We Still Love You!

Time flies, and before he knew it, it was time for Zhang Xu to return to his team. With just over ten days until the New Year, he had to bid a regretful farewell to his parents and hurriedly board the plane back to Belgium.

On January 10, 2012, Zhang Xu returned to Belgium, to the Woluwe region, and to the White Star Club.

"Take a look at the contract!" In Philip's office, Gill and Sheffield United's assistant coach Alan sat opposite Zhang Xu, handing him a contract.

Zhang Xu opened the contract and went through it page by page. Understanding contracts was no difficult task for a super scholar like him. So, about ten minutes later, he closed the contract and closed his eyes to ponder.

The contract positioned Zhang Xu as a key player for the team, not particularly high but not low either. Going any higher would mean becoming an indispensable player, and Zhang Xu was aware he wasn't at that level yet.

Being a key player would allow Zhang Xu to participate in most of the games, which was enough for him as he had studies to attend to and might not make every game.

The special talent slot was, of course, included, which was essential for him to play in various competitions.

A weekly salary of 2,000 pounds was above average for the team.

The contract was for three years, from 2012 to 2015. Zhang Xu initially wanted only two years, but Sheffield United insisted on three. He thought about it and agreed since he wouldn't stay long with Sheffield United anyway. With the system's help and his own hard training, his abilities would undoubtedly improve quickly. By then, he'd have plenty of teams looking for him. He was confident about that.

A match fee of 300 pounds, a goal bonus of 1,000 pounds, and an assist bonus of 800 pounds were also decent conditions.

Overall, Zhang Xu was satisfied with the contract. So, when he opened his eyes, he smiled at Alan and Gill and extended his right hand, saying, "No problem, I think I'll be reporting to Bramall Lane soon!"

"Ha-ha, Sheffield United welcomes you, Zhang!" Alan stood up excitedly, laughing and shaking hands with Zhang Xu.

After finalizing the contract, there were only two things Zhang Xu had to do: say goodbye to coach Mazu and his teammates and bid farewell to the fans who loved him, and of course, also to the James couple.

Saying goodbye to coach Mazu and teammates was simple. Zhang Xu left Philip's office and walked with him toward the team's training ground.

Soon, Zhang Xu saw coach Mazu training the team on the field, along with his sweat-drenched teammates.

"Hi, Zhang, congratulations on successfully joining Sheffield United with a transfer fee of 500,000 euros!" Mazu smiled and sincerely congratulated Zhang Xu on his transfer as he and Philip approached.

"Thank you, Mr. Mazu!" Zhang Xu bowed to Mazu: "Thank you for taking me in and training me! This place is the starting point of my journey to the professional leagues, so it's very important to me!"

"Ha-ha, very good!" Although Mazu was reluctant to let Zhang Xu go, it was a done deal, so he didn't dwell on it. Getting such high praise and sincere gratitude from Zhang Xu made Mazu very happy.

"Zhang, I should thank you too!" Mazu chuckled: "You've earned the club 500,000 euros in just six months, enough to buy several decent players in the market, ha-ha!"

After that, Mazu pointed to the players on the field and told Zhang Xu, "Go say goodbye to your teammates, they're all envious, jealous, and hateful of your transfer to Sheffield United!"

"Alright, Mr. Mazu!" After another bow of gratitude, Zhang Xu headed towards his teammates on the field.

"Hi, our 'Iron Gate' is back, I hear you've reached an agreement with Sheffield United?" Driss was the first to spot Zhang Xu. As he approached, he shouted loudly.

Immediately, teammates turned their heads and crowded around, bombarding Zhang Xu with questions about his transfer.

As coach Mazu said, seeing Zhang Xu transfer to Sheffield United after just half a year with the team, it's normal for the teammates to have mixed feelings.

"Zhang, congratulations!" Henry looked at the beaming Zhang Xu with complex eyes, suddenly feeling the urge to leave the team and look for opportunities.

"Ha-ha, Zhang, your success makes us very envious. I think you should compensate us for our injured hearts, right?"

"Yeah, yeah, why don't you treat us to Chinese food? I still remember it vividly from last time!"

