I Just Wanted to Play Soccer, But I Became a Hollywood Heartthrob

The Pink Mermaid Bar—

An old bar with some history to it.

Even during peak business hours, only a handful of customers were scattered around. Most were men in their fifties and sixties—fishermen, old sailors, and dockworkers.

After a long day of labor, they liked to gather here, have a drink or two, watch football, and shoot the breeze.

This pub culture had become ingrained in the local way of life.

Despite its name, there were no pink mermaids in sight. In fact, there weren't even any middle-aged women.

If you wanted a drink, you had to get it yourself from the bar.

Coach Carter walked up to the bar with practiced ease and took a seat beside an old man in a fishing vest, who had a glass of milk in front of him.

"The usual—Captain Morgan."

Carter knocked on the bar and then added, "Put it on Old Lys' tab."

The old fisherman turned his head, looking annoyed. "Why is it always me?"

Carter caught the glass of rum the bartender slid over, downed it in one gulp, stretched his neck with a satisfied sigh, and then grinned. "Because, my dear Old Lys, tonight, I'm giving you a gift. A big, big gift."

Lys raised an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? That's great because my fishing boat's busted, and I was just wondering what to do about it."

Carter laughed heartily, slid his empty glass back to the bartender for a refill, and then turned to Lys. "This afternoon, we played the Pirates at their home stadium and ended in a 2-2 draw."

Lys barely reacted. "A new fishing boat would need twin 12,000-pound winches so I can start reeling in some real fish—like ocean sunfish."

Carter ignored him. "We were completely dominated in the first half, went down 2-0, but then we fought back and scored two goals. We even had a chance to win it—impressive, right? Especially considering this was our first game since that bastard Orlin left the team!"

Lys took a sip of his milk. "Better get a dual-engine hybrid boat. My last one only had a single engine, which is probably why I never caught anything—well, nothing big, anyway."

"I have a new secret weapon now, and I've mapped out a bold but promising strategy for getting out of the group stage! Lys, we might actually have a shot this time! Don't you want to know who my secret weapon is?" Carter arched an eyebrow, extending a hand to catch the refilled glass.

Smack!

Lys slammed his palm on the glass, stopping it mid-slide. "So when exactly are you buying me a new fishing boat?"

Smack!

Carter pulled a folded sheet of paper from his pocket and slapped it onto the bar.

Lys squinted in confusion. "What's this? Wait… No way. A receipt for a new fishing boat? You wouldn't…"

Carter smirked. "Relax, Lys. This is even better—it's that kid's post-match stats."

Lys nodded slowly. "Lamar, you always bring me surprises I don't expect. But… sorry. You know ever since that incident in '09, I've stepped away from all that. Fishing is all I care about now—big fish, specifically. If you could swap this so-called 'great gift' for a 'lesser' gift—like, say, a new fishing boat—I'd be much more grateful."

Carter stood up from his barstool. "Don't be so quick to say sorry, Lys. Come watch a game in person. Once you see that kid play, you'll understand—he might just be the biggest fish you've ever caught in your life."

He turned to leave.

Lys called out, "Wait—your match stats… and your drink."

Carter waved without looking back. "That drink was for you, Lys. Ask yourself—how long has it been since you had a real drink? Since your blood actually boiled? Since you remembered what it felt like to enjoy something? I haven't forgotten! Hahaha—"

Carter laughed as he walked out of the bar.

Lys sat alone, looking between the folded stats sheet and the aromatic black rum in front of him.

He looked at the rum. Then at the stats.

Then at the stats. Then at the rum.

His weathered old face twisted with a complicated expression.

"...Can I return this drink? No? Damn it…"

—

At 10:30 p.m., Gu Ran returned to his room.

Without even changing his clothes, he flopped onto the bed.

Two flights in a day, plus 40 grueling minutes of football—he was utterly exhausted.

Still, before sleeping, he figured he should message Sophie.

After all, boosting his stamina was now entirely dependent on "farming" Sophie, his future superstar.

She was, without a doubt, his exclusive training device for stamina growth!

[Sophie, I got you a gift. You're definitely going to love it.]

After sending the message, Gu Ran couldn't fight off his fatigue anymore. He fell asleep instantly.

—

On the other end, Sophie read the text, her lips curling into a playful pout.

"Hmph, this guy finally learned something—he actually remembered to bring me a gift. Well, at least there's some progress."

She was about to reply but then hesitated.

"No, I can't respond too quickly. I'll let him wait, let him suffer a little. He should be the one feeling impatient, not me! Yes, that's what I'll do!"

—

One and a half hours later.

It was past midnight.

Sophie gripped her phone tightly, fuming.

"Gu Ran! You texted me once and then ignored me?! I wanted to test your sincerity, but you deliberately made me suffer instead! Hmph, just wait—I'm going to make you pay for this!"

She checked her reflection in the mirror, adjusted her hair, touched up her makeup, and dabbed a little perfume on her wrists and behind her ears before storming toward Gu Ran's room.

The moment she stepped inside, she saw him lying on the bed, fast asleep, still in his clothes.

Her heart softened instantly.

So he wasn't ignoring me on purpose…

He worked so hard in that match, and he still thought about getting me a gift…

And here I was, getting mad at him. I feel terrible now.

Should I… help him take off his clothes so he can sleep more comfortably?

Wait!

What kind of thought was that?!

If he suddenly woke up and misunderstood what she was doing, how would she explain herself?!

No way! Absolutely not!

Sophie's cheeks burned red as she found herself creeping closer and closer to his bed.

I'm just… looking!

She swallowed hard and leaned forward—

Then suddenly, her whole body stiffened in shock, almost letting out a scream.

Ahhhhhh!!!

—

(End of Chapter)