I Just Wanted to Play Soccer, But I Became a Hollywood Heartthrob

The next morning, a day before the crucial match against Rugby Golden Fleece, Gu Ran woke up early, ate breakfast, and took a taxi to school.

The entire campus atmosphere was filled with excitement for the upcoming home match.

As he walked through the school grounds, unfamiliar students enthusiastically greeted him, cheering him on. Many high-fived him and wished him luck for the game tomorrow.

And, of course, there was a horde of female fans dressed in ridiculously revealing outfits, swarming around him like he was some kind of pop star.

So annoying.

Gu Ran barely managed to escape to the training ground.

That day, the Buckhorn Stags focused on passing drills, formation adjustments, and set-piece practice for both attack and defense.

After two days of rest and intense training, the team's coordination had noticeably improved. Their tactical system had also become much more defined after two real matches.

Before, when Olin was still part of the team, the Buckhorn Stags relied heavily on a left-wing attack—a one-dimensional strategy.

After Olin left, the team was forced to temporarily build around Watergate, shifting to a false 9 system.

Now, however, Carter had fully handed Gu Ran the reins as the true core of the team. The left-back remained the starting engine, but Gu Ran's involvement allowed for much more flexibility and dynamic play.

At the start of a match, the strategy would intentionally revolve around Watergate, tricking the opposition into marking him as the primary playmaker. But the moment the opposing team heavily focused on Watergate, Gu Ran would suddenly take over—forcing everyone to adjust their positioning to his movements.

While he was capable of breaking through the left flank, as a right-footed left-back, he naturally favored cutting inside after passing the halfway line. This dragged defenders away, creating gaps in weak areas for quick attacking plays.

Even this one adjustment made the team's overall strategy far superior to the old Olin-centric approach.

Carter named this new system "The Bait-and-Switch" strategy.

Watergate: …What the hell, Coach?!

For the entire day, the team focused on perfecting this new game plan.

Gu Ran's performance remained flawless, while other players struggled to keep up with his movements—leading to Carter constantly shouting at them.

With Carter's "help," Gu Ran easily picked up 10 white training bubbles.

His total Talent Points had now accumulated to 3!

With three Talent Points in reserve, he felt much more confident for tomorrow's showdown.

And if he could snag a few skill pickups from Rugby Golden Fleece before the match?

Even better.

After training, Carter gathered the main squad for a final speech.

"Tomorrow is our final group-stage match," Carter stated firmly.

"So far, we've earned one draw and one win—giving us four points. Based on the E-group standings, as long as we get at least a draw tomorrow, we'll qualify!"

The players cheered excitedly, already on the verge of celebrating.

But Carter's expression turned serious.

"Don't celebrate yet!" he snapped. "Our opponent is Rugby Golden Fleece—a regular championship contender in the National High School Football Tournament!"

"They are a powerhouse!"

"They are the birthplace of modern rugby, and every single one of their players— even their benchwarmers—are physically dominant, aggressive, and built like tanks! Their sprinting, tackling, and body-checking abilities are the best among all high school teams!"

"So I need you all to be fully prepared. Tomorrow's match is going to be an absolute war!"

"As I mentioned before, Rugby Golden Fleece may not even field their main squad—they probably don't even care about these three points."

"But that's exactly why this is our best chance!"

"I don't need a win—just a draw! That's all I'm asking for!"

Carter's gaze sharpened as he scanned the team.

"Now tell me—do you have confidence?!"

"YES, COACH! WE DO!"

"DESTROY GOLDEN FLEECE!"

"MAKE THE ROUND OF 16!"

The team roared in unison, their fighting spirit burning.

Gu Ran felt the adrenaline surging, joining in the chant.

It didn't matter if this was over-the-top or corny.

All that mattered was qualifying.

Carter nodded in satisfaction. "Good. Tonight, go home and rest well. Don't let your mind wander—focus on our tactics before you sleep. Dismissed!"

"YES, COACH!"

As the team dispersed, Carter called out to Gu Ran.

"Gu, come here for a sec."

Gu Ran walked over. "What's up, Coach?"

"How's your recovery? Energy levels?" Carter asked.

Gu Ran immediately responded, "I'm in top shape, Coach. Fully charged."

Carter narrowed his eyes. "And… you haven't been burning energy in other ways, have you?"

Gu Ran froze for a second.

Then quickly answered, "No! Absolutely not!"

Carter nodded in approval. "Good. Your stamina is your biggest weakness right now. If you need it, I can ask Maria to stay late tonight and give you a personal recovery session."

Holy—NO!

That would end horribly.

His young body couldn't handle that kind of temptation!

Gu Ran instantly refused, "No need, Coach! I'm totally fine! No need to bother Maria."

Carter gave him a knowing look. "Gu, you're our team's core player now. You have privileges. Don't hesitate to ask for what you need."

Gu Ran grinned. "Don't worry, Coach. If I really need something, I'll ask for it myself."

Carter nodded again. "Alright. Listen, Gu— you're a rare talent. I knew it from the moment I saw you play. But if you lead us to the Round of 16, you'll open doors toward professional football."

Gu Ran blinked.

Professional football?

Why was Carter suddenly bringing this up?

He sighed and shrugged. "Coach, I'm Chinese. You know the work permit issue in your country."

It didn't matter how much he wanted to become a football star.

Without a work permit, he wasn't getting into the English pro leagues.

And expecting China's FIFA ranking to magically improve?

That wasn't happening.

This was a dead-end that Gu Ran alone couldn't solve.

But then Carter flashed a mysterious grin.

"Gu… what if—and I mean if—there was a club willing to help you get a work permit? Would you sign with them?"

Gu Ran's eyes lit up.

"Of course, Coach! Are you saying—"

Carter cleared his throat. "No, I'm just saying if."

…

Damn it.

Gu Ran felt completely baited.

Carter continued, "Regardless, your first step is to prove yourself. Consistently scoring above 8.5 every match and making the Round of 16? That's your starting line."

So basically…

There's more than one step after this?

Coach, are you trying to PUA me into working harder?

…Fine.

Gu Ran put on his most determined expression.

"Coach, don't worry. Tomorrow, I'm turning Golden Fleece into Golden Baldies!"

Carter nearly choked from laughing.

"Ahem! Alright, good! Now go home and rest!"

"Yes, Coach!"

As Gu Ran left, Carter chuckled to himself.

"Golden Baldies… Haha! This kid… He's just like me when I was young."

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