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

The pace of the Premier League is like a never-ending gear, having just secured a clean 3-0 victory over Watford at home.

It's already close to mid-February.

The Chinese Lunar New Year is fast approaching.

Although the streets of London are not as brightly decorated as those in China, the festive atmosphere in the Chinese community is still much stronger than usual.

After training today, Yan Yuan did not practice free kicks as usual, but instead walked briskly to the parking lot.

These past two days, Lin Jianwei has been heading back to Hangzhou for the Chinese New Year, and Yan Yuan plans to go home early today to help her pack.

Xiaolin had planned her annual leave well in advance, perfectly aligning it with the Spring Festival, just so she could spend this most important traditional festival in her hometown, with her parents.

Back at her home in North London, Lin Jianwei was putting the last few folded clothes into her suitcase.

When Yan Yuan saw her slightly furrowed brows, gesturing as to where to tuck a thick scarf, he couldn't help but smile.

He walked over, naturally took the scarf, skillfully rolled it into a tight roll, and neatly stuffed it into the mesh pocket on the side of the suitcase.

"You're so clumsy," Yan Yuan chuckled, playfully flicking her nose. "You're usually so efficient at organizing my jerseys and gear, how come you're so flustered when it comes to yourself?"

Lin Jianwei playfully slapped his hand away.

"How can that be the same? I've organized your things countless times. I could find everything with my eyes closed. When I go home, I always want to be as thorough as possible with what I bring." She looked at the suitcase that Yan Yuan had packed so neatly, but couldn't help but smile. "But... you still have a way with things."

Yan Yuan closed the suitcase, zipped it up, and lifted it to weigh it in his hand: "Almost done. Have you checked the documents, wallet, and keys?"

"Yes, they're all in my bag." Lin Jianwei nodded, her gaze sweeping around the room with a hint of reluctance before her departure.

On the way to Heathrow Airport, soft music played on the car radio, but the two of them didn't say much.

Yan Yuan focused on driving, while Lin Jianwei occasionally glanced at the London street scenes rushing past the window, and sometimes turned her head to look at Yan Yuan's profile as he focused on driving.

A quiet and warm sense of reluctance filled the car.

Arriving at the airport and completing the baggage check-in procedures, the moment I least wanted to face finally arrived.

The security checkpoints for international departures are always a stage where farewells and anticipation intertwine.

Yan Yuan handed his backpack to Lin Jianwei and couldn't help but give her some more instructions.

"Please be careful on the way. Once you get on the plane, cover yourself with a blanket, take a nap, and you'll arrive safely. After you land, send me a message as soon as possible to let me know you've arrived safely, okay?"

Yan Yuan's tone carried a nagging and concern that he himself was unaware of.

"I know, you've said it three times already, Aunt Yan." Lin Jianwei teased Yan Yuan as "Aunt Yan," but her eyes were slightly red.

"You too, while I was away, you had such a intensive training schedule, so make sure you eat on time and get enough rest. I haven't been home lately, so no one has been cooking dinner for you. Don't just eat whatever's available."

Then, Lin Jianwei looked up at him, her eyes sparkling.

"By the way, Xiao Yan, I'll be watching your game on TV this New Year's Eve. Good luck!"

"Okay," Yan Yuan nodded solemnly and gently pulled her into his arms.

Airport announcements urged passengers to board their flights.

As they were about to part, Yan Yuan lowered his head, and Lin Jianwei tiptoed. In the bustling crowd, the two shared a brief but incredibly tender kiss.

"Go inside quickly and tell me when you land." Yan Yuan released her and ruffled her hair.

"Okay! I'm off! Good luck in the competition!" Lin Jianwei nodded vigorously, waved, turned and walked towards the security checkpoint, looking back several times until her figure disappeared around the corner.

……

Two days later, at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, France.

The solemn and stirring melody of the Champions League theme song, "Champions League," resounds like war drums, making it a song you can listen to endlessly.

In the stands, there was a surging sea of ​​blue Paris Saint-Germain fans.

On the south stand, the massive Eiffel Tower TIFO slowly descends from the second-floor stands, adorned with a roaring lion, symbolizing Paris Saint-Germain's ambition to conquer Europe.

Countless flashes of light, like a dense array of stars in the night sky, illuminated the stadium as if it were daytime.

The commentators begin their pre-match warm-up.

"Welcome to the Parc des Princes! Ladies and gentlemen, you are watching the first leg of the 2018-19 UEFA Champions League Round of 16, a clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal!" The commentator's voice, transmitted via satellite signal, reached countless corners of the world, filled with excitement and anticipation.

"This match is so captivating, it's breathtaking! The tactical battle between Wenger and Tuchel! Arsenal's youthful storm challenging Paris's star-studded fleet! But the most anticipated aspect is undoubtedly the direct confrontation between two rising superstars: Kylian Mbappé against Yan Yuan!"

"Both players are renowned for their speed, technique, and deadly finishing ability! Coincidentally, Yan Yuan will continue as Arsenal's right winger, while Mbappe will play as Paris Saint-Germain's left winger! This will be a direct clash of titans! Whoever gains the upper hand in this battle of new kings may directly determine the outcome of the match!"

The deafening roar inside the stadium nearly lifted the roof off.

The Paris fans exerted tremendous psychological pressure on the away team with their loud cheers and unified chants.

