0007 Loyalty! (Seeking monthly tickets and follows)

After lunch, Lu Deyang finally left.

The street-side cinema still displayed a poster for "Top Gun" released two years ago.

Calabria was such a contradictory city.

At the port, you could find the latest electronics and cars, chasing the footsteps of more developed countries, yet in terms of entertainment, it lagged behind by several years.

Hollywood’s cultural export was quite overwhelming in this era.

Later, it was gradually overexploited, to the point even Americans themselves grew weary of it.

Not to mention other countries.

Upon returning home, Lu Deyang found the fridge nearly empty. He quickly made some egg fried rice and sat down in front of the television.

After reviewing today’s match highlights, Lu Deyang saw himself on screen.

The anchor lavishly praised him: “It’s hard to believe this was a goal in a third-division league—no touch, a direct shot, an exceptional world-class strike that gave the goalkeeper no chance. Some viewers might question luck, but the young man’s subsequent performance shows his outstanding level. Perhaps soon we will see him in Serie A…”

This was very good news.

If he maintained this, scouts from Serie A would soon take notice.

Italian top-tier teams paid close attention to domestic talent.

...

“Gigi, you invited me to watch a third-division match, not even involving Cagliari, and not even in Milan?” Gianni Rivera sat in the stands, complaining wildly.

“Relax, mate. I know it’s hard for you to leave AC Milan. Don’t take out your frustrations on me,” Luigi Riva said.

Two and a half years ago, when Berlusconi took over AC Milan, Rivera, the club’s vice president, left.

“Didn’t expect you to joke around,” Rivera said, recalling Riva’s usually serious demeanor.

“I’m not a robot,” Riva rolled his eyes.

Their relationship was decent when they were on the national team.

There had been internal conflicts before, mainly because Fabrizi, the coach for the 1966 World Cup, disliked the defensive counterattack style of the Milan duo and, knowing he would coach Bologna the next season, recruited many Bologna players, which affected Italy’s team.

“Spill it. Found any impressive players? If you don’t impress me, you owe me the gas for over 300 kilometers,” Rivera challenged.

Milan to Livorno was just over 300 kilometers.

...

“I’m doing this for your own good. Staying home sulking will only lead to trouble,” Riva said, pointing at the field. “See that tall, slender kid? I feel like his style reminds me of you.”

“A Roman?” Rivera asked instinctively.

“A Chinese!” Riva replied.

This piqued Rivera’s interest.

Not just him—Europe as a whole was still very unfamiliar with China, only catching glimpses through brief TV shows or film introductions.

In just a few seconds, he read a lot from Lu Deyang’s runs.

Agile!

Italian players start tactical training very young.

Everyone’s tactical literacy is excellent, so retired players become methodical coaches regardless of their results.

But Lu Deyang’s runs clearly didn’t follow the Italian coaching style.

He was even confident that Lu’s forward moves might not be genuine attempts to push forward; the young man simply seemed clever.

A few minutes later, Rivera said, “When his through balls aren’t caught by teammates, he changes his passing style. His skill and game sense are above third division. No wonder you brought me here.”

“The key is that this young man is really fascinating,” Riva added.

After watching his interactions with teammates post-match, he felt Lu had good relationships with everyone on the team.

A player better than the rest who also manages relationships well—this made Riva even more optimistic about Lu Deyang’s future.

“So? Pretty good, right?” Riva asked.

“Just so-so,” Rivera smirked.

He could see Lu’s talent but also his inexperience.

Somewhat lean but unafraid of physical challenges.

He played with his head.

Overall, more strengths than weaknesses, with a promising future.

...

He just didn’t want Riva to get too cocky. At worst, he’d quietly introduce Lu to Sacchi. After all, he was no longer AC Milan’s vice president; even if Milan “happened” to sign the young man, it wouldn’t concern him.

Riva pulled a newspaper from beside him and handed it over.

“The Republic?” Rivera asked suspiciously.

This paper had a large circulation but a flashy, entertainment-heavy style.

Founded near the end of their careers, it was never part of Rivera’s usual reading.

Riva flipped to the second page, pointing: “Look at the content; don’t mind the paper.”

Rivera lowered his head and read.

“In 1971, a Chinese boy was born. Just three years later, his parents died unexpectedly, and Reggio Calabria gained a young immigrant.

“Adopted by his uncle, Deyang loved football from a young age. His talent was not obvious, but his deep-rooted persistence was the foundation of his success.

“In the last match, leading the team to a comeback against Cagliari, Deyang’s performance was not a sudden burst but the result of relentless effort—staying behind after every training session, day after day, to practice extra. This dedication led to his three-goal contribution.

“Despite negative rumors about Calabria businessman Bianci De Rosso, a friend of his uncle, no Regina player has ever spoken ill of Deyang.

“Even classmates and neighbors praise his character.

“Investigations revealed this young man earns the team’s lowest wage.

“In his own words, he plays football for every person in Calabria, not for money. This is a young man’s love for his city, a loyalty to the sport!

“Perhaps it is this pure soul that moved the heavens to awaken his football talent.

“He is Calabria’s most anticipated young man—their good classmate, good friend, and good neighbor—Lu Deyang!”

Rivera was stunned for several seconds.

Riva then handed him a magazine.

The cover featured Lu Deyang riding a motorcycle.

The headline read: “Fendi Director Karl Lagerfeld’s Most Admired Fashion Attitude.”

That German was famous—even Rivera, who didn’t follow fashion, had heard of him. Along with the five Fendi sisters, he turned the brand into an international name, spawning the nickname “Fendi Six Sisters.”

Flipping through several pages, Rivera found many rumors—some true, some false—about Lu Deyang, until one piece broke his composure:

Famous director Dingdu Balas highly praised Lu Deyang and hoped he could star as the lead in his next film.