Chapter 119

It was already afternoon when Yang Yang's flight landed in Amsterdam. 

The journey had been smooth, without any interruptions. However, as soon as he stepped off the plane, a few fans quickly recognized him. Even the flight attendants were eager for photos and autographs, and Yang Yang, as polite and accommodating as ever, graciously fulfilled their requests. 

Given the confidential nature of his travel plans, no one had anticipated Yang Yang's early return to the Netherlands, especially right after the Asian Cup final. As a result, there was no official fanfare awaiting him at the airport. But despite the lack of a formal reception, word spread fast among the passengers and those picking up loved ones at the terminal. Soon, a small crowd of fans gathered, excited to catch a glimpse of the rising star. 

Once Yang Yang finally made it outside the airport and slid into his uncle Shen Ming's car, he felt a wave of relief wash over him. 

Shen Ming, who had always been a proud uncle, was beaming even more than usual. His nephew had exceeded all expectations this summer. 

Who would have predicted that Yang Yang, at just 17 years old, would lead China to its first-ever Asian Cup victory? Not only that, but his brilliant performances throughout the tournament had earned him the prestigious title of the Asian Cup's Best Player. His accomplishments had not only reverberated throughout Asia but had made headlines even in faraway Europe, with the Dutch media competing to cover his extraordinary rise. 

One could only imagine the waves his success was making back home in China. 

"Why did you come back so early? I thought you'd at least take a few days off after everything," Shen Ming asked, his voice filled with both pride and concern. 

Yang Yang smiled warmly at his uncle. "I did think about taking some time off, and Ajax gave me up to a week's vacation. But then, I figured it's better to come back early and get into the rhythm of the new season. I also heard the club's made some signings during the summer transfer window." 

He had felt it during the Asian Cup – after a period of peak form, there was a natural dip in his performance. It was nothing alarming, just a sign that his body was recalibrating after the intense matches. Overall, he still felt in good shape, and with the Eredivisie season looming, Yang Yang knew that staying focused on his preparation would ease the transition back to league football. 

While many players used the summer break to relax and recharge, Yang Yang had made a conscious decision to maintain his training routine. Every single day, he was out on the pitch or in the gym, honing his craft. That dedication, more than anything, was the source of his confidence. 

"You push yourself too hard, Yang Yang," Shen Ming said, his voice filled with a tinge of concern. To him, Yang was like a son, and the relentless drive sometimes worried him. 

Yang Yang simply smiled, shaking his head. He didn't see it that way. Was it tough? Sure. There were sacrifices—he couldn't indulge in food and drink like others, nor could he afford to take prolonged breaks. But he had grown accustomed to this lifestyle. 

Hard work had become second nature to him. 

During his time back in China, Yang Yang noticed a stark difference between himself and many of his domestic teammates. Despite their comfortable salaries and the high expectations placed on them, many lacked the discipline necessary to reach the next level. Their training wasn't as intense, and their diets and routines were often neglected. 

But Yang Yang couldn't allow himself to slip into such complacency. 

He knew the dangers of comfort. Once you started indulging in it, it could chip away at your determination, erode your drive, and dull the edge that set you apart. 

His teammate, Zheng Zhi, had once said that it took a great deal of courage for Chinese players to succeed abroad. At first, Yang Yang didn't fully grasp what he meant, but over time, it became clear. 

Leaving behind the comforts of home to challenge oneself in a foreign land, especially in the world of European football, required immense bravery. It wasn't just about talent or hard work – it was about stepping into the unknown and daring to dream big. 

Fortunately for Yang Yang, he had never known comfort. Since his debut, he had been constantly pushing boundaries, facing new challenges, and embracing the uncertainty that came with it. That's what had gotten him to this point. 

He understood now that if he allowed himself to grow complacent, to embrace ease and comfort, his career's trajectory would change dramatically—and not for the better. 

... 

... 

After being away for two months, Yang Yang felt a sense of comfort as he returned to his familiar surroundings at Oude Kerk. It was like a wanderer finally finding his way back home. 

The car stopped in front of the house, and Wei Zheng, along with Shen Yuzhu, helped Yang Yang carry his luggage inside. They stayed for a short while, chatting about catching up later over dinner, before leaving for their respective commitments. 

With only one aunt running the nearby Chinese restaurant, the place felt unusually quiet. It was clear that things were busier than usual there. 

Back in his room, Yang Yang unpacked his bags, checking the time before sending a quick text to his roommate, Thomas Vermaelen, letting him know that he had arrived home. Vermaelen was still at training, but Yang Yang asked him to pick up a few groceries on his way back, planning to cook dinner that evening. 

A few days earlier, Vermaelen had proudly called Yang Yang to boast about learning how to drive, declaring himself a competent driver. It amused Yang Yang, as he hadn't been home for months, and he could only imagine how quiet the kitchen must have been in his absence. No one in the house had likely cooked a single meal for the entire two months he was away. 

Once, the four of them—Yang Yang, Vermaelen, Ibrahimović, and Maxwell—had shared meals regularly, a tight-knit group of friends. But now, with Ibrahimović off to Juventus in Italy, only Yang Yang, Vermaelen, and Maxwell remained at Ajax. Even Maxwell, the talented Brazilian left-back, was rumored to be leaving, with interest from multiple clubs, including Real Madrid. With Roberto Carlos nearing the end of his prime, Los Galacticos were actively seeking fresh talent. 

