When Yang Yang appeared at Beijing Capital International Airport, wearing a peaked cap and a mask, no one at the scene recognized him. This made him feel briefly puzzled. Had he really faded from public attention so quickly?
He soon realized the reason. The so-called celebrity street photographs seen in newspapers and magazines were usually staged deliberately. In a place as crowded as the airport, people were preoccupied with boarding, disembarking, and meeting family members. No one had the time or interest to examine whether a disguised football star was standing nearby.
This time, Yang Yang had not informed anyone of his return to China, and no one had expected it. With the Premier League entering its intense Christmas period, often referred to as the Devil's schedule, it was almost unimaginable that he would return home at this moment. However, he had not broken any rules. Liverpool had just recorded three consecutive victories, each by a margin of at least three goals.
Yang Yang himself had scored sixteen league goals, and the team were currently third in the table. Although there was still a gap to Manchester United, it was not an unbridgeable one. In high spirits, Rafael Benítez honored his promise and granted the squad a short break.
Yang Yang's schedule was far from relaxed. After this brief stay in China, he would travel to Zurich to attend the FIFA Awards ceremony. Unlike the previous year, he was now an award winner, which made his presence mandatory.
Without lingering, Yang Yang exited the arrival hall, hailed a taxi from the nearby stand, and headed straight for Zhongxi School. Sitting quietly in the back seat, he found himself thinking repeatedly about Su Ye's reaction when she will see him. The anticipation made it difficult for him to stay calm.
The radio in the front of the car was broadcasting the latest sports news.
"Breaking news. In yesterday afternoon's eighteenth round of the Premier League, Liverpool defeated Charlton Athletic 4–0 away from home, with Chinese player Yang Yang once again playing a decisive role."
"Yang Yang continued his outstanding form this season, contributing one goal and two assists. His performance added further weight to an already remarkable Premier League campaign and earned unanimous praise from European media."
"The official Premier League website also highlighted this match, stating that Yang Yang has been one of the league's best players in the first half of the season and a key reason Liverpool remain firmly in the title race."
"Sixteen league goals and eleven assists. In his first Premier League season, Yang Yang has reached double figures in both categories in just seventeen appearances. This has filled everyone with surprise and expectation for the twenty-year-old forward."
Yang Yang sat in the back seat, listening to the praise being directed at him on the radio, and felt slightly embarrassed. The taxi driver in the front glanced at him through the rearview mirror. Yang Yang was still wearing his peaked cap and mask.
"You just got back from abroad?" the driver asked.
"Yes, from England," Yang Yang replied.
"England is a great place," the driver said, warming to the topic. "Studying abroad?"
"Yes."
"Studying abroad is good. It's not easy to do that these days," the driver continued with a smile. "Do you like football?"
"Yes, I do."
"Have you ever watched Yang Yang play for Liverpool?"
Yang Yang paused for a moment and nodded. "I have."
"Is it good?"
"Yes. The atmosphere is very strong. Anfield is known as one of the toughest home grounds in Europe."
"I'm not interested in foreign teams," the driver said. "I only want to watch Yang Yang play."
"Oh," Yang Yang replied quietly. "You can also watch the matches on television."
"That's not the same," the driver said immediately. "I've heard people say football has to be watched live to really feel it."
He glanced back again. "By the way, what does it feel like watching Yang Yang play in person?"
Yang Yang thought for a moment, then nodded. "It's fine."
"Fine?" The driver sounded dissatisfied. "Let me tell you, I have a relative in England. He said that when Yang Yang went to play in their city, the streets were empty. Everyone went to see him play."
"Is it really that exaggerated?" Yang Yang asked.
"Of course it is," the driver said without hesitation. "My relative said Yang Yang is incredibly fast. It's almost a waste for him to play football. He should go into track and field instead."
The rest of the journey passed amid the driver's nonstop praise. At times, Yang Yang tried to explain a few things, but each attempt only led to an even longer and more passionate response. In the end, he sensibly chose to remain silent.
When they reached the alley near Zhongxi School and Yang Yang got out of the car, the driver collected the fare but still did not forget to speak.
"We've been weak in China for many years," he said earnestly. "We've waited for stars for a long time. Yang Yang is different. You young people don't really understand. We older fans are so happy we're almost overwhelmed."
"I'm working hard now, saving money," he continued. "When I get the chance, I want to go to the UK and watch one of Yang Yang's matches in person."
Yang Yang nodded quickly and replied politely, "You're right. I'll think about it. Thank you."
Only after watching the taxi drive away did Yang Yang finally relax. For a moment in the car, he had genuinely felt the urge to pull down his mask and ask, "Uncle, are you sure you're talking about me?"
In the end, he managed to restrain himself.
As Yang Yang let out an amused sigh and turned toward the opera alley, he suddenly noticed a heavyset man standing at the entrance, staring straight at him with an expression of disbelief. The face looked familiar.
The man seemed to recognize him as well. He raised a finger, as if about to shout.
"Brother *Qiao Shan*?" Yang Yang's memory was sharp, and he recognized him after only a moment's thought.
"It really is you!" Qiao Shan blurted out, unable to contain his surprise.
