Capítulo 21: Most Valuable
[Drop some powers, leave a comment or review if you want and enjoy the chapter, trying to hit 200 power stones this week]
...
At 5:30 in the afternoon, after wrapping up the team's one-day training, Tristan hopped on his bicycle and pedaled away from the Belvoir base. The crisp evening air felt refreshing against his skin, invigorating him after a long session on the pitch. As he navigated through the familiar streets of Leicester, he encountered a group of enthusiastic fans once again.
This scene had become almost routine over the past month, a reflection of his rising popularity within the club. With a warm smile, he stopped to sign autographs and pose for a few photos, enjoying the fleeting moments of connection with supporters who looked up to him. After sharing some laughs and receiving words of encouragement, he waved goodbye and rode home, humming a little tune, his spirits high.
"I'm back!" Tristan called out as he pushed the door open, a smile breaking across his face at the welcoming atmosphere inside. The rich aroma of his mother Julia's cooking wafted through the air, filling the home with warmth and comfort.
"Wash your hands and eat!" Julia instructed, her voice full of cheer as she set the table laden with sumptuous dishes.
"Okay!" he replied, eagerly making his way to the bathroom. After a quick wash, he joined his parents at the dining table, the family gathered together, sharing laughter and stories as they enjoyed their meal.
Once they finished, they lingered at the table, savoring the moment. The soft light illuminated their faces, creating a cozy atmosphere. It was Julia who broke the comfortable silence.
"Tristan, have you thought about how to use this £50,000?" she asked, her tone casual but with an underlying seriousness.
Tristan, feeling satisfied and a bit drowsy from the delicious food, rubbed his round belly and replied without raising his head, "I haven't thought about it. You can buy whatever you want, no need to tell me."
As soon as he spoke, Julia's smile faded, replaced by a look of determination. "That won't do! This is the money you earned. How can we just spend it without discussing it?"
Tristan was taken aback by her strong reaction. He knew this money was significant, but in his mind, the love and effort his parents had invested in raising him were priceless. "Mom, if I don't spend the money I earn on you and Dad, who else can I spend it on?"
Julia's eyes softened, yet she pressed on. "You should treat yourself sometimes! Enjoy the fruits of your labor."
Tristan chuckled lightly, "What, like flowers? I'm a footballer, not a florist!"
Julia's gaze was unwavering. "Actually, your father and I have talked and decided to use part of that money to buy you a car."
"A car?" Tristan echoed, slightly bewildered.
"Yes! You're riding a bicycle to and from the base. It takes too much time, and honestly, it's not safe on the roads," she said, her tone laced with concern.
"But I don't have a driver's license!" he protested.
"You can take the exam. You'll have to get it sooner or later anyway," she insisted, a note of finality in her voice.
Realizing his protests were falling on deaf ears, Tristan glanced at his father, Ling, who was sitting quietly next to Julia. An idea sparked in his mind. "Speaking of buying a car, hasn't Dad's Volkswagen been driven for six or seven years now? Isn't it time for an upgrade?"
Ling snapped to attention, a bewildered expression crossing his face. "Huh? Why am I involved in this?"
Tristan's suggestion hung in the air for a moment before Julia nodded, "That's true. The Volkswagen has served us well, but it does have its issues."
Ling, who worked as a financial accountant, considered this carefully. "It's not like we can afford a luxury car. We should be sensible about it."
"Absolutely," Tristan reassured him. "Let's prioritize your needs first. After we decide on a new car for you, I'll apply for my driver's license. Once I pass, I can get a car that suits my needs."
After some back-and-forth discussion, they agreed that his dad would be the first to receive a new car. As for the remaining money, they decided it was best to save it for future needs, adopting the mindset that having some savings would alleviate worries down the line.
As Tristan sat back, feeling a sense of relief, he realized that this small celebration was more than just about money. It was about family, support, and the simple joy of sharing milestones together.
In that moment, he felt grateful—not just for the money or the contract, but for the love and dedication that had brought him to this point in his life. With a smile on his face, he leaned back in his chair, feeling content with the path ahead.
