The players' families were about to take center stage. Hierro organized a team gathering to celebrate Spain reaching the World Cup semifinals.
He invited the Spanish WAGs staying at other hotels to join the players, with the theme centered around Spanish ham, generously provided by brand ambassador Ramos.
The ham endorsed by Ramos is hugely popular in Spain, with wide recognition and a massive fan base.
Thanks to its geography, Spain has hot summers and mild winters. These conditions are ideal for raising Iberian black pigs and for the long curing process of ham.
That is why Iberian ham has become one of Spain's most beloved foods.
That evening, the team bus returned to the hotel surrounded by cheering fans. As soon as the players stepped off, staff burst into celebration, singing, dancing, and playing lively music.
Leo Lin had his left arm around Ramos and his right around Piqué, joining the two veterans to lead the team in a victory dance.
At the luxury hotel, the players' families had already been waiting for a long time. Leo Lin immediately spotted Maria. She blinked her bright, star-like eyes and gave him a radiant smile.
Ramos's wife, Pilar Rubio, is older than him, a well known relationship in football circles.
Ramos danced forward, ready to embrace her, but in the next moment, she walked straight past him, carrying their young son as she headed for Leo Lin.
"Lin, my son is your biggest fan."
"He cried when you scored your first goal yesterday."
"Could you take a photo with him?"
"And maybe give him an autograph too?"
Ramos froze.
He moved closer and reached for his son's hand, but the boy ignored him completely, eyes fixed on Leo Lin.
Ramos looked awkward and spoke up.
"Honey, honey."
"I'm right here. We have not seen each other in so long."
"Son, did you miss your dad?"
"Just look at me once."
Maria stood nearby, covering her mouth as she laughed. The atmosphere in the hotel became warm and lively with the arrival of family and friends.
It had been a long time since Leo Lin felt something like this. He made a video call to his parents.
During the call, his teammates gathered around to greet them.
Julia was already having the time of her life in China. She had heard about its beauty before, but experiencing it firsthand far exceeded her expectations. She had completely fallen in love with it.
Soon, the ham feast began. Every dish featured premium Iberian ham. Ramos held nothing back, putting on a lavish spread that impressed everyone.
"These are the finest cuts of Iberian ham."
"Each slice is worth one hundred pounds."
Leo Lin looked at the paper thin slices, almost transparent, and found it hard to believe their value.
The players enjoyed the food, while their families sang and danced. Spanish music and traditional dances filled the hall, building the atmosphere to its peak.
The banquet lasted until midnight, when another quarterfinal match began. Belgium versus France, a major showdown.
Players and families watched together, waiting for the result.
"Lin, who do you think will win?" Ramos leaned against Leo Lin's shoulder, eating ham while watching.
Maria glanced over, her expression growing noticeably sharp.
"I think France. The Les Bleus are very strong. Every position is filled with quality players, and under Deschamps, they are very united."
Piqué leaned against Leo Lin's other shoulder.
"I say Belgium. De Bruyne and Lukaku work very well together, and Hazard has been in top form this tournament."
The Spanish players discussed it. Most favored France, though some supported Belgium, the so called golden generation.
The match began. France quickly took control and suppressed Belgium's attack.
Belgium lined up with three center backs, focusing on counterattacks.
They did not have much possession, but whenever De Bruyne got the ball in midfield, his forward passes would find Hazard or Lukaku with precision, threatening France's defense. The game was intense and exciting.
"France attacking again. High ball toward Giroud!"
"He flicks it on. Excellent layoff!"
"Mbappe receives it on the right side of the box!"
"He drives inside, beats Vertonghen!"
"Shot!"
"Into the near corner. Beautiful!"
"Goal!"
"Mbappe opens the scoring. One nil!"
...
"Belgium counterattack!"
"Courtois collects it and throws quickly to De Bruyne!"
"They break forward at speed. De Bruyne drives ahead!"
"He bursts past Matuidi!"
"Continues down the right, outside of the foot pass to Hazard!"
"Cross!"
"Lukaku at the near post!"
"He lets it run!"
"Chance at the far post!"
"Shot!"
"Chadli!"
"Chadli!"
"He equalizes just before halftime!"
Piqué applauded.
"Did you see that? That is Kevin De Bruyne. The best attacking midfielder in the world right now."
Belgium's classic counterattack brought them level.
At halftime, the Spanish players all commented on how entertaining the match was.
The second half began. France continued with fast counters, while Belgium dropped deeper and did the same.
Both sides had chances to decide the game. It came down to who would take the moment.
Shots kept coming, time ticked away, but no goal arrived.
Until the 87th minute.
Griezmann broke through and won a free kick on the right.
Pogba delivered it to the near post, where Umtiti rose and powered a header into the net.
The young Barcelona center back celebrated wildly, and Piqué immediately cheered for his teammate.
France took a 2-1 lead and sealed the win, advancing to the semifinals.
Leo Lin watched the celebration, his eyes fixed on Mbappe, full of confidence and energy.
He understood one thing clearly.
If he wanted to stand at the very top of the world, France was the opponent Spain had to defeat.