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Chapter 302 The God Returns Online
Wang Lie sat on the blue Tyne bus, with Tyne's teammates beside him.

Their car is heading towards Redstone Stadium.

He wasn't familiar with this road because it was the route from the away team's hotel to the stadium, and it was in a different location than the hotel he used to stay at when he played for Sofia United. Naturally, the road to the stadium was different as well.

However, as he approached the stadium, he still saw that familiar, majestic figure.

The transparent glass and steel roof reflected the gray sky, almost blending into it.

The sky was unusually gloomy today, seemingly foreshadowing that this match would not be a happy reunion for either Wang Lie or Sofia United.

However, this is all in the realm of superstition. From a scientific perspective, this weather means that tonight's match is very likely to be a rainy one...

A tall, red exterior wall appeared in front of us, and the Redstone Stadium was almost in sight.

Meanwhile, more and more Sofia fans are appearing on the streets.

When they saw the blue Tyne bus arrive, they would all stop and watch.

But unlike the Ruhr United fans, they didn't "welcome" Tyne with the middle finger and boos.

They just stared at Tyne's blue bus, their eyes filled with indescribable emotions.

In particular, Wang Lie was sitting by the window, making it easy for him to be seen through the car window.

Every Sofia United fan is experiencing very mixed feelings at this moment.

Their former heroes now sit there wearing their opponents' jerseys.

He even said those things before the match...

What are his feelings about the current Sofia United?
How should we treat him?

Boo him?

scold him?

People outside the car silently watched those inside, and those inside the car silently watched those outside.

Wang Lie sat by the window, turning his head to look at the Sofia United fans outside, remaining silent.

Although I've discussed this issue in depth with my wife, the feeling of "feeling apprehensive about returning home" has resurfaced.

However, this time Wang Lie did not hesitate. He knew that what he was doing was right, so even if most people opposed or did not understand him, he would still continue to do it.

So I can only apologize...

Looking at the Sofia United fans, Wang Lie apologized to them in his heart.

※※※

A Sofia fan wearing Wang Lie's number 9 jersey from his Sofia days was holding up a sign with the following written on it in marker:

"Thank you, China Wang! You are a legend forever! Welcome home!"

He was showing off to a group of media cameras when suddenly a fan wearing a Sofia jersey rushed up from the side and snatched the playing card from Wang Lie's hand without saying a word.

The former tried to take it back, and the two started fighting in front of the media.

The onlookers cheered and shouted, some supporting Wang Lie's fans, and others supporting the Sofia United fans who grabbed the playing cards.

"Well done! Tear off his sign!"

"They're panicking! The king's haters are panicking!"

"Welcome Wang home, what's wrong with that? Redstone Stadium will always be his home!"

"You're welcoming a traitor! A traitor who mercilessly beat up Sofia!"

"Oooo!"

"Whistle sound"

Meanwhile, the media's cameras remained unaffected, dodging through the crowded throng while keeping their lenses firmly focused on the two people clashing, like a relentless recorder.

The conflict quickly attracted a team of police officers who were on site to maintain order.

Wearing reflective vests and wielding batons, they stormed into the scene of the conflict. They forcibly separated the two sides and dispersed the crowds who had gathered to watch the commotion, preventing an uncontrollable mass incident.

Thanks to the firm and swift enforcement of the law, a conflict between fans was quickly quelled by the dense crowd in the square.

Xiao Cheng stood in the crowd, watching the bustling Sofia United fans.

If he hadn't said anything, who would have guessed that a fight involving Wang Lie had just taken place here?
Manchester in November is already very cold, and most of the fans who come to the game are wearing thick, waterproof coats, with their jerseys underneath representing their team.

Xiao Cheng zipped his waterproof jacket all the way up, but the red collar inside was only vaguely visible.

He looked no different from the other Sofia United fans around him.

As long as he doesn't take off his jacket, no one will see the number nine and Wang Lie's surname on the back of his jersey.

If he hadn't been unable to buy tickets for the away team and had to resort to scalpers to buy tickets for the home team's fans' section, why would he have needed to be so cautious?

It seems that the internal divisions among Sofia United fans are quite severe, to the point of being irreconcilable.

So, as an undercover agent, he can't get too carried away in this match, otherwise he might really get beaten up...

Don't be fooled into thinking English football hooligans are a bunch of comedians just because they were beaten to a pulp in Russia and Turkey. They may be weak, but that's only in comparison to much more formidable hooligans. Compared to ordinary fans, any one of them is a thug.

This is why Xiao Cheng never posts any updates about watching the games online. He'd rather be mistaken for a digital account than have his real account revealed offline.

He was now in the surging crowd, an inconspicuous ordinary fan, slowly walking towards the ticket gate with the flow of people.

※※※

Today is a home game day, and the number of customers at the Red League bar is much less than on away game days.

The reason why bars are crowded on away game days is that television signal fees are very expensive in England, and most ordinary people are unwilling to pay the fee.

