"What the hell? Free agent? Has Magath gone mad?"

  "This 'Chariot' guy must be out of his mind. What era is this to be talking about free agents? An 18-year-old kid can be a free agent like Beckenbauer?"

  "Haha, big news! This is absolutely explosive! Hurry up and get this old man to say more - the newspaper is going to sell out!"

  ......

  Compared to the clueless Su, the reporters at the scene were absolutely buzzing with excitement.

  This match had so many highlights: Su dribbling past Messi and scoring that bending shot!

  And now this free agent tactic!

  That's prime content. Viral content.

  Looking at the confident Magath, the reporters completely forgot about questioning Su's speed.

  Magath gave Su a look that seemed to say, "Don't worry, I've got this!"

  At least that's what Su thought.

  But that wasn't actually Magath's intention - his look was meant as a warning to Su: "Don't say anything stupid later, got it?"

  Seeing Magath step up to take the heat, Su immediately returned a grateful look.

  When Magath saw Su's reaction, he assumed it meant "I understand!"

  So Magath immediately turned to the reporters below and, as usual, picked the most attractive female journalist.

  "Mr. Magath! Greetings! I'm Jetlina, a reporter from Marca!"

  "It's an honor to interview you!"

  "May I ask if the 'free man' tactic you mentioned is the same concept that football commentators often discuss during matches?"

  The question was big, but this Jetlina clearly wasn't too knowledgeable about football.

  But she already had two obvious assets - her bosses probably didn't mind her lack of expertise, since they only ever played pool with her anyway.

  "Yes! From the very beginning! I've been grooming Su as a free agent! He's a super talent!"

  "My only instruction to the team every game is: give the ball to Su!"

  "I'm pleased that my players faithfully executed my tactical arrangements!"

  "Su!"

  "He is FC Schalke 04's most important player!"

  "FC Schalke 04 can't survive without Su, just like the West can't survive without Jerusalem!"

  Magath didn't actually say anything substantial.

  He had just shaken Guardiola's hand after the game - that bald guy was on the same wavelength as Hughes!

  Say what you will about free agent tactics being innovative.

  Fine!

  Magath would have to go along with it this time.

  At this point, he couldn't very well tell everyone they'd completely misunderstood and imagined this whole "free agent" thing.

  Although we at Magath know about free agents, we honestly didn't expect to find one in the FC Schalke 04 lineup.

  Look at Beckenbauer - he could play as a free agent, but have you seen who his teammates were?

  If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

  And what about FC Schalke 04?

  "Mr. Magath, so..."

  As soon as Jetlina began to ask another question, Magath hurriedly gestured for her to sit down.

  When you're old, answering once is fine - repeating yourself is for younger folks.

  This time, Magath picked a male reporter.

  However, when the man stood up, Magath immediately frowned.

  At first glance, seeing the dark-haired Asian man, Magath thought he was a Chinese reporter ready to let him praise Su. But with the first sentence, Magath knew he'd made a mistake.

  "Thank you, Mr. Magath!"

  "I'm Piao, a reporter from Korea's top sports newspaper!"

  "May I ask, in your opinion, who is better between China's Su and our Korean Manchester United star Park Ji-sung?"

  "You should know that in the recent East Asian Quarterfinals, our Korean team defeated China 4-0! In that match, Park Ji-sung came on and contributed three assists plus a goal!"

  Ahem!

  This question...

  Magath was genuinely embarrassed now.

  This Korean reporter was clearly here to provoke.

  Everyone knew Park Ji-sung was currently Ferguson's favorite, having an outstanding season in both the Premier League and Champions League.

  Moreover, with Manchester United preparing to face Real Madrid, Park Ji-sung was guaranteed to start under Ferguson's plans this season!

  Honestly, the two players were quite comparable.

  But what made it worse was the national team results the damn Korean reporter had to mention.

  Everyone knew Su was excelling in the Bundesliga and Champions League, yet strangely, the Chinese Football Association seemed completely unaware of recruiting him.

  Magath wondered what that Football Association was thinking.

  "Um..."

  "Um..."

  After hesitating twice, Magath finally spoke!

  "In my opinion, Park Ji-sung is an excellent player, but he's completely different from Su in terms of playing style!"

  "Physically, Su might be slightly inferior, but in passing and attacking ability, Su is clearly superior!"

  "Park Ji-sung specializes in defense!"

  "Okay, next question!"

  Magath gave this casual reply and quickly ended the conversation.

  He didn't want to say too much - it might cause trouble for young Su.

  ......

  The press conference was over!

  In short, Magath stole the show!

  Especially with his "free agent tactics" - many journalists began praising him as a contemporary tactical master.

  Of course, Magath knew full well that his so-called tactic was, to put it bluntly, just letting Su carry the team.

  If Su's teammates were Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaká, or Rooney, then this free agent tactic might actually make sense - after all, Su's perfect linking ability could create explosive combinations with any top player!

  But at FC Schalke 04? The tactic essentially meant letting Su drag the entire team forward by himself!

  With that thought, Magath smiled calmly and followed Su out of the press hall.

  The moment the door closed, Magath grimaced in pain again.

  Luckily, Hughes was waiting right outside.

  Back in the locker room,

  Su finally checked his phone.

  Several missed calls - all from Yang.

  Then he remembered: Yang had mentioned coming to watch his game.

  He quickly returned the call.

  "Yo! Big shot, too famous to answer calls now?"

  The background noise on the other end was still loud - she was definitely still at the stadium.

  "Just got out of the press conference - first chance I've had to check my phone, superstar!"

  "What superstar? I just shoot some half-dead TV shows. You're different - you're faster than Messi! Isn't Messi supposed to be the fastest in football? If you're faster than him, does that make you the fastest man alive now?"

  "Ahem! Don't slander me - I'm not fast!"

  "Ouch! You little... Yang's gonna get you for that!"

  "Haha, seriously though, you still at the stadium? Let me buy you a drink later to celebrate!"

  "You? Drink with me? With that pathetic alcohol tolerance of yours?"

  "My assistant's keeping tabs. Got an early flight tomorrow. Rain check - when we're back in China, I'll get Mr. Hu and we'll drink you under the table!"

  After some more banter, they hung up.

  Su didn't think much of it. To him, Yang was just a loudmouth. Feelings?

  That'd be weird.

  It's fine if we can joke around and talk skills, but... feelings? What are you thinking? We're serious professionals here!

  That's all!

  Su boarded Schalke's team bus back to the hotel.

  Baby Baumann was in his room receiving treatment with an ice pack.

  Magath lay sprawled on his stomach as FC Schalke 04's team doctor massaged his injured back.

  As for Su...

  The man went out!

  For some reason, Yang suddenly called and asked him to come out.

  This was a huge disappointment to Annan, who had been excitedly preparing to take Su to E and F!

  Meanwhile, back in China at this very moment,

  Countless fans were staying up all night in excitement!

  Videos of Su's goal dominated all major websites!

  Not just websites - TV stations across the country were working overtime to prepare their morning coverage of Su's game.

  Whether sports channels or not, any station with news programming began gathering information about Su.

  A beacon of light had emerged during Chinese football's darkest hour!

  Countless footballers started chasing after Su.

  Like sunflowers chasing the sun!

  Even if it was just a dream, they would rise to the occasion and dive in headfirst.

  In the players' quarters of a prominent training base,

  A stoic-faced young man spent the entire night watching replays of Su's game!

  Next to his bed hung a team photo - a group of young men from the Genbao training base who had fought for their dreams together!

  There was Wu in the picture, and there was himself!

  He was still young!

  He too wanted to escape this tainted football world like Su and pursue his dreams!

  .................