In the semifinals, what left the deepest impression on Sophie was that match, because it was the toughest one. Edward Reed was absent, Kevin was suspended, most of the players were lacking in stamina, and Nick Williams even experienced physical exhaustion. Some players were dealing with minor injuries, and they were up against the strong host team, Chengdu Western Middle School. That team had one more day of rest than Shuguang, were full of energy, playing at home, and would definitely have the support of the entire crowd. With all the advantages of timing, location, and people, almost everyone was pessimistic about Shuguang’s fate, believing that the defending champions would only be fighting for the bronze medal.

But just as the match was unfolding as most people had predicted, with Paul Young being double-teamed and unable to do much, Jason Bolton exploded onto the scene.

Paul Young’s forced pass deflected off the opposing defender’s leg and bounced toward the end line. Even the opposing goalkeeper had given up on that ball, but Jason Bolton, relying on his astonishing burst of speed and acceleration, managed to catch up to the ball just before it crossed the line. With an unconventional sliding shot, the ball ricocheted off the goalkeeper’s leg and into the net! Shuguang led 1:0!

Although the opponents equalized fifteen minutes later, no one could stop Jason Bolton anymore. He had only scored five goals in previous matches, ranking fourth on the scorers’ list, and was said to not live up to the title of top scorer from the last tournament, but now, number 11 was back.

Sure enough, next, as the opponents pressed forward with all their might and left their defense exposed, Jason Bolton dribbled the ball sixty meters from midfield, passed three defenders in a row, and finally tricked the goalkeeper to score into an empty net, delivering the best goal of the tournament. Seeing such a goal, the entire stadium fell silent—even Kyle Lane could hardly believe his eyes, because, after all, Jason Bolton was a center forward, and such long-distance solo goals were rare for him.

Paul Young also seemed to be liberated by Jason Bolton. He repeatedly broke through on the right wing, creating threats. One of his crosses allowed the 1.83-meter-tall Jason Bolton to rise above the crowd in the penalty area and, with a powerful long-range header, broke through the Western Middle School’s goal for the third time—a hat trick!

Just when everyone thought that, after scoring a hat trick, Jason Bolton would ease up a bit, he struck again with a turn-and-volley shot inside the box, completely shattering the host team’s hope and fighting spirit for an equalizer. From trapping the ball to turning and shooting, the whole process took only 0.4 seconds. The opposing defenders and goalkeeper had no reaction at all, just standing there watching Jason Bolton complete his wild performance.

“Before this tournament, countless people said they wanted to challenge Jason Bolton, but after this match, looking across all the high school teams in the country, no one can compete with Jason Bolton anymore. He’s like an ordinary iron sword—usually unremarkable, but once swung, he instantly transforms. There’s no sharp edge, but his presence is overwhelming. Before you see any blood, the enemy is already defeated.”

This wasn’t said by Sophie, but was how Howard Brooks described Jason Bolton in a post-match feature. That guy must have read too many martial arts novels. In Sophie’s eyes, Jason Bolton was still the same Jason Bolton—someone who liked to grin foolishly off the field, but was full of passion on it. These two seemingly contradictory traits were somehow perfectly combined in him. And for Sophie, whether it was the silly Jason Bolton or the handsome Jason Bolton, she loved them both, because no matter what, Jason Bolton was still Jason Bolton, and Sophie was still Sophie.

When the final whistle of the championship match sounded, Shuguang had defeated their opponents 3:0 and successfully defended their national title!

Watching the players on the podium, wearing gold medals and holding the trophy, jumping up and down, Sophie couldn’t help but burst into tears. She knew that although the senior players were all smiling, deep down, they were probably forcing those smiles. After fighting side by side for three years, they had become as close as family. Now, their final performance together had come to an end, and everyone would go their separate ways, scattered far and wide. Who knew when they would meet again?

Edward Reed said goodbye to the field, Andrew went to Germany, Kevin returned to Brazil, and she, along with Jason Bolton and Paul Young, would study in Hefei. She really missed Shuguang’s soccer field—every evening, dust would fly as the sun set, and the players on the field looked like silhouettes, their faces indistinguishable, but their movements and laughter especially clear.

At Coach Kyle Lane’s “home,” there wasn’t even a phone. No one knew how he was doing. He was already thirty, still without a girlfriend, and his place was a complete mess...

And those underclassmen— in Sophie’s memory, the Shuguang players always seemed to have the same expression: a bright, sunny smile.

The basketball tournament was already over. Watching the basketball team members high-five and celebrate on the court, Sophie truly felt as if time had turned back. High school life was so pure and beautiful, but sadly, it would never return...

On the way back, Shawn Thompson was in a great mood after winning the game and showed off in front of Sophie, thinking that their relationship should be getting better. But Sophie looked gloomy and downcast, her gaze fixed on the fleeting scenery outside the window, saying nothing.

Shawn Thompson couldn’t figure it out—he really didn’t understand this girl, Sophie.

The bus stopped at the school bus station. Shawn Thompson suggested walking Sophie back to her dormitory—“It’s on the way anyway.” Sophie didn’t say anything, so he took it as silent consent.

After finishing his PS game, Jason Bolton came back. He realized he had no idea what Sophie had been doing all afternoon. He’d gotten caught up in playing and hadn’t gone to find her. Now it was time for dinner, and he should be with her.