107

Wilkinson rubbed his nose anxiously at Jolly's demand.

Deciding who gets to play and when is the head coach's call.

Jolly's actions were a direct challenge to his authority—and in front of the entire team, no less.

But…

Wilkinson took a deep breath and said in a calming tone, "Jolly, don't let external factors affect you. We're playing away, and in high school tournaments without television broadcasts, this is how it is. Besides, it's still early—the score is only 1:1. We'll take the lead again."

"Coach! Did you hear what those rednecks are singing?" Jolly's eyes were bloodshot.

Wilkinson sighed. "I heard them, but I need you to stay calm. This is just the group stage. We've already secured qualification—they should be the ones panicking. What you should focus on is resting and preparing for the Round of 16 match. The road ahead is long. Our goal is the national championship!"

Jolly took a few deep breaths, forcing himself to calm down. "Alright, coach. I'll listen to you."

Only then did Wilkinson breathe a sigh of relief.

Coaching these rich boys is exhausting…

The game resumed.

Feeling humiliated, the Golden Fleece team intensified their offense.

At the same time, the Steelhorn Bucks shifted away from a purely defensive stance, engaging in a fierce back-and-forth battle.

By the 43rd minute, Gu Ran delivered a pinpoint long pass from the left wing. Blind Man received it on the right flank and crossed to Glider.

Unfortunately, Glider couldn't keep the shot down, wasting Gu Ran's perfect setup.

During stoppage time, the Golden Fleece team earned a set-piece opportunity 40 meters from goal amid their relentless attacks.

Their defensive midfielder lofted the ball into the far post of the Steelhorn Bucks' penalty area.

Gu Ran held his ground against two charging attackers, buying Rusty enough time to win the aerial duel.

Rusty cleared the ball out decisively.

Gu Ran and Rusty clapped hands in encouragement!

The students in the stands erupted in wild cheers!

Five minutes into stoppage time, the first half ended.

Halftime: 1-1

The Golden Fleece players walked off the field dejectedly, their heads hanging low as the crowd serenaded Gu Ran with a booming chant:

"There's a handsome, brilliant Oriental man named Gu Ran!"

"Jolly got wrecked by him!"

"Jolly got wrecked by him!"

Meanwhile, the Steelhorn Bucks returned to their locker room fired up.

Coach Carter led the applause. "Great job, everyone! Let's keep this momentum in the second half!"

"Yes, coach!"

Carter continued, "Hydrate and rest up while I explain our tactical adjustments… Gu, I'll discuss your role separately. First, go with Maria for your treatment."

At this stage, Gu Ran's stamina was crucial for the entire team—his condition had to be perfect.

Understanding this, Gu Ran nodded. "Got it, coach."

Maria flashed him a smile. "Come with me."

Physio Room

Since the home locker room had no designated physio space, Maria had converted a spare room nearby. She even brought in an extra treatment bed overnight.

Gu Ran was genuinely touched.

Without needing a prompt, he immediately lay down on the treatment bed, moving with practiced ease.

We've done this before—more time spent on treatment means better recovery.

Seeing his familiar movements, Maria chuckled. "You're a beast on the field, but so cute off it. I really like you."

Gu Ran: "…"

Please don't flirt—I really don't have the stamina for this…

Maria took out her massage oil and started working on his legs, her eyes shimmering with admiration.

"Gu, you were incredible! The Golden Fleece players are huge, yet they couldn't even knock you down. It's like… your muscles got even harder since the last time I treated you?"

Gu Ran swallowed hard. "You mean… my muscles, right?"

He quickly changed the topic. "Uh… Maria, I actually wanted to ask for a favor. But… maybe I should wait until after the match."

Maria pouted playfully. "Ugh! You can't just stop halfway! Now I'm curious—just tell me! I won't get mad."

Gu Ran hesitated. "Maybe later—ah!"

Maria had suddenly pinched his thigh muscle.

Holy—!

Gu Ran gasped. "Alright, alright! I'll say it… just let go first!"

Maria smirked triumphantly and released him.

Gu Ran took a deep breath. "Maria, I… was wondering… do you have time tonight?"

The moment the words left his mouth, his face heated up.

The room's atmosphere grew… ambiguous.

Wait, no… I'm an experienced man! I shouldn't be flustered!

Damn this young body!

Maria narrowed her eyes and spoke in a stern tone, "Oh? Gu, did I hear that right? You're asking me out? You're a student, and you dare to ask out your teacher? I told you to be bold, but this is a little too bold, don't you think?"

As she spoke, she pressed down on his calf muscle with extra force.

But Gu Ran knew better—if she was really mad, it wouldn't just be this.

As the saying goes: Fortune favors the bold…

He cleared his throat. "You misunderstood, Maria. I want you to come to my house because I bought a liquid nitrogen cryotherapy chamber. They're installing it this afternoon, and I need you to show me how to use it properly…"

Maria burst into laughter. "Pfft! Look at you, all nervous! You little dummy! And here I thought you were making an excuse. Come on, do you really think a high schooler can afford one of those?"

Gu Ran looked at her seriously. "I can."

Maria giggled. "Fine, fine, I get it. You can afford it. Happy now? I'll come over. Just send me your new address after the game, and I'll give you a hands-on session… with your cryotherapy chamber."

She winked playfully.

Wait… why did that sound so wrong?

Maria, this is not a pickup line!

I seriously have a cryotherapy chamber!

Seeing no way to clear the misunderstanding, Gu Ran gave up.

Whatever. Everything will be obvious when she sees it tonight.

Maria smiled gently. "Now close your eyes and rest. Don't let tonight distract you. Focus on the second half."

"Alright." Gu Ran shut his eyes and let himself relax.

The second half would be tough.

The Golden Fleece team was sure to counterattack aggressively.

And in the final 15 minutes, they would probably sub in their star players—that was when the real challenge would begin.

To stay ahead, they needed an early advantage.

Gu Ran strategized in his head while feeling his legs growing hotter and looser under Maria's expert hands.

Damn… this feels amazing…

After ten full minutes, his legs felt completely refreshed—almost as if he had regained another 10 minutes of stamina.

"Maria, thank you," he said sincerely.

Maria wiped the sweat from her forehead and gazed up at him.

"There's no need for thanks," she whispered. "You know what I want…"

The look in her eyes.

The tone of her voice.

The way she stood, slightly teasing yet irresistible…

This was even more seductive than before!

For a moment, Gu Ran almost tilted her chin up and kissed her fire-red lips.

But in the end, he held back.

Instead, he flashed a confident smile. "Wait for me."

Then, he turned and walked out of the room.

Maria clutched her chest, feeling her heart racing.

"That bastard… he just turned the tables on me…"

-------------------------------------

Join my patreon for 30+ additional chapters: patreon.com/FictionFan248