In the private room of the "Golden Dragon Pavilion" Chinese restaurant in Madrid's La Moraleja district, a rich tea aroma permeated the air.
The private room featured mahogany tables and chairs, with landscape paintings hanging on the walls. This familiar ambiance gave him the illusion of being back home.
Lu Chuan pushed the door open and saw that the Head Coach had been waiting for a long time.
A middle-aged man in his fifties, with meticulously combed hair, a sharp suit, and gold-rimmed glasses, his small eyes darted around, revealing a calculating glint.
Next to him sat two accompanying staff members: one was a technical analyst, and the other looked like a secretary.
"Little Lu is here! Come, sit, sit!" the Head Coach enthusiastically greeted, a standard official smile on his face.
Lu Chuan slowly sat down, his gaze sweeping over the sumptuous dishes on the table. Peking duck, boiled chicken, braised pork, and several Jiangsu and Zhejiang dishes, all beautifully presented and fragrant.
These were the flavors of his hometown that were hard to find in Spain.
"I heard you've been in Spain for almost five years. Missing home, aren't you?" the Head Coach picked up a piece of roast duck, dipped it in sweet bean sauce, and put it into his mouth. "I specifically asked the chef to make these dishes; they're all our hometown flavors."
Lu Chuan didn't pick up his chopsticks, merely responding blandly, "Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Head Coach."
"We've all seen your performance at Rayo Vallecano; it's been outstanding!" the Head Coach's eyes sparkled with approval. "Eliminating Real Betis, Villarreal, and Mirandés consecutively in the Copa del Rey is rare in the history of Chinese football. You've brought honor to the country!"
The accompanying technical analyst nodded in agreement: "Comrade Lu Chuan's technical statistics are very impressive. His goal efficiency, key passes, and running distance have all reached Europe's top level."
"Yes, Head Coach Li Tie thinks very highly of you," the Head Coach continued to promote enthusiastically.
"He said you are one of the most talented young players he has ever seen, with the potential to become the core of the national team's front line."
Lu Chuan picked up his teacup and took a small sip of Tieguanyin, the bitter taste spreading in his mouth.
He could feel the falseness in the other party's words; these compliments were like the dishes on the table—they looked delicious, but in reality, they had ulterior motives.
"However..." The Head Coach's tone suddenly became deep, "The national team is not like a club; you might not fully understand the intricacies involved."
After three rounds of drinks and five courses, the Head Coach motioned for the two accompanying staff members to leave the private room, leaving only him and Lu Chuan.
The atmosphere in the private room suddenly became heavy, with only the faint hum of the air conditioner on the wall.
"Little Lu, you have a bright future," the Head Coach put down his wine glass, his voice very low. "Head Coach Li Tie also thinks highly of you.
Competition in the team is fierce, and some matters need to be handled 'flexibly.' You're a smart person; you should understand what I mean."
As he spoke, he took a thick brown envelope from his briefcase, gently tapped it on the table with his finger, and then pushed it towards Lu Chuan.
The envelope was thick; what was inside was self-evident.
That brown envelope, like a thorn, pierced Lu Chuan's eyes.
The equally suffocating dinner from his previous life, that same greasy face, all flooded back to him at once.
That was in 2018; he had just returned from Spain, full of anticipation, waiting for the national team's call-up.
That official named Wang, in a private room of a high-end restaurant, presented a similarly thick envelope.
How naive he was then, thinking he could secure a place in the national team based on his strength, only to be harshly taught a lesson by reality.
In his previous life, he eventually compromised. He went against his principles and bowed to that dirty unspoken rule.
What did he get in return? A few insignificant substitute appearances, being questioned by the media, ridiculed by fans, and finally, shamefully withdrawing from the national team.
A wave of nausea surged from his stomach to his throat, accompanied by an uncontrollable surge of anger.
"Head Coach..." Lu Chuan's voice was a little hoarse, "Do you mean...?"
"Well..." The Head Coach narrowed his eyes, his smile becoming meaningful. "You see, the veterans in the team are very experienced, and the coaching staff also has their considerations. Young players who want to get opportunities, besides skill, also need some... social graces."
