Gao Nuo looked worried. "System? What's going on?"
The System's voice was no longer mechanical; although its gender couldn't be distinguished, it was clear and pleasant.
"host, there's not much more I can do for you. To conserve energy, I will enter a dormant state. Please make good use of the simulation mode. I will leave energy behind, and for 15 years, the ability values of active players will continue to update."
Gao Nuo was anxious. "Why are you going dormant? You're so unreliable!"
The System continued to explain, "My main body needs to find the next host to help him achieve his dream. So, you are not the first, and you will not be the last!"
Gao Nuo was shocked. "Main body? Aren't you just data? What do you mean by that?"
The System laughed. This was the first time Gao Nuo had heard the System laugh. "Hehe, I am a higher life form. You wouldn't understand if I told you. You just need to know that I have existed for countless years, helping countless people achieve their dreams."
"Human dreams are truly diverse: there are soldier kings, divine doctors, celebrities, writers, so many."
"However, I must say, you are the most talented child I have ever seen. In just three years, you have already received the ultimate mission."
"The shortest previous record was four years and three months. You should be familiar with him; his name is Ronaldo."
"If I could, I would like to stay with you for a while longer, but I am sorry, I have my own rules."
"Gao Nuo, the energy I left is sufficient. You can continue to use my functions after completing the mission. You are the first host to receive such treatment."
"There's no time left. Goodbye, Gao Nuo."
The System's voice ended, and Gao Nuo stood alone in the System space for a very long time, just as on the first day he encountered the System, everything was so unbelievable.
Coming back to his senses, Gao Nuo tried to communicate with the System again, but there was no response. Gao Nuo didn't even have time to say goodbye to it.
"Gao? What's wrong?"
Michael Carrick's voice startled Gao Nuo awake.
A few days had passed, and Gao Nuo had to accept reality: the System had entered his life, then left his life.
All he could do was silently accept it, which made him feel both sad and helpless.
Shaking his head, Gao Nuo regained his composure.
Unsolvable problems would remain unsolved. Gao Nuo began to reconsider Michael Carrick's question.
"Future plans? Boss, I need to think about it some more. I've been going through some things lately, and it's been a bit troublesome for me."
Michael Carrick breathed a sigh of relief. This answer was neither good nor bad; at the very least, Gao Nuo had no plans to leave.
"No problem, this is not something to decide lightly. You should consider it carefully." Michael Carrick paused, "However, I want to tell you that I hope to develop you as Manchester United's absolute core."
Gao Nuo believed this wasn't a lie, but one man, one city—this would mean betting his entire professional career, betting the rest of Gao Nuo's life.
After much deliberation, Gao Nuo still did not give an answer.
Leaving Michael Carrick's office, Gao Nuo walked to Old Trafford stadium, sat on the grass, and deep down, still couldn't believe that the System had left his life just like that.
Time is a great healer, and Gao Nuo cherished the daily simulated matches even more.
Unfortunately, the mechanical voice was no longer in the System space.
In October 2025, Manchester United soared with Gao Nuo's inexplicable anger.
Three consecutive victories in the Premier League.
Two big wins in the Champions League.
Gao Nuo played the full 90 minutes in all five matches, scoring eight goals.
His brilliant performance made Michael Carrick value Gao Nuo even more.
On October 28, 2025, in the fourth round of the English League Cup, Gao Nuo finally vented his anger and voluntarily requested a rest.
A heavily rotated Manchester United still showed no mercy to their opponent, Reading, who conceded four goals at home, helplessly watching Manchester United advance to the next round.
On November 1, 2025, in the Premier League, Manchester United hosted Sheffield United.
This ordinary League match was eagerly anticipated by China Team fans because of two names.
On the China Team live broadcast poster, Gao Nuo and Wang Xiaochuan were positioned on either side. This was the first time Gao Nuo faced a National Football Team teammate in the Premier League.
A China Team derby caused Wang Xiaochuan's fan base to surge.
"Hello, viewers and friends, this is Zhan Jun and Zhang bringing you the Premier League live broadcast."
"Today's match is a bit special. I believe viewers and friends are no strangers to Gao Nuo."
"As the new captain of the China Team, Gao Nuo performed heroically in October, helping Manchester United achieve a perfect record."
"Promoted team Sheff Utd has China Team player Wang Xiaochuan, who just joined this summer."
"Wang Xiaochuan is Gao Nuo's National Football Team teammate, and the two once participated in Manchester United's training camp together."
"Last season, Wang Xiaochuan played in League Two, and with his excellent performance, he was signed by the promoted team Sheff Utd."
"It is said that Wang Xiaochuan's overseas career was also through Gao Nuo's help. We hope that in this match, both China Team players can deliver splendid performances."
As Zhan Jun's introduction concluded, the match officially began.
The live stream's bullet comments were already heating up.
"Sheff Utd knows football! Wang Xiaochuan is starting!"
