The morning sun in Madrid streamed through the blinds into the apartment.
Lu Chuan sat at his desk, the latest financial report from L & E Capital displayed on his laptop screen.
Numbers danced before his eyes, each percentage point of growth representing the solid foundation of his business empire.
"Lu, you have to see this!" Esther rushed out of the kitchen, phone in hand, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Lu Chuan looked up, seeing the childlike innocent smile on her face.
Lu Chuan's tightly pressed lips unconsciously relaxed, and the indifference in his eyes faded considerably.
"What's got you so excited?"
Esther practically skipped to his side, turning the phone screen towards him.
"The fund manager just sent a report; the AI pharmaceutical company we invested in has seen its valuation increase by 30%!"
Lu Chuan took the phone and carefully read the report.
Support from the German government's research fund, breakthrough progress in pandemic-related research—these keywords gradually smoothed his brows.
"What does this mean?" Esther sat beside him, her eyes full of anticipation.
"It means our first step was correct," Lu Chuan returned the phone to her.
"This company's AI technology can significantly shorten the new drug development cycle, especially in urgent situations like a pandemic, where its value is infinitely magnified."
Esther rested her chin on her hand, listening intently to his explanation.
"Can you elaborate on how this technology works?"
Lu Chuan got up and walked to the window; the streetscape of Madrid unfolded before him.
"Traditional drug screening requires testing thousands of compounds one by one in a laboratory, a process that can take years.
But AI technology can quickly screen for the most promising drug candidates in a virtual environment through computer simulation."
"It's like giving scientists x-ray vision?" Esther's analogy made Lu Chuan chuckle.
"You could say that," he turned to face her.
"And the application of this technology extends far beyond that.
Cancer treatment, rare disease drug development, even personalized medicine—all have huge potential."
Esther stood up and walked over to him.
"So technology really can change the world; this is more exciting than making any sci-fi movie."
"We need to formulate our next investment strategy," Lu Chuan sat back down at his computer.
"This success proves our judgment was correct, but we can't be blindly optimistic because of it."
Esther sat beside him, and the two began to discuss the company's future development direction in depth.
From artificial intelligence to renewable energy, from biotechnology to space exploration, their conversation covered various cutting-edge fields of technological development.
"I think we should establish a more comprehensive project evaluation system," Esther suggested.
"Not only should we consider the advanced nature of the technology, but also evaluate the team's execution ability and market acceptance."
Lu Chuan nodded in agreement.
"You're right.
And we also need to consider the timing of the investment; entering too early might face the risk of immature technology, while entering too late might miss the best opportunity."
Their discussion lasted the entire morning, from investment strategy to team building, from risk control to expected returns; every detail was carefully scrutinized.
Lu Chuan found that Esther not only had keen business acumen but also unique creative thinking.
"You know what?" Esther suddenly stopped writing.
"I never thought I'd be so interested in business investment."
"Why?" Lu Chuan asked curiously.
"Because in the film industry, people are more focused on artistic expression and emotional resonance."
Esther's voice carried a hint of emotion, "But when discussing these tech projects with you, I feel another kind of creative joy."
Lu Chuan reached out and held her hand.
"This is our unspoken understanding.
You understand my dream, and I can feel your passion."
Esther's cheeks flushed slightly, and she leaned gently on Lu Chuan's shoulder.
"After the season ends, come home with me once."
This sentence made Lu Chuan's heart race instantly.
He knew what this meant; it was her greatest affirmation of their relationship.
"I want my parents to meet the man who fascinates me," Esther's voice was soft, but every word clearly reached Lu Chuan's heart.
Lu Chuan held her hand tightly, feeling the warmth of her palm.
"Of course.
Then, you also come back to China with me once to meet my parents.
They will definitely like you."
This agreement brought their future even closer together.
They were no longer just lovers, but partners ready to face life hand in hand.
In the afternoon, Lu Chuan's phone rang; Paco Jémez's name appeared on the screen.
"Lu, tomorrow's training session has been moved up to 9 AM," Paco's voice was serious.
"We need to prepare thoroughly for the next match."
"The opponent is Alcorcón?" Lu Chuan confirmed.
"That's right.
Don't let last night's victory go to your head; we're only 4 points ahead of seventh place; every match is a life-or-death battle."
Paco's tone became even sterner, "It's not time to celebrate yet!"
After hanging up, Lu Chuan's expression became solemn.
Esther noticed the change in his mood.
"What's wrong?"
