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

In the summer of 2022, after the season ended, at the Yan family villa in the suburbs of London.

It was an exceptionally bright weekend, with sunlight filtering through the lush foliage and casting dappled shadows on the neatly trimmed lawn.

Yan Yuan's home was decorated especially warmly today.

White gauze curtains adorn the porch, and vibrant flowers line both sides of the walkway, filling the air with a delicate floral fragrance and the enticing aroma of delicious food.

There were no media cameras or noisy fans here; instead, a low-key yet highly significant private gathering was taking place—the engagement ceremony of Yan Yuan and Lin Jianwei.

The number of invited guests was small.

But each one carries a significant weight.

Its lineup is a perfect combination of "star-studded" and "family reunion".

The groom's relatives, friends, and "comrades" are naturally the focus:

Professor Nagelsmann, dressed in a casual suit, arrived early and chatted warmly with Yan's parents; Professor Wenger was in France celebrating his granddaughter's birthday and couldn't make it, but still sent his blessings via video.

Arsenal's entire squad was mobilized.

Aubameyang, Xhaka, and Lacazette arrived with their families, while Rice and Rodri came together. The lively Saka and Odegaard were playfully fighting, Martinelli seemed a little shy, and Saliba and Upamecano appeared much more composed. Theo couldn't come because of some business, but Tohti brought a gift.

Apart from club teammates.

Teammates from the national team also came to congratulate him.

Harry Kane and his wife entered the stadium discreetly, while Rashford, Maguire, Kyle Walker, Henderson, Mount, and other pillars of the Three Lions team also shed their seriousness from the field and put on relaxed smiles.

Mr. and Mrs. Lin came all the way from Hangzhou.

It's summer vacation, so they can stay in London a little longer.

Lin's parents wore complex smiles, a mixture of excitement and reluctance. They were overjoyed for their daughter's lifelong happiness. Several of Lin Jianwei's classmates and colleagues from her time studying and working in the UK also came.

The entire backyard of the villa has become a cozy salon that bridges the football and academic worlds.

The athletes gathered in small groups, drinking champagne and chatting about their vacation plans; while the scholars and their families raved about the beautiful estate and its exquisite furnishings.

The atmosphere was relaxed, joyful, and filled with blessings.

The ceremony officially began at 3 p.m.

In the center of the lawn, a small and exquisite flower pavilion was temporarily erected.

Yan Yuan wore a well-tailored light gray casual suit without a tie, and his collar was slightly open, making him look handsome and approachable.

Lin Jianwei chose an elegant white knee-length dress, with light makeup, a gentle smile, and a radiant happiness that emanated from within.

The two stood hand in hand under the flower pavilion, receiving the attention of their relatives and friends.

There are no complicated procedures; a respected elder in the family serves as the master of ceremonies.

After a simple opening, the most important part began—exchanging engagement rings.

Yan Yuan took out an exquisitely designed platinum diamond ring from the velvet box. The main diamond was not extravagant, but it was perfectly cut and surrounded by tiny diamonds, like stars surrounding the moon, both dazzling and elegant.

He took Lin Jianwei's left hand, his gaze gentle yet firm, and carefully placed the ring on her middle finger.

Then, Lin Jianwei also placed a simple and elegant platinum band ring on Yan Yuan's hand.

Without many words exchanged, their eyes conveyed a thousand unspoken messages.

The audience erupted in enthusiastic applause.

Next, it will be the speech session.

Yan Yuan was the first to speak.

He took the microphone, looked at his fiancée beside him, and then at the family and friends filling the audience below, his eyes filled with gratitude.

"Thank you all for coming today." His opening remarks were simple and sincere. "First of all, I would like to thank my parents the most. Thank you for your continued support, whether it was in helping me choose the path of football or in all aspects of my studies and life."

He looked at his parents, whose eyes were filled with tears of relief.

"Then, I want to especially thank my coach, Mr. Nagelsmann. You not only taught me how to play football, but also how to think and how to be a leader." Nagelsmann smiled and nodded in acknowledgment from the audience.

"Of course, I also want to thank my brothers!" he said with a smile, pointing to his Arsenal and national team teammates.

"On the field, we are comrades-in-arms; off the field, you are my best friends. Thank you for sharing my joy."

Finally, he looked at Lin Jianwei with deep affection.

"Finally, and most importantly, Jianwei, my fiancée." He paused, his voice softening further.

"Meeting you is the luckiest thing in my life. You have given my life more color and more solid meaning besides football."

Today, standing here, I want to tell you that I want to walk the road ahead with you.

I will try my best to become a better player, and a better... husband.

These words, though lacking in flowery language, were incredibly sincere and touched everyone present.

Lin Jianwei's eyes were already wet with tears, and she held his hand tightly.

