Winning the Champions League for the first time meant a series of celebrations that were slightly different from before.
Gao Nuo still maintained his low profile; aside from his speeches becoming increasingly infectious, he usually hid in a corner, quietly enjoying the cheers.
The melodramatic saga between Real Madrid and Gao Nuo concluded with the fans' irrational actions, and the team refocused its attention on Mbappé.
The summer of 2025 settled, entering a brief hiatus, and all teams turned their gaze to the transfer market.
Gao Nuo quickly emerged from the joy of winning the championship; the 2026 World Cup qualifiers were still ongoing, and the China Team was waiting for Gao Nuo to return.
Three days after winning the championship, Gao Nuo was packing his luggage at home when his phone rang.
Seeing Wang Xiaochuan's name on the caller ID, Gao Nuo pressed the answer button.
"Hello, Chuan Ge."
"Xiao Nuo! Awesome! I won't say anything else, but when you get back, I'm treating you to a big meal."
"Haha, it's been a few days, isn't your congratulation a bit late?"
"Hehe, I can't help it. I've been with the team for a week of training, so I really didn't have time to call you."
"Training camp? What? You were called up to the national team?"
"Hehehe, yeah, it was a late call-up, so there was no official announcement."
"Alright, alright, when I get back, I'll treat you to a big meal first! Hahaha!"
After a brief chat, Gao Nuo hung up the phone and quickened his packing.
Following the system's advice, Gao Nuo hadn't used the system space recently, living a normal life for three days.
However, for a training fanatic, the backyard lawn and pool suffered, being 'tormented' daily by the tall man.
Gao Nuo was somewhat eager to return to the national team; training and competition excited him.
Taking Wang Qing and having greeted Li Qiang, Gao Nuo boarded the plane back to China.
At an international airport in Xinjiang Province, a young man in a casual suit and brown sunglasses stood at the airport exit. The chewing gum in his mouth had lost its flavor, but he kept chewing it back and forth to pass the boring time.
"It's delayed by another two hours. International flights are just unreliable. It's finally landed, so he should be out soon."
The young man ran his hand through his slicked-back hair and refocused his gaze on the airport exit.
"Over here! You're finally here!"
The young man saw a tall, sturdy figure with a petite woman on his arm, a smile on his face, and waved, shouting.
"Oh? What kind of look is that?"
Gao Nuo, holding Wang Qing's hand, looked at the young man in front of him, somewhat speechless.
"Hahaha, am I handsome? I'm a big boss now, don't I need to pay attention to my image?"
The young man was Zhao Dong, CEO of Su Xun Sports, a 25-year-old billionaire.
"Alright, let's go. We can talk in the car. Flying is too tiring."
Gao Nuo, pulling the secretly smiling Wang Qing, led the way to the parking lot.
After getting in the car, the driver started towards the hotel where the China Team was staying. Gao Nuo and Wang Qing sat in the back, while Zhao Dong "unhappily" sat in the passenger seat.
Wang Qing greeted them, then took out her earphones and put them on, humming a song playfully.
"Back to the starting point, standing blankly in front of the mirror, clumsily tying the red tie, combing my hair like an adult, putting on a handsome suit."
A burst of laughter erupted in the car, and even the driver couldn't help but laugh along, indicating a good relationship with Zhao Dong.
After the jokes, Gao Nuo spoke first, "Why did you specifically come to pick me up? Aren't you busy with company matters?"
Zhao Dong turned from the passenger seat to face Gao Nuo, "My great champion, if I didn't come today, I might have to go all the way to Manchester to see you."
Gao Nuo smiled, "Just get to the point. You're such a big boss now, you're getting less and less serious."
Zhao Dong's tone was still cheerful, "What seriousness do I need? You're essentially the father of my company now; everyone is counting on you to eat."
Wang Qing was laughing so hard she was shaking, and Gao Nuo was somewhat helpless.
Seeing Gao Nuo remain silent, Zhao Dong finally got to the point.
"There are two main things. First, your fifth-generation shoes are almost ready. After the World Cup qualifiers, you'll need to cooperate with us for a wave of promotions."
"Second, on behalf of Su Xun Sports, I officially offer you a lifetime contract."
Gao Nuo wasn't surprised. Ever since he won the Champions League and the Champions League Golden Boot, the two largest foreign sports brands had sent him contract offers.
It was completely different from their previous high-and-mighty attitude; this time, their stance was very humble, and just looking at the contract value, it was already full of sincerity.
One contract for 200 million euros over 10 years, and another for 120 million euros over 5 years, were placed before Li Qiang, and the impact was indeed quite strong.
Gao Nuo didn't decline, "Promotion is fine. As for the contract, you can talk to Qiang Ge then. Personally, I have no problem; it just depends on whether you two can reach a consensus."
Zhao Dong's face lit up, very satisfied with the answer, "No problem, don't worry. I'm going to make Su Xun the number one in the world."
It sounded a bit exaggerated, but Zhao Dong's words might actually come true.
In the China market alone, Gao Nuo's series of shoes had annual sales of 1.8 billion Chinese Yuan.
Not only that, Su Xun Sports invested heavily in technological research and development, and besides football, it had begun to venture into various other sports.
Badminton, tennis, and table tennis had already developed well, signing many excellent domestic athletes as endorsements.
The entire Su Xun Sports had annual sales of 8.5 billion Chinese Yuan. For a company founded three years ago, the figures were somewhat astonishing.
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As long as Gao Nuo is signed, Su Xun Sports might well become China's largest sports brand in the next 10 years.
Xinjiang Province is vast, and the journey was long. Gao Nuo and Zhao Dong chatted about football all the way.
Zhao Dong's completely uninhibited personality filled the monotonous journey with joy.
Upon arriving at the hotel entrance, Gao Nuo went to report to the team alone.
Zhao Dong completed his task, rushed back to the company without stopping, and dropped Wang Qing off in Shudu on the way.
It was almost 8 PM, but it was still daytime in Xinjiang Province, and the national team's training was about to end.
Gao Nuo lay idly on the hotel bed, relaxing his body while thinking about various things.
"Dong! Dong! Dong!"
A knock on the door interrupted Gao Nuo's thoughts. He got up to open the door.
"Coach Sun, you're here. Please come in!"
Sun Hai knew Gao Nuo had arrived and specially came to visit. After shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries, the two sat in the room.
"Xiao Gao, you played incredibly well in the final! I watched your last goal repeatedly, and it truly made me feel inferior!"
"Coach Sun, don't be modest. Our positions on the field are different. When you played, that goal-line clearance also left me full of admiration."
"You've become smoother, kid. Let's not flatter each other. I just came to see you."
"Thank you for your leadership's attention. I will give my all in the World Cup qualifiers."
"Hahaha, you rascal. This summer, the youth training camp will start producing talent. I have too much on my plate, so I won't chat with you aimlessly. Prepare well. With the World Cup reforms, China has a chance to enter the main tournament!"
After seeing off Sun Hai, Gao Nuo refocused his attention on the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
