While Mourinho was still suspicious, Chen Ran had already called Simeone to the sidelines.

"Diego, notify the others that as soon as they grab the ball, they will immediately pass the ball to Chris in front. Do you understand?"

"I know, boss."

After a while, Simeone passed on Chen Ran's latest instructions.

As a result, Mourinho saw one long ball after another, constantly sent out from the Crystal Palace backcourt.

Although the two core playmakers, Cesc Fabregas and Modric, are not on the court, the accuracy of these long passes is not high.

But even these few balls that fell to Ronaldo's feet caused Chelsea's defense to be confused for a while.

Ronaldo's personal breakthrough ability is really outstanding. It requires speed, body, and technique.

So many times, Chelsea's defenders can't intercept the ball without fouling.

Once a foul was committed, it gave Crystal Palace a chance to breathe.

Soon, Mourinho understood Chen Ran's purpose of replacing Ronaldo.

Where is the point of launching a counterattack?

This is to let Ronaldo act as a troublemaker in front, disrupting and delaying Chelsea's offensive rhythm.

I think I figured it out, but Mourinho can't let Ronaldo's threat go.

Being both Portuguese and having the same agent Mendes, it is impossible for Mourinho not to know how powerful Ronaldo is.

In other words, he came to Chelsea a year too late, otherwise Mourinho would definitely grab Ronaldo at all costs.

Now, he can only watch as Ronaldo walks around with several Chelsea defenders.

When given the opportunity, Ronaldo dribbles the ball directly towards Chelsea's penalty area;

Without a chance, Ronaldo took the ball and ran towards the corner flag.

Looking at the scene in front of him, Mourinho almost couldn't help but order his players to play dirty tricks on Ronaldo several times.

Fortunately, Mourinho's mind is still clear. The current relationship between him and Mendes is a bit cold because of Chen Ran's existence, but the two sides are generally getting along.

If Cristiano Ronaldo, Mendes' most valued player, is injured because of his orders, then Mendes might really fall out with him.

After repeated weighing, Mourinho still felt that he could not take this risk.

Therefore, in this Premier League match that the whole world is paying attention to, the last twenty minutes before the end of the game became a big stage for Ronaldo to fully demonstrate his personal abilities.

All kinds of fancy passing moves, excellent physical fitness, and lightning speed made these Chelsea defenders spin around.

Mourinho gritted his teeth and finally turned around and returned to the bench, out of sight and out of sight.

In the end, with Ronaldo's excellent ability to delay time, Crystal Palace drew 0:0 with Chelsea in the away game and continued to maintain a 12-point lead.

After the game, Mourinho, who was surrounded by reporters, said only one sentence, abandoned all reporters present, turned around and left.

"Crystal Palace's Cristiano Ronaldo is a very good player. Mr. Chen is very lucky to have such a player."

Mourinho ran away, and reporters naturally would not let the remaining Chen Ran go.

"Hello Mr. Chen, what is your comment on Mr. Mourinho's speech?"

"He is right. Cristiano Ronaldo is indeed a very good player. I am very honored to have such a player."

"Mr. Chen, if I remember correctly, you snatched Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United and Arsenal. What I want to ask is, why did you choose Cristiano Ronaldo in the first place?"

"Mr. reporter, you have a very good memory. The reason is actually very simple. Once the players that these wealthy clubs are interested in are outstanding, I am just more willing to spend money than them."

"Mr. Chen, Mr. Mourinho seems to think that you relied on Cristiano Ronaldo's outstanding performance to achieve this draw. What do you think of this?"

"Did Mr. Mourinho say that? Why don't I remember?"

Chen Ran glanced at the reporter who asked the question. There are always unscrupulous people who want to harm me.

"Chris played brilliantly, but so did the rest of the Crystal Palace players."

"This was a very tough game. We just returned to London from Portugal yesterday. Every Crystal Palace player who played has done their best. I am very grateful to them."

"I would like to ask Mr. Chen, after the draw against Chelsea, does it mean that there is no suspense for Crystal Palace to win the Premier League championship this season."

