I Just Wanted to Play Soccer, But I Became a Hollywood Heartthrob

"Now, let me introduce you to the defensive lineup of the team."

Drummer pointed at Rust, who was still suffering through frog jumps on the field.

"You already know Rust, our starting center-back. I know you two have some history, but honestly, don't let his scary face fool you. The guy is actually pretty loyal. Every time he fights on the field, it's to defend his teammates. He's a stand-up guy, but… well…"

Drummer spread his hands, giving Gu Ran a look that said, You know what I mean.

Gu Ran nodded knowingly.

Drummer then pointed at another player, who was standing next to Watergate with his arm casually draped over his shoulder.

"That guy is the team's other starting center-back. His real name is Payne Lyle, but everyone calls him Painter."

Gu Ran followed his gaze and spotted a player who was slightly shorter and leaner than Rust.

So this was Painter.

The nickname didn't sound too bad.

Maybe… because he used his hands too much instead of his feet?

Drummer continued, "Behind Painter, that guy over there practicing dribbling alone—that's Buck Fred. He's our starting full-back, the one who got roasted by Carter earlier. His nickname? Fancy Luo."

Gu Ran barely held back a laugh. "Yeah… his footwork definitely lives up to the name."

The real problem?

The guy plays as a full-back, not a winger!

One of the Hidden Dragons and Crouching Tigers of this team…

Drummer then pointed at a dejected-looking player, who was sitting on the sidelines, sighing as he sipped water.

"That poor guy was originally a defensive midfielder, but since our left-back "Olympus" bailed, Coach Carter forcibly moved him to full-back. His name is Kafei Davis, but we just call him Temp Worker."

Gu Ran nodded in agreement. "Pretty accurate."

This also meant that, in Carter's tactical system, Gu Ran wasn't the first choice for the position.

But that was expected.

Sure, he had nailed that beautiful curved free kick, but that was just one shot in a controlled setting—not an actual match.

And let's be real—his technique was far from top-tier.

Beckham's Curved Blade was the real deal.

If converted into a system ranking, Beckham's version would be +9, combined with his Golden Right Foot—making it an absolute double +9 skill.

Meanwhile, Gu Ran's version?

Barely +1.

Meaning, he could copy skills, but not their full mastery level.

That one free kick was enough to get him on the team, but a veteran coach like Carter wouldn't throw him straight into the starting lineup just because of one shot.

And that was fine.

Gu Ran wasn't in a rush.

His first goal was accomplished—he made it onto the team.

Next?

He'd steadily collect more defensive training bubbles, strengthening his fundamentals and physical stats.

After all, football wasn't about one or two skills—it was a complex, multi-faceted sport.

Even if someone maxed out one skill, if they lacked everything else, they'd still be a useless player.

Football is a game of total synergy.

That's what makes it so exciting.

Drummer saw how calm Gu Ran was and couldn't help but admire him.

"Gu, you've got an amazing mindset. If I were in your position and saw a "Temp Worker" playing my position instead of me, I'd be pissed."

Gu Ran simply smiled. "Since I'm on the team now, I follow the coach's decisions."

Drummer nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly! The coach is the boss here. That said… our team really needs a solid left-back. Even if you haven't trained with the squad, I'm sure you'll get a substitute spot soon. I mean… Temp Worker is really unreliable."

Wait.

So my chances of playing are actually really high?!

I need to start farming skill bubbles ASAP!

Tonight, I need to grind training sessions with Sophia…

Gu Ran started plotting in his head.

Drummer adjusted his glasses. "Now that we've covered the defense, let's talk about the midfield. You already know Watergate—he's a versatile midfielder who can play both attacking playmaker and defensive midfielder.

To be fair, he's actually talented.

The problem?

He's a dirty player.

His defensive playstyle is full of cheap tricks meant to piss off opponents. That's why Rust always fights for him. The two of them? Unbreakable duo."

Gu Ran smirked. "Sounds about right."

Drummer then pointed at the guy standing next to Watergate.

"That's our team captain, aka Bread. Real name: Este Krones. He plays as a defensive midfielder. He's the oldest on the team, and he's actually pretty reliable."

Bread?

Because… he's soft?

Gu Ran rubbed his forehead, trying not to laugh.

Drummer then pointed to the left midfielder—a guy staring at his own reflection and stroking his mustache.

"That's Otto Rosenthal, aka West Messi.

He's technically skilled, but WAY too confident—he actually believes he's Messi."

"Oh, and one more thing—West Messi and Fancy Luo don't talk to each other.

They both think the other is an idiot."

Gu Ran nodded slowly.

How the hell did one school team end up with both a Hidden Dragon and a Crouching Tiger?

Drummer then pointed at another player—lounging in the sun with sunglasses on.

"That's our right midfielder, Arthur Lambert. His nickname? Blind Man."

So straightforward…

Gu Ran shook his head with a chuckle.

Drummer then pointed to a silent giant standing beside Watergate.

"That's our main striker, Willard Zachary. Nickname? Sissy."

"Sissy?"

Drummer grinned. "His voice is super feminine, but when he plays? Absolute beast.

He's famous for his long-range power shots. He scored three absolute screamers in the last qualifier!"

Oh?

So he's "sissy" but has a "cannon" for a shot?

That skill is definitely worth copying.

Gu Ran stole a few glances at Sissy.

Sissy noticed and gave him a shy smile.

Gu Ran nodded back—a silent exchange of greetings.

Drummer then pointed at a tall player, sitting on the sidelines grinning at his phone.

"That's our main center-forward, Armand Woodward. Nickname? Glider."

Glider?

Other teams have strikers named Golden Bomber.

We have Glider.

This team is full of characters…

Gu Ran felt both amused and helpless.

Drummer wrapped up, "That's most of the starters. The rest are subs—Coach Carter doesn't care about them much. After a few days, you'll get to know them."

"Thanks, Drummer. You've been a big help."

Drummer grinned. "No problem! Anything else?"

"Yeah…" Gu Ran smirked. "Why are you called Drummer?"

Drummer's face turned red. "Uh… you'll find out later."

Gu Ran raised an eyebrow. "What about Coach Carter? Does he have a nickname?"

Drummer's expression froze.

He opened his mouth… then shut it.

"NO. ABSOLUTELY NOT."

…Right.

I'll find out later.

Gu Ran chuckled.

Just then, a girl in a black dress walked onto the field.

Gu Ran squinted.

Wait.

Isn't that the medical rep from earlier?

Why is she here?

Just as Gu Ran started overthinking, a loud, ecstatic roar echoed across the field.

"SUSANNA?! IT'S REALLY YOU?! PRAISE THE LORD! GOD MUST HAVE HEARD MY PRAYERS!"

…

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