Chapter 43
The full text that Kaka recited came in handy, but facing the more greedy approach of the sponsor, he had to say that he used more of his experience from his previous life.
He put on a proper smile and displayed the manners he had been taught since childhood. Nearly thirty years of experience allowed him to easily maneuver around these people, but that didn't mean he enjoyed it.
However, the sponsors are obviously very satisfied with Kaka. They have also invested a lot of energy and money in this young man, and now they see the results.
Kaka could see the way these people looked at him, like a commodity, with both enthusiasm and coldness.
They are enthusiastic about him because he can bring benefits and positivity, but they are cold because they only want him to be a symbol, not a person.
They didn't know what he really needed. He was once troubled by this, but soon he was compensated.
——He got Cristiano. That boy, who was the complete opposite of himself in the eyes of the media, understood him amazingly, could see through his mask at a glance and could see straight into his heart.
Kaka smiled and echoed a polite remark, then closed his mouth, but quietly repeated the name, Cristiano, in his heart - as if to cheer him up in this extremely boring adult game.
He believed in the doctrine because he had been taught since childhood that the doctrine was extremely pure and uncontaminated, and was the harbor and refuge of his soul.
But later he gradually discovered that wherever there are people and conflicts of interest, even doctrines will be labeled with dirty excuses and appearances, and will be artificially covered with an ignominious shadow.
At this point he realized that his soul had a place to stay, but not in the church, but deep in his consciousness.
Cristiano is another extreme existence he has ever seen, extremely pure and simple.
Anyone can see what he wants: honor, goals, victory, respect, fairness, but what he wants cannot be kept "pure and simple" within human rules.
But Kaka still watched in amazement that even though injustice and bias existed from the beginning, Cristiano remained "untainted", he was so incredible.
He saw Cristiano move from right midfielder to left midfielder, then to winger and forward, and saw Cristiano transform and adjust himself again and again due to injuries and tactical team considerations, thus extending his almost legendary long career peak.
Cristiano's heart has never been "polluted" and he only keeps moving forward.
Kaka realized what he had witnessed and what he had experienced, and he found another extreme besides doctrine.
So Cristiano could easily see through the facade he presented to the public and could easily integrate into his own soul.
Once he had Cristiano, he couldn't get himself off Cristiano anymore. He was like an addict.
Kaka's eyes softened a lot, and he savored his past with Cristiano during the boring toasts, just like an aged red wine.
During the four years they were on the same team, their teammates would joke that he was always the first to calm Cristiano's anger on the court, like a miraculous stabilizer, and Cristiano needed him.
But the fact is, he needs Cristiano, he is addicted to such a pure soul. Instinctively, he appears by the other's side at the first time when the other is frustrated, angry or sad, wanting to make Cristiano get used to his presence and get used to relying on him.
He was like a behind-the-scenes manipulator hiding behind the stage of the entire play, but he had not expected that this period of time would only be four years. If he could have foreseen it, he would certainly not have been willing to do this.
Even without him, Cristiano was able to handle everything on the field well, and in the longer period after he left, Cristiano also proved this, he did even better, he created the most brilliant glory of Real Madrid.
He remembered that when they said goodbye at the airport, the proud Ronaldo finally realized that there were some things he really couldn't do, and even if he tried his best, he couldn't keep anyone away.
He also remembered that Cristiano kissed the side of his neck when they parted, and whispered to him that he would continue to fight for glory with his share.
That was the first time he felt regretful, as he knew very well that this meant Cristiano would have to pay double or even more for this unilateral promise.
"Kaka, say something, what do you think? We are planning to do a joint physical fitness improvement training, a very professional one. In addition to AC Milan, we can invite another club to participate, like a social gathering." The sponsor of the jersey spoke excitedly, bringing Kaka back to reality.
Their sponsors want some news, more stars who can bring financial influence, and for this they need to create more activities, not just within one club.
"How about Liverpool?" another person suggested, "It just so happened that the Champions League final was just around the corner, and Liverpool's popularity is also very high."
"Ha, you want them to fight? Bad idea, dear," someone objected.
Kaka collected his scattered thoughts, quickly processed the current information, and then jokingly said: "How about Manchester United?"
He just mentioned it casually.
The sponsors around thought about it briefly and realized that this seemed to be a feasible solution.
"Although we were eliminated in the quarter-finals, Manchester United is a wealthy club with a rich history. I think this is a good match."
"Manchester United has been doing well in the Premier League recently? But we haven't contacted them for business before. If we make a last-minute decision, we might not be able to keep up with our planned schedule?"
