"12 million Euros is a lot."

"Very, very much; it's the highest salary in the world."

"But, I can't refuse."

Chen Zhong spoke slowly into the microphone, and names like Gan Luo and Jie Jin attracted a lot of foreign attention once again, wondering how someone could become a minister at the age of 12 and a high official at 14.

Since Chen Zhong debuted for Real Madrid, many people proactively or passively started to learn about China.

And now, as Chen Zhong narrates, some people are once again curious about China's history.

However, people quickly pulled their thoughts away, and one by one, their gaze fell on Chen Zhong, curious as to why he couldn't refuse.

Isn't refusing an easy thing?

Yes, refusing was indeed easy in this matter, but that would be "cowardly."

"Because."

"It's already my turn to step up."

"In the past years, Raul and Guti bore the flag of Real Madrid."

"And now, it's my turn; in the future, someone will take this flag from my hands."

"And regardless of the difficulties I face, I will always hoist this flag high."

"Fearlessly forward."

A salary of 12 million, the team's highest salary, the world's highest salary, the captain of Real Madrid with the number 10, the flag bearer of Real Madrid.

This layered pressure fell on Chen Zhong's shoulders.

His first opponent was Barcelona, who had just achieved the "Triple Crown," referred to as the "Cosmic Team" in the Dream Team Dynasty.

Their core is Lionel Messi.

He appeared in 51 matches in a single season, scoring 38 goals and providing 17 assists.

With 9 goals, he became the top scorer of the Champions League season, the undisputed choice for the French Ballon d'Or in 2009, World Footballer of the Year, as well as the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year, UEFA Club Best Forward, La Liga Season's Best Player, La Liga Season's Best Forward, Argentina's Footballer of the Year, UEFA Team of the Year, and FIFA Team of the Year, among other honors.

Chen Zhong matching up against Messi felt as ridiculous as an apprentice facing a top-level BOSS.

But he had no retreat because he refused Florentino's favoritism.

As the "king," he should go forward fearlessly.

...

Raul and Guti's farewell ceremony, Chen Zhong's ascension ceremony stirred up a "wave" worldwide.

The media indulged in a frenzy, some saying Real Madrid was desperately trying anything, obviously having C. Ronaldo and Kaka, yet choosing to promote Chen Zhong; others said Barcelona would again crush Real Madrid, that Chen Zhong wouldn't really change the situation, others said he could wear the number ten jersey for Real Madrid and become team captain for just a fraction of Chen Zhong's salary.

In such discussions, Real Madrid kept quiet and completed all transfers quietly.

Baptista, Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa, Andrea Pirlo, all the transfers of these four players went smoothly, Real Madrid spent nearly 300 million Euros in this season's transfer market, making the entire football world feel the terror of "money power."

Real Madrid's 09-10 season 23-man roster (excluding Castilla players):

Front: 9 Alvaro Negredo, 7 Cristiano Ronaldo, 11 Karim Benzema, 20 Gonzalo Higuain, 17 Jose Callejon (number 21 transferred to Pirlo)

Midfield: 10 Chen Zhong, 8 Kaka, 23 Granero, 5 Dani Parejo, 15 Rafael van der Vaart, 22 Xabi Alonso, 21 Pirlo, 6 Baptista

Defense: 2 Torres, 3 Pepe, 4 Ramos, 12 Marcelo, 18 Albiol, 16 Arbeloa

Goalkeepers: 1 Casillas, 25 Dudek

La Liga's registration rules state that the team must have 3 youth-trained players, 8 players trained domestically with fixed numbers between 1-25, and for players under 23 years of age. Castilla players do not need to be registered due to their age and can use youth team numbers when playing.

If repeated, they can choose numbers above 25.

La Liga limits the number of first-team players to no more than 25. This roster sparked many discussions among fans, as it seemed Real Madrid was returning to the "Zidane + Pavin" policy, which means a star + youth policy, stars concentrated in the front, and more reliance on domestic youth training in the back.

Real Madrid's training still took place among the Austrian mountains, Chen Zhong came here for training for the third time.

In the Real Madrid locker room, there's only one "faction" now, which is the "Chen Group." No matter what individuals thought inside, at least outwardly, everyone followed behind Chen Zhong, with Cristiano Ronaldo notably trailing at the end.

Pellegrini tried new tactical formations during this training.

As forwards, he tried using C. Ronaldo, Negredo, Kaka, or C. Ronaldo, Higuain, Kaka, or C. Ronaldo, Benzema, Kaka, occasionally substituting Morata and Callejon for some players.

Callejon privately approached Chen Zhong, hoping to gain more playing time.

Chen Zhong looked at Callejon and spoke: "This is just a warm-up match."

"The coach needs time to get to know the players."

"Then find who he feels fits, right?"

Callejon gazed at Chen Zhong and laughed relieved, indeed...

After all, this is Real Madrid, things have improved a lot from before.

"Jose..." Chen Zhong patted Callejon on the shoulder and said: "Here is different from Castilla, we're up against extremely good players, if we could manage with 5 points before, here we need to give 10 points."

"I've always struggled with my stamina. Although my physical strength is robust, I'm also striving to improve my shortcomings."

Callejon left, convinced, because during this period, Chen Zhong hadn't solidified a regular position, and Pellegrini constantly experimented with various combinations.

Soon after Callejon left, Francisco appeared in Pellegrini's room.

Schuster had left Real Madrid, but Francisco hadn't; he was already a Real Madrid staff member, promoted due to chatting well with Schuster and having some capability.

Pellegrini seemed to be waiting for Francisco in the room, showing some disbelief after hearing Francisco's recount.

"Are you sure?"

"I'm very sure." Francisco raised his right hand assuredly, "Callejon indeed approached Chen, but Chen merely consoled him; the locker room remains stable, the players support you."

After hearing Francisco's words, Pellegrini fell into thought.

The farewell ceremony for Raul and Guti affected him; he wasn't a very resolute person and had considered resigning before due to the transfer rights issue.

Florentino's actions made him apprehensive.

If Chen Zhong caused trouble in the locker room in the future, what should he do? Listen to him or to Chen?

Chen is still... under eighteen~~~

Such a child, if acting willfully, could be tricky to handle.

Pellegrini was indeed conducting "experiments" during this time, but he hadn't targeted Chen Zhong specifically, just testing his character possibly.

But now it seems...

If Real Madrid's locker room is managed by Chen Zhong...

It seems like a good choice!

Pellegrini's recently taut nerves finally relaxed; after this period of probing, he confirmed Chen Zhong had no interest in coach authority.

Even allowing players to follow his tactical arrangements.

Even stars like C. Ronaldo, Kaka, Pirlo, in his tactical arrangement for rotation or bench, rarely showed complaints.

If this is Real Madrid.

If such an atmosphere can be maintained steadily.

New season...

Barcelona!

Seems it can be challenged...

Florentino...

His eye for talent is truly accurate!

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