Chapter 23

"Can you give a brief evaluation of the match, Wanxian? You made two substitutions within the first ten minutes. Was it a tactical consideration, or did the starting lineup you announced in advance draw Sir Alex Ferguson's attention, forcing you to make changes?"

Wanxian pursed his lips and smiled faintly. "You're overthinking it. The result of the match speaks for itself. I have great respect for Sir Alex Ferguson, but... his coaching skills are indeed far behind mine."

The journalists immediately erupted. They had been waiting for Wanxian to make such bold statements, which would certainly attract more readers. After all, such provocative words were always a hot topic, just like how Mourinho was always a target for the media.

"Dear Wanxian, you said that Sir Alex Ferguson's coaching skills are far behind yours. Then, may I ask, which current manager is on par with you? Is it Mourinho? He once said, 'There is one God, and I am the other.'"

Some unscrupulous journalists were trying to stir up trouble, hoping to provoke a bigger reaction. One was a maverick, the other a provocateur, and the media actually hoped for a clash between the new English aristocrat and the Spanish giant.

Wanxian crossed his arms and shrugged indifferently. "Mourinho? Maybe..."

The journalists were immediately disappointed. Why wasn't Wanxian being as provocative today? It was too calm. You dared to challenge Ferguson, but not Mourinho? However, Wanxian's next words immediately set the scene ablaze again.

"I don't care what Mourinho says. Look at his absurd behavior this summer at Real Madrid. A few signings turned the Galacticos into a small boat in a cesspool! Comparing me, Wanxian, to such a person is a blatant insult! He said there is one God, and he is the other. Well, I say I am the one above God!"

Wanxian had deeply studied the demeanor of officials from his previous life, maintaining a stern face and a proud posture, looking formidable and dignified, almost intimidating.

After the big win against Manchester United, Wanxian was especially confident about Source 1: "Since I'm cheating, I might as well cheat more boldly! In football, results are king, and the score is the sharp edge. I, Wanxian, am not afraid to be the enemy of the entire world of football!"

Manchester United's assistant coach, Carlos Queiroz, hearing Wanxian's outrageous words, sneered and sarcastically remarked, "The league has only had one round. The great Sir Alex Ferguson didn't come to the press conference because he couldn't stand the sight of certain people gloating. Without mentioning the numerous world-renowned achievements of Sir Alex Ferguson, even Mourinho was the new coach of the season. And some people... they act as if winning one match means they've won the world. It's truly laughable."

The journalists, always eager for drama, immediately asked, "Mr. Wanxian, what Queiroz said... seems to be a reminder not to be too complacent..."

Wanxian glanced at Queiroz with disdain and narrowed his eyes. "Sir Alex Ferguson suffered a heavy defeat against me. As for this Mr. Queiroz... I apologize, but I don't know much about him and don't want to comment further."

Wanxian's meaning was clear: You, Queiroz, aren't even qualified to challenge me.

Queiroz's face turned red with anger, and he stubbornly continued, "When we return to Old Trafford, the great Manchester United will give Chelsea a lesson!"

Wanxian glanced at Queiroz with ridicule, stood up, and loudly declared, "Forget it, I don't hold grudges against small people. I won't argue with certain individuals. The team's big win over Manchester United deserves a celebration, and I don't want the gloom of Manchester United to affect my mood."

Wanxian walked away without even bothering to shake hands with Queiroz.

After the first round, Chelsea topped the table with 6 goals scored, 1 goal conceded, a goal difference of 5, and 3 points. Arsenal and Bolton followed with 4-1 wins over Everton and Charlton, respectively, in second and third places.

Meanwhile, the Premier League announced the best lineup of the round, with 8 Chelsea players making the best 11: Ramos, Terry, Bridge, Lampard, Kaka, Joe Cole, Duff, and Gudjohnsen. The best manager of the round, without a doubt, was the now-famous Wanxian!

Speaking of fame, Wanxian, standing at the center of media attention, received two completely different evaluations.

"Announcing the starting lineup a day in advance and boldly claiming a big win over Manchester United, the 6-1 result proved that Russian oil tycoon Roman Abramovich made the most important and successful signing of the summer by hiring the young and capable Wanxian as Chelsea's manager! Let's wait and see, under Wanxian's leadership, Chelsea will surely win one championship after another!"

