**Valencia, Spain, July 25, 2022**
The evening sun bathed Valencia in a golden glow, its light reflecting off the sleek glass facade of La Estrella, one of the city's most exclusive restaurants. Lin Feng stood outside, his tailored black blazer—borrowed from a teammate's older brother—fitting snugly over his lean frame, accentuating the sharp lines of his Chinese-Spanish heritage. His hazel eyes, inherited from his Spanish mother, gleamed with a quiet intensity, while his jet-black hair, a gift from his Chinese father, was neatly styled, giving him an air of effortless confidence. At 17, he was a rising star in Valencia's youth academy, his five-goal performance against Deportivo and dominant display against Atlético Madrid's under-18 squad sending ripples through the football world. But tonight wasn't about the pitch—it was about stepping into a new arena, one of power, charm, and ambition.
The [**Supreme Football System**] thrummed in his mind, a secret he guarded with his life. No one—not his teammates, his coach, or even his parents—could know of its existence. The [**System**] had propelled him to glory in his last two matches, its [**Causality Power**]—[*All shots within the 18-yard box score with 100% accuracy*]—making him unstoppable in the penalty area. His [**Agile Footwork (+20% Dribbling)**] and [**Steel Body (+30% Physical Resilience)**] had enhanced his natural talent, while his [**Charisma Aura (+50% Persuasion)**], purchased after humiliating Diego Ruiz at Elena Voss's gala, had made his presence magnetic. With 600 [**System Points**] remaining from his recent victories, he was poised to climb higher, but tonight's mission was personal:
[**Hidden Mission: Strengthen Family Bonds and Impress Elena Voss at Dinner.**]
[**Reward: 600 system points, +1 Family Bond Point.**]
Lin Feng adjusted his blazer, his heart racing with anticipation. Elena Voss, the 24-year-old Hollywood star whose emerald eyes and radiant beauty had captivated him at the gala, had invited him to dinner. It wasn't just a meal—it was a chance to forge a connection with a woman who moved among the world's elite, a step toward the empire he vowed to build. In his past life, he'd been a nobody, crushed by betrayal and scorn. Reborn in 2022, he was determined to become the Football Emperor, a tycoon whose wealth and influence would dwarf the likes of Diego Ruiz. But first, he needed to navigate this dinner, impress Elena, and solidify the bond with his family that he'd neglected in his previous life.
He stepped into La Estrella, the restaurant's interior a symphony of elegance: white linen tables, crystal wine glasses, and soft jazz drifting through the air. Waiters in crisp uniforms glided past, serving Valencia's high society—businessmen in tailored suits, socialites in designer dresses, and a few recognizable faces from Spanish television. Lin Feng felt the weight of their gazes, some curious, others dismissive, as he moved through the room. His mixed heritage made him stand out, a "half-breed" in the eyes of those who clung to old prejudices. But the [**System**]'s [**Charisma Aura**] cloaked him in confidence, his every step radiating a quiet power that turned heads.
Elena Voss sat at a corner table, her emerald gown shimmering under the soft lighting, her blonde hair cascading in waves that caught the eye of every man in the room. She rose as Lin Feng approached, her smile warm but laced with curiosity. "You clean up well, Lin Feng," she said, her voice smooth as velvet. "I was starting to think you'd bail on me."
Lin Feng flashed a grin, his [**Charisma Aura**] making his words flow effortlessly. "Miss a chance to dine with you? Not a chance, Elena." He took the seat opposite her, ignoring the whispers from nearby tables. To them, he was a kid out of his depth, a football hopeful dining with a global star. But Lin Feng knew better—he was a king in the making, and this was just the first act.
Elena leaned forward, her emerald eyes studying him. "You're the talk of Valencia, you know. Two matches, eight goals, and scouts practically fighting to sign you. How does a 17-year-old handle that kind of pressure?"
Lin Feng sipped his water, his expression calm but his mind racing. He couldn't reveal the [**System**], so he chose his words carefully, letting his [**Charisma Aura**] weave them into gold. "Pressure's just fuel, Elena. I've got big plans—not just for football, but for everything. I'm not here to be a flash in the pan. I'm building something… permanent."
Her eyes sparkled, intrigued. "Ambitious. I like that. But you're young. What drives a kid like you to think so big?"
Before he could answer, a shadow fell over the table. A man in his late twenties approached, his Armani suit screaming wealth, his dark hair slicked back with the confidence of someone who owned every room he entered. Rafael Navarro, a rising tech entrepreneur and a regular in Valencia's gossip columns, smirked as he looked down at Lin Feng. "Elena, what's this? Slumming it with a schoolboy now?"
The restaurant hushed, diners craning to watch the drama unfold. Elena's smile tightened, but Lin Feng leaned back, his gaze locking onto Rafael's with a calm that belied the fire in his chest. In his past life, men like Rafael—rich, connected, and dripping with arrogance—had dismissed him as worthless. Now, reborn and armed with the [**System**], he'd make them regret it.
"Rafael Navarro," Lin Feng said, his voice steady, the [**Charisma Aura**] giving it a commanding edge. "I've read about you. Tech startup, big talk, bigger ego. But I'm not here to play your games. I'm here for dinner."
Rafael's smirk faltered, his eyes narrowing. "You've got a mouth on you, kid. Do you even know who I am? I could buy your little football career and bury it before it starts."
