After Paris Saint-Germain was removed from the list, I led England to victory!

Olympia Clinic.

Outside the hospital emergency room.

With everyone's help, Yan Yuan was transferred from the ambulance to a wheeled medical bed.

Zidane immediately found the on-duty emergency room supervisor and, with a serious expression, quickly gave instructions in Spanish:

"Sir, please arrange the most comprehensive examination immediately!"

Nerves, bones, muscles, ligaments, especially the head and right leg!

He's Hoffenheim's most important player, using the best equipment and at top speed! Report the test results to me immediately!

Real Madrid club officials quickly confirmed the procedures and issued the necessary authorization documents.

Yan Yuan was quickly pushed into the inspection area.

Yan's parents, Nagelsmann, Wenger, and Zidane could only be kept outside the clean white corridor outside the clinic.

Leaning on her husband's shoulder, Yan Ma clasped her hands together, closed her eyes, and prayed silently, tears occasionally sliding down her tightly closed eyes.

Mr. Yan sat upright, his face solemn. He held his wife's hand tightly with one hand, while the knuckles of his other hand turned white from the force, and his nails dug deeply into his palm.

His gaze was fixed on the closed examination room door, as if he wanted to see his son inside through that door.

Nagelsmann leaned against the wall, his head slightly lowered, his hair disheveled.

His eyes were red and swollen, and he stared blankly at the smooth floor tiles beneath his feet. He was shrouded in immense regret and exhaustion, and seemed as if he might collapse at any moment.

Zidane stood a short distance away, arms crossed, gazing intently in the direction of the examination room. His expression was serious and focused, and he occasionally whispered a few words to the Real Madrid officials beside him to confirm the procedures.

Professor Wenger sat at the other end of the bench, his hands resting on his iconic cane, his back straight, his brow furrowed, his eyes behind his glasses revealing deep concern and contemplation. He glanced occasionally at Yan Yuan's anxious parents, and then at the dejected Nagelsmann.

An hour's wait felt like an eternity.

Every slight creak of the examination room door sent everyone's hearts leaping into their throats.

Finally, the door to the examination room opened.

A middle-aged doctor wearing glasses and a white coat came out, holding several test reports in his hand.

All eyes immediately focused on him.

The doctor had a clear look of relief on his face.

To make sure everyone could understand, he looked around at the anxious crowd and spoke in clear, slow English:

"Good news, Mr. Yan Yuan's vital signs have stabilized."

The results of the comprehensive inspection are very clear:

First, the child's loss of consciousness was not due to a concussion.

Based on the competition proceedings and ECG monitoring data, we confirmed that the fainting spell was caused by extreme physical exertion from strenuous exercise, combined with intense mental stress and minor blood loss during the competition.

"Second," the doctor continued, pointing to the images on the report.

Regarding the impact injury that everyone is most concerned about, the right outer thigh has a mild contusion and strain of muscle tissue, with significant subcutaneous bleeding and edema, so the swelling and bruising look quite frightening.

However, key areas such as the femur, hip joint, and knee joint are structurally normal, and there are absolutely no signs of ligament injury.

In summary, he suffered a sports injury with a relatively short recovery period. With the help of ice packs, compression bandages, and subsequent physical rehabilitation treatment, it is completely reversible and will not leave any sequelae.

Once the inflammation and swelling subside, the pain will be significantly reduced.

Given the extent of the injury and the young man's strong recovery ability, he should regain consciousness within the next few hours if all goes well.

"Really?! Doctor!" Mr. Yan stood up abruptly, his voice trembling with urgency. "Are you sure?"

"Doctor, my apprentice... his brain, and his legs..." Nagelsmann rushed forward, his voice trembling with urgency.

"Please take another look...are you sure you haven't missed anything? He was..."

Nash still couldn't rest easy about his beloved disciple.

The doctor understood their concerns and nodded firmly, his tone calm and professional:

"Mr. Yan, Coach, please rest assured."

