From Arsenal to the Ball God

Ma’el knows there are many fans who love football but are deeply unfortunate, and he cannot take care of everyone.

But what he can do is fulfill his promises to the four fans he met by chance.

They always think of him, and he can’t forget them after slowly becoming famous.

He still remembers, after the first half of the match against Tottenham, he gave everyone a precious ’gift’ when leaving the field, and they also gave him tremendous encouragement.

It’s hard to say if this encouragement affected his journey so far. Humans are complex creatures, and many small factors can influence a person’s growth trajectory. He has experienced quite a lot in the football world.

Perhaps, there must be some... from the moment he gained the Skill Level panel, he kind of knew how steady his path would be.

But at that time, he didn’t expect he would progress so quickly.

There must be many external factors affecting him, motivating him, and of course, he has more and more goals, ambitions, and desires!

”Long time no see.”

David was the first to approach; he was in much better state than the last time they met. He immediately introduced his friend to Ma’el, ”On the trip to Wales, I met a fellow cyclist.

”He’s now my best friend, and we always ride to away games together.

”And... I’ve already started trying to drive.”

Ma’el watched him shyly utter the last sentence and couldn’t help but nod in approval, ”That’s great, you should be fully recovered soon, right?”

”Possibly.” David smiled and lowered his head, feeling a bit embarrassed receiving praise from Ma’el.

As for his friend standing beside him, even his greeting motion was unnatural, seemingly not expecting that he could see Ma’el so closely within the stadium.

Ma’el nodded at him in acknowledgment and then looked behind them, ”Chloe, why aren’t you coming over?”

Chloe seemed somewhat reserved, especially more after sensing her parents’ unease, which heightened her own emotions.

Upon hearing Ma’el’s words, she shyly waved and greeted him, then looked toward her father, seemingly waiting for him to do something.

”Hi.”

Her father was nervous and excited, awkwardly carrying a drawing board, first making the sign of the cross on his chest.

”Thank heavens.”

After finishing his prayer, he became a bit more confident, ”I never imagined that one day I could watch the game inside through my daughter, and meet the hottest new star in football today.”

He unpacked the drawing board and handed it smilingly to Ma’el, ”Chloe said she once gave you a painting, and you praised it at the time.

”Although you’re usually very busy, you might not remember, haha... but she kept painting at home and prepared a painting for this meeting, asking me to give it to you.”

Chloe behind him smiled with delight, always secretly observing Ma’el’s expression, anticipating his reaction.

Ma’el accepted the painting, glanced at it, and felt his heartstrings being touched once again.

The picture depicted him at the center of an award ceremony, wearing a bright black suit, holding the Golden Ball Award trophy, laughing and showing it to the world.

Beneath were rows of applauding football stars and coaches; he also saw Mr. Wenger and Henry among others.

Even, upon closer inspection, he saw Chloe in a corner, face flushed as she clapped wildly for him, she too seemed to be waiting.

”A very cute painting.”

He put the painting away, smiled agreeably, ”It’s very creative and thoughtful, I’ll keep it safe.

”I must add, I certainly remember the previous painting; it’s always placed in the most prominent area of my home... I’ll put these two together.”

Upon hearing this, Chloe was already thrilled, both hands clutching the hem of her clothes.

”Chloe,” Ma’el turned to her at this time, encouragingly said, ”You must always persist in painting, you have talent, one day you’ll certainly be especially good.”

”Mm.” She nodded heavily, finally shedding her reservation, lifting her head to proudly exchange glances with her parents.

Her parents smiled, her mother took a deep breath holding her head low for a while, finally mustering the courage to lift it and proactively said to Ma’el, ”We don’t know how to express our gratitude; Chloe is much more cheerful.

”A lot of this comes from you, from football.”

She paused admiration, ”We also admire you; at this age, you have become a source of strength for others.

”Chloe told us you aim to achieve everything; she is also waiting for that day... likewise, we all are waiting.”

Ma’el listened carefully, then stepped forward to hug Chloe and the middle-aged couple.

Afterward, he picked up the little boy and played with him near the player tunnel, chatted with the elderly for a while.

”Take them up.”

As it was getting late, he called a stadium staff member to take the group up to the box seating area.

”Bye-bye.”

He waved and bid everyone farewell, finally inquiring, ”Do you have a celebration move you’d like to see? If I score in this match, I’ll help fulfill this wish.”

David and the elderly became awkward, the little boy also shook his head, unsure, everyone turned their gaze to Chloe, she seemed the most suitable to speak.

Chloe felt everyone’s gaze, her posture somewhat eager but seemed embarrassed to do it.