After Paris Saint-Germain was removed from the list, I led England to victory!
Chapter 216 Before Christmas
The day after the match against Brighton, it was time for the Puskás Award ceremony.
This year's awards ceremony was held at the club's base.
In Kearney's Hall of Fame, a spotlight shone on Yan Yuan, illuminating the uniquely shaped crystal trophy in his hand.
The Puskás Trophy features a gleaming golden silhouette of a football kicking on its base.
The club's top management, coaching staff, employees, reporters, and others present responded with gentle applause.
Wenger stood aside, a proud smile on his face, as he personally presented the award to his beloved student.
"Congratulations, Yan. This goal deserves to be remembered," Wenger gently patted his young disciple on the shoulder, "not only because of its brilliance, but also because it showcased your courage, imagination, and unique understanding of football aesthetics. Remember this feeling, and you can create even more."
"Thank you, Coach, I will!" Yan Yuan's face was filled with pure and unreserved excitement.
He nodded vigorously, the heavy feel of the trophy in his hand reminding him of that moment that had amazed the world:
In the group stage match against Young Boys Bern, he made a high-speed run forward, received the ball, turned his back to the goal, jumped up, and performed a backflip shot.
After receiving the award, Yan Yuan hurriedly thanked and exchanged pleasantries with Wenger and the others, clutching the trophy tightly in his hand, his pace quickening involuntarily.
Today, Lin Jianwei is still at home waiting for him to decorate the Christmas tree together.
The car drove away from Kearney and onto the familiar streets of North London.
Pushing open the door, a warm atmosphere and the familiar scent of Christmas spices wafted in. A huge Christmas tree was already set up in the living room, adorned with colorful tassels that twinkled like fallen stars.
There were many unopened decorative boxes piled up under the tree.
Following the subtle movement, Yan Yuan's gaze was immediately drawn to the figure who was tiptoeing and trying to hang an ornament on a high branch.
Lin Jianwei was wearing soft, comfortable light gray loungewear, her soft, dark hair casually tied back, with a few unruly strands falling onto her smooth neck.
With her head tilted back, focused and diligent, her features appeared soft and beautiful against the backdrop of the Christmas tree's dazzling lights.
Yan Yuan's heart was instantly filled with this heartwarming scene.
He put down the trophy and car keys, tiptoed up behind her, and walked quietly.
Just as Lin Jianwei was about to reach for a higher branch, the ornament in her hand was taken away by a large, well-defined hand.
"Oh!" She was startled and turned around. When she saw Yan Yuan, her eyes, which had widened in surprise, immediately filled with an intense, unyielding smile.
"The superstar is back? Why was there such a quiet sound? Is he a cat?"
"I thought that Teacher Lin might not be able to reach it, so I rushed back after receiving the award."
After speaking, Yan Yuan raised his hand and easily hung the small gold ornament in a pretty spot that she couldn't reach even if she jumped up and down.
After doing all this, he took out the Puskás Trophy that he had been hiding behind his back.
It dangled in front of her, the carefully polished crystal ridges reflecting a dazzling light under the Christmas lights.
"Look what this is!"
"Let me see... Puskás!" Lin Jianwei's eyes lit up like stars. She took the trophy with both hands, held it in her palms and examined it carefully, her fingertips gently brushing over the powerful silhouette of a football kick on the base.
"That's amazing, Yan Yuan! It really was that goal, right? The one with the backflip!" Her excitement was no less than Yan Yuan's.
She watched that replay video over and over again. She didn't know much about football at the time, but she was still incredibly impressed.
"This trophy is beautiful. Did Coach Wenger present it to you? He must be very proud of you."
"Absolutely," Yan Yuan smiled, his eyes crinkling with pure joy. "The old man personally presented me with this trophy."
Then, Yan Yuan carefully placed the trophy on his trophy stand, giving it a prominent position.
After setting the trophy down, he turned around, naturally rolled up his sleeves, and asked.
"Weiwei, is there anything else you need to hang up? I'll help you."
"There are many more, ribbons, snowflake ornaments, small gift boxes..." Lin Jianwei began to unpack the boxes on the ground, handing various shiny decorations to Yan Yuan.
Yan Yuan was tall, so he was basically in charge of hanging things up high.
