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

(Ashraf's post-marital defensive awareness is top-notch)

The lamb was roasted until it was fragrant and crispy, with the fatty parts glistening and the edges covered with an enticing golden crust, garnished with cumin and chili powder.

"I!"

"I!"

"I'll have one!" Everyone rushed to order.

Monreal was the quickest, reaching out to grab a skewer and, ignoring the heat, blowing on it twice before taking a bite.

"Ugh!!!" His eyes widened instantly. He grimaced from the heat but couldn't bear to spit it out. He quickly chewed it up and swallowed it, letting out a long sigh of relief.

"It smells so good! The aroma of these spices...it's completely different from any other barbecue I've ever had! The fatty meat is grilled perfectly, not greasy at all!"

Rhodesley, more composed, took a skewer, tasted it carefully, and nodded.

"It's definitely different. The spices have a unique flavor that highlights the aroma of the meat itself, and each piece is roasted thoroughly and is very flavorful."

Aubameyang, who was flipping his chicken wing skewers on the other side of the grill, handed over his chicken wings when he heard this.

"Yan, add some of your magical powder to my chicken wings too!" Yan Yuan sprinkled cumin and chili powder on his chicken wings as well.

Next, the pork belly skewers were served.

The small cubes of fatty meat were roasted until they were translucent and glistening with oil, while the lean meat was charred and fragrant. The aroma of the meat mixed with scallions was even more irresistible.

Lacazette held his skewer of tripe, eager to try it out:

"Is this... okay?" Yan Yuan helped him brush on the oil and sprinkle the seasoning.

The roasted tripe turns a darker color, has a chewy and bouncy texture, and carries a unique offal aroma and a strong spice flavor.

"This taste... is very primitive and wild, and it feels crunchy." After taking a bite, Lacazette's eyes lit up, as if she had discovered a new continent.

"Try the vegetable skewers too!" Yan Yuan handed several skewers of grilled green peppers, chives, and corn to Saka and Erdegaard.

The green peppers have a slightly sweet aftertaste with a slightly charred edge, the unique rich and spicy aroma of the chives is fully brought out by roasting, and the corn pieces are charred and slightly sweet.

With a simple mix of salt, pepper, and oil, it tasted much better than I expected.

Foreigners who usually eat vegetable salads discovered for the first time that roasted vegetables taste so good.

At this moment, the garlic oysters gradually released an even richer and more enticing mixed aroma.

Yan Yuan carefully opened the lid, and saw the oyster juices boiling happily in the oil and garlic sauce, the garlic sauce having a deeper and more attractive color.

He picked one up and placed it on his plate: "Try this garlic-roasted oyster, be careful, it's hot!"

Odegaard mustered his courage and was the first to try.

He first slurped up the delicious broth inside the shell, a mixture of oyster sauce and garlic oil, then used his chopsticks to pick up the oyster meat covered with garlic and vermicelli, and put it into his mouth in one bite.

"Phew!" He let out a sigh of extreme satisfaction, his eyes instantly narrowing into slits.

"Fresh! Fragrant! Smooth! The garlic flavor is completely infused, it's amazing! There's not a trace of fishiness!" His expression was the best, and everyone else started to dig in. Ashraf couldn't wait any longer, and several plates of oysters were devoured in an instant.

During halftime, Chef Yan's hidden skill comes into play.

While everyone was busy eating meat skewers, Yan Yuan brought out the large clay pot, which still contained a small portion of tempting garlic sauce.

He cut several washed purple eggplants lengthwise into two halves and made several cuts on the flesh to help them absorb the flavor.

Brush oil onto a clean electric baking tray that has been prepared on the island counter.

Steam the chopped eggplant in a pot over high heat. After a few minutes of steaming, the eggplant will soften quickly.

"Eggplant can be roasted?" Ramsey asked in surprise.

"Yes, garlic roasted eggplant, I guarantee it's a taste I've never had before!" Yan Yuan said confidently.

Garlic eggplant is a must-have dish for barbecues.

When the eggplant was steamed to the perfect softness, he quickly transferred it to a baking tray lined with aluminum foil.

Scoop up the rich, glistening garlic sauce with a spoon and spread it generously and thickly over every inch of the tender eggplant flesh, as if covering them with a luxurious velvet blanket with gold and red trim!

He also added a touch of sesame oil to enhance the aroma.

Next, the garlic-roasted eggplant was placed back on the side of the oven.

Meanwhile, he quickly toasted some bread slices and small round cakes and kept them warm on a large plate.

As the last batch of meat skewers sizzled on the grill, releasing an even richer, more intense aroma, the eggplants, covered in garlic sauce, also released an ultimate temptation under the gentle heat, a blend of garlic, oil, and the unique sweetness of perfectly cooked eggplant.