We used the most advanced imaging equipment and had our case reviewed by the best specialists.

I can vouch for the fact that there are no abnormal signals in his brain.

The leg problem is just minor muscle damage and subcutaneous bleeding; it doesn't affect the underlying cause.

I must say, this is the young player with the best physique I've ever seen in all my years as a doctor.

Finally, Yan Ma couldn't hold back anymore and buried her face in her husband's shoulder, bursting into tears. But this cry was no longer a desperate lament; it was a release of pent-up emotions after a heavy burden had been lifted.

Mr. Yan hugged his wife tightly, his eyes reddening, and repeatedly said to the doctor:

"Thank you! Thank you, doctor!"

Nagelsmann let out a long, long breath, as if to expel a huge rock that had been pressing on his chest. He swayed and had to lean against the wall to steady himself.

Zidane and Professor Wenger exchanged a glance, both seeing the relief and satisfaction in each other's eyes.

Zidane solemnly said to the doctor:

"Thank you very much. Please arrange follow-up observation and recovery according to the best standards."

Soon, Yan Yuan was transferred to a quiet and comfortable VIP single room.

He lay quietly on the clean white hospital bed. The wound on his forehead had been carefully cleaned, disinfected, and properly sutured and bandaged. His right thigh was also wrapped in a strong elastic bandage, with an ice pack placed underneath for physical cooling and swelling reduction.

He had an IV drip attached to his arm to replenish glucose and electrolytes.

Although his face was still pale, his breathing had become steady and long.

Only Yan Yuan's parents, Nagelsmann, and the Real Madrid club representative who accompanied him remained in the ward.

Zidane and Wenger said they would wait for Yan Yuan to wake up before leaving.

About two hours later, on the hospital bed, Yan Yuan's fingers suddenly twitched slightly, then his eyelashes fluttered, and he slowly and laboriously opened his eyes.

Yan Yuan's vision was somewhat blurred, and his consciousness seemed to still be lingering on the grass where the fierce battle had taken place.

When he finally saw the white ceiling and the faces of his loved ones beside his bed, it seemed to take him a moment to truly understand where he was.

His gaze first fell on Nagelsmann, whose face was filled with worry and whose eyes were red and swollen.

Nash was sitting to his right.

"...Coach..." His voice was hoarse and weak, almost entirely mouthed, but his eyes were unusually clear, filled with deep self-reproach.

"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry... I couldn't... win... the match..."

He seemed to have used all his strength to say the complete sentence, and after he finished, he closed his eyes wearily, his brows slightly furrowed.

These words struck Nagelsmann like a heavy hammer, slamming into the newly healed crack in his heart.

He watched as his disciple woke up and the first thing he did was not to care about his own injuries, but to apologize for the defeat. He could no longer hold back his tears, which flowed down like beads from a broken string.

Yan Yuan delivered a critical hit with a whisper.

Nagelsmann leaned down abruptly, almost touching Yan Yuan's ear, his voice choked with emotion, yet filled with the most sincere feelings:

"Silly child... what nonsense are you talking about! What are you apologizing for?! A broken cup! What is a broken Champions League trophy?!"

In my heart, a hundred or a thousand championship trophies combined couldn't bring back a healthy and sound you! You are priceless!

You are my pride, Nagelsmann's pride, and the pride of all of Hoffenheim!

He was so excited that he was incoherent. He reached out to touch his disciple's head, but was afraid of touching the wound. In the end, he only dared to gently and carefully place his hand on the back of Yan Yuan's right hand, which had an injection.

"Thank you... Coach..."

Then, Yan Yuan's gaze shifted with difficulty to his parents, and then to Wenger and Zidane, who were not far from the bedside, his eyes filled with apology:

"Dad...Mom...Professor Wenger...Mr Zidane...I'm...sorry...for making you worry..."

"You brat, what nonsense are you spouting at a time like this!" Father Yan immediately interrupted him loudly, forcing a relaxed tone, but his eyes quickly reddened.