"Get it, we should get it. Don't forget, Ronaldo is in Manchester United."
"Who doesn't know that? To be honest, I envy Ferguson, but he doesn't know how to use that kid to make money."
Kaka frowned slightly and looked at the sponsor who spoke.
He looked down in disapproval, but still kept a small smile: "Sir Ferguson can maximize Cristiano's value on the court, and this will create unimaginable economic value in the future. I firmly believe this."
Look further ahead. Kaka looked at the sponsors and shook his head in his heart.
"Oh, you are very optimistic about number seven." The sponsor laughed nonchalantly. He joked, "Indeed, I don't deny that he is a good seedling, but we have seen too many geniuses fall. First of all, he has to survive. Secondly, he has to be valuable."
"You're right, and he's in the Premier League. Judging from his injury frequency, it would be good if he can be popular for three years, even with Sir Alex Ferguson's protection." The people around him also laughed in agreement, which made Kaka feel disgusted.
He wanted to find an excuse to leave, but soon he was stopped dead in his tracks again.
"Didn't something happen again during today's game? This is the first time I've seen Sir Alex Ferguson get so angry."
"That was as it should be. The defender elbowed Ronaldo in the chest. Although I didn't watch the game, I heard it was in the heart area and Ronaldo fell on the spot."
"I know that the other side has preemptively thought that this is a scam, which is really too disgraceful."
"But Ronaldo is on the world's hot trend again. Is this his nth time this month?"
"I can't remember. He does have a lot of traffic... So, my friends, back to the point, Manchester United?"
The sponsors were in the middle of a heated discussion when suddenly there was a chaotic sound of glass breaking to the ground, followed by the waiter hurriedly apologizing.
When they heard the sound, they looked over and saw that their golden boy was pale and his back was wet with wine. It was probably because the waiter who was serving the drinks accidentally bumped into him.
"You're so careless." The sponsors all expressed their concern, "Are you okay? Go change your clothes."
Kaka didn't say anything. He just clenched the glass in his hand, pursed his lips tightly, and stood there with his back straight, like a wooden man who had lost his soul.
When Shevchenko heard the discussion on the other end, he knew something was wrong, but he didn't expect it to cause such a big commotion, so he hurried through the crowd.
Ancelotti also came here in time and rescued Kaka from the crowd: "Oh dear, Sheva, take Kaka to the lounge."
After he finished speaking, he looked at the sponsors around him and said, "Excuse me, let this poor kid go change his clothes first and then come back to participate in our conversation."
"certainly."
Ancelotti made a subtle gesture to Shevchenko, meaning, get out and don't come back.
Shevchenko received a hint from Ancelotti and immediately half-dragged Kaka away from the chaotic scene.
"Are you okay?" Shevchenko observed his friend, then realized that he had said something nonsense. He pursed his lips and said quickly, "Okay, I'll take you back first, and we'll talk when we get back."
Kaka took a deep breath, as if he had regained his breath. He took out his phone and shook his head: "No, let me make a call first, just one call will do, Sheva, please, be quiet, let me make a call."
Shevchenko had to let go.
He was watching from the sidelines, and seeing that Kaka didn't seem to get through on the call and looked even more anxious, he spoke carefully: "If you are worried about Ronaldo, he is actually fine. He even celebrated with his teammates after the penalty kick went in. Otherwise, there wouldn't be rumors of a fraudulent penalty kick."
"You can check the news?" Shevchenko added.
"No, I just want to hear his voice. Sheva, this is different, you don't understand." Kaka clenched his teeth and muscles. He tried not to sound cold and strange, but he couldn't control himself well. He took a deep breath, and his fingers holding the phone were shaking.
He heard what Shevchenko said, his mind told him that Cristiano was fine, but his fear spread wildly and filled his eyes.
Shevchenko really couldn't understand it. He frowned and looked at his friend. It was the first time he saw Kaka as stiff as a sculpture held together by glue, as if he would break into pieces if pushed.
He then stood there at a loss, their golden boy had unfocused eyes, a pale face, and even his clothes were stained with wine, looking extremely disheveled.
Shevchenko wanted to send a message to other people in the group for help, but no one told him that he had to deal with a Kaka like this, and there was not even an instruction manual!
Thank God, the second call went through.
Cristiano was absent-mindedly playing online with Rooney in front of the game controller. Games of this era did not have much appeal to him, and Rooney was keen on exaggerated sound effects, which bombarded his head and made him dizzy.