"Nice, nice, I didn't expect to see a China Team derby in the Premier League."
"Hahaha, Gao Nuo has been on a rampage lately. I wonder if Wang Xiaochuan can handle it."
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"Did you watch the World Cup qualifiers? Wang Xiaochuan's passes to Gao Nuo were pretty good!"
"I watched it. The moment Wang Xiaochuan got the ball, his first thought was to find Gao Nuo. The chemistry!"
"I'm not kidding, I was even afraid Wang Xiaochuan would just pass the ball directly to Gao Nuo."
In the 22nd minute of the match, Manchester United attacked, with left-back Alejandro Balde advancing with the ball.
Rice moved closer to the center to receive, and Rashford put pressure on the opponent's wing.
Facing these two conventional options, Alejandro Balde found a different path.
He had just crossed the midfield line, and the opponents hadn't even rushed up yet.
Alejandro Balde suddenly shot, sending a half-volley into the penalty area.
The ball flew over 40 meters, still at a high speed.
Gao Nuo shook off a defender and burst into the penalty area.
Then, using his back to hold off another defender, the ball hit the outside of Gao Nuo's left leg, still bouncing towards the goal.
Gao Nuo reacted quickly, jumping forward, extending his left foot as far as possible, and lightly poked the ball.
It was this slight change in direction that made Sheff Utd's goalkeeper dive in the wrong direction.
Gao Nuo scored, and Manchester United led 1-0.
Trailing Sheff Utd was not anxious. The strength gap with Manchester United was not small, and dealing with being behind was something they had prepared for before the match.
Sheff Utd's defense became more active and their positioning more disciplined. Although they didn't show much in attack, they managed to stabilize the situation well.
Gao Nuo's goal was not surprising. For a striker averaging more than one goal per game, even a hat-trick would only draw applause.
Wang Xiaochuan, playing for Sheff Utd, was the surprising presence today.
Facing Manchester United's three top-class midfielders, the suppression in terms of strength did not make Wang Xiaochuan timid.
Whether it was passing, receiving, or defending, Wang Xiaochuan displayed the standard of a Premier League-level player.
Many netizens in the live stream didn't pay attention to the National Football Team's matches, so they didn't know about Wang Xiaochuan before.
After seeing Wang Xiaochuan's performance on the field for the first time, netizens were a bit surprised.
"This Wang Xiaochuan plays well!"
"Yeah, he just intercepted Bruno, it startled me."
"It's alright. Although his passing is decent, his accuracy is good, and his defense is active. It just feels like he's a bit thin."
"I heard this Wang Xiaochuan has a good relationship with Gao Nuo. Last season, the two of them often trained together."
"Holy cow, does that mean Gao Nuo also played a part in this?"
"Damn it, in recent years, the National Football Team actually has some decent young players."
"Next time there's a National Football Team match, I'll go watch it too."
This match, in the minds of most viewers, held no suspense.
Indeed, that was the case.
In the 38th minute of the match, Manchester United won a free kick in the attacking third.
Bruno Fernandes took a direct shot from 28 meters out.
Sheff Utd's goalkeeper performed brilliantly, leaping to punch the ball away.
The ball flew back to midfield, landing at Rice's feet, who took a long-range shot, sending the ball towards the goal again.
Sheff Utd's goalkeeper could not withstand the test.
The ball went into the net, and Manchester United led 2-0.
At the end of the first half, Gao Nuo specifically sought out Wang Xiaochuan as they walked towards the player tunnel.
The two conversed in Chinese.
"Chuan Ge, you played well today!"
"I'm not like you; it's not easy for me to start a match, so I have to seize the opportunity!"
"Haha, there's still time in the second half. Remember to conserve your energy."
"Speaking of energy, it's been a long time since I've eaten Wang Qing's cooking. I feel like my stamina has gotten worse."
"If you weren't going straight back after the match, we could have eaten together tonight."
The sight of the two chatting and laughing was broadcast live, bringing joy to China Team fans, who naturally kept their hands busy.
"Hahaha, look at their height difference. Gao Nuo's neck is almost breaking from bending down."
"It's so rare! This is the Premier League, and we're seeing two Chinese people whispering to each other."
"Ever since Gao Nuo became famous, why does it feel like Chinese players are getting stronger and stronger!"
"Isn't it? Now Chinese football is finally not being cursed by everyone."
"What do you mean cursed by everyone? Out of 100 people who curse the National Football Team, 90 don't even watch football; they just like to follow along and curse."
"The National Football Team is underperforming, so cursing them is understandable, but I just don't understand why some people curse Gao Nuo."
"Keyboard in hand, the world is mine! There are quite a few people cursing Gao Nuo, isn't it just to gain some attention?"
"Alright, it's good that some people are cursing. At least it proves that some people are still paying attention to the National Football Team. Negative attention is still attention. Everyone, let's move on."