

Jowan Xian's face darkened, "I don't want to waste words! Kaka is a genius, and there's no issue of adaptation. I said he will start, and he will start!"

"Mr. Xian, you have brought another attacking midfielder to the team. The team already has Frank Lampard, and Joe Cole can also play in this position. Under such intense competition, do you think Kaka will have the opportunity to showcase his talent?"

Jowan Xian's eyes lit up, and he smiled, "I know you, you're from The Times, right? Actually, you don't need to worry about this. I will write a special article later and publish it in my column in The Times, where I will announce the starting lineup for tomorrow's match!"

"Buzz!"

The room erupted in a cacophony of noise. What was this Jowan Xian up to? The match is tomorrow night, and you're going to publish the starting lineup in the newspaper tonight? How absurd! The reporters whispered among themselves.

"This Jowan Xian is too arrogant. I really hope Sir Alex Ferguson will teach him a lesson tomorrow night!"

"Indeed, announcing the starting lineup is simply unbelievable!"

"You two idiots, this is just a psychological tactic by Jowan Xian. He wouldn't be stupid enough to reveal the starting lineup!"

"I'm not so sure. This Jowan Xian... he could do anything!"

...

A reporter from the Daily Telegraph asked with a smile, "Mr. Xian, can I ask why you plan to announce the starting lineup in advance? Is it because you know the team is destined to lose tomorrow?"

"Haha..." The reporters burst into laughter. After all, Sir Alex Ferguson has more experience than Jowan Xian has had meals.

Jowan Xian's smile faded, and his expression became unusually serious, "On the contrary, I believe that with Kaka, Chelsea will definitely win against Manchester United tomorrow! And... it will be a big win!"

"Haha!" The reporters in the room seemed to have heard the funniest joke in the world.

When Jowan Xian's bold words reached Manchester, the local media, fans, and football experts were in stitches, and various humorous comments spread across the internet and media.

"Sir Alex Ferguson was a coach when Jowan Xian was still drinking milk."

"Jowan Xian, in terms of age, is just Sir Alex Ferguson's grandson!"

"Kaka is nothing compared to Scholes!"

"Abraham should go back to Russia to sell oil. England is not suitable for you!"

...

In the midst of this dog-eat-dog chaos, the media thoroughly explored the highlights of the Premier League's opening match between Chelsea and Manchester United.

Round 1: Jowan Xian vs. Sir Alex Ferguson.

This is a battle between boasting and real strength. The mysterious, crazy, and outspoken Jowan Xian advocates a "bombardment" style of attacking football, but the weaknesses of his laughable tactics were exposed in Chelsea's two preseason matches. The experienced Sir Alex Ferguson will surely crush Jowan Xian's team.

So, Round 1, Sir Alex Ferguson wins!

Round 2: Adrian Mutu vs. Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Mutu performed well last season but struggled to fit into Jowan Xian's tactical system. The "Little Area King" thrived under Sir Alex Ferguson, showing his killer instincts. Without a doubt, van Nistelrooy will dominate the next match, while Mutu will be lucky to start.

So, Round 2, van Nistelrooy wins.

Round 3: Kaka vs. Cristiano Ronaldo.

Both have handsome appearances and are young and talented. However, Chelsea's midfield is firmly controlled by Frank Lampard, leaving little room for Kaka to shine. On the other hand, Ronaldo has become the king of Manchester United's right flank since Beckham's departure, showing significant growth.

One is a new addition, the other a seasoned veteran. The result is clear: Round 3, Ronaldo wins!

...

After a series of comparisons, the media reached a surprising yet logical conclusion: Sir Alex Ferguson's team outshines Chelsea in every position! Especially in the position of head coach, the difference is not just in experience but also in intelligence!

Jowan Xian's transfer strategy this summer is simply laughable.

What's even more laughable is that Jowan Xian, as he promised at the press conference, really did publish his starting lineup in his column in The Times.

Goalkeeper: Petr Cech;

Defenders: Ashley Cole, Fabio Cannavaro, John Terry, Michael Ballack;

Midfielders: Joe Cole, Frank Lampard, Claude Makélélé, Kaka, Arjen Robben;

Forward: Adrian Mutu.

This is a typical 4-1-4-1 formation, with Claude Makélélé as the lone defensive midfielder, Kaka and Frank Lampard as the attacking midfielders, Joe Cole on the left, and Arjen Robben on the right. With Wayne Rooney injured, Mutu will lead the attack.

After the lineup was announced, Manchester United fans were laughing so hard they could barely breathe, and many were buying tickets to Stamford Bridge to witness a big win in London. Chelsea fans, on the other hand, groaned in pain, and many die-hard supporters did not buy tickets, fearing the worst defeat in the club's history.

On the morning of August 15th, the entire English media was buzzing, discussing Jowan Xian's starting lineup in great detail.

However, Jowan Xian was completely unaware of the outside world, rushing back to his apartment from the training ground because a beautiful Chinese woman was waiting for him. So, Jowan Xian decided to do something very satisfying.

An interview.

She was undoubtedly a beauty, especially as she, like Jowan Xian, was of Asian descent.

She wore a simple white chiffon dress, which, though not expensive, looked like a fairy's robe on her, surrounded by a faint white mist. Her waist was very slim, about 16-17 inches, making her chest's curve more prominent. She stood tall and graceful.

Her long, flowing hair was casually draped over her shoulders, black and shiny, contrasting with her snow-white skin. Her expression was cold and aloof, like a snow plum blossom. Her face was expressionless, calm, and distant.

Jowan Xian held her resume in one hand and a pen in the other, occasionally glancing at her, shivering slightly: "My goodness, she's an ice queen!"

Her resume stated that her ancestral home was in Fujian, she was born in Taiwan, and her nationality was English. Jowan Xian couldn't help but smile wryly at the complex background and asked in Chinese, "Your name is Cheryl?"

Her voice was as cold as her face, "If you prefer, you can call me Xuan Ye."

Jowan Xian raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Miss Xuan Ye, according to your resume, you graduated from the London School of Economics at the age of 21. Truly, beauty and talent go hand in hand!"

Xuan Ye stared at Jowan Xian for a few seconds, her milk-white face suddenly blushing, and she glared at him fiercely before getting up and turning to leave.

"Really? Am I that scary?"

Jowan Xian picked up a small mirror and checked his appearance, which was still handsome and dashing. Could it be that the ice queen was having a bad day and taking it out on him?

Suddenly, Jowan Xian felt a cool breeze in his crotch, looked down, and his face turned red with embarrassment: "Damn, did I forget to zip up after using the toilet? Or did something else pop out?"

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End of the page.