Chapter Thirty-Four: It Is Time for a Proper Talk (Major Chapter)

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I’ve grown accustomed to the erratic subscription pattern on PS. Although there’s a twinge of disappointment—after all, I put considerable thought into the action and scenes—I feel a slight relief. For less important matches from now on, I’ll just report the scores; a simple note of who scored will suffice. Maybe this is the trend. Today, the rewards from last month were distributed, so I decisively sent a big red envelope to the brothers and sisters in the group—there’s not much anyway, and there’s no point hoarding it.

Everyone is chanting Klose’s name, hailing him as the god of football. Yet, sadly, Klose is far from his peak now; in fact, he mainly relies on his heading ability. His shooting with the ball at his feet is crude, and he’s not even the primary penalty taker within the team.

Simon Jentz’s expression remains calm. When Klose attempts a long-range flicked shot, Simon anticipates the direction correctly but fails to touch the ball. However, Simon shows no panic or disappointment, for the ball grazes the post and goes out over the goal line.

Simon’s save had effectively blocked every path the ball could take. If he missed it, the only conclusion was that Klose’s shot went wide. And indeed, Simon’s judgment was right. Klose clutches his head in remorse—damn it, if that had been a header opportunity, he would have surely seized it.

At this moment, Momo feels a complex kinship with Klose—a shared understanding among those who lack precision in shooting. Why make things harder for each other?

The match continues with both sides pressing and defending, neither Momo nor Klose scoring. It seems a draw is inevitable. But Kaiserslautern thirsts for victory. It’s somewhat tragic: despite having a prolific scorer like Klose, they still fight desperately to avoid relegation.

Klose has already turned down offers from several clubs out of loyalty to Kaiserslautern. Yet media analysts speculate Kaiserslautern may soon buckle under financial strain and be forced to sell him.

In truth, Klose, like Inzaghi, suits stronger teams better—not because he lacks ability, but because his strength lies in teamwork. Simply put, Klose’s talent shines in collaboration; with good partners, he’s unstoppable, like a god descended. Without them, he’s just mediocre.

“The match has reached the 41st minute. The tension remains high. Both Munich 1860 and Kaiserslautern are seeking ways to score. Compared to Munich 1860, Kaiserslautern’s hunger for victory seems far greater.”

The second division has seen six rounds. In the first round, Kaiserslautern visited Stuttgart’s Mercedes-Benz Arena. At halftime, Stuttgart led 1-0, but Klose’s brilliance earned an equalizer, ending 1-1 and securing a point.

In the second round at home, after breaking up with his girlfriend, Klose’s form dipped. Schalke 04 defeated Kaiserslautern 3-1, dropping them from 11th to 15th place—just above the dreaded relegation zone.

Round three saw 15th-place Kaiserslautern visit 14th-place Borussia Mönchengladbach. Two struggling sides clashed fiercely. Klose, still shaken by heartbreak, struggled; Mönchengladbach led 2-0 at halftime and sealed a 3-0 victory.

By round four, Kaiserslautern slipped to 16th, while Mönchengladbach climbed to 8th. Kaiserslautern could only manage a goalless draw at home against Bielefeld.

Finally, in round five, 17th-place Hamburg beat Kaiserslautern 2-0 at home, pushing them to 18th and bottom of the table.

Rumor has it Klose has a new love interest. Though nothing’s certain, his form is improving, yet he remains insufficiently threatening to Munich 1860’s goal.

Momo senses something off about the whole team today—likely affected by recent transfer rumors. The chemistry with his teammates feels nonexistent; passes are either too long or delayed until chances vanish.

He doesn’t understand why, but at the last moment, he seizes a chance for a threatening long-range shot—though it remains just that, threatening.

“The first half ends. Munich 1860 seems less eager for victory. Their attackers made many basic errors, and Kaiserslautern’s form is poor. Although Klose finds opportunities, his finishing is lacking.”

Chen Nu’s commentary has matured; no longer shouting wildly. Meanwhile, fervent discussions rage on domestic forums.

“I’m rooting for Klose. Didn’t he get together with that girl from the Kaiserslautern jersey shop? Didn’t he say his form was improving? Why no goals yet?”

“Tony, the heading king, your mindset is off. Why not cheer for Momo? Though lately, Momo’s form hasn’t been great either!”

“Unbeatable Bayern will surely dominate all.”

“The Bumblebees buzz—keep talking, and the Bumblebees will sting you to death this year.”

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Simon Jentz is a godly goalkeeper. Without his stellar performance, Klose would have scored already.

“Premier League Yang Chen says Klose’s shooting is poor, but his heading is much better.”

“Tony the Heading King @Premier League Yang Chen, what are you saying? Where do you put my Tony?”

“I support Klose. What’s all this noise? Your Tony can only show off after reaching the top league.”

“Redemption of Kaka—I still like Kaka. His speed easily surpasses Klose.”

“When will Samba dancer Ronaldinho transfer to La Liga? I heard Real Madrid and Barcelona both show interest.”

“Careful selection for betting—I’m curious where Momo will go. Now he’s valued at 8 million euros. Will it rise? I bet Momo ends up at Manchester United or Inter Milan.”

