Chapter 10: The Legend Maker
Yang Cheng wasn't sweating one bit. He knew the so-called "Special Genius" hearing was more of a ceremonial hoop-jumping contest than a real test. After all, who really defines genius? In youth training—an industry as high-risk as juggling flaming torches—determining talent is more art than science. For the big dogs like Manchester United, Arsenal, or Chelsea, genius is practically a given. But for a third-tier club like his, the "Special Genius Clause" was nothing more than a chicken rib—a little bonus if you can get it.
Yang Cheng recalled a statistic: from 2009 to 2015, only 23 players from below the Premier League ever passed this special talent test. It wasn't the FA or Home Office creating a magical card—it was just that so few lower league teams even had the scouting network to dream of it. And here they were, trying to poach non-EU talent like a bunch of bargain-hunting pirates.
At the hearing, Yang Cheng, representing the Beswater Chinese, boldly declared, "We are very bullish on Luka—he's going to be the best midfielder in the world!" The room's eyes immediately shifted to the scrawny Croatian teenager, who looked more like a reluctant bean sprout than a future legend. No one saw the magic Yang Cheng was envisioning, and even Ferbanovic and Boban wondered why he'd spent so many resources on one player.
But then something unexpected happened. The Croatian kid's eyes filled with an unshakeable, almost tearful gratitude, and Ferbanovic and Boban started calling him a genius. As for the future? Yang Cheng wasn't about to let bureaucrats decide it. He had mountains of meticulously prepared material detailing the tactical wizardry of the Beswater Chinese—and how essential Modric was to their future. His message to the Ministry of the Interior was crystal clear: This player is absolutely crucial, and his labor certification should be a done deal.
After the hearing, Yang Cheng kicked back and hosted a dinner for the FA bigwigs—Ferbanovic, Boban, Geoff Thompson, Palios, and even Eriksen. Getting UEFA Executive Committee members and celebrities like Boban in one room was no small feat. They were there to mingle, network, and perhaps polish their own reputations while Yang Cheng casually mentioned that, yes, Brian Kidd might soon be gracing their club with his presence.
If Yang Cheng was so confident about the hearing, he took the next day's meeting with Brian Kidd as just another formality. Years of coaching in his past life had taught him one thing: hire people you trust and do away with suspicious characters. In his meticulous manner—right down to his outfit and conversation setup—he charmed Brian Kidd, who'd been a stalwart assistant at Manchester United and beyond.
The conversation with Kidd quickly turned into a deep dive into European football's tactical trends. Yang Cheng, with his encyclopedic knowledge, ranted about how Spanish teams were embracing a two-back 4-2-3-1 formation, mentioning names like Irueta, Benitez, and even drawing comparisons to the great Deco. Kidd was impressed by the young man's vision, despite his age, and soon their discussion shifted from tactics to the future of English football.
Yang Cheng argued that the lack of possession and technical flair was holding English teams back. He envisioned the Beswater Chinese not only adopting a more aggressive, ball-controlling style but also retaining the raw, impactful aggression that made English football so famous. Kidd, who had spent his career as both a player and coach, listened intently and even got nostalgic about his days working with legends like Ferguson and his own Class of '92.
As the conversation deepened, Kidd's final, burning question cut through the air:
"Yang, tell me—who will be the head coach of the Beswater Chinese?"
That, my friend, was the moment when the Legend Maker truly shone. Yang Cheng's carefully woven tapestry of plans, dreams, and tactical insights had everyone on the edge of their seats. And while Kidd still pondered the complexities of modern football tactics, it was clear: behind every legend is a visionary who dares to dream—and perhaps, just perhaps, a bit of magic in his business acumen.
With that, the stage was set. Whether it was the special talent clause or the promise of revolutionary tactics, Yang Cheng was ready to create legends. And if English football was about to get a little more interesting, well, that was exactly the plan.