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

After his short vacation, Yan Yuan's body entered battle mode even before his mind.

However, in the final moments before the start of the new season.

Yan Yuan still has a few "mountains" to climb, namely three big endorsement contracts that he needs to film while the company is still popular: Adidas, Mercedes-Benz, and Huawei.

The Adidas photoshoot took place in a studio converted from a large warehouse in East London.

In the studio, Yan Yuan, wearing the latest colorway of the Y7 combat boots, leaped high into the air again and again in the strong wind generated by the blower, simulating the moment of a powerful shot, or made passionate knee slides in front of the green screen background.

Every jump and every leg swing of his was accompanied by an almost instinctive explosive power, an instinct honed day after day on the green field.

The photographer excitedly shouted out instructions.

"Perfect! Yan! Last move, sprint! Imagine you've just gotten past the last defender and are facing the goalkeeper!" The director's voice came through the loudspeaker.

Yan Yuan took a deep breath, took a running start, and began to run.

He sprinted with the ball, his center of gravity extremely low, his eyes sharp, staring at the air next to the photographer in front of him.

With his final kick, he unhesitatingly unleashed a powerful right-footed shot, his body twisting in the motion—a clean, crisp movement, full of powerful beauty. Sweat glistened in a glistening arc as he struck.

"Cut! That's awesome! You were born for the camera!" the director practically shouted.

Yan Yuan stopped, his chest heaving, and took the water and towel handed to him by his assistant.

He gave the surrounding staff his signature, slightly shy but sincere smile and said:

"Thank you for your hard work, everyone. By the way, after today's filming, I'll treat everyone to barbecue at a nearby restaurant!"

"Yes!!!"

"You're amazing, Yan!!!"

Cheers erupted from the staff.

A few days later, new Adidas booths will appear in major cities around the world, displaying huge photos of Yan Yuan with the caption:

Beneath the throne lies a ladder.

(You can refer to Nike's giant "GG" logo on a player; it's really cool.)

After Adidas's shoot, it was Mercedes' turn.

The filming location for Mercedes was moved to a picturesque private estate on the outskirts of London.

During filming, the director asked Yan Yuan to portray an elegant and successful image.

Yan Yuan changed into a well-tailored dark suit, with one button undone at the collar of his white shirt. He looked less sharp and youthful on the court and more charming, possessing a unique allure that lay between youth and manhood.

Whether he leans against the hood of a streamlined sports car or strolls along the tree-lined avenues of the estate, the confident aura honed in the top arena naturally emanates from him, blending strangely with the temperament of the luxury car.

When it was his turn to sit in the driver's seat and film, Yan Yuan gripped the steering wheel, his fingertips tracing the cool leather wrapping, feeling the beauty of its intricate mechanics.

The Mercedes GG was also successfully completed.

Huawei's team is also quite considerate.

Considering that Yan Yuan had just finished the World Cup and would soon need to prepare for the new season, Hua Wei offered to complete the filming in central London, saving him the trouble of traveling back to China.

The shooting location was chosen on the banks of the Thames, with the ancient Tower Bridge and the modern Shard in the background.

The golden rays of the setting sun bathed the river in light. Yan Yuan, dressed in comfortable casual clothes, held the latest mobile phone in his hand, smiling at the camera with clear eyes and a friendly demeanor.

When the last shot of running along the riverbank was completed and the director shouted "Cut!", Yan Yuan felt a long-lost sense of relief.

The three major projects have finally been completed.

During a break from filming GG, Yan Yuan had already posted the pre-recorded Douyin (TikTok) entry video and Weibo updates.

In the Douyin video, Xiao Yan greeted Chinese fans in standard Mandarin.

"Hello everyone, I'm Yan Yuan, an Arsenal player. I'm finally here on Douyin to meet you all! I'll be sharing my training, matches, and life with you all regularly, and I hope we can interact a lot!" He waved at the camera with a bright and sunny smile.

The short videos, lasting only a dozen seconds, are concise and to the point.

Next up is Weibo.

He quickly edited a message: "New season, new journey, Arsenal's number 7 player, Yan Yuan, reporting for duty! Chinese fans and Gunners supporters, thank you for waiting! Looking forward to your guidance! #PremierLeagueNewSeason #YanYuan"

The accompanying picture was a photo of him wearing Arsenal's red home jersey.

The two posts were published almost simultaneously, and likes, comments, and attention poured in like a tidal wave.

Yan Yuan had discussed it with his father beforehand.

Yan's father originally intended to establish a complete operations team for his son in the country.

However, Yan Yuan also frequently surfs the Chinese internet, and he occasionally checks his rating on the Hupu forum.

