Chapter 79: The idea of studying abroad
After a long flight, Wang Feng finally returned to Shanghai. Just as he came out of the exit, reporters and fans swarmed around him, surrounding him.
This scene startled Wang Feng. When he returned to China last year, he was just a slightly famous overseas player, so there were no reporters or fans waiting for him at the airport. In fact, nobody even recognized him on the streets.
This year was completely different. Wang Feng had won the title of Asian Footballer of the Year, won the Belgian Pro League championship, and even scored a hat-trick in the Europa League final broadcast nationwide, single-handedly helping his club lift the trophy. This greatly increased his popularity.
So when news of Wang Feng's return to China spread, everyone sprang into action, waiting at the airport gate just to catch a glimpse of this rising star in the football world.
Microphones and pens were constantly thrust in front of Wang Feng, and the crowd kept pushing forward, creating chaos. The airport had to deploy security forces to maintain order. After signing a few autographs for fans with the protection of security guards, Wang Feng left the scene without giving any interviews.
Wang Feng, looking disheveled, got into his uncle's car, causing laughter from his family. His uncle said, "Our Ah Feng is already a big football star. Next time you come home, you have to be more careful. Come back quietly and bring a bodyguard."
His little sister chimed in, "Brother, please sign a dozen or twenty autographs for me. I'll sell them at school!" Wang Feng tapped her head and said, "Can't you think of something better? Don't resort to shady tricks."
Covering her head, his sister said with a pout, "I was just joking, brother. You're so boring." Everyone chuckled.
Back at home, Wang Feng collapsed on the sofa, murmuring, "I'm exhausted. Long-distance flights are more tiring than playing a match."
His sister sat beside him, looking innocent. Wang Feng couldn't help but smile. Despite his fatigue, he reached into his luggage and handed her a gift. "Here, take this. Stop giving me those innocent puppy eyes."
His sister took the gift sweetly, saying, "Thank you, brother!" Wang Feng felt goosebumps rise and quickly said, "Do you have any other requests? Don't use that sugary tone with me."
"Okay," his sister shrugged, "Next year, I want to study art abroad. Since you're going to Milan, Italy, I looked it up, and the Brera Academy of Fine Arts in Milan is very famous. So, I want to study there."
"Are you sure you want to study art? You don't have a foundation, and your academic performance is so good. Isn't it a bit of a waste?" Wang Feng asked.
"I'm very interested in art. It doesn't matter if I don't have a foundation," his sister said, pouting.
"Okay, I'll have Balmond inquire about the specific admission requirements, and then you can prepare. Don't worry about the expenses; I'll take care of it," Wang Feng said.
His sister beamed with joy. Their mother approached and said, "Ah Feng, is it really okay for Xiaoxi to study painting in Italy? I'm a bit worried about her safety."
"Mom, don't worry. I'm also in Italy. If anything happens, we can take care of each other. Why don't you come too? You don't have much to do at home anyway," Wang Feng reassured her.
His mother shook her head, saying, "I've lived here for decades. How can I adapt to living abroad? Be careful when you're overseas, and keep in touch with us regularly."
"Especially you, Xiaoxi. It's not like being at home. You might be bullied if you're too mischievous," she added.
His sister nodded and said, "I know, Mom. I won't let anyone bully me, especially when I have a soccer star brother to back me up."
Wang Feng then asked about Lu Yao, who had mentioned wanting to study abroad. He wondered if she had decided on a destination since she had previously said she wanted to go to the same country as them to look out for each other.
His sister shook her head, saying she didn't know. "I'll ask her another day."
At this point, their mother pulled Wang Feng aside and whispered, "Ah Feng, Xiaoxi was too embarrassed to ask you herself, so I'll tell you. She wants to take over a textile factory in our hometown and start a clothing business. She needs 200,000 yuan. I took the money you left with me and gave it to her."
Wang Feng said, "Mom, the money I gave you is for you to use. It's not meant to be kept with you. How about I give her another 2 million? Let her expand the factory a bit."
His mother shook her head, saying, "We don't need that much money. It's too scary."
"You don't understand. You need sufficient cash flow for business. Let me talk to Xiaoxi about it. I'll consider it as my investment," Wang Feng said.
"Okay, you've seen the world. You discuss it with her," his mother said.
Back at home, Wang Feng had one more thing to do: buy a house in Shanghai. It was not only for future residence but also as an investment.
Wang Feng now had almost two years' worth of salary earned from Genk, plus a lucrative endorsement contract with Nike, and a high-paying contract with Inter Milan. He was financially well-off.
The contract Wang Feng signed with Inter Milan was for three years, with an annual salary of 2.8 million euros, ranking among the highest in the team. Even Ronaldo only earned 4 million euros per year.
He wasn't a spendthrift, and he didn't have the desire to buy mansions or luxury cars. He hadn't even bothered to get a driver's license yet. His biggest expense was hiring Abel Le Goff and his training program.
In addition to previous investments, Wang Feng was actively seeking other investment opportunities. Buying a house was one of them. He took his family around Shanghai and ultimately chose a property near the Huangpu River.
He was drawn to a large flat with panoramic glass windows facing the Huangpu River, offering beautiful views. Each of the three bedrooms had a spacious balcony, and the layout was airy and well-lit.
After decisively purchasing it, Wang Feng told his mother, "Mom, Shanghai is close to our hometown. You can come here to stay more often." His mother nodded and agreed to look after the house for him.
Wang Feng also asked the staff if one of the rooms could be converted into a gym. The staff hesitated, saying, "This is an apartment building after all. If you want to convert it into a gym, there will inevitably be some noise, which may disturb the neighbors."
"If you're really keen on having an indoor gym, I recommend looking at villas in Pudong. You can convert the entire basement into a fitness area, and it will be more convenient for you," they suggested.
Wang Feng nodded with a smile. He didn't have plans to buy a villa yet; it felt like a waste since he wouldn't be living there most of the time.
After spending less than a week in China, Wang Feng embarked on his journey to Italy. The preseason training for Inter Milan was about to begin, and he needed to acclimate to his new environment.
Though his mother was very reluctant, she understood the importance and repeatedly reminded Wang Feng to take care of himself before tearfully watching him pass through the security checkpoint.
Balmond, who had been busy handling some business matters for Wang Feng during his time in China, also returned to Europe with him. Seeing Wang Feng's low spirits, he comforted him, "Wang, farewells may be sad, but reunions will be even more joyful."
"We can invite our family to watch your matches in person, especially the important ones. I believe Inter Milan would be willing to cover the expenses."
Wang Feng nodded, mustered up his spirits, and prepared to face new challenges!
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