The Relentless Pursuit

In the early morning at the end of May, the warmth of summer was already beginning to settle in, and the first light of dawn reflected softly on the waters of Lake Odekerke. The air carried the faint scent of blooming flowers, mingling with the freshness of the lake, creating an atmosphere that invigorated the soul. 

Yang Yang, dressed in short-sleeved sportswear, was jogging along the lakeshore with a ball at his feet. His movements were fluid, the rhythm of his steps matching the quiet lapping of the water against the shore. 

He had risen early, careful not to disturb the others, and set out alone. He felt an inexplicable need for solitude, a moment to himself before the demands of the day took hold. 

The cool morning breeze brushed against his skin, carrying a sense of renewal. After weeks of intense pressure, he finally felt unburdened, his mind clear and his body energized. The melancholy that had been weighing him down had lifted, leaving him with an unshakable sense of calm and determination. 

The night before, Yang Yang had spent hours on the phone with Su Ye. It was the longest and most meaningful conversation they had ever shared, touching on everything from personal aspirations to life's simpler pleasures. Su Ye had spoken of her preparations for the college entrance exams, hoping to secure a place at the prestigious Central Academy of Drama. She confessed a mixture of admiration and envy for Yang Yang's acceptance into Erasmus University, one of Europe's leading business schools, renowned for its Rotterdam School of Management. 

Yang Yang, in turn, had encouraged her to stay focused and chase her dreams relentlessly, reassuring her that her hard work would pay off. Their conversation had wandered into lighthearted topics—recipes, home decor, even the allure of the Summer Palace—before finally ending when their phones ran out of battery. They had fallen asleep with a renewed sense of connection and motivation. 

Now, as he jogged along the path, Yang Yang reflected on the conversation. It had left him with a profound sense of peace, as if Su Ye's encouragement had fueled his spirit. After finishing his routine of three laps around the lakeside, he veered off toward a small breakfast shop on the corner—a familiar stop on his morning runs. 

The shop owner, spotting Yang Yang from afar, began preparing his usual order. By the time Yang Yang reached the counter, the breakfast was ready. 

"Breakfast is on me today," the shop owner said with a warm smile. 

"Why the special treatment?" Yang Yang asked, his tone light with curiosity. 

The owner chuckled but offered no explanation, leaving Yang Yang to piece it together. Smiling, Yang Yang reached into his pocket, pulled out a few bills, and placed them firmly on the counter. 

"Let's keep it the same as always. There's nothing special about today—save the celebration for two weeks from now," Yang Yang said with a confident grin. 

The shop owner raised his eyebrows in surprise. He had expected Yang Yang to show signs of discouragement, given that most of the country was already convinced Dirk Kuyt would secure the Golden Boot. But instead, Yang Yang radiated ambition and determination. 

As Yang Yang turned to leave, he stopped as if remembering something. "Oh, and one more thing," he said, looking back over his shoulder. "Save the newspapers from the last few days. Those clippings will be worth something someday." 

With that, he strode away, the shop owner watching his retreating figure with a mix of admiration and puzzlement. Yang Yang's unwavering confidence in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds was both inspiring and enigmatic. 

"Alright then! You've got two weeks to prove me wrong," the owner called after him, his voice ringing with encouragement. "I'll have breakfast ready for you when you do!" 

... 

... 

Returning home with breakfast in hand, Yang Yang found Vermaelen, Maxwell, and Maicon gathered in the living room. Their expressions were a mix of concern and confusion. 

"Why are you all here so early?" Yang Yang asked with a smile as he entered. "I only bought breakfast for myself, not enough for everyone." 

The three exchanged glances, their unease evident. Breakfast wasn't the issue. What worried them was Yang Yang's unusual behavior—leaving early without a word and returning as if nothing had happened. 

"Yang, I tried calling you earlier, but your phone was off," Vermaelen said, his tone filled with concern. 

"Oh, the battery died last night, so it's charging now," Yang Yang replied casually, settling at the dining table and digging into his food. His response was so nonchalant it felt almost dismissive. 

Maxwell leaned forward, his brows furrowed. "Are you sure everything's alright?" 

Yang Yang nodded between bites. "Yeah, I'm fine—eating well, sleeping well, nothing out of the ordinary." 

But the more he brushed off their concerns, the more his teammates worried. After all, Yang Yang had been chasing the Golden Boot all season. With only two matches left and a two-goal gap to close against Dirk Kuyt, it seemed natural for him to feel frustrated, if not devastated. His composed demeanor felt out of place, almost unnatural. 