The two worked together seamlessly, and the living room was soon filled with the sounds of everyday objects bumping against each other and cheerful conversation.
The soft glow of the colored lights enveloped them, and the air was filled with the fresh scent of pine needles and a gentle warmth.
"Oh, right," Lin Jianwei said, handing a handful of small silver snowflake pendants to Yan Yuan, as if remembering something.
"Did Wenger like the premium Longjing tea you brought him last time? It was a new tea sent from Hangzhou by my parents."
"Of course, I love it so much!" Yan Yuan continued hanging snowflakes deftly, his tone carrying a smile and a hint of barely perceptible pride.
"The coach called me to his office the next day and brewed a pot of tea. He said he rarely tasted such fragrant and flavorful green tea. He also mentioned that when he was coaching in Japan, he had drunk some Asian teas, but the taste was nothing compared to the tea you gave me."
Lin Jianwei chuckled upon hearing this: "It seems your coach is quite interested in tea?"
"Of course I'm interested," Yan Yuan said, hanging up the snowflakes and jumping off the small stool. "Our coach also said that when the schedule isn't so tight in the future, he'll let me find an opportunity to take you to the Kearney training base. We can go anytime we have time."
"Really?" Lin Jianwei's eyes lit up even more, full of anticipation. "I'll remember that. It would be great to see where you train every day, but..."
Her tone shifted, becoming slightly mischievous.
"I need to be mentally prepared. I bet your training base will be plastered with your posters. I'll have to see some of your other photos then."
Yan Yuan was amused by her and reached out to pinch the tip of her nose.
"That's great! I'll show you how handsome I am then. Oh, and Weiwei..."
His gaze swept over the pile of grocery shopping bags in the corner.
"Have you bought all the ingredients? Shrimp, meat, vegetables, drinks, side dishes... and what about the sauces? If not, I'll go out and buy some more."
"Yes, I bought everything, and the fridge is completely full! I just bought it this afternoon, it's still very fresh." Lin Jianwei counted on her fingers.
"The wine is ready, and I've also bought your favorite snacks." She paused, glancing at the delicate little wooden box on the shelf beside the fireplace.
"Oh, and also, your aunt and uncle called to say they'll be here tomorrow afternoon. Your mom was really excited on the phone, saying she's determined to have a wonderful Christmas this year."
Seeing Lin Jianwei focused on speaking, Yan Yuan smiled gently.
Thinking that tomorrow afternoon this place will be filled with his parents' nagging, Lin Jianwei's laughter, the aroma of delicious food, and the lights of the Christmas tree, he felt that the deepening night outside the window was especially gentle.
Lin Jianwei's profile was illuminated by the gentle light.
Yan Yuan couldn't help but lean down.
His kiss first landed on the top of her head, then on her smooth forehead, and finally gently pressed against her slightly upturned lips.
Lin Jianwei responded obediently, the Christmas tree lights shimmering on their faces.
The simple kiss deepened, the Christmas atmosphere became warmer, and it brought the two of them even closer.
"Weiwei...you smell so good..." Yan Yuan whispered in her ear.
"Ugh... the Christmas decorations aren't even done yet..." Lin Jianwei answered vaguely, but she gradually began to enjoy it.
"What's decoration? We have important business to attend to." After saying that, Yan Yuan picked her up and carried her horizontally.
Lin Jianwei gasped softly and instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck.
The two went into the bedroom, putting aside the remaining setup work for the time being.
……
Night had fallen, and only the faint glow of the Christmas streetlights outside the window and our steady breathing filled the bedroom.
Yan Yuan lay on his side, his strong arm resting on Lin Jianwei's head, his other hand naturally draped over her soft waist.
The two were pressed tightly together, sharing the tenderness and lingering weariness.
Lin Jianwei curled up in his arms like a lazy kitten.
Yan Yuan's fingers unconsciously caressed her smooth, delicate back, and a certain thought in his mind became clearer as the night deepened.
He lowered his head and kissed her sweaty forehead, speaking in a relaxed voice.
"slight…"
"Hmm?" Lin Jianwei's voice was extremely soft, filled with heavy sleepiness, and she only managed a weak reply.
"After this season ends..." Yan Yuan's fingers ran through her hair, tucking a strand of sweaty hair behind her small ear.
