Due to the last-minute substitution issue, Hu Ming was simply assigned to forward.

Everyone agreed that if Hu Ming stayed in the backfield, they’d likely concede even more goals.

Placing him upfront meant no one cared if he took a leisurely stroll.

High school soccer matches weren’t overly strict—offside rules were practically ignored.

No one cared about tactics; just blast the ball forward and shoot.

The game resumed.

Hu Ming loosely marked an opponent, his expression utterly relaxed, showing no intent to play seriously.

Yet the boy he was guarding felt like Hu Ming was sticky candy—impossible to shake off.

Every time he tried to receive a pass, Hu Ming materialized right there.

Frustration simmered within him.

*He’s tormented me enough before. Now he’s on the other team, and I’m still under his thumb?*

*Absolutely not!*

He signaled sharply for the ball. His teammate understood, kicking it across the field. The boy sprinted toward it, already picturing himself dribbling past Hu Ming and slamming the ball into the net.

A voice cut through his fantasy.

Hu Ming had appeared where the ball would land, wearing a teasing grin.

"Thinking you’re about to score? Don’t worry—I was thinking the same thing."

The ball landed perfectly at Hu Ming’s feet. He instantly booted it back to a waiting teammate.

The entire field stared in shock.

Han Shuyi frowned, puzzled. Hu Ming’s movements had been crisp, without hesitation.

Still, Han Shuyi didn’t retreat to defend. Their backline had it covered.

The teammate receiving Hu Ming’s pass fumbled the ball, stunned it had actually been intercepted. By the time he regained control near the penalty box, defenders swarmed him.

"Screw it—shoot!"

He gritted his teeth and fired a straight shot.

The keeper caught it cleanly. The rebound flew sideways.

Just as he turned to shrug mockingly at the opponent, Han Shuyi’s shout rang out: "Watch out!"

He instinctively glanced back. A shadow flashed at the edge of his vision.

He saw the opponent spread his arms for balance, then lift his right foot.

He saw it all clearly—but his body froze.

The ball whistled past his ear and slammed into the net.

The spectators gaped, stunned silent.

Only Ye Qiuxue raised an eyebrow in satisfaction, a faint smile curling her lips.

【Hu Ming, well done!】

Han Shuyi hadn’t expected this. He’d put Hu Ming on to embarrass him, yet the guy scored on his first touch!

The entire counterattack—from steal to goal—was his doing.

Anyone with eyes knew this was Hu Ming’s glory.

The basketball players stopped their game, crowding the soccer field’s edge. They watched the scoreboard change, rewritten by the "clown" they’d mocked.

Hu Ming jogged to the goal, picked up the ball under everyone’s gaze, and walked toward center circle.

"Class ends soon. Let’s restart."

*Is he insane? Does he actually think he can win?*

...

On the pitch, only strength earned respect.

If Hu Ming had been worthless before, now he was undeniably brilliant.

After conceding, Han Shuyi led a furious assault on Hu Ming’s goal. They’d planned to crush the weaklings—especially with Hu Ming on their side.

Who could accept him scoring?

Hu Ming’s team scrambled desperately just to defend, let alone attack.

Only Hu Ming shadowed Han Shuyi relentlessly.

"Hu Ming, one goal is impressive. You can hold your head high in defeat," Han Shuyi said, his voice laced with smug certainty.

Hu Ming chuckled softly.

"You’re always too confident. Confidence is good—but know your limits."

As he spoke, a shout erupted: "Charge!"

Hu Ming’s teammate intercepted the ball and surged down the wing.

Every player chased him—except Han Shuyi and Hu Ming, locked in a physical duel.

Han Shuyi gritted his teeth, face twisting. He’d thought Hu Ming would crumble on contact. Instead, Hu Ming drove forward, shoulder-to-shoulder, and Han Shuyi felt his own strength fading.

They crashed into the penalty box just as the winger, pressured by defenders, instinctively passed to Hu Ming in the center.

The passer instantly regretted it—Han Shuyi was right beside Hu Ming.

*The ball’s gone!*

...

Han Shuyi lunged, body slamming into Hu Ming to disrupt his touch.

Just as he’d planned, Hu Ming’s balance wavered as he reached for the ball.

The ball bounced off Hu Ming’s toe.

Han Shuyi moved to clear it—but Hu Ming flicked it upward first.

Then came the moment Han Shuyi would never forget.

Hu Ming arched backward, leaping. He swung his left leg down hard—and as it dropped, his right leg snapped up!

*Thud!*

A heavy thump echoed.

Han Shuyi watched helplessly as the net rippled violently behind his keeper.

Back-to-back goals!!!

The entire field froze—even the referee’s whistle died in his throat.

*What was that move? Are high schoolers even capable of that?*

Hu Ming pushed himself up from the grass. He glanced at Han Shuyi, still frozen like a clown in a circus.

"Did you think a draw was the end?" Hu Ming whispered in his ear before jogging to retrieve the ball.

The crowd finally understood: Hu Ming truly intended to win.