Next was Lao Yan's speech.

As a successful entrepreneur, he speaks concisely and with great confidence.

"My son has never let me down since he was a child. Today, he has found such a wonderful girl as Weiwei. His mother and I are completely at ease."

From now on, we're family! Weiwei's parents, don't worry, Weiwei will never suffer any hardship in our home! Come, everyone, let's raise a glass and wish these two children a happy new life!

"Cheers!!!"

The atmosphere was instantly ignited, and everyone raised their glasses.

The last person to appear was Lin's father.

Mr. Lin spoke entirely in English today.

"Thank you, in-laws, and thank you to all the guests. To be honest, when I first found out that my daughter had found a boyfriend who plays soccer, I was really on tenterhooks." His humorous words drew laughter.

"However, through our interactions over the past few years, especially the last time Xiao Yan came to Hangzhou to see us, we have witnessed his sincerity, sense of responsibility, and kindness towards Jianwei."

He's not only a great football player, but more importantly, he's a person of integrity, ideals, and a strong sense of responsibility. We feel at ease entrusting our daughter to him." He looked at Yan Yuan, his eyes filled with approval and entrustment.

"Yan Yuan, Jianwei can be a little willful sometimes. I hope you can be more tolerant of her in the future. The two of you should support each other and make progress together." Lin's father's words were also heartfelt.

After the ceremony, it was time for a relaxed and enjoyable banquet.

Yan's mother and Lin's mother were clearly the "chief architects" of this banquet.

The long table was laden with a fusion of Chinese and Western delicacies: exquisite English afternoon tea treats such as scones, finger sandwiches, and various cakes.

There are also Hangzhou specialty snacks made by Lin Ma herself.

Dingsheng cake, Longjing tea pastry, and even several authentic Jiangnan side dishes, all exuding a wonderful aroma.

This fusion, just like today's gathering, is harmonious and beautiful.

At this moment, an amusing scene unfolded inside the venue.

Lin's father, a longtime football fan, has completely transformed into a "star chaser".

Take advantage of today's good opportunity.

He held his phone, excitedly weaving among the star players.

"Kane! Harry Kane, right? I'm a fan! Can we take a picture together?"

Lin's father doesn't like Tottenham, but he really likes Kane.

"Of course, Mr. Lin."

Kane smiled and put his arm around Old Lin, and they took a friendly photo together.

"Saka, you played really well!"

"Rice, wow, that's a really solid build!"

"Come on, Mount, let's take a picture together."

Lin's father took photos with almost every star player present, his face beaming with joy.

Yan Yuan and Lin Jianwei couldn't help but chuckle at the sight.

Lin Jianwei covered her face and laughed.

"My dad really had a blast today."

Yan Yuan smiled and replied.

"What's the big deal? This is just the engagement ceremony. When we have our official wedding, there will be far more people coming. With my connections, I guarantee my dad won't be able to take photos with all the football stars who will be there."

Lin Jianwei smiled slightly.

"You're so glib."

The two, each holding a glass of champagne, leaned against the railing, watching the lively yet heartwarming scene before them.

Nagelsmann was having a very pleasant conversation with Yan's father;

Aubameyang is performing magic tricks for the children;

Rice, Rodri, Saka, and others were huddled together, seemingly discussing some tactics again;

Lin's father affectionately put his arm around Mount's neck and inquired about the latest news from Chelsea.

Lin's mother and Yan's mother were busy inviting everyone to enjoy the snacks.

The warm sunshine shone on my body, and a gentle breeze was blowing.

Yan Yuan turned his head to look at his fiancée's beautiful profile beside him, his face beaming with happiness and a hint of mischief.

He gently touched Lin Jianwei's wine glass, making a crisp sound.

"Hey, Assistant Professor Lin," he said, using the same address he used back at Imperial College London, his tone slightly teasing.

"Now, you're finally completely trapped by my 'problem student.' Do you regret it?"

Lin Jianwei turned her head and glared at him, pretending to be angry, but she couldn't hide the smile in her eyes.

"I regret it! I regret not assigning you more homework sooner, so you wouldn't have the energy to play soccer, and you wouldn't have had the chance to 'show off' in front of so many people!"

"Hahahahahaha..."

Yan Yuan laughed heartily, leaned close to her ear, lowered his voice, and spoke in a volume that only the two of them could hear.

"That won't do. How can I marry such a beautiful wife like you if I don't play football?"

Lin Jianwei's face instantly flushed red, and she couldn't help but lightly punch him: "You're so indecent!"

But the corners of her mouth were turned up in the sweetest smile.

The two looked at each other and smiled, all their love and understanding melting into their lighthearted laughter.

They raised their glasses and gently clinked them together.