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

After driving home, Yan Yuan felt even more exhausted than after playing a high-intensity derby match.

It's not physical, but mental.

The stifling feeling of being unjustly slandered and thrust into the limelight is like a heavy stone pressing on my chest.

Although he used humor to dispel his teammates' doubts in the locker room, when he was alone, the frustration and grievances inevitably welled up in his heart.

What he needs most right now is a haven where he can completely relax and not have to pretend at all.

As the car pulled into the garage of a quiet neighborhood in North London, Yan Yuan took a deep breath, composed himself, and then opened the car door.

The warm light and the aroma of food inside immediately enveloped him, dispelling some of the chill outside.

Lin Jianwei was wearing comfortable loungewear and setting out tableware in front of the island in the open kitchen.

Hearing the door open, she looked up with a gentle smile on her face.

"You're back, sweetie. You must be hungry after a tough day in the competition. I made some simple noodles with soybean paste."

She keenly noticed the lingering displeasure between Yan Yuan's brows, a stark contrast to his usual post-match state of excitement or calm.

She put down the plate in her hand, walked closer to him, and asked softly.

"What's wrong? Did you... see that news?"

Yan Yuan sighed, tossed his car keys onto the cabinet in the entryway, leaned against the wall listlessly, and nodded.

"Hmm, Weiwei, you knew all along?"

"It's hard not to know even if you want to," Lin Jianwei smiled helplessly, reaching out to help him take off his coat. "The whole internet is talking about this 'bombshell' news right now. I saw it in the office this afternoon, and I knew you wouldn't be in a good mood."

Yan Yuan followed her to the living room sofa and sat down. He grabbed her hand anxiously, his tone filled with grievance and determination.

"Weiwei, you have to believe me, that's definitely not me! How could I possibly..."

Before he could finish speaking, Lin Jianwei suddenly burst out laughing, and the laughter grew louder and louder until she even bent over, her shoulders trembling slightly.

Yan Yuan was a little confused by her laughter and looked at her blankly:

"What...what are you laughing at?"

Lin Jianwei finally managed to stop laughing, wiped away the tears that had come out of her eyes, and pointed to the picture accompanying the news article on her phone screen.

"I laughed because... hahaha... I watched that video, my great star."

Her tone was full of mockery.

"Honestly, if this news is true... then I really have to question your taste in aesthetics."

That blonde woman's profile looks a bit like... um... a frightened Chihuahua? And that Black woman, those muscular arms, wow, I feel like they could bend your Champions League trophy with their bare hands.

Lin Jianwei was also skilled at using metaphors.

She imitated Yan Yuan's tone in the locker room, but spoke in a more playful and intimate way.

"Xiao Yan, I'm not trying to be mean, but you're a world-class star now, earning at least £500,000 a week. If you really have any 'special needs,' following the script, it would have to be someone like a Victoria's Secret supermodel to match your status, right?"

Finding these two... hahaha... the cost-effectiveness is so bad, even I, someone in finance, feel it's a huge loss. These people who fabricated this are so careless; they could at least have hired a couple of good-looking actors!

Yan Yuan was thoroughly amused by her extremely "sharp-tongued" yet precise teasing. The gloom in his heart was instantly dispelled, and he couldn't help but laugh as well. He pulled Lin Jianwei into his arms and rested his chin on her hair.

"You... I'm so angry, Weiwei, and you still have the mind to talk about this."

"Otherwise what?" Lin Jianwei lifted her head in his arms, gently pinched his cheek with her fingers, and her eyes became serious and tender.

"Am I supposed to act like those uninformed netizens, crying and wailing, questioning your character?"

Xiao Yan, how long have we been together? I know what kind of person you are. I know exactly how high your standards are for yourself and how focused you are on football.

You might get frustrated when you're fouled on the court, or upset when you lose, but you would never, and would disdain, do something so low-level, dirty, and self-destructive.

She leaned on Yan Yuan's shoulder and spoke softly.

"This kind of low-level smear campaign is obviously aimed at your current status and the Golden Globe Award. Anyone with eyes can see that it's targeting your current position and the Golden Globe Award."