"I never said this."

"With eight rounds left, we are only 12 points ahead of the second place, and our opponents still have a chance to overtake."

"It's too early to talk about the championship now."

Seeing Chen Ran nonchalantly saying, "Only twelve points ahead," the reporters present were all impressed by his shameless appearance.

...

Thousands of miles away in China, Crystal Palace fans who watched the game flooded the forum again.

"Haha, even though Crystal Palace didn't get three points, why am I so happy?"

"Me too. Of course I'm happy that Chelsea didn't narrow the points gap."

"With eight games left, the 12-point lead is almost secure."

"Low-key, low-key, we still have to guard against Chelsea's charlatan."

"It's okay. We have so many good players in Crystal Palace. It won't be a problem to win all the weak opponents left."

"That's right. Especially Ronaldo today. With his skills, speed, and body, there is no choice. He is definitely a future superstar."

"Hey, Chen Ran's eye for picking people is obvious to all. Look at the players he bought, are they any parallel imports?"

"That's true. Even a relatively good guy like Crouch sold it for 20 million euros."

"It seems like I'm looking forward to the youth training program Chen Ran runs in China more and more now."

"If you didn't mention it, I would have almost forgotten about it. There has been no news about this youth training project for a while. Isn't it because it has become obsolete?"

"How could it be pornographic? Didn't you read last year's news? Chen Ran acquired 300 acres of land on Smart Island and is probably stepping up construction now."

"I can prove that I'm not pornographic. I'm from Smart Island, and I often go there to take a look when I have nothing to do. That area is now a large construction site, and work is in full swing every day. It seems that the prototype of the entire base has been taken shape."

"It's good if it's not pornographic. Once it's built, I'll definitely go there and have a look. I'll treat it as a tourist trip."

"Haha, let's go together, let's go together!"

“Go together +1”

“Go together +2”

...

In other Premier League games in this round, Manchester United defeated Fulham 1:0 at Old Trafford, Arsenal defeated Blackburn 1:0 away from home, and Liverpool defeated Everton 2:1 at Anfield.

After the 30th round of the Premier League, Crystal Palace continues to top the standings with a record of 28 wins, two draws and 86 points;

Chelsea has 23 wins, five draws and two losses, with 74 points, still ranking second;

Manchester United ranks third with 63 points from 18 wins, 9 draws and 3 losses;

Arsenal, on the other hand, ranked fourth with 60 points from 18 wins, 6 draws and 5 losses.

London, Chelsea Club, Mourinho's office.

Mendes made a rare appearance here today. Since Mourinho and Peter Kenyon got closer some time ago, Mendes has come here significantly less frequently.

"José, why did you come to see me today?"

Mendes was still smoking his favorite Cuban cigar and looked at Mourinho through the smoke.

"Jorge, can't I come and chat with you if I have nothing to do?"

Mourinho laughed and poured Mendes a glass of red wine himself.

"Okay, José, it's not like we've known each other for a day or two. You, a workaholic, don't have that much time to waste on me. Tell me, what's the matter?"

"Haha, I still can't hide it from my old friend."

When Mourinho saw that Mendes had seen through it, he walked directly to the sofa next to Mendes and sat down.

"Jorge, how about bringing Cristiano Ronaldo to Chelsea during the summer transfer period?"

Ignoring Mendes' surprised look, Mourinho continued calmly:

"Don't worry, you know how rich Mr. Abramovich is. Chelsea will definitely satisfy you and Ronaldo."

"José, is this your own intention, or is it the intention of Chelsea Club?"

Mendes sat up straight now, put down his cigar, and looked at Mourinho seriously.

"That's what I mean and what Chelsea Football Club means."

Mourinho did not avoid Mendes' gaze and nodded slightly.

"seriously?"

"seriously."

"Even if the Chinese guy offers a very high price?"

"Jorge, let me be bold here. There are few football clubs in the world that are richer than Chelsea right now."
To be continued...