Yang Yang had been away from the club's facilities for months, and although staff came to clean periodically, he decided it was time for a proper cleaning before the team reconvened for the new season. He rolled up his sleeves and got to work. 

After he had busied himself with cleaning the house, he heard a knock at the door. To his surprise, it wasn't just Vermaelen and Maxwell who showed up. Sneijder, De Jong, and Wesley Sonck had all come along as well, eager to welcome their teammate back. 

"Hey, why are you all here?" Yang Yang asked, pleasantly surprised. 

The group greeted him warmly, clearly thrilled to see him back. One by one, they stepped forward to say hello. 

"We've been waiting for our new Asian champion!" Sneijder grinned. 

"Exactly! You've been all over the Dutch media for days," De Jong added, patting Yang Yang on the back. 

"I didn't play too well in the Amsterdam Invitational," Sonck chimed in with a laugh, "and you totally stole the spotlight!" 

"You don't know this yet, but fans have been waiting for you outside of Detok Most," Vermaelen said, shaking his head. "I'm seriously jealous." 

"Jealous?" Yang Yang raised an eyebrow. 

"Yeah, man!" De Jong smirked. "Especially since most of those fans are girls, and some of them are pretty cute." 

Sonck chuckled and nudged Vermaelen, "I don't have a girlfriend yet. Why isn't anyone paying attention to me?" 

"Because you look ugly," Sneijder teased, causing everyone to burst into laughter. 

After so long apart, the camaraderie and joking around were exactly what Yang Yang needed. The Ajax squad was still young, with most of the players in their early twenties, and their bond had grown stronger with each passing season. Even though competition for spots was intense, their relationships off the pitch remained close. 

Yang Yang smiled, knowing that his teammates came by out of genuine affection. "Alright, since I'm back, I'll cook for everyone tonight." 

The group erupted in cheers, more than happy to stay for dinner. Yang Yang's cooking had become a bit of a legend among the squad. While not at a chef's level, his meals were always good enough to impress. 

As Yang Yang prepared dinner in the kitchen, the rest of the team relaxed in the living room. Some were playing video games, others were huddled around the foosball table, while a few argued over a card game. The house was filled with laughter and lighthearted banter. 

Once dinner was ready, everyone crowded around the table, though there weren't enough seats for everyone. They didn't seem to mind, standing and eating while playfully jostling for space. Maxwell leaned over and whispered a warning to keep the noise down, so the neighbors wouldn't complain. 

After the meal, as the atmosphere calmed down, Yang Yang turned his attention to the current situation within the team. "So, what's been happening while I was away?" he asked. 

Vermaelen, sensing the conversation had turned more serious, jumped in. "Zlatan's off to Juventus. The deal was done for 25 million euros, but you probably know that. What you might not know is Trabelsi went to Juventus too—for 20 million euros." 

Yang Yang's eyebrows shot up. "Wait, what? How did Trabelsi end up at Juventus? I thought he was set to go to Arsenal?" 

"That's what we all thought," Maxwell said. "There were rumors he was about to sign with Arsenal. He even went to London for a medical, but in the end, they couldn't agree on the transfer fee, and Van Eden shut it down." 

Vermaelen nodded. "Juventus came in hard with the money. They're spending big right now, and Ajax couldn't say no to 20 million euros." 

Yang Yang leaned back, absorbing the information. "I heard Rafael van der Vaart went to Real Madrid too, instead of Barcelona?" 

"Yep, 25 million euros," Maxwell confirmed. "Barcelona wanted him, but Rijkaard's been hesitant about signing too many Dutch players. He's been leaning more toward building the team around Brazilians, especially with Ronaldinho being their focal point." 

"Yeah, and Rijkaard had to be careful with the whole 'Dutch experiment' not working out in recent years," Vermaelen added. "So Van der Vaart ended up at Real Madrid instead." 

Yang Yang sighed. "And what about Escudé? Didn't he go to Real Madrid too?" 

"Yeah, for 15 million euros," Maxwell replied. "Then you've got Lobont going to Fiorentina for 10 million, Litmanen back to Finland, Van Damme to Southampton, Pasanen to Portsmouth, and even Yakubu's been loaned out to Vitesse." 

Vermaelen shook his head. "It's crazy. Half the team's been sold or loaned out this summer." 

Yang Yang felt a wave of uncertainty. With so many familiar faces leaving, the upcoming season would be full of new challenges. He'd have to adapt to new teammates, new tactics, and new dynamics on the pitch. 

Maxwell saw the concern on Yang Yang's face and smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, you're not going anywhere. Your spot in the first team is safe." 

Yang Yang chuckled, but there was still an edge to his voice. "Yeah, but I'm not just thinking about keeping my spot. I want to be a leader on the pitch this season." 

Vermaelen nodded. "With the way you've been playing, there's no doubt you'll step up." 

As the evening wound down, Yang Yang's mind raced with thoughts of the new season. With the squad changing so rapidly, it would be a test of not just his skills, but his ability to lead and adapt.