Godfather Of Champions

The business event Shania was involved in was held in the morning. Bright and early in the morning, Tang En was already woken up by the noise. The staff and reporters had already found their way into the hotel where the event this time was held at.

Tang En did not want to reveal his own presence and be discovered by the reporters to be hiding in the room right next to Shania. While his relationship with Shania was no longer news, the extent of their closeness would still exceed much of the expectations of the media.

Taking the chance when there were fewer people, Tang En sneaked out of the hotel to stroll the streets of Madrid in the early morning. He did not walk far, only circling the area nearby the hotel. Seeing the many premium sedans and TV stations’ broadcast vehicles parked in the carpark of the hotel, it was not hard to imagine the scale of this promotional event.

And Shania was the only star; the main lead in this event.

Tang En walked around aimlessly nearby. No one here could really recognize a manager that came from England, even if he had once led a team to beat Real Madrid. There would not be anyone to disrupt his period of contemplation – he was still thinking about the issue of Beckham’s future.

Clearly, he did not manage to convince Beckham to change his mind yesterday. Hearing the words that he said, the meaning was more than clear:

He valued family.

Victoria was the person with the most influence over him in his family. Valuing his family was equivalent to valuing Victoria’s attitude.

And was there anything more to say of Victoria’s attitude? She was certainly going to Los Angeles, America.

The only thing that comforted Tang En was that Beckham did not flatly refuse his suggestion to return to England this time around. Evidently, this was a tremendous change from his attitude half a season back.

Last night, Beckham promised that he and his wife would come to support Shania this morning. It would be Tang En’s final opportunity to convince him. If it still had no effect, Tang En could only surrender. Then he had to go back and tell Allan to completely give up on the idea.

As more and more reporters began congregating at the front doors of the hotel, Tang En looked at his wrist watch. It was almost time. He snuck back in from the side doors again.

Unable to find Tang En in the hotel, Shania left to prepare somewhat huffily. Meanwhile, Fascal bumped into Tang En, who had just returned, in his own hotel room.

“Mr. Tony, did you go out?”

“Ah, I went out to take a walk. It was getting a little noisy.”

“Then, please remember to come down in a while. Shania wouldn’t be at ease until she sees you.” Fascal closed the door and left after.

Tang En tidied up slightly, changing into a suit prepared for him by Fascal and combing his somewhat messy hair. When he was done, he went downstairs on his own.

The event was held in one of the conference halls of the hotel. The hall was packed to the brim with people. In it, there was a temporary runway constructed in the center. The two sides of the runway were filled with chairs to seat the guests. Additionally, there was a media zone especially designated for them. Majority of the guests already arrived. Needless to say, all the spots in the media zone had long been taken.

Tang En stretched his head out from the side door and shrunk back hastily again, taken aback by the scene. In any case, he himself was also considered a famous person, but he had never been faced with these many reporters at one time. It seemed like the profession of a fashion model was very popular.

As Tang En looked around outside the doors, he suddenly felt a pat on his back.

He jumped and turned back to find Shania smirking.

“What are you looking at, Uncle Tony?”

Without thinking, Tang En answered, “‘I’m looking for you, girl.”

Hearing Tang En say this, Shania smiled especially beautifully. She grinned from ear to ear but glanced at him from the side with some suspicion. “Really?”

“Of course. I’ve never lied to you.” Tang En pointed to the hall outside behind the doors. “There are a lot of people. Are you nervous?”

Shania shook her head. “No, I’ve gotten used to it.” Saying this, she suddenly recalled something funny. Unable to help herself, she burst into laughter.

“What’s the matter?”

“You know, Uncle Tony. Whether it’s this kind of show, or the ones in groups for a fashion event, do you know what I’ll be thinking in my head after I get on stage?” Shania asked while giggling.

Tang En shook his head. How would he know?

“I imagine every person off the stage as a football. They don’t have faces nor expressions, just one rounded football one after another. Haha!” Saying so, Shania started laughing in a very unladylike manner as she clung onto Tang En’s shoulders.