The crowd murmured, tension crackling in the air. Elena's hand twitched, as if ready to intervene, but Lin Feng raised a hand subtly, signaling her to stay back. He stood, his 5'10" frame radiating a presence that made Rafael step back instinctively. "You want to talk about buying careers?" Lin Feng said, his voice low but cutting. "How about a wager? If I'm starting for Valencia's senior team by the end of the season, you donate five million euros to Elena's charity. If I fail, I'll walk away from football forever."
The restaurant gasped, the stakes staggering. Rafael's face reddened, caught off guard by the audacity. "You're insane," he spat, but his voice wavered. "Fine. Deal. But you'll be washing my cars by Christmas."
Lin Feng extended his hand, his grip firm as they shook. "We'll see who's washing what, Navarro." The [**System**] chimed, its invisible screen flashing:
[*Ding!*]
[**Hidden Mission Updated: Impress Elena Voss, Humiliate Rafael Navarro, and Strengthen Family Bonds.**]
[**Reward: 800 system points, +2 Charisma Points, +1 Family Bond Point.**]
Elena's eyes widened, a mix of shock and admiration. "You don't hold back, do you?" she said, her voice soft but laced with excitement. "Let's eat before you start a war."
They sat, the tension lingering as Rafael stormed back to his table, his pride bruised. Lin Feng felt the weight of the bet, but his resolve was ironclad. He'd humiliated Diego Ruiz at the gala; now, Rafael Navarro was next. The [**System**] was his edge, but he'd make sure the world saw only his talent and fire.
As the waiter served a plate of seared sea bass with saffron sauce, Elena leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "You're not like anyone I've met, Lin Feng. Most people here are all talk, but you… you back it up. Tell me more about you. Not the footballer—the person."
Lin Feng paused, the question stirring memories of his past life. He'd kept his family at arm's length, too consumed by his failures to appreciate their sacrifices. Now, reborn, he was determined to change that. "My parents are everything," he said, his [**Charisma Aura**] making his words resonate. "My father, Wei, came from Shanghai with nothing, worked as a chef to build a life here. My mother, Sofia, cleans houses to keep us afloat. They taught me to fight for what I want, no matter what anyone says about my heritage."
Elena's expression softened, her hand brushing his briefly. "That's beautiful. Most people here hide their roots. You wear them like armor."
Lin Feng smiled, the [**System**]'s [**Charisma Points**] amplifying his warmth. "It's not armor—it's fuel. Every time someone calls me 'Chino' or tells me I don't belong, I burn brighter. I'm going to make Valencia, Spain, the world—proud."
Their conversation flowed, Elena sharing stories of Hollywood's pressures, Lin Feng revealing his dreams of not just football glory but a global empire. The restaurant faded away, their table an island of connection. Lin Feng felt a spark, not just of attraction, but of alliance—a woman like Elena could open doors he hadn't yet dreamed of.
As dessert arrived—a delicate orange blossom flan—Lin Feng's phone buzzed. A text from his mother: "Feng, we're so proud. Come home soon. Your father's making dumplings." His heart swelled. In his past life, he'd skipped family dinners, chasing fleeting dreams. Tonight, he'd go home, strengthen the bonds he'd taken for granted.
Elena noticed his smile. "Family calling?"
"Yeah," he said, his voice warm. "They're my foundation. Everything I do is for them."
She nodded, her eyes gleaming with respect. "You're rare, Lin Feng. Keep that fire, but don't let it burn you out."
As they parted, Elena slipped him her card, her fingers lingering on his. "Call me. I want to see where this fire takes you." Lin Feng nodded, his pulse quickening, but he kept his cool, the [**System**]'s [**Charisma Aura**] guiding his response.
He walked home through Valencia's winding streets, the city alive with music and laughter. At his family's apartment in El Carmen, the scent of Wei's dumplings greeted him, warm and familiar. Sofia hugged him tightly, her eyes glistening. "You're doing so much, mijo," she said. "But don't forget us."
"Never," Lin Feng vowed, his voice firm. Wei clapped his shoulder, his stern face softening. "You're making us proud, Feng. Keep fighting."
They ate together, the dumplings a taste of his father's Shanghai roots, the conversation filled with laughter and stories. Lin Feng felt a warmth he hadn't known in his past life, a foundation for the empire he'd build.
As he lay in bed, the [**System**] chimed:
[*Ding!*]
[**Hidden Mission Complete: Strengthen Family Bonds, Impress Elena Voss, and Humiliate Rafael Navarro.**]
[**Reward: 800 system points, +2 Charisma Points, +1 Family Bond Point.**]
[**Total System Points: 1,400**]
Lin Feng opened the [**System Shop**], typing "skills" into the [**Search Bar**]:
- [**Lightning Dash (+30% Sprint Speed)**]: 350 points.
- [**Eagle Vision (+20% Passing Accuracy)**]: 500 points.
He chose [**Eagle Vision**], spending 500 points. A clarity settled over his mind, as if he could see every angle of the pitch. With 900 points left, he was ready for the next challenge.
The Valencia night was quiet, but Lin Feng's mind burned with ambition. Rafael Navarro was just another stepping stone. The [**System**] was his secret, his empire his destiny. Tomorrow, he'd return to the pitch, but tonight, he savored the warmth of family and the promise of power.
!