Mayukov’s whistle did not sound again—perhaps because there really was nothing wrong with the goal, or perhaps because Mayukov himself was so startled by the goal that he forgot to blow the whistle. In any case, his whistle did not sound.

After coldly questioning his opponent, Ethan Brooks did not stay in front of the goal. He turned and walked off the field.

Ever since that coach had arrogantly mocked him and his father, Ethan Brooks had decided not to start his professional career with this team, regardless of whether he was good enough to be noticed by CSKA.

If others look down on you, there’s no need to shamelessly insist on staying. This is a team that doesn’t know how to respect people—especially that coach.

Though they are a powerhouse in the Russian league, they lack the demeanor of a true giant.

Amid the astonished gazes of the crowd, Ethan Brooks walked straight off the field to stand before his father.

“Let’s go, Dad.” Ethan Brooks bent down to pick up the large duffel bag on the ground. He and his father were always like this: each carrying a bag, another slung over the shoulder, traveling all over Europe.

Owen Brooks asked, “We’re just leaving?”

Ethan Brooks nodded. “Yeah, I don’t want to play for a team that looks down on me.”

Owen Brooks thought for a moment and felt his son made a lot of sense. If others don’t value you, there’s no need to curry favor with them.

But…

“Then we can only go home, Hero.”

“Home it is! At worst, I’ll just get a job!” Ethan Brooks said resolutely.

Deep down, Ethan Brooks was, of course, unwilling to give up his football dream just like that. But the match was already over—what else could he do? The outcome couldn’t be changed. A loss was a loss. He had lost the most crucial match and missed the chance to advance.

The only thing he could do now was… leave here with as much dignity as possible.

“Let’s go, Dad!” Ethan Brooks took the lead, striding away from the training ground.

Owen Brooks also felt sorry for his son, but what else could he do? They had already given everything they could, endured hardships others couldn’t imagine, and though the result was disappointing, there was nothing to be done. He shouldered his bag and followed in his son’s footsteps.

Just like that, the two of them turned and left the training ground under everyone’s gaze.

※※※

Latysh was stunned for a moment, then suddenly grabbed Valery Minko beside him. “Go! Bring him back for me!”

Minko was a bit surprised. “Who?”

“Who do you think?” Latysh glared at his clueless subordinate.

“Uh… you really mean…” Once he realized who, Minko was even more surprised.

“Give him a one-week trial period. Observe his abilities up close, then make a decision.” Latysh ordered Minko, making up his mind.

His previous judgment that the boy had no talent now seemed wrong. His physical qualities were indeed quite impressive. If used properly, and with specialized training for headers, maybe he wasn’t a lost cause… At the very least, keep him for a week’s trial and see what he’s really capable of.

※※※

By the time Minko caught up, Ethan Brooks and his father were already near the main gate. The two of them were easy to spot, each carrying a conspicuous large duffel bag and another slung over their shoulders, standing out in the crowd. CSKA Moscow isn’t like those famous European clubs—there are very few out-of-town fans who come to watch games carrying all their belongings. So Minko immediately found his targets in the crowd.

“Wait! Wait…” he waved and called from behind. “Hey!”

But the two in front didn’t react at all—didn’t turn their heads, didn’t slow their steps.

Helpless, he had to run after them…

Finally, he caught up with them at the main gate.

Still panting, Minko didn’t waste words with Ethan Brooks and got straight to the point: “Do you want to stay and play for CSKA?”

He was direct, and Ethan Brooks was just as straightforward: “Not at all!” There wasn’t a trace of hesitation on his face.

Minko hadn’t expected such an answer.

He certainly knew why this father and son had come to the training ground—wasn’t it just to hope the team would give them a trial, to be noticed, and then sign as professional players?

Now, after all his efforts, the boy had finally caught Latysh’s “special attention.” At this moment, shouldn’t he accept CSKA’s trial offer without hesitation and thank Latysh for his generosity?

“What?” He thought he’d misheard.

“I said I don’t want to play for CSKA at all!” Ethan Brooks enunciated each word, speaking very slowly in English to make sure the Russian in front of him understood and had no further questions.

“Are you sure?” Minko was a bit surprised. “I know… uh…”

He hesitated.

Across from him, Ethan Brooks smiled.

It seemed the other party also knew where the problem lay. He quite enjoyed the coach’s awkwardness.