"Allez Paris! Allez Paris!"

"Arsenal, go home!"

Some extreme fan groups even displayed slogans and banners targeting Yan Yuan himself.

Several huge banners read in English and French:

"TRAÎTRE YAN!" (Traitor Yan!)

"OUUBLIEZ VOTRE PASSÉ ICI!" (Forget your past here!)

"VOUS N'ÊTES PAS LES BIENVENUS!" (You are not welcome here!)

Although Yan Yuan was abandoned by the Paris youth training system back then, rather than leaving voluntarily.

However, some extreme Paris fans see his current success in the opposing team as a form of "betrayal."

The atmosphere in the players' tunnel was heavy and tense.

The players from both sides lined up and awaited the order to enter the field.

Today, Arsenal players are all wearing bright yellow away kits, while Paris Saint-Germain are still wearing their familiar red, white and blue home kits.

Yan Yuan stood in the line, his expression calm, his gaze fixed on the exit of the passage ahead.

He completely blocked out the deafening noise from outside, which was mixed with boos and insults directed at him.

Those extreme slogans could not sway him in the slightest.

Standing next to him, a few people away, was Kylian Mbappé.

Mbappe also noticed Yan Yuan.

He turned his head, his face expressionless, but his eyes held the kind of respectful yet competitive gaze that top athletes exchange.

Against the backdrop of the tunnel lights and the hustle and bustle of the scene, Mbappe extended his hand, and Yan Yuan also extended his hand.

"Are you ready? Yan?"

"Of course, are you ready too, Killian?"

"Just like you."

After exchanging greetings, the two gave each other a high five.

This move is full of the meaning of "the real test will be on the field".

The camera lens keenly captured this scene.

"We saw Mbappe and Yan Yuan give each other a high-five in the players' tunnel!" the commentator remarked.

"These two prodigies are about to face off on the field, but there seems to be a mutual respect between them. This undoubtedly makes the duel even more anticipated!"

The referees signaled for the team to begin moving.

Yan Yuan took a deep breath and followed the team, striding into the battlefield filled with fervor and hostility.

……

Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, in Hangzhou, China.

It was late at night, and the occasional sound of firecrackers outside the window reminded people that the end of the year was approaching.

The lights were on in Lin Jianwei's living room, and the television screen was showing a preview of the Champions League match. The commentator's passionate voice was particularly clear in the quiet night.

"Dad, look! They're coming on stage!" Lin Jianwei, wrapped in a blanket, sat cross-legged on the sofa, excitedly pointing at the screen.

Lin's father, wearing glasses and holding a cup of strong tea, watched with great interest.

"Yeah, this is impressive, no wonder it's a Champions League knockout stage! The atmosphere at the Parc des Princes is intimidating. The Middle Eastern oil tycoons are really rich; this stadium has more presence than any of the Premier League stadiums."

Lin's mother came out of the bedroom in her pajamas, looked at the father and daughter, and shook her head helplessly.

"Okay, Weiwei, before, your dad was the only one in our family who liked to watch football late at night and shout loudly."

"Now look what's happened, you've come back from studying in England and become a football fan too? It's so late, aren't you and your father asleep yet?" She yawned.

"I can only say that I've turned my daughter into a football fan. There's nothing I can do about it; she inherited my good taste," Lin's father said proudly.

"Alright, I can't appreciate your taste. I'm going to sleep. Keep your voices down."

"Okay, Mom, you go to sleep now!" Lin Jian replied with a smile.

After his wife returned to her room, Lin's father took a sip of tea and asked curiously, "Weiwei, which team do you support? Judging from your enthusiasm, you don't seem to be just casually looking at the list."

Lin Jianwei's eyes were fixed on Yan Yuan's focused expression on the screen, and the corners of her mouth unconsciously turned up.

"I support Arsenal, Dad. Look at their number 7, Yan Yuan. Isn't he amazing? He's fast, technically skilled, and incredibly handsome!" She tried to make her tone sound like an ordinary fan, not a girlfriend fan.

Upon hearing this, Lin's father raised his eyebrows.

"Arsenal? Tsk tsk, I just praised your taste, how come you support them?"

You must have been influenced by Arsenal's propaganda in London.

However, you mentioned number 7, Yan Yuan, who is indeed a monstrous genius, I must admit that, but today…”

Lin's father took a sip of tea and pointed to the Paris lineup on the screen.

"I'm rooting for PSG. Mbappe, Neymar, Di Maria, Cavani—what a luxurious attacking line! Arsenal is still too young. No matter how fierce their youth storm is, in the Champions League knockout stages, especially away from home, inexperience will be a disadvantage! I just don't believe that PSG's squad can't beat Arsenal at home!"

Lin Jianwei pouted unconvinced.

"Hmph! Don't you always say the ball is round? It's never certain who will win. I just think Arsenal will win. Yan Yuan is definitely better than Mbappe!"

"Hey, you silly girl, you're arguing with your dad! Do you watch more football or do I?" Mr. Lin was amused by his daughter.

"Alright, let's make a bet and see if your 'youth storm' is more powerful, or if the 'aircraft carrier fleet' of Ligue 1 is stronger. The loser has to do the dishes tomorrow."

"Let's bet!" Lin Jianwei raised his chin confidently, his gaze returning to the screen.

On television, the referee blew the opening whistle.