"The fact that you're okay is the best thing ever! Nothing else matters! Okay? Don't scare your mom like that again!"

He scolded her verbally, but his tone was full of heartache.

Mother Yan was sobbing uncontrollably, and she knelt by the bedside, holding her son's hand and stroking it repeatedly.

"Son...my son...you scared me to death...promise me you won't work so hard again...I can't take it..."

Zidane walked to the bedside, looking at the boy's eyes with a determination beyond his years and his current weakness, his eyes were full of admiration and a touch of emotion.

A gentle smile played at the corners of his lips. He glanced at Professor Wenger beside him and said, deliberately in a teasing tone:

"The one who should be most worried right now is not us, but Arsenal's Professor Wenger."

Zidane turned to Wenger, his eyes sharp and sincere, speaking slowly but clearly:

"Mr. Wenger, this child..."

He pointed to Yan Yuan on the hospital bed and said,

"Yan possesses all the qualities that belong to Real Madrid: incredible talent, a warrior's spirit that erupts in the most desperate situations, a burning desire for victory... and a sense of responsibility beyond his years."

He was born to shine at the Bernabéu; you'd better keep a close eye on him.

It seems Real Madrid is planning to compete with Arsenal in the summer transfer window.

Professor Wenger also smiled politely, meeting Zidane's gaze without flinching, and gently adjusted his glasses:

"Zidane, the future of football belongs to the young people, and the choice is also in their hands."

You can certainly appreciate it, but I have more patience and time.

Let's wait and see which jersey this kid will ultimately wear when the summer transfer window opens next season.

His gaze toward Yan Yuan carried the expectations of a senior for an outstanding junior and an admiration that was determined to win.

The atmosphere in the ward eased slightly because of the witty yet appreciative banter between the two legendary coaches.

It was getting late, and after confirming that Yan Yuan was conscious, able to communicate, and had stable vital signs, Zidane and Professor Wenger prepared to take their leave.

The two walked to the bedside and solemnly bid farewell to Yan Yuan.

"Son, get some rest and focus on recovering. You've given everyone a huge surprise this season, and I'm really looking forward to your future," Professor Wenger said gently, patting Yan Yuan's shoulder lightly.

"Yan," Zidane leaned down, his gaze like a deep sea, filled with heartfelt admiration.

"Your performance at the Bernabéu tonight was one of the greatest battles I've seen this season."

Rest assured and recover soon.

Real Madrid will continue to monitor your recovery progress and provide all possible assistance.

He shook hands with Yan Yuan, conveying a master's utmost recognition and respect for a rising star.

With the passing of two legends, only their closest relatives remained in the hospital ward.

My parents and my mentor.

Although Yan Yuan was extremely weak, he could clearly see that the coach had been crying; his eyes were swollen and red like walnuts, and his usually neatly styled hair was a mess.

Nagelsmann pulled up a chair and sat on the edge of the bed, her eyes fixed on him, filled with an overwhelming sense of heartache, guilt, and immense relief at having regained what she had lost.

A warm feeling welled up in Yan Yuan's heart.

He tried to move the hand that the coach was gently holding, and gave a very slight, yet incredibly clear, squeeze back.

His eyes looked clearly at his mentor, without a trace of blame, only a sense of peace and reassurance that said, "Please rest assured, I'm really fine."

Nagelsmann understood the look in his eyes, his nose stung, and he quickly turned his face away, blinking hard before turning back to his disciple. He forced a smile, but it looked worse than crying.

And so, the two parents stayed by the bedside, and Nagelsmann also stayed with them all night without closing his eyes.

The lights of Madrid flowed quietly outside the window, and inside the ward, only the soft beeping of the instruments and the warm breathing of loved ones were heard.

A depleted body needs deep sleep to repair itself, but Yan Yuan slept relatively soundly with the help of medication.

The next morning, sunlight streamed into the ward through the gaps in the blinds.

When Yan Yuan woke up again, he felt as if his body had been reassembled.

