Barnett's company team-building event unexpectedly featured three of Liverpool's marquee stars, and it didn't take long for footage from the event to go viral online.
"Lin, can I get your autograph?"
"How do I join Barnett's company? I don't even care about the salary—I just want to play games with Leo Lin at team-building events!"
"I can't accept this, I can't understand it, and I'm furious! Barnett is abusing his position to give his employees benefits like this—does no one regulate this?!"
...
After the company event wrapped up, Barnett hosted a banquet. There was no way he'd let Liverpool's three leading stars show up for free. The dinner was nothing short of extravagant.
The atmosphere was lively as the four chatted over food and wine—until Firmino, almost unintentionally, brought up Barnett's family.
"Barnett, your career's incredibly successful, but it feels like you hardly ever go home."
"What about your wife? Your kids? Don't you need to spend more time with them?"
Hearing this, Leo Lin thought back to a name Barnett had once mentioned while speaking with his friend Bruce—Deloris.
From the look of things, they clearly hadn't reconciled yet.
As for Barnett's children, Leo Lin was curious. He had never once heard Barnett talk about them.
Barnett set down his glass of red wine.
"Kids don't understand. Haven't been in touch for a while."
He said nothing about Deloris. Firmino took the hint and dropped the subject.
After dinner, Barnett originally planned to head home and rest. But the others were in high spirits. They went to a KTV to sing, then booked a private room at a billiards hall for a four-man match.
Later that night, the four of them even went swimming at Liverpool's headquarters pool.
Barnett wasn't young anymore. It had been a long time since he'd packed so many activities into a single day.
Floating in the pool that night, watching the other three still racing wildly through the water with endless energy, Barnett realized for the first time that he really was getting old.
Leo Lin climbed out of the pool and stretched out on a lounge chair beside him.
"Barnett, if there's anything in your life you need help with, just tell me."
He kept his tone subtle. He felt he could help Barnett sort out certain personal matters—but he wasn't entirely sure whether their relationship had grown beyond simple business cooperation.
Barnett stared at the shimmering reflections dancing across the water. He patted Leo Lin lightly, then suddenly dove back into the pool.
He had made up his mind.
He would take the initiative to find Deloris, settle what needed settling, and start fixing the mess in his personal life.
Over the years, between his age and the demands of running his company, Barnett had remained razor-sharp in business and meticulous in handling Leo Lin's career. Yet when it came to his own life, he had grown careless—almost numb.
His emotional life had been steadily declining. The happiness he felt lately was shallow and fleeting, vanishing as quickly as it came, replaced by a lingering emptiness.
But today, spending time with three young men had reminded him what genuine joy felt like.
After the day off, training resumed.
The Premier League Round 25 clash would kick off on February 28, with Liverpool traveling away to face Tottenham.
Tottenham still had their familiar issue: a strong starting eleven, but little depth off the bench and limited tactical variation. A powerful side, yes—but not quite title-winning material.
Klopp didn't introduce any special tactical wrinkles. After reinforcing fitness training, he led the team on the road to challenge Spurs.
Tottenham, boasting the elite attacking duo of Kane and Son Heung-min, were fully prepared for the battle.
February 28, 4 PM local time in Europe. The sun was shining brightly—perfect conditions for football.
Liverpool's team bus slowly rolled into Tottenham's home ground as live coverage began across platforms. Viewer numbers surged instantly on the ESPN broadcast.
Jon Champion and Jim Beglin were on commentary for fans around the world.
"Welcome, everyone, to this Premier League Round 25 headline fixture."
"Tottenham host Liverpool here at home, and both sides have announced their starting lineups!"
"For Spurs: Hugo Lloris in goal. Ben Davies at left-back, Kieran Trippier at right-back, with Jan Vertonghen partnering Davinson Sánchez at center-back."
"Dembélé and Dier form the double Defensive Midfielder pairing."
"Son Heung-min on the left wing, Eriksen on the right, Alli as the Attacking Midfielder, and Kane leading the line."
"The man drawing particular attention is England's talented Attacking Midfielder Dele Alli—praised for having the flair of a Brazilian, the drive of an Englishman, and the discipline of a German."
"On the other side, Liverpool go full strength. The Red Arrow trio—Mané, Salah, and Firmino—all start."
"In midfield, Henderson and Emre Can sit deeper, with Leo Lin playing ahead of them."
"Robertson at left-back, Arnold at right-back, Lovren and Matip in central defense, and Mignolet in goal."
Inside both dressing rooms, the starters were making their final preparations.
The broadcast camera swept across the stands. Some fans held up banners reading "MLSF," with a slogan beneath:
"We have the best quartet in the world!"
Jon Champion chuckled when he saw it.
"Some viewers might not be familiar with that. It's a nickname that's recently caught fire in English football."
"English fans coined it for Liverpool's front three plus Midfielder Leo Lin—a brand-new moniker for the four."
"The final two letters, S and F, stand for Salah and Firmino."
"There's also a second meaning. They're taken from PSL—often called the Super AK—a top-tier sniper rifle known for its immense power and sustained fire."
"The first two letters, M and L, represent Mané and Leo Lin."
"They also stand for Modern and Level—symbolizing cutting-edge standards."
"So fans have dubbed Liverpool's Crazy Quartet MLSF—the Modern Super AK!"
"The heavy artillery of modern football!"
As he spoke, the camera cut to the tunnel. Both starting elevens stood ready to walk out.
The MLSF quartet stood together at the back of the line. The broadcast zoomed in for a tight close-up.
"The heavy weapon of modern football is about to take the field!"
"Fans, get ready!!"
"Enjoy the spectacular show from the Crazy Quartet!!!"