Cristiano Ronaldo was usually aloof, and he even carried a touch of resentment toward Su Hang because of the media's constant comparisons.
But upon meeting him in person, he found Su Hang incredibly enthusiastic.
Doesn't this just make me look like I'm on another level?
Could it be that he admires me?
Is he actually my fan?
Ronaldo's lips twitched, almost breaking into a smile. He extended his hand, his voice slightly restrained:
"Pleased to meet you. I've heard your name, Su Hang!"
Su Hang clasped Ronaldo's hand and launched into an endless stream of conversation.
Wayne Rooney, standing just behind them, was stunned. As Ronaldo's Manchester United teammate, he knew how hard it was to get Cristiano to talk casually with anyone.
This Su Hang… Could it be that Ronaldo was already thinking about a move to Real Madrid?
Even Ronaldo himself was surprised. He'd tried several times to cut Su Hang off, but it was impossible—Su was a fountain of compliments:
"Your speed is incredible."
"When you sprint, you're like a bolt of lightning."
"Your dribbling is so quick and efficient—it matters more than fancy tricks."
"Your finishing is outstanding—I'd rank it among the top five in the world today."
"Your physical strength is unbelievable, and your heading is world-class."
"People call me a big-game player, but I believe you are too. Just looking into your eyes, I can see we're both driven by unshakable conviction."...
How could Ronaldo possibly resist that?
All he wanted to say was: Man, if you're this good with words, keep going!
Their first meeting shocked everyone. Instead of sparks flying, the two of them acted like old friends who'd known each other for years. Su Hang kept talking, and Ronaldo kept smiling.
The volcanic clash people had expected never came. It didn't fit their reputations.
Su Hang was infamous as a troublemaker and locker-room tyrant—he'd clashed with coaches and even threatened or fought with teammates.
Roberto Carlos: Damn it, who leaked that?
Ronaldo, on the other hand, was known for being flashy and cocky, stubborn and fiercely independent.
And yet somehow, these two hit it off immediately.
...
Meanwhile, the young model glanced over at Jennifer's seat and felt a stab of envy.
Front row?
Damn it—that should have been her seat!
But she quickly composed herself, pretending to greet Jennifer warmly before whispering, "Looks like you got lucky. But honestly, front row or second row doesn't always matter."
"Cristiano is hugely popular in England, and he's Manchester United's number seven—the heir to Beckham. Beckham's here tonight too. I'll be the real center of attention!"
By "center of attention," she wasn't talking about football, but fashion. Beckham held enormous influence in fashion and entertainment circles—far above any other football star.
Fans at home might be watching for Ronaldinho, Zidane, Ronaldo, and others.
But in the fashion world and among entertainment fans, Beckham was the main event.
With the two Manchester United number sevens—past and present—meeting tonight, there would surely be a photo-op. The young model was determined to snag a picture with Beckham, something she could flood social media with.
Who knows? She might even brand herself as the next Victoria Beckham.
...
The entrance suddenly grew chaotic.
The young model turned, eyes lighting up. Beckham had arrived!
This year, Beckham's Ballon d'Or ranking was only 18th, far from his peak of second place. Still, his star power was undeniable.
He made his way down the aisle, shaking hands with several players before arriving at Cristiano Ronaldo's side.
"Hey, Chris," Beckham greeted warmly.
"David, hello," Ronaldo replied, stepping forward to embrace him.
In truth, Ronaldo and Beckham had never played together. The year Ronaldo joined Manchester United was the same year Beckham left for Real Madrid. Still, they had faced off on the pitch, and Ronaldo had once claimed Beckham's shirt after a match.
So in Beckham's presence, Ronaldo carried himself like a respectful junior.
The young model seized the moment, darting forward to shake Beckham's hand before throwing a triumphant glance back at Jennifer.
Perfect. Just as she'd planned.
Tomorrow's tabloids would be filled with pictures of her shaking Beckham's hand and clinging to Ronaldo's arm. Beckham had greeted her date, Cristiano Ronaldo, while ignoring Jennifer's.
Didn't that prove her choice was the right one?
Forty-seven? Ridiculous forty-seven!
But Beckham didn't sit in the second row. Even with a lower ranking, his star power guaranteed the organizers would never put him there.
Instead, he headed straight for the front row.
Su Hang was watching the red carpet highlights on the big screen, not paying attention to Beckham—nor did he need to.
Because...
"Hey! My captain! Just because you're nominated for the Ballon d'Or, you forget your teammates?" Beckham grinned as he smacked Su Hang on the back.
"Whoa! Who dares to lay hands on the captain of Real Madrid?" Su Hang froze for a moment, then leapt up with a grin. "Ah, it's Beckham—the superstar who dominates football, fashion, and beyond. Then it's fine. Being hit by you is an honor!"
Victoria, standing beside Beckham, burst into laughter.
"See? I told you—he's fierce on the pitch, but off it, he's a total clown!" Beckham chuckled, pulling Victoria close. Then he made a formal introduction: "Su, this is my wife, Victoria."
Su Hang nodded enthusiastically and shook her hand.
"Of course I know! Beckham's greatest fortune in life was meeting Victoria. Without her, he'd just be another footballer—like me."
Su Hang's warmth was infectious.
"And who's this?" Victoria asked, turning to Jennifer.
"Oh! I almost forgot to introduce her." Su Hang gently pulled Jennifer forward. "This is my good friend, Jennifer Lawrence. She's an actress. She doesn't have many credits yet, but she's got incredible potential. If you have any film or TV connections, sis, maybe you could help her out."
Jennifer was completely flustered.
Victoria Beckham! A true powerhouse in entertainment. Even if her projects hadn't made waves, being with Beckham was her biggest claim to fame.
"Oh! Su, this is the first time you've introduced a female friend to me," Victoria teased, smiling warmly at Jennifer. "It's a pleasure to meet you. Let's exchange contact info later, shall we?"
Jennifer's hands trembled.
This... really?
Meanwhile, the young model sitting further back was left dumbstruck.
What was happening?
Why were Beckham and Victoria showing so much warmth toward that "Number 47"? Even Jennifer was receiving special treatment.
They were actually going to exchange contacts?
Su Hang: First of all, my name isn't "Number 47"!
...
(35 Chapters Ahead)
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