Chapter 43: I Scored—Does It Matter to You?!

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Brother Hua from PS has secured more than half of the monthly tickets—I have to admit, I’m impressed. It’s already the ninth day since I started fixing this computer. Watermark ad test. Watermark ad test. I dearly miss the days of typing on my computer.

The match on the field remains deadlocked.

Momo’s situation looks grim.

The players of Munich 1860 have begun experimenting with different attacking strategies.

Since this match is at home against Schalke 04, the hope is to secure a victory.

That’s why Momo is on the pitch, yet it seems he’s not up to the task.

Martin Max is warming up, seemingly ready to enter the game at any moment. Momo understands that after squandering so many chances, his teammates have begun to lose faith in him.

Perhaps it’s not just a matter of choosing a better approach—like passing to Momo’s partner, the other forward, number 11 Lauter.

Lauter is full of energy, freely roaming Schalke 04’s defensive third.

Honestly, Momo feels somewhat dejected; he suspects he’s become a disposable piece.

Thomas Halles no longer trusts him unconditionally; he pretends to pass to Momo but actually sends the ball to Lauter.

It’s hard to blame him, Momo tells himself. Right now, he’s powerless. Neuer, rather than being just a goalkeeper, acts like a sweeper.

He always manages to timely thwart Momo’s chances.

“Alright, Munich 1860 has possession now. Lauter! This young lad has been outstanding this season!”

When Thomas Halles gains control of the ball, Momo makes a run, causing Schalke 04’s defenders to become uneasy.

Yet Halles doesn’t pass to Momo; instead, he sends the ball to Lauter.

Lauter receives it and starts driving toward Schalke 04’s defense. Neuer has already rushed out.

“That’s more like it! That’s more like it! That Chinese guy is finally showing his true colors!”

Watley’s voice carries excitement, almost boastful.

“Look at that! Lauter! Lauter is taller than Momo (173 cm) and stronger too! This club should retract their offer and choose Lauter instead.”

At this point, Watley seems convinced it’s a brilliant idea; he’s already crafting a headline in his mind: “True Colors Revealed: Momo Is No Genius—Lauter Is.”

Just as he indulges in this fantasy, a tremendous roar erupts throughout the Allianz Arena.

On the field, Lauter is well aware of Neuer’s prowess; he’s seen time and again how Neuer thwarts attacks.

When Lauter receives the ball, he obviously notices Neuer’s advance.

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At this moment, for the team, if Lauter passes the ball to Momo, it would be a beautiful combination.

With Momo’s ability, he could surely score and help the team win. But would Lauter do that?

Of course not—no way!

Why would he give such a golden opportunity to his rival? There’s a trace of fanaticism in Lauter’s eyes.

His gaze locks onto the far corner of Schalke 04’s goal.

Lauter believes he can make it, so that’s exactly what he does. He strikes the ball with force; it accelerates sharply, heading straight for the goal.

No problem, no problem! Lauter tells himself confidently. Barring any mishaps, this shot should score.

But will there really be no surprises?

“Neuer! It’s Neuer!”

Chen Nu’s voice becomes almost hysterical. He’s eager to see a goal—a spectacular one—and also hopes Neuer will make a perfect save, which would be equally magnificent.

It’s a contradictory feeling, yet far better than the anxiety gripping everyone else, who hold their breath awaiting the ball’s fate.

Neuer moves like a soaring whale. His eyes are calm, but his wide-open mouth betrays his excitement.

Contact! Neuer feels his fingertips brush the ball. He crashes heavily onto the ground but keeps his eyes on the airborne ball.

Everyone watches the ball intently. Lauter’s eyes widen, his mouth agape, a flicker of regret crossing his face.

Indeed, judging by the ball’s trajectory, it will graze the post and roll out of bounds. But thanks to Neuer’s touch, Munich 1860 earns a corner kick.

“Such a pity! Yet truly magnificent! Neuer, huh? Wait—Momo! My God! Momo always catches everyone off guard.”

If Momo has any virtue, it’s his relentless spirit; he fights until the very last moment.

When Lauter shoots, all eyes are on the duel between forward and goalkeeper, but Momo’s gaze never wavers from the ball.

As Neuer’s fingertips graze the ball, Momo rockets forward like an arrow from a bow.

When everyone thought it was over, Momo burns with unyielding fire, tireless; when all expect the end, only Momo still seeks the decisive strike.

He waits, he comes, and he seizes it.

In that instant, the crowd either watches quietly as number 28 Momo or bursts out with meaningless shouts.

But no matter what, none can stop what happens next.

Momo leaps high, throws his head with force, and his head collides with the ball, sending it flying toward the goal.

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“Thud!”

That sound nearly stops Momo’s heart. But the next second, when he turns his gaze, the ball, previously thought to have struck the post and gone out, rolls diagonally into the net at the near post.

Neuer arrives belatedly. The Schalke 04 defender who had been marking Momo raises his hand, apparently signaling an offside.

“Hm? Let’s review it—Momo’s tactical awareness is excellent, his acceleration quick! There’s no offside suspicion since goalkeeper Neuer touched the ball.”

After some discussion, the referee blows the whistle and points to the center circle.

It’s an indisputable goal; Momo’s worth is fully demonstrated here. Besides Momo, who else could seize such an opportunity?

Lauter fires a shot from just outside the left penalty area, but Neuer makes a brilliant save.

The ball is nearly out of play, but persistent Momo, always searching for chances, grabs this one.

He leaps high and with a lion-like headbutt, scores a goal!

Watley’s expression sours. Every time the crowd chants Momo’s name feels like a slap to him.

Sensing the gaze of the Chinese reporter, Watley stiffens his neck and says,

“What are you looking at? Has Momo scored a hat-trick or what?!”

But the next moment, his words seem abruptly cut off.

“Incredible! Absolutely incredible!”

Chen Nu widens his eyes and claps helplessly.

The scouts originally here to observe Momo look equally stunned.

Momo raises both hands, gazing out at the waving sea of Munich 1860 fans, basking in their cheers.

Martin Max quietly returns to the bench, understanding he won’t get a chance to play.

Oh? What just happened? (.)