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

That soft and slightly shy "darling" wasn't loud, but it cut through the noise like a blade.

Gu Ran felt a shiver run down his spine. He turned around—and sure enough, it was Sophie.

She walked over gracefully, every step exuding elegance and nobility.

Her makeup today was exquisite, giving her a mature and dignified aura.

A look like that must have taken at least an hour or two to perfect.

She was wearing a red-and-white dress, perfectly in tune with the school's colors. In contrast to the other girls present, her classical beauty stood out even more.

All the guys around couldn't help but hold their breath, mesmerized by Sophie's presence.

Gu Ran, however, felt a bit uneasy…

Especially since he was holding a pile of scarves. There was no good way to explain this.

Sophie walked up to him with a warm, affectionate gaze, and in front of everyone, she gently held his hand.

"Darling, I haven't even sent you off yet. Why are you rushing to get on the bus?"

"I…" Gu Ran cleared his throat awkwardly. "I thought… you were still mad about last night."

Sophie giggled and playfully tapped his chest with her fist. "Silly, just because we didn't sleep together last night? I know it's because you have an important game today. I'm so understanding—how could I possibly be mad? When you come back, I'll make it up to you properly."

BOOM.

It was as if a bomb had just exploded in the crowd.

"F**k…"

"This guy… he's not even human!"

"Why the hell isn't my girlfriend this thoughtful?"

"Gu Ran's a bench player, why is he getting treated better than the starters?!"

"I can't take it anymore! Can we just drive off already?! Why isn't the bus leaving?!"

The team players all looked absolutely devastated.

The fangirls who had gifted Gu Ran scarves were even more dramatic.

"Ahhh! My king!"

"HUBBY! You're ALL our hubby! You can't just settle for this one woman!"

"My heart is shattered!"

"Scumbag! Give me back my scarf! I bought that for 6.99 pounds, you don't deserve it!"

At those words, Gu Ran immediately and happily dropped all the scarves in his arms.

The support club wailed in agony as their signs fell to the ground.

Standing nearby, Susanna still had a fake smile plastered on her face—but there was no doubt that Sophie had completely stolen the spotlight.

It was only then that Gu Ran finally realized what was happening—Sophie was marking her territory!

Alright, if you're declaring your claim, then I have to play along, right?

Without hesitation, he wrapped an arm around Sophie's waist.

"Darling, thank you for forgiving me."

Sophie leaned in, whispering, "Last night's matter isn't over. Don't think you're getting off that easy."

Damn.

I better get out of here, quick.

Gu Ran coughed lightly. "Everyone's waiting. I should get on the bus."

"Wait…" Sophie wrapped her arms around his neck in front of everyone.

"A lucky kiss for you."

Smooch.

Her fiery red lips left two bright marks on Gu Ran's left cheek.

Absolute destruction.

No one could bear to watch any longer.

Susanna opened her mouth slightly, looking like she was about to faint.

Rusty crouched in the corner, drawing circles on the ground with a twig. "Lies… Everything's a lie… I'm full from all this PDA, I won't be able to eat lunch today…"

Suddenly—

Ding!

Ding ding ding ding ding!

The system exploded in Gu Ran's mind with an overwhelming wave of notification sounds.

Wherever he looked, a sea of white bubbles floated around the players and fans.

Even Susanna and Rusty each had a blue skill bubble at their feet.

The only one without a bubble… was Sophie.

Sophie smiled serenely, with an air of calm confidence and absolute victory.

Gu Ran was ecstatic.

Sophie's assist was incredible!

I haven't even played yet, and I already get to mooch a free round of bubbles!

Suppressing his excitement, Gu Ran quickly analyzed the bubbles.

Blue bubbles meant skills, which theoretically were better than normal white bubbles.

But skills could be absolute garbage.

For example, last time he mooched a blue bubble from Rusty, and it turned out to be—"Opening Bottlecaps with Your Eyelids."

Completely useless.

And Susanna? She wasn't even a player. Her blue bubble was probably some "master green tea behavior" skill.

Not worth wasting my collection progress on garbage skills.

What mattered now was stamina and defensive training results—all hidden inside those white bubbles.

Gu Ran quickly memorized the positions of Bread, Watergate, Painter, Flower Luo, and Ximei's white bubbles.

I have three minutes before they disappear.

He whispered to Sophie, "Sophie, your acting was amazing. Now everyone thinks you're actually my girlfriend."

Sophie's eyes twinkled with amusement.

Ding!

"Host has triggered -39 negative emotion points from Sophie Turner. Generating system bubble…"

A new blue bubble popped up at Sophie's feet.

Gu Ran nearly choked.

What the hell?!

I just complimented her acting!

Why did that make her mad?!

Seventeen-year-old girls are too complicated!

Football is so much simpler!

Gu Ran cleared his throat. "Alright… I'm heading out."

Sophie gave him a warm smile and straightened his collar.

"Go on, darling. Have a safe trip. Call me when you arrive."

"Got it!"

As Gu Ran turned to board the bus, he swiftly kicked all five white bubbles he had memorized.

Even though Sophie's blue bubble was tempting, he avoided it.

Ding!

"Host has acquired: Stamina Training +10 hours. Progress: 2/10 today."

"Host has acquired: Zone Defense Training +10 hours. Progress: 3/10 today."

"Host has acquired: Core Muscle Group Training +10 hours. Progress: 4/10 today."

"Host has acquired: Lateral Dribbling Training +10 hours. Progress: 5/10 today."

"Host has acquired: Sprint Training +10 hours. Progress: 6/10 today."

"Milestone Achieved: Host has accumulated 100 hours of training. Awarding 1 Talent Point."

Oh, hell yeah!

This feels amazing!

Gu Ran immediately sat by the window, focused his thoughts, and applied his new talent point to stamina.

His stamina attribute jumped from 57 to 58!

Gu Ran exhaled in satisfaction, feeling a noticeable improvement in his body.

Two more talent points, and my stamina will finally reach a passing level!

Once that happens, I'll be able to play a full match!

So far, he had collected seven talent points—four from mooching off Sophie, three from accumulating training results.

If this pace continues, I'll hit a C-rank system evaluation soon!

Gu Ran couldn't help but start fantasizing about the future…

Outside the bus, Sophie watched him go, waving with a gentle smile.

But in her heart, she was fuming.

Damn it, Gu Ran!

At least turn around and look at me once before you leave!!!

Just then, Coach Carter boarded the bus, holding his tactical board, his face serious.

"Is everyone here? Alright—let's go!"