Chapter One: Munich 1860

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It was 2:29 a.m. As I had things to do during the day, I could only keep the lights burning into the night, typing out these words for everyone. I really can't hold on any longer... Good night, everyone... I'll schedule this to post at midnight... There was already a chapter earlier this morning. Please recommend...

The World Cup has come to an end.

Mino Raiola seemed a bit disgruntled, believing that the champion should not have been Brazil, but rather Italy.

But regardless of how upset you feel, is there really anything you can change? If you want to talk about injustice, come on! China was in the same group as both Brazil, the champions, and Turkey, who took third place! And most importantly, only two teams from the group could advance.

After some back-and-forth, Hannover 96 ultimately decided to let him go. After all, they were the ones who put him on the transfer list first, and they certainly didn’t lack someone like Mo Mo in their front line. There was no need to risk their reputation for a player like Mo Mo. More importantly, how many one-season wonders are there in football nowadays?

Besides, if the deal went through, the price would have increased a hundredfold—what could they possibly be dissatisfied about?

Now the only remaining issue was the medical exam. Aside from not being physically strong enough, there didn’t seem to be any other major problems.

When Pacult, the head coach of 1860 Munich, met Mo Mo, he said:

“My goodness! You’re so small, and so young—sometimes I feel bad about putting you on the pitch.”

Mo Mo knew Pacult was joking, so he struck a powerful pose and responded,

“Hey! Look, I’ve got muscles too. Just put me on the field, you’ll see.”

As for his teammates, the attacking line of 1860 Munich was a bit on the older side.

Number 9, Martin Max (two-time Bundesliga top scorer), stands at 182 cm. Unfortunately, age is catching up with him—born in 1968, he was already 34 years old.

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Number 11, Lauth (179 cm), born in 1981, was 22 this year. He was the rising star and newly signed to strengthen 1860 Munich’s front line.

Number 21, Markus Schroth (193 cm), born in 1975, 27 this year, was another new signing for 1860 Munich this season.

Mo Mo’s direct competition for playing time came down to these three. Martin Max appeared blocky and broad-shouldered. With his usual expressionless face, he always seemed to carry a look of melancholy. His eyes were deeply set, and though his nose was rather flat, it was sharply defined.

For him, whether it was Mo Mo, Lauth, or Markus Schroth, they were all threats to his starting position. Like Fredi Bobic, he was unwilling to admit defeat or grow old, but he still had to face the problem of the coach’s lack of trust.

Munich hosts two clubs: the illustrious Bundesliga giant Bayern Munich, and the other, 1860 Munich. Whenever these two teams meet, it’s a city derby. Unfortunately, 1860 Munich is almost always the underdog.

In fact, there was originally little connection between the two clubs, but in a city with two teams, how could they not become archenemies? It seems the saying “rivals in the same trade are enemies” holds true even abroad!

During this time, Li Qing also got in touch with Mo Mo and told him about her situation at the Technical University of Munich. Mo Mo had never understood—she was clearly a fan of Yang Chen, so why was she so insistent on hanging out with him?

Well, the answer was made perfectly clear the next time they met.

“You’re the youngest player ever to take part in the World Cup! I’m no fool—someone like you is definitely a hot prospect! Getting close to you now can only bring benefit, not harm. So, shouldn’t I strengthen my relationship with you?”

Mo Mo scratched his head, grumbling inwardly,

“This is how you ‘strengthen our relationship’? Honestly, I’d rather you didn’t.”

Still, to be fair, hanging out with Li Qing really did sometimes make him forget that deep down, he was just an awkward, middle-aged guy. Although she was willful, headstrong, and had a habit of getting handsy, she was also candid and genuine, with the air of a heroine. For instance, when they went out, she always insisted on splitting the bill—a point Mo Mo appreciated greatly. (Note: destined to be single.)

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The first round of the 2002 Bundesliga season was set for July 28. During this period, Mo Mo would be training with the team, working on fitness and tactical cohesion. If all went well, the opening match would be at home against Rostock.

This was not a strong team—an excellent opportunity to get off to a flying start. German clubs also have a tradition of hoping for a “good start,” believing that a victory in the first match will bring luck to the rest of the season.

During this time, Shao Jiayi also completed all the necessary formalities for his transfer. Naturally, this drew coverage from the Chinese media, greatly increasing the profile of 1860 Munich in China—for no other reason than that the club now boasted two Chinese players in its ranks.

Bear in mind, there had only ever been three Chinese players in the Bundesliga. Now, two-thirds of them were at 1860 Munich—how could this not excite the journalists?

When Shao Jiayi arrived, he and Mo Mo talked about the situation back home. Bora Milutinovic had finally stepped down, replaced by Arie Haan as the new head coach. Bora had been dismissed for shooting commercials, disregarding the authorities, and lacking social finesse.

There were other reasons too: the media’s mixed assessments, the Chinese team’s rough technical level, which couldn’t be transformed overnight, and the presence of a few troublemakers in the squad, all making discipline difficult. In light of all this, Bora’s departure was hardly surprising.

After some sighing, the two agreed to go out for dinner that night. But where to eat became a problem. Mo Mo had originally planned to ask Mino for advice, but just then Li Qing called. Since that was the case, they decided to let her choose the place.

After a brief conversation, Li Qing readily agreed, boldly insisting that it was her treat. Once they’d agreed on a location, she hurriedly hung up, leaving Mo Mo speechless—could she not be a bit less rash?

Mo Mo and Shao Jiayi took a taxi to the agreed restaurant, a Chinese eatery run by a husband-and-wife team. It was clear their business was thriving.

The owner had obviously seen the World Cup, for as soon as he spotted Mo Mo and Shao Jiayi, he called out their names. The proprietress seemed to recognize them too, smiling as she said someone was waiting for them in private room 13.

Thanking them, the two headed upstairs and found room 13. Mo Mo pushed open the door, and he and Shao Jiayi were both stunned the moment they entered. What on earth was going on?