God of Asia!
The announcer's casual remark had immediately etched itself into the hearts of millions of fans.
The next day, this term appeared on the internet, in periodicals, and in numerous media outlets and magazines, instantly becoming a traffic magnet for the new generation!
Cao Baming, God of Asia!
Compared to this, Son Heung-min's "Light of Asia" paled in comparison, seeming almost a victim of circumstance!
Upon seeing this moniker, Cao Baming was so enraged he nearly spat blood. It was too ridiculous!
...
As the Premier League season drew to a close, the other top five leagues also neared their finales, and the eagerly anticipated summer transfer window gradually approached.
While players enjoyed a rare extended break, it was also a prime opportunity for clubs to buy and sell players and revamp their squads!
Cao Heng's phenomenal performance in just two matches had already caught the covetous eyes of countless club executives. Especially Cao Baming, whose exceptional strength in both offense and defense led shrewd owners to abandon their initial interest in Henry and focus their attention squarely on Cao Baming.
His low transfer fee and short-term contract became his biggest selling points.
Some teams had already contacted him about half a month prior, and now, a second wave of high-level interest had arrived!
Guardiola was already gearing up, planning to meet Cao Baming personally!
Real Madrid had also considered the possibility, intending to lure him with a hundred million euros and the highest salary within the team!
Arsenal, naturally, was not to be outdone. Although external offers continued to escalate, they all understood that Cao Baming's value far exceeded a mere hundred million.
With such a treasure, and at such a young age, his future valuation should be at least three hundred million!
The biggest fear was that Cao Baming himself might harbor thoughts of leaving, unable to resist external temptations!
To prevent this, senior management convened two crucial meetings at this critical juncture, with Cao Baming as the central topic!
The discussions revolved around how to prevent Cao Baming from being easily enticed away and how to persuade him to sign a new contract for the upcoming season!
After all, they were absolutely not satisfied with just one year. They desired such a gem to remain with them until his retirement, willing even to sign a lifetime contract!
After intense discussions among the senior staff, the solution devised, besides increasing Cao Baming's salary, was a unique approach: the club's recruitment decisions would consider his input!
Not only the club's recruitment plans for the current summer transfer window, but also their strategies for future seasons would be subject to his consultation!
This move effectively crushed the subtle ploys of other clubs, representing a strategic victory!
On a sunny afternoon, senior management proactively approached Cao Baming and presented this plan.
When he heard about the salary increase, Cao Baming remained composed. However, when the owner brought up the recruitment plan, he couldn't help but react.
A flicker of surprise crossed his face.
Even Mbappé at PSG didn't receive such treatment; they wanted his opinion on recruitment?
After a brief moment of flattered surprise, he quickly composed himself.
He was, after all, the absolute core of the team, and their future relied on his goals. The team was clearly afraid of him being poached by others!
Cao Baming's thoughts turned to how, in such circumstances, he would likely be the biggest beneficiary!
The more intense the external competition, the higher his valuation and treatment would rise!
"No problem, I'll think about it when I get back!"
Cao Baming replied calmly, betraying no hint of excitement.
When senior management brought up contract renewal, Cao Baming directly refused, "I'll consider that matter later; I'm not planning to make a decision for now!"
The senior management was helpless; they couldn't force him to sign.
After stating his piece, Cao Baming turned and left, already secretly rejoicing.
Hahaha!
Why would he sign a renewal now? That would only limit his ability to gain more rights and benefits in the future!
As long as his future remained uncertain, the club owners and the entire management would continue to treat him like royalty, and he could continue to enjoy the benefits!
With a thrill of excitement, Cao Baming prepared to leave the club and head home. He hadn't really given much thought to the matters the management had discussed, particularly the recruitment plans for the current year. He had initially assumed Henry would be enough.
He hadn't expected to have the opportunity to gain more, so he would have to think it through carefully!
These matters could be pondered later that evening.
Stepping out of the stadium entrance, he pressed the remote for his car. In the distance, his grey Mercedes supercar illuminated its headlights.
Although the car still looked good, it had been purchased two months ago, primarily to impress Wu Xue on their first meeting, a hurried affair.
His current salary had increased severalfold since then, and with additional income from endorsements, the car no longer matched his stature.
He would worry about that later!
There was no rush to change cars; for now, he just wanted to have some fun.
As Cao Baming walked, he dialed Wu Xue's number.
The phone was dialing as he reached his car. He pressed the unlock button, placed his phone on the navigation mount, and started the engine, his eyes fixed on the road ahead through the windshield.
After a few beeps, the call was finally connected.
"Wu Xue, are you busy tonight? Want to go out for a bit?"
There was a brief pause before the other party gave a positive reply.
Cao Baming drove through the city streets as dusk settled, streetlights beginning to illuminate the roads.
He was on his way to pick up Wu Xue.
Tonight, they planned to visit Arsenal's food street. Compared to the street food in China, the local British fare would undoubtedly be quite different.
After some time, Cao Baming arrived at a particular intersection.
The scene of their first meeting flashed through his mind; Wu Xue had been standing there, shivering, wearing a pale purple dress.
As he thought of this, movement came from the rear door.
"I'm here, let's go, let's go, I can't wait! Hahahaha!"
A lively and adorable voice came from the back seat, followed by the thud of the car door closing.
Wu Xue plopped down in the back seat, immediately turned sideways, and lay down, her feet even resting on the window.
"Hey, you're still wearing a dress. Be careful, I saw it."
Cao Baming said with a smile.
"Hmph!"
A defiant voice responded.
Cao Baming's lips curved into a slight smile.
He glanced out the window. Wu Xue had been so quiet and introverted back then; how had she become like this...
However, even saying that, her current lively and adorable demeanor might be her true personality. It wasn't bad at all!
On the road, the two of them began to chat about their holiday plans...
Wu Xue was currently pursuing her postgraduate studies and had a very ample summer break, which perfectly coincided with Cao Baming's summer vacation. With seemingly inexhaustible funds at her disposal, it was indeed worth planning carefully!