“OK, Paul, you can handle the endorsement matter as you see fit. I have no objections. I’m just a little surprised that BYD would approach us at this time.”

He had some understanding of what had happened in China recently, and he believed that no one would be happy to encounter trolls, and he was no exception.

But despite his displeasure, he won't go out and explain anything to netizens.

He had originally thought he could take a break during this period, since he was currently in negotiations with several companies, except for Zongsheng. Given the current value Zongsheng is offering Lei Ming, other companies would really need to consider whether they have the capability to secure Lei Ming as their spokesperson.

The three companies that had almost reached an agreement also chose to remain on the sidelines and wait and see. Lei Ming was happy to have some peace and quiet. But unexpectedly, BYD Automobile Company suddenly appeared and invited him to be their spokesperson.

The other party not only offered a high price of 160 million, but also promised to pay all the endorsement fees in one lump sum as a sign of sincerity. Faced with such a generous benefactor, Paul and Lei Ming really had no reason to refuse such a company.

After hanging up the call with Paul, Lei Ming kissed Via beside him before slowly getting up and dressing.

Although Via was exhausted, she still leaned against Lei Ming from behind, reluctant to let him go, as she sensed that Lei Ming was about to leave. Her supple skin almost made Lei Ming want to press her down on the bed again.

"Ray, although I'm very reluctant to let you leave, I know today is a very important day for both you and Arsenal. When you come back, I'll take good care of you, okay?"

Seeing that Lei Ming was about to cause trouble again, Via stopped his large hand from doing anything malicious.

Seeing Via's frightened expression, Lei Ming couldn't help but pinch her nose and laugh heartily: "Ha, of course you can, but you have to keep your word tonight, don't fall asleep before the third round."

In response to Lei Ming's teasing, Via gave him a playful glare.

With her fair face flushed, she said softly, "It's all your fault! How dare you say that! How about I cook you something to eat before you leave?"

"No need, you should rest at home and wait for me to come back."

After comforting Via and getting her back to sleep, Lei Ming got dressed and went outside. Before leaving, he didn't forget to feed his two sheepdogs some of the food he had prepared the night before.

While feeding them, he stroked their heads and said, "Big Black, Little Black, you two must stay home and watch over our mistress. We can't let anything happen to her."

"Woof woof!"

"Woof!"

The two dogs seemed to understand Lei Ming's words and responded with two barks, which made Lei Ming laugh even harder. In a good mood, he drove out of his villa.

Via bought these two smart dogs after seeing them looking pitiful on the street. She never expected that in just a few months, they would be able to protect her instead.

Today is indeed a happy day for Arsenal. As the team's vice-captain, he had to be there early, which is the main reason why he was able to suppress his desires. Otherwise, Via would have been in his clutches this morning.

When he arrived at the club, he found that the old captain Mertesacker was already there, having eaten in the restaurant.

"Hi, Captain, good morning!"

Mertesacker put down his fork and waved to Ray: "Good morning, Ray, come over and eat with us in a bit."

"Okay, wait a minute."

A short while later, Lei Ming selected some of his favorite foods from the buffet and brought them to Mertesacker.

"Ray, what do you think of your new teammate Aubameyang? After all, you know, the competition for our forward position is really fierce now."

Lacazette goes without saying; he has adapted well to Arsenal's style this season and quickly integrated into the team, achieving success in various competitions. The arrival of Aubameyang will inevitably affect his statistics, because everyone knows that Aubameyang's attacking prowess is not bad.

It's certainly a good thing that the new teammates are strong, but how to maintain harmony in the locker room has become the captain's primary concern.

Mertesacker, as a veteran, is naturally adept at managing the dressing room, but today he wanted to take this opportunity to let Lei Ming adapt. After all, he will step down and announce his retirement after this season, and Lei Ming will need to take charge of the Arsenal dressing room from now on. This is obviously a good opportunity.

Lei Ming did have some impression of this new teammate. It was when he faced the Hornets last season. The opponent was indeed very strong, but unfortunately, they didn't score a single goal against him in the two matches.

Lei Ming's impression of the opponent was that he was a player with speed, shooting skills, technique, and also a flair for the game.

To be honest, among all the marksmen he's encountered over the years, he's only faced them a few times before the second round. After so much time, his understanding of their characteristics has become somewhat hazy.

But at least he felt that this person's personality was not flamboyant.

"Probably not. Alexander is a very easy-going person. I don't think there will be any problems between the two of them, and our locker room will welcome this player."

Lacazette is indeed not a very assertive person, and he should be welcoming to his new teammates.

Lei Ming had his own reasons for saying this. During this winter transfer window, the club had already gotten rid of the team's biggest problem, 272. It has to be said that even though he was suppressed for a period of time, there were still quite a few teams willing to pay high prices to buy him.

His departure certainly weakened the team's attack, but with the addition of Aubameyang, Arsenal's attack will surely see new changes.

Aubameyang, who was acquired for 63 million euros, will obviously occupy a starting position.

As for whether Giroud, Iwobi, Mkhitaryan, and others will have a chance to play, it's really hard to say.

Hearing Lei Ming say this, Mertesacker nodded in agreement.

He laughed and said, "Hmm, you have a good grasp of your teammates' psychology. I'm very relieved to have you as captain. Let's go, after we finish eating, we should welcome our new teammate. He should be arriving at the club by now."

People started coming into the restaurant one after another, and Aubameyang's arrival was getting closer. After finishing breakfast, the two went to the club entrance, where the club's sporting director and head coach team were already waiting to chat.

Upon seeing the arrival of the two captains, everyone greeted them with smiles.