He knew that the Shark Arm operations team was completely unreliable; one wrong word from them could wipe him out.

Therefore, Yan Yuan personally manages his Douyin and Weibo accounts.

……

Arsenal's official vehicle drove into the Colney training ground.

As soon as the car came to a stop in front of the main building of the training center, Yan Yuan opened the car door.

Then you can see the iconic figure of sports director Raul Sanrejna waiting by the revolving glass door.

"Yan! Welcome back to the team!" Raul's face was full of smiles as he quickly came forward, patted Yan Yuan on the shoulder, and gave him a warm hug.

"Your performance at the World Cup was amazing! The whole of Arsenal is proud of you! Come in quickly, Mr. Wenger and Mr. Gazidis are already waiting for you in the meeting room."

Yan Yuan was somewhat surprised by this display of force.

He sensed that the club would renegotiate the contract, given his status as the World Cup Golden Boot winner and Rookie of the Year, which attracted the attention of numerous top clubs.

But he didn't expect the higher-ups to be so eager, acting almost exactly as he returned to London.

He nodded and slung his sports backpack over his shoulder.

"Okay, Director, please lead the way."

The group arrived at the rooftop conference room. Pushing open the heavy wooden door, Professor Wenger, Gazidis, and Yan's father, who had arrived earlier, immediately stood up from their seats.

Professor Wenger remained the refined scholar he always was, his silver hair meticulously combed, a joyful smile on his face. He extended his hand and said...

"Welcome back, son. You've made all of England, and Arsenal's name, shine at the World Cup."

"This is my honor, Professor."

Yan Yuan respectfully extended his hand to shake Wenger's, and then gave him a sincere hug.

Then, Yan Yuan shook hands with Gazidis and said, "Thank you, Mr. Gazidis."

"Sit down, please sit down," Venkat said with a smile. "You must be tired from your journey. However, given your current 'market value,' we still think it's better for everyone to settle things as soon as possible. Those sharks out there are waiting for you."

Winkler made a humorous joke.

Mr. Yan was already sitting on the other side of the conference table; he had arrived early today.

Today, Mr. Yan was wearing a well-fitting dark gray suit, and his hair was neatly combed. He was becoming more and more like an agent.

Seeing his son enter, he nodded slightly, his eyes conveying a message only understood between father and son.

[Very good, keep your composure, kid.]

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the meeting quickly got down to business.

Venkatshan pushed over a document, which was a copy of Yan Yuan's previous contract with a weekly wage of £19.

"Mr. Yan, Yan Yuan," Venkatshan's smile faded, his tone becoming serious, "the club has reassessed Yan Yuan's outstanding performances at the World Cup and last season at Hoffenheim and in the Champions League, recognizing his immense potential and value to the team. More importantly,"

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Yan's father before settling on Yan Yuan. "We greatly admire Yan Yuan's loyalty and sense of belonging to Arsenal. In this fast-paced era, this sentiment is especially precious."

Raul then spoke, his tone tinged with relief: "Yes. Also, we must thank Yan Yuan for his business influence. The addition of those new top Chinese sponsors has greatly improved the club's financial situation."

Raul didn't name names, but everyone present knew perfectly well who it was.

Yan Yuan's Chinese heritage and his soaring popularity after the World Cup played a key role in attracting Chinese sponsors.

"Therefore, Yan Yuan's strength and commercial value give us the ability and determination to offer him a contract that truly matches his value."

Professor Wenger added gently:

"Yan, I still mean the same thing. Your ideas and ambitions have left a very deep impression on me. Staying at Arsenal and creating your own legend with us is very much in line with our plans. The club will fully support you, and I will fully support you as well."

Yan Yuan faced off against Raul, and the professor and others nodded in respect.

Then, Yan's father spoke calmly.

"Thank you to the club for recognizing and supporting Yan Yuan. As his father and agent, I believe Arsenal is the best platform for Yan Yuan's growth at this stage. We are willing to continue working together, but we also hope that the new contract will more accurately reflect his market value, competitive level, and commitment to the future. After all, there are indeed many temptations outside... Well, let's begin, gentlemen."

After confirming the tone of the negotiations, the two sides began negotiations.

The core of the negotiations quickly focused on three figures: weekly salary and penalty for breach of contract, as well as the contract term.

Negotiations are underway.

Time passed second by second.

Yan Yuan remained silent for most of the time, only nodding or shaking his head occasionally at key points.

He trusted his father's abilities and believed that Arsenal would ultimately make the right decision. The sky outside the window gradually darkened.

