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

All matches against Dortmund have ended.

Yan Yuan stood in the middle of the grass after the fierce battle, his vest completely soaked and clinging to his skin, his heavy breathing not yet fully subsided.

After celebrating with his teammates, he looked into the distance, where the Dortmund players' backs were filled with dejection.

Yan Yuan's gaze passed through the celebrating crowd and landed on that tall figure, Aubameyang.

The striker, known for his speed, was walking slowly toward the players' tunnel with his head down.

Yan Yuan took a deep breath and walked in that direction.

A few Dortmund fans were either roaring or silent, but when they noticed the young player who had just dealt a heavy blow to his team walking straight toward Aubameyang, they also felt a mix of curiosity and complicated emotions.

"Pierre," Yan Yuan called out to Aubameyang, his voice clear.

Aubameyang stopped and turned around, his face showing lingering fatigue and frustration from the defeat, but even more so, the sheer exhaustion from the game itself.

Yan Yuan extended his hand: "You played very well in this game, can we exchange jerseys?" His eyes were sincere, showing respect for a top striker.

Aubameyang was visibly taken aback.

Exchanging jerseys after a loss?

But as he looked at Yan Yuan's face, which showed no provocation but only sincerity and respect, and then glanced at the other's jersey, which was also soaked with sweat, the tense lines on his face gradually relaxed.

A hint of helplessness and acceptance of reality appeared on his lips.

He nodded, and without saying a word, decisively took off his jersey.

"You played exceptionally well too," Aubameyang said in accented German, his voice a little hoarse. "Those two counter-attacks, you ran really fast, and your judgment on the final shot was excellent."

"Thank you, Pierre." Yan Yuan also took off his own jersey and handed it over. The two jerseys, covered in sweat and mud, represented a kind of reconciliation and recognition after the fierce competition.

"I'm very happy to compete against you, and I'm already looking forward to seeing you again." Yan Yuan extended his hand.

Aubameyang also reached out his hand, and the two hands, covered in grass clippings and sweat, clasped together firmly.

They didn't exchange many words, but a unique, mutual respect and camaraderie flowed between them, characteristic of competitive sports.

Aubameyang nodded to Yan Yuan, then silently turned and walked towards the passage.

Reus, who was having his knee checked by the team doctor nearby, witnessed this scene.

When Yan Yuan approached him with Aubameyang's jersey, Reus already had a hint of relief on his face.

"Hey, Mr. Big Scene." Royce spoke first, with a wry smile on his face but admiration in his eyes.

"Marco," Yan Yuan said with a smile as he squatted down next to Reus, "How are you feeling? Is your knee alright?" He was referring to Reus's knee, which had been slightly bumped.

"No problem, no issue." Reus shook his head, patted his knee, and said, "That run-and-forth shot of yours... if I were two years younger, I could probably do it too." He said this with a deliberately teasing tone.

"So, don't get too cocky, kid." He laughed at himself.

Reus displayed the magnanimity of a top player against this young man who caused him trouble on the wing but also became the finisher in a crucial counter-attack.

Reus took the phone from the assistant coach and said, "Come on, winner, let's take a picture together and let us share in the glory." He beckoned to Götze and Papa, who had also come over.

Several people approached, with Yan Yuan and Royce standing in the middle, smiling at the camera.

Next, Yan Yuan opened social media: "Shall we follow each other's accounts? I need to pay more attention to the star players in the Bundesliga."

The group found each other's names through search and quickly followed each other.

At this moment, the fierce rivals on the field are connected after the game by the respect between the players that transcends victory and defeat.

The live broadcast captured this moment, and the commentator on TV remarked at the opportune moment: "Yan Yuan interacts with the opposing players almost every game after it ends. I must say, he is a very likable young man with high emotional intelligence. I can feel his kindness."

Carrying the precious exchange jerseys and the souvenir of his first meeting with top stars, Yan Yuan returned to the locker room with the team.

