Ethan had always kept a certain distance from China, although even he did not fully understand why.
Sun Jihai played for Manchester City, not far from the Red Rebels, yet Ethan had never paid particular attention to a player he had greatly admired in his previous life. It always felt as though doing so might stir up something he preferred not to confront.
As someone working inside football, Ethan knew better than most that several Chinese companies were preparing to sponsor Premier League clubs.
Even so, he ignored the opportunity and focused instead on the construction of New Manchester United's stadium and the club's existing sponsorship negotiations.
He was reluctant to involve himself with Chinese football.
This year was widely regarded as the most glorious in its history, but what lay beneath that apparent success?
Ethan travelled to China with Eva, and both took care to disguise themselves.
They first visited Beijing, where they climbed the Great Wall and toured the Forbidden City and several other landmarks.
After that, they travelled to Shanghai, Hangzhou, and several other cities.
In his previous life, Ethan had been an ordinary homebody with a long list of places he had always wanted to visit.
Since he had been given a rare opportunity to return to China, he wanted to see as many of them as possible.
Eva's maternal grandfather was Chinese.
When he learned that they intended to visit the country, he asked them to travel to his hometown and bring back photographs and a few local keepsakes.
The two spent a month travelling around China before Ethan finally took Eva to his own hometown.
The familiar city, familiar streets, familiar signs, and familiar faces...
Everything looked exactly as Ethan remembered it.
Yet he had been away for four years, and now that he had returned, he did not know whether he should search for his parents.
"I wonder how they're doing now," Ethan murmured.
Eva held his hand tightly, as though trying to give him courage.
She knew Ethan had grown up as an orphan. He had told her only that he once had relatives in the city and wanted to look for them.
"You should go," Eva encouraged him.
It was a medium-sized city, and Ethan and Eva naturally attracted attention as they walked side by side.
Eva wore oversized sunglasses that covered most of her face, but her figure and presence were still impossible to overlook.
They continued along the street before turning into a residential estate.
When the local authority had redeveloped the area, it had purchased the old houses and land before constructing several 20-storey residential blocks for the former occupants.
Ethan clearly remembered which building and floor his family had lived on.
However, when he reached the flat he remembered and rang the bell, the person who answered was a former neighbour.
Using the excuse that he was searching for relatives, Ethan asked about his parents.
The neighbour shook his head and said he had never heard of them.
How could that be possible?
Growing increasingly anxious, Ethan visited the household registration office at the nearby police station and asked for information.
He received the same answer.
No family matching that description had ever lived in the area.
Could my arrival in this world have caused it?
Ethan found the situation difficult to understand, but it seemed like the only reasonable explanation.
There could not be two versions of Ethan in the same world.
Strangely, the conclusion also brought him a sense of relief.
If they did not exist here, then there was no one left for him to find.
However, Ethan still managed to locate an older acquaintance from his previous life.
The man was honest and dependable and worked for the local community office.
Through him, Ethan purchased a piece of land nearby and arranged for a public square to be built there in his parents' names.
He also donated funds for two new teaching buildings at local schools, both of which would also carry their names.
It was the only thing he could do for them.
After making the arrangements, Ethan asked for regular progress reports to be sent to England.
He then left his hometown with Eva.
Two days later, a group of reporters who had heard about the project found the older acquaintance.
Only after questioning him did they realise that the previously unremarkable city had once been Ethan's hometown.
The revelation immediately attracted widespread attention.
The square and school buildings under construction became important local projects, and both the provincial and municipal authorities took a strong interest.
Officials even considered sending a delegation to England to contact Ethan and invite him back for the opening ceremony.
After leaving China, he travelled directly to South Korea.
...
Kaká had performed brilliantly for São Paulo, but that did not guarantee him a place in Brazil's starting lineup.
Ronaldo had recovered from injury, Ronaldinho was emerging as a major talent, and Rivaldo remained Barcelona's attacking leader.
Together, the three formed Brazil's undisputed attacking trio, the famous Three Rs.
Behind them were players such as Juninho Paulista, still adored by Middlesbrough supporters, Gilberto Silva, and several others.
In a Brazilian squad overflowing with talent, Kaká remained on the fringes.
Most Brazilian supporters expected him merely to experience the atmosphere of the World Cup before becoming an important player at the next tournament.
Rivaldo and Juninho were growing older and might no longer be able to carry the same responsibility four years later.
"Ricardo!"
Ethan called towards Kaká from a distance.
