It was close to 9:30 p.m.
In the southwest of Leeds city center, the area near Elland Road was still brightly lit, and exclamations of excitement could be heard.
With the opening of the Westfield Shopping Centre drawing nearer, its promotional activities had grown larger and more extravagant.
Not only the entire city of Leeds and the surrounding region, but the whole of Yorkshire was watching a particular moment.
May 12th.
It was the final round of the Premier League season, with all ten matches kicking off simultaneously in the afternoon.
But the grand opening celebration at Westfield Shopping Centre would last all day until midnight.
A week of promotional events surrounded the opening ceremony, aiming to attract fans and customers to this most spectacular football-themed commercial complex in the world.
Leeds United and Westfield Group had joined forces to create a new kind of shopping and entertainment experience centered around football, the stadium, and a massive retail district.
In this area, Nishida Group had always been a pioneer.
For example, when Westfield Shopping Centre in London first opened, it was met with skepticism, with many fearing that Europe's largest shopping complex would fail.
But a few years later, it had become a commercial giant in London.
Now, after years of planning, Westfield Group and Leeds United were working together to create a football-themed commercial zone with ambitious goals.
In Britain, there is no better way to promote something than through football.
Ahead of Leeds United's highly anticipated match against Newcastle United, Westfield Group erected a giant LCD screen in the plaza outside the shopping district to broadcast the match live, drawing countless fans and shoppers.
As the match entered the second half, the plaza and surrounding streets were packed with people.
Many stores that had started their trial operations were filled with customers, yet most people stood glued to the big screen.
In front of the plaza, on the sky steps, and on the floating island, countless fans fixed their eyes on the screen, focused on this decisive match.
Eighty minutes had passed, and the score remained 2-2. Leeds United seemed to be struggling, something no one had expected.
Sky Sports commentator and legendary pundit Martin Taylor, reporting live from St. James' Park, believed Leeds United were in a dangerous position because the team was rushing things.
"That's the problem with young teams; they tend to lose composure in crucial moments."
"Tonight's game is crucial. If they win, Leeds United take the title. If not, they'll have to face Manchester City in the final round, which is definitely not what they want."
"They'd much prefer to seal the championship now rather than leave it to the last game."
"But that's football."
"As Benítez said before the match, Leeds United's youth is their greatest strength but also their greatest weakness."
"The experienced Benítez humbled himself and used a five-man defense tonight. Both Newcastle goals came from corners, the result of Leeds defenders losing their markers."
"That's a concentration issue."
"Leeds United need to stay calm. Even a draw secures them the title."
"But they must not concede again."
"Perhaps Pochettino should consider switching to a more defensive setup."
"Of course, that's not Leeds United's style."
"Look at this. They're still trying to find Mbappe, still attempting to break through the box, still taking long-range shots."
"That was a great attempt, but it was just wide."
"That's the difference in mentality."
"We saw Vardy hit the crossbar earlier, and it's the same story."
"The difference is subtle, perhaps as fine as walking a tightrope."
"Newcastle have three center-backs and two holding midfielders. Benítez's tactics are pragmatic. He's using Leeds United's eagerness against them."
"Many said Newcastle had nothing to play for and wouldn't trouble Leeds United, but I said before kickoff, no Premier League team surrenders their home ground."
"Benítez knows this league well. He'll fight to win at St. James' Park."
"And Newcastle have played very well tonight."
During a stoppage in play, Leeds United's players walked back, and the broadcast camera switched to the stands.
Only then did viewers notice that Leeds United's top brass had all traveled with the team.
Gao Shen, Su Qing, Lucas, and Borrell were seated in the Presidential Stand, while the Leeds United supporters were packed into a far, high corner of the stadium.
"Many Leeds United fans have gathered outside St. James' Park tonight. They couldn't get tickets, so they chose to wait outside."
"Pochettino is preparing to make the final substitution of the match."
"Gao Shen has been standing the entire time in front of the chairman's stand, clapping hard to encourage his players."
"And here comes the substitution. Pochettino is replacing veteran Vardy with young center forward Erling Haaland."
When Haaland's name was announced and he appeared on the sideline, Elland Road erupted.
Countless fans cheered and chanted his name.
He had scored in three consecutive matches, held dual Norwegian and British nationality, joined Leeds United's academy at nine years old, and his father was a club legend—a true homegrown star.
More importantly, he had scored in his last three appearances.
He had been rested for the Juventus match and did not travel to Turin.
Now, the young predator Gao Shen jokingly called "Majin Buu" was finally back.
But tonight, could he bare his fangs again?
"Go Haaland!"
No one knew who shouted first.
Soon, more and more fans began chanting in front of the giant screen.
"Ten minutes left! Let's get it done!"
"Bring the championship home!"
Countless fans roared, their voices hoarse, faces red with passion.
...
"The rest is up to you!"
As Vardy came off the pitch, panting, he hugged Haaland and patted him on the back before walking off.
Haaland, tall and long-legged, strode onto the pitch and ran straight toward the front line.
"Spread out on both flanks."
After reaching the attacking third, Haaland gestured to his teammates, spreading his arms wide.
"The midfield needs to push up. We're running out of time!"
Then he clapped his hands loudly. "Come on, we don't want a draw! We don't want a draw!"
His words fired up his teammates, who responded with loud shouts.
...
Watching from the stands, Gao Shen nodded.
"This kid is easy to motivate and has a strong fighting spirit."
Lucas and Borrell nodded in agreement.
Personal charisma is hard to define.
Some players, even when given authority, fail to command it. Others, even without titles or starting roles, seem to own the pitch and the locker room.
The best example is Ramos.
When Gao Shen first arrived at Real Madrid, Ramos was a young player. He dared to criticize superstars like Ronaldo and Zidane for not celebrating his goals.
It caused an uproar at the time because in Madrid, superstars were untouchable.
Yet Ramos's boldness earned him respect.
By Gao Shen's second stint at Real Madrid, Casillas was captain and Ronaldo was the star, but Ramos was the true leader of the dressing room, and no one doubted it.
That's charisma.
Ramos could get along with anyone, and that ability mattered.
At Leeds United, Mbappe might be the star, but he wasn't the dominant figure in the dressing room.
Haaland, on the other hand, was easygoing, humorous, and could get along with everyone.
More importantly, he had an incredible hunger to win.
"Sometimes he's cheerful and straightforward, other times serious and determined, but always confident," Borrell said with a smile.
It was indeed a great trait.
"I know, he used to tell people that I predicted he'd become a world-class striker when he was nine," Gao Shen laughed.
He really had said it, though bragging about it would seem inappropriate now.
Haaland never stopped mentioning it, but it wasn't arrogance—it was pure belief.
As if saying: Gao Shen said I'd be great, so I'll become the best striker in the world.
And he worked tirelessly toward that goal.
"This kid's got leadership qualities. With time, he'll be the leader of our team," Lucas added approvingly.
Gao Shen nodded. "Then he needs to show it tonight."
Support from the club was one thing. Strength on the pitch was another.
After play resumed, Haaland led the line, moving constantly along Newcastle's defensive line and shifting positions unpredictably.
On the pitch, Mbappe attacked from the left, Dembele from the right, while Grealish and Bernardo Silva controlled midfield, keeping possession and stretching Newcastle's defense.
Then suddenly, Newcastle intercepted the ball and launched a quick counterattack.
(To be continued.)