Lu Chuan didn't touch the envelope, just quietly looked at it. The envelope was dark brown, looking very thick, containing his future 'opportunities.'
"I know you've been in Spain for a long time, so you might not understand the situation at home," the Head Coach's tone became even more "heart-to-heart."
"This isn't anything shady; everyone does it. Think about it, the coaching staff works so hard normally, it's perfectly normal for players to show their appreciation, isn't it?"
Lu Chuan slowly stood up, looking directly into the Head Coach's eyes. In those eyes, he saw greed, hypocrisy, and a sense of entitlement.
"Head Coach, I came to the national team to play for the flag on my chest, not for the envelope on your table."
Every word was clear and firm, echoing in the private room. The Head Coach's smile gradually froze, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.
"This game, I'm not playing."
The Head Coach's face immediately darkened. He slammed the table, making the cups jump.
"What kind of attitude is this!" His voice rose by an octave. "You're being ungrateful! Lu Chuan, I'm telling you, without the national team platform, you are nothing! No matter how well you play in Spain, you're just a player in a second-tier League! You will regret this!"
Lu Chuan looked at the furious middle-aged man before him, a wave of sadness welling up in his heart. This was the current state of Chinese football, this was the "dream" he had fought for.
"I only regret that Chinese football has been made a mess by people like you."
With that, he turned and left, without the slightest hesitation.
Behind him, the Head Coach's roar came: "You stop right there! Who do you think you are? Do you think you'll amount to anything after leaving the national team? I'm telling you, you're finished!"
Lu Chuan didn't look back. He pushed open the private room door and strode out of the restaurant.
As soon as Lu Chuan exited, Carlos went to meet him, but seeing his expression, he swallowed all the questions he had prepared.
"How was it?" Carlos asked cautiously.
"It's over." Lu Chuan's voice was very soft, yet it carried a sense of relieved lightness.
Back at his apartment, Lu Chuan sat in front of his computer and opened his social media account.
His followers had already exceeded half a million; most of these were fans who followed him because of his performance in Spain.
He began to type, every word an outpouring of his heart.
"To all my friends who care about me, today I want to confess something to you."
"Just now, I experienced a 'Hongmen Banquet.' A certain Football Association official asked me to follow the 'rules,' and a thick envelope was placed on the table.
He told me that this was the 'normal way' for young players to get opportunities."
"I refused."
"I know the consequences of doing this. I might be permanently excluded from the national team, I might be attacked by the media, and I might be seen by some as 'ungrateful.'"
"This is not the first time I've faced such a choice. In my previous life... no, before, I had compromised, and that humiliation and regret still torment me to this day."
"If serving the country requires selling my soul and dignity, then I choose to give up.
From today on, I will focus on my club career. I will prove the ability of Chinese players on the green field in my own way."
"My heart will always be Chinese red. But I refuse to do things against my conscience just to wear this red jersey."
"Football should be pure and beautiful. I hope one day, Chinese football can return to that pure starting point."
"Thank you for your support. Lu Chuan."
He took a deep breath and clicked the send button.
This post instantly ignited the domestic internet. The number of shares exceeded 100,000 within an hour, and the comment section exploded.
Supporters praised him one after another: "Well done, Lu Chuan! This is what a true Chinese player is!"
"Finally, someone dares to speak the truth! Chinese football is ruined by these parasites!"
"Better to be a shattered jade than a whole tile! Lu Chuan, we support you!"
Opponents were equally blunt: "Young people are ignorant; this is self-sabotage!"
"The national team is a collective; how can you be so willful!"
"Playing football abroad has made him stupid, hasn't it? He doesn't even understand basic social etiquette!"
Carlos watched the news notifications constantly popping up on his phone, rubbing his temples with a headache. Sports journalists across Spain probably all wanted to pry open Lu Chuan's mouth.
At 3 PM, the Chinese Football Association urgently held a press conference.
"After investigation, player Lu Chuan disregarded collective discipline, fabricated facts, maliciously attacked national team staff, with extremely negative impact."