The feeling of utter exhaustion, like a mountain collapsing and the earth splitting apart, had mostly disappeared. Although the intense fatigue remained, my mind was much clearer.

After a night's rest and cold compresses, the swelling and stinging sensation on the forehead wound were significantly reduced.

The most noticeable bruising was on the right thigh, where the swelling and bruising were still alarming. However, the pain when moving had clearly changed to a dull, aching pain, and joint movement was no longer a problem.

Just as the doctor said, it was only pain in the skin and superficial muscles.

After rounds, the doctor performed another simple examination and assessment, and a satisfied smile appeared on his face.

"Excellent! The recovery speed is amazing; youth is the greatest asset."

You can now get out of bed and do very light, adaptive activities, but you cannot leave the hospital building immediately. You need to ensure that you have fully recovered your strength and have a follow-up imaging examination to confirm that the muscle inflammation has subsided before you can consider long-haul flights.

Remember, avoid any strenuous activity for two weeks! Rehabilitation training needs to be gradual; I will provide you with a detailed plan.

After completing all the discharge procedures, the official Real Madrid vehicle arranged by Zidane was already waiting downstairs.

They took Yan Yuan and Nagelsmann directly to Madrid International Airport, with Yan's parents accompanying them.

In the bustling departure hall of the international airport, the moment of parting arrived.

Father Yan patted his son's shoulder forcefully, his voice loud but with an unmistakable nasal tone:

"You little brat, you've really learned your lesson this time, and you've made me proud! But if you keep acting like this, I'll fly to Germany and give you a good spanking! Go home and rest! Listen to your mother!"

Mother Yan held her son tightly, unwilling to let go, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Son, promise Mom you'll listen to the doctor and coach, and don't be reckless again... Your coach is a good coach... You also need to take good care of yourself and eat more... Mom and Dad will go back to Birmingham first, and we'll come home after your match. Mom will make you your favorite soup..."

Yan Yuan nodded earnestly and gently patted his mother's back:

"Dad, Mom, don't worry, I promise I'll be good. Please take good care of yourselves too."

On the other side, Nagelsmann also solemnly bid farewell to Yan Yuan's parents:

"Mr. Yan, Mrs. Yan, thank you so much for your trust and understanding. Please rest assured that I will take good care of Yan and help him make a full recovery."

Finally, Nagelsmann and Yan Yuan stood together and waved goodbye to Yan's parents.

Watching his parents walk hand in hand into the security checkpoint, Yan Yuan took a deep breath.

He turned his head and his gaze fell on the coach beside him.

After a day of rest and a good night's sleep, Nagelsmann looked much better, but the slightly red eyes and deep, tired bloodshot eyes were still hard to hide.

Sunlight streamed through the airport's huge floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating everything with crystal clarity.

Yan Yuan saw it very clearly.

"Coach, I'm okay, really. Thank you... Everything's fine, don't worry."

He gave a relaxed smile.

Looking into his beloved student's clear eyes, where there was peace and silent comfort, all the worries, heartache, and heavy sense of responsibility welled up in Nagelsmann's heart once again.

He nodded slightly, as if he wanted to say something, but in the end it only turned into a complex sigh, his gaze softening as he looked at his disciple's profile.

At that moment, Nagelsmann felt a pang of regret.

How wonderful it would be if this child had German citizenship.

If Yan Yuan were a German citizen, he would accept Bayern Munich's offer without hesitation.

He would not hesitate to persuade Yan Yuan to go to Bayern Munich with him and serve the German team in the future.

He might even work even harder to coach, becoming the head coach of the German national team, so that this kid can continue to shine under his guidance.

He was convinced that Yan Yuan would also have a great career with the German national team.

Unfortunately, there is no such thing.

Thinking of this, Nagelsmann gave a tired smile and led Yan Yuan toward the boarding gate.

"Go home, kid."

……

After returning to the club,

The teammates had already gathered around.