Finally, Venkat took a deep breath, exchanged a few whispered glances with Raul, and then looked at Wenger.

Professor Wenger nodded slightly.

Several hours later, the new contract was finally reached.

Yan Yuan's heart finally settled down.

The new contract mainly changed three clauses: weekly salary, penalty for breach of contract, and contract term.

Thanks to the departure of 272 and the strong support from Chinese sponsors, Arsenal's finances have been greatly relieved, resulting in a very attractive new contract.

Yan Yuan's latest contract has the following core terms: a weekly salary of 40 yuan, a penalty of 5 million yuan for breach of contract, and a 5-year contract period.

That's £5 more than Salah's salary at Liverpool.

This substantial new contract is not only an affirmation of his past hard work, but also a significant commitment from Arsenal to bet their future on him.

With both lawyers present, the documents were quickly organized and printed out.

Yan Yuan picked up the pen and signed his name at the end of the contract.

……

After signing the last document, Yan Yuan and his father walked out of the brightly lit main building of the training center together.

A cool breeze from a summer night caresses your face.

Most of the base had quieted down, with only the lights on in the distant training field still on.

Mr. Yan let out a long sigh of relief, unbuttoned his meticulously tailored suit jacket, loosened his tie, and wore a look of relief and pride on his face after a great victory.

"Good lad," he said, giving his son a firm hug on the shoulder with a hearty laugh.

"40 pounds a week! A few years ago, your father wouldn't have dared to dream of that! You earn in a few months what my trading company does in a whole year!" He looked at his son's young but already angular profile, his pride almost overflowing.

"You've made something of yourself! You've really brought honor to the Yan family!"

Yan Yuan felt a warm glow in his heart as he felt his father's strong arms and heartfelt joy.

He turned his head to the side, the soft glow of the streetlight illuminating his face. He deliberately raised one eyebrow, revealing a mischievous smile:

"Oh...right...Dad, now I'm really rich. Remember back in Germany, I bragged to you that I'd buy you a Bugatti when I got rich..." He deliberately dragged out the last syllable, winking.

"Now, it seems your son can actually grit his teeth and do it? How about it? If so, shall we order one right now?"

Mr. Yan was taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter, his laughter ringing out loudly in the empty parking lot.

"Hahahahahahaha..."

He patted Yan Yuan hard on the back:

"You brat! You're making fun of your dad, aren't you? A Bugatti? That thing's a money pit! What's the point of driving it around if you're just showing off? Your dad isn't that flashy (Shaanxi dialect)!"

Yan's father waved his hand, then his eyes darted around, a hint of cunning in them.

"But... since you're so wealthy now, and a Mercedes ambassador..."

He paused deliberately, looking at his son.

Yan Yuan immediately understood and seamlessly continued the conversation:

"Got it! You like Mercedes, right?" Yan Yuan took out his phone, quickly tapped the screen a few times, and made two calls.

"Dad, I just finished talking to the person at Mercedes who's in charge of my business. I've sent you the address—the flagship store in central London. Just go there, choose the Maybach you like, mention my name, and you can drive it away right away."

Xiao Yan waved his phone, a smug look on his face that said, "I have connections."

"Good son, so generous," Mr. Yan said with a broad smile, unceremoniously taking out his phone to write down the address.

"Maybach is great, it's easy and comfortable to drive, and it's presentable enough to drive out for business meetings. My son is so considerate."

He put away his phone, then suddenly looked at Yan Yuan with a mischievous smile in his eyes, and teased,

Yan's father jokingly referred to Yan Yuan as "Little Boss Yan."

"But then again, Mr. Yan, you're doing quite well as a Mercedes spokesperson, but what about yourself..." He drawled, looking his son up and down.

"If I remember correctly, you still haven't gotten your driver's license, right? Isn't that a bit of a laughing stock? A Mercedes ambassador who can't drive? Hahahaha..."

The Mercedes-Benz spokesperson can't drive.

Yan Yuan's face instantly flushed upon hearing this.

This is indeed his current "weak point".

Xiao Yan, with his neck stiff, was trying to regain his composure in front of his father:

"That's enough, who said I can't drive? I even tried driving a few times in Germany. Besides, I'm busy playing football, and all my time is spent on the field. Once I have a little more free time this season, I'll go take my driver's license test and I guarantee I'll pass on the first try. Then I'll drive you and my mom on a trip."

"Alright, alright, your mother and I are waiting!" Yan's father smiled so much that the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes smoothed out.

He patted his son's shoulder hard again, the warmth of their close bond and playful banter flowing in the night.

