Chapter 14: A Tranquil Life in London

Chapter 14: A Peaceful Life in London

Li Mo activated the system.

He noticed that, aside from the modules related to bonding with players, three basic modules had appeared: Basic Shooting, Basic Dribbling, and Basic Passing.

“Completing the Basic Shooting module will elevate your shooting fundamentals to an A-level rating; completing the Basic Dribbling module will raise dribbling fundamentals to A-level; completing the Basic Passing module will bring passing fundamentals to A-level,” the system explained. “Completing all basic skill training modules will upgrade all fundamental skills to an S-level rating. Once fundamentals reach S-level and you have bonding modules with eight players, the system can be upgraded!”

Li Mo looked over the basic training content and sighed quietly to himself.

No question—time to train.

That afternoon, the logistics staff informed Li Mo that he no longer needed to stay at the hotel. The club had found a house near the training ground for him to live in. The landlord and his family—three generations strong—were ardent Arsenal fans and season ticket holders.

They were definitely “one of us,” someone trustworthy.

The club would provide them with a stipend to look after Li Mo—though he felt he didn’t really need looking after, being a minor after all.

That afternoon, instead of extra training, Li Mo, with the help of Arsenal staff, moved his belongings from the hotel and took a car to his new residence for the upcoming season.

This neighborhood in North London was predominantly inhabited by Arsenal supporters.

It was clear that news of Li Mo’s move here had already spread among his soon-to-be neighbors.

“This is the Victor Community,” the logistics supervisor, Enna, explained. “The people here are natives of London, with families who have lived here for generations. By the way, Victor Community is a typical ‘red zone’—most residents back Arsenal. Li, you should avoid wearing white jackets or t-shirts around here.”

Enna rambled on, while Li Mo simply nodded along, unable to interject.

Just then, the car stopped.

The door opened.

Not far away stood a white couple.

“This is Mr. Russell, and this is Mrs. Russell,” Enna said, leading Li Mo to a small courtyard.

The Russells were already at the door to welcome him, both wearing warm smiles.

Mr. Russell was a ruddy-faced man in his fifties, while Mrs. Russell was a stout English lady, slightly broader than her husband.

“Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Russell,” Li Mo greeted hurriedly.

“Welcome, young man. We’re thrilled you chose to live in this community—we now have a bona fide first-team player here!” Mr. Russell said happily.

After all, Arsenal’s first-team players were millionaires, most likely driving their own cars and living in suburban villas. A young player like Li Mo was a rarity.

“Tell me if there’s anything you want to eat—I’m the best cook in the neighborhood!” Mrs. Russell declared with open arms.

Li Mo embraced both of them in turn but hesitated to judge Mrs. Russell’s culinary skills.

After all, she looked kind and warm, but... she was English!

“For example, tonight...” Mrs. Russell winked.

“Please don’t be shy, child. The club pays us to look after you, so just say the word,” Mr. Russell added.

Clearly, as loyal club supporters, they were delighted to care for a first-team player.

“Well...” Li Mo considered. He had a nutritionist’s meal plan tailored to his physical condition, though it wasn’t too rigid, especially regarding dinner.

“I prefer fish, Mrs. Russell,” he said.

As an athlete, fish, beef, and eggs were ideal sources of protein.

“Alright, no problem!” Mrs. Russell smiled so broadly her cheeks nearly hid her eyes.

“By the way, the neighbors will be coming over tonight. It might be quite a crowd.”

“No problem, Mr. Russell,” Li Mo replied.

That evening, Li Mo truly enjoyed the star treatment of an Arsenal first-team player living in an Arsenal-supporting neighborhood.

There were photo sessions, autograph requests, and even discussions about forming a dedicated fan club for him—not a joke, as Mr. Russell was seriously talking with neighbors about cheering slogans and songs.

The next morning, Li Mo woke early. After freshening up, he stepped outside.

“Hey, Li! Good morning!” his little six-year-old neighbor, Serena, called out from leaning over the garden fence.

“Hi, Serena,” Li Mo responded warmly.

He had already met several neighbors the previous evening.

“Good luck, Li!”

“Thanks!” Li Mo smiled and started jogging toward the Colney Training Ground.

It was roughly four kilometers away—a perfect warm-up distance for him.

He ate breakfast and lunch at the club’s first-team canteen, which offered a decent variety of dishes: boiled cabbage, boiled beef, boiled chicken breast, various boiled vegetables, pasta, fruits, and milk.

Li Mo arrived at the training ground an hour and a half before the full team, ate breakfast, then began his personal training.

When the first-team players arrived, he joined group sessions.

Training ended at four in the afternoon; he then stayed on for extra practice until six.

This routine was unchanging, and his diligence earned the neighbors’ admiration.

Every morning when he left, and every afternoon when he returned, neighbors greeted him warmly.

Li Mo’s life these days was peaceful.

His English improved steadily, and he smoothly adapted to London’s rhythm.

Yet this calm was shattered with the conclusion of the international matchday.

Most of the first-team’s key players finished their national duties and returned to the squad.

These Arsenal internationals were well-known figures.

Naturally, they were curious about the new face in the team.

“Never thought the old man would sign someone on the last day of the transfer window,” one player remarked.

“Li Mo—the guy who scored twice against us in the International Champions Cup.”

“He looks like someone who seizes his chances.”

“Where is he now?”

“At training. Don’t you know? He arrives an hour and a half early every day and does two extra hours after training,” substitute center-back Juru said.

“So hardworking?!” the first-choice goalkeeper Szczesny exclaimed in surprise.

He was Poland’s national team goalkeeper and had just returned from international duty.

“Yeah, the boss brought him in to solve our goal-scoring problems. Theo’s probably feeling the pressure now,” Juru added.

Theo Walcott, England international known for his blazing speed, the “Little Tiger.”

Though Giroud was often criticized, Arsenal players knew well that in their tactical setup, Giroud wasn’t the main goal-scorer.

Giroud was the tactical center forward.

Everyone created chances for Walcott.

But last season, Walcott scored twenty goals; this season, he seemed to have lost his shooting boots.

Many Arsenal players believed this was because last season Walcott operated with Van Persie ahead of him, easing the pressure.

This season, as the main striker, the pressure was on him.

A decline in form was no surprise.

And now, with no good performances, Wenger’s signing of a new forward made perfect sense.

At that moment, a “ahem” echoed.

Theo Walcott entered the locker room, his expression clearly sour.

He had heard the teammates’ chatter.

Although Li Mo couldn’t yet replace him, if Theo continued missing chances and failing to score...

From that perspective, Li Mo’s arrival was meant to apply competitive pressure on Walcott.

(End of chapter)