Chapter 211: Belonging to the era of Wang Feng
After lifting the Toyota Cup in Japan, Wang Feng boarded a plane to Basel, Switzerland, where the annual FIFA awards ceremony would be held. As for the other players of Inter Milan, they needed to return to Milan for the 13th round of Serie A against Bologna, another game that Wang Feng would miss.
When he arrived in Basel, Lu Yao had already arrived at the airport two hours early, having departed from Milan. She was eagerly awaiting his arrival, serving as Wang Feng's companion for the ceremony.
"You look exhausted. You should rest in the car," Lu Yao said sympathetically. Wang Feng nodded in agreement, feeling the strain from consecutive international flights and intense matches.
The group boarded the FIFA hospitality car, and Wang Feng leaned on Lu Yao's shoulder, quickly drifting off to sleep due to the faint fragrance emanating from her. However, they soon arrived at the hotel.
The receptionist reminded them, "Mr. Wang Feng, you can rest in the hotel for a while, but you need to attend the press conference at three-thirty in the afternoon." It was a FIFA tradition for the top three candidates for the FIFA Men's Player award to attend.
Wang Feng sighed and nodded, realizing he would only have about an hour to rest after accounting for grooming and preparation time.
For this occasion, Armani had meticulously designed outfits not only for Wang Feng but also had started tailoring a dress for Lu Yao months ago. It was a white off-the-shoulder chiffon gown, with a two-tiered veil, satin for the upper body, and chiffon for the skirt.
Paired with Lu Yao's fair skin and long straight hair, it exuded an aura of nobility and elegance, exuding a unique charm of an Oriental beauty. "You will surely dazzle on the red carpet," Wang Feng assured her confidently.
While Lu Yao was getting ready, Wang Feng had already taken a car to the press conference venue. Joining him were the other two candidates, Zinedine Zidane from Real Madrid and Thierry Henry from Arsenal.
The three exchanged pleasantries backstage. Wang Feng had truly gained recognition among the stars and had seamlessly integrated into their circle. When the time came, they entered the venue promptly, facing questions from media representatives worldwide.
Wang Feng was the focal point of media attention, with journalists asking probing questions to uncover news material, such as his assessment of his competitors Zidane and Henry and who was most likely to win.
This scenario was familiar to Wang Feng, and he maintained a humble attitude, answering questions respectfully, expressing both his desire for the award and his utmost respect for his competitors.
Zidane and Henry, with their extensive media experience, deftly evaded questions, leaving Wang Feng impressed. He still had much to learn in terms of handling the media.
After the press conference, the three candidates interacted with fans at the guidance of FIFA staff. Wang Feng was surprised to find that he seemed to have more fans than Zidane and Henry combined.
Zidane joked, "Looks like there's a new generation taking over. Back in my day, I had the most fans when I won the FIFA Men's Player award."
Henry chuckled, "But still not as many as Wang. After all, we don't have his looks. Just look at those female fans, they're all clamoring to get into Wang Feng's arms!"
Wang Feng playfully scolded them, "You two are handsome too! Come over and help me handle the attention. And you, would you like a photo and autograph with Zidane?"
Seeing Wang Feng's slightly tired expression, Lu Yao couldn't help but chuckle, but quickly put on a serious face. "How does it feel to be surrounded by a flock of birds? Are you forgetting about everything else?"
Wang Feng shook his head helplessly, suddenly puzzled. "Yao Yao, how do you know what's happening at the venue?"
"From the start of the press conference, it's been broadcast live. I've been watching it live on the TV in the hotel room." Wang Feng was stunned by her revelation. So, his surrounded-by-female-fans moment might have been broadcasted to the world? Thankfully, he didn't encounter any extreme fans; FIFA's screening was reliable.
Ronaldo also attended the awards ceremony, ranking fourth and not making it to the top three candidates. After embracing Wang Feng, he noticed Wang Feng had brought a female companion. "You've really grown up, in every sense," he remarked.
Wang Feng laughed but didn't inquire why Melanie didn't come. He had seen reports related to their breakup and knew they had separated. However, if Ronaldo didn't want to talk about it, he wouldn't ask.
Wang Feng wouldn't comment or blame Ronaldo for his nightclub antics. Everyone had their own choices, just as he would never waste time on leisure activities.
"Are you feeling troubled because of my achievements last year, winning the quintuple? Even when I joined Serie A, I didn't dare dream of such results," Wang Feng asked.
"It's not that I resent Inter Milan, but I don't like them either because the injuries tormented me for too long during that time."
"In my two years at Real Madrid, my attendance reached a whole new level, it's incredible. And this season, I'm in great shape; I might even contend for the La Liga Golden Boot."
Seeing Ronaldo's radiant expression, Wang Feng understood that his time at Real Madrid was indeed going well. But how long could such a situation last with the pile-up of superstars?
Seeing Wang Feng furrow his brows slightly, Ronaldo tapped his chest. "What do you have to worry about? This is your era now."
When Wang Feng and Lu Yao arrived at the venue in a special car, Wang Feng said, "I'll get out first and then open the door for you." Lu Yao grabbed Wang Feng's hand. "Feng ge, I'm nervous. What if I make a mistake later?"
Wang Feng smiled and soothingly rubbed her small hand. "Don't be so nervous. I'll be with you all the time. I remember trembling with nerves the first time I walked the red carpet, but I managed to finish the whole thing alone, and it wasn't as scary as I thought."
Arriving at the entrance of the venue, when Wang Feng opened the car door to help Lu Yao out, journalists and fans alike were amazed, and camera shutters flickered incessantly.
Linking arms with Wang Feng, the two walked the red carpet, and after a brief mental adjustment, Lu Yao had completely controlled her emotions, facing the cameras and fans with a radiant smile.
Applause and cheers had been continuous since their appearance, and even after they entered the venue, many fans were still shouting Wang Feng's name.
Inside the venue, the staff led them to the front row. Lu Yao and Wang Feng were not seated together; Lu Yao was positioned next to Zidane's and Henry's companions, while Wang Feng was in the middle section, seated between Zidane and Henry.
After a short wait, the awards ceremony officially began.
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