"Leo Lin actually scored—and it was a wonder goal!" the commentator roared.
"Can you believe it?!"
It wasn't just the commentator.
Fans in the stands clutched their heads in disbelief, while Shakespeare on the sidelines grabbed his own head and shook it wildly.
"A thunderous long-range strike!"
"Leo Lin gives Leicester City the lead in this friendly!"
Live chat instantly exploded.
"Huh? Who is this kid?!"
"That long shot was insane!"
"When did this youngster get that kind of ability? Young players really do improve fast!"
Almost no one could believe what they had just seen.
Charles Lin was completely stunned. He knew his son's abilities better than anyone.
Since when could he shoot like that from distance?
Even as his father, he had no idea.
Had the kid been secretly grinding in training?
Or was it just a wild hit?
Foxes teammates charged toward Leo Lin, surrounding him in a frenzy of celebration.
Even though it was only a friendly, Chelsea had come out playing with fierce competitiveness, which had already rubbed Leicester City the wrong way.
That goal was the best possible response.
Ndidi threw an arm around Leo Lin, excitement written all over his face.
"That was badass!"
"First time I've ever seen you score from long range—and it was beautiful!"
Leo Lin felt a surge of energy flowing through his body, a sensation he had never experienced before.
The first half continued, with Chelsea still pressing aggressively.
But Leicester City's defense held firm.
The experienced Morgan, the young Maguire, and Simpson constantly pushing forward on the flank combined to keep Chelsea's Hazard in check.
Before long, the momentum actually swung toward the Foxes.
39th minute!
"Leicester on the attack—Mahrez driving down the wing."
"He's quick."
"Leo Lin comes to support—one-two!"
"Brilliant!"
With a crisp exchange, Leo Lin and Simpson completed a textbook one-two.
The sword-wielding guard Simpson stormed down to the byline!
He immediately cut the ball back with a low reverse pass into the middle.
"There's a chance!"
"Shot!!!"
"The defender clears it just in time—nearly a goal!"
"Leicester City's combination play is exquisite!"
Soon after, the first half came to an end.
...
Both teams returned to the locker rooms.
Inside, the Foxes players were animatedly discussing the first half. There had been far too many dramatic moments. Leicester City had come in treating it like a friendly, but Chelsea had shown absolutely no intention of playing nice.
Maguire stayed close to Leo Lin the entire time, clearly eager to talk.
...
The second half of the friendly got underway.
Leo Lin continued to perform brilliantly on the pitch, and when the full 90 minutes were over, his first experience with Leicester City's first team came to an end—though it had only been a friendly.
Over the next month, Leo Lin was once again sent back to the Foxes' youth setup to compete in the youth league.
...
A month later, Leo Lin was called into the coach's office.
Leicester City wanted to renew his contract, but they couldn't meet his demands.
Leo Lin wanted to be promoted to the first team for the new season, and he wanted clauses written into his contract guaranteeing appearances and minutes. Starting opportunities would be even better.
But the Foxes made their stance clear—they couldn't offer that.
"I'm sorry. We're willing to renew your contract, but you'll only be playing in the youth league," the coach said. "Our first team has too many stars, especially in midfield. We simply don't lack players there."
"So you won't get much first-team time next season. At best, we might let you come on as a substitute during garbage time. I don't want to lie to you—this is the reality."
Leo Lin nodded.
He appreciated the club's honesty. After all, his next goal was no longer limited to the youth league.
In that case, there was no reason to continue renewing with Leicester City.
Based on his performances in the youth league and that friendly match, Leo Lin believed European clubs would come calling. He had, after all, been trained entirely within the European youth system.
With the new season approaching and his youth contract with the Foxes officially expiring, Charles Lin gave his unconditional support after careful consideration.
Leo Lin formally chose to terminate his contract with Leicester City.
...
The news spread instantly through the media.
"Leo Lin Terminates Contract with Leicester City!"
"This May Be an Opportunity for Other Leagues—Leo Lin Shows Huge Market Potential and Impressive Youth-League Talent!"
"A Player Like This Belongs in Europe!"
Leo Lin had already been outstanding in the youth league, and his performance in the friendly had turned even more heads. His sudden long-range shooting ability and mature style of play made many clubs take notice.
Charles Lin was confident his son wouldn't lack suitors.
After terminating his contract, Leo Lin packed his bags in the dormitory, preparing to return to his home in Spain.
His Leicester teammates were reluctant to see him go—especially Maguire.
Maguire had fought alongside Leo Lin in the youth league. He stayed at Leicester and had already earned plenty of first-team appearances.
He had assumed the club would try just as hard to accommodate Leo Lin.
But Leicester City made their position clear. In their view, Leo Lin was still too young and didn't yet have the ability to compete for first-team minutes against players like Ndidi.
After all, Ndidi was hailed by fans as the next Kanté. After selling Kanté to Chelsea, Leicester City had brought in Ndidi specifically to groom him as his successor. They had no intention of changing that plan.
Leo Lin, however, believed his ability deserved more playing time.
Even if he was leaving Leicester City, he was confident that lower-tier teams would come knocking.
Relegation-battling clubs, for example—if they could guarantee him minutes, they would be the perfect fit.
After activating his system, only by getting on the pitch could he continue drawing skills and rewards, steadily improving his abilities.
Once his level rose, other clubs would inevitably take notice. At that point, he could move to a higher-tier team, earn more playing time, and continue climbing step by step.
That was the most reasonable path for growth.
Young players need one thing above all else: consistent playing time.
After leaving Leicester City, Leo Lin was certain he would receive offers from relegation-threatened teams.
With his Premier League youth academy background, he could help those clubs meet first-team registration requirements—an extremely valuable asset in the top flight.
But what Leo Lin, Charles Lin, and most fans never expected was this:
Yes, relegation strugglers did send him offers.
However, beyond those clubs, there was one invitation that stunned everyone.