Maxwell broke the silence, his voice tinged with skepticism. "Come on, Yang. Be honest with us—we're your brothers. If you're upset, say it. If you need to vent, do it!" He glanced around the room and, spotting Nicklas Bendtner, gestured toward him. "If you're mad, hit him!" 

"What? Why me?" Bendtner exclaimed, startled. 

But before he could protest further, the other players shot him pointed looks. Bendtner sighed, resigning himself to the role. "Fine. If punching me will help, go ahead. I've got thick skin." 

Yang Yang chuckled, shaking his head. "Why would I hit someone for no reason? You guys are ridiculous." His laughter was genuine, but it only deepened their confusion. 

"Are you angry?" Vermaelen pressed, unwilling to drop the matter. 

Yang Yang paused, his expression turning thoughtful. "A little, yeah." 

"Is it about the Golden Boot?" Maxwell asked cautiously. 

"Do we still have games left to play?" Yang Yang countered, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. 

His response made them pause. Slowly, they began to understand. Whatever frustration or disappointment Yang Yang might have felt last night, he had clearly moved past it. His focus now was on the matches ahead, staying true to his belief in never giving up until the very end. 

"I know you're all worried about me, and I appreciate it," Yang Yang said, standing up from the table and addressing his teammates directly. His voice was calm but carried a weight of sincerity. "But I want to make something clear. The Golden Boot isn't just about me. It's about all of us—my teammates, the coaches, everyone who's supported me this season." 

He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. "Yes, I'm two goals behind Kuyt with two games left. It's a tough gap to close, especially since Kuyt will also have his chances. But giving up isn't an option. If I quit now, I'd be letting all of you down—the ones who've stood by me through everything this season." 

Yang Yang stepped closer, meeting their eyes one by one. "So, in these last two games, no matter what happens, I'll give it everything I've got. I'll fight until the final whistle. I want the world to see that even if I don't win, I'll leave the pitch with my head held high. I won't be beaten down." 

His voice grew firmer, filled with quiet determination. "And I believe that as long as I keep pushing, keep fighting, opportunities will come my way." 

The room fell silent, but the air buzzed with a renewed sense of purpose. His teammates couldn't help but feel inspired. Yang Yang wasn't just a talented player; his relentless work ethic and unwavering resolve made others want to follow him. 

Unlike Van der Vaart, who dazzled with effortless brilliance, or Ibrahimović, who thrived on his towering confidence, Yang Yang inspired loyalty through his sheer grit and perseverance. He wasn't just a player; he was a symbol of dedication—a reminder that hard work and faith could overcome even the steepest odds. 

"Alright, then," Maxwell said, breaking the silence with a grin. "We've got two matches left to help you make this happen." 

Bendtner muttered under his breath, "Just don't punch me…" 

Laughter rippled through the room, lightening the mood. 

... 

... 

Yang Yang walked into De Toekomst under the surprised gazes of everyone he passed. From the coaching staff to the administrative staff, and even the security guard at the entrance, all seemed taken aback by his demeanor. 

This morning's newspapers had painted a bleak picture for Yang Yang. Headlines across the Dutch press largely agreed that his chances of winning the Golden Boot were slim to none. Only one major voice, Louis van Gaal, dared to express optimism. The Alkmaar head coach believed that with just two games remaining and a two-goal lead, Dirk Kuyt might feel the pressure ease and become complacent. Van Gaal speculated that Kuyt's relaxed mentality might hinder his ability to find the net in the final rounds. 

"I believe Yang Yang will rise to the occasion," Van Gaal had said in an interview. "Under pressure and in a do-or-die situation, he's the type of player who thrives and delivers." 

Marco van Basten, head coach of the Dutch national team, had also offered his encouragement, urging Yang Yang to persevere. "Even if he doesn't win the Golden Boot," Van Basten said, "he has undoubtedly been the best player in the Eredivisie this season." 

Despite these few words of support, the general consensus remained bleak. Even within the corridors of De Toekomst, most believed Yang Yang's chances of catching Kuyt were minimal. Kuyt wasn't injured or out of form, and with two matches left, it seemed inevitable that he might add to his tally, making the gap even harder to close. 

That's why, when Yang Yang entered the facility brimming with confidence and energy, it left everyone baffled. His upbeat demeanor didn't fit the narrative of a man who had supposedly already lost. 

Far from looking defeated, Yang Yang seemed to be in great spirits. He greeted nearly everyone he passed with a smile or a wave, his optimism infectious yet puzzling. 