— *The Times*.

"Smooth attacks, exquisite combinations, absolute dominance, and countless goal-scoring opportunities—this is the first visual feast that Wanxian has presented to us! Can a young Chinese man from the East really change the rugged style of English football with his own strength?"

— *The Daily Telegraph*.

"The first performance of Italian center-back Cannavaro has proven that this was a failed signing. However, the young Spanish defender Ramos and the Brazilian Kaka are absolutely sensational! Look at how Ramos restricted Giggs on the field, it's unbelievable! Kaka's hat-trick and his fluid dribbling brought the purest form of Samba football to the English peninsula!"

— *The Sun*.

"In one match, we can't yet see how capable 'Big Cannon' Wanxian is. Beating Manchester United might just be luck. However, he has shown the world that the dressing room atmosphere can be adjusted in a very simple way! Yes, through homosexuality, through flirting! Look at how animated Wanxian is with the players on the field, and the way he secretly touches their butts. Watching the match, it almost feels like watching a pornographic film!"

— *The Guardian*.

The official newspaper of Real Madrid, *Marca*, was even more direct: "Wanxian is a joke in front of Mourinho! Mourinho has already said that he is looking forward to meeting Chelsea in European competitions to teach that arrogant Wanxian a lesson!"

The famous British transfer website *Transfermarkt* exclusively revealed a piece of news: "The big win in the first round has strengthened Michael Owen's determination to transfer to Chelsea. It is reported that Owen's strike training at Liverpool has led the club to accept Chelsea's £18 million offer. Wanxian will offer Owen a five-year contract with an annual salary of £6 million."

Wanxian was surprised. Where did these transfer websites and newspapers get their information? Such secrets were being leaked. However, he had no time to think about it. Seeing the looks of the fans and the club's top brass—some teasing, some despising, some ambiguous—made his head spin.

However, there was a silver lining. The ice queen, Ye Xuan, who had been scared away by his "open-crotch pants," had returned.

Perhaps because they were both Easterners and descendants of the same culture, Ye Xuan had been researching information about Wanxian. Upon learning that he had become a sensation in England, she realized that he urgently needed an agent because sponsors would soon be contacting him.

Today, Ye Xuan wore a snow-white dress. She was already beautiful with her delicate eyebrows and expressive eyes, and the dress made her look even more ethereal and otherworldly.

Wanxian dressed more formally today, fearing that he might scare the ice queen away again. Although the girl looked cold, it was rare to see such a beautiful Eastern woman in London.

Wanxian didn't like beating around the bush, and he had little in common with this ice queen, so he got straight to the point: "If you want to be my agent, that's fine. But I have three conditions, and I hope you can agree to them."

"Okay," Ye Xuan replied crisply.

Wanxian counted on his fingers. "First, for my personal image, your private life must be clean. Um... if you want to date, you need to ask me first!"

Ye Xuan glared at Wanxian angrily, but seeing his determined look, she finally nodded reluctantly.

Wanxian smiled inwardly and continued, "Second, I'm not familiar with London or Europe in general, so I need you to guide me. No questions about that, right?"

"No!" Ye Xuan nodded angrily.

Wanxian sighed in relief and awkwardly paused for a moment before saying, "Um... Miss Ye Xuan, you probably know that the whole of England is spreading rumors about me... saying that I am..."

"A homosexual?" Ye Xuan couldn't help but smile, which left Wanxian momentarily stunned. She quickly composed herself and returned to her cold, distant demeanor.

Wanxian scratched his head, embarrassed. "Actually... this is also a bit of a favor. I hope you can be my temporary girlfriend to help clear my name. After all, I am a public figure, and such a reputation is not good. Of course, I won't touch you without your permission!"

Ye Xuan's face turned pale with anger, and her lips turned white from biting them. After a moment's thought, she said, "I won't agree to that. However, if I become your agent, it will be my responsibility to help you build a good reputation."

Wanxian's eyes lit up, and he was overjoyed. "Then let's talk about it. What do you want?"

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