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

Gu Ran took a deep breath and swiftly tapped the blue skill bubble at Rusty's feet.

Only he could see the bubble as it burst into a brilliant explosion of light, sending a blue streak into his body.

Ding~

"Host has acquired a professional football skill: Legal Body Check +1. Today's collection progress: 10/10."

"Friendly Reminder: The 'Legal Body Check' skill significantly improves your ability to shoulder charge and resist impacts. However, it also consumes a large amount of stamina and increases your chances of injury. Upgrading this skill will enhance your impact force and resistance while reducing stamina consumption and injury risk."

Hell yeah!

Finally, a professional football skill!

And a damn good one at that.

In British football culture, body checks were a fundamental part of the game.

Not only was this skill essential for defenders, but it was also crucial for strikers competing for positioning.

The moment the skill merged into his nervous system, Gu Ran felt an explosive surge of power throughout his muscles.

His entire physique shifted—his previous bookish aura faded, replaced by a sharper, more athletic presence.

Already handsome before, now he looked even sharper, thanks to his recently acquired athletic training results.

Gu Ran casually patted Rusty's shoulder, as if thanking him for the freebie.

"…Appreciate it."

Rusty was humiliated—he exploded like an enraged grizzly, lunging at Gu Ran.

"F**k you, you Asian weakling! How dare you challenge me?! I'm going to kill you!"

Sophie panicked, rushing to shield Gu Ran.

"Rusty! I won't let you hurt him!"

But this only infuriated Rusty even more.

With burning rage, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a brass knuckle, slipping it onto his fingers.

"Sophie, move! MOVE!"

The café's atmosphere turned tense—no one dared to make a sound.

But Gu Ran remained calm and composed.

He gently pushed Sophie behind him and placed one hand on a steaming hot coffee pot on the table.

"You want a fight? Fine. We Chinese never back down from trouble. If you want to go all out, I'll gladly play along. But listen…"

Gu Ran's tone turned ice cold.

"If you lose, you go to the hospital. If you win, you go to jail. Can you afford that cost?"

Rusty clenched his fist, the brass knuckle gleaming under the café lights.

"I don't care what you say! I'm beating your ass no matter what!"

If his teammates hadn't stopped him, Rusty would have already rushed in blindly.

Gu Ran calmly added,

"Isn't next week the National Student Genius Cup?"

Rusty and his gang visibly froze.

"You know how important this tournament is. If you guys end up in a hospital or in jail over a stupid fight, what do you think the school will do to you?"

Rusty's fierce expression instantly crumbled.

Gu Ran was absolutely right.

The Genius Cup was a massive event for high school football in England.

Their team, the Stag Ironhorns, was about to compete against three top-tier opponents in the Southern Division Qualifiers.

If they made it through the group stage, they would advance to the national Top 16, setting a new record for their school.

And if they somehow made it to the Top 4, every player on the team would receive a guaranteed scholarship to Southampton University's sports department.

More importantly, professional scouts would be watching.

Rusty was a starting center-back, and his coach had repeatedly warned him not to get into trouble before the tournament.

If he ended up in the hospital or arrested, his football career was over.

Sophie was stunned—watching Rusty go from a raging beast to a dejected wreck in seconds was something she never expected.

Gu Ran is amazing…

With just a few words, he completely controlled the situation and made Rusty back down.

And…

Why does he look even more attractive?

Am I…

Am I falling for him?!

Her heart pounded uncontrollably.

Meanwhile, Gu Ran continued, pressing his advantage.

"And another thing…"

"If I do end up in the hospital, Sophie will be right there to take care of me. She'll feed me, dress me, and even… help me go to the bathroom."

Sophie turned bright red.

She furiously pinched Gu Ran's waist again.

What do you mean, "help you go to the bathroom"?!

Like hell I would!

Rusty, on the verge of exploding, turned red and white with rage.

"You—you—F**K!"

He desperately wanted to send Gu Ran to the hospital…

…But the thought of Sophie taking care of him afterwards made Rusty want to kill himself instead.

Sensing that things were settling down, Gu Ran smirked.

"Rusty, since you're here challenging me for Sophie, I should at least respond as a man."

"So listen closely—Sophie is mine."

Saying that, Gu Ran wrapped his arm around Sophie's slender waist in front of everyone.

Sophie froze completely.

Her first instinct was to resist, but for some reason, her body only pressed closer.

Gu Ran continued,

"But I know you won't accept that. So let's settle this properly."

"Sophie is the school's beauty. If there's a contest for her, only the winner deserves her."

Rusty's eyes lit up with excitement.

"Are you saying… you want a competition?"

Gu Ran nodded.

"I could challenge you in academics, but you'd stand no chance. So, let's go with something you're good at."

"You're the star center-back, while I'm just some ordinary Chinese student from a non-football country. I've never trained before—Sophie can vouch for that, right, darling?"

Sophie, still dazed from being held by Gu Ran, nodded blankly.

She had never seen him play football before—only study.

Gu Ran flashed her a warm, doting smile, then turned back to Rusty.

"So, I'm giving you a fair chance."

"A one-on-one battle—football versus football."

Rusty burst into laughter.

"You're challenging ME to football?! One tackle and you're in the hospital!"

Then he suddenly remembered Sophie's "care" again, and his laughter stopped abruptly.

Sophie stomped her foot in frustration.

"Gu Ran! Are you insane?!"

But Gu Ran smiled at Rusty and proposed,

"Since you're so strong, a physical battle wouldn't be fair."

"How about a juggling competition?"

Rusty's eyes widened with glee.

"Hell yes! That's perfect! We'll do a juggling contest!"

"Everyone heard that, right? Winner gets to pursue Sophie, loser backs off!"

Sophie's eyes nearly popped out of her skull.

"WHAT?! I don't agree to this!"

Rusty roared with excitement.

"Alright, let's go outside and settle this! Hey, 'Sissyboy,' get me a ball!"

"On it!"

A muscular guy, oddly nicknamed "Sissyboy," pranced out of the café.

His exaggerated swaying was horrifyingly disturbing.

Gu Ran immediately averted his eyes and turned back to Sophie.

"Relax. It's just juggling. I've seen it before—it looks easy."

The café erupted into laughter.

Especially Rusty—he was cackling like a hyena.

"Chinese kid, you've got guts! I'll be waiting outside! Don't chicken out!"

Rusty and his gang swaggered out of the café.

Sophie was on the verge of tears.

She grabbed Gu Ran's arm, pleading.

"Gu Ran, please, cancel this! I'll even wash your laundry for you at home!"

Gu Ran smirked.

"You're washing my laundry anyway. But I'm serious about this."

Sophie gasped.

"Gu Ran, you—"

Gu Ran grinned mischievously.

"If I win… what will you do for me?"

Sophie, caught off guard, blurted out,

"If you win, I'll do whatever you want!"

Gu Ran's smile deepened.

"Deal."

Sophie's stomach twisted in anxiety.

No way… He couldn't possibly… right?

A few minutes later—

(End of Chapter)