Ninety minutes passed, and Gao Nuo returned to the virtual space.
In the simulated match just now, Manchester United lost 2:3 to Real Madrid.
“Hoo—hoo—!”
“Gulp! Gulp!”
Gao Nuo took out the stamina potion he had saved up and drank it.
“Something’s wrong. Before, as soon as I drank a stamina potion, the feeling of fatigue would disappear.”
“Why isn’t it working today?”
“System! Did you glitch?”
A mechanical voice sounded, “host, Challenge Road has been upgraded. Virtual training has become meaningless, and virtual coaches, including previous virtual items, are all invalid.”
Gao Nuo was stunned for a long time before he reacted, “Aren’t you messing with me? So, I can’t train anymore?”
The system’s voice carried a hint of disdain, “Hasn’t the host noticed that training can no longer improve your attributes?”
Gao Nuo was speechless; he knew that, of course.
However, stamina potions were good stuff. Without them, the mechanism of unlimited uses would be wasted.
“Well, I can do without everything else, just leave me the stamina potions. There weren’t many left anyway.”
The system was not so humanized and said selflessly, “Please put away your little thoughts, host. One simulated match a day will already put a heavy mental burden on you.”
Gao Nuo thought about it; there was some truth to that.
Simulated matches were different from playing games; he needed to stay focused for 90 minutes.
If it wasn’t absolutely necessary, there was indeed no need to play matches desperately.
“Alright, then isn’t the remaining time wasted?”
This time, the system’s tone was calmer, “The host can act as a head coach for simulated matches, which will greatly help your tactical knowledge and tactical execution.”
Gao Nuo was a bit speechless. No wonder the system always made him learn tactical knowledge before.
Finally giving up the struggle, Gao Nuo said unenthusiastically, “Let’s look at the attributes. Are there any changes after completing the challenge?”
“host: Gao Nuo, 21 years old.
Height 192cm, Weight 89kg
Ball Control: 14
Passing: 14
Shooting: 16
Positioning: 15
First Touch: 14
Strength: 16
Stamina: 16
Speed: 18
Explosiveness: 19
Willpower: 18
Comprehension: 15
Decisiveness: 15
Concentration: 17
Teamwork: 16
Vision: 13
Leadership: 10
Maximum attribute value is 20. Other attributes are currently hidden attributes.”
After displaying the attributes, the system continued, “Vision reflects the host’s ability to find and exploit space on the field. Leadership reflects the host’s influence over other teammates on the field.”
Gao Nuo was a bit surprised, “Oh? Attributes have improved?”
“As for the improvement of the host’s attributes, according to the data collected by this system, this is already enough to become a top striker.”
Gao Nuo did not rush to be happy; he knew it wasn’t that simple.
Sure enough, the system continued, “Data is only an evaluation of the host. In gaming terms, there are many players with high scores but low ability. Many factors affect the host’s performance, please pay attention to comprehensive improvement.”
Gao Nuo was already accustomed to the system’s philosophy, “Okay, okay, then I won’t be idle either. Simulated coach, I’ll try being a head coach too.”
Seizing the last bit of time, Gao Nuo imagined himself as Erik ten Hag, trying to deal with Real Madrid in the simulation.
The next morning, Gao Nuo woke up at 10 AM, having been busy all night yesterday.
Clearly, he was not yet a “head coach.”
In the subsequent two simulations, under Gao Nuo’s command, the virtual Real Madrid won two consecutive matches, 4:0 and 5:1.
Li Qiang’s phone call interrupted Gao Nuo’s dispirited mood.
“Xiao Nuo, are you awake?”
“Yes, Qiang Ge, I’m up. What’s wrong?”
“Real Madrid contacted me again.”
“Qiang Ge, didn’t we agree that all transfer matters would be discussed after the Champions League Final?”
“I didn’t want to either, but this offer is a bit exaggerated. Real Madrid requested my reply by today.”
“What’s going on? They have such a demand?”
“Just listen. Five-year contract, weekly salary of 350,000 euros, signing bonus of 40 million euros, appearance fee of 100,000 euros, substitute not playing 50,000 euros, goal bonus of 77,000 euros.”
Li Qiang recited the offer in one breath, paused, his tone a bit nervous.
“They also promised me 10 million euros in agent fees.”
Gao Nuo detected the unusual tone in Li Qiang’s voice and couldn’t help but laugh out loud.
“Haha, what’s wrong, Qiang Ge? Tempted?”
“Nonsense, how could I not be tempted? This money is enough for me to retire on the spot.”
“Haha, then what do you say? Why not just agree?”
“Xiao Nuo, no more jokes. This is a big deal for you. Although from an agent’s perspective, it’s not just about money; Real Madrid’s influence is no less than Manchester United’s, and their fan base is better, which will help boost your international influence.”
Li Qiang’s voice became calm again.
“However, the final decision is still yours. I will support your decision.”
Gao Nuo also became serious, “Okay, thank you, Qiang Ge. Reply directly that I need to consider it, and everything will be discussed after the match.”
Li Qiang breathed a sigh of relief. Dealing with such a large contract for the first time was indeed not an easy task.
“Okay, prepare well these two days. Domestic fans are going crazy, just waiting for you to win the championship.”
“Hahaha, I want to too. I’ll do my best and leave the rest to fate.”
The two chatted for a few more sentences before hanging up.
There are 3 days left until the Champions League Final.
Gao Nuo woke up refreshed.
Yesterday’s simulated match ended in a 2:2 draw with Real Madrid.
The two simulated coach matches were still all losses.
But this did not affect Gao Nuo’s state.
This was the second day without virtual training, and Gao Nuo felt extremely relaxed.
As the saying goes: To enjoy glory in public, one must suffer in private!
Becoming a hot star in three years.
Behind it was Gao Nuo’s relentless training, day and night. Only he knew how much hardship he endured.
Simulated coach did not require Gao Nuo to play himself. Compared to other modes, it was more like playing a game.
From a bird’s-eye view.
Gao Nuo diligently learned every tactic and carefully observed his teammates’ performance.
The novel perspective gave him many different insights into the game.
“Xiao Nuo, stop looking at your phone and eat breakfast first.”
Wang Qing brought breakfast to the bedside and, seeing Gao Nuo pick up his phone, quickly said.
“Huh? Is something wrong?”
They were too familiar; Gao Nuo knew Wang Qing was hiding something from him.
It must be news, as he only used his phone to check the news.
“Oh, you’re so annoying! I was afraid it would affect you, so just look at it yourself.”
Wang Qing secretly rejoiced that Gao Nuo understood her so well.
While playfully complaining, she shoved a tuna sandwich into Gao Nuo’s mouth.
“Mmm, slow down, I’ve only done it a few times.”
Gao Nuo mumbled indistinctly, picking up his phone with curiosity.