C10 Lucian's Refusal

Everyone was stunned when Lucian spoke, particularly Wayne. He hadn't anticipated losing to an "amateur coach," nor had he expected such a coach to devise a football strategy as novel as the 451 formation.

Unbeknownst to Lucian, the television broadcast had continued uninterrupted, and everything that transpired was aired live.

"Oh my goodness, Teacher Anthony, did you hear that? The head coach of Sandalwood School is actually an amateur. He doesn't even have the Asian Football Confederation's D-level coaching qualification, yet he managed to lead the team to victory over Millenium High," the city television host exclaimed with excitement.

"Indeed, it's completely unexpected. An amateur football coach from a small county has innovated a tactical formation and precisely tapped into the players' talents. Isn't this a testament to the saying, 'True masters are found among the common folk'?" Anthony remarked, seizing the opportunity to sing his own praises, though Lucian's success seemed to have little to do with him.

"However, this situation now seriously impacts the futures of both Sandalwood School and Millenium High. Sandalwood School is at risk of being disqualified from the competition, and for Millenium High, if Sandalwood School is indeed disqualified, the implications for the match's outcome are uncertain."

After lauding Lucian and himself, Anthony steered the conversation back on track.

"This competition follows league rules, using a points system: three points for a win, one for a draw, and zero for a loss. This addition and subtraction of points can significantly influence the final standings," explained the commentator, who had crammed the football rules overnight and was now comfortably discussing the details.

"Yes, the most brutal scenario for Millenium High could be receiving zero points despite Sandalwood School's disqualification. Even though one team would be out, the rest of the schedule would change. They've already played one match, and before it started, they were thrilled to face an obscure team from a small county. If they had won that match, they would certainly object to having their victory nullified under the premise of Sandalwood School's disqualification."

While Anthony was enthusiastically providing commentary, the folks at Sandalwood School were grappling with a significant crisis.

"Mr. Henson, are you certain about what you've said?"

Moses actually held Lucian in high regard, which is why he posed the question.

"I am certain, Moses. I indeed lack the coaching credentials from the Asian Football Confederation. Previously, I simply ran a sports goods store. It was only ten days ago that I accepted the school's offer to become the head coach of the school team."

"Alright then, I can't give you an answer right now. Let's do this: we'll have a dedicated meeting after we return to discuss how to proceed. After all, this isn't just about Sandalwood School's eligibility to compete, but also involves the performance of Millenium High School."

With that, Moses and the Football Association delegates departed, casting a regretful glance at Lucian before leaving.

The others realized it wasn't the appropriate time to discuss player issues, so after offering some words of comfort to Lucian and his team, they excused themselves. Wayne, the seasoned coach, lingered and called out to Lucian.

"Little Liu, you don't mind if I call you that, do you?"

"Of course not, I'm a full twenty years your junior."

"Oh? How old are you this year?"

Lucian had aged gracefully. At 45, his face bore no wrinkles, but eighteen years of worry had turned his hair white, and he chose not to dye it, which made him appear older.

"I was born in '61, so I'm 45 this year. When you were competing in the national second division, my father was still in university."

Lucian chuckled as he bantered with Wayne. The body he inhabited belonged to an orphan whose parents had died in a car accident shortly after his birth, leaving it uncertain whether his father had ever attended university.

"Five or six years ago, yes, that was when our country first established a professional football league. I was only sixteen but already playing as a striker for the White Team of Acluta. It was a second-tier league, yet we managed to win the championship. Oh, and the White Team of Acluta is now known as the Guangzhou Day Fountain Team in the B League."

As people age, they often find comfort in reminiscing about their past achievements. Wayne's experiences, in particular, are certainly worth remembering. Lucian was familiar with the White Team of Acluta, which later became the widely recognized Evergrande.

In 1952, Guangzhou City formed its first professional football team, named the White Team of Acluta Sports University Athletics Coaching Department Football Team, or simply the White Team of Acluta. This marked the city as the pioneer in establishing a city-level professional football team.

In April 1956, the White Team of Acluta clinched the championship in the national second division football league. However, the Football Association abruptly declared that there would be no promotion or relegation for that year's second division, leaving the team in the same league.

In 1998, the White Team of Acluta once again won the minor league championship, achieving their first successful bid to join the top league. Regrettably, in preparation for the inaugural National Games in 1999, the team was taken over by the Provincial Sports Committee, leading to its first dissolution.

The team faced numerous challenges, including multiple disbandments and reorganizations. Finally, in 2010, Evergrande Group acquired the team for 100 million dollars. That same year, they signed renowned players like Gao Lin, Zheng Zhi, Sun Xiang, and Muriqui.

During that season's Vispheno Football Association League 1, the team secured their promotion to the Super League with four rounds to spare, ultimately finishing first in the league. This triumph marked the beginning of their reign over the Super League.

"Old man, did you need something from me?" Lucian asked, interrupting Wayne's stroll down memory lane. Wayne, however, wasn't upset; he simply smiled warmly at Lucian.

"You've got talent. Have you ever considered becoming a professional coach? I could refer you to the Guangyi Medicine Team as an assistant coach. You'd be able to work while earning your coaching credentials. With your skills, I'm confident you could be a Super League head coach within a decade."

"Thanks for the offer, old man, but I think I'll pass. I'm not exactly young anymore, and I don't want to compete with the younger crowd for an assistant coach position. Plus, I'm enjoying my freedom right now. I have my own shop, no constraints, and my income is decent. I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness, though."