On January 1, 2020, the winter transfer window officially opened.
Lu Chuan sat in the Leganés B Team training base, the screen of his phone displaying the thirteenth message from Carlos.
Each message contained an offer from a different team.
"Almería has increased the transfer fee to 600,000 euros."
"Zaragoza is willing to offer you an annual salary of 300,000."
"Vallecano's loan conditions are the most tempting; they urgently need a striker who can score goals."
Lu Chuan's finger slid across the screen, each number making his heart beat faster.
Six months ago, he was still anxious about whether he could stay in Spain. Now, multiple teams were competing for him.
Chema Rico leaned against the doorframe, sighing: "The Chairman's office is waiting for you. Be mentally prepared."
This was already the third time this week.
In the Chairman's office, Juan Carlos sat behind his desk, a new contract laid out before him.
"We are willing to raise the salary to 200,000 euros," Juan Carlos stated directly.
"Plus a 50,000 euro goal bonus."
"Lu Chuan, you have almost single-handedly changed the fate of this team."
Juan Carlos stood up and walked to the window. Outside was the training ground, where teammates were conducting their daily training.
"When you arrived, we were ranked twelfth. Now we are a strong contender for promotion."
"The fans see you as a savior."
"Are you really going to abandon all of this?"
Lu Chuan did not answer immediately. His gaze went past Juan Carlos, looking at his teammates on the training ground.
Joaquín was practicing shots, while Luis Pereya was coaching the younger players.
Lu Chuan's gaze swept over each teammate; he knew that every sprint and goal he made
had tangibly changed this team and the lives of these people.
"I need more time to consider," Lu Chuan finally said.
Juan Carlos nodded in agreement, but the light in his eyes visibly dimmed.
At three in the afternoon, Lu Chuan arrived punctually at Carlos's office. The agent's desk was covered with various documents, each representing a different future.
"Let's discuss Vallecano first," Carlos said, picking up a blue-covered document.
"They are ranked eighth in the segunda división, a mid-table position."
"But their offensive efficiency is third-lowest in the League."
"Head coach José Luis Mendilibar favors attacking football but lacks a consistent goalscorer."
Lu Chuan listened carefully, the system interface quietly appearing in his mind.
The [Scout Report] function automatically activated.
[Vallecano Football Club Analysis Report]
[Tactical Style: 4-2-3-1 Attacking Football]
[Offensive Efficiency: 16th in the League]
[Chance Creation Ability: 6th in the League]
[Young Player Playing Time: 2nd in the League]
[Conclusion: Suitable for technical strikers to perform, playing time guaranteed]
The system's analysis gave Lu Chuan confidence. Vallecano was indeed a good choice.
"What are their conditions?" Lu Chuan asked.
"A loan fee of 200,000 euros, and they will fully cover your salary," Carlos said, opening the contract.
"An annual salary of 250,000 euros, with a goal bonus of 5,000 euros per goal."
"Most importantly, they promise you sufficient playing time."
"Is there a buyout clause?"
"Yes, 2 million euros," Carlos smiled slightly, lowering his voice, "Of course, we and Espanyol both know this is just a number for show."
"Espanyol has been watching you. If you perform well at Vallecano, they are very likely to make a formal offer in the summer."
Lu Chuan's heart skipped a beat. Espanyol, that was a La Liga team.
"Are there any other options?"
"Almería and Zaragoza are both good choices," Carlos continued his analysis.
"But Vallecano's advantage is that they need you more."
"Need means opportunity, and opportunity means a stage to perform."
"Don't forget, every minute you are on the field is pricing your own future."
Lu Chuan nodded. Carlos's analysis made a lot of sense.
"I want to meet Vallecano's coach."
"It's already arranged," Carlos said, looking at his watch.
"Tomorrow morning at ten, Coach Mendilibar will personally come to Madrid."
The next morning, Lu Chuan met José Luis Mendilibar in Carlos's office.
He was a Basque man in his fifties, with sharp eyes and a direct manner of speaking.
"I've watched all your match footage," Mendilibar said directly.
"Your shooting technique, positioning awareness, and overall vision are all what we need."
"But I have a question for you."
Mendilibar leaned forward, his eyes fixed on Lu Chuan.
"Are you ready to face higher intensity matches?"
"The pace of the segunda división is much faster than Segunda División B."
"The physicality is more intense, and the tactics are more complex."
"Are you sure you can adapt?"
Lu Chuan did not hesitate.
"I came to Spain to challenge myself."
"If I were satisfied with the status quo, I wouldn't be sitting here."
Mendilibar nodded with satisfaction.
"Very good. I like ambitious players."
"At Vallecano, you will get enough opportunities to prove yourself."
"But I also demand that you give your all."
"Our goal is promotion, and your goal should be to become the League's top scorer."