In the UK, under the Communications Act 2003, any individual or household that wants to watch or record live television programs—including BBC, ITV, and other channels—or use the BBC iPlayer, must pay a fee, even if they do not have a traditional television set, as long as they have a device capable of receiving television programs, such as a mobile phone or tablet.

Moreover, this fee varies from year to year.

According to this year's regulations, households owning color televisions will pay approximately £567 per year, while those owning black and white televisions will pay £265 per year. (Note 1)

This is why, even in 2037, many British families still watch black and white televisions...

Moreover, this was the result after intense social protests and a final discount.

In addition, if there is a certified blind person in the family, they can enjoy an additional 50% discount...

Yes, you read that right. Even people who can't watch TV at all still have to pay if they have a TV at home.

Failure to pay is illegal—not a breach of contract, but a violation of the law, and you will bear the corresponding legal responsibility.

This law has been controversial since it was enacted in 2003.

There were also constant rumors that it would be canceled or abolished.

But it has continued to this day.

In addition to the TV signal fee, watching different live sports events such as the Premier League, League Cup, FA Cup, and Champions League requires paying extra to purchase broadcast packages from the broadcasters.

These broadcast packages are often bundled together; it's not like if you're a Sofia fan, you only need to pay to watch Sofia games. You also need to pay for games of other teams, even if you don't watch them at all...

This is why many people in England prefer to watch live matches in pubs, cafes, and restaurants.

After all, watching a game only costs the price of a beer, which is much more cost-effective than watching the game at home.

Moreover, watching the game in a bar allows you to share with fellow enthusiasts, creating a lively atmosphere that offers an experience that is completely incomparable to watching the game alone at home.

"Although everyone says they hate Americans, my business is still much worse on home game days..." Dylan Newell, the owner of the Red League bar, sighed as he looked at the obviously empty bar in front of him.

“What can we do? We’re all longtime Sofia fans,” said Alex Raven, who was sitting on the outside of the bar opposite him.

Newt looked at him and asked, "Are you really not regretting not going to the event?"

Raven shook his head: "I heard that there were fights outside the stadium over whether to support or oppose Wang, and it wasn't just one... Hearing this news, I regret not going to the scene even more."

Niu Er burst into laughter.

He thought it was surreal when he first heard the news.

At first, he thought it was a fight between Sofia United fans and Tyne fans, but upon closer inspection... it was fucking infighting!
Both sides in the conflict were Sofia United fans!
There was only one side supporting Wang Lie, while the other side opposed their support for Wang Lie.

After laughing, Newt asked Raven, "Do you think we're doomed to lose?"

“I don’t want Soforth to lose, but that’s not up to me. Just like how we all opposed John Barker’s takeover of Soforth, but did our opinions count?” Raven shrugged.

Niu Er fell silent upon hearing this.

He could hear the thorn that had been buried in Raven's heart for so many years in his voice.

Back then, in order to oppose the acquisition of England's most successful club by an American businessman who knew nothing about football, Sofia United fans launched a massive opposition movement. They signed petitions online, held offline rallies and demonstrations, refused to attend games, left the stands empty, and wrote letters to the city government and even the British government, hoping that the government would intervene to stop the deal.

The large number of Sofia United fans at the Red League bar were united in their efforts to save their beloved team.

Alex Raven is the leader of the group.

He actively rallied and organized protests, even personally delivering a signed protest letter to the Manchester City Council.

He gave a speech on the street, analyzing what would happen to Sofia United if it were acquired by an American businessman.

At that time, he predicted the decline of Sofia United – although in hindsight, his prediction was not as severe as it turned out. After all, at most he said that Sofia United would no longer be a strong contender for the championship, not that Sofia United would not even be able to participate in the Champions League…

Despite the efforts of Sofia United fans, including Raven, to save their beloved team, they were unable to change the outcome.

Even though their actions received extensive media coverage and attention, and garnered support from some former Soforth legends and pundits.

In the end, Sofia United changed hands and became the property of an American businessman.

Sofia United fans who had previously opposed the takeover gradually gave up their stance as the deal was already done.

Life must go on, and we still have to watch the games.

After all, many people have been Sofia United fans for decades, so how could they just stop supporting them?

Even if they have grievances against their American bosses, they can only vent their frustrations online or in bars.

Even Alex Raven himself still goes to Redstone Stadium to watch Sofia United's games, doesn't he?

Thinking of this, boss Newt said to Raven, "I think the reason you're not going to watch the game isn't because you don't know how to face Wang... but because your dissatisfaction with the club has reached a certain level."

This time, Raven didn't answer him, but just smiled, then picked up his glass and took a sip of beer.

※※※

"...Sir Perkins actually came to watch the game live..."

"Isn't this normal? What's so surprising? Apart from being sick, he's never missed a Sofia home game..."

"Ha, do you really think that with Sir Perkins' current age and physical condition, a crushing defeat at Sofia United won't affect his health?"

"Uh... it can't be that bad, can it? Is it really that bad?"

"The bookmakers don't think Sofia will win at home..."

Liu Zhong and Guo Xuequan stood in the media section of Redstone Stadium, listening to the chatter of nearby English journalists.

