Zidane took the initiative to shake hands with Kai and gave up the center position to him.
From this alone, it was clear that Zidane had extremely high emotional intelligence. Even on the night he stood at the very top, he knew how to cooperate with the officials and properly distribute the spotlight.
Later, under the host's guidance, Kai said what everyone wanted to hear:
"On January 4th, our Sporting Lisbon U15 will face Casa Pia at home."
"I'll say the same thing again—if you buy us to win, you definitely won't lose!"
"I hope this sentence doesn't violate the Anti-Gambling Association's rules, otherwise they might arrest me again."
The entire audience burst into laughter.
Everyone knew exactly how that association operated.
They could indeed counterattack at times, but when it came to Kai, they were clearly being petty.
There was an obvious sense of disdain involved.
Host: "Since we've mentioned this, let me clarify for Kai—he is absolutely not involved in gambling. Otherwise, the Portuguese betting companies would already be bleeding."
"He was the one who accurately predicted that Croatia would finish third in this year's World Cup!"
Boom!
The audience exploded.
What the hell?
Real or fake?
The host then explained what had happened.
During the police investigation, they confirmed Kai's innocence.
But at the same time, they discovered something else.
Kai had indeed bought football lottery tickets.
And he had made a lot of money.
However, at that time, Kai hadn't joined any football club yet, so buying football tickets was completely legal.
What's more, he bought them for the World Cup.
If anyone dared to claim that people shouldn't buy football tickets during the World Cup, then they might as well cut 35% of the World Cup's global influence and commercial value.
Who the hell would dare take responsibility for that loss?
Kai took the microphone:
"Yes, I've loved football since I was a child. I study every team and every national side's strength. This is also part of my self-training."
"Judging player ability, playing style, characteristics, form, team tactics, overall strength, strengths and weaknesses—these are things that a core midfielder, and even every professional player, must train."
"Only through long-term accumulation, turning this thinking into instinct, can you make the correct decision at the most critical moment."
"I believe this isn't just true for me, but also for many outstanding stars here today—and especially for this year's Ballon d'Or winner, my idol, Zidane."
The crowd laughed again.
In their hearts, they acknowledged Kai even more.
This was a smart kid.
If he became famous in the future, no one would be surprised—it wouldn't be an accident at all.
Zidane spoke up:
"If that's the case, why do you think Manchester United and Bayern Munich are final-level teams this year? Juventus has reached the Champions League final three years in a row."
Kai spread his hands:
"And that's exactly the problem. This might be hard to accept, but second place is the biggest loser in football."
"It proves strength, yes—but it also means you lost the most important match."
"That has a huge impact on a team's morale and confidence."
The laughter instantly died down.
Could you really say something like that?
Zidane's expression turned serious:
"Then what do you think Juventus can achieve in this year's Champions League?"
Kai wasn't afraid of Zidane at all. Zidane had a bad temper and liked to keep a straight face, but as long as you spoke with logic, he was willing to listen.
"If Juventus don't run into Manchester United or Bayern, they can keep going."
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Sir Alex Ferguson in the audience applauded enthusiastically.
Ronaldo in the audience, however, was clearly dissatisfied and raised his hand for the microphone.
He was currently playing for Serie A giants Inter Milan, and in the previous draw, Inter's opponent in the Champions League quarter-finals was Manchester United.
Ronaldo: "Kid, I don't know if you know me, but I want to tell you—Juventus won't meet Manchester United."
"Because Manchester United will be eliminated by Inter Milan."
Unexpected situations like this always made live broadcasts more exciting and massively boosted viewership.
Even the stars present were cheering.
In the past, who would have cared about a teenager's predictions?
But now, in this moment, everyone was taking this young man seriously.
A man stays a boy until he dies.
Faced with this sudden turn, Kai smiled calmly:
"I believe there's no one in the world who doesn't know Ronaldo Nazário, the Alien. You are the greatest striker in football history—no debate."
"My best friend Cristiano Ronaldo used to get bullied by other kids just because he shared your name."
Ronaldo: "I apologize for that. Maybe he should consider changing his name."
Kai: "He thought about it too, but I don't think it's necessary."
"I call him C. Ronaldo, and I believe people will remember that name in the future."
Ronaldo: "Sounds like you have a lot of confidence in your friend."
Kai: "Of course. I don't even want him to drop the 'C' and be called Ronaldo directly."
"Because that would mean the memory of you—the Alien Ronaldo—would fade in people's hearts."
Ronaldo swore this was the best joke he'd heard all year:
"You mean he's going to replace me? Cristiano Ronaldo?"
Kai shook his head:
"No one can replace the status of the Alien in football."
"You, Zidane, Roberto Carlos, Bergkamp, Rivaldo, Batistuta, Owen—every superstar is irreplaceable."
"But Cristiano's future rival in football… is not you."
Zidane asked curiously:
"Then who is it?"
Kai replied:
"Time."
"The common enemy of all of us."
This chapter is not over yet, please click the next page to continue reading!
What Kai actually wanted to say—but didn't—was Gerd Müller, the legendary "Der Bomber."
His career goal record can be summarized as: always one more than Ronaldo—absolutely outrageous.
The slightly awkward atmosphere instantly turned into thunderous applause.
Time!
Everyone thought Kai was about to embarrass his partner.
Instead, his perspective suddenly expanded.
Zidane shook his head helplessly:
"It seems you really do have a strong bond with your friend."
"But kid, there are too many geniuses in this world. What you said today might bring him a lot of pressure and trouble."
Kai nodded:
"That's exactly what I want."
"I know him. He can handle any pressure. Doubt and misunderstanding will only make him stronger."
Zidane looked at Kai:
"Are you talking about him—or about yourself?"
Kai smiled mysteriously, then turned to Ronaldo:
"I still haven't answered your question."
"I like you, and I like Inter Milan."
"But from now on, any team that meets Manchester United in the Champions League will be eliminated."
Ronaldo laughed angrily:
"Just because Manchester United is your predicted champion?"
Kai nodded.
At this point, the host handed the microphone to Sir Alex Ferguson.
This was his moment.
Ferguson pointed at Kai and said jokingly:
"Where's our youth academy director? Go sign this kid—and the Ronaldo he calls Ronaldo."
"Manchester United needs talents like this!"
Thunderous applause erupted.
But unexpectedly, Kai replied seriously:
"We appreciate the offer, but right now, we need guaranteed playing time."
"Manchester United can't provide that."
"When we're truly qualified to join Manchester United, we'll carefully consider all offers."
Ferguson almost laughed himself unconscious:
"That might take a long time, kid. I'm afraid I won't live to see that day."
"Many players work their entire lives and never step onto Old Trafford."
Kai answered firmly:
"In three years, I'm sure you'll still be there."
Ferguson tilted his head:
"Are you serious? Three years?"
"You think you and Ronaldo can reach the level of Manchester United's U19 team in three years? That's extremely difficult."
Kai shook his head.
The crowd nodded secretly—this kid seemed realistic.
Five years to reach a big club's reserve team was already optimistic.
Three years?
Impossible.
But Kai continued:
"Not the U19. Not the reserve team."
"The first team."
"And the starting eleven."
The entire audience was stunned.
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