An hour later, the tactics board in front of Mendilibar was already covered with arrows and symbols, and Lu Chuan's eyes had changed from initial caution to eagerness.
When the meeting ended, both parties were very satisfied.
"I need to go back and discuss it with the team," Lu Chuan said.
"Of course," Mendilibar stood up.
"But I hope you can make a decision as soon as possible."
"Good players don't wait too long."
That afternoon, Lu Chuan returned to the Leganés B Team training base. Teammates were in the middle of a scrimmage, and seeing him enter, they gathered around him.
"How was it?" Joaquín was the first to speak.
"What's Vallecano's coach like?"
"Are they really going to loan you?" Luis Pereya also came closer.
Lu Chuan looked at his teammates, complex emotions welling up in his heart. For several months, they had trained together, played together, and celebrated victories together.
Now it was time to part ways.
"No final decision yet," Lu Chuan said, not telling the whole truth.
"But if I really leave, you all must continue to work hard."
"The goal of promotion cannot change."
Joaquín's expression became serious.
"Lu Chuan, I know you will definitely leave."
"Because you deserve a bigger stage."
"But I want to say, no matter where you go, Leganés will always be your home."
Other teammates also nodded.
"We'll miss your passes," Sergio said.
"We'll miss your goals," Pablo Sánchez added.
"We'll miss you, Captain," Luis Pereya's voice was a little choked.
Lu Chuan took a deep breath, trying to control his emotions.
"If I really leave, Joaquín will be the new captain."
Joaquín was stunned for a moment, then shook his head.
"No, I'm not worthy."
"You are worthy," Lu Chuan patted Joaquín's shoulder.
"You have skill, experience, and most importantly, you have a heart dedicated to the team."
Joaquín's eyes were a little moist.
"Thank you, Lu Chuan."
"Thank you for showing me what a true teammate is."
After training, Lu Chuan stayed on the training ground alone. The sun was setting, and the grass looked exceptionally beautiful in the golden light.
He took out his phone and made a video call to his parents.
"Son, how is it going?" His mother's face appeared on the screen.
"Vallecano's conditions are good," Lu Chuan briefly explained the situation.
"But I'm still hesitating."
"Why are you hesitating?" His father also leaned into the camera.
"Because of my teammates, because of Leganés's expectations of me."
His parents exchanged glances, and his mother spoke first.
"Son, remember this."
"Son, you can't always look back. Leganés was good to you; keep that in your heart, then go to a better place and make a name for yourself. That is the best way to repay them."
"Leganés gave you a chance, and you gave them glory."
"Now it's time to go higher."
His father nodded.
"Your goal was never Segunda División B, was it?"
"Then don't stop because of temporary reluctance."
"True gratitude is to make yourself stronger, and then repay those who helped you."
After listening to his parents, Lu Chuan's tense shoulders relaxed. Yes, sentimentality wouldn't solve the problem; only by constantly climbing higher could this kindness be made more valuable.
They were right. True gratitude is not staying, but moving forward.
After hanging up, Lu Chuan dialed Carlos's number.
"I've decided," his voice was firm and clear.
"Vallecano, I'm going."
"That's great!" Carlos's excitement was evident.
"I'll contact them immediately and try to complete all formalities within this week."
"You made the right choice, Lu Chuan."
"This will be an important step in your professional career."
January 8th
Lu Chuan stood in the Leganés B Team changing room, wearing the blue and white jersey for the last time. Teammates surrounded him, their faces showing reluctance.
Chema Rico walked in, holding a small box.
"This is a souvenir from the club for you."
Lu Chuan opened the box; inside was a silver badge, engraved with his name and the number of goals he scored at Leganés.
"Thank you," Lu Chuan's voice was a little choked.
"No, we should be thanking you," Chema patted his shoulder.
"Go, kid. Go conquer a higher stage."
"We'll watch your games on TV."
Lu Chuan nodded, then turned and walked towards the door.
Joaquín suddenly called out to him.
"Lu Chuan!"
He turned around and saw Joaquín walk over, extending his hand.
"No matter where you go, don't forget that you started at Leganés."
"I won't forget," Lu Chuan shook Joaquín's hand.
"I won't forget any of you either."
Walking out of the changing room, Lu Chuan did not look back.
He knew that if he looked back, he might not be able to leave.
But he also knew that this was the path he had to take.
From Segunda División B to the segunda división, this was just the beginning.
His goal was La Liga, the top Leagues in Europe, and the World Cup.
And now, Vallecano was his next step towards his dream.
In his mind, the system's notification sound rang.
[Transfer Mission Complete]
[LP Gained: 200]
[New Skill Unlocked: Adaptation Enhancement]
[Match Experience Attribute Increased: +3]
[New Environment Adaptation Speed Increased: +50%]
Lu Chuan smiled slightly.
The system's reward came at just the right time.