Hearing this, Liu Zhong couldn't help but laugh, and then said to Guo Xuequan in Chinese, "It's really funny. They're playing at home, they're a powerhouse team, yet they're being universally underestimated in this match..."

"After all, there's the precedent of a 0-9 defeat," Guo Xuequan remarked. "The impact of that match was far-reaching; it wasn't just about setting a shameful record for the biggest defeat in Sofia's history..."

Liu Zhong, however, said, "I think it's mainly because of what Wang Lie said the day before yesterday. It was practically a declaration of war against Sofia. If it weren't for those words, everyone might have thought Wang Lie had already given up... After all, wasn't 9-0 enough to vent our anger?"

Guo Xuequan revealed a disdainful smile: "That only shows that those people don't really understand Wang Lie—he stole the Champions League title from Atlético Barcelona back then, ruining their four-peat in the Champions League, and Wang Lie didn't let go of his grudge against Atlético Barcelona because of that. Didn't they still end up beating each other to a pulp every time they met afterward?"

The two looked towards the stands, where more and more fans were entering the stadium, quickly filling the seats of the Red Roof Stadium.

Although it's just a League Cup match, given the history of rivalry between Wang Lie and Sofia United, the game is expected to be packed.

※※※

In Mark Medley's shot, Wang Lie is slowly walking into the away team's locker room. He also slowly pushes the camera up to Wang Lie's upper body.

Just then, Wang Lie looked up at the plaque on the door.

Medley found an angle that cleverly placed Wang Lie's profile and the contents of the nameplate in the same shot.

This is a very meaningful shot.

As the former owner of the Red Stone Stadium, Wang Lie always went to the home team's locker room, but now he has to come to the away team's locker room...

Just then, a voice came from behind Wang Lie:
"Hey, Wang, you've gone to the wrong place!"

Wang Lie turned around upon hearing the sound, and Medley's camera followed, revealing Hugo Gondouz walking out from behind the passageway.

Besides him, there were other Tyne players—the entire Tyne team had just gotten off the bus and come here through the tunnel.

Seeing Wang Lie turn around, Gonduz waved and pointed to the other side: "The home team's locker room is over there!"

The Tyne players around Gunduz burst into laughter.

Wang Lie laughed too, only then realizing that this funny guy was joking with him.

So he replied:

"No, this is where I belong."

After saying that, he turned around and pushed open the door to the away team's locker room.

The team staff, who had arrived early, were setting up the locker room.

Each player's jersey was hung in its corresponding locker, training vests were neatly folded and placed on the seats, and shoes were placed in front of the seats.

On the table in the middle of the locker room, various energy drinks and snacks were neatly arranged.

Wang Lie pushed open the door and walked in. The busy staff members looked up and greeted him.

Wang Lie returned the greetings one by one.

Then he walked to the central table, looked around, seemingly searching for his wardrobe.

After looking around, he walked toward the seat with the number 99 jersey hanging on it.

Then he put down his backpack and began to organize his personal belongings, such as taking out his shin guards with pictures of two children printed on them and placing them aside.

After he came in, the other Tyne players, including Hugo Gunduz, also entered the locker room one after another.

Footsteps, voices, laughter, and music filled the changing room, instantly making it lively.

Following behind the team were head coach Sam McNeil and assistant coach Cesar Varo.

McNeil went straight to the magnetic tactical board after entering.

Assistant coach Varo stopped at the door, then clapped his hands loudly and shouted:
"Hurry up, guys! Get your clothes changed and head out to warm up!"

After saying that, he didn't go into the locker room, but turned and walked out.

As an assistant coach, he first had to go to the field to lead the coaching staff in setting up the equipment and props for warm-up, and then wait for the players to come out and warm up.

As the players began changing, Medley shifted the camera away from the naked players and turned it toward head coach McNeil.

He placed chess pieces representing the players from both sides on the tactics board. After the players returned from warming up, he could use the distribution of these pieces to emphasize the game tactics to everyone again.

After arranging the pieces, McNeil stood in front of the tactics board, deep in thought, seemingly reviewing his tactical arrangements in his mind to see if there was anything he had overlooked...

Just as Medley turned the camera back to the players, Wang Lie was putting on Tyne's training clothes.

Then he put one foot on the ground and lifted the other foot to place on the edge of the seat, bending down to tie his shoelaces.

After putting on both shoes, he stomped his feet to feel that both shoes fit perfectly.

Finally, I straightened my training clothes.

After doing all that, he stood there with his hands on his hips, watching his teammates and waiting for them to change their clothes.

The entire process was recorded by Mark Medley's camera.

In his video, the former hero of Sofia has officially gone offline, and now the god of Tyne has taken over!

※※※

注1：现实里，2025年英国的彩色牌照费是一年174.5英镑，相较于2023年的159英镑上涨了9.75%。

The cost for a black and white license plate is £58.8 per year.

Whether the policies in the novel for 2037 still apply, and the monetary figures, are all made up by me. Don't worry about whether these figures are reasonable.

(End of this chapter)