By the time Winston Bogarde arrived earlier than usual, the unusual atmosphere had already reached his ears. A member of the coaching staff pulled him aside to explain Yang Yang's unexpected behavior. 

But instead of joining the speculation, Bogarde simply nodded and smirked. "This battle for the Golden Boot," he said, "has only just begun. And now, it's about to get even more interesting." 

When Bogarde entered the gym, he found Yang Yang already stretching and warming up, his movements deliberate and focused. 

"It seems I don't need to give you a pep talk," Bogarde remarked, his arms crossed as he observed Yang Yang's meticulous preparation. 

Yang Yang grinned but didn't pause. "No need," he replied confidently. 

Bogarde stepped closer, his curiosity piqued. "Then tell me—what's the plan?" 

Yang Yang's eyes gleamed with determination. "I'll give my best in these last three games." 

Ajax's upcoming schedule loomed large. Their final two Eredivisie matches were against Roosendaal at home and Groningen in Amsterdam. Sandwiched between these fixtures was the UEFA Cup final in Lisbon. It was an arduous stretch, requiring immense physical and mental resilience. 

Adding to the challenge, Dutch league tradition dictated that the last two rounds of the Eredivisie kick off simultaneously to maintain fairness. This meant no adjustments would be made to accommodate Ajax's European commitments. From May 15 to May 22, Yang Yang would face a grueling travel schedule: an away match in Roosendaal on the southern border of the Netherlands, a round trip of over 2,000 kilometers to Lisbon for the final, and then a return to Amsterdam for the Groningen game—more than 5,000 kilometers of travel in just eight days. 

The logistics were daunting, and the physical toll promised to be immense. But Yang Yang's resolve was unshaken. 

Bogarde, familiar with Yang Yang's physical progress over the past half-year, let out a hearty laugh. "You really know how to set the bar high," he said. "But I like it." 

He clapped Yang Yang on the shoulder. "I'll speak with Kruitenberg right away. We'll make sure you're in peak condition for this." 

Kruitenberg, Ajax's fitness coach, had been instrumental in Yang Yang's physical transformation. Over the months, Bogarde had watched Yang Yang push himself to his limits, sculpting not just his physique but his endurance and mental toughness. This was no longer the same player who had first arrived at Ajax—this was someone prepared to take on the world. 

As Bogarde walked away, Yang Yang continued his stretches, his focus unbroken. His goal was clear: to prove that he could rise to the occasion and surpass expectations, no matter how impossible the odds seemed. 

... 

... 

May 15th, 1:30 PM 

Roosendaal, Vast & Goed Stadion 

The 33rd round of the Eredivisie saw Ajax face Roosendaal away from home in a critical match that held implications for both the league title and Yang Yang's pursuit of the Golden Boot. 

From the first whistle, Ajax seized control of the game's tempo. Manager Ronald Koeman had made several key adjustments to the lineup. Romanian winger Nicolae Mitea started on the left, joining Charisteas and Yang Yang to form a dynamic front three. In midfield, Pienaar, De Jong, and Sneijder combined to provide creativity and stability, while Maxwell and Maicon, both known for their attacking prowess, flanked the backline. 

Koeman's strategy was clear: maximize Ajax's offensive capabilities to help Yang Yang close the two-goal gap with Dirk Kuyt, while ensuring the team maintained its focus on securing victory. The dual goal of individual and team success left no room for error. 

From the outset, Ajax pressed aggressively, pinning Roosendaal deep into their own half. The home side, aware of Ajax's intentions, adopted a defensive stance, crowding their box and aiming to nullify Yang Yang's threat. The match quickly settled into a pattern—Ajax relentlessly attacking, Roosendaal defending in numbers. 

Despite Ajax's dominance, they struggled to break through Roosendaal's compact defense. Yang Yang noticed his teammates repeatedly looking to feed him the ball in scoring positions, but this approach only made him a target. Roosendaal's defenders focused on shutting him down, effectively stifling Ajax's overall attack. 

Yang Yang quickly recognized the flaw in their strategy. While he appreciated his teammates' support, the single-minded focus on him was limiting their options. Roosendaal needed only to neutralize him to disrupt Ajax's offense. It was clear that a change was necessary. 

In the 23rd minute, Yang Yang adjusted his approach. Picking up the ball on the right flank, he faced his marker with intent. A swift step-over feint threw the defender off balance, followed by a sudden burst of acceleration along the touchline. Reaching the byline, Yang Yang delivered a perfectly weighted cross into the penalty area. 

