Ochoa guessed the right direction, but in the end all he could do was complete a somersault.
The ball was simply too fast, already buried in the net before he could reach it.
"GOAL!"
"Hat-trick!"
"Four–nil!"
"Real Madrid have completely torn América apart!"
"Or rather—Su Hang has torn América apart!"
"Three goals and one assist! This is the strength of the Ballon d'Or winner!"
"Too strong! Su Hang is just too strong!"
"Worthy of being the world's number one striker!"
"Some people said Real Madrid weren't in good form, but a player like Su Hang can dominate a match no matter the situation!"
On the pitch, Su Hang raised both arms high, soaking in the screams and cheers from the crowd.
In the stands, a nine-year-old boy wearing Su Hang's number 9 jersey jumped up and down in excitement, celebrating along with him.
The broadcast director caught the moment and put it up on the big screen.
Overcome with emotion, the boy even did a siu celebration right there on the spot.
Su Hang found the kid a little familiar and gave a thumbs-up toward the big screen.
Not far away, several middle-aged men pointed at the boy.
"I feel like I've seen that kid before?"
"Yes, coach," another replied. "He came for a trial last week, but didn't make it."
They were executives and coaches from Kawasaki Frontale.
"Call his parents. Tell them their child has been selected for our U10 squad."
"Huh? But—"
"But what? This kid got a thumbs-up from Su Hang himself! His future definitely won't be ordinary!"
"Understood. I'll make the call after the match."
"Oh right—what was his name again?"
"I think it was… Kaoru Mitoma!"
...
The 91st minute. The match was nearing its end.
The América players knew the outcome was beyond saving. Combined with complete physical exhaustion, they had stopped actively pressing.
Real Madrid controlled possession and pushed straight past midfield.
Finding the penalty area too crowded, Su Hang dropped back into the attacking midfield zone and called for the ball from Cannavaro.
Cannavaro passed it to him.
There was a defender behind Su Hang, but no physical challenge came.
Su Hang responded with an elegant outside-of-the-foot flick, completing a beautiful back-to-goal nutmeg in one smooth motion.
The camera immediately cut to Zidane on the bench.
He was stunned.
One hand rested on his bald head as he said to Raúl beside him,
"This guy… the more he plays, the flashier he gets. He's got about seventy percent of my flair now."
Raúl nodded wordlessly.
Next to them, Beckham—who still hadn't been subbed on—also nodded blankly.
"Driving forward!"
"Su Hang accelerates! A burst of speed and a subtle change of direction—he's beaten his man!"
"Su Hang charges into the penalty area!"
"Ochoa comes out!"
"Su Hang lifts his foot!"
"Ochoa goes to ground—what a perfect save!"
"A lob!"
"Su Hang gently lifts it—he goes for the chip!"
"GOAL!!!"
Boom!
The stadium exploded.
"Four goals! Japanese fans are in for a feast!"
"Su Hang keeps firing thunderbolts straight through the heart of the defense again and again, sending Japanese fans into a climax.
Five–nil!
Real Madrid crushed América in overwhelming fashion and stormed into the Club World Cup final.
After the match, many América players went to Zidane, Raúl, Beckham, Roberto Carlos, Casillas, and others to exchange jerseys.
Some approached Su Hang as well, but he apologized and explained that his shirt had already been promised to someone else.
Su Hang then walked over to Ochoa. After hugging him, he pointed at their jerseys.
"Can we swap shirts? Your saves were incredible—you really caused us a lot of trouble."
Ochoa's shattered heart seemed to stitch itself back together in an instant. He said in disbelief,
"Of course… of course! I… I don't even know what to say. I played terribly, I couldn't—"
"Hey, don't say that," Su Hang interrupted.
"You did great. Really. I've played against most of the top goalkeepers in world football."
"Trust me—you're no worse than any of them."
"Keep working hard. I'll be paying attention to you."
Ochoa's eyes turned red.
He couldn't hold it together and burst into tears on the spot.
Su Hang patted his shoulder, intending to say a few more words of comfort.
But somehow, Satomi Ishihara and Yui Aragaki had entered the pitch—apparently they had special access, likely arranged by the Japanese side.
So Su Hang decisively left Ochoa behind.
After all, during dinner the night before, Satomi Ishihara had said she really liked playing Pokémon.
And Yui Aragaki had claimed she was extremely good at Dynasty Warriors.
See? Instant common ground.
Moments later, a temporarily shirtless Su Hang was hugged by both women.
Satomi Ishihara was so excited that she even kissed his cheek.
Yui Aragaki's expression changed immediately.
Already going in for a kiss?
How shameless!
But the chance passed in an instant. Seeing Su Hang instinctively push Satomi Ishihara away, Yui Aragaki decided she'd wait for another opportunity.
At worst, she could let Su Hang have the best character when they played games together—he'd definitely be thrilled then.
Later, as the Man of the Match, Su Hang accepted an interview with reporters.
The two women followed him over, and the media present didn't object.
Reporter: "Su, you were outstanding today. Do you have anything you'd like to say to the América players?"
Su Hang: "América are a very strong team. For a while, they made us feel like winning wasn't even possible."
"Especially Ochoa—he's an excellent goalkeeper. If he can join one of the top five leagues earlier, I believe he'll achieve even more."
Reporter: "Did you already know Satomi Ishihara and Yui Aragaki? You seem very close."
Su Hang: "We only met recently, but I've long known they're both outstanding actresses. We also share some hobbies, so I'm very happy and honored to know them."
Reporter: "Then between the two of them, who do you like more?"
Oh boy.
That was stirring trouble—or at least fishing for headlines.
Su Hang didn't mind.
Influence couldn't be limited to just the football world.
It had to spread through different people and different industries to become truly universal.
Don't ask whether it works.
With the rise of the internet, even the smallest influencers can earn tens of millions a year.
Fame only becomes more valuable over time.
Su Hang: "That's a tough choice. I like both Pokémon and Dynasty Warriors, but honestly, the games I've played the most are Fantasy Westward Journey and World of Warcraft."
The reporters were very satisfied with that answer.
Today's headline was settled:
'Su Hang Thinks Satomi Ishihara Is Just as Fun as Yui Aragaki'!
Su Hang: ???
Su Hang: Tomorrow, go report to the London Globe. You're hired!
...
(35 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / GhostParser