“Ah. No wonder you aren’t nervous. There’s nothing to be nervous about when you’re facing footballs.” Tang En looked at the girl before him bent over laughing. She was utterly different from the ice beauty on the runway. He still liked this Shania a bit more.

“Shania…” A woman wearing a staff tag at the front of her chest looked as if she was looking for Shania. She was momentarily stunned seeing the scene of Shania’s hands draped over Tang En’s shoulders, her own shoulders shaking from laughing too hard.

Tang En could guess in his heart the reason for her shock. He lightly knocked on Shania’s head. “Someone’s looking for you, girl.”

The female staff widened as she saw Tang En’s actions to the famed model, Shania.

At this, Shania straightened up. When she turned and saw the person, she said to Tang En, “It’s the costume assistant. I’m guessing she’s here to ask me to try on the clothes.”

“Go ahead then.” Tang En waved at her. “I’ll just look around here.”

“Remember to go in in a while.” Shania pointed to the hall which was getting even more crowded. Tang En nodded in agreement.

As the female assistant led Shania away, she did not forget to take a few more glances at Tang En. Clearly, she did not recognize him. She was only surprised by the closeness of the relationship between this famed model and that man.

Tang En paid no heed to it. After seeing Shania off, he turned to look at the people outside and put on the dark sunglasses he kept in his pocket. Lowering his head, he walked in.

Although he promised Shania to support her, he did not wish to be photographed by the ever-pervasive paparazzi. He should still disguise his identity.

※※※

Tang En found a seat near the stage and sat down. There was no one next to him. Just as he sat, a burst of clamor drifted in from the main entrance behind him.

There were females shrieking, clicking of the camera shutters, and hasty footsteps.

Tang En sighed. He knew who it was without having to stand up and look back.

Other than Beckham, who else still had this level of appeal?

As expected, it was Beckham and Victoria squeezing their way out of the crowd and entering the hall under the protection of their bodyguards. Seeing Beckham’s appearance, many guests, even those with some status, could not help but approach him to ask for a signature. Only Tang En stood up where he was without moving. He caught sight of Beckham and Victoria, and the latter two saw him too.

He smiled at them and considered it as having greeted them. He was not keen on getting any attention. Unexpectedly, Beckham and Victoria started walking over directly to him! In an instant, all the attention became focused on Tony Twain.

“You’re kidding…” Tang En watched with googled eyes. If he had known, he would have just pretended not knowing the two. Great. Tang En had an ominous feeling as he watched the camera lenses of the reporters getting directed his way. He would certainly be seeing pictures of Beckham and himself sitting together on Spain and England’s media tomorrow.

What followed unfolded exactly as Tang En had imagined. The media watched as Beckham and Victoria walked to the front of a middle-aged man wearing dark sunglasses and shook his hands. They greeted each other and then sat down together.

Beckham looked at Tang En beside him, the latter with a face of uncertainty, and laughed. “I had thought you’d be ready for this, Tony.”

Indeed. Having agreed to come support Shania and knowing Beckham would be attending at the same time, Tang En should have somewhat known the kind of situation it would turn out to be. He just wasn’t expecting Beckham to take the initiative to approach him.

“Stop thinking so much. Many clubs want to recruit me. It’s no big deal having one more Nottingham Forest.” Beckham said as he sat beside Tang En, his eyes looking at the busy staff on stage.

It appeared that this matter was going to be revealed, no matter what. Tang En stopped worrying. Beckham was right. Everyone knew that that there were some clubs interested in him. It was no big deal for Forest Team to be included among them.

He had already known the consequences of coming here. Since he was here now, he might as well take it in his stride.

This fashion show was organized by an international luxury brand well known across the world. Shania was the brightest and most brilliant star in it; she was already the global spokesperson for the brand. The other models were only here to serve as a foil to her.

Victoria was immensely interested in such activities as she could use the opportunity to make acquaintances with many famous people around the world. She was working hard to pave the way for her husband’s future and broadening his options. Beckham and Tang En who sat beside were casually chatting away meanwhile.