“Betting king, tsk tsk. Not necessarily. I favor Juventus; maybe even Bayern Munich! He might even end up a substitute at Real Madrid!”

“Chinese football, rise up! If Momo becomes a substitute at Real Madrid, I’ll chop off my head for you.”

“Beckham’s free kicks—forget Real Madrid, Beckham hasn’t even gone there yet!”

“K-king, please take my knees. I bet K-king will score a hat trick in the second half! Who’s with me? I’m betting one dollar!”

“Veteran fan: If Momo doesn’t score in the second half, I’ll castrate myself on the spot. So far, whenever Momo’s played, the ball’s found the net.”

Well, no matter the chatter, the match is king.

The second half kicks off quickly. Klose’s progress is slow but evident; compared to his debut, he’s much improved.

During halftime, Momo learns the club plans a contract extension, but Mino alone shoulders the negotiations and apparently rejects a four-year extension. That means refusing to keep Momo until 2008 (his current deal has two years left).

It’s a proud and fascinating thing to accompany a team growing from weak to strong, but Munich 1860 lacks this foundation.

Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and Manchester City have massive financial injections. They spend on players and improve salaries to win championships.

What about Munich 1860? Lifeless, cashless, burdened with huge debts, and overshadowed by city rivals Bayern Munich. They struggle to attract strong investors, and their management lacks effective strategies.

More importantly, they can’t retain or buy quality players. They lack the foundation to rise, let alone aspire for championships.

For a club that can’t offer money, glory, or progress, any player with talent wouldn’t let his agent keep him there. So why keep Momo? To avoid relegation and sell him for a good price at the right moment.

Under such circumstances, why let Momo waste his prime here? Many foreign players abandon high-paying Chinese teams for overseas clubs due to ambition and development potential.

Since Mourinho’s arrival and his grand vision shown to Momo, he knows what he needs—a top-tier league, elite teams and teammates, and the thrill of decisive victories.

Momo’s eyes blaze with eager fire. Klose looks resigned; his teammates are like weaklings who can’t be lifted, while Momo’s teammates resemble old men obediently following the coach.

Regardless of past achievements, their futures hold little promise. Munich 1860 is no longer the “Lions”—not the mighty eastern German pride, but a vast coffin filled with mediocrity and aging players.

Momo refuses to settle for mediocrity or a retirement role; he must shine to draw attention and be dug out from this lifeless tomb.

“Momo! Momo has the ball! The 76th minute! He’s dropped deep! What will he do?”

Momo’s gaze is resolute. On the sidelines, Parkourt’s expression is conflicted. He doesn’t want Momo to outshine the team but craves victory and dreams of leading Munich 1860 back to glory.

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Unfortunately, Parkourt bears too many chains—strong but trapped. Like Momo on the pitch, all he can do is try his best and play wholeheartedly.

“Momo ignores his teammates calling for the ball. He chooses to go it alone! Five defenders stand before him! He has no chance!”

Chen Nu’s voice is surprised. This isn’t the right choice. Why not pass?

Flaming red figures charge forward—Kaiserslautern players. Their fiery jerseys contrast with their lacking fervor.

Momo watches their steps and balance. As a defender lunges to steal on his left, Momo suddenly feints with his left foot—a simple yet effective move that leaves the opponent behind.

Not flashy but practical, lacking beauty but combining speed and explosiveness. Momo is like a cheetah, pent-up for nearly an entire match. No one can stop him. Only a goal can unleash his emotions.

Two more defenders close in quickly. Momo’s feet move fast; he feels as if he might collapse, but it’s not time yet! He tells himself: score! Score!

Using the inside of his left foot, he nutmegs the first defender, then with his right foot, he nutmegs the second. They stand dumbfounded, as if facing training poles—no reaction.

Someone must stop him! Someone!

Klose watches in awe. Momo’s legs move swiftly and decisively, shaking him deeply.

“Beautiful! Beautiful! Momo dribbles past three players in a row! He stumbles but holds on! The opponent commits a sliding tackle! Momo!”

A Kaiserslautern player lunges hard. Momo’s eyes fixate on the ball. At the last moment, he traps it between his legs and leaps up.

“Beautiful! Momo is about to enter the penalty area!”

Chen Nu’s voice blasts like an alarm. Momo lands, eyes gleaming with joy—he’s almost inside the box!

But life is rarely perfect. A leg suddenly appears before Momo’s eyes. He tries to react but can’t. He watches helplessly as the ball is cleared, stumbling before regaining balance.

He’s in the box, but where’s the ball?

“Kaiserslautern’s last defender clears successfully. Momo’s dribbling is brilliant, but alas...”

Alas, indeed. Yet Momo’s anger intensifies—reminiscent of his early days when Hannover 96’s coach told him they didn’t need to win this match. Such anger.

For Momo, if a match can’t be won or played with full effort, what’s the point?

The same applies to Munich 1860. As long as they avoid relegation, any result is acceptable. Though relegation talk is premature, a top-six finish is fantasy.

Their primary task is to control Momo—let him know who he plays for and who holds the power. Also, to make him sign his contract quietly, securing his future.

“One day a Lion, always a Lion.”

Munich 1860 fans applaud Momo’s dazzling effort and chant his words.

But for Momo, it feels painfully ironic.

It’s time for a serious talk.