Soccer: If they're using these kinds of cheats, what's the point of training?

In discussions across all of Asia, the arrogant father is the most frequently mentioned name.

"Zhang Kuang's mother died long ago. His father scraped together 200,000 yuan to bribe his way into a certain team. His father raised him by doing hard labor all by himself. After joining the team, he was bullied and got into fights. His father died in a car accident while rushing to deal with the situation."

This story has been told again and again, each time with different details and emotions, which is truly exquisite.

Some people even spread rumors that his father was a former player who was kicked out of the industry because he fixed matches and caused bookmakers to lose money.

It doesn't matter how much of it is true and how much is fiction; what matters is that the story touches people's hearts.

A poor father, a son repeatedly crushed by fate, an angry counterattack, an unexpected death, a desperate journey, and then a stunning breakthrough.

This isn't a football story; it's a myth.

It's the kind of myth that all those struggling at the bottom of society most want to see.

In mainland China, the level of discussion has gone beyond simply being "explosive".

The server is burning.

The news of Zhang's outrageous 5 goals in two games has attracted huge attention on domestic online platforms.

On Weibo, the related topic quickly rose to the top of the trending search list.

Whether you follow football or not, you'll see people playing videos of people making outrageous goals.

"This Chinese guy is really awesome. I never watch football, but after watching his goal highlights today, I got goosebumps."

"I don't know what Ligue 1 is, but I know that it's amazing for someone to score five goals."

"He's so handsome, doesn't anyone think? He looks a bit like Kaka!"

"I recommend everyone check out his story; it's truly legendary."

"..."

On Youku, Zhang Kuang's goal video has been viewed over 50 million times. The most liked video is of Zhang Kuang roaring "Siu—" at the camera after scoring a hat-trick in his debut, accompanied by an unknown, upbeat background music. The comments section is filled with "This is the hope of Chinese football."

As the evening sports news on CCTV-5 was about to end, the host abruptly changed the subject, mentioning news that excited all Chinese football fans.

According to our reporter, considering Zhang Kuang's recent outstanding performance and the keen interest of domestic viewers, CCTV-5 is in urgent discussions with Ligue 1 and is expected to begin broadcasting Auxerre's matches starting from the next round. Specific broadcast arrangements will be announced to the public as soon as they are confirmed.

This news immediately sparked heated discussions among Chinese football fans.

"CCTV is going to broadcast Auxerre? That's great! Finally, I don't have to search for those terribly laggy hotlinks online anymore."

"It should have been broadcast long ago! A Chinese player is dominating in one of the top five European leagues, who else would broadcast it if not CCTV?"

"I heard that French TV stations have started broadcasting more Auxerre matches, and the ratings have skyrocketed."

"That's the power of the market; if there are viewers, there will be broadcasters."

"I hope CCTV won't just broadcast this one match. As long as Zhang Kuang is in Auxerre, the matches in Auxerre are worth watching."

"To be honest, the last time I watched French football was when Shanghai Shenhua legend Petkovic played for Bordeaux, which was more than a decade ago."

"..."

Just as domestic fans were still discussing the news of CCTV's broadcast, an even bigger piece of news suddenly broke the next morning.

Almost simultaneously, major domestic media outlets released a brief and unusually short message:

According to relevant departments, Xie and Yang, members of a certain association, are suspected of serious violations of discipline and law and are currently under disciplinary review and supervisory investigation.

The message didn't name names, provided any specific details, or offer any further explanation. That short sentence, however, exploded like a bomb throughout the entire circle.

The online discussion exploded instantly.

-

After Zhang Kuang returned to Paris, Marina, a reporter from TF1 Sports, contacted him again the next day. Zhang Kuang assumed she was after him.

However, the scene at the hotel was quite different.

"Let me tell you the truth," Marina sat up, pulling the blanket over herself, "I didn't invite you here just for this."

"Then why? For scandals. If I'm going to have any scandals, it'll be between you and me."

"Pah, I'm a sports reporter, not a gossip reporter. Why are you digging up scandals?"

"You're a reporter for TF1, and you've invited a rookie player who's only played two games to your hotel room twice in a row. It can't be for an exclusive interview, can it?" Zhang Kuang said. "Speak, what's the matter?"

Marina looked at him for a few seconds, then smiled: "You're smarter than I thought."

She took a folder from the bedside table drawer and handed it to Zhang Kuang.

Zhang Kuang opened it and found a rough planning proposal inside.

China Storm: A Frenzied Journey to France

A documentary about him, a collaboration between TF1 Sports and a Chinese video platform, follows him through half a season in Auxerre.

"Whose idea was this?" Zhang Kuang asked.

"Mine," Marina said. "I started writing this proposal the night you scored your hat-trick in your debut. After watching your second match today, I'm even more certain—you're going to be a sensation, not just in France, but throughout Europe, and even the world."

"So you want to secure the rights to film me before I become famous?"

"That's right," Marina said frankly. "Once you become really famous, the price won't be what it is now."

Zhang Kuang flipped through the proposal without giving an immediate reply.

"I need to think about it," he said.

"Of course," Marina nodded, "but I hope it won't take too long. Filming a documentary requires advance preparation, and I need to convince the station to approve the budget."

"Even if I agree, you'll have to discuss the specific details and terms with my agency. I'm not good at negotiations."

Zhang Kuang closed the folder and placed it on the bedside table.

Marina leaned closer and kissed him on the cheek: "Of course, give me your agent's number."

Zhang Kuang stood up and began to put on his clothes.

"Are you leaving already?" Marina asked, somewhat reluctantly.

"Shall we do it one more time?"

"Okay, let's do it once."

"..."

An hour later, Zhang Kuang opened the door and walked out, closing it gently behind him.

The corridor was quiet. He pressed the elevator button and waited for the elevator to come down from upstairs.

My phone vibrated at that moment.

He took it out and saw it was a message from his agent, Jonathan:

"Zhang, something happened in your country. Two people named Xie and Yang were arrested, and now it's being spread online in your country that it's your revenge."

Zhang Kuang stared at the message, his brows furrowing slightly, and then dialed Jonathan's number.

"Jonathan, those bugs in our country getting arrested, that has nothing to do with me. I haven't reported anyone. Should I speak out to clarify?"

"Yes, we've done some research, and theoretically it's possible to speak out and refute rumors, but please be careful with your wording."

"Okay, I got it. Oh, by the way, a sports reporter from TF1 said they wanted to make a documentary about me. I gave her your phone number. You two can talk about how to collaborate."

"Hmm? Oh, okay, I'll go talk to them."

After hanging up with Jonathan, Zhang Kuang opened Sina Weibo on his phone, thought for a moment, and started writing a post.