The air was filled with an incredibly complex and enticing blend of aromas: the irresistible scent of charred kebabs, the spicy kick of cumin and chili, the rich and tender garlic oysters, and the succulent, garlicky, and perfectly cooked grilled eggplant...

Yan Yuan used a large tray to pile up all the grilled meat skewers, including beef, lamb, pork skewers, tripe skewers, chicken wing skewers, vegetable skewers, garlic-roasted eggplant, hot bread slices, and small round cakes, and brought them to the main seat of the outdoor long table.

Next to it were huge barrels of chilled beer, juice, and various condiment dishes.

"Brothers!" Yan Yuan's face was beaming with satisfaction, fine beads of sweat glistening on his forehead. His voice was loud and cheerful, as if announcing the victory of an important match.

"After a long day of work, our first-ever Chinese-style barbecue feast, which we've meticulously prepared, is finally ready to begin!"

Warm sunlight filters through the leaves, casting dappled patterns on the garden lawn.

Occasionally, a spark would fly from the charcoal fire, producing a soft crackling sound.

The aroma of various delicious foods rose and wafted among the team members, who were laughing and chatting, creating a vivid and lively picture of life.

Warm white smoke billowed around the oven, mingling with the aroma of cumin, chili powder, charred meat fat, and rich garlic.

In the garden, the long dining table was piled high with food.

Grilled skewers, garlic oysters, golden garlic eggplant, slightly charred bread slices and small round cakes, and beer constantly emitting cold air from chilled beer barrels.

The Arsenal first team members sat around a table, relaxed, with cups and plates clinking together, their laughter mingling with the aroma of grilled skewers.

After the initial ravenous eating, the pace slowed down.

The cold beer soothed my throat, the delicious food comforted my stomach, and my tense nerves completely relaxed.

The topic, like embers leaping in a furnace, naturally began to spread, shifting from the intense competition to the everyday realities of life.

Aubameyang picked up a sizzling chicken wing, took a satisfied bite, and his eyes slyly swept over everyone before finally landing on Cancelo, who was sipping his beer.

"Hey guys, have you noticed that our João seems a little different lately?" He deliberately dragged out his words.

Cancelo was called out, and he looked up somewhat blankly:

"Huh? What's wrong with me?"

"Social media!" Aubameyang winked. "That female fan named 'Sofia'? You guys have been interacting a lot in the comments section lately! Likes, comments, she's almost always the first to appear on every post! Come on, is something going on?" He nudged Lacazette next to him with his elbow for support.

Lacazette smiled and nodded: "Indeed, I saw her too. She's a very enthusiastic girl, and very pretty too."

Cancelo's cheeks flushed slightly, whether from the warmth of the fire or from the shyness of having his thoughts exposed, it was hard to tell.

He awkwardly put down the beer can, waved his hand, but couldn't help but smile.

"Oh, that... well... we just get along well, he's a fan who really admires us... we're still getting to know each other, still getting to know each other..."

His voice had a slight Portuguese accent, which he tried to downplay, but the sweetness of being noticed was undeniable.

"The 'understanding' stage?" Ashraf exclaimed in surprise, picking up a skewer of grilled vegetables. "I think it's the 'in-depth understanding' stage. Tell me, how's it going?"

The crowd burst into laughter, and even the usually composed Rodri showed a mischievous smile.

Cancelo smiled and shook his head, offering no further explanation, but his expression said it all.

After the laughter subsided, Ramsey picked up a small round tortilla, skillfully tore it open, added a few pieces of roasted lamb, and spread some garlic chili sauce on it, making a simple hamburger.

He took a big bite, chewing contentedly, his eyes softening.

"As for getting to know each other... that's all in the past." His face radiated a sense of grounded happiness. "My life now revolves around my three little rascals at home. You can't imagine what it feels like to come home from training and be pounced on by them. Although I'm exhausted, it's all worth it..." He made a hugging gesture.

Ramsey took out his phone, flipped through the photo album, which was full of funny and heartwarming pictures of the three little angels.

"Last week, my youngest son finally learned to say 'Daddy,' and the feeling..." Ramsey shook his head, his smile full of sweet burden and pure happiness.

Saka exclaimed in amazement, his voice brimming with youthful aspirations.

"Ramsey, you're such a super dad!"

"Of course, it's a sweet burden," Ramsey said with a smile, his tone full of pride.

"A burden?" Ashraf chimed in, picking up a skewer of grilled tripe and curiously trying out its unique chewiness, mumbling as he chewed.

"I think the biggest burden in dating and marriage is probably the division of assets, right?"

Ashraf's surprising statement instantly drew everyone's attention.

