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

After the team was dismissed, Gu Ran quickly took a shower, changed into fresh clothes, and headed straight for the train station.

Sophie was about to leave.

As her official boyfriend—and her actual man—it was only right for Gu Ran to see her off.

By the time he arrived, Sophie was already on the platform, saying goodbye to Andrew and Sally.

She looked a bit distracted—until she spotted Gu Ran.

Her face lit up instantly.

She ran over and jumped into his arms, clinging to him like a koala. "Darling! You're finally here! I thought I'd never see you again!"

"How could that happen?" Gu Ran caught her effortlessly. "Even if I forget everything else, I'd never forget to see you off."

"Hmph, I don't believe you!" Sophie's eyes were filled with sweetness.

Gu Ran also felt reluctant—Sophie had been a goldmine for talent points.

Pouting, Sophie said, "…Kiss me."

Gu Ran cleared his throat. "Uh… your parents are right there."

Sophie kissed him anyway.

—Southern girls were just that passionate.

"Oh, God!"

"I think my heart just stopped."

Andrew and Sally immediately looked away, pretending not to see.

Gu Ran and Sophie stayed tangled together.

Sophie whispered, "Darling, I suddenly don't want to leave. At least not today. I want to stay one more night—just to talk to you. I'll leave tomorrow morning, okay?"

Whoa…

Not happening.

She wasn't staying to 'talk'.

And more importantly, he had an important match tomorrow—he was starting.

Gu Ran quickly said, "Darling, I don't want you to leave either, but your career comes first. You finally got your chance as an actress—what if you delay your trip and someone takes your role?"

Sophie's expression turned serious. "You're right. No more talking—I need to get on the train right now… Bye, darling! I'll miss you so much! Promise me you'll visit the set whenever you have time!"

Gu Ran helped her onto the train. "I will! Whenever I can, I'll come visit!"

"Promise me! Take care of yourself!"

"I promise!"

"Promise me! Don't mess around with other women!"

"Huh? What? The steam is too loud—I can't hear you…"

"I said—promise me you won't mess around with other women!"

"Safe travels, Sophie!!!"

Woo-woo!

The train began moving.

British infrastructure was so outdated—even in 2010, they were still using noisy steam trains.

Gu Ran waved as Sophie gradually disappeared from sight, still shouting something he pretended not to hear.

And just like that, this chapter with Sophie came to a close.

From now on, getting talent points wouldn't be so easy.

Talent points mostly came from celebrities' negative emotions.

And in a quiet, small place like Southampton…

Where was he supposed to find any celebrities?

Well, no point worrying about that now.

Time to focus on tomorrow's match.

On the way home, Gu Ran informed Andrew and Sally that he was planning to move out soon.

—Now that Sophie was gone and he had money, there was no reason to stay in the Turner house.

It was better to get his own place—preferably a big house with room for a liquid nitrogen cryo-chamber.

Andrew and Sally were shocked and tried to convince him to stay, but Gu Ran had already made up his mind.

"Gu, you'll always have a room in the Turner house."

"Gu, don't rush—stay until you find a place you really like."

"Thank you, Andrew. Thank you, Sally."

The next morning.

Gu Ran took a taxi to the train station.

By the time he arrived, most of the Bucks' main players were already waiting on the platform.

Just like before, their girlfriends were also there, dressed to impress, competing to outshine each other.

The moment Gu Ran appeared, all eyes turned to him.

"Hey, Gu!"

"You came alone?"

"Hahaha! Sophie's gone, huh? No girlfriend to see you off this time?"

Watergate smirked. "Gu, remember what I told you—"

The whole team shouted together:

"SHOWING OFF YOUR LOVE? YOU'LL REGRET IT! HAHAHA!"

These idiots…

Gu Ran smiled calmly.

The fact that they could joke around like this meant they now saw him as part of the team.

Gu Ran shrugged. "Not having someone to see me off is a good thing. My only focus is football—nothing else matters."

Rusty threw an arm around his shoulders and said genuinely, "Gu, don't pretend. I understand what it's like to have no girlfriend."

Gu Ran rolled his eyes at him, about to reply—

When suddenly, a voice called out from behind them.

"Hey~ Gu! Wait!"

The entire platform went silent.

Sophie left, didn't she?

Who was here to see Gu Ran off?

Even Gu Ran was confused.

Turning around, he saw—

Little Green.

Suzanna.

She was jogging over in a low-cut white dress, her chest bouncing with every step.

…Not this again.

…So annoying.

Gu Ran frowned slightly.

"Gu! I came to… I came to see you off! Good luck! Win for me—for our school!"

Suzanna panted, eyes glittering. "My blessings are very effective!"

Gu Ran coldly replied, "Thanks."

Suzanna giggled seductively. "What's there to thank? Now that Sophie's gone, it's my turn to take care of you."

What the—?!

Gu Ran immediately shut her down. "No. Absolutely not."

Suzanna laughed. "Gu, you're so shy. Are all Chinese guys like this? It's okay, you don't have to say anything. Whether you accept it or not, I'll still take care of you in my own way. You don't need to feel any pressure."

"No, really. I don't need it. Thanks for your blessing—goodbye." Gu Ran turned to board the train.

Just then—

A large group of girls stormed onto the platform, holding fan signs.

"GU RAN! WE LOVE YOU!"

"HUSBAND! YOU CAN DO IT!"

"GOD RAN! WIN THE MATCH!"

What the hell?!

Where did all these girls come from?!

Hadn't they all unfollowed him before?

Why were there even more of them now?!

Gu Ran spotted a particularly huge sign:

"BE GU RAN'S GIRLFRIEND = BECOME A STAR!"

Gu Ran: …

You guys are just using me to level up, huh???

This was getting out of hand.

Gu Ran lowered his head and walked straight onto the train.

The main players were losing their minds.

They thought Gu Ran wouldn't have anyone seeing him off this time.

But this time was even crazier than the first!

Rusty squatted on the ground, drawing circles. "It's all lies… I'm the only one with no girls sending me off…"

Just as Gu Ran was stepping onto the train—

Another voice called from the distance.

"Gu Ran~ wait a second~"

A shiver ran down Gu Ran's spine.

That voice…

Could it be…?