“David…” After chatting about a few mundane topics, Tang En decided he should start on the more serious matters.

“Are you going to convince me again?” Beckham could guess his intentions.

“I know there’s a high chance for you to go to America, but I still feel that it’s really too much of a pity for you to go over.” Tang En said sincerely. This was not a show performed for Beckham. These were his true thoughts. No matter if it was before his transmigration or now, after it, he felt the same way. “You’re only 31 years old. Isn’t it a bit too early for you to go to a place like America?”

“America isn’t bad too. Having nothing over there means there’s potential for me to change things.” Beckham shrugged.

“David. Don’t patronize me with the things you say to deal with the media. You know what it means to go to America. Are you willing to end your professional career in this manner? Your hundredth match in the National Team, your UEFA European Championship; are you already giving up on them?”

Beckham said nothing.

“America isn’t Europe. After you leave the heart of the international football scene, no one would pay any more attention to you. Before the day you announce your retirement, you’re first and foremost, a football athlete. Whatever else you are is secondary. Why did you cry after England was eliminated from the World Cup? Do you feel that you would no longer have the chance to once again stand on the grounds of a World Cup match? Are you already admitting defeat? Even giving up on your career in a club? I admit that you can earn a lot of money going to America, and it would be more convenient for your development in the future. But my heart hurts to see an outstanding player like you muck around that place for a few years and then retiring!”

Beckham opened his mouth, as if about to say something. At the same time, Shania got on stage.

The lighting at the scene lit up brightly and applause rang out. Beckham also closed his mouth again, knowing it was not the right time to speak.

Shania’s appearance interrupted the discussion between the two men. Tang En also could not help turning his gaze to Shania on stage.

This Shania and the one he saw earlier at the backstage were almost two completely different people. Tang En had to admit that he understood nothing about fashion. He simply could not see the beauty in using make-up to transform a young girl filled with unbridled youth into an image of an icy mountain with a cold face, dark-rimmed eyes, and seductive purple lips.

He did not at all like the Shania standing on the runway. Regardless, he still smiled whenever Shania looked at him.

He was completely flummoxed when it came to fashion. Wearing these costumes that could not be worn on the streets and putting on make-up that made one look like some blue enchantress; was this considered fashion? Then he would rather be a boor and an average person. At least he would be normal.

Tang En had no interest in the costumes Shania wore. He turned his attention to Shania’s figure instead.

Her taut, snowy white calves strode past him, presenting a round in front of the audience before walking back again. In this outfit, Shania’s real age could not be told. Her figure was also good; she had curves in exactly the right places.

At this point, Tang En suddenly discovered that Shania was no longer the 13-year-old when they first met. Four years had gone by. She was already a lady, a beautiful flower at 17.

She was already 17. Tang En rubbed his chin as he clucked his tongue. Time had gone by so quickly. Without realizing, it had already been four years.

Shania was the main lead for this event, so she appeared frequently on the scene. Each time she appeared, she wore a different outfit with changed make-up and hair. It was tough on her. Although Tang En was not interested in the event itself, he still brightened his spirits to smile at Shania whenever the girl looked at him during her appearance.

Each time she came out, Shania’s gaze would drift towards Tang En. This time, she was not looking at dozens of footballs. She was only looking at one person, Tony Twain alone.

She suddenly felt a little nervous. It was a good thing that Uncle Tony maintained his encouraging smiles at her the whole time.

※※※

Midway through the event, Beckham had to depart first. He explained to Tang En that it was because he still had training in the afternoon and needed to rush back home to prepare for it. Tang En believed it was the truth. Anyhow, since Shania was still yet to return to the runway, Tang En decided he might as well get up and send Beckham out personally.

One by one, the camera lenses of the media swiveled around from the runway to focus on the two.

Tang En was no longer concerned about how the media was going to report on this.

Squeezing their way out from the crowd, Tang En walked Beckham all the way to the car park. Neither of them spoke on the way there.

Beckham opened the car door, and turned to Tang En standing behind him, saying, “It’s really a pity, Tony.”