"Yan! How are you feeling? Does your leg still hurt?" Maguire patted his shoulder first, his eyes full of concern.

"Yan, you scared us to death! That night at the Bernabéu..." Gnabry's face still showed lingering fear.

"Hey robot, don't do that again, my heart can't take it!" Amiri said half-jokingly, but couldn't hide his genuine concern.

De Jong simply squeezed his hand firmly, his gaze calm yet powerful.

As the captain, Vogt walked up to him and gave him a tight hug, his voice low but full of strength:

"Kid, it's good to be back! The whole of Huo Village is proud of you! The respect you earned for us in that battle is more valuable than any trophy!"

Yan Yuan looked at the familiar faces filled with concern, and a warm feeling washed over him.

He forced a smile, a hint of boyish shyness in it, and waved.

"Guys, I'm fine, really! The doctors say I recover like a bull. Here," he said, lifting his still slightly sore right leg.

"It's scary to look at. It's just a minor injury and overexertion. As for you guys, the league isn't over yet, don't let those Bayern guys be secretly laughing!"

He used a lighthearted and humorous tone to shift everyone's attention away from his injury and refocus on the remaining matches.

His calm and optimism inspired his teammates, and the atmosphere of worry was quickly replaced by the familiar noise of the training ground.

Although he couldn't immediately participate in high-intensity joint training, Yan Yuan still carefully observed his teammates' tactical drills from the sidelines.

A few days later, the final news came from Italy:

Bayern Munich kept a clean sheet against Roma both home and away, sweeping their opponents 3-0 on aggregate to advance to the Champions League final, where they will face Real Madrid in Kyiv.

This means that Hoffenheim's miraculous Champions League journey this season has ultimately come to an end with a place in the European semi-finals.

late at night.

After finishing all the replies for the day, Yan Yuan returned to his dormitory.

The fatigue and lingering soreness from his injuries have mostly subsided, and even the bruises on his legs have faded considerably.

During the day, his laughter and ease with his teammates faded, and the faint regret deep in his heart—that he had failed to help the team go further and that he had failed to bring the Champions League trophy back to his mentor—surfaced once again.

Just as Yan Yuan was lost in thought, that familiar, cold electronic voice that only he could perceive suddenly rang out in his mind:

[Hoffenheim, the team where host Yan Yuan plays, has been detected. They have completed all 2017-2018 UEFA Champions League matches.]

Final ranking: Top 4 (Third place).

[Analyzing the host's behavior during the Champions League knockout stages (especially the two legs against Real Madrid), changes in team role, mental fortitude, and overall impact on the team...]

[Analysis and comparison of the database...]

The assessment is complete.

Yan Yuan's spirits lifted, and he immediately held his breath and focused his mind on the system interface.

[Final Evaluation Conclusion Report:]

Based on the qualities the host displayed during the knockout stage, especially when facing top-tier powerhouses (Real Madrid) whose strength far surpassed their own:

Core leadership that transcends tactical position: Taking on the responsibilities of offensive core, organizational hub and spiritual leader in critical moments, especially when multiple key players are under intense pressure, and actively seeking ways to break through.

Iron will and spirit of sacrifice: Fighting through injuries and making huge personal sacrifices to boost team morale, maintain the integrity of the team's defense and counter-attack threat.

Overall awareness and sense of responsibility: Refusing to celebrate after scoring and urging the team to save time, stabilizing morale and encouraging teammates in adversity, demonstrates a maturity and leadership quality far beyond his age. His behavior has exceeded the scope of ordinary core players and is close to the comprehensive embodiment of an on-field captain and spiritual pillar.

The above qualities perfectly match the system's ultimate evaluation standard for "top-tier leadership qualities," far exceeding the system's basic requirement of "contributing core strength in top-tier competitions."

[System ruling:]

[The leadership, willpower, and sense of responsibility demonstrated by the host during this Champions League journey have surpassed the superficial data of the final ranking.]