"The coach is reminding us not to relax," Lu Chuan got up and walked to the balcony.
"The competition for the promotion play-offs is more intense than I imagined."
Esther followed him and stood beside him.
"What are you worried about?"
"I'm worried the team will overlook overall teamwork because of my individual performance," Lu Chuan's voice carried a hint of worry.
"The record of twelve consecutive kills is important, but if it can't help the team get promoted, this record loses its meaning."
Esther gently stroked his back.
"You're overthinking it.
Your teammates are all excellent; they won't be overshadowed by your brilliance."
Lu Chuan turned to face her, the worry in his eyes gradually dissipating.
"You're right.
I should trust them, just as they trust me."
In the evening, Lu Chuan was alone in his study conducting a system inventory.
A blue interface appeared in his mind, with various data clearly displayed before his eyes.
Host: Lu Chuan
Current LP Balance: 2400
Activated Skills: [Full Field Vision] (Permanent), [Big Heart] (Permanent), [Direction Change Acceleration Master] (Beginner)
Mission Progress: [Storm Returns!] (12/12) - Mission Complete!
The system's notification sound rang in his mind: [Ding! Congratulations to the host for completing the main mission: Storm Returns!]
[Reward: 5000LP, [Legendary Shop] Refresh Card x1, Designated Skill Upgrade Card x1]
A hint of excitement flashed in Lu Chuan's eyes.
The 5000LP reward brought his total points to 7400, which meant he could make a significant skill upgrade.
He unhesitatingly opened the Legendary Shop and found the [Penalty Box Finisher] skill.
The price of 2200LP was no longer an issue for him now.
He felt his muscle memory being reshaped.
He knew that the next time he stood in the penalty box, his body would instinctively make the most lethal shooting motion, without the slightest hesitation.
Next, he used the [Designated Skill Upgrade Card] to upgrade [Direction Change Acceleration Master] from beginner to master level.
This upgrade brought about a revolutionary change in his breakthrough ability; both his starting speed and change of direction amplitude reached the top level of professional players.
Just then, Carlos's phone rang again.
"Lu, I have important news to tell you." The agent's voice sounded a bit nervous.
"What news?"
"Your value has skyrocketed because of the record-breaking performance, and Rayo Vallecano is likely to sell you for cash in the summer." Carlos paused, "And another La Liga team... Real Betis, has also joined the chase for you."
This news made Lu Chuan's mood complex.
On one hand, the attention from a La Liga team proved his value was recognized; on the other hand, it also meant he might face a difficult choice.
"What is Betis's offer?" Lu Chuan asked.
"The specific figures are still under negotiation, but from what I understand, their sincerity is very strong."
Carlos's voice was excited, "Lu, this is an excellent opportunity for you to enter La Liga."
Lu Chuan walked to the window, looking at the lights of Vallecas Stadium in the distance.
There were memories of his hard work, witness to his making history, and friendships of fighting alongside his teammates.
"I need time to think," Lu Chuan finally replied.
"Of course, but don't think for too long," Carlos reminded him.
"Opportunities are fleeting, especially in the world of football."
After hanging up, Lu Chuan fell into deep thought.
Esther walked over from the living room and saw his solemn expression.
"What's wrong now?"
Lu Chuan relayed Carlos's words to her.
After listening, Esther also fell into thought.
"Do you want to go to Betis?" she asked softly.
"I don't know," Lu Chuan answered honestly.
"My rationality tells me this is a good opportunity, but emotionally, I can't bear to leave Rayo Vallecano."
Esther walked to his side and gently stroked his cheek.
"Whatever decision you make, I will support you."
"Even if it means we might be apart for a while?" Lu Chuan asked worriedly.
"Distance won't change our feelings," Esther's eyes were firm.
"And, I'm also considering taking on some international projects, so maybe we can still meet elsewhere."
Lu Chuan pulled her into his arms, feeling the warmth of her body.
On this unpredictable night, her embrace was his greatest comfort.
"No matter what, we must remember today's agreement," Lu Chuan whispered in her ear, "The agreement to meet our parents."
Esther nodded, her eyes sparkling with happiness.
"This is the most important promise between us."
It was late, and the streets of Madrid gradually quieted down.
Lu Chuan and Esther cuddled on the sofa, discussing various possibilities for the future.
The blueprint of a business empire gradually became clear in their conversation, and the promise of love was confirmed in each other's eyes.
Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but tonight, they had each other, they had dreams, and they had the courage and determination to change the world.