Tang En knew what he meant by his words and sighed. “It really is a pity, David.”

Beckham got into the car and shut the doors. He stretched his head out from the window. “Goodbye, Tony.”

“Goodbye, David.” Tang En muttered. He watched the car slowly drive out of the carpark and turning into the main street.

Seeing Beckham’s car vanish into the stream of vehicles, Tang En took out his cell phone from his pocket and dialed Allan Adam’s number.

“Hey, Allan. I’m Tony.”

“Tony! How’s the matter progressing?” Hearing Tang En’s voice, Allan was elated and filled with anticipation.

“Stop thinking about David Beckham, Allan. He won’t belong to us. I’ll tell you more about the situation when I return.” Saying so, Tang En hung up the phone. His mood was terrible. Despite having transmigrated, he still did not manage to change that damned “future”. Beckham, at 31, should never go to a subpar League such as the Major League Soccer, and spend his days mucking around there until his retirement.

No matter how many people there were in the world who loathed and felt disgusted by David Beckham, Tang En continued standing by his own viewpoint – that this man was one of the professional footballers that he admired. Other people’s hatred of him was their business; Tang En did not need to be accountable for their feelings.

※※※

After loitering for a while outside, Tang En returned to the event and obediently watched Shania’s show until its end.

His “work” in Spain had already ended. Now, he should be putting all his focus onto “private matters” – accompanying Shania to have fun.

What was fun in Madrid?

In Tang En’s eyes at least, nothing was truly fun. This place was no different from any other city from around the world. The only difference it held today was Shania’s presence in Madrid, and not Paris, Shanghai, or Tokyo.

So, the supposed “fun” was only to accompany Shania wherever the girl wanted to go. He would simply follow and be by her side accompanying her.

Shania’s idea of fun was also not about having to visit places of scenery, tourist attractions, or amusement parks for rollercoaster rides. It was not any of them. She was happy so long as Uncle Tony was by her side accompanying her. After all, it was not a common thing for them to be able to meet like this.

What surprised Tang En was that Shania did not choose to go to luxury brand stores, or anything of that sort. Instead, she directly dragged Tang En to Bernabéu Stadium.

Standing beneath the gigantic white structure, Tang En was still puzzling over why Shania wanted to come here. Didn’t she dislike football?

Shania did not have any intentions of looking around the place. She pulled Tang En to stand at the square outside, and then asked manager cum driver, Mr. Fascal, to help take a photograph of Tang En and herself.

Shania curled her hands around Tang En’s arm and leant her head on his shoulders. A sweet smile blossomed on her face.

Tang En turned to look at Shania. It was then he discovered that the girl was already almost as tall as he was. His height was at 1.84 meters. In his estimation, Shania had to at least be 1.78 meters now. She had truly become a grown-up. Would he no longer be able to continue treating her as a child in the future?

At the instance when Tang En turned his head to look at Shania, Fascal pressed on the shutters. He felt that the effect of the shot was great and did not intend to retake it.

“Woah! You took it just like that?” Tang En was startled by the flash. He was not even the least bit ready.

Fascal waved the digital camera he held in his hands. “I’m no professional photographer, but I’m very satisfied with this shot.”

Shania’s sunny smile and the attention Tang En unwittingly showered on her had both been captured on the LCD screen.

Tang En looked at their picture on the screen and thought it was great too.

“Alright. Give me a copy when you develop the picture.” He said. The two of them, Shania and himself, did not have any formal shots together. He intended to frame this picture up and place it on the bedside table in his bedroom. That way, he would see that vibrant smile every morning when he woke. His day’s mood would also become better.

Fascal looked at Shania with a smile and nodded. “If Mr. Tony wants a copy, I can give it to you right away.”

※※※

After ending their day in Madrid, Tang En sat on his return flight to England, from Madrid to London, with the photo he had taken with Shania in front of Bernabéu tucked closely to him.

Tang En gained his first picture together with Shania, but at the same time, failed to acquire Beckham whom he wanted.