Chapter 779: A Day Out
While Bruno was enjoying a leisurely vacation on Cabbage Cay, the pandemic was wreaking havoc across Europe, causing sporting events to be postponed repeatedly.
On March 17, UEFA held a video conference at its headquarters, during which representatives of all 55 member associations unanimously agreed to postpone the 2020 UEFA European Championship by a year and to cancel the 2020–2021 UEFA Nations League entirely.
The postponement of the Euro 2020 will trigger a series of "seismic" ripple effects across the international sports world for the next two to three years.
With COVID-19 spreading rapidly in Europe, all five major European football leagues had already been suspended. Based on the current situation, it seemed unlikely that the pandemic would be contained before June. Due to the massive financial stakes involved, it was almost impossible to cancel the 2019–2020 season outright. Doing so could lead to numerous clubs facing bankruptcy.
The postponement of the Euros was a necessary move to prioritize domestic leagues, allowing them more flexibility to complete their seasons. This plan had been strongly advocated by all stakeholders.
A winter Euro tournament was briefly considered, but given the trajectory of the pandemic, postponing the competition to the summer of 2021 was deemed more feasible.
This marks the first time in the history of the European Championship, since its inception in 1958, that the tournament will be held in an odd-numbered year. It is also the first time the event has been postponed. UEFA has assured ticket holders that if they are unable to attend the rescheduled tournament, they will receive a full refund.
Following UEFA's announcement, the notoriously independent-minded English Football Association (FA) fell in step, declaring on March 19 that the Premier League would be postponed until at least April 30.
As for when matches might resume, the FA said it would depend on the development of the pandemic and could not provide a definitive timeline.
With nine rounds remaining in the Premier League, even a schedule with two matches per week would make it impossible to finish the season by the end of May—let alone account for teams like Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Wolves, who were still competing in European tournaments and the FA Cup.
This means that the long-standing rule that the Premier League season must conclude by June 1 will be broken in 2020.
As someone with insider knowledge, Bruno knew the Premier League would remain suspended until mid-June, a full three months away.
On Cabbage Cay, thanks to its isolation, there were no signs of the pandemic.
Bruno ensured strict preventative measures on the island. Everyone was required to have their temperature checked daily, and those who left the island to purchase supplies underwent rigorous disinfection upon their return to eliminate the risk of introducing the virus.
Time flew by, and by April, Cabbage Cay welcomed four new visitors: Liu Yan, Tang Yan, Zhang Liangying, and An Yi.
These four women, all close friends of Liu Yimei, were famous celebrities in China. They had traveled to the Bahamas after hearing about Liu Yimei's pregnancy.
Having attended Bruno and Liu Yimei's wedding as bridesmaids, they were aware that Liu Yimei wasn't Bruno's only wife—Vanessa was part of the marriage too.
While they found Liu Yimei's choice unconventional, their bond with her was strong, and they accepted her unique marriage arrangement. They also got along well with Bruno.
Initially arriving in the Bahamas at the end of March, they spent two weeks in quarantine before being brought to Cabbage Cay by Bruno's yacht. After a few more days of isolation on the island to confirm they were virus-free, Bruno allowed them to explore the area.
Cabbage Cay is a small island, with a total area of just over 140,000 square meters (about 212 acres). It takes roughly an hour to walk around the entire island.
However, the nearby Eleuthera Island is much larger and boasts many attractions, including the famous Glass Window Bridge in the north and Princess Island in the south.
The Glass Window Bridge is located on Eleuthera's northern coastline and serves as a natural link between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
What makes this bridge unique is the stark contrast in water colors on either side—deep blue for the Atlantic and a light, almost turquoise blue for the Caribbean. Viewed from above, it looks like two panes of colored glass, earning it the name "Glass Window Bridge."
The bridge exists due to Eleuthera Island's geological features. The northern part of the island is a narrow strip of land flanked by the Atlantic and the Caribbean. The bridge spans this narrow strip, forming a stunning natural spectacle.
Standing on the bridge, visitors can witness the powerful waves of the Atlantic crashing into the shore on one side, while the calm, gentle waters of the Caribbean lap peacefully on the other. The contrast between the two is striking—one side wild and untamed, the other serene and tranquil.
This spectacle is particularly breathtaking on sunny days, drawing countless tourists to admire the view.
Beyond the sights from the Glass Window Bridge, the surrounding natural scenery is equally mesmerizing.
On the Atlantic side, the coastline is marked by towering rocky cliffs, with waves crashing against them and creating beautiful sprays of water.