"That's right, son. Don't just focus on playing football. You also need to learn life skills. Don't let people laugh at us for only knowing how to use our feet and not our hands. You need to take both work and life seriously."

After the laughter and commotion subsided, the atmosphere quieted down.

Looking at his son's particularly serious eyes under the light, Yan's father softened his tone and asked.

"Are you hungry? Shall we find a restaurant to eat at later, you and me?"

"No, Dad, I have training tomorrow..."

When the topic of restaurants came up, Yan Yuan suddenly remembered something and immediately spoke up.

"Oh, right!! Dad, I suddenly remembered about our family restaurant. Tell Mom that we can start preparing for the new Yipinju restaurant. We'll open it in London, in a great location, the best one. If we don't have enough money, just let me know. I can help out at home now."

"Also, Dad, we're not changing the name 'Yipinju'. It's our family's old brand. This name has been with me since I was a child. I want to expand this brand from Birmingham to London, and maybe even to more places in the future."

The smile on Yan's father's face slowly faded, turning into a feeling of relief and emotion.

He looked at his son, the boy who grew up in the back alleys of Birmingham, following his wife around in the kitchen and crawling around in the mud at the youth training camp, and now he had truly grown into a pillar of strength.

He reached out, not to pat, but to gently place his hand on Yan Yuan's shoulder, pressing it firmly, his voice slightly choked:

"Good...good son. Hearing this makes me feel better than a weekly wage of 40. Your mother will be so happy she won't be able to sleep when she finds out. Don't worry, your mother and I will take care of things at home. Just focus on playing football well, don't let Professor Wenger and your club down, and don't let yourself down."

The night was gentle, and the lights of the Kearney training facility cast long shadows behind the father and son.

Yan Yuan nodded vigorously: "I know, Dad."

The father and son said goodbye.

Watching his father's taillights disappear into the London traffic, Yan Yuan turned around, slung his sports backpack over his shoulder, and walked briskly toward his single apartment in the players' living area.

Although he just signed a sky-high contract, his bank account has also received a significant amount of endorsement fees.

However, he did not immediately buy a big house, but instead chose to continue living in the players' apartments because it was the closest place to the training ground.

After coming in, he hung up his backpack, relaxed completely, and slumped heavily into the soft sofa.

The room was quiet, with only the low rumble of the central air conditioning running.

Just as he closed his eyes, savoring this brief moment of tranquility, the system suddenly spoke:

[System notification: 2018 World Cup honor points have been calculated.]

Yan Yuan suddenly opened his eyes, his gaze devoid of any sleepiness, only a sharp glint flashing within them. They're here!

[Awards: 2018 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot.]

[Points Reward: +8500]

[Honors: 2018 FIFA World Cup Best Young Player Award.]

[Points Reward: +7500]

[Current available points: 72730 (original) + 8500 (Golden Boot) + 7500 (Best Young Player) + 1200 (6 World Cup wins) = 89930.]

The cold, hard numbers were clearly laid out in my mind.

89930!

Nearly 90,000!

Yan Yuan's heartbeat quickened involuntarily, and his blood seemed to be heating up slightly.

The icon that had been hanging at the top of the system store, radiating an alluring glow—【Steel Body on the Green Field】—reappeared in his "vision" once again.

Below the icon, the number representing the price burns like a flame: [100000 points].

The once unattainable astronomical figure has now been reduced to a mere 11270 points!

Within reach!

A powerful, almost boiling energy instantly swept away Yan Yuan's fatigue.

He suddenly sat up straight on the sofa, his hands unconsciously clenching into fists; he was genuinely agitated.

The new season, the Premier League, the Champions League, those tough clashes, those high-speed sprints, those breathtaking schedules!

If Yan Yuan were a little more diligent, won another crucial victory, and trained harder for a while longer, he could succeed.

After acquiring this skill,

From now on, he will be completely free from worries about injuries!

This is a divine skill that every professional player dreams of.

Besides the immense temptation that is so close at hand, there are many other gains during the World Cup.

During the World Cup, Yan Yuan not only gained Kane's shooting attribute, but also Stones's dueling skill, Vardy's shooting skill, Rashford's cut-in shot, Trippier's free kick, and so on.

Yan Yuan's arsenal and personal attributes have been significantly enhanced.

His free-kick attribute has now been upgraded to A+.

The new Premier League season will be the stage for him to unleash his pent-up energy!

(Dear readers, I only realized now that writing SSS+ skills seems impossible; it's simply not realistic. So I've changed the highest skill level to S+. I apologize for not thinking this through initially. The content related to skill levels in Chapter 1 has been revised. To express my apologies and to thank everyone for their donations and support, there will be 3 chapters today.)