"I'd like to visit your parents in Hangzhou. How about... we find a suitable time?"
Yan Yuan is also considering meeting his parents.
Lin Jianwei has already met his parents, but he has not yet met Lin Jianwei's parents.
At this point, Lin Jianwei's body moved slightly, and her head, which was nestled in his arms, seemed to tilt up at a slight angle, but she still didn't open her eyes, only saying vaguely:
"Okay... I was planning to talk to you about this after the season ended anyway."
"I've mentioned it to my parents on the phone a few times already... but..." She paused, seemingly a little shy, "They only know that I found a boyfriend in England. I haven't told them your name or what you do..."
At this point, she slowly raised her head and revealed her plans.
"I've made up my mind, Yan Yuan. When I can really take you back, I'll give my parents a surprise, hehe..." Lin Jianwei imagined her parents' surprised and happy expressions and couldn't help but chuckle softly, her body trembling slightly in his arms.
Yan Yuan's heart was filled with her childlike plan and the shy warmth in her tone.
He lowered his head and gently kissed her forehead.
"Okay, whatever you say. Let's give them a surprise."
In fact, Yan Yuan did not know that Lin Jianwei's father was a Chelsea fan, and Lin Jianwei had never mentioned it.
The "surprise" they've discussed will probably take Old Lin quite a surprise.
Yan Yuan paused for a moment, considering the matter more carefully, before continuing the previous topic.
"So what are your plans for the schedule? Will we fly directly to Hangzhou after the season ends?"
Lin Jianwei thought for a moment, then looked up at him with her small face.
"I've been thinking about that too..." she said, giving a small yawn.
"This is what I was thinking: if your schedule is tight, or if training or something delays your return home, I'll go back first, and then... buy them plane tickets so they can come to London! That way they can see you and also check out our side..." Her voice gradually lowered again, clearly indicating that exhaustion and drowsiness were creeping in once more.
"No." Yan Yuan's arm tightened, and his brows furrowed slightly.
"Weiwei, this is against the rules." His tone was gentle, but his attitude was unusually clear.
"It's always the son-in-law who meets the father-in-law, not the other way around. This is definitely not going to work." Yan Yuan shook his head vigorously, clearly disagreeing with the suggestion.
He felt Lin Jianwei's breath catch for a moment in his arms, as if he was amused by his seriousness.
Yan Yuan softened his tone, continuing with a reassuring and confident tone.
"Okay, don't worry, I can definitely arrange the time."
I heard our coach mention before that our club's revenue in the Chinese market this season is particularly large, and our fan base is growing very rapidly.
After the season ends, we will most likely arrange to play friendly matches in China, or organize a tour, fan meet-and-greets, or something similar, and do some promotion along the way.
With such a large Chinese market, the club will definitely have to give Chinese fans face; Arsenal's China tour is practically a done deal.
At this point, Yan Yuan's next words made even more sense.
"I'll fly to China with the club then, and once the club's business is done, I'll accompany you home. It'll be perfectly legitimate, balancing work and personal matters, and saving you a lot of trouble. Your parents won't have to go through all that trouble."
Yan Yuan's plan was clear, logical, and well-thought-out.
As Lin Jianwei listened, the last bit of worry in her heart vanished, and she felt a warm and sweet feeling envelop her.
This man is the sharpest blade on the field, yet off the field, he can consider every little detail of life for her with such thoughtfulness and care.
"Hmm...then...then I'll be counting on you then..." She was finally completely relieved, and a strong sense of sleepiness washed over her again. She snuggled closer into his warm and firm embrace, as if seeking the safest and most comfortable harbor.
"Yan Yuan..." she murmured before finally falling into a deep sleep, her voice indistinct like a dream, "You're so good..."
Before he could finish speaking, his even, long breaths began to fall softly.
Lin Jianwei slept peacefully in his arms, a satisfied smile on her face.
Yan Yuan looked at her beautiful sleeping face, which appeared even more gentle and unguarded as she slept, and liked her even more.
He carefully adjusted her position to make her more comfortable, then gently kissed the top of her head.
"You are the best."
The room was filled with the scent of pine needles, the warmth of the heating, and the faint fragrance of the girl in his arms.
Everything was just right, warm and cozy.
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