I Just Wanted to Play Soccer, But I Became a Hollywood Heartthrob

Hearing Gu Ran's words, Coach Carter's pupils shrank. Just moments ago, he had been shouting to the heavens, praying for a left-back to miraculously appear. And now, out of nowhere, this kid says he can play left-back? This was way too much of a coincidence. Could this really be divine intervention? …Bullshit!

There's no way things were that convenient.

Carter scoffed and narrowed his eyes at Gu Ran. "Kid, let me guess—you're just saying this because you want to get into the team, aren't you? Hah! You think little tricks like that work on me? I'll give you one chance—get out of my sight before I lose my temper."

Damn, he saw through me? This coach isn't just some random old man, he's sharp. But there's no way I can admit it. If I do, I'll never get into the team.

Gu Ran kept his cool and activated his acting skills, putting on a serious, unwavering expression. "No, Coach, I really can play left-back. If you don't believe me, test me."

In his past life, Gu Ran had always played as a forward in amateur street games. His left foot was his weaker foot, and he had never once played as a left-back.

However, his preferred role was as an inverted winger—a forward who cuts inside from the left flank to shoot with his dominant foot, just like Cristiano Ronaldo in his early days.

Many of the world's greatest forwards played this way—early Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar, Robben, Henry, the list went on.

Messi, in particular, was a prime example. As a left-footed player, he played on the right wing, where he could cut inside and drive towards the goal—a move so effective that it was named after him: Messi's Corridor.

With his past experience as an inverted winger and his familiarity with the left side of the pitch, saying he could play left-back wasn't entirely a lie.

Of course, whether he could play it well was another story.

Right now, the team didn't need a forward—they needed a left-back. If Gu Ran introduced himself as a striker, Carter wouldn't even give him the time of day.

But if he joined as a left-back first, he could gradually transition into an attacking role.

It wasn't impossible. After all, Gareth Bale started as a left-back before being transformed into one of the best forwards of his era at Tottenham. His coach, André Villas-Boas, never stopped boasting about how he was the one who made that switch happen.

Gu Ran's strategy was simple—get into the team first. Once he was in, he could take his time farming skills and improving his attributes. Everything else would follow naturally.

Seeing Gu Ran's determined expression, Carter hesitated for a moment. "Alright, kid, I'll admit it—I do need a left-back right now. But listen carefully: I don't just need a left-back, I need a competent left-back. I don't expect you to be as good as Olin, but if you can prove you're solid enough, I might consider making an exception."

Gu Ran let out a small breath of relief, maintaining a composed expression. "Thank you, Coach."

Carter snorted. "Don't thank me yet, kid. Our school's football team isn't some joke. We're one of the top-ranked high school teams in the entire UK. We beat over a dozen other schools in the regional qualifiers just to make it to the National Talent Cup. You think we let just anyone onto this team? Our entry tests are brutal."

Gu Ran nodded seriously. "I understand, Coach. I respect what the team has accomplished, and I know how strong the Steel Antlers are. That's all thanks to your leadership."

Years of corporate work experience in his past life hadn't gone to waste. The art of corporate ass-kissing was a skill he had mastered.

And British coaches? They weren't prepared for this level of social maneuvering.

Carter's stern face softened slightly.

His players were mostly the Rust type—big, strong, loud, but not exactly brainy. Basically, high-end gaming PCs with RGB lighting but running on outdated processors.

But this Chinese kid? Not only did he say the right things, but he said them well.

Carter gave Gu Ran a small nod of approval. "Normally, our tryouts take weeks. Physical tests, tactical drills, scrimmages—the whole process takes at least two weeks. But since this is an emergency situation, I'll make it simple. We'll test your defensive abilities first—one-on-one. You get to pick your opponent from the team."

Gu Ran smiled confidently and pointed at Rust, who was in the middle of roughhousing with his teammates. "I choose Rust. We already have an unfinished one-on-one challenge."

Choosing Rust wasn't just about keeping a promise—Gu Ran had thought this through.

Rust was physically strong, and his defensive skills—tackling, intercepting, body-checking—were solid for a high school player.

But his offensive skills? Almost nonexistent.

Rust was slow, had poor ball control, and was stiff when changing directions. His dribbling was below average.

Since Gu Ran was being tested as a defender, that meant Rust would have to play as an attacker.

And as a natural defender, Rust's offensive abilities were weak.

Which meant Gu Ran had a huge advantage.

If he had picked an actual forward or midfielder to go up against, he would've struggled to keep up defensively. But against Rust? He just had to neutralize the one thing Rust was good at—body-checking.

And now that Gu Ran had the Fair Shoulder Charge skill and a decent Strength stat, he had a way to counter Rust's brute-force playstyle.

All things considered, Rust was the perfect opponent for this test.

Carter raised an eyebrow. "You're picking Rust? You sure?" He smirked. "Kid, I don't care about whatever beef you two have. Hell, you could've slept with his mom for all I care. But I will tell you this—you've just chosen a very dangerous opponent."

Gu Ran's grin widened. "Coach, I'm not afraid of danger. In fact, the more dangerous, the more fun, right? I'm sure of my choice."

Carter squinted, brows furrowing with suspicion. "Wait… did you sleep with his mom?"

…

What the hell?!

Gu Ran nearly choked. "No! Absolutely not!"

Carter muttered under his breath, "Good… at least no one's dying today."