From Arsenal to the Ball God

”Is he going to attend the Golden Ball Award?”

”Yes, and there’s a chance he might win it.”

”Wow, at just 18, doesn’t it mean he’ll definitely become a world-class star in the future?”

”Of course.”

Upon hearing the last sentence, he seemed to see Isabella’s proud demeanor with her chin raised.

He showed a faint smile at the corner of his mouth, dressed, and glanced in the mirror... The clothes fit well and had a strong sense of design, without any messy logos or labels, very simple.

He took another look from a distance to view the whole outfit and found it nearly perfect in every aspect, enhancing his demeanor greatly, which of course had something to do with his looks.

This is it!

Ma’el had no intention of trying the other two sets. Essentially, he wasn’t a fan of simple colors, but this dark red outfit with a slightly nonchalant attitude suited him just fine.

Wearing this suit, he walked out and smiled at the two, ”Thank you so much, I’ve chosen this one.”

Isabella and her sister looked him up and down instinctively, their faces lighting up as if they were looking at a beautiful work of art.

”Very nice.”

Isabella was great at providing emotional value, smiling as she praised, ”It has an unexpected effect. Wearing this in Zurich, you’ll be the center of attention.”

”I think so too.” Her sister nodded in agreement, smiling at her, ”Isabella has good taste.”

It wasn’t clear if she was referring to the clothes or the person... but judging by Isabella’s slightly blushing expression, it was probably the person.

”Vroom vroom...!” Shortly after, as the sound of a car engine roared, Isabella and Ma’el left the suit shop and headed toward the villa.

”What time is your flight?” Isabella asked, one hand on the steering wheel and the other using a tissue to wipe her nose, ”Need a stylist?”

”9 in the morning.”

Ma’el replied, shaking his head, ”No need, I prefer to style my hair myself.”

”Alright.” Isabella couldn’t help but glance back, chuckling, ”You look really nice.”

”Thank you.”

Ma’el replied, and neither of them knew what to say next, so in silence, they arrived at his house.

He packed his old clothes and, noticing Isabella had nothing to say, said, ”I’ll properly thank you once we’re back in London. I’ll remember tonight’s kindness in my heart. Bye-bye.”

”Hey.”

Suddenly eager, Isabella called out, taking a deep breath before smiling, ”I hope you win the Puskás Award as you wish. Congratulations in advance for attending this grand event, I’m happy for you.”

Ma’el was taken aback for a moment, feeling the ambiguous atmosphere in the car. He put his things down and extended his arms toward Isabella, ”If I don’t win the Golden Ball this time, I won’t invite you.”

”When I get the chance in the future, I’ll definitely invite you and Gilbert to experience it together.”

”Okay!” Isabella nodded joyfully, lifting her confident chin, ”I know that day will come, I’ll be waiting for it.”

After they embraced, neither removed their hands from each other, the air gradually sunk into silence, and they seemed to hear each other’s heartbeat.

Isabella pursed her lips, her breathing became a bit hurried, and she slowly placed her hand on Ma’el’s neck.

Ma’el leaned forward at the right moment, his face getting closer to hers until he saw her slowly close her eyes.

”Mmm...”

After a soft hum, they separated, Isabella shyly turning her face away, unsure of what to say, ”I’ll be waiting for that day.”

”It won’t be far away.”

...

”CCTV, CCTV, you are now watching the 2011 FIFA Awards Ceremony at the Swiss Zurich Conference Center.”

In the broadcasting room of CCTV Channel 5, host He Wei appeared in the studio, staying up late to broadcast the award ceremony for everyone, ”At 2 a.m., this grand event will officially commence!”

He was in a great mood; CCTV rarely purchased the broadcast rights for such award ceremonies, but in recent years, they’ve been buying them consecutively, allowing Chinese football fans to feel the excitement of world football firsthand.

As the broadcast footage shifted, a ’Entrance Ceremony’ banner appeared, and the scene moved to outside the conference center.

The atmosphere was lively, the flashbulbs illuminated every corner, and reporters’ cameras flashed wildly. On both sides were countless fervent fans holding paper and pens, waiting for autographs.

”Tonight in Zurich, the stars are shining brightly! As the camera pans, we see Brazil’s King of Football Pele appearing in the frame! He is one of the presenters this year!

”Pele is greeting the fans, haha... Over the past year, the world of football has witnessed countless inspirational stories, with many new stars stepping onto the stage.

”In Pele’s homeland, a young man from Santos made the Golden Ball Award candidate list at 19!

”But he’s not the best one; in European football, in Victor Hugo’s homeland, in the lavender gardens of Provençal, an amazingly talented young man has emerged!

”Having just won the Golden Boy Award at the age of 18, he’s also made it to the Golden Ball Award nominee list this year, and in a record-breaking way!

”Chinese football fans must be familiar with him, Leon Maerl! Currently playing for Arsenal and ranking first on the Premier League scoring chart, this talented young man!”

”Now appearing on the screen is Wayne Rooney, another brilliantly shining star, signing autographs for the fans!”