"Property division?" Aubameyang raised an eyebrow. "Ashraf, how old are you to be thinking so far ahead?"

Ashraf swallowed the tripe, solemnly put down the skewer, picked up a beer to moisten his throat, and even looked a little serious.

"It's all about being prepared. My mother always told me that a man should protect what he's worked hard to earn. So..."

Ashraf looked around, a hint of smugness in his eyes, and announced...

"My strategy is to put my salary, endorsement fees, all the money in my accounts, my house, and my car in my mother's name from the day I signed the professional contract. I basically don't have any assets in my own name."

The garden fell silent for a few seconds, with only the soft crackling of the charcoal fire in the oven.

Everyone stared at him wide-eyed, as if they had heard something out of the blue.

"Pfft—" Peipei was the first to not be able to hold it in, almost spitting out a mouthful of beer, and then bursting into loud laughter.

"Hahaha! Achraf! You're something else! Your 'defensive' awareness is way ahead of its time! You've extended your defense from the football field to your love life?"

"My God!" Lacazette laughed so hard she slammed her hand on the table. "Ashraf, you haven't even been in a relationship, and you're already thinking about how to avoid getting your assets in a divorce?!"

Odegaard couldn't help but chuckle.

"Ashraf, your tactics... are even more imaginative than your breakthroughs on the wings! This is the ultimate version of prenuptial property separation, isn't it?"

Rhodes and Cancelo laughed so hard their shoulders shook, and even Martin grinned and shook his head.

Yan Yuan, who was spreading garlic sauce on a slice of bread, stopped what he was doing when he heard this.

Looking at Achraf's serious, even smug expression, and recalling his lightning-fast, unstoppable image on the field, the stark contrast made him burst out laughing.

Yan Yuan wiped the sauce from the corner of his mouth and teased.

"Hakimi, now I understand. Your 'defense and counter-attack' strategy in love is even more professional and watertight than it is on the football field."

You've completely bypassed the midfield, clearing your own half before the opponent's penalty area even poses a threat! That's the ultimate level of shutting out potential threats!

Yan Yuan's analogy was both apt and full of football references, instantly triggering an even bigger storm of laughter.

"Hahahaha... Zero risk of shutting out, Yan is absolutely right!" Aubameyang laughed so hard he almost fell over.

"Clear my own half... hahaha..." Ramsey slapped his thigh.

Ashraf himself chuckled, scratching his head, a little embarrassed but also self-righteous.

"Is that so strange? I call it prevention! I trust Mom to manage things, and even if... well, if something really goes wrong later, at least I won't lose everything!"

Ashraf's profound reasoning, coupled with his innocent yet shrewd expression, kept the laughter going for a long time, bringing the joyful atmosphere to its peak.

After the laughter and playful banter, the atmosphere became more relaxed and intimate.

We had another round of beer, and most of the skewers were gone.

Saka picked up a skewer of slightly charred chives that emitted a unique spicy aroma and asked Yan Yuan curiously, "Brother Yan, your grilling skills are amazing! These chives taste really special. Do you... usually spend your time researching delicious food besides training and competitions?"

Saka changed the subject and asked.

"And what about your love life? Nobody seems to have heard you mention any 'gossip' about it?"

Saka's question immediately resonated with everyone.

The teammates who were just teasing Cancelo and Ashraf suddenly turned their attention to Yan Yuan.

"That's right! Yan!" Aubameyang immediately perked up, put down the chicken wing bone, and leaned forward.

"Let's talk about you, stop laughing at Achraf! Talk about you! You're so handsome, you play so well, and now you're worth so much and so famous. We're all very curious." Aubameyang paused, deliberately lowering his voice to create an air of mystery.

"We've never seen you go to a London nightclub, not even a single tabloid story about you. Those beautiful female fans who chase after you for autographs and scream and try to pounce on you, it seems like you just politely sign autographs and take photos and then leave."

Lacazette also came over, with an "I understand" look on her face.

"Yan, tell me honestly, are you secretly pursuing some Hollywood actress? Or a Victoria's Secret supermodel? Are you afraid of being photographed by paparazzi?"

Odegaard nodded: "Yan, with your qualifications, you must have very high standards."

Rodri added with a gentle smile, "Perhaps it's just a matter of keeping a low profile?"

Yan Yuan picked up a garlic-roasted oyster, used chopsticks to put the plump oyster meat, along with the vermicelli soaked in garlic sauce, into his mouth, savoring the ultimate freshness, aroma, and tenderness.

Hearing his teammates' cacophony of "attacks"

He paused, swallowed his food, and a helpless yet resigned smile appeared on his face.

