"Congratulations to Liverpool, who defeat Hoffenheim over two legs on aggregate and successfully advance to the Champions League group stage."
"In the first leg, Hoffenheim had a real chance to extend their advantage, but they failed to take it."
"Returning to Anfield for the second leg, the balance of victory completely swung in Liverpool's favor."
"Compared to the first leg, Leo Lin showed much stronger attacking intent this time, displaying his outstanding counterattacking ability and creating numerous chances for his team."
"At just 18 years old, heading into the Champions League with your team—what could be more wonderful than that?"
At the post-match press conference, Leo Lin and Firmino appeared alongside manager Klopp, with all questions centered on the Champions League.
"Firmino, now that you've helped the team reach the Champions League group stage, do you hope to go even further in the competition?"
Firmino answered with a smile.
"Of course. We're not here just to make up the numbers. We'll show our full strength in the Champions League."
The reporters then immediately turned their microphones toward Leo Lin.
"Leo, another outstanding performance."
"Are you looking forward to the Champions League?"
Leo Lin was visibly excited.
"For the club, the Champions League is the highest stage in football. I'm eager to show what I can do on that platform."
Among the reporters was the legendary Steven Gerrard from Sky Sports, who was clearly delighted to be interviewing players from his former club.
"Congratulations on a fantastic performance. I believe Liverpool will go even further, carrying the support of all the fans and our expectations!"
"Leo Lin, could I do a one-on-one interview with you?" Gerrard seized the opportunity to extend an invitation.
"In four days, the Premier League is launching a special column interview program, and I'll be the host."
"I'd like to invite you as the first guest."
"I'll prepare some tea, Spanish ham, and a bit of barbecue."
"We can eat and chat—it's a very relaxed show. I promise you a great experience."
Gerrard worried Leo Lin might decline, but Leo Lin immediately agreed.
After all, the invitation came from the legendary Gerrard—and his very first skill was connected to him.
On top of that, as Liverpool's rising star, being invited by Gerrard, the soul of Liverpool, was an immense honor.
The two hit it off right away and quickly reached an agreement.
Leo Lin's consistently outstanding performances continued to draw more attention. Sky Sports was only the first to approach him—certainly not the last.
The Premier League had launched its own column program, aiming to become the most successful online sports media platform, and was pursuing deeper collaborations with multiple star players.
Besides Gerrard, the list of guest commentators already included Paul Scholes, Ashley Cole, and others, with negotiations underway for Didier Drogba.
The Premier League planned to form a "Premier League Legends" lineup, while the special interview series Stories Behind the Stars was set to launch in full.
Four days later, the first invited guest was none other than Liverpool's Leo Lin. The Premier League immediately pushed the news across all platforms with a front-page headline.
"Stories Behind the Stars Special Interview Launches—First Guest: Liverpool's Super Rising Star, Leo Lin!"
Countless fans were drawn in, rushing to subscribe and book reminders. In just one hour, subscriptions for the new program surpassed 100,000.
The sheer traffic and level of interest stunned the Premier League officials and made many people see the enormous commercial potential.
Soon after, a second endorsement offer followed naturally—this time from the fashion world.
When Barnett arrived at Leo Lin's home holding a stack of documents, Leo Lin was in the shower. Barnett, unable to contain himself, stood outside the bathroom door and shouted excitedly.
"Leo, there's another endorsement deal! Hermès wants you to represent their new men's fragrance!"
"They're offering a very high price!"
Leo Lin heard him only vaguely through the sound of running water, catching little more than "fragrance" and "high price."
"Hermès men's fragrance?"
"Are they trying to compete with Chanel for the London market too?"
The recent battle between Chanel and Penhaligon's was common knowledge. Chanel had launched a new men's fragrance line, aiming to dominate much of the English market—especially the crucial London market.
Under Chanel's pressure, Penhaligon's market value kept falling, retreating again and again until it was nearly cornered. No one expected Hermès to suddenly enter the fight.
"So Penhaligon's was just a minor nuisance—Hermès is the real threat!"
Chanel's aggressive takeover of the North London market had already sparked widespread dissatisfaction.
After Penhaligon's was pushed aside, Hermès decided to release a brand-new men's fragrance series, officially named London for Men.
Inspired by traditional British style, the scent carried a distinctly masculine character.
Its layers were clearly defined: fresh, clean notes at the top, a hint of allure in the heart, and richer natural elements emerging in the base.
From top notes to dry-down, the fragrance conveyed an overall sense of refined elegance.
Chanel's new fragrance campaign featured Cristiano Ronaldo from the sports world as its ambassador.
Hermès, on the other hand, chose a dual-endorsement approach. Although it was a men's fragrance, they invited Leo Lin as the male spokesperson.
At the same time, Hermès also brought in a female model—Miranda, one of the most talked-about models in Europe at the moment.
Known for her stunning figure and looks, Miranda was hailed in the fashion world as a fashion queen and was a signed Victoria's Secret Angel.
She held a highly respected position on the Fashion Week runways and, despite her young age, already boasted numerous accolades.
That evening, when Leo Lin arrived at the North London shooting location, the young and beautiful Miranda had already been waiting for some time.
"Leo, we finally meet!" Miranda greeted him warmly and immediately stepped forward to shake his hand.
In his daily life, Leo Lin rarely used perfume. After all, there was no need to wear fragrance on the pitch—was he supposed to overwhelm opponents with scent?
Still, for men, perfume could indeed serve a positive purpose.
The person in charge of the Hermès shoot was also a striking woman, and she wasted no time getting the shoot underway.
Holding the new London for Men fragrance, Leo Lin opened the bottle and lightly sprayed it behind his ears and at several key points, then delivered the pre-written line.
"For men's fragrance, choose North London—the catalyst of a man's charm."
Miranda stood beside Leo Lin at a carefully maintained distance, striking poses to accentuate the fragrance's elegance. Together, they were a flawless match.
Watching from the side, Barnett practically drooled with envy.
"When will I get an elegant, glamorous endorsement like this?"
"I wouldn't even need to be paid!"