Charisteas, positioned near the six-yard box, rose above the defenders and connected with a powerful header. The ball sailed past the Roosendaal goalkeeper and into the back of the net. Ajax erupted in celebration, their persistence finally rewarded. 

The importance of the goal was not lost on anyone. Roosendaal, with a staggering 75 goals conceded in just 32 matches, had been the Eredivisie's weakest defensive team. If Ajax played to their full potential, Roosendaal stood little chance of keeping them at bay. 

As the team celebrated, Yang Yang's teammates began to grasp his message. The Golden Boot was important, but the team's success had to come first. Ajax was locked in a fierce title race with PSV Eindhoven, with no margin for error. Any misstep at this stage of the season could hand the championship to their rivals—a scenario no one at Ajax was willing to accept. 

Hiddink's PSV had been remarkably consistent throughout the season, losing only to Ajax. But as the pressure mounted, even the most stable teams could falter. Ajax couldn't afford to take unnecessary risks, especially with the UEFA Cup final looming midweek. The stakes demanded both ambition and pragmatism. 

Koeman had shown his commitment to the cause by fielding his strongest lineup, despite the congested schedule. Against a team like Roosendaal, Ajax might have been able to rotate and still secure a win, but the coach's decision to go full strength reflected his trust in the players—and his belief in Yang Yang. 

For Yang Yang, this was a moment of clarity. He was determined to chase the Golden Boot but not at the expense of the championship. His gratitude for his teammates, the coaching staff, and the club's unwavering support fueled his resolve. He couldn't let them down. 

As the match resumed, Yang Yang doubled down on his effort, balancing his pursuit of individual glory with his commitment to the team. His movements became more selfless, drawing defenders out of position and creating space for others to exploit. Ajax's attacks grew more fluid, their collective effort overwhelming Roosendaal's defenses. 

Yang Yang was not just a goal-scorer; he was a leader on the pitch, a player who understood that personal accolades meant little without the success of the team. In these final matches, he would give everything—not just for himself, but for Ajax. 

The Golden Boot was within reach, but so was the league title. And Yang Yang wanted both. 

... 

... 

"This kid… I really have nothing to say," Ronald Koeman remarked, shaking his head with a mix of admiration and amazement. 

For most players, having the team rally behind them to compete for the Golden Boot would have been the perfect opportunity to focus on individual glory. But Yang Yang had made the selfless decision to assist Charisteas instead, prioritizing the team's success over his personal accolades. It wasn't just a moment of maturity—it was a display of character. 

"It shows his class and integrity," Koeman added. "To put it simply, this is the mark of a true professional." 

The desire to win the Golden Boot was evident in Yang Yang's determination, but he also understood the greater picture: the team's victory mattered just as much, if not more. 

"To be honest," Ruud Krol said with a rueful smile, "if the team doesn't have him next season, I really don't know how we'll manage." 

Koeman nodded in agreement. The thought of Ajax without Yang Yang was unsettling. Players like him were rare—exceptional talent combined with an unyielding work ethic and an unwavering team-first mentality. 

With his remarkable progress this season, Yang Yang had transformed into a complete player. Many of the weaknesses that once held him back had either diminished or been turned into strengths. He had refined his technical skills, honed his tactical awareness, and grown into a relentless force on the field. 

"He's diligent, always gives his all, and has this incredible hunger to win," Koeman said, reflecting on the young star's qualities. "His tactical discipline is top-notch, his physical capabilities are outstanding, and his ability to break through defenses is world-class. And now, his scoring ability has reached another level." 

Koeman paused, his admiration evident. "He's the kind of player every coach dreams of having." 

Krol nodded thoughtfully. "You don't truly understand the value of a player like Yang Yang until you imagine the team without him." 

Koeman didn't need to imagine. The thought of Ajax losing Yang Yang was enough to give him pause. His presence wasn't just an advantage—it was essential. He brought energy, creativity, and a winning mentality that lifted the entire team. 

"He's invaluable to this squad," Koeman said softly. "The impact he has can't be measured in just stats—it's about the way he elevates everyone around him." 

Krol leaned back, his expression contemplative. "God is fair," he murmured. "I think He'll make sure Yang gets the reward he deserves for all his hard work." 

Koeman didn't respond immediately, but his expression suggested he agreed. Yang Yang's journey had been a testament to perseverance and humility, and his contributions had been instrumental in Ajax's success. Whatever the final results of the season, one thing was clear: Yang Yang had already cemented his place as one of the Eredivisie's brightest stars. 

... 

... 

Time passed bit by bit, and the first half drew closer to its end. 

