Romano: Exclusive—Liverpool Officially Inquire About Van Dijk's Transfer!
Transfer News: Exclusive—Liverpool Preparing an Offer for Van Dijk. If Both Sides Reach Agreement, the Move Will Be Completed When the Next Transfer Window Opens!
The Sun: Exclusive—Romano and Transfer News both think they've got the scoop. What a pair of clowns!
At 8 a.m. the next morning, Romano and Transfer News released their "exclusive" reports at almost the exact same time—only to realize shortly after that neither of them had anything exclusive at all.
Mocking rival outlets was The Sun's specialty. There was nothing they wouldn't do—and if something didn't exist, they'd happily invent it.
Barnett went live to interact with fans.
"Southampton aren't opposed to selling Van Dijk, as long as the price is right."
"That's correct. Liverpool have plenty of transfer funds. They haven't even spent all the money from Coutinho's sale. I've heard Mike even stopped Fenway from using it to buy a yacht."
"This deal could break the transfer record for a center-back. Liverpool are determined to upgrade the quality of their defense."
As Barnett answered questions, the message was obvious: Liverpool would spare no expense to sign Van Dijk.
Of course, this was exactly what Mike had asked him to do. The talk about Southampton being open to selling? Completely made up by Barnett. The goal was to guide public opinion and put pressure on Southampton.
At the same time, Barnett hinted at something more subtle—Liverpool were also secretly planning to sign a modern goalkeeper, another deal that would require a significant transfer fee.
He didn't mention a name. In truth, he didn't know one. It was simply another "controlled leak" assignment from Mike.
As Mike's longtime friend, Barnett didn't mind helping out with such small favors—especially since he'd just walked away from Mike's house with another fine bottle of red wine.
Barnett hadn't touched a bottle from his own cellar in ages. Most of what he drank these days came from Mike's collection.
Recently, though, Mike had business to ask of him, so he could only turn a blind eye. If he offended Barnett, he'd lose the best man in England for leaking information.
Once this whole affair was settled, Mike swore he'd raid Barnett's wine cellar properly—reclaiming his lost Lafite and every bottle that followed.
Liverpool's secrecy around the Van Dijk negotiations was airtight. They didn't want other clubs entering the race and driving up the price.
...
While Liverpool quietly worked on Van Dijk, the first endorsement event of the Madrid Ski Festival officially kicked off. The event details were soon sent to Leo Lin's email.
Madrid Ski Festival:
"Dear Mr. Leo Lin,
Greetings!"
What made Leo Lin happiest was the attention to detail—the invitation had even gone the extra mile in how his name was presented.
"We are pleased to announce that on February 20th, the Madrid Ski Festival will officially launch its first skiing event of the year. We sincerely invite you to attend and watch on site."
The Madrid Ski Festival, which held four special events each year, was now preparing for its third installment.
This event also welcomed ski enthusiasts from everywhere, though due to limited space, fans would need to queue for entry.
As an ambassador, Leo Lin naturally had to attend. The festival invited celebrities from all fields to increase exposure, drawing in their fan bases and boosting overall popularity.
Maria also announced she would be attending. She had always been a loyal supporter of the festival.
With her father's backing and connections, Maria had built a strong presence in Spain. Combined with her stunning figure and striking features—appealing to European aesthetics while also attracting many Asian fans—her popularity was rising rapidly.
At 6 p.m. on February 20th, Leo Lin and Barnett arrived in Madrid on schedule.
Barnett had also been invited. As a heavyweight figure in England's top agency circles, the Madrid Ski Festival treated him with full honors.
From private jet pickup to chauffeured transfers, neither of them had to worry about a thing. They arrived at the ski venue smoothly.
The event soon began.
The very center and highest section of the slope was reserved for ambassadors and invited guests.
Fans skied below, many of them highly skilled.
Leo Lin, on the other hand, was a complete beginner. Still, he found the sport genuinely interesting and thought he might give it a proper try someday.
He was chatting with Barnett when suddenly—
"Lin!"
Leo Lin looked up.
A distinctly Portuguese face was smiling and waving at him.
"Hi!"
Leo Lin waved back. It was Cristiano Ronaldo.
Barnett forced a polite smile and leaned in, whispering:
"That's your Ballon d'Or rival this year."
Leo Lin thought Barnett had lost his mind.
"Ballon d'Or?"
"I'm only 18."
"Barnett, I'm still a kid."
Barnett chuckled.
"So what?"
"If you win the Premier League, lift the Champions League trophy, and then lead Spain to the World Cup title, the Ballon d'Or is yours this year."
He said it casually, as if discussing dinner plans.
"And what's wrong with 18?"
"When Ronaldo competed for the Ballon d'Or at 21, people said he was too young. He still won it."
"If he could do it at 21, why can't you?"
Leo Lin didn't think he was incapable. He just knew the road to the Ballon d'Or was long.
The truly decisive stretch of the season had only just begun.
But looking at Barnett—so relaxed, eyes full of confidence, lips curled upward, already imagining what suit Leo Lin would wear to collect the trophy—Leo Lin was certain the man had gone mad.
Premier League title. Champions League title. World Cup title.
Were those trophies so easy to win?
Some players spend their entire careers chasing just one. Others are hailed as England's future superstars or modern elite strikers and still retire without a single major trophy—let alone several in one season.
As they talked, more guests joined the slopes. The atmosphere grew lively, everyone enjoying the thrill of skiing.
In the livestream, viewers who couldn't attend cheered wildly.
"These skis are so white! That slope is so long!"
"If I could ski hand-in-hand with Leo Lin, I'd give up my mansion and sports car in a heartbeat!"
More instructors began guiding fans, teaching beginners the basics.
Around him, guests were gradually joining the slopes, but Leo Lin remained where he was. He genuinely didn't know how to ski.
If he went out there, he might collapse the entire formation of skiers in seconds.
But he wanted to join.
Just as he was debating whether to find an instructor, a graceful figure appeared.
Even behind thick goggles and a face mask, Leo Lin's instinct told him—
It was Maria.
He could feel it. She was aware of him too. Even while skiing, her peripheral gaze drifted unmistakably in his direction.
Yes. Even through the goggles, he could sense it.
It wasn't subtle.
It was warm—almost burning—like she was afraid he might not notice.
It felt like winter break during your first year of university. You invite friends over to watch a movie. The heater hums warmly. Snow falls outside the window. The room feels cozy and safe.
The movie is great.
But your eyes keep drifting, again and again, to that girl sitting nearby.
Damn it.
This… this is love.
...
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