……

A few days later, at the Rhein-Neckar Stadium, in the third round of the German Cup, Hoffenheim hosted Schalke 04.

Unlike the grueling league match in Westphalia, the cup game was much more relaxed, but still incredibly intense.

Nagelsmann made minor rotations, giving some key players a breather.

Yan Yuan remained the starting right winger. The match was relatively stable and fluid; Schalke 04, with their strong overall strength, attempted to exert pressure in the opening stages.

In the 16th minute, Yan Yuan received the ball on the right wing and faced Schalke's left-back Oczipka's defense.

He feigned an inward shrug with his upper body, causing Occhipka to shift his weight to the left.

Yan Yuan swiftly pushed his left foot outward with the outside of his foot, while simultaneously tensing his core muscles—a result of several days of intensive training targeting his lower limbs and core strength.

That sudden burst of speed and explosive power created some space for Occhipka, who was trying to squeeze in.

Taking advantage of that split second, Yan Yuan gained half a body length and delivered a precise low cross with his right foot! The ball, with a slight curve, slid at high speed toward the goal!

Schalke goalkeeper Fährmann's view was obstructed, and Uth attracted Todibo's close marking at the near post, but it was just a feint. Amiri, arriving from the center, was unchallenged! He easily met the ball and slotted it into the empty net!

1-0! Yan Yuan provides an assist!

In the ensuing match, both sides had their chances. Schalke 04 equalized in the second half through Harit, but ten minutes before the final whistle, Hoffenheim regained the lead with a close-range finish from Kramaric.

The score remained 2-1 until the final whistle.

Yan Yuan played the entire match, and aside from one assist, he continued to pose a threat on the wing.

Meanwhile, during Schalke's all-out counterattack in the second half, he repeatedly dropped back to provide defensive support, demonstrating impressive positioning and tenacious running.

In the post-match ratings, he also ranked among the top players in the team.

The atmosphere in the locker room was even more relaxed and cheerful on the night the tournament ended.

At this point, the assistant coach announced the new plan:

"Guys, it's the international break! Players without national team duties or with minor injuries who don't need treatment or training are all entitled to a three-day break! Report back to the team by Wednesday afternoon! Get some rest!"

Before he could finish speaking, a cheer erupted in the locker room.

Gnabry, Amiri, Kramaric, Uth and others immediately began a heated discussion about their respective national team duties, preparing to report to the national team.

Yan Yuan quietly organized the equipment on the side.

Since he has not yet received an invitation from any country, his name will naturally not appear on any national team's training roster.

When international match days arrive, Yan Yuan becomes the "guardian of the village" of Huocun.

Coach Nash walked up to him and said, "Yan, make good use of your vacation, rest and relax completely, and don't think about anything related to training anymore. We'll resume basic training on Thursday after some of the teammates come back."

"No problem, Coach." Yan Yuan nodded affirmatively.

Yan Yuan's good friends left the club one after another. Some went home for vacation, while others participated in national team training. They said goodbye to each other and promised to see each other again.

After everyone left, the entire Huo Village base quickly quieted down, and Yan Yuan became the only remaining "village guardian".

He packed his training backpack and checked his shoes. The area outside the training base was much emptier, with only a few cars parked by club staff under the streetlights.

"To be honest, I really do feel a bit... lonely, sigh..." Yan Yuan sighed softly as he looked at the scene.

The three-day holiday has begun.

Hoffenheim, this quiet and prosperous town on the banks of the Neckar River, is even more tranquil due to the arrival of the international break and the rest period that follows the matches.

Yan Yuan was enjoying this rare moment of tranquility.

Although returning to Birmingham wouldn't be difficult, he didn't make any plans to go home. Instead, he chose to stay in Hockville and fully experience this town that felt like "home."

On the first day of the holiday, Yan Yuan slept in until he naturally woke up, something he hadn't done in a long time.

He was enveloped by a long-lost, pure sense of relaxation.

