From Arsenal to the Ball God

Isabella took out two tickets she had booked in advance, waving them excitedly, then rested her arms on the car window, supporting her head to enjoy the peaceful Thames River.

Today she wore a khaki overcoat, cinched at the waist, with a white sweater underneath, and black high heels paired with thick black stockings, making her look very refined.

"Ma’el."

"Huh?"

"Nothing, just calling you."

Ma’el smiled and looked out the window too, suddenly thinking about buying a soundproofed Maybach.

Although the Ferrari was passionate, in such a peaceful atmosphere, it seemed a bit noisy and not quite suitable.

"Gilbert, huh."

He thought of his good brother again, always feeling that their group was missing someone; he remembered the fervent mood when he and Gilbert returned to London and passed the Thames River.

They chatted excitedly about various aspects of becoming celebrities in London in the future, talking about driving sports cars with girls around the city.

Now he had become a superstar, but unfortunately, Gilbert was still struggling in Sheffield City. Even if he returned next year, he would face tremendous competition pressure, definitely without the spirit he once had.

"Why did he leave without a word after the game and didn’t show up?"

Ma’el asked Isabella. That day he was at his emotional peak and didn’t notice, only realizing it later.

"I don’t know either." Isabella shook her head, hesitating before guessing, "Maybe because he’s now a Sheffield United player, it wouldn’t look good to come out and celebrate with Arsenal fans.

"However, he was acting weird in the box, staying silent and having a low presence. I could sense he was very complex."

Ma’el nodded in understanding, driving across a suspension bridge to the other side of the river, where the London Eye was located.

They parked the car and, holding hands, walked towards the London Eye.

"Swish...!"

The lights on the Ferris wheel changed to a vivid sky blue, illuminating nearby streets and buildings. Only then did they notice the small stars hanging from the trees nearby.

The surroundings were quiet, with hardly any foot traffic, turning the entire street into their own private world.

"So beautiful." Isabella’s little face was also tinged with blue, her eyes sparkling, "Ma’el, let me take a picture of you."

Ma’el initially didn’t want to take photos, but seeing her ready with her phone, he stood in the middle of the road, squeezing out a smile.

At this moment, he felt a special sensation; he had many photos taken on the field, but hardly any of his life except for candid shots by fans.

"Hehe..." Isabella laughed sweetly while taking pictures, very earnest, "Let me find another angle, okay, can you change your pose?

"Oh dear, this pose is too ugly, quickly change it again, haha..."

Ma’el laughed with her, often making funny poses to tease her. For some reason, a warm sense of happiness surged in his heart.

After playing around for a while, they held each other’s now icy hands and headed to the entrance of the London Eye.

"Ma’el!" At the ticket check, the inspector widened his eyes, pointing at Ma’el and exclaimed, "It’s really Ma’el! David, Ma’el is here!"

A worker in a security uniform ran over, inhaling sharply upon seeing him, then quickly ran back to get his phone.

Seeing this, Isabella’s face lit up with a glow. She looked up at Ma’el, saying, "Besides those old grandparents who never watch football or browse social media, everyone in this city knows you, right?"

"Perhaps."

Ma’el nodded with a smile, having gotten used to people’s reactions upon seeing him in everyday life, "But merely recognizing me; only when they call me the London Ball King will I feel I’ve made it."

"Haha..." Isabella laughed again, seemingly finding it easy to do so with Ma’el, her emotions more intensely catalyzed.

Ma’el took a photo with the two staff members before heading to the queue to wait.

He encountered numerous fans seeking his autograph and photos, with some offering to let him go first, but he declined.

After waiting for a while, he finally stood at the front, boarding the Ferris wheel with Isabella after the couple before them disembarked, slowly rising upwards.

"Yeah...!" Isabella cheerfully raised her arms and shouted, "The big star finally came to ride the Ferris wheel with me."

"You must have ridden before, so this should count as you accompanying me."

As Ma’el felt himself slowly ascending, gazing at the cables in front of the Ferris wheel, he felt slightly nervous as he was somewhat afraid of heights.

It wasn’t baseless fear, mainly concerned about potential equipment aging or accidents.

"Then I’m accompanying you." Isabella slightly raised her chin, always exuding a sunny and confident demeanor, "So, happy?"

After sitting for a while, Ma’el’s worries gradually disappeared, and he began to enjoy the panoramic view of London from the Ferris wheel, "Pretty happy."

From there, he could see Big Ben, the Congress Building, and most of the buildings on both sides of the Thames River. Though not very clear through the glass, the broader view was magnificent.

After viewing for a while, Ma’el suddenly felt an expansive sense of perspective and pride... Thinking about his success this season, he truly felt in his element, having journeyed from this city to the world.

Not only achieving success on the field but also doing well in life, making many new friends and strengthening relationships with many people.