Chapter 238: I Just Want to Teach You a Lesson
The press conference hall before the World Cup quarterfinals was packed with people; the atmosphere was tense and expectant.
The media had confirmed that Xia Qi and Robin van Persie would both attend.
These two were not only their teams' cores, they also carried a tangled grudge that could fill a multi-million-word bestseller.
With such a press conference, journalists flocked in — how could they not, when money and headlines were at stake?
…
Two years earlier Arsenal had once again sold their captain!
But this time the captain, Robin van Persie, chose to leave to chase his championship dream — the so-called "van Ambition."
Fans of Arsenal felt their hearts torn.
To ease those wounded hearts, Arsène Wenger bought in a young talent from Manchester City with footballing gift but "serious character flaws" — Xia Qi — the so-called "Xia Comfort."
To summarize sharply: two years ago Xia Qi was signed as a replacement for van Persie by Wenger.
But early that season Xia Qi mocked van Persie's ambition and bragged that he, not van Persie, had come for the title.
By season's end Xia Qi had delivered — the "no-cup saint" (van Persie) remained trophyless while Xia Qi got the prize.
Their grievances deepened and spilled onto the World Cup stage.
Koi vs Saint!
Must-see drama!
…
Robin van Persie and Xia Qi walked into the conference nearly simultaneously.
Flashes exploded like a meteor shower; Xia Qi felt as if he'd fallen into a glittering galaxy.
They exchanged a perfunctory handshake — the simple act amplified by thousands of flashes — and reporters smirked at having their moment.
Van Persie was formally dressed in a suit, hair slicked and polished, looking every inch the gentleman.
Xia Qi wore casual training gear, appearing relaxed.
Van Persie noticed Xia Qi's attire and felt displeased, thinking he'd already lost an edge before the match even began.
Two years earlier van Persie left Arsenal to chase trophies while Xia Qi was brought in as his replacement. The result was awkward: the perennial fourth-placed side somehow won a title!
Whoever's absent is embarrassed — from then on "van Ambition" became a popular phrase attached to carefree football.
With media deliberately stoking tensions, the two, while not having a true material conflict, ended up standing on irreconcilable poles.
At the conference, a Guardian reporter prodded: "England are in good form at this World Cup. With Xia Qi's luck factor, are they the favorites to win?"
Van Persie's mouth curled into a sardonic smile. He replied: "Everyone knows championships have to do with quality. If something outside ability mattered, everyone would just bring a priest to every match."
Xia Qi answered the same question calmly and confidently. He knew van Persie's remark was a provocation but he didn't dodge it.
Xia Qi said: "It's undeniable that championships relate closely to strength, but it's also undeniable there's some mystique in football. Did Denmark win the Euros because they were simply stronger? Did Man United lose the title because of strength?"
A knowing chuckle rose from the audience. Xia Qi continued: "Whether England can win the trophy is another question, but clearly those who are 'cursed to never win' are probably destined to miss the World Cup."
Van Persie was visibly unhappy at Xia Qi's "no-cup saint" comment and spoke again: "Championships aren't won with words. Tonight's match is like a Chinese dish — a flash-fried lucky fish…" His words were provocative, staring directly at Xia Qi as if to say, "You're going home tonight."
Xia Qi was unmoved: "Leaving or staying is not something I consider. My mind only holds the trophy, and it will be the best proof of me."
His words were firm and powerful. Van Persie felt another defeat and grew more irritable.
With the fierce exchange between the two stars, the press conference reached a boiling point.
Reporters busied themselves recording every word and expression.
Fans watching on TV and online could feel the murderous intent flashing between the two team leaders.
Because of this press event, the World Cup quarterfinal became even more anticipated.
…
In the Netherlands' dressing room, van Persie pounded a locker door furiously, making a deafening noise.
"Robin, what's up?" a teammate asked with concern.
"What else? I was pissed off by that Chinese kid," van Persie snapped. Arjen Robben — who often clashed with van Persie — walked over mockingly: "Can't play better than him, can't talk better than him — he's making us look good!"
Van Persie struggled to contain his anger, punched the locker twice more, forced himself to calm and then turned to Robben with a forced smile.
"Arjen, let's team up. United, the tulips, are unbeatable. You don't want that kid running around showing off, do you?" van Persie tried to recruit Robben.
Robben thought: Suddenly he's thinking of me — why not have your stick help instead? He shifted to widen the space between them.
Seeing appeals to collective honor didn't sway Robben, van Persie tried bribery: "I'll introduce you to a Mexican girl!"
"Team honor!" Robben replied.
Van Persie and Robben weren't enemies like van Persie and the domestic hardliners such as Huntelaar; their relationship was the kind of office camaraderie — I dislike you but can cooperate.
Since van Persie softened, Robben played along but still couldn't resist knocking a bit of blood from van Persie's nose.
Van Persie had no choice — he gritted his teeth and accepted.
"Brother, I'm not doing it for the girl, I'm doing it for our friendship."
Van Persie gave a half-smile, dead inside: "Long live friendship!"
"Also, brother, I prefer when you were cooler — don't keep that Golden Broom Award smile…" Robben taunted further.
"I'll hold it in!" van Persie murmured mentally, trying to bite down his anger.
Meanwhile, in England's locker room, Xia Qi spoke with captain Steven Gerrard about tactics.
"Captain, will the Dutch play three at the back?" Xia Qi asked.
Gerrard glanced at players who had warmed up and returned; after a moment's thought he replied, "Probably."
"Can I ask something?" Xia Qi carefully asked.
Gerrard tilted his head, prompting him to go on.
"I want to play as a forward," Xia Qi said, summoning courage.
"You mean up front?" Gerrard asked, surprised.
"Yes, I mean it," Xia Qi answered firmly.
"The Netherlands' attack is strong — Robben, van Persie… do you have a plan?" Gerrard asked with concern.
"This is my idea…" Xia Qi began to explain his tactical thoughts to Gerrard.
Both Xia Qi and Robin van Persie were nursing schemes in their hearts; each wanted to teach the other a lesson.
(END CHAPTER)
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