After a quick wash, he changed into a comfortable hoodie and sweatpants, put on a baseball cap, and decided to walk out to have a breakfast without having to look at the calorie chart.

The familiar "Old Oak" bakery on the street corner is where the Hoffenheim team members often come to get their breakfasts.

There weren't many customers today. Yan Yuan pushed open the door and was greeted by the familiar aroma of toasted bread.

"Good morning! Another milk coffee and a double serving of whole grain bread with cheese and ham?" Mr. Hoffmann, the shop owner with gray hair and wearing an apron behind the counter, greeted us with a smile in German.

As a long-established shop near the team's training base, Hans knows the players' preferences by heart.

Yan Yuan was also a familiar face in his shop.

"Good morning, Mr. Hoffmann. Yes, as usual," Yan Yuan replied with a smile in German. "The weather is lovely today."

"Yes, it's a rare holiday, young man." Hoffman quickly packed the bags, and made sure to put an extra slice of freshly baked apple pie in the bag.

"This is a gift. Congratulations on beating Dortmund! It was a tough battle!" The old shop owner's eyes sparkled with the genuine excitement of a fan. "When I was watching the live broadcast, especially your last goal, I jumped up!"

"Hahahaha... Thank you, sir," Yan Yuan said, a little embarrassed but very happy, as he took the bag and paid for an extra cup of coffee. "Please give me another cappuccino, sir."

"Hey kid! I told you this is a free gift!" Hoffman waved his hand, pretending to be angry.

"Okay, then the coffee is on me." Yan Yuan insisted on putting the money on the counter. "Thank you so much for your support."

Leaving the bakery, Yan Yuan strolled along the clean street, the sun warming his skin.

He saw a small community park with a few benches and several children playing on the slide and swing.

After walking over, he sat down on a bench, opened the bag, broke open the bread, and enjoyed a leisurely outdoor breakfast with warm milk coffee.

A gentle breeze carried the sounds of children's laughter from afar and the scent of the Neckar River.

Today, there was no thought about the competition, nor any physical training; only the satisfaction of simple food and a sense of familiarity with this quiet town.

In the afternoon, he went to the pedestrian street in the town center, where shops lined the streets and the atmosphere was full of life.

He needs to buy some daily necessities.

As soon as I stepped into a shop, I heard a surprised, deliberately lowered but still excited girl's voice:

"Oh my god! It's Yan!"

Behind the cashier, a blonde girl who looked like a part-time college student covered her mouth and blushed instantly. A girl next to her, also wearing an employee apron, came over to look.

(Note: This is just an ordinary passerby, not the female lead.)

Yan Yuan smiled gently at them and said, "Hello." He walked over to pay the bill.

"Yan! I...I'm your fan! I even went to watch the game against Schalke the day before yesterday!" The blonde girl said excitedly, her hands trembling slightly as she picked up the scanner to scan the face wash and shampoo that Yan Yuan had put down.

"You played brilliantly! And against Dortmund... Oh my god!" She was so excited she was almost incoherent. "Could... could I get your autograph? Here it is!" She frantically pulled out a small notebook from under the counter.

"Of course." Yan Yuan took the pen and notebook handed to him and carefully signed his name and jersey number on the blank page. "Danke," he said, thanking them, and then handed the notebook and pen back.

"No, we should be thanking you! For bringing us such a wonderful match!" the older female shop assistant next to her said with a smile. "Keep it up! Hoffenheim needs you!"

"I will, ma'am." Yan Yuan smiled, took the things, and left. As he walked out the door, he could still hear the two shop assistants inside chattering excitedly.

While browsing a sporting goods store to buy sports socks and protective gear, a middle-aged man with a child recognized him and politely asked to take a photo with him, which Yan Yuan also patiently obliged.

While shopping for groceries at the supermarket, an elderly woman pushing a shopping cart recognized him and said with a smile, "Young man, I saw you on TV the other day. You run so fast, like a deer in the forest! Remember to eat more meat!"