"Right, right, Chinese food is amazing! That's it!"

"Okay! Brothers, I'll satisfy your request. Tonight, let's all go to the Bamboo Garden a Chinese restaurant not far from the club. My treat!" Zhang Xu, happy at heart, naturally couldn't mistreat his caring teammates and thus extended the group invitation.

"Great!" "Awesome!" "Ha-ha, robbing the rich to help the poor!"

Mazu watched Zhang Xu joking and laughing with his teammates, sighed, and thought, such a good player and he could only watch him leave. It was hard for anyone.

"Alright, old pal," Philip patted Mazu's shoulder, consoling, "Don't sigh. Zhang Xu grew up from our hands, and you wouldn't want your disciple to stay in your small and semi-professional club forever, would you? Besides, if Zhang Xu becomes a world-class star one day, we'll also share the glory!"

"Right, right, that's all I can think of now! I wish him all the best on his future path!" Mazu shook his head, somewhat dejectedly turned away, and left the training ground.

That night, Zhang Xu invited all members of the club, even the gatekeeper, Uncle Rutherford, to the Bamboo Garden Chinese restaurant. Everyone related to Zhang Xu was there.

Zhang Xu looked around at so many familiar faces, got excited, and started toasting everyone he knew, whether they had helped him or not, whether they were close or not. In the end, he successfully got himself drunk.

The next day, the club bid farewell to Zhang Xu.

First, a press conference was held, announcing Zhang Xu's official departure from the White Star and joining Sheffield United.

At the press conference, Zhang Xu started by bowing to all the fans to express two sentiments: gratitude for the support and care from all fans, whether they liked him or not, and apology for having to leave White Star mid-season.

After the press conference, with the coaches and teammates watching, Zhang Xu, backpack slung over his shoulder, boarded Alan and Gill's car.

Zhang Xu looked back at the coaches and teammates at the club's entrance, his eyes gradually reddening, tears starting to well up. He wiped away the tears and waved one last time before quietly sitting back in his seat.

"Zhang, don't be sad. When you have the chance, come back and visit them!" Gill comforted Zhang Xu in a low voice.

"Okay!" Zhang Xu didn't look up, simply responding.

Gill and Alan exchanged glances, feeling quite emotional. They had seen many players leave clubs, but like today's tearful farewell, it was a first for them.

From this touching scene, it's clear that Zhang Xu is a passionate and sincere person, and also indirectly shows that Zhang Xu indeed possesses a unique personal charm!

Alan was relieved that such a loyal and promising player like Zhang Xu was a treasure for any team, especially one with infinite potential and rapid improvement like him!

Alan even planned to suggest the club expedite the special talent application and let Zhang Xu debut as soon as possible after getting back.

After leaving the club, Zhang Xu went to the James couple's house.

Before he even got out of the car, Zhang Xu was stunned by the scene in front of him.

Hundreds of fans quietly stood on the street in front of the James couple's house, many holding various signs with touching phrases like "Wishing Chinese Zhang a smooth journey!" and "Zhang, even if you leave, we still love you."

Zhang Xu's just-calmed emotions were stirred once again. He got out of the car, approached the fans, and tried to speak but couldn't say a word.

The James couple stood at the forefront of the crowd. They patted Zhang Xu's shoulder and managed a forced smile: "Zhang, we heard you're leaving White Star soon, so everyone came to see you off! Thank you for your contributions to the White Star this half season, and we wish you a smooth journey and a bright future!"

"Yes! Zhang, take care! We still love you!"

"Zhang, you'll always be our White Star's - Iron Gate Zhang!"

"Zhang!" "Xu!"

"Zhang!" "Xu!"

"Zhang!" "Xu!"

Initially, only one fan was shouting Zhang Xu's name. Then the second, third, fourth... Eventually, countless fans were loudly chanting Zhang Xu's name over and over again.

Tears immediately streamed down Zhang Xu's face. Overwhelmed with emotion, he couldn't utter a word. In the end, all he could do was step back, bow deeply to the James couple and all the fans, and remain bowed for a long time...