Chapter 99: Red carpet
Wang Feng and Ronaldo arrived in Zurich, Switzerland, together with their agent Balmond, Martins, the technical director of Inter Milan Horacio Bomme, and others.
Martins, evidently experienced in such matters, took charge of arrangements with the somewhat flustered Balmond. From selecting stylists to customizing their entire outfits, preparations needed to be made well in advance.
Upon arrival, they checked into the hotel prepared by FIFA. The next afternoon, they began preparing for the evening's award ceremony.
The suit Wang Feng wore was meticulously designed by Armani, while his shoes were crafted by SILVANO LATTANZI.
Since his appearance on the cover of Vogue, all luxury brands in Italy have wanted him for endorsements, including Prada, Gucci, and Armani.
For the exposure at the FIFA awards ceremony, they crazily raised their prices to secure exclusive endorsement rights, with Armani ultimately winning with a higher bid, signing Wang Feng to a ten-year contract.
This means that for the next decade, Wang Feng will be dressed in Armani for various public events, with tailored designs provided whenever necessary.
Last year, when he attended the Asian Footballer of the Year awards, he just bought a random suit, feeling uncomfortable. This year's custom-made outfit, however, was extremely fitting and comfortable.
The dark suit paired with a white shirt and a black tie looked coordinated. His neat short hair, along with his angular face, even prompted the stylist to exclaim, "Wang, you could totally be a model with this look!"
As Wang Feng finished getting ready, Ronaldo also dressed up and came to Wang Feng's room. Observing Ronaldo's slightly rounded body and protruding beer belly, Wang Feng felt he needed to step up his exercise routine.
Ronaldo teased Wang Feng, saying, "I've been injured for nearly two years, so of course my physical condition isn't as good as yours. But hey, I bet you'll attract a lot of fangirls in this outfit."
His female companion, Melanie, his wife, whom he fell in love with in Hong Kong, wore a light-colored evening dress, complementing Ronaldo perfectly.
Melanie said helplessly, "Dear, you need to control yourself a bit. Those endless parties and food need to be moderated."
Ronaldo joked, "You're right, dear. Looks like I need to cut them out of my life a bit. That way, I can cut off some fat from my body too."
This remark elicited laughter from everyone.
After Wang Feng and Ronaldo finished getting ready, they got into the special car provided by FIFA and headed to the Zurich Opera House. The red carpet had been laid out at the entrance, with reporters and fans waiting on both sides. Each star would walk this red carpet into the theater.
Ronaldo was in the car in front of Wang Feng's. When he got out of the car with his wife, Melanie, cheers and screams erupted from both sides of the red carpet, and the flashes never stopped.
Ronaldo was obviously very familiar with this situation. With a smile on his face, he slowly walked up the red carpet, occasionally leaning sideways to wave to the crowd on both sides.
Wang Feng sat in the car, his eyes fixed on Ronaldo's every move, ready to imitate him after getting out. His nervous palms were sweaty, and all sorts of strange thoughts raced through his mind uncontrollably.
What if he embarrassed himself? What if he accidentally fell or stumbled? How long should he walk? What if no one recognized him after getting off the car, and there wasn't much applause?
Should he find a companion for himself too? It would be much better than walking alone. What was her name again, the Italian girl he gave his contact information to? She would probably be happy to attend such an event. Unfortunately, the little piece of paper with her contact information had long been lost, and it was too late to call someone now.
Just as Wang Feng was lost in thought, his driver reminded him, "Mr. Wang Feng, it's time for you to get off. I'll get off the car first to open the door for you. Please wait a moment."
Wang Feng's chaotic thoughts were interrupted, and he replied slightly trembling, "Okay." When the car door was fully opened, he took a deep breath and got out of the car.
Upon seeing the players in the car, the fans at the scene stirred up, many shouting Wang Feng's name, while media reporters snapped photos continuously.
Wang Feng hadn't expected to receive so much attention. It seemed like the attention he received was even greater than Ronaldo's. In fact, he underestimated his influence in the world of football. Just being an eighteen-year-old European Cup champion and season's best player was enough to make everyone pay attention to him.
Wang Feng tried to imitate Ronaldo's appearance as he slowly walked down the red carpet, maintaining a slightly stiff smile. When he reached the entrance, a staff member opened the door for him. He nodded slightly in thanks, then entered the venue.
This global football event attracted attention from all over the world, especially from Chinese media, who arrived early and occupied important positions.
At this point, it was already 2 a.m. Beijing time, but many Chinese fans were still watching the live broadcast of the ceremony on TV, solely to find that familiar Eastern face among the crowd of foreigners.
"Now walking down the red carpet is our Chinese player, Wang Feng!" Zhang Jun exclaimed in the broadcast room, "He has successfully made it onto the 30-player shortlist for the FIFA World Player of the Year! This is the first time for a Chinese player, as well as an Asian player!"
"This means he has become one of the recognized outstanding players worldwide!"
"Today, in his suit, he gives off a stable vibe and a unique Eastern charm, standing out among the Western faces."
"As he enters the venue, people outside keep shouting his name. This is our eighteen-year-old Wang Feng. From him, I see the brilliance of Chinese football's future!"
"Another thing worth celebrating is that our women's footballer, Sun Wen, has successfully entered the shortlist for the annual world's best female player. She is likely to win this honor, adding a new chapter to Chinese football's history!"
Inside the venue, Wang Feng relaxed, and his tense nerves gradually eased. Taking in his surroundings, unlike the chaotic outside, this place seemed very quiet.
He was situated outside the opera house stage, now set up as a small gathering place. People gathered in groups chatting, and several servers moved around with trays of drinks.
Ronaldo arrived with a few people and handed Wang Feng a glass of wine, then introduced him to others: "This is the Wang Feng I often talk about."
Louis Figo's eyes lit up as he approached Wang Feng, clinking glasses with him. "I've heard of your name before. Seeing you now, it's clear you're young and promising."
Wang Feng shyly replied, "You're still far ahead compared to me. You're my idol, and you look much better in person than in photos." This comment elicited laughter from everyone.
Beckham, Zidane, Raul, Henry, and other top players engaged in lively conversations with Wang Feng under Ronaldo's introduction, chatting about club anecdotes to pass the time before the ceremony began.
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