Chapter Three: The City Watches Him Rise

In the eighty-ninth minute, Donggang committed everyone forward. A Blaze clearance reached Lu Ye at midfield. Two defenders trapped him, but as he fell he threaded the ball between them. Substitute midfielder Xu Chuan was alone against the goalkeeper. Only rain and footsteps remained. Xu did not shoot. He passed sideways. Lu Ye, back on his feet, entered the box and guided the ball home with his left. Three–two. At the final whistle, dozens of battered Blaze flags rose together. Supporters cried and embraced strangers. Qin Haishan, who had cursed for a living, crouched beside the pitch and covered his face. In the storm, Chenzhou heard the crowd chant his name. Not "Young Master Gu." Not "former heir." Only Gu Chenzhou.