Therefore, the system determines that the host has successfully activated and fully achieved the "Champion's Heart" achievement.

[Reward Terms:]

The host will receive 100% of the base points from the Champions League journey, with no deductions whatsoever.

A line of bold data flashes at the bottom of the dialog box:

[Final Settlement: Champions League points awarded in full, total: 20000 points]

(This value is based on the cumulative results of previous Champions League performances, assuming a total value.)

[Additional Note: The host's current account total points balance will be calculated and displayed after all matches of the season (German Cup, Bundesliga) have concluded, taking into account the "Championship Factor".]

"ah????"

Yan Yuan sat on the edge of the bed, his body suddenly stiffening, his mind seemingly cleared in an instant!

He stared at the line of text in disbelief, forgetting even to consciously check the changes in his points.

100%? Full payment? 20000 points?!

His original expectation was that if the team was eliminated in the semi-finals, according to the system rules, getting half or two-thirds of the Champions League points would be an excellent result.

After all, the basic prize for the champion is the main thing; even if the process is great, it can only be considered an added bonus.

But now... the system has given him a "full amount"?!

Not only did he not lose a single point, but because he persisted despite his injury and took on responsibilities beyond his duties, he was given the highest praise!

The overwhelming joy overwhelmed the slight regret in my heart like a tsunami.

After the ecstasy came a powerful thought:

"System!" Yan Yuan asked anxiously in his mind, his voice trembling.

"So... if I, I mean, hypothetically... lead my team to victory in the Champions League next year, and I give it my all in the final, displaying the 'top leadership qualities' you mentioned, just like this time, would I be able to get over 20,000 base Champions League points? Is there an extra bonus?"

The system responded clearly very quickly:

[Question logic determination...]

[Core Question: Does the host's assumption that winning the Champions League, combined with the "Core Pillar: Heart of a Champion" achievement, exceed the points cap?]

[The answer is clear: No, the base reward for the final champion of the UEFA Champions League is capped at 20,000 points, and this value cannot be exceeded.]

[Note: The "Heart of a Champion" achievement reward only affects the points settlement ratio (ensuring full points are awarded) and does not increase the points cap. The additional value of this achievement is already reflected in the full settlement; there is no extra points bonus.]

The system's explanation is straightforward and clear. 20,000 is the ceiling limit.

He didn't win the championship this time, but due to his outstanding performance, he reached the theoretical "upper limit".

Even if they win the championship next year and demonstrate the same quality again, they will at most get the maximum of 20,000 base points, and no more.

The brief disappointment lasted only a moment. A wave of ecstasy swept over them once more!

20000 points!

The ultimate goal, worth 100,000 points—the passive skill [Steel Body on the Green Field], which has protected him throughout his entire career like a miracle!

Yan Yuan felt a surge of scalding heat flow from the soles of his feet throughout his entire body!

He looked at the bruised area on his right leg, which still had an ugly bluish-purple hue, but the pain had clearly subsided.

Touch the scabbed scar on my forehead again.

"It was worth it..." Yan Yuan murmured to himself, his voice clearly audible in the quiet room.

"The injury at the Bernabéu... was truly worth it."

No blood or sweat is shed in vain, and no pain is endured for nothing.

Next, Yan Yuan thought of a new question and asked the system:

"System," Yan Yuan asked earnestly in his mind.

"Besides football skills, vision, and awareness... what do you think is the biggest gap between me now and those truly top players, like Ronaldo, Messi, and Ronaldinho?"

The system was silent for a moment, seemingly analyzing massive amounts of data and observation records.

Then, a clear and calm voice rang out:

[Core Gap: Maturity]

"Mature?" Yan Yuan asked the system in return.

This answer surprised him a bit. He thought the system's answer would be the number of championships, the number of goals scored, or certain skill attributes.

The system continued in its reply:

[Host's current age: 18 years and 36 days.]

The host's past experiences demonstrate hard work, diligence, and a sense of responsibility, but lack maturity.