Kaká turned around.
He had appeared somewhat dispirited moments earlier, but as soon as he saw Ethan, a smile spread across his face.
He quickly ran over.
"Boss, what are you doing here?"
Ethan patted him firmly on the shoulder.
Kaká had become noticeably stronger since they last met.
The club's development programme was clearly working, and his performances had already exceeded what Ethan remembered from his previous life at the same age.
Kaká was currently one of the most exciting young players in Brazil.
His selection for the World Cup squad had attracted interest from numerous European clubs.
However, his position remained clear.
He would not move anywhere except New Manchester United.
Ethan had no intention of discussing his future now.
He did not want to distract Kaká before the tournament.
"How have you been? Do you think you'll get a chance to play?" Ethan asked.
Kaká nodded.
"I should have an opportunity from the bench, but I definitely won't start."
His disappointment was obvious.
Kaká had joined the national team because he wanted to represent his country on the pitch.
However, the Three Rs dominated Brazil's attack, while players such as Denílson were also ahead of him among the substitutes.
His chances would inevitably be limited.
"Coming off the bench?"
That was already better than what Ethan remembered from his previous life.
Back then, Kaká had played only 18 minutes in the entire tournament, and only after Brazil had built a comfortable lead.
Being considered a genuine substitute was already progress.
"Don't look so disappointed, Ricardo.
"Even getting onto the pitch from the bench would be an achievement.
"This is Brazil, a team competing to win the World Cup and filled with extraordinary players.
"Playing alongside them on football's greatest stage is already something to be proud of.
"You're still young. You'll have many more opportunities in the future."
Kaká nodded.
He knew Ethan was right, but he could not completely suppress his disappointment.
This was his first World Cup.
"Perhaps you should be more proactive," Ethan continued.
"Speak to your manager.
"I believe Scolari is willing to listen to his players.
"Tell him how eager you are to contribute."
"Would that really help?" Kaká asked hesitantly.
Ethan smiled.
"You won't know unless you speak to him.
"Besides, I believe Brazil are the strongest favourites to win this World Cup, which means there could be plenty of matches ahead.
"Injuries and suspensions can happen at any time. Every one of them creates an opportunity.
"What you need to do now is stop feeling helpless and prepare yourself with complete confidence.
"When your chance arrives and you step onto the pitch, make sure everyone notices you."
Kaká felt the confidence Ethan placed in him, and warmth spread through his chest.
Competition within the Brazilian squad was intense.
Beyond the Three Rs, every player longed for an opportunity to shine on the World Cup stage.
As a newcomer, Kaká had little experience or status with which to compete against his teammates, and that had left him discouraged.
But Ethan was right.
He needed to prepare himself, remain in excellent condition, and display everything he could do the moment Scolari gave him an opportunity.
"I understand, Boss. Thank you," Kaká said with a smile.
"Speak to Scolari. Your chance will come, Ricardo."
Kaká nodded, his mood clearly much improved.
"By the way, are your parents coming to watch any of the matches?" Ethan asked.
Kaká shook his head.
"My father has been busy with work, but he said he'll watch every match on television.
"What about you, Boss? Will you stay in South Korea?"
Ethan laughed.
"Of course. I travelled all the way from England to watch you play, Ricardo.
"Make sure you don't disappoint me."
Kaká nodded firmly.
He needed to return to the team hotel, so the two spoke for only a few more minutes before he left.
Throughout their conversation, Ethan never mentioned bringing him back to England for the following season.
He did not want Kaká thinking about his club future during the World Cup.
Once the tournament ended, however, Ethan intended to have a serious conversation with Kaká's father.
After meeting Kaká, Ethan travelled with Eva to Seoul for the opening match of the 2002 World Cup between France and Senegal.
Senegal had been nicknamed France's second team because most of their players competed in the French league.
Before the match, several media outlets, including those in France, had expressed concern that the defending champions might suffer an upset against opponents who knew their players and style so well.
At first, it had seemed like little more than nervous speculation.
After 90 minutes, the entire football world was forced to accept that the concern had been justified.
Without Zidane, France looked a completely different side.
Several members of the squad were also ageing, and the defending champions were unable to escape disaster.
They lost 1-0 to Senegal in one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history.
Papa Bouba Diop scored the winning goal.
Sitting in the stands, Ethan and Eva could only shake their heads.
(To be continued.)
◇◇◇
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on Pat if you're interested: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves (Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)