"What if we offer you the No. 7 jersey?"
Ferguson wasn't ready to give up and decided to play his trump card.
Manchester United's No. 7 isn't like any other club's No. 7 â every player who wore it became a legend in world football.
George Best, Cantona, Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Owen!
Giving Ye Chen the No. 7 jersey was equivalent to promising him the role of the team's future core.
Ferguson's sincerity couldn't be clearer.
When Ferguson said this, even Mendes was taken aback.
"Ye, I think you should reconsider your decision," Mendes said seriously. "Manchester United's No. 7 represents greatness, leadership, and being the face of the club!"
Greatness lies in the jersey's legacy.
Leadership represents its tactical importance to United.
And being the face means standing at the forefront of the entire club.
What is Manchester United? The top club in England!
In other words, joining Manchester United could turn Ye Chen into a player with global influence.
This was a chance to skyrocket to the top.
Even Mendes, usually calm, couldn't hide his excitement.
David Gill stared at Ferguson in shock.
Ferguson, however, smiled kindly at Ye Chen.
Ye Chen remained silent.
His love for football started because of Beckham â the global icon had an undeniable influence in China.
It was Beckham's brilliance that drew Ye Chen into the sport, where he eventually fell in love with the beauty of the game.
Now, he was being offered the chance to wear the same No. 7 jersey Beckham once wore at Manchester United...
The temptation was undeniable.
Ye Chen took a deep breath.
"I'm sorry, but like I said â I won't go to the Premier League within the next three years."
He stood up slightly and bowed.
"Sir Ferguson, I wish you a good night. I won't take up any more of your time."
Without waiting for Ferguson's response, he turned and left.
To be honest, he was tempted.
But he knew joining Manchester United wasn't the best decision.
Dortmund was the perfect place for his growth.
They weren't the strongest, not even top-tier in Europe â but the club was on the rise.
He could grow alongside them.
Even if he made mistakes, forgiveness was more likely.
Manchester United was different.
At United, failure isn't an option.
Even the smallest mistake would be magnified.
Look at Maguire â after a few poor performances, he received bomb threats.
And the frightening part? English hooligans might actually follow through.
Ye Chen wasn't ready to risk his life. His current abilities weren't enough to dominate the Premier League.
He had promised himself â one day he'd play in England, but not now.
Besides, if he stayed any longer, he might cave.
So, he chose to walk away.
Mendes followed shortly after.
"Ye, do you realize you just turned down what countless people dream of?"
Catching up to Ye Chen, Mendes sighed.
"So, what's going through your mind?"
"I think you're wise," Mendes smiled. "This only strengthens my belief â you'll surpass Messi and Ronaldo to become the best player."
"Wise" was high praise.
Wisdom goes beyond intelligence â it reflects calm judgment and understanding. Mendes was affirming Ye Chen made the right choice.
"You believe in me that much?" Ye Chen smirked.
"Honestly, I wasn't so sure at first. But now, I'm convinced."
"Why?"
Mendes smiled.
"A man who can turn down Manchester United, stay clear-headed, and stick to his path â I know he won't lose himself to temptation."
"But many mock me for dating at 17. They say I'm distracted and wasting my talent on women."
Mendes laughed heartily.
"Players aren't monks. We have emotions and need love. Besides, your situation is unique â you need someone to care for and encourage you. Only then can you fully focus on football."
Ye Chen's eyes flashed with surprise.
No wonder Mendes was such a powerhouse. His insight was remarkable.
Why did Ye Chen love Lina?
It started with her beauty.
She was dazzling, like a fairy â vibrant and full of life.
But it was her character that truly won him over.
When Ye Chen left home to pursue his dreams, she followed him without hesitation.
Moving alone to a foreign city took immense courage.
Their love wasn't one-sided. It was mutual.
In love, Ye Chen had no grand ambitions.
He didn't want to woo countless women or drown his sorrows in alcohol.
Science proves alcohol doesn't lead to reckless behavior â people who stray usually want to.
Ye Chen didn't.
"You're right. Let's talk again next time," Ye Chen grinned. "But now, I need to get home â Lina's waiting for me."
"Go ahead!" Mendes smiled.
He felt great.
Because in Ye Chen, he saw a shining future.
The competitive world of football was harsh, even for Mendes.
Especially after Ronaldo's transfer â with his departure from Real Madrid, Mendes needed a new star.
Ye Chen was that golden ticket.
Mendes decided to build the best possible team around him and set up a dedicated China-based office just for Ye Chen.
On his way home, Ye Chen pulled out his phone and opened a reputable sports site.
Sure enough, he was all over the headlines.
Five consecutive hat-tricks.
In the latest match, he scored five goals, becoming the hottest young star in the Bundesliga.
Dortmund was thrilled â Ye Chen's success was their success.
A record-breaking 17-year-old was bound to make waves.
Ye Chen's name shone brightly in the Bundesliga and across Europe.
BBC's headline was simple:
"Five Hat-Tricks in a Row â Dortmund's Star Ye Chen Breaks Guinness World Record!"
His photo standing before a massive tifo flooded the screens, alongside one of him posing with Guinness officials.
France Football:
"Ye's Journey â From Manchester United Reject to Dortmund's Rising Star!"
L'Ãquipe:
"The Next Ronaldo? China's Ye Scores 17 Goals in 5 Matches!"
Kicker:
"Bundesliga Sensation â Ye's Guinness World Record Detailed!"
But some papers were less subtle.
The Sun:
"Shocking! China's 17-Year-Old Star Parties Every Night and Still Breaks Records! His Girlfriend is..."
Meanwhile, at the Hilton, David Gill looked grimly at Ferguson.
"What now, old friend?"
"We head back to Manchester tomorrow," Ferguson replied calmly, unable to suppress a smile.
"You're still smiling? This kid is insane! What an opportunity!" Gill complained.
Ferguson shook his head.
"No, he's not insane. He's smart. Dortmund is better for him right now."
"Huh?"
"Tell our chief scout to keep a close eye on him. If Ye ever plans to leave Dortmund, I want to know immediately."
"And if not?"
Ferguson's eyes darkened.
"Then Ye Chen will become Manchester United's greatest rival."