Chapter 16: Hesitation

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

When Wu Youming saw that Lu Ang did not reply for a long time, he thought that Lu Ang was afraid that he did not have a bed. He said, “Don’t worry. You belong to the school, so you already have a place. We can have up to four people in one dormitory. Currently, there’s me, Chang Yu, and Ai Wu. Don’t worry. It’s expensive for you to rent a house outside the school, so you should move to the school. You can share the room with us.”

Lu Ang said, “Alright, I’ll think about it. Thank you, Captain. I’ll try to blend in with everyone as soon as possible.”

Lu Ang had already paid an entire year’s rent, and also prepared the treadmill and various training facilities in his room. The rent wasn’t an issue. Previously, he had gotten a bonus for playing in the Youth Soccer League, as well as from some brand endorsement and promotion fees. However, would staying in the school affect him negatively this time? This made Lu Ang feel conflicted, so he fell into deep thought. However, how was he going to blend in with the team?

…

Xia Mengyin was writing the latest introduction to the football team. Lu Ang was a special case. She did not know him very well and he was not included in the soccer team’s information as he was new.

Xia Mengyin had sent him a message. “Lu Ang, can I ask about your age, the teams and players you like, and some simple details?”

At that time, Lu Ang was pedaling the bicycle in his room when he saw the ringing notification. It turned out to be Xia Mengyin. He did not want to stop training and wanted to reply to the message. Furthermore, he had a question to ask her, so he called back immediately.

Xia Mengyin was caught off guard and quickly plugged in her earphones.

Lu Ang asked, “Mengyin, why are you asking me these questions?”

Xia Mengyin asked, “Lu Ang?”

Lu Ang replied, “Yes, yes, it’s me. I’m doing leg training now, so I’ll leave you a message. It won’t affect us.”

Xia Mengyin said, “Ah, I thought it was your rest time. If you’re busy, we can talk later.”

Lu Ang replied, “It’s okay, it won’t affect me.”

Xia Mengyin replied, “Okay then. Actually, I just want to fill in your information for the team. Also, I want to use some of your introduction for publicity.”

Lu Ang misunderstood. He thought…

Lu Ang said, “Just write 21 years old. My favorite team is Manchester City, and my favorite player is Kompany…”

After a round of introductions.

Xia Mengyin shouted, “Oh my god, why do you like the same team and player as me? No wonder you chose number 4 for your jersey number.”

In fact, in Xia Mengyin’s opinion, most players would not choose the number four, so the team number four had always been empty. Xia Mengyin found it strange when she saw him wearing number four previously.

Xia Mengyin said, “Then I’ll write your position as a defender. Coach Wang said that your position might be more varied. No matter if you’re an offensive defender or not, you’ll still be known as a defender.”

Lu Ang said, “Yes, sure.”

Xia Mengyin said, “By the way, I actually want to do a topic on sports glasses. I feel like everyone doesn’t know much about this, so can I borrow your glasses later? Tell me more about it too.”

Lu Ang said, “Sure. I have a spare pair of sports glasses that I can lend you.”

Xia Mengyin said, “That’s great.”

Xia Mengyin was about to say something when Lu Ang interrupted her. “Oh right, I want to ask you some questions too.”

Xia Mengyin was confused. “Huh? What questions?”

Lu Ang said, “What is the school’s accommodation like?” He wanted to ask Wu Youming, but this was a good opportunity. He wanted to hear more of her words.

Xia Mengyin said, “Pfft, it’s been so long, aren’t you staying at school already?”

Lu Ang said, “No.”

Xia Mengyin said, “There are four guys in a room. Everyone has a bed on top, and a desk at the bottom. There’s also a private bathroom.”

Lu Ang thought about it. It was indeed not easy for him to be exposed, but it was only a matter of time before he was discovered living with the rest.

Xia Mengyin said, “You should move into the school. Our school accommodation is pretty good.”

Lu Ang answered, “I understand, but…”

Xia Mengyin thought that he wouldn’t be so weak. “Don’t worry, even though the soccer team members have some small issues, they are all loyal and will not bully you. Also, if they bully you, tell me and I’ll talk to them.”

Lu Ang laughed. “Who would bully me? I’m tall and strong.”

Xia Mengyin said, “You… Haha. You’re not wrong.”

Strange, why do I always have the desire to protect him? Xia Mengyin thought.

Indeed, her first impression of him was deeply rooted. She always felt that he was weak and needed her protection.

Xia Mengyin said, “There’s still some time before the University Soccer League starts. Are you free next week?” She knew that the closer they got to the competition, the less time athletes had.

Lu Ang said, “If nothing goes wrong, there should still be a day off.”

Xia Mengyin said, “If you have time, can you introduce your glasses to me? I’ll treat you to a meal.”

Lu Ang wondered if he should agree. He didn’t know if a rest day would be guaranteed, but he wanted more opportunities to see her. So he said, “I’ll give you an answer next Saturday, because I’m not sure if anything will come up that day.”

Xia Mengyin replied, “All right.”

Was he indirectly rejecting her? She didn’t quite understand.

Her roommates had already seen through everything…

Zhang Yu said, “It must be that person, hahaha.”

Wang Yiyi said, “Pfft, our Yinyin took the initiative?”

Xia Mengyin said helplessly, “Haven’t you seen my interview at the publicity department?”

Her roommates all gave her a thumbs-up. “Impressive.”

…

Lu Ang asked, “Heng, do you think I should move to school?”

Wei Xinheng replied, “Pfft, Lu Ang, look at the soccer players. None of them is like you, who doesn’t live with his teammates.”

Lu Ang answered, “I think so too.”

Wei Xinheng asked, “Why? Are you slowly adapting to a collective-living lifestyle?”

Lu Ang said, “I’m still considering.”

Wei Xinheng asked, “Consider? I really don’t know what you’re afraid of.”

Lu Ang said, “Hahaha, scared? Impossible.”

Wei Xinheng said, “Young man, as an older brother to you, I have to remind you again that you still have a long way to go. So you really have to learn how to cooperate with teams, not just on the field, but also off the field. Especially for soccer players—it affects too many aspects. Not only in your circle, but at the very least, you have to be more polite to others; don’t always be cold. Even if you don’t like to communicate, you can just smile, so you won’t be criticized by others. Also, professional soccer is very different from the provincial team you were in before, as well as the university soccer team, so your words and actions are more important. If you still want to play in the professional league, don’t be so cold.”

Lu Ang answered, “Okay, okay, I got it.”

Wei Xinheng said, “Oh my, you know now? Is Anxi City Sports University’s coach really that good? Or are the teachers good? You actually agreed with me. I remember that you used to respond to me, saying that your job was only to play soccer, and you didn’t care about anything else. You just want to play soccer.”

Lu Ang laughed loudly.

He really had changed.

Wei Xinheng thought. In the past, he never laughed heartily. Wei Xinheng didn’t know if this was good or bad for Lu Ang.

Once a person entered a new environment in particular, they would change.

Was change good or bad? No one knew.