[Detailed Explanation:]

1. Maturity ≠ Strength: The host's tenacious will at the Bernabéu was moving, but this was more of a "strength" supported by youthful spirit and talent, rather than a "mature" decision based on a full understanding of one's own limits, the risks and consequences, and the overall interests of the team.

2. Maturity = Responsibility: True maturity means taking on a deeper level of responsibility for yourself, for those who care about you, and for your team.

[To oneself: Protecting one's body is the most fundamental responsibility of a professional athlete. Knowing that one's body is on the verge of collapse (such as severe blood loss, severe muscle contusions, or mental exhaustion), and still refusing to leave the field, is a reckless act that disregards the long-term development of one's own career and is essentially a lack of responsibility towards oneself.]

To those who care about you: Your parents, coaches, teammates, and fans are worried sick, praying for you, and enduring immense psychological pressure. Your choice to be "strong" is, objectively speaking, a huge drain and torment on their emotions.

Mature players understand and cherish this concern, and will make more prudent and reassuring choices in crucial moments.

[For the team: In extreme situations (such as leaving the field due to serious injury), your insistence on playing may result in the team playing with one less player in the crucial moments later, or you may become a defensive loophole due to a decline in your performance, which may ultimately harm the overall interests of the team.

Mature players understand that sometimes taking a temporary step back (such as receiving treatment or resting) is to be in better shape and contribute more to the team at more crucial moments.

The system's final voice seemed to carry a rare, almost human tone.

[Friendly reminder to the host:]

A brilliant football career is not only defined by the number of goals, assists, and championship trophies, but also by how you treat your body and how you respond to the concerns of those who place their hopes and emotions in you.

Please remember, host, that being responsible for those who love you is a more important achievement than any championship. True strength lies not only in how much pain you can endure, but also in understanding and cherishing those who suffer for you.

At the same time, please remember to sincerely apologize to your head coach, Julian Nagelsmann, as he has shouldered immense psychological pressure and self-blame for you.

"boom--!"

Every word in the system was like a scalpel, precisely dissecting the hard, self-righteous shell that Yan Yuan's heart was wrapped in "fighting spirit," "sense of responsibility," and "unwillingness."

The truth that Yan Yuan was unwilling to face or even deliberately ignored was laid bare before his eyes.

Yan Yuan originally thought that taking responsibility meant fighting to the last moment and shedding the last drop of blood.

The system told him that true responsibility is knowing how to protect oneself and knowing when to back down for a longer battle.

Yan Yuan believed that being strong meant refusing to step down and gritting his teeth and enduring it.

The system told him that it might be a misjudgment of his own limits and an irresponsibility towards those who cared about him.

He thought his persistence was heroism.

The system told him that it might be a kind of childish stubbornness, or even selfishness.

The images of that night at the Bernabéu were flashing uncontrollably through Yan Yuan's mind:

[When Nagelsmann first raised the sign to substitute, I resolutely and unequivocally waved him off.]

[After being tackled by Casemiro for the second time, he struggled to his feet and yelled at the coaching bench, "Don't substitute!" The despair, pain, and helplessness that welled up in the coach's eyes in that instant.]

[At the bedside, the coach held his own hand, crying like a child, repeatedly saying "I'm sorry," his eyes swollen and red like walnuts.]

[The parents' barely suppressed tears couldn't hide their fear and heartache.]

[Zidane and Wenger's eyes, filled with concern yet tinged with reproach]

……

Yan Yuan was only immersed in the tragic feeling of "giving his all for the team" at that time, thinking only about the game, scoring goals, and winning.

He never truly understood the heavy responsibility and heart-wrenching worries from the coach's perspective.

I never imagined that my "strength" would become a sharp blade hanging over my parents' hearts.

He never thought that his "responsibility" was, at that moment, the greatest "irresponsibility" towards all those who cared about him.

"I...I...what have I done..."

Yan Yuan's throat felt like it was blocked by something, and he couldn't make a sound.

