From Arsenal to the Ball God

Ma’el paused for a moment, not understanding what this crazy algorithm was, then laughed twice, ”When you put it that way, it doesn’t seem like a problem.”

Gilbert poured him a drink, brought it over, and continued, ”As the twin stars of Arsenal’s youth training for players born in ’93, together, our worth has reached 95 million Euro.

”And together we’ve delivered a staggering 31 goals and 20 assists in this season’s Premier League, let’s toast to this achievement!”

”Haha.....”

Laughter erupted in the private room, and the three of them laughed heartily, clinking their glasses in a toast.

The dishes were served quickly. They drank while chatting, and before long, they felt a little tipsy, making the atmosphere livelier.

”The team already has 32 points this season. With another 8 points or so, we basically won’t have to worry about relegation pressure.”

Gilbert, holding his drink, looked hopeful, ”Next season, I’ll officially rejoin the team. When that happens, I hope I can get some playing time and realize the scene I’ve dreamed of before, wearing Arsenal’s jersey and fighting alongside you.”

Before Ma’el could respond, he continued, ”Good luck with the championship battle at the end of this month, I’ll be there to watch.

”Hope you can help Arsenal easily defeat Cardiff City with goals, ending 7 years without a title.

”As long as you achieve this, you will surely become a hero to this team.”

”I’ll be there too.” Isabella raised her hand, smiled with her little head tilted back, ”The moment you reached the finals, I booked a box at Wembley Stadium, planning ahead.

”I think you’ll definitely win, and I’ll bring a high-definition camera that day to capture the moment you lift the trophy.”

”Haha.....”

Listening to their blessings, Ma’el couldn’t help but smile, eagerly hoping for the match at the end of the month to come quickly.

He picked up his glass, clinked it with theirs, ”Thank you, I’ll do my best, aiming for all of us to celebrate together at Wembley Stadium after the game.”

After eating, the three of them went downstairs, preparing to say goodbye.

”I’ll stay for a night and leave.” Gilbert pointed to the nearby hotel, then quickly waved at Ma’el, predicting, ”Don’t invite me to your place, I don’t want to be the third wheel.”

Isabella lightly bit her inner lip, her expression slightly unnatural, and turned her head a bit to observe Ma’el.

Ma’el looked in Gilbert’s direction, chuckled, ”Of course not, we’re not quite at that point.”

A trace of disappointment flashed across Isabella’s face, but she quickly turned and smiled at Gilbert, casually wrapping her arm around Ma’el’s, ”I said, I’m only his female companion for now.

”Once there’s some major achievement, I’ll let you know, haha..... just kidding.”

She remained bright and enthusiastic, sometimes showing a bit of quirky cuteness.

”Alright.” Gilbert shook his head, indicating disbelief, and decisively waved goodbye, ”See you at the end of the month, I’m off, won’t disturb you anymore.”

He turned and left, leaving Ma’el and Isabella standing there.

Isabella had already been blown by a cold wind, sobering up a bit, and now the arm she was holding slightly stiffened, unsure whether to retract it or hold tighter.

Seemingly thinking it wasn’t so bad, she moved her long legs closer to Ma’el, gazing at the variety of neon lights in central London.

”It’s quite beautiful, especially after the rain.”

Her face once again broke into a smile, with the multicolored lights occasionally highlighting her features, making them more defined yet still gentle, truly stunning.

Isabella seemed to thoroughly enjoy sharing this brief moment of tranquility and ease with Ma’el, the smile on her face lingering, growing into a sense of happiness.

Suddenly, she felt Ma’el’s arm move, seemingly pulling upward.

Just as she thought he was pulling his arm away, a cool touch spread across her hand—Ma’el was holding her hand.

Isabella: ”!!!”

She stood proudly, her heart filled with intense joy, as if she was suddenly infused with new vitality.

”Let’s take a walk.”

Ma’el wore a hoodie underneath his jacket, flipping the hood up, he pulled Isabella along and started to walk forward.

”Sure.” Isabella responded sweetly, walking alongside Ma’el, fingers intertwining at the zebra crossing, ”Let me warm it up for you.”

Feeling Ma’el’s hand apply a slight squeeze, she couldn’t suppress her emotions, feeling the air around them turn fresher.

Pretending to look to the other side, she secretly smiled, took a few more steps, and couldn’t help but swing her right hand slightly, ”Ma’el, if we win the championship at the end of the month, shall we ride the London Eye Ferris Wheel?”

”I’m not sure we’ll have time,” Ma’el said uncertainly, giving a non-committal answer.

”Then I’ll book it in advance.” Isabella laughed brightly, persuading, ”Come on, the schedule is so busy normally, it wouldn’t hurt to relax occasionally.

”I can’t help you with much else, but I can show you around, I know all the best places to eat, have fun, and explore in London.

”If you spend a day with me, I guarantee you’ll be happy to go home!”

Like a witty and persuasive salesperson awaiting a response, she finished speaking, lifted her chin, and turned to look at Ma’el, ”So, what do you think? Want to give it a try?”

Ma’el looked at her and smiled lightly, seemingly attracted by the wonderful image she described, after contemplating, he said, ”Alright, but on the condition that we win, if we don’t.....”

”Oh, it won’t happen.” Isabella interrupted him, swinging her hand with more vigor, occasionally hopping a couple of steps, ”Ding ding ding... ding ding ding.”