As the best-performing player in the national derby, Ye Chen had just finished an interview with World Soccer when he was immediately caught by the official media of the Bundesliga.
Now, how to describe the journalist interviewing Ye Chen this time?
Her looks were probably average by Western standards, but she had her own... advantages.
A vivid image even popped into Ye Chen's headâif he stuck his head in there, he might suffocate.
Of course, daydreaming isn't a crime, but he had to stay composed.
Otherwise, if he slipped up during the interview like Götze once did, that wouldn't end well...
"Congratulations on winning the MVP of the match! You also broke three recordsâbecoming the youngest starter, the youngest goal scorer, and scoring five goals in your debut national derby. Congratulations!"
A smile appeared on Ye Chen's face. "I accidentally broke that many records?"
"I believe these records will stand for a long time. As..."
The interview lasted only about three minutes before Ye Chen returned to the locker room, where his teammates were all busy filming with their phones.
No doubt, they were eager to share their achievements on social media.
Ye Chen took out his phone and texted Lina, "Wait for me in the car, see you soon!"
"Mm-hmm, Ye, you're my superhero!" Lina replied almost instantly.
Today, she adored Ye Chen more than ever.
On the field, Ye was truly unstoppable!
Ye Chen quickly grabbed his change of clothes and headed to shower. But just as he stepped out, BuvaÄ caught him.
"Come with me, everyone's waiting for you!"
"Waiting for me for what?"
"The post-match press conference, of course! Jürgen is already there. We're just waiting for you to start!"
Ye Chen's mouth twitched. A mature coach should really handle press conferences on his ownâhe was busy planning to meet Lina!
He had been holding back his energy for this match, and hadn't "played music" with Lina for days!
When Ye Chen arrived at the venue, the large press hall was packed with reporters.
Klopp immediately noticed Ye Chen, flashing a wide smile.
But... some people just shouldn't smile. Seeing Klopp's grinning face gave Ye Chen chills.
"You finally made it, the hero of our victory today!" Klopp gave Ye Chen a big hug, and the cameras clicked furiously to capture the moment.
"Hello everyone!" Ye Chen waved and took a seat.
He glanced at the Coca-Cola bottle in front of him and casually moved it aside, grabbing a bottle of water instead. "Everyone, drink more water!"
That small action triggered a wave of camera flashes.
[Ye's Secret to Success: Avoid Soda, Drink Water!]
Ye Chen once again became the poster child for discipline.
Little did Coca-Cola know, this tiny gesture would cost them $2 billion in market valueâsuch is the terrifying influence of a national derby.
The press officer began speaking, and soon the Q&A session started.
"This is Dortmund's first time topping the Bundesliga table. Coach Klopp, how do you feel about that?"
"Absolutely thrilled!" Klopp grinned. "Since Ye joined the team, we haven't lost a single match in the league. It feels amazing! He's turned games around so many timesâoh, he's truly my right-hand man!"
"Ye, how do you feel about Klopp's praise?"
"Thank you, boss, but football is an eleven-player game. Every victory is the result of everyone's hard work," Ye Chen replied with a smile.
The room erupted in applause.
"You scored five goals today, earning applause from Bayern fans. They even chanted for you to join them at Allianz Arena. Would you consider transferring to Bayern?"
"I'll say this one last timeâright now, I'm not leaving Dortmund."
"We noticed Real Madrid's manager José Mourinho was in the stands today. One of our reporters briefly interviewed him, and he publicly praised your performance. He even said, 'To be the best in the world, you have to play for me.' Would you consider joining Real Madrid and playing under Mourinho?"
Ye Chen frowned slightly. "Did he really say that?"
"Yes! Our reporter interviewed him directly!"
"I will become a world-class player, but that doesn't mean I have to play for him."
Ye Chen actually admired Mourinho.
After all, he was "The Special One." Mourinho reminded Ye Chen of a younger Nicholas Tseârebellious and unique.
Mourinho's achievements spoke for themselves.
He had even broken Barcelona's dominance during his time at Real Madrid, playing the role of a true avenger. From a humble translator to a world-class coach... it was inspiring.
Ye Chen had watched countless short videos of Mourinho online. Every time, he felt fired up.
If Klopp's boldness lay in tactics, Mourinho's boldness was... everything.
But Ye Chen had his own pride.
With the system boosting his talent to the maximum, he believed in one thingâhard work.
Talent opened the door, but effort gave him wings to fly.
Perhaps influenced by his years of schooling, he firmly believed in the saying, "No pain, no gain."
Ye Chen's response stunned everyone.
Even Klopp laughed. "Ye is the hardest-working and most talented player I've ever seen. He's destined to become world-class. Of course, my coaching skills aren't too shabby either!"
The journalists chuckled.
Ye Chen, however, had no idea what was so funny...
The interview lasted for half an hour. After answering numerous questions, Ye Chen and Klopp finally left.
"Boss, um... Lina's waiting for me in the parking lot. Can I...?" Ye Chen hesitated as they walked down the hallway.
"Of course, but rememberâbe back for training the day after tomorrow!"
"Thanks, boss!"
After saying goodbye to his teammates, Ye Chen put on his hat and mask and headed to the parking lot to meet Lina.
They drove off together.
"Chen, you were amazing today! I'm so proud of you!" Lina said as she started the car.
"Hey, I'll be even better tonight," Ye Chen said with a mischievous smile.
"You've still got energy after 90 minutes of football?"
"You'll find out soon enough."
A blush spread across Lina's cheeks. "W-Well, check my bag..."
Ye Chen glanced overâinside lay a Bayern Munich jersey.