...
January 29th.
Leicester City entered the 28th round of the league with an away match against Birmingham City, a team struggling in the lower mid-table. For Tristan, who had just renewed his contract with the club, this match marked a significant milestone: it was his first start in the Championship League for Leicester City!
With the recent FA Cup match still fresh in everyone's mind, and given Birmingham's weaker status, manager Nigel Pearson decided to rotate the starting lineup. Even with the changes, under Tristan's leadership, Leicester City confidently secured three points at St. Andrew's Stadium.
The match kicked off with an electric atmosphere. As the game progressed, it became clear that Tristan was eager to make his mark. In the 25th minute, he showcased his exceptional vision and passing ability, threading a perfect through ball to Chris Wood, who made a well-timed run into the box. Tristan's pass split the defense and found Wood perfectly, allowing him to slot the ball past the keeper for his first goal of the season. The stadium erupted in cheers as Tristan raised his arms in celebration, a smile spreading across his face.
As the match continued, Tristan remained a focal point in Leicester's attacking plays, displaying excellent control and creativity. He was everywhere on the pitch, tirelessly working to support his teammates and orchestrate the flow of the game. His performance was rewarded when he was given a game rating of 8.5, reflecting his impactful contribution.
In the 70th minute, with Leicester leading 2-0, Pearson opted to substitute three key players, including Tristan. While he left the pitch to applause from the fans and his teammates, he knew he had played a crucial role in this victory.
That evening, as the team bus rolled back to Leicester, Tristan decided to treat his first-team teammates to dinner at a Chinese restaurant called "Ju Fu," a place his mother adored. This restaurant specialized in Hunan cuisine, renowned for its authenticity and flavorful, spicy dishes.
As they settled in, the atmosphere was lively with laughter and chatter. Tristan felt a wave of satisfaction as he watched his teammates dive into the food, despite the spicy heat making some of them gasp. "Who knew you'd scream like a baby over spice?" Mahrez teased, wiping sweat from his brow. Vardy, unable to contain his amusement, chimed in, "What's the matter, pretty boy? Can't handle the heat?"
Tristan laughed along, enjoying the banter. The cost of the meal, a whopping £400, didn't faze him; seeing his teammates blush and laugh through the spice was worth every penny. This shared experience fostered a deeper bond among them, and Tristan felt more connected to the squad than ever.
As the temperature in the British Isles gradually cooled, February 1st arrived, marking the closure of the European winter transfer window. With the World Cup in Brazil approaching, many top teams had opted to save their resources, choosing instead to wait for the summer transfer window to make significant moves.
As the winter transfer window closed, the German transfer market website, Transfermarkt, updated the values of numerous teams and players. This site, known for its reliable football information and player valuations based on performance and age, had become a trusted resource for teams worldwide.
Thanks to their impressive performances in the Championship League, several key players in Leicester City saw their values rise. Mahrez's value jumped from €3 million to €4 million; Vardy's from €2.5 million to €3.5 million; and Drinkwater's from €2 million to €3 million. However, it was Tristan Hale, the team's youngest and most promising talent, whose value skyrocketed the most—soaring from a modest €200,000 to an astonishing €10 million!
This incredible fifty-fold increase made him the most valuable player at Leicester City at just 18 years old. With four goals and six assists in just six games, Tristan was quickly establishing himself as a key player in the squad. His rapid rise mirrored the speed at which he emerged as a crucial part of the team, and as he reflected on this momentous achievement, he couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and pressure for what lay ahead.
As the commentators dissected the match highlights, they praised Tristan's exceptional talent and foresight. "He's not just a pretty face," one commentator remarked. "Tristan has the potential to be a game-changer for Leicester. With performances like this, he could be a pivotal player for the club as they push for promotion. He's already contributing significantly with those six assists and four goals, and at just 18, the sky's the limit for him."
Tristan watched the commentary unfold, a sense of pride swelling within him. "This is just the beginning," he promised himself.
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