He couldn't help but glance at his phone a few times, and soon he saw the incoming call reminder light up.
He immediately handed his controller to Neville who was singing beside him: "Here you go!"
"Hey!" Rooney complained, "He played so badly! Ronnie, come back soon!"
"Shut up!" Neville grabbed Rooney's receding hairline in dissatisfaction, "Stop being picky."
Cristiano jumped over the sofa as nimbly as a deer and ran to the corner. He lowered his voice and answered the phone: "Kaka?"
Keane and Ferdinand, who were sipping drinks at Chris's bar, exchanged glances.
"Cris?"
Shevchenko saw that his friend seemed to come alive in an instant.
"I want to see you, right now."
Cristiano didn't say anything more. He guessed Kaka didn't see his text message, or he saw it but it was of no use.
"Okay." He responded quickly. Although he knew that real time would stagnate after entering the virtual space, as if they were two separate worlds and no one would notice the abnormality here, he still subconsciously closed the balcony door and created an independent space for himself.
As soon as Cristiano entered the space, he was squeezed tightly by a hug, and he had to put his hands around his lover's back.
They said nothing.
Kaka felt the heart beating strongly against his chest, and he tightened his grip little by little, as if he wanted to rub Cristiano into his heart.
"Relax, dear." Cristiano gently stroked the back of Kaka's neck. He lowered his head and kissed the side of his lover's neck closely and closely as if to comfort him. He gently rubbed his nose behind his lover's ear, like a young animal, telling him in the most primitive and intimate way that he was here.
He used his palms to loosen Kaka's stiff and tense muscles, trying to make Kaka relax a little bit. He tried to follow his lover's gaze, but Kaka just hugged him tightly, preventing him from seeing more.
Cristiano had to give up this idea for the time being.
He used his fingers to tease the ends of Kaka's slightly curly hair from time to time. Because half of his face was buried in Kaka's shoulder, his voice was a little soft and muffled, with a slight rise at the end: "Don't you want to kiss me, Kaka?"
Kaka loosened his embrace a little after hearing this. He lowered his head to look at Cristiano's lips, his gaze as deep as the distant sea at night. Cristiano's breathing paused for a moment, and then the next second, he was deprived of his breath.
Until Kaka was finally willing to let go of the kiss, Cristiano licked the corner of his mouth, he gently rubbed Kaka's soft curly hair, and whispered: "Is that enough, Kaka?"
Kaka pulled open the slightly open collar of his shirt - Cristiano was still wearing the shirt he had worn after the interview, the one with several buttons torn open by Neville, and Kaka's action caused the shirt to lose the other two buttons at the bottom.
Seeing this, Cristiano couldn't help but mutter: "Oh my God... don't you all like my shirt?"
"Cris." This was the first sentence Kaka said since they entered here thirty minutes ago. "Does it still hurt here? I want to kiss it."
Cristiano lowered his head. He had to be thankful that this body was a simulated body in the system. He could not see the terrible bruise on his chest caused by the impact.
It's good for them all.
"Is it okay?" Kaka asked in a low voice.
"Of course, it's yours, and I'm yours too, you can do whatever you want with it."
As soon as he finished speaking, he felt the patch of skin over his heart being covered.
Kaka kissed his chest and his heart. His kiss did not carry any color or desire from the adult world. It was more like putting prayers and blessings in it and sealing them with a kiss.
They stayed in the therapy room for the full three hours they were supposed to stay, and they didn't need to do anything else but simply sit together, one for company.
Cristiano complained to Kaka unscrupulously about the player who had contradicted him and the feeling of the elbow. He knew that if he said nothing, Kaka would be upset, and the more he said, the more at ease his lover would be.
Cristiano exchanged a kiss again in the last limited time. This time, he watched Kaka disappear from his sight and smiled slightly. At least he couldn't leave this to Kaka.
When his consciousness came out of the virtual space, he looked at the twinkling lights in the distance outside the balcony in a trance for a moment, then he realized that he was still at the party.
Cristiano stayed on the balcony for a while to enjoy the breeze before opening the balcony door and coming back.
When he returned to the room, he met the gazes of Keane and Ferdinand at the bar. It was as if they understood everything, and the emotions that had finally calmed him down quickly returned to their original path.
- Damn, he could vaguely feel the skin under his eyes getting slightly hot, and he couldn't control the redness around his eyes and on his face.
"Hey..." He pulled the corner of his mouth and tried to say something, but the two big brothers quickly interrupted him.
"Go wash your face, you should rest." Keane said.