Roosendaal's strategy had been clear from the start—focus all defensive efforts on Yang Yang. Their head coach, Dolf Roks, had made it a point to instruct his players: "Don't let Yang Yang score, no matter what!" 

Their defensive plan revolved around tightly marking the Ajax star, but such a concentrated effort inevitably left gaps elsewhere. Yang Yang's relentless movement, coupled with his ability to draw defenders, disrupted Roosendaal's defensive structure, creating opportunities for his teammates. 

In the 38th minute, Yang Yang picked up the ball on the right flank. With a quick glance, he assessed the situation, deciding against driving into the box himself. Instead, he crossed sharply into the center, where Sneijder and Pienaar exchanged a series of quick, precise passes. The one-two combination left Roosendaal's defense scrambling, and Sneijder capitalized, unleashing a clean strike from just outside the penalty area. 

The ball soared past the goalkeeper and into the net. 2-0 for Ajax. 

Yang Yang was the first to run over and celebrate with Sneijder, a genuine smile lighting up his face. He understood that while his teammates wanted to help him achieve the Golden Boot, forcing opportunities wouldn't work against a determined opponent like Roosendaal. Their defense was stubborn and focused, and Ajax needed to maintain their collective rhythm to succeed. 

As the players returned to their positions, Sneijder turned to the group with a spark of determination. "Let's push for one more before halftime," he suggested, his voice brimming with confidence. 

De Jong nodded. "Good idea. The best time to strike is now. We'll press hard right after the kickoff—don't give them a moment to breathe." 

Charisteas, standing nearby, added his own input. "When we win the ball back, look for me. I'll hold it up and create space. Yang, keep an eye out for the gaps. If I see you, I'll get it to you." 

Yang Yang smirked and nodded, appreciating the team's willingness to adapt and work for him. "Let's make it happen." 

The referee blew the whistle, and Roosendaal kicked off. Ajax immediately pressed high, with De Jong leading the charge to intercept. The intensity caught Roosendaal off guard, and within moments, Sneijder dispossessed a midfielder and sent a crisp pass forward to Pienaar. 

Pienaar, calm under pressure, spotted Charisteas in a central position and delivered the ball with pinpoint accuracy. The Greek striker shielded the ball expertly, using his frame to hold off the defender. In one fluid motion, he flicked the ball into space behind the defense—exactly where Yang Yang had sprinted into, timing his run to perfection. 

The stadium erupted. Despite Roosendaal's modest 5,000-seat capacity, the crowd's cheers reverberated as Yang Yang accelerated past the backline like a bolt of lightning. Roosendaal's goalkeeper, Maikel Aerts, charged off his line in a desperate attempt to close the angle. 

Yang Yang stayed composed. As Aerts lunged, he executed a flawless step-over, effortlessly gliding past the keeper. With the goal wide open, Yang Yang calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net. 

"Gooooooooooooal!" The commentator's voice roared over the stadium. "Yang Yang scores in the 39th minute! Ajax makes it 3-0!" 

The fans, many of whom were there to watch Ajax's rising star, leapt to their feet. Even Roosendaal's supporters couldn't help but cheer for the brilliance of the play. 

Yang Yang slid on his knees toward the touchline, his arms raised in triumph. Behind him, his teammates poured forward, engulfing him in a celebratory pile. Charisteas was the first to reach him, ruffling his hair. Someone planted a kiss on his forehead, and Yang Yang couldn't help but laugh amidst the chaos. 

"Twenty-eight league goals for Yang Yang this season!" The commentator's voice brimmed with excitement. "Just one goal behind Dirk Kuyt now. What a fighter!" 

The cameras zoomed in on Yang Yang as he hugged each of his teammates, his gratitude evident in his expression. Without their support, he knew he wouldn't have made it this far. 

As they returned to their positions, Yang Yang clenched his fists, determination burning in his eyes. "There's still the second half," he said to himself. "I can score again." 

"Of course you can!" Sneijder grinned, overhearing him. "Even if you don't want to, we won't let you stop!" 

"Exactly!" Charisteas added with a mischievous smirk. "We'll keep feeding you chances until you bag a hat trick." 

Yang Yang chuckled but didn't respond. The thought of achieving his first Eredivisie hat trick stirred something inside him. He wasn't just fighting for the Golden Boot—he was fighting for his teammates, his club, and their shared dream of a league title. 

As the whistle signaled halftime, Yang Yang jogged off the pitch, surrounded by his teammates' unwavering support. The second half awaited, and with it, another opportunity to rise to the occasion.