If I believed them, wouldn't that be playing right into their hands? I'm not that stupid. I will believe you unconditionally, at any time, in any situation.

Amidst the storm of doubt and ridicule from the outside world, the unreserved trust and understanding of one's loved one is more precious than any explanation or victory.

Yan Yuan hugged Lin Jianwei tightly and whispered.

"Thank you, Weiwei. With you here, I'm not afraid of anything."

The two embraced quietly for a while, enjoying this rare moment of peace and trust.

The noodles on the table gradually cooled down, but who cared?

After calming down, Yan Yuan remembered another important matter.

He picked up his phone and dialed his father's number.

The phone rang twice before being quickly answered, and there seemed to be the sound of typing in the background, indicating that Lao Yan was still working.

"Hey, son? The game's over? You played well today, you scored again!" Dad Yan's voice was loud and clear, with his usual cheerful tone, as if he had no idea what had happened.

"Dad..." Yan Yuan hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Have you... seen those news articles about me online?"

"News?" Yan Zhen'an paused for a moment, then his tone became somewhat dismissive.

"Oh, you mean that 'Global Gossip' thing that's all made up? I glanced at it, didn't look closely. What, you're still bothered by it?"

Yan Yuan was taken aback; his father's reaction was even more indifferent than he had expected.

"Dad, they're saying... saying I did that thing on the national team! They even had concrete evidence, including video footage!"

"A video?" Yan's father chuckled on the other end of the phone, and the keyboard clicking stopped.

"Can something vague and taken out of context be called evidence? I've been in foreign trade for so many years and have dealt with all kinds of people. I've seen plenty of this kind of despicable framing and slander."

Son, let me tell you, the more you take this kind of news seriously, the more it fuels the fire. Just ignore it completely!

His tone became resolute.

"But don't worry, this matter isn't over yet. Leave it to me."

You high-ups have seen the news too. We've already made contact today, and I'll be going to Kearney base first thing tomorrow morning to have a meeting with Venkat Hill and Edu.

This matter is not that simple; there must be someone behind it, and with the Golden Globe Awards approaching, some people are already resorting to underhanded tactics.

After our meeting tomorrow, we will take immediate action to clear your name and get the club to issue the strongest statement in your support!

We absolutely cannot allow shady media outlets to tarnish your image! This is no longer just a matter of personal ethics; it's a matter of your personal brand value and the club's reputation!

Yan's father's voice revealed a ruthless decisiveness born from years of business experience, as well as a strong protectiveness towards his children.

"My son, Yan Zhen'an, is upright and honest. I can't let such a petty person ruin his reputation. Son, focus on your training and prepare for the next match. I'll protect you from all the storms outside! The sky won't fall!"

Hearing his father's calm and powerful voice, Yan Yuan's last trace of unease vanished.

He felt the strongest support from his family.

Instead of offering much comfort, the father directly provided the most practical and effective action plan.

"Dad, thank you." Yan Yuan was somewhat moved.

"Why are you being so polite with your father, kid?" Yan Zhen'an's tone softened.

"Remember, if you're upright, you have nothing to fear. You got to where you are today through your own hard work and effort, and no one can smear that. Hold your head high and get on with your work! Okay, that's all for now. I still have some contracts to process. You should get some rest too, and don't overthink things."

After hanging up the phone, Yan Yuan let out a long sigh of relief.

He looked at Lin Jianwei, who had been quietly accompanying him, and a relieved smile appeared on his face.

"How is it? Did Uncle not take it seriously at all?" Lin Jian asked with a smile.

"It's more than just not taking it seriously," Yan Yuan shook his head and sighed. "He said he's going to have a meeting with the club's top management tomorrow. With my dad there, I feel like the truth will come out soon."

Outside the window, the London night was deep, while the online clamor seemed to continue.

But Yan Yuan's home was filled with warmth, trust, and powerful strength.

This sudden storm did not break him; instead, it made him appreciate the value of those around him even more.

Yan Yuan is not fighting alone.