---
Chapter 1 — The Simulator Awakens
August 19, 2003 — Helsinki Olympic Stadium, Finland
"Su Long, you go warm up and get ready to play."
Su Long looked up from the bench, confused. The middle-aged man beside him had already turned his gaze back to the pitch.
The roar of the crowd, the lush green grass, the sharp smell of the turf—it all felt overwhelming.
Warm up? Play?
Before he could react, someone gave him a push toward the touchline. His body moved on instinct, stretching his legs and rotating his shoulders.
"Am I… playing?"
And then it hit him. Memories poured into his mind like a flood.
It's August 19, 2003, the FIFA U-17 World Cup group stage, the final match for China.
This is the Helsinki Olympic Stadium in Finland…
I just smashed a TV in my apartment, and somehow I've ended up in the body of a junior national U-17 player?
"The national team… there's no turning back now."
He understood:
His family's mansion was gone.
The luxury car was gone.
He had somehow become seventeen again.
But joining the national youth team had come at a heavy cost–200,000 yuan.
He had heard the rumors:
30,000 yuan for training entry
50,000 yuan to join the team
80,000 yuan to play training matches
100,000 yuan to appear in official games
But where had that 100,000 yuan gone? He had already handed over 200,000 yuan—and still hadn't even played!
What a scam.
Su Long clenched his fists. His parents had sold their home to keep his football dream alive.
My poor parents…
Out on the pitch, the opposing striker burst through the defense and slotted the ball home:0–3.
The team's morale collapsed. There was no chance of qualifying now.
Then, out of nowhere, a crisp electronic chime rang in Su Long's head:
〖Ding, football career simulator activated!〗
Current Achievement Points: 2
〖The two points came from: 1!〗 joining the U-17 China junior team, and 2 〗being on the U-17 World Cup roster.〗
〖Do you want to use the football career simulator?〗
would cost 1 Achievement Point.
Of course he did.
Text scrolled before his eyes:
〖1. In 2003, at age 17, you played in the U-17 World Cup in Finland—but made no impact even after two games.〗
〖2. In 2004, at age 18, you refused to pay the relationship fee and you were cut from the youth team, abandoned by Jinmen Datai.〗
〖3. In 2005, with no connections, no money, and no standout talent, no club wanted you.〗
〖4. By 2006, at age 20, you had given up on football and entered Tsumen Sports University—but got addicted to online games and quit the college football team. Your football dreams were over.〗
〖Simulation ended. 〗
〖Base Attributes at Age 17〗
Physical: 8
Speed: 8
Strength: 7
Stamina: 8
Technical: 8
Shooting: 7
Passing: 8
Dribbling: 8
Ball Control: 8
Mental: 8
Vision: 8
Composure: 7
Work Rate: 8
---
〖Select one specialization to import from Age 20:〗
1. Physical Attributes — Overall: 9
2. Technical Attributes — Overall: 10
3. Mental Attributes — Overall: 9
4. Life Experience — Adaptability & Decision-Making Boost
---
Su Long didn't hesitate Technical Attributes, Age 20.
---
[Updated Attributes]
Physical: 8
Speed: 8
Strength: 7
Stamina: 8
Technical: 10
Shooting: 9
Passing: 10
Dribbling: 10
Ball Control: 10
Mental: 8
Vision: 8
Composure: 7
Work Rate: 8
---
In an instant, his mind was filled with precise football techniques—perfect corner kicks, deadly crosses, tight dribbles, accurate shots, bending free-kicks, and long-range missiles.
"Su Long, it's almost time to play!"
A ball rolled to his feet. His touch was cleaner, sharper—every connection between foot and ball felt effortless.
He dribbled past an opponent's tackle and spotted a teammate open on the wing. With a smooth swing of his leg, he sent a perfect cross toward him.
"Good ball!" the coach and several players shouted from the bench.
But the receiver fumbled it, the ball rolling harmlessly out of bounds.
Su Long let out a slow breath. The referee blew for half-time—China was trailing 3–0.
On the pitch, he felt invisible. No one passed to him. No one looked for him.
Maybe another simulation could help…
"This U-17 World Cup might be the biggest football stage of my life. I want my chance too… maybe I can change everything."
Once again, the system chimed:
Do you want to use the football career simulator? (Cost: 1 Achievement Point.)
---