These words made Yan Yuan laugh, and he thanked him repeatedly.

These heartwarming, serendipitous moments are unlike the deafening shouts inside the stadium.

They are quiet and subtle, like pebbles dropped into a lake, creating tiny but real ripples.

Yan Yuan is being accepted and loved by more and more locals.

Tranquility is a pleasure, but self-discipline is a habit ingrained in his bones.

On the first day after the holiday, his daily routine returned to its usual "terrifying" state, and he still got up at 6:30.

After breakfast, he would change into his sportswear, warm up thoroughly in his dormitory before going out, and then practice two sets of Tai Chi.

The more Yan Yuan practiced Tai Chi, the more he understood that this was definitely not just for show.

Tai Chi has become one of the important ways for him to regulate his breathing, feel subtle changes in his body, stabilize his center of gravity, and maintain his proprioception.

Each time he lowers his shoulders and elbows, twists his waist and hips, he gains a stronger sense of control over his body, and he also gains more experience in using confrontation and balance in the game.

After boxing, he sometimes does a few sets of push-ups, crunches, and planks at a moderate intensity, just to maintain a basic level of activation.

After lunch, his body relaxed, but his mind did not. He mainly used this time to review his notes and watch game recordings.

He brewed a cup of black tea, flipped through his notebook and the notes his mentor had added for him, and watched the downloaded match clips without missing a single detail.

He especially reviewed several successful one-on-one defensive plays against other players, analyzing the basis for his successful anticipation.

I also watched a few highlights of players known for their explosive play on the wings, observing how they used rhythm and technique combined with their body to protect the ball.

In the evening, he had a simple meal that he prepared himself.

Although Xiao Yan is a good cook, he doesn't make his own meals elaborate or delicious.

He made himself the kind of "white food," like vegetable salad and chicken breast, which was really just average in taste, even a bit hard to swallow, but it was all about nutritional balance.

But there's no way around it; it's part of the life of a professional athlete.

If she really craves something, Xiao Yan will heat up the braised pork and baiji bread that her mother sent her, and enjoy a delicious roujiamo (Chinese hamburger). That's enough to satisfy her craving.

After meals, it's his unwavering time for core strength and sparring training.

Although there were no strength training machines in the apartment, he had his own dumbbells and resistance bands.

After clearing a small space in the living room, Yan Yuan fixed one end of the elastic band to the door handle. He stood with his back to the door, holding the elastic band tightly in front of his body with both hands.

Lower your body, bend your knees slightly, and adopt a posture similar to that of a player protecting the ball with their back to the goal on a football field.

Then, he began to exert force, using his core muscles and posterior chain muscles in his legs to work together against the strong resistance of the elastic band behind him, simulating the force exerted by a back-to-the-basket guard when squeezing in a real game.

"Uh..." With each exertion of force, his core, waist, abdomen, and even his hips and legs were like tightly wound springs, emitting a low, forceful groan, and sweat slid down the taut lines of his neck.

Sometimes he would try to perform a half-turn ball protection move during a confrontation, with core strength becoming the cornerstone for stabilizing his body and supporting his movements.

He could clearly feel that, after a period of targeted strengthening and now persistent maintenance training, his "base" was indeed more stable.

The stability of the body's center of gravity has been improved during combat, so it is not easily knocked off balance, and it can even maintain the ability to connect movements after reasonable physical contact.

After several sets of sparring, he will also use dumbbells to strengthen his upper body and shoulder and back muscles.

Bench press, flyes, rows, etc., with proper form and focused breathing.

Sweat dripped onto the towel spread on the floor.

In the stillness of the night, only the faint glow of the streetlights remained outside the window. His heavy breathing and the occasional soft clanging of machinery echoed in the small space.

Having finished all this, Xiao Yan washed away her fatigue.

Although the daily life of the "village guardian" is somewhat boring, Yan Yuan treats the "boring" days in the same way as any other day.