Gao Nuo wasn't in a hurry to use the virtual stadium. After tidying up, he went to find Wang Xiaochuan, as his conversation with the system had delayed him for a while.
Wang Xiaochuan had already left, so Gao Nuo had no choice but to head to the agreed-upon Chinese restaurant by himself.
Upon arriving at the Chinese restaurant, Gao Nuo saw an unexpected person sitting with Wang Xiaochuan. Zhao Dong, why was this guy here?
Zhao Dong looked a bit awkward. He picked up a bag from beside his seat and handed it to Gao Nuo, saying, "Congratulations."
Gao Nuo took the bag and glanced inside; it was a pair of football boots.
Mercurial Vapor IX CR7 Galaxy SG-Pro, Cristiano Ronaldo's exclusive 'Galaxy' colorway.
These boots were Nike's 6th signature model, tailor-made for Cristiano Ronaldo, drawing inspiration from his on-field style.
The exclusive boots featured a 'Galaxy' design theme, symbolizing Cristiano Ronaldo's explosive power, speed, and unstoppable impact on the pitch. (PS: This colorway is truly beautiful.)
Seeing that Gao Nuo hadn't spoken and the situation was a bit awkward, Wang Xiaochuan also handed him a bag containing a pair of shin guards.
"Gao Nuo, congratulations! These are gifts Zhao Dong and I bought for you before coming over. Zhao Dong has something he wants to say to you," Wang Xiaochuan said, patting Zhao Dong's shoulder.
Zhao Dong took a sip of water, then held the cup with both hands, not looking up, staring at the water in his cup.
"Gao Nuo, actually, I really envy you. It's not your talent; I envy your determination to give everything for football, and even more, I envy that you can make football your profession."
Zhao Dong's eyes were a little red, and his voice sounded somewhat dejected.
"I also love football, but I don't have the courage to stake my entire life on it, and my talent isn't good enough for the professional stage. Honestly, Gao Nuo, congratulations."
"Thank you. Actually, you still have a chance," Gao Nuo said, unsure what to say to the somewhat unfamiliar Zhao Dong in front of him.
Zhao Dong looked up at Gao Nuo and smiled, "You don't need to comfort me. Even though I can't play professionally, my family has already made arrangements. I'll open a company that makes football equipment. I'm going to leave the team when I go back and start learning the family business."
"Oh, I forgot you're a rich second generation. Having money means you can do whatever you want. It seems I'm the unluckiest one, haha," Wang Xiaochuan interjected, joking around.
"Captain, you need to work hard. I'm still waiting to fight alongside you in the national team," Gao Nuo also smiled.
The atmosphere between the three relaxed, and the dishes arrived. The three ate and chatted, talking about embarrassing moments from their past training. They burst into laughter, causing other diners nearby to frequently glance their way.
Zhao Dong took a bite of food and looked at Gao Nuo, "Oh right, Gao Nuo, you'll need a place to stay here, right? Do you want me to help you get in touch with someone? My dad has some friends here."
Gao Nuo quickly said no and then briefly explained his family's situation to the two.
Hearing Gao Nuo say that his parents flew over to arrange accommodation for him, Wang Xiaochuan felt jealous and said with a bitter face, "So you two are both rich second generations, huh? Let me hang out with you guys, alright?"
"Haha—"
"Haha—"
Even the usually steady Captain was happy today, making Gao Nuo and Zhao Dong laugh heartily.
......
After dinner, the three returned to the hotel. As they walked to Gao Nuo's room, Zhao Dong suddenly asked, "Gao Nuo, are we friends now?"
"Of course! I'm waiting for your company to ask me for an endorsement!" Gao Nuo joked with Zhao Dong, smiling.
Zhao Dong also laughed, "No problem. Once you become a regular starter, I'll send the contract right to you."
At this moment, the former rivals, one going abroad to play and the other inheriting the family business, who were once adversaries because of football, reconciled because of football.
......
Back in his room, after washing up and lying in bed, it was already 10 PM.
Gao Nuo recalled the intense week of training, the match in the afternoon, and then signing with Manchester United. Everything felt like a dream. "System, are my parents in the parallel world still my parents?"
"host, the parallel world merely triggered a new timeline in your original world."
"If you were to die in the future, then this parallel world would disappear. So, your parents are still your parents, and your emotions in the parallel world will not change."
Although what the system said was a bit difficult to understand, Gao Nuo thought about his interactions with Wang Xiaochuan and Zhao Dong over the past few days, which seemed no different from before, and he felt relieved.
Gao Nuo uncharacteristically didn't continue his willpower training, nor was he in a hurry to use the virtual stadium. Today was only Thursday; there were still three days until the friendly match count refreshed.
Gao Nuo chose to get a good night's sleep. Mental health is sometimes more important than physical health.
On June 11, 2022, an early-rising Gao Nuo bid farewell to Wang Xiaochuan and Zhao Dong, waiting in the hotel lobby for his parents to arrive.
At 10:30 AM, a brand new Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen pulled up to the hotel entrance.
As soon as Gao Nuo got in the car, his mother, Xu Meiling, hugged him tightly. "Son, Mommy missed you so much! Let me see, you've gotten thinner again." She said, kissing Gao Nuo's cheek, "How's playing football lately? How does it feel to sign with Manchester United?"
Gao Nuo scratched his head and grinned, "Mom, it feels like a dream. I just signed yesterday."
"My son is amazing! This time, Mommy will support you with all her might."
Gao Yuan, Gao Nuo's father, drove while saying in a stern voice, "You rascal, you just ran off to England without telling us! And when you signed the contract, didn't you think to send it to me to look at? You'll sign anything; aren't you afraid of being sold off?"
Gao Nuo certainly wouldn't say that these were all the system's arrangements. "It was just a two-year contract, the lowest level. I read it carefully."
Gao Nuo still felt a little uncomfortable talking to his father. "Aren't you two busy lately? What business did you say you were coming here for yesterday?"
Before Gao Yuan could answer, Xu Meiling quickly interjected, "What business? Your dad is just being stubborn. We came here just to find you a place to live! You don't know, when he heard yesterday that you were signed by Manchester United, he was more excited than I was. He pushed off all his work for these two days..."
Before Xu Meiling could continue, Gao Yuan cleared his throat awkwardly and said, "Ahem~, Gao Nuo, the house I had someone find for you is 20 kilometers from the club. We'll be there soon. Take a look and see if there are any problems. If it's settled, we'll go eat and then buy you some things."
"Okay," Gao Nuo replied, and the father and son didn't say anything more. After a few more words with his mother, the car stopped in front of a small villa.
This villa belonged to Gao Yuan's friend. It wasn't large, about 250 square meters, which was more than enough for Gao Nuo to live in alone. What delighted Gao Nuo the most was that the backyard had a swimming pool and about 200 square meters of lawn, perfect for him to practice football.
The family of three was very satisfied, and Gao Yuan immediately decided to buy it directly from his friend.
......