Chapter 791: Dream Start! Domain Skills: Stabilizer! Stepping Stone to Superstardom! Arsenal's Strategic Opportunity

They had arranged it once last year, and it was Shen Qinghe who took them there. Although Shen Qinghe claimed she was spending Wang Shuo’s money, it wasn’t about who footed the bill at all. The sentiment behind it was what truly mattered.

“I heard from Old Jiang that every time she returns to China, she helps Xiao Shuo pick out gifts for his coaches, teammates, and the like,” Wang Wenjun said, clearly fond of the girl.

“Girls from the big city really are impressive. They understand all these social nuances and how to handle relationships,” Wang Shuo’s aunt said enviously. “I often think about when Xiao Wei graduates. He’ll find a job in the city and get married there too.”

“Mom, if you’re talking about my cousin, just talk about him. Why drag me into it?” He Jianwei was easily embarrassed.

Everyone shared a good laugh.

“Oh, right, Xiao Wei, hurry up and check the TV. Switch it to the Capital Television Sports Channel. We’ll watch the live broadcast while having our New Year’s Eve dinner tonight.”

“I know, I tuned it in ages ago.”

The family bustled about happily, talking and laughing as they busied themselves inside and out. Time passed quickly. When evening fell, they gathered around to eat hot pot, leaving the TV on the entire time. They didn’t bother with the Spring Festival Gala, opting solely for the sports channel.

The 22nd round of the Premier League featured Arsenal playing at home against Manchester United. The local time for the match was 12:45 PM. It was prime time for global broadcasting, which translated to 8:45 PM in China.

Prior to the match, Capital Television aired a special program dedicated to Wang Shuo. It mainly covered his past, tracing his journey from receiving football training in China to going abroad, from Mainz to Dortmund, and finally to his current position in the Premier League powerhouse, Arsenal. And now, he had even hoisted the FIFA Golden Ball Award.

“He is the first player from Asia to lift the Golden Ball Award!”

Hearing the narration from the Capital Television program, the five people gathered in front of the TV swelled with pride. They all remembered how, early that morning, nearly every newspaper, magazine, and TV station across the country had been reporting the news. He Jianwei mentioned that many students at his school had even stayed up late to watch the live broadcast and cheer for Wang Shuo! Online, fans had celebrated through the night.

The family enjoyed their hot pot while watching TV, chatting about Wang Shuo, He Jianwei, and the future.

Around 8:30 PM, the broadcast officially transitioned to the live studio. Host Duan Xuan began introducing the highly anticipated, world-renowned match.

“Today, our network has dispatched a dedicated film crew to London to shoot live at the Emirates Stadium. Let’s connect with London now and check out the live situation.”

When the feed switched to the London Emirates Stadium, it showed fans steadily pouring in. The stands were already packed to the brim.

“Hello to all the viewers at home. I am reporting live from the London Emirates Stadium,” the on-site reporter began. “Through the camera, you can see that Arsenal is taking this match very seriously. Not just because their opponent is Manchester United, but more importantly, a brief presentation ceremony for the FIFA Golden Ball Award will be held right here shortly.

“Our very own Chinese player, Arsenal’s number nine forward, Wang Shuo, will slowly step onto this pitch carrying his Golden Ball Award—the first Golden Ball in the history of Asian football. This isn’t just a first for China; it is the first in Arsenal’s history as well.

“We interviewed many Arsenal fans on the scene earlier. They were all incredibly emotional. Upon hearing that we are from China, they became even more excited, repeatedly telling us that Wang Shuo is not just the pride of China, but the pride of Arsenal too!

“Additionally, as you can see, Arsenal officials have specially decorated the stadium for us Chinese fans. There are many elements of the Chinese Spring Festival on display. For instance, right now on the perimeter advertising boards, aside from the usual commercials, there are slogans celebrating the holiday. The stands are also adorned with lanterns and decorations, giving off a strong Chinese New Year atmosphere.

“We specifically interviewed the stadium management at Arsenal. They told us that this is Wang Shuo’s first Spring Festival since joining the club. It’s a great pity he couldn’t return to China for the holiday, but they wanted to infuse the Emirates Stadium with a touch of the Chinese New Year. They hope that Wang Shuo can put on his best performance on New Year’s Eve and help Arsenal fend off Manchester United!”

The TV screen then played a clip of the two teams’ pre-match training. The camera relentlessly followed Wang Shuo. This filled Wang Wenjun and the others sitting in front of the TV with immense excitement.

In truth, Wang Shuo had suggested they go to London for the New Year, taking the opportunity to see the house he had bought. But after careful consideration, they had declined. After all, spending the New Year in their hometown simply felt more comforting. Not to mention, Xu Xiuying was at her busiest every Spring Festival; she simply couldn’t get away.

When the time drew near, the feed returned to the Emirates Stadium. The head referee for the match was Mike Dean.

Before kickoff, Wang Shuo emerged from the players’ tunnel, cradling the FIFA Golden Ball Award in his hands. Deafening cheers erupted throughout the entire stadium!

This was the first Golden Ball Award in Arsenal’s 125-year history!

The sixty thousand fans present were all roaring for Wang Shuo.

Interestingly, the live broadcast deliberately cut to a close-up of Ferguson’s face. Everyone could see the sheer envy written all over it. It just wasn’t clear whether he was envious that Arsenal had Wang Shuo, or envious of the Golden Ball Award in Wang Shuo’s hands.

Finally, the players from both teams took the field.