He put down the oyster shell, picked up a tissue to wipe his hands, and looked at his curious teammates.

"Guys, I have to say, aren't you all in a bit too much of a rush?" He spread his hands, his tone relaxed and natural.

"I'm only 18. My career is just beginning, and it's a time when I need to be fully committed. Dating? That's too early."

He raised his beer glass in a gesture.

"The most important thing right now is to win the championship with you guys. The Premier League and the Champions League are much more important to me than my girlfriend." He winked, half-joking and half-seriously.

This answer is very "standard" and fits his established persona of being focused and self-disciplined.

The teammates booed, clearly thinking the answer was too official.

Goalkeeper Martin, who had been listening quietly and focused on his meal, looked up at this moment.

Big Martin is usually not very talkative, but he has an extremely keen eye for observation.

He noticed that when Yan Yuan answered, his eyes flickered for a very subtle moment, though he quickly regained his composure.

He picked up a skewer of perfectly grilled potato chips, took a bite, and said slowly, "Only 18? That's true. But..." He deliberately dragged out the word, his gaze sweeping over Yan Yuan's face with a knowing smile.

"Yan, you don't mean... you have someone you like in college, do you? Someone you're not sure about yet, or someone you're still observing? Is that why you're saying you're not in a hurry?"

Martin's words were like a pebble thrown into a calm lake.

In an instant, Yan Yuan's fingers tightened slightly as he gripped the beer glass, his fingertips turning slightly white.

The smile on his face remained, but a fleeting, almost imperceptible ripple crossed the depths of his eyes.

In that instant, a figure appeared in Yan Yuan's mind without warning: Lin Jianwei.

That afternoon in the library, his teaching assistant, Lin Jianwei, helped him solve a problem in a very relaxed and effortless way.

As Lin Jianwei bent down to type on the keyboard next to Yan Yuan, Yan Yuan caught a faint, refreshing fragrance emanating from her.

Yan Yuan still finds that taste unforgettable.

The figure appeared in his mind for only a moment, as fast as an illusion, yet like a pebble thrown into a lake, stirring up ripples.

"Look!" Ashraf was the first to notice Yan Yuan's slight pause of a fraction of a second, and immediately exclaimed as if he had discovered a new continent.

"Damian! You've figured out the truth, Yan! Are you blushing? Tell me quickly, what major is she in at your school? How old is she? Is she pretty?"

"There's something going on!" Aubameyang slammed his fist on the table excitedly. "I knew it! Yan definitely had a secret!"

"A campus romance? I bet it's incredibly romantic," Saka chimed in.

"Confess quickly, Yan, are you from your school?" Even Ramsey and Pepe joined in the commotion.

Faced with the sudden surge of clamor, Yan Yuan quickly adjusted his breathing.

He picked up his beer glass, calmly took a big gulp, and the icy liquid suppressed the slight flutter in his heart and the possible heat rising on his cheeks.

He put down his cup, his face now displaying his signature gentle yet slightly aloof smile, his gaze sweeping over the gossipy faces.

"Damian, it's a shame you're not a detective with that kind of imagination." He said casually, with a hint of teasing.

"Blushing? That's from the fire, and you guys are too noisy, you're making my blood pressure rise." He pointed to the still steaming oven and his excited teammates around him.

"Of course, there are many outstanding students in our school, but we're already very busy with our studies and training." Yan Yuan cleverly avoided the core question of "whether there's someone he likes."

"As for romance..." He picked up a skewer of freshly grilled green peppers, sprinkled with chili powder, and offered it to Ashraf, who had been making the most noise, with an innocent smile.

"Ashraf, I think you should worry about the safety of your assets first, and while you're at it, think about how to defend against me in the next team practice. Here, have a green pepper to calm down?"

The tactics of "shifting the blame" and "shoving food into their mouths" were used perfectly.

Ashraf looked at the bright red, obviously spicy green peppers handed to him, and exaggeratedly took a step back: "Oh, Yan, you're too ruthless!"

Everyone was amused by Ashraf's reaction.

Yan Yuan then placed the skewers of green peppers on the plate in front of Ashraf: "Try them, they're very fragrant."

Then he raised his newly refilled beer glass, his voice rising, with a genuine smile.

"Alright, alright, stop gossiping about me. The most important thing today is to celebrate our victory! To celebrate this hard-won meal! Thank you all for coming, and thank you to myself for my culinary skills! Come on, to the championship, to the red glory of North London, cheers!"

The crisp sound of glass clattering echoed through the garden in the twilight.

"Cheers! To Arsenal's victory!"

"For Chef Yan!"

"For the championship!"

"For love!"

The beer foam danced merrily in the glass, while the lingering aroma of grilled skewers lingered in the air.