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

Twenty minutes before kickoff.

The Bucks' starting lineup changed into their match kits and stepped out onto the field for their pre-match warm-up.

Normally, the away team takes the field first, allowing them to get accustomed to the pitch before the home team follows—a long-standing tradition meant to show respect.

As the Bucks exited the tunnel, they were greeted by a massive emblem of the Boar Knights, embedded right into the ground near midfield.

This crest represented the noble family that founded Tonbridge School centuries ago.

Out of courtesy, visiting teams usually avoid stepping on it.

As the Bucks entered, the Tonbridge stands were already packed with home students.

Though Tonbridge School had a relatively small student body, numbering only three to four hundred, they made up for it in noise.

Armed with megaphones, they chanted the Boar Knights' anthem, waving massive team banners with fervor.

Some of the rowdier students even went so far as to hold their noses while watching the Bucks enter, a clear mockery—calling them "smelly fishmongers."

The Bucks players, however, were not the type to take that lying down.

They immediately responded with universal hand gestures in return.

Rusty, of course, took it one step further—stopping his warm-ups entirely, he simply stood at the edge of the field, legs spread wide, and rhythmically flipped both middle fingers at the Tonbridge stands.

On the east stand, a group of cheerleaders in custom-fitted blazers had begun their routine.

Then, over the loudspeakers, the stadium DJ made an announcement.

"Introducing the home team, the BOAR KNIGHTS!"

A deafening roar erupted from the Tonbridge stands.

The cheerleaders, in perfect synchronization, tore off their blazers, revealing tight-fitting white shirts—buttoned up just enough to stay legal.

Rusty froze.

What the fck did I just witness?*

The atmosphere skyrocketed.

As the DJ introduced each player, a firework cannon exploded in celebration.

In broad daylight.

This level of flex… Only an aristocratic school could pull this off.

But if Tonbridge wanted to show off, the Bucks' cheer squad wasn't going to back down.

Drummer, the captain and sole member of the Bucks' cheer squad, took center stage.

Armed with a jazz drum, he pounded away as he screamed:

"BUCKS! CHARGE! UNSTOPPABLE—"

BANG!

A soccer ball from Tonbridge's half shot through the air, smashing into Drummer's chest.

Caught completely off guard, he stumbled backward, hitting the ground hard.

The Tonbridge stands exploded in laughter and whistles.

Over in Tonbridge's half, a tall, broad-shouldered blonde was high-fiving teammates.

It was obvious—this prick had done it on purpose.

Rusty lost it.

"FCK HIM UP!"*

He charged.

Before anyone could react, the entire Bucks squad followed.

…Wait. We're just throwing hands? No talking first?

These dumbasses…

TAKE ME WITH YOU!!!

Adrenaline spiked through Gu Ran's veins as he sprinted into the fray.

Drummer might not have been a starting player, or even a substitute… but he was one of them.

Messing with Drummer meant messing with the whole team.

Fine. Maybe the Bucks weren't an elite football squad…

But in a brawl?

No one was backing down.

The Bucks' team culture had always been about unity.

It didn't matter if they were at a prestigious aristocratic school.

Didn't matter if these pricks had family names worth millions.

They touched one of us?

We break their f*cking noses.

For a split second, the Boar Knights were stunned.

These aristocrats, used to running their mouths, had never expected the Bucks to respond so violently.

The entire home team was sent scrambling, their shouts of panic drowning out their elitist insults.

Pure chaos.

Rusty?

1v3 on the left wing.

Watergate, Loaf, and Femme?

3v1 on the right.

Luo and Simei?

Back-to-back, taking punches.

The rest of the Bucks?

Swinging at anything in a Tonbridge jersey.

Gu Ran?

Hunting the blonde bastard who started it all.

That blonde prick—Quinlan Bowman, the Boar Knights' #10.

One of Tonbridge's core players, a star striker.

Perfect target.

Let's see how he likes it.

Gu Ran lunged.

A right-leg whip kick to the thigh—

A left push kick to the waist—

Quinlan didn't react fast enough.

Both kicks landed.

WHISTLES. LOUD WHISTLES.

Referees stormed onto the field.

Security rushed to block Tonbridge students from jumping in.

Had this escalated any further, the Boar Knights could have been forced to forfeit.

The Bucks had already won this fight.

Now, they just had to walk away before the whistle cards came out.

And like true Southerners, the Bucks pulled back immediately.

Hit first, then bounce.

The aristocrats, still shocked, didn't dare chase.

They could only stand there, fuming, spewing garbage insults.

This match was already a war.

Rusty wiped his mouth, laughing.

"Sht, that was fun!"*

Watergate grinned.

"Look at their dumbass faces! They didn't see it coming!"

Loaf turned to Gu Ran.

"Yo, Gu! That was solid. You ran in before I did."

"On my way!" Gu Ran called back.

And then—

He noticed something.

A sea of bubbles covered the field.

Gu Ran's eyes gleamed.

Jackpot.

Tonbridge may be a second-tier team, but damn—look at these skill drops…

Beneath Quinlan's feet—

A blue skill bubble:

"Quick Stop Acceleration +1"

A basic, yet essential skill.

Mastering it meant effortless sudden stops followed by explosive sprints.

It was one of the most fundamental dribbling moves, but in actual gameplay, its effectiveness depended on how well it was used.

And with Gu Ran's already solid footwork?

This was about to become lethal.

This, combined with my step-over turns?

Deadly.

Gu Ran grabbed the skill bubble, then picked five more:

Dynamic Passing Training Dynamic Ball Control Training Dynamic Wing Play Training Core Strength Training Agility Drills

A wave of light surged through his body.

He felt it.

The subtle improvements.

The sharpness.

Worth it.

As he turned, Quinlan's voice rang out.

"Fcking Asian bstard! When the match starts, I'll make you pay. You and your fish-stinking teammates will be crying home to mommy!"

Then—

He made a slanted-eye gesture.

Gu Ran stopped walking.

Slowly, he turned back.

And smiled coldly.

"Remember my face, kid."

"I'm your long-lost Chinese dad."

"After I'm done teaching you a lesson—"

"I'll go check on your mom."

(End of Chapter)