Ferdinand said he would entertain the others on Chris' behalf.
Cristiano coughed lightly and returned to his bedroom without objection.
He walked into the bathroom and looked in the mirror. The Portuguese man in the mirror had a look of complete unaware satisfaction on his face, and the redness under his eyes made him look more like a teenager who was just beginning to fall in love.
Cristiano held his head in pain for two seconds. He should have looked in the mirror and prepared his expression before leaving.
"No one can see Ronnie like that, otherwise everyone will know that he is secretly in love with someone." Ferdinand said depressedly and took a sip of water.
Keane nodded in agreement: "He looks like the kind of guy who can be happy for a long time just by talking to his crush on the campus."
"Ronnie is better than those A, B and C," Ferdinand corrected.
"really."
///
As for Shevchenko, he was busy communicating the latest information with his wingmen.
He didn't notice at all that Kaka beside him took a deep breath and rubbed his face hard.
Kaka was a little dazed, he seemed to still smell the perfume Chris was using.
He noticed that Shevchenko was still there, and then he remembered that he was still at the event. God knows he had completely forgotten about this matter, and only remembered the strong heartbeat beating and trembling under his lips.
"Sheva, let's go." Kaka walked towards Shevchenko.
Shevchenko was in a group chat and almost threw his phone away when he heard the voice.
He suddenly looked up at Kaka and saw that Kaka seemed to have calmed down, completely different from what he was just now.
He opened his mouth in a daze. It was only a few minutes before and after! What kind of miracle drug is that Ronaldo? !
Shevchenko subconsciously asked: "Are you okay?"
"You can't say that." Kaka looked at Shevchenko, "But I'm much better now. We should go back."
"No, no, we should go back, but not to that damn event," Shevchenko replied quickly.
He quickly deleted a line of words in the group chat that he had not yet sent out - [Come and save me] - and replaced it with [It's okay, we'll be back now].
Shevchenko drove the car and the two went directly back to the players' dormitory.
There were many people waiting for them in the dormitory. They didn't say anything, but waited for Kaka to come back and asked them to go eat something together: "There's not much to eat at that kind of event, so we left some midnight snacks for you."
Kaka looked at his understanding teammates with gratitude.
Two days later in the league, AC Milan beat Roma 1:0. Coincidentally, the scoring point of this game also came from a penalty kick resulting from a foul in the penalty area.
And this penalty opportunity was created by Kaka.
Post-match interview.
"Kaka, are you aware of the recent controversy surrounding penalties? What do you think?" Reporters will never let go of Kaka's questions about Ronaldo. The tug-of-war between the ultimate devil and saint has long become twin stars to another degree under the media's deliberate hype.
Kaka took a deep breath. He knew that after scoring a penalty today, he would definitely win this question.
He lowered his eyes to look at the reporter who asked the question, the Milan Sports Daily, a newspaper he remembered was not friendly to Cristiano, but on the contrary, this newspaper liked him very much.
Kaka made a subtle mocking arc.
He looked at the other party: "I think if the media is not biased and blind, then it should be clear that the problem of this controversy is never about Manchester United players."
The reporter was obviously dissatisfied, and he replied in a very suggestive way: "But your answer doesn't sound unbiased."
Kaka was almost immediately irritated, but he quickly controlled himself.
He tapped his fingertips and patted his arm, just as Cristiano always liked to pat himself when he was comforting him.
He leaned down and quickly kissed his ring knuckle, his lover was there with him.
Kaka said solemnly: "If you can understand the meaning of bias, then you should understand that the media should not use such a clumsy way to confuse the public and judge a vicious act that hurts a player lightly."
"I sincerely hope that the purpose of the media is to spread correct, fair, positive energy, rather than erase the black and white of a fact."
After Kaka finished speaking, he stood up, greeted all the media reporters politely, and then left the interview desk.
Ancelotti took a deep breath and barely suppressed the urge to cover his face. His chubby round hands changed the action from covering his face to supporting his chin.
He tried to keep smiling as he watched his beloved disciple, who was always good at making judgments, leave the table. He never thought Kaka could be so sharp.
He coughed lightly, looked at the stunned reporters, and said, "We all don't want to see a genius fall due to injury. That is the saddest thing. We can empathize with some of the things that happened recently..."
Keane and Ferdinand, who were carrying out the "Kaka Observation Plan", both added some points for Kaka in their notebooks.
Keane gave it 10 points: "He was very brave and singled out the media."
Ferdinand gave it six points: "Honesty is a virtue, he just said the truth."
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