Real Madrid's legendary La Liga title last season was the only blemish on Ronaldinho's Ballon d'Or.
The more Barcelona flaunted it, the more obvious that blemish became.
The more they downplayed it—pretending Ronaldinho's win had never happened—the smaller it seemed.
If they ignored their own glory, then no stain would remain.
For Barcelona, desperate to boast yet unable to, this was the most painful reality of all.
And there was nothing they could do.
Florentino, however, gave Su Hang special instructions: he had to attend the ceremony, and a prime seat had been reserved for him.
Florentino had paved the way, but how high Su Hang climbed was up to him.
"Su, Uncle Florentino can only help you this much," Florentino's voice carried a weary tone Su Hang had never heard before.
Sitting in the back of a Mercedes S-Class on the way to the Champs-Élysées, Su Hang nodded as he listened, then replied:
"There's no need to be pessimistic. You've weathered countless storms. Even if the worst happens, I believe you'll rise again."
"The key is making sure you protect yourself."
There was silence on the other end.
"You know? Your father told you? No wonder… his company started pulling out earlier this year..."
Su Hang didn't explain.
The truth was, he had been the one to warn his father.
Florentino let out a long sigh. "Your father made the right bet. He chose wisely."
Su Hang smiled. "That's his business. But like I said, you need to take care of yourself."
Florentino chuckled. "What now, are you investing in me? Do you really think I have a chance to make a comeback?"
Su Hang: "Of course. I look forward to the day."
Florentino: "Then you'd be going against your father, wouldn't you?"
Su Hang: "Hedging your bets is the only way to win."
Florentino: "So what's your wager?"
Su Hang: "Every trophy Real Madrid can win this season… The bigger the trophy, the stronger your shield will be next summer."
Florentino laughed. "It won't be enough. Since I built the Galácticos, we've won two Spanish Super Cups, one UEFA Super Cup, one Toyota Cup (Club World Cup), two La Liga titles, and one Champions League.
One or two trophies won't save me."
Su Hang countered: "The Copa del Rey two seasons ago, the Supercopa de España last season and this season, last season's La Liga title—that's already quite a haul. And this season, we're strong in every competition.
Win any two of the Champions League, La Liga, or Copa del Rey, and you'll be able to step down with honor."
Florentino: "Hahaha! Then I'll borrow your luck! If you manage that, when I return to Real Madrid, everything the club has will be yours!"
Su Hang: "Sorry, I'm not interested in everything Real Madrid has. I'm only interested in what belongs to me."
Florentino's tone grew serious. "You mean..."
Su Hang: "That's right."
Florentino: "You've got guts! That's nearly impossible!"
Su Hang: "Why else would I be working with you now? Buy low—the payoff will be huge."
Florentino: "Alright then… I'll see how far you can take this season. I just hope your ability matches your ambition."
Su Hang: "You'll see."
Beep beep beep!
Florentino hung up.
Beside Su Hang, a blonde woman sat quietly, clearly wanting to speak but holding back.
To someone who didn't follow football, that conversation would have sounded like riddles.
Even to football insiders, it revealed almost nothing.
That was why Su Hang didn't bother hiding anything from this fellow passenger.
Because what he and Florentino were discussing had already gone beyond football.
So far this season, Florentino's position still looked solid.
Especially after last season, when Real Madrid's comeback over Barcelona delivered the La Liga title and eased all his immediate crises.
That stability meant that even without signing a superstar this summer, fans didn't protest.
The "one galáctico per year" policy had quietly fizzled out—a miracle in itself.
In such a climate, many believed Florentino would remain in charge indefinitely.
But only Su Hang and a handful of powerful figures in Spanish politics knew the truth: after this season, Florentino would likely step down as president of Real Madrid.
It had nothing to do with his performance.
The real reason lay behind him: former Spanish Prime Minister Aznar and his election plans.
Aznar, defeated by an unremarkable rival in 2004, had been amassing strength for a return to power.
He still had plenty of resources—after his fall, many stayed neutral rather than attack, so much of his faction remained intact.
Including Real Madrid.
But now, things looked grim for Aznar.
Su Hang already knew his comeback would fail.
By next year, Aznar would realize his campaign was hopeless.
When that happened, the scramble for spoils would begin.
Real Madrid would be caught in it.
Florentino would be forced out in disgrace—
a disgraced outcast.
His chances of returning would be slim, the cost unbearable.
And this time, he'd be uprooted completely.
But if Real Madrid performed well, and Florentino stepped down citing "uncontrollable external reasons,"
then part of his influence inside the club could remain.
If he returned later, it would be under very different circumstances.
...
(35 Chapters Ahead)
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