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

"Uncle Andrew, I want to place a bet on the match too."

Gu Ran deliberately pretended to be clueless.

"Can you teach me how?"

It wasn't entirely an act—he genuinely wasn't familiar with sports betting platforms in this era.

After all, in his previous life, he had been too busy studying to gamble.

Andrew put down his newspaper, flashing the grin of a seasoned bettor.

"Betting on football—we call it 'playing spinach' around here. There's an art to it!"

"Let me tell you, kid, I've been doing this since I was a teenager. While other guys were working part-time jobs to buy food, drinks, or impress girls, I put every penny into football bets!"

Damn, Uncle… you've been betting for over 30 years, and you only have 1,000 pounds of private savings?

Gu Ran barely held back his laughter.

Andrew continued, "Betting is all about understanding the game—you need to study historical performance, tactical matchups, key players, injuries, and team form. It's a science!

"You're new to this, so I suggest you follow an expert like me."

Andrew puffed out his chest.

"My golden rule in betting is playing it safe.

"For example, I've been analyzing this Southampton vs. Northampton match for two weeks! I've studied their starting lineups, team stats, and performance trends!

"So you're in luck! If you follow my bet—backing Southampton to win—you'll be fine!

"I put 1,000 pounds on Southampton! If I win, I'll make 181 pounds!"

That's it?!

No wonder the odds were so bad—everyone expected Southampton to crush Northampton.

But if Gu Ran wanted a big payday…

He had to bet against the odds.

More importantly, he already knew the match result.

"Here, let me download a proper betting app for you," Andrew said, taking Gu Ran's iPhone 4 and setting up an account.

After a few taps, Andrew handed it back.

"Now you can check the odds from your phone."

"Thanks, Uncle Andrew," Gu Ran said, glancing at the screen.

"But wait… I don't know much about football, but based on the odds, isn't Northampton winning more profitable?"

"HAHAHAHA!" Andrew burst into laughter.

"Bet on Northampton?! Gu, that one sentence proves you know nothing about football!

"Northampton is a joke of a team!

"They have no proper strikers, no midfield control, no defensive line, and their goalkeeper once threw the ball into his own net!

"Why the hell would they ever beat Southampton?!"

Andrew was so animated that his few remaining strands of hair bounced with every word.

He was a die-hard Southampton fan.

For him, betting 1,000 pounds on his team wasn't just about money—it was loyalty.

Gu Ran simply smiled.

"Uncle, I think gut feeling matters in betting too."

Andrew snorted.

"Gut feeling? Betting requires knowledge, experience, analysis, and strategy—not luck!

"Tell me, what does your so-called 'gut' say?"

Gu Ran replied calmly,

"My gut says Northampton wins. Final score: 0-3."

That was the exact result from his past-life memory.

Andrew raised an eyebrow.

"Hah! Gu, you really don't understand football."

Gu Ran smirked.

"Maybe. But I have a good feeling about this.

"Uncle, why don't you bet with me?"

Andrew laughed even harder.

"Follow you?! No way, kid!

"This is my entire private savings!

"I'm not wasting it on some crazy bet! If you want to throw your money away, do it yourself!"

Gu Ran pretended to look disappointed.

"Are you sure you won't consider it?"

Andrew shook his head.

"I'm not an idiot! Now hand me your phone, I'll show you how to place a bet."

Gu Ran looked at the odds carefully.

A 0-3 Northampton victory had 86x odds.

No one expected them to win, let alone by three goals.

Perfect.

Gu Ran took a deep breath.

He typed in 1,000 pounds as his wager and hit confirm.

That was his rent and living expenses for next month.

But if he won…

He'd walk away with 86,000 pounds!

Andrew's eyes nearly popped out.

"Kid, ARE YOU INSANE?! 1,000 pounds on 0-3?!

"Damn it, I should've charged you rent before you wasted your money!"

Gu Ran simply smiled.

"Uncle, I trust my gut."

Andrew sighed and shrugged.

"Fine, whatever.

"Losing this bet will teach you an important lesson—listen to experts, not feelings."

"But just so you know, you still have to pay rent next month!"

Gu Ran grinned.

"Relax, Uncle.

"I believe in my gut."

Andrew laughed mockingly.

"Gu, if your ridiculous bet actually wins, I'll call you big brother!"

Gu Ran chuckled to himself.

Like father, like daughter.

Why did both Sophie and Andrew love making these bold claims?

If he really won…

Would Sophie have to call him 'Uncle' now?!

That would make their fake relationship even weirder.

Andrew, still amused, turned on the TV to the local sports channel.

The match was about to begin.

Kickoff: Southampton vs. Northampton.

From the opening minutes, Southampton dominated.

They completely outclassed Northampton.

The ball barely left Northampton's half.

Five minutes in…

Southampton's star striker, David Connolly, received a cross and struck a perfect shot—GOAL!

Andrew jumped up, punching the air.

"YES!!! SAINTS FOREVER!"

"1-0!!!"

"Gu, I TOLD YOU! Your 1,000 pounds is gone!"

"Your 0-3 prediction is already impossible! Even if Northampton somehow wins, they can't keep a clean sheet anymore!"

"Your 'gut feeling' was WRONG!"

Andrew smirked triumphantly.

"You see, Gu? Betting requires analysis, not luck!"

Gu Ran's lips curled into a slight smirk.

"Oh no, you're right, Uncle. It looks like I lost."

But inside, he was ecstatic.

Everything was unfolding exactly as he remembered!

Even the first goal at the 5-minute mark was identical to his past life's memory!

And if his memory was correct…

The real game-changing moment wouldn't happen until the second half.

That was when everything would turn upside down.

A moment so shocking that every bettor in the country would have their jaws on the floor.

(End of Chapter)