Rashford raised his arms, about to celebrate, when he saw Gao Nuo fall. He immediately shouted for the team doctor in the direction of the bench. Ten Hag also quickly put away his waving fist and urgently called for the team doctor to come and check.
The first to react on the field was Ederson. He had clearly seen Gao Nuo hit the post. As soon as he landed, he quickly got up, moved to Gao Nuo's side, and flipped him over. He didn't care about the bleeding, and while putting his finger in Gao Nuo's mouth to hold down his tongue to prevent him from biting it, he shouted for help.
The players from Manchester United and Manchester City, who had reacted, gathered around Gao Nuo. At this moment, they put aside the match result and their rivalry, linking arms to form a human wall around Gao Nuo, shielding him from the broadcast cameras. The live director also appropriately zoomed out, trying to avoid exposing the players' privacy.
Fans in the stadium could only see the camera pan across the big screen, showing the faces of the players filled with disbelief and sadness. Antony and Casemiro even had tears in their eyes, clearly having seen Gao Nuo's condition.
In a live broadcast room on a certain platform, commentator Zhan Jun was very emotional: "We are currently unclear about Gao Nuo's condition. His teammates and opponents have formed a human wall blocking the camera, but we could see in the fleeting shot just now that Gao Nuo's head is bleeding. Judging by the reaction on the scene, Gao Nuo might have lost consciousness. The team doctor is examining him, and the stretcher is also running towards Gao Nuo. We hope our Chinese rising star is all right!"
The bullet comments from fans in the live broadcast room were uniformly praying for Gao Nuo.
As Gao Nuo was carried away on a stretcher, this intense Manchester Derby ended hastily. Manchester United won with a score of 4:3, thanks to Gao Nuo's last-minute, all-out effort.
At the post-match press conference, Ten Hag and Bruno Fernandes were interviewed.
Daily Report: "Hello, Ten Hag, may I ask about Gao Nuo's injury?"
Ten Hag: "I just received news from the hospital that Gao Nuo is conscious. Other conditions still require further examination, so I have no further comment."
Truth-Seeking Report: "Hello, Ten Hag, we saw a beautiful human wall form on the field in the final moments of the match. What are your thoughts on this?"
Ten Hag: "I am proud of all the players on the field. Life is greater than football, life is above all else. When a player's life and health are threatened, the outcome of the football match temporarily loses its meaning. Everyone's heart is focused on the player's health."
Three Days Two Reports: "Please, Bruno, evaluate Gao Nuo's performance."
Bruno: "I just want to say he has earned my respect. I'm sorry, I don't want to discuss Gao Nuo at this time. Please understand!"
...
In a hospital, Gao Nuo was undergoing a head examination. After regaining consciousness, he was completely disoriented. There was intense pain in his right eye socket. In a daze, he seemed to see Wang Qing crying like a mess, and the team doctor looking grave. Finally, he only remembered being pushed in a wheelchair for one examination after another.
The next morning, Manchester United News announced Gao Nuo's injury: a fractured eyebrow bone and a moderate concussion, requiring 2-4 weeks of rest. The injury was not severe, and Manchester United Football Club and the vast number of Chinese fans finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Gao Nuo temporarily dominated the front pages of the sports section. His brilliant performance of one goal and three assists in the Manchester Derby, as well as his bloody moment on the field, not only won the affection of more fans but also attracted the attention of more clubs.
Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen from the Bundesliga, Inter Milan from Serie A, and Newcastle United from the Premier League all expressed interest in Gao Nuo to Manchester United, hoping for further negotiations. Real Madrid Football Club from La Liga even directly submitted a transfer offer worth 40 million.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti greatly appreciated and loved Gao Nuo's enthusiasm in training and matches. What impressed Carlo Ancelotti even more was Gao Nuo's desire to win. This championship coach even proactively contacted the media, publicly stating his determination to acquire Gao Nuo.
...
The next morning, the first thing Gao Nuo saw upon waking was Wang Qing, who was sleeping by his hospital bed.
At this moment, Wang Qing's eyes were still a bit red and swollen, and her hair was messy. It looked like she hadn't rested much last night.
Gao Nuo didn't dare to make any sound, afraid of waking Wang Qing. He endured the dizziness and headache, watching Wang Qing while recalling the events of yesterday.
In yesterday's match, his last-minute goal should have been the winning shot against the opponent. Then, the next time he was conscious was waking up in the hospital. He remembered Wang Qing running around for him, and her tears.
During this time, Gao Nuo really enjoyed living with Wang Qing. She was not only intelligent but also had a delicate heart.
Whenever Gao Nuo felt tired or lost, Wang Qing would quickly notice and then use a few simple yet philosophical words to get straight to the root of the problem, easily bringing Gao Nuo back on track.
Looking at Wang Qing's slightly furrowed brows in her sleep, Gao Nuo felt both moved and pained. At this moment, his gaze towards Wang Qing became increasingly gentle.
"Ring, ring, ring~ Ring, ring, ring~" Wang Qing was woken by the phone ringing. As she fumbled to silence it, her eyes met Gao Nuo's. After a moment of stunned, a big smile bloomed on Wang Qing's face.
Confirming that she hadn't disturbed Gao Nuo, Wang Qing pressed the answer button, "Hello, Auntie, Gao Nuo is awake."
...
"Mm, okay. Are you and Uncle coming over?" While speaking, she cast an inquiring look at Gao Nuo. Seeing Gao Nuo shake his head, she continued.
"You two are busy. Gao Nuo's injury isn't serious; I'll take care of him."
...
"Don't worry, Auntie. Gao Nuo is so healthy. You two arrange your affairs first before coming over."
...
"It's no trouble. I really enjoy taking care of him. Okay, I'll have him video call you later. Bye, Auntie."
Wang Qing hung up the phone, looked at Gao Nuo and smiled, then started crying again. "Yesterday, your face was covered in blood. I was so scared."
It was an explanation, yet also a complaint. Without waiting for Gao Nuo to say anything, she got up to call the doctor.
Although Gao Nuo didn't hear what his mother said on the phone, when Wang Qing said she liked taking care of him, Gao Nuo was completely smitten. He liked this kind of gentle, flowing relationship where everything was so natural. That simple and unspoken understanding made him feel very comfortable and at ease.
...
After two days of observation in the hospital, Gao Nuo was discharged. He received notification from the club's team doctor that he would need at least 4 weeks of rest before starting rehabilitation training.
While recuperating at home, Gao Nuo received his reward for completing the mission: a designated star upgrade card.
Then, as he had planned long ago, he upgraded a beginner virtual coach to his idol, Brazilian star Neymar.
...