The spokesperson's voice was cold and firm. "After research and decision by the Football Association, Lu Chuan is permanently expelled from the national team, never to be rehired."
"At the same time, we strongly condemn his malicious dissemination of false information and reserve the right to pursue legal responsibility."
This news once again ignited the internet. Lu Chuan's name became the number one trending topic on Weibo, with over ten million discussion topics.
The entire internet seemed to be divided into two camps, with supporters and opponents debating fiercely.
Some self-media big Vs also joined the debate, some defending Lu Chuan, others siding with the Football Association.
Lu Chuan turned off his phone; he didn't want to see those arguments anymore. He knew he had been pushed to the forefront, becoming a huge social topic.
Night fell, and the streets of Madrid were brightly lit.
Lu Chuan stood on the balcony, looking at the distant city nightscape, his heart a mix of emotions.
He had lost the opportunity to play for his country, lost the stage he had dreamed of since childhood. Everything was over; he could no longer wear that red jersey, no longer fight for his homeland on the international stage.
This was his choice, and he had to bear all the consequences of that choice.
Just then, the doorbell rang.
Lu Chuan walked to the door and looked through the peephole to see a woman wearing sunglasses and a mask.
Despite being heavily disguised, he recognized that figure at a glance—Esther.
He opened the door, and Esther hurried in, taking off her sunglasses and mask, revealing her beautiful face. Her eyes held worry, heartache, and a firm support.
She didn't speak, just opened her arms and gave him a deep hug.
"I saw the news," her voice was very soft, but every word clearly reached his ears, "You did the right thing, you are a hero."
Only a dim floor lamp was on in the apartment, and Esther's arrival finally brought a touch of vibrant warmth to the dull darkness.
They embraced, holding each other tightly. Lu Chuan felt the warmth of her body and smelled the fragrance in her hair.
All the grievances, anger, and disappointment were released in that embrace.
"I thought you'd think I was stupid," Lu Chuan whispered in her ear.
"No, I think you're very brave," Esther gently stroked his back. "This world needs more people like you."
They broke the embrace, their eyes meeting. In Esther's blue eyes, Lu Chuan saw understanding, support, and... love.
"Stay with me for a while," he said softly.
They sat on the sofa, Esther leaning on his shoulder. The night was deep, but neither of them felt sleepy.
"Tell me your story," Esther said softly, "from the beginning."
Lu Chuan began to recount his experiences. From his childhood dream of playing football, to his time at Evergrande Football School, from his lonely years in Spain, to today's break-up.
Esther listened quietly, occasionally stroking the back of his hand, encouraging him.
"You know what?" Esther suddenly said, "I've encountered similar things in the entertainment industry.
Some directors and producers would make some 'additional' demands. I also refused and consequently lost several important roles."
"But I've never regretted it," she looked into Lu Chuan's eyes. "Because I know that success achieved that way isn't true success."
The night sky outside the window began to lighten; dawn was approaching.
In this long night, they shared each other's stories, pouring out their innermost feelings. Two lonely hearts found belonging in this night.
As the first ray of sunlight streamed through the curtains into the room, Lu Chuan and Esther smiled at each other. They knew this night had changed everything.
"I love you," Esther said softly.
"I love you too," Lu Chuan responded.
He returned the kiss, from tentative to deep, melting all his grievances and anger into that kiss.
In the light of dawn, he saw himself in her eyes, and he also saw the future.
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window onto the two sleeping in each other's arms.
Lu Chuan opened his eyes and looked at the sleeping Esther beside him, his heart filled with an unprecedented sense of peace and strength. Her golden hair sparkled in the sunlight, her sleeping face serene and beautiful.
He gently picked up his phone and saw a news notification: Copa del Rey semi-final draw results announced—Rayo Vallecano VS Real Sociedad.
He looked at Esther's profile and whispered, "Watch closely. From today on, I fight for myself, and I fight for you."
Esther slightly opened her eyes, a sweet smile on her lips: "I'll be cheering for you from the stands."
On the phone screen was the cold draw result, and beside him was Esther's warm breath.
He gently put down his phone, feeling that the so-called "loss" didn't seem so difficult to accept after all.