Having lived on this island for almost a week, Cao Baming had a general understanding of things here.
The two of them gradually found some joy in this unique life.
However, Cao Baming was completely unaware of the messages from Katerina, as there was no internet on this deserted island, so how could he possibly receive any messages?
All electronic devices, especially mobile phones, were essentially paralyzed. Even if turned on, they only had functions like taking pictures or serving as flashlights.
The original plan was to leave the island tomorrow. Over the past two days, they had explored almost every accessible part of this large island, finding no trace of anyone.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, tomorrow would be the day of departure. Therefore, everything needed to be prepared tonight. If they set off early tomorrow, they might even make it in time to have lunch after disembarking.
Cao Baming took a step forward, leaving a small indentation on the sandy beach. It was a footprint.
After packing, he finally had time to rest as the last rays of sunset faded.
In the evening, sitting on the beach and watching the sunset, it felt as if all beauty converged at this moment, perfectly harmonious.
The next day, as planned, they prepared to depart.
The yacht sailed for an entire morning. As they neared land, Cao Baming's phone suddenly received messages.
Opening the screen, he saw 278 unread messages!
Cao Baming's eyes widened in shock, unable to bear looking.
The senders were not just one person; they included the Chinese Football Association, event organizers, teammates, the club, advertisers...
Even though he had blocked many irrelevant people, leaving only those he interacted with closely in daily life, the number was still this staggering.
How was he supposed to go through all of them! It was simply unbearable to look at!
Just as he was about to close the screen, he inadvertently spotted a message from Katerina.
He recognized it not because of Katerina's name, but because of another name in the message list: Messi!
"Messi wants to meet you. Feel free to come by when you have time."
Cao Baming greatly admired Messi, whose playing style was pure and natural, and who had achieved unparalleled excellence in football.
He had long hoped Messi would join. Could it be that the deal was finally settled?
Cao Baming checked the message's sending time: it was just last night!
Yesterday afternoon, Katerina had sent a total of 56 messages!
Excluding the flirtatious ones, there were still over a dozen related to Messi. Upon closer inspection, he realized the news was about Messi joining the club, and the official signing date was this afternoon!
Was it about to be officially announced?!
Casually opening a news app, he saw that the homepage was still displaying news about oil prices rising. Cao Baming knew the news hadn't been made public yet!
Otherwise, it would have already exploded!
He glanced at Wu Xue beside him, then considered that he was currently on a world tour. Although the next stop was in Europe, returning to the club would disrupt the itinerary.
However, with such a significant event as Messi's signing, he genuinely wanted to witness it firsthand, and perhaps even capitalize on some of the buzz.
Most importantly, it had actually happened!
Cao Baming was still immersed in surprise. He had underestimated the club's efficiency, or perhaps the intensity of Messi's desire to leave!
Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal had conducted private negotiations, with neither party showing much dissatisfaction. The final agreement was reached smoothly.
Arsenal would pay a considerable sum, covering the full release clause, and more detailed terms were also discussed.
Messi's arrival meant another big eater to feed, and his salary would be no less than Henry's or Cao Baming's!
With the substantial profits generated from commercial media last season and the income earned from Cao Baming's popularity in China, it was barely sustainable.
In terms of future commercial value, Messi's signing was likely not a losing proposition, which was why they dared to drain the treasury for such a transaction.
Concurrently, the club had also considered Cao Baming's suggestions, clearing out several players and bringing in some fresh young talent.
This even included some individuals designated by Cao Baming.
Messi's close friend, Neymar, had no intention of leaving the club. For Paris, Messi was the only flexible position in the forward line. Now that Messi was gone, only Neymar and Mbappé remained.
Both were left-wing forwards, while the central and right positions were completely devoid of options, relying solely on players overlapping from behind. The team as a whole had become severely unbalanced.
Without a central pivot, what would be their fate next season?
Cao Baming couldn't help but lament how the once-great Paris Saint-Germain had ended up in this state.
After much deliberation, Cao Baming decided not to return to the club for the time being. He simply gave Katerina brief instructions, asking her to inform him promptly of any developments.
His tone, in that moment, seemed to have forgotten who was the superior.
Fortunately, Katerina was receptive to this approach, and it made her even more compliant and understanding.
...
Ultimately, the team reached a final agreement with Messi and simultaneously released this bombshell to the media!
The timing coincided with Zidane's official return to Real Madrid!
On this day, two official announcements, like two deep-sea behemoths leaping from the ocean floor to the heavens, stirred the waters, creating immense turmoil and colossal waves.
Upon seeing the news, the entire football world exploded!
Initially, there was disbelief, until they saw the official announcements!
"Messi joining Arsenal? They don't even need to play next season! Just send the championship trophy directly to Arsenal!"
"I never expected this! I almost stopped following the team last season!"
"So, it only takes three months to go from the depths to the heights! How inspiring!"
"PSG is doomed!"
"With Mbappé alone, Paris is truly finished now..."
"Compared to Messi, I'm more excited about Cao Baming's performance! Hurry up and start the season, I can't wait. Why is the summer transfer window so long?"
...
"Stand up, everyone! Arsenal has become divine!"
Public opinion raged, and the fans' emotions were completely ignited!
This was perhaps the craziest summer transfer window in football history!
And it was only halfway through!
With the World Cup approaching at the end of the year, top superstars from various countries were accelerating their "invitations" to legends. Following Zidane's success, there were now three "chosen ones"!
Kaká, Henry, Zidane!
And others were still holding onto their last hopes, trying to make their move. After all, the World Cup only came around once every four years, and who wouldn't want to contribute to their country!