On the Caribbean side, a stretch of sandy beaches and tranquil blue waters offer a sense of serenity and relaxation. Here, visitors can stroll along the beach, taking in the stunning natural beauty.
When imagining a dreamlike island getaway, Princess Island in the Bahamas undoubtedly comes to mind.
Located on the southern tip of Eleuthera Island, this gem of the Caribbean is beloved by visitors for its crystal-clear waters, fine sandy beaches, and an abundance of water activities.
Princess Island is an exclusive retreat for Princess Cruise passengers, offering a cozy, home-like atmosphere. The island perfectly reflects the Caribbean's leisurely and joyous spirit, with delectable cuisine, relaxing vibes, and exciting water sports that leave visitors enchanted.
For those who've spent a week on a cruise, Princess Island becomes an irresistible haven.
The island's beaches are a major highlight. Golden sandy shores interspersed with rocky formations gleam even brighter under the sun. For sunbathing enthusiasts, this is paradise.
Don your favorite swimwear, lounge on a beach chair, and let the sun gently wrap around your body. The resulting sense of relaxation and bliss feels like something straight out of a dream.
But Princess Island offers much more than sunbathing. Its array of water activities, from banana boats to colorful water tricycles, ensures there's never a dull moment.
To welcome Liu Yimei's four best friends, Bruno organized a grand tour of Eleuthera Island once their quarantine ended.
The group started at the island's northern tip at the Glass Window Bridge and made their way south to Princess Island.
Due to the pandemic, tourist numbers on Princess Island were relatively low.
As soon as the group's tour bus stopped, An Yi let out an excited cheer and was the first to dash towards the beach.
Among Liu Yimei's friends, An Yi was the youngest and still retained a childlike spirit, bringing a smile to everyone's faces.
Of course, An Yi and Liu Yimei were the same age—both 32 and a few years older than Bruno. This is why she fondly referred to him as "Little Bruno."
As the group stepped off the bus, Bruno couldn't help but take a deep breath of the refreshing coastal air.
Lush greenery lined the shore, giving way to a pristine, golden beach. With the tide not fully in yet, the shimmering blue waves of the sea gently rolled onto the sand in the distance.
"Wow, it's so beautiful!" the girls exclaimed in unison. They eagerly removed their shoes and let the soft sand caress their bare feet.
An Yi, already ahead, turned back and shouted, "Hey, Little Bruno! There are so many little crabs on the beach—let's catch some!"
Bruno smiled, knelt down, and grabbed a handful of sand. Letting it trickle through his fingers as the sea breeze blew gently, he felt a wave of tranquility wash over him.
Vanessa clapped her hands to gather everyone and said, "The villa I rented is just up ahead. If you want to swim, go change into your swimsuits first."
She had arranged for all the beach activities in advance, so the girls followed her lead.
The beachfront was dotted with tidy rows of wooden huts, and the villa Vanessa mentioned was among them.
After stowing their belongings, everyone changed into swimwear.
When they stepped out, the beach was immediately graced by a dazzling array of beauty. Their slender waists, porcelain legs, and radiant smiles captivated everyone nearby. While not all of them wore bikinis, their presence was enough to draw attention from every beachgoer—male and female, young and old.
Bruno, too, had changed into a pair of swim trunks. Shirtless, his toned muscles and powerful physique were on full display.
Once everyone reached the beach, Vanessa revealed the wide variety of activities she had planned for them.
"Little Bruno!" An Yi, already splashing in the water, waved and called out. "Come on in—it's so much fun!"
She playfully leapt with the waves, her bikini accentuating her graceful figure as she moved, a sight that was both lively and enticing.
Bruno ran to the shore and dove headfirst into the water, swimming straight toward An Yi in one swift motion.
"Ah!" she squealed as Bruno grabbed her and playfully tossed her into the water. An Yi flailed her arms and let out an exaggerated scream before regaining her footing. She retaliated by splashing water at Bruno with all her might.
Seeing this, Zhang Liangying joined in the "attack" at An Yi's urging, and soon water sprayed everywhere.
Not wanting to be left out, Tang Yan and Liu Yimei joined forces to splash Bruno, with even Vanessa jumping into the fray. A lively water fight ensued, laughter echoing across the beach.
Realizing he was outnumbered, Bruno quickly swam farther out to sea, escaping their relentless "onslaught."
Without a target, the girls, led by An Yi, began splashing one another instead. Their laughter and cheers filled the air, painting a picture of pure joy.
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