A strong sense of bitterness and regret instantly overwhelmed all his psychological defenses.

His self-righteous "heroic behavior" was actually seen by others as so naive, reckless, and even... cruel.

He betrayed his coach's trust, his parents' love, and everyone who was worried about him.

Finally, Yan Yuan's tears, without warning, surged forth.

It wasn't just a drop or two, but like a flood bursting its banks, instantly blurring his vision.

He suddenly lowered his head, covered his face with his hands, and his shoulders trembled violently uncontrollably. Suppressed sobs and whimpers escaped his lips.

"Waaah... I'm sorry... I'm sorry... Coach... I'm sorry... Dad... Mom... I'm sorry... Everyone..."

That night, he finally cried, crying like a lost child.

Yan Yuan's tears were unrelated to losing the game or physical pain.

Rather, it was about his own childishness, his deep guilt towards his coach, and his apologies to his parents.

There is also a tremendous shock and sense of bewilderment after being ruthlessly awakened by the system and forced to confront one's truest self.

It was only at this moment that the young Yan Yuan realized,

He has hurt the person who loves him the most.

He thought he was mature enough to carry the team on his own.

He thought he was strong and could ignore his physical pain.

He thought he was very responsible and could fight to the very end.

Only now does he realize how naive he was that night.

True maturity is knowing how to respect the limits of your body, learning to trust the team's arrangements, and understanding that you are not an island, but a ship carrying the expectations and emotions of countless people.

True responsibility is not only about the desire for victory, but also about cherishing one's own health, responding to the efforts of others, and protecting the trust placed in one's heart.

In the silent room, only Yan Yuan's sobs echoed.

Under the dim light, the figure curled up on the bed, his shoulders shaking violently, was no longer the number 17 genius who dominated the court, no longer the warrior who fought bloody battles.

He was just an 18-year-old boy who had just been taught a harsh lesson by reality and was experiencing emotional pain.

It's unclear how long Yan Yuan cried before his tears gradually stopped.

He slowly raised his head, his face covered with tears and his eyes red and swollen, but his gaze was no longer confused; instead, it held something unprecedentedly heavy.

Yan Yuan looked out the window at the deep night sky, where there were no stars, only a silent darkness.

He took a deep breath, almost inhaling all his regret, guilt, and realization.

Then, in an extremely soft yet incredibly clear voice, he solemnly spoke to the night sky and to his own heart:

"Coach...I will definitely come to you...to apologize."

(Yan Yuan originally wanted to apologize right now, but he knew that the coach was already asleep at this time.)

His words were like a ceremony, a "coming-of-age ritual," announcing the end of an old one and the beginning of a new one.

Before tonight, he was Yan Yuan, number 17, a gifted, spirited, and impetuous young man.

After tonight, he will still be number 17, but somewhere inside him, he has quietly transformed.

But in this small dormitory, a seed called "maturity," watered by tears and filled with profound remorse, finally sprouted in Yan Yuan's heart.

Yan Yuan, the once "omnipotent" number 17, finally turned 18 on this quiet night after experiencing the defeat in the Champions League, the baptism of pain, and the questioning of his soul.

(Having written this far, I believe everyone should understand why the question was written the way it was in the previous text.)

The blood and tears of that night at the Bernabéu were not merely for sentimentality's sake; Yan Yuan's forehead was bleeding, his right leg was bruised, his parents wept, and his coach cried...

These scenes represent the necessary steps in Yan Yuan's transformation.

I can't just write about an 18-year-old suddenly growing up; that would be irresponsible to the readers and to "Yan Yuan".

At 18, he burned himself out on the court, thinking that with the system he could be reckless and take on anything, but he didn't understand how many hearts were involved behind this "responsibility".

It wasn't until the system's prompts mingled with warm tears that he truly understood: true strength is learning to cherish yourself for the sake of those who love you.

These chapters are the steps Yan Yuan takes from boy to man.

Thus, Yan Yuan's "Battle of the Bernabéu" truly came to an end.