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Just as Gao Bo was handling Adam's situation, the second half of the league season began to take shape.

Luton Town's 25th-round match was postponed to accommodate English Championship games, and their 26th-round clash was advanced to January 17. In this round, Luton faced Darlington away.

The match itself was straightforward. By halftime, Luton had secured a 2-0 lead with a penalty area strike by Vardy and a long-range goal from Drinkwater. With their stellar form, no team in League Two could overturn such a deficit against Luton.

In the 63rd minute, Charlie Austin sealed the game with a stunning overhead kick, bringing the final score to 3-0. The away win pushed Luton to 40 points, just one point shy of seventh place, Brentford—the last spot for the promotion playoffs. For a team docked 30 points before the season, this was monumental.

The team celebrated enthusiastically, even Adam, who had been under media scrutiny, joined in with unrestrained joy. However, Gao Bo remained composed, limiting his celebration to a subtle fist clench before shaking hands with the opposition coach and retreating to the tunnel.

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At the post-match press conference, questions quickly shifted from the game to Adam White and Manchester City's interest in him.

"Coach Gao Bo, Mark Hughes has labeled Adam White as England's next great talent. He believes keeping him in League Two is irresponsible. Your thoughts?"

"What do you think Adam White's market value is?"

"Has Manchester City made a formal bid?"

Unimpressed, Gao Bo took the microphone and firmly addressed the room.

"This is the post-match press conference for our game against Darlington, not Manchester City's media room. Save those questions for Mark Hughes. Tonight, we achieved 40 points—an incredible feat for a team penalized 30 points. If not for the deduction, we'd be leading the league by nearly 20 points. That's what you should be focusing on."

He left the room without answering further.

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Despite his silence, rumors of Adam's transfer dominated headlines. Media coverage fabricated intricate negotiation details, further stirring the pot. Meanwhile, transfer rumors began to circulate about other Luton players, prompting Gao Bo to isolate his team from external distractions, banning unauthorized interviews.

As reporters gathered outside the training ground, the team remained focused. Luton prepared for their FA Cup tie against Preston, a Championship side.

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During training, Gao Bo emphasized humility and discipline.

"Preston is two tiers above us," he warned. "If anyone underestimates them, we'll lose. Remember Chelsea's lesson—success comes from focus and determination."

At Deepdale Stadium, Preston dominated early, and Luton narrowly avoided conceding when Preston striker Brown hit the crossbar. Luton regained composure, and the first half ended 0-0.

In the second half, Preston's cautious approach allowed Luton to mount counterattacks. In the 65th minute, Gao Bo subbed in Adam White.

Standing on the touchline, Gao Bo instructed, "Exploit their right back—he's 34 and struggling with pace. Take your time, find our forwards or midfielders, and shoot confidently when the opportunity arises."

Adam's introduction immediately revitalized Luton's attack. He repeatedly outpaced Preston's veteran right back and delivered a perfect cutback into the box. Kante met the ball at the edge of the area and scored via a deflection.

Moments later, Adam set up another chance, delivering a cross that Vardy headed home, sealing the game at 2-0. Luton's defense held firm, withstanding Preston's late surge to secure their spot in the FA Cup's fifth round.