Chapter Fifty-Seven: This Is My Path

On this disc, Ding Yu used visuals to explain in detail the key points a target center-forward should pay attention to. What is a target center-forward? He is the spearhead of a team's attack, the beacon in the forward line when teammates are advancing, a striker who does the heavy lifting—using his physique to shield teammates, draw the opposition's fire, and seize opportunities to score himself. If he can't shoot, he creates chances for other forwards with headers or clever passes. While he may not stand out, his role is crucial in a team's tactics, truly the "blue-collar among the golden collars."

Such strikers were once indispensable in British teams, but with the evolution of modern football, this type has gradually vanished from top English clubs. Still, in lower leagues like League One, many target center-forwards remain active. Often overlooked within their teams, they are nonetheless irreplaceable.

Yin Xiuping, having finished cooking, watched alongside them. Seeing how the target center-forward role had become so marginalized, she couldn't help but say, "Son, if that's the case, don't play this position. It's thankless work, why bother?"

Long Bisheng shook his head, and Long Yuyun began to admonish his wife, "What do you know? Lei Feng was willing to be a screw in the revolution. If someone can be a screw, what's wrong with doing the hard work? Besides, there are no outdated positions on the football field, only players who lack skill. If you excel as a target center-forward, you'll have a bright future. Look at Toni, the Italian striker for Yunjia Tianyu—he's just such a target center-forward, still a mainstay, and now he's returned to play in Serie A!"

Long Bisheng acted as if he hadn't heard his parents' conversation, focusing intently on the television, memorizing every detail.

The disc went on to cover various techniques for target center-forwards: how to use one's body, how to shield teammates, and training methods. Most of these techniques Long Bisheng had encountered over the past year of training, but the disc provided more detail.

The disc ended with a highlight reel of Luca Toni, the Italian import who once played for Yunjia Tianyu. Early on, Toni essentially played the target center-forward role, using his physical advantages to help other strikers score. Though Toni scored only about ten goals per season, those around him—be it Yi Xiaofeng in League B or Hao Dong later in League A—enjoyed far more scoring opportunities. For two consecutive years, Yunjia Tianyu produced the league's top scorers, and Toni's contribution was immense.

Yet, Toni's treatment was exactly as the disc described. Despite being indispensable in the team's tactics, other foreign imports like Germany's Ballack and Italy's Materazzi, who joined at the same time, soon caught the attention of European football circles, while Toni remained in obscurity. Only at the start of this season, thanks to Yunjia Tianyu's recommendation, did he transfer to Udinese in Italy. Recoba, who arrived even later than Toni, was noticed by Inter Milan in Serie A after just over a season.

Long Bisheng watched the entire disc in silence, and Long Yuyun didn't disturb him, letting him ponder. After all, young players are eager to play positions that attract attention and glory on the pitch, and not everyone can endure the solitude and silent dedication.

Seven days passed in the blink of an eye. After requesting leave, Long Yuyun sent his son back to Yunjia.

On the journey, Long Yuyun said little. Only after getting off the bus together in Yunjia did he pat Long Bisheng's shoulder and say, "Son, what you want to do in the future is your own decision. What position you play should be up to you. The coach has pointed out one path, you can follow it or not—it’s your choice. Whatever you decide, your father will support you. Finally, let me tell you this: in modern football, every position and type of player has its strengths and weaknesses. Like a machine, every part has its irreplaceable role."

He checked his watch. "All right, there's a bus to Wuhan soon. I don't have much time and can't take you to school. You'll have to go on your own."

With that, Long Yuyun turned and disappeared into the crowded bus station.

Watching his father, tall but now slightly stooped, Long Bisheng's eyes filled with tears.

His father was no longer young. He once believed his father was ageless, but in truth, when Long Bisheng was born, his father was nearly thirty; now, he's approaching forty. For a soldier, that's a perilous age—if he can't move up in rank, he faces a forced transfer. The leap from lieutenant colonel to colonel is just a step, but in peacetime, that step can be as hard as climbing the sky.

His father's burden was no less than his own, yet he still supported his son's search for his own path. But was the path the coach pointed out really the one he should walk?

Long Yuyun was right—Long Bisheng was deep in thought. At his age, he'd already faced many such decisions, each one significant enough to shape his future.

He decided alone to pursue football. Under Ding Yu's guidance, he resolved to persist. Now, he had to decide whether to play this seemingly invisible, thankless position.

Long Bisheng had every reason to be proud. At his age, he was already confronting life's challenges head-on, while most of his peers still enjoyed carefree childhoods.

But in another sense, there was little to be proud of. Professional football is unique—those who become players decide their path at a young age, start formal work before twenty, and retire at thirty. Most careers begin in the twenties and last until sixty. A footballer's life is more concentrated, more brilliant.

Drying his tears, Long Bisheng hurried onto the bus to Yunjia Tianyu Football School. In that moment, he had made up his mind: no matter how obscure or thankless the position, he would play it!

He didn't want to add any further burden to his family. As long as he could continue playing the football he loved and make it his career, he would play whatever position was needed!

If this is the path destined for me, then let me walk it!

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"Have you made up your mind?" Ding Yu gazed at the young man before him, who seemed to have matured a little more in just a few days, asking softly, "Do you accept my suggestion and decide to make target center-forward your future position? Remember, all I can offer is advice—I cannot decide your fate with a single word."

"Doing important work but remaining invisible, helping teammates score while they receive the crowd's cheers—you are the supporting cast, not the lead. Even your club salary may lag far behind others... I truly dislike making this suggestion, but out of responsibility, I must warn you: you need to be mentally prepared for all of this. If this is your path, are you ready to step onto it? Are you prepared to bear the loneliness that may accompany your whole career?"

"I've thought it through." Long Bisheng nodded slowly but firmly. "Just as you said, since this is my path, all I can do is walk it the best and furthest I can."

"Every type of player on the pitch has value. I am myself; I can't replace others, but they can't replace me either... I can't be a prolific scorer, or a masterful playmaker, or an electrifying winger, or the team's commander, or the impenetrable defensive core... If I can only be a target center-forward, then so be it. In any case, the target center-forward has irreplaceable value on the pitch, doesn't he?"

"Well said, Long Bisheng. Now I truly appreciate you, because you understand what it means to be grounded and content." Ding Yu smiled sincerely. "From this semester forward, you'll have a special training plan—crafted to address your weaknesses in the target center-forward role. Don't think I'm giving you special treatment. At this stage, every student’s differences become clearer. Besides group training, everyone will have a detailed personal training schedule to highlight their characteristics."

"Thank you, Coach." Long Bisheng bowed deeply to Ding Yu. Even if Ding Yu treated everyone equally, Long Bisheng was sincerely grateful to this mentor in the truest sense. Though much time had been lost, Long Bisheng was undeniably lucky. His real mentor was such an outstanding coach—able to make the best arrangements based on each player's situation. Only after becoming a true professional did Long Bisheng realize how fortunate he was to have met Ding Yu.

P.S.: The unit's rent collection begins in March, so I'll be very busy for more than half a month. Updates may be affected—hope all brothers can forgive me for this.