Was it really necessary to be that shocked? Yang Yang smiled wryly to himself. He had not expected to be recognized so easily. Still, he stepped forward quickly and raised a finger to his lips, signaling Qiao Shan to lower his voice.
"You came back because you heard about Su Ye's difficulties, right?" Qiao Shan asked in a lowered tone.
Yang Yang froze. "Su Ye? What happened to her?"
"You don't know?" Qiao Shan looked even more surprised.
"If I knew, why would I be asking you?" Yang Yang replied impatiently, his voice tightening. "Hurry up. What exactly happened?"
Qiao Shan immediately looked troubled. He realized he had let something slip. Su Ye clearly did not want Yang Yang to know, but now—
"I can tell you," Qiao Shan said hesitantly, "but you absolutely cannot say it came from me."
Yang Yang's patience was gone. He clenched his right fist and raised it in warning. "Stop wasting time. Just talk."
Yang Yang might look slim on television, but standing face to face, the pressure he gave off was unmistakable. Qiao Shan was well aware that getting into a confrontation with a professional footballer was not a smart idea.
He swallowed and quickly began to explain everything in detail.
…
…
Su Ye had just finished her theater class when she stepped outside and ran into Qiao Shan, who was a year older than her. The heavyset man was standing furtively by the doorway, which made it look as though he was waiting to deliver a love letter. His face reddened as soon as he saw her. He hurried over and said nervously, "Someone is looking for you outside," before turning around and fleeing at once.
The sophomore students nearby were confused. On normal days, this little fat man was not known for moving particularly fast, yet now he seemed to disappear in an instant.
Su Ye found the situation strange as well. What did that mean?
"Su Ye, could it be a suitor?"
"Maybe he just made an excuse to talk to you so he could go back and brag about it in the dormitory."
"I think someone deliberately asked him to pass on the message."
"Qiao Shan is usually quite honest. He doesn't seem like the type to play such tricks."
"It's hard to say. You don't know how many people chase after Su Ye."
"What if something really happened?"
Su Ye considered it briefly and finally decided to go outside and have a look. If something serious had happened, it would be fine. If it was just someone playing a prank, she could turn around and leave immediately.
The Zhongxi campus was small, and the school gate was only a short distance away. Her roommates and several classmates followed her as well, thinking it would be safer that way.
As soon as Su Ye stepped out of the gate, she saw the man standing across from her.
He was wearing a peaked cap and a mask that concealed most of his face, making it impossible to see his features clearly. Yet Su Ye recognized him instantly, because of the suit and shoes he was wearing. She had bought them together with him.
Why was he back?
A sudden wave of emotion surged up. Su Ye felt tears welling in her eyes. She knew that as long as he was by her side, everything she had endured before would lose its weight.
Yang Yang saw her as well. He walked toward her slowly, smiling, and opened his arms.
Su Ye rushed forward at once, threw herself into his embrace, and hugged him tightly.
The sudden scene left her roommates and classmates who had followed her completely stunned. Students passing in front of the school gate froze in disbelief.
Su Ye, the campus goddess, taking the initiative to hug someone?
It was something countless men would not even dare to imagine.
Was this man in the peaked cap and mask the rumored boyfriend everyone talked about?
Many people had once suspected that this so-called boyfriend was nothing more than a fictional excuse Su Ye used to reject her pursuers. Now he had appeared in front of them, alive and real.
The rumors were true. Her boyfriend had finally appeared.
Yang Yang gently pulled Su Ye back, raised his hand to wipe away the tears at the corners of her eyes, and then nodded with satisfaction.
"Don't cry. Smile instead. You look better that way."
What surprised everyone present was that Su Ye, who usually appeared distant and cold, now looked gentle and obedient. She nodded softly, but her hands remained tightly clasped around his, as if holding on to the most precious thing in her life.
"You should have told me earlier," Yang Yang said, his tone carrying a hint of reproach.
Su Ye's eyes reddened again. She believed he had rushed back after hearing the news. At this critical stage of the league season, he had still chosen to come back.
"Isn't it that background that's been causing you all this trouble?" Yang Yang said, gripping her shoulders firmly. "From now on, I will be your support."
Hearing this, Su Ye felt as though she were intoxicated. It was the first time she had heard such resolute and possessive words from Yang Yang, and they were spoken for her sake. She hugged him even tighter and nodded obediently.
"Come on. Let's go home."
As he spoke, Yang Yang wrapped an arm around Su Ye's shoulders, and the two walked away side by side.
Watching them leave together, Su Ye's roommates and classmates felt as though they were still dreaming.
Soon, the incident spread across the Zhongxi campus and caused a major stir. Afterward, Qiao Shan was mercilessly pestered and pressured for refusing to reveal the true identity of Su Ye's boyfriend.
...
...
In Zurich, Yang Yang sat in the hotel room arranged by FIFA, watching Su Ye quietly, his gaze lingering on her without concealment.
She was wearing a light pink, form-fitting strapless evening dress that accentuated her tall figure. The cut traced her natural curves without excess, revealing smooth, pale shoulders and a clean neckline. Years of ballet training had given her exceptionally straight shoulders and an elegant neck line, complemented by well-defined, balanced clavicles. Simply standing there, she carried a calm dignity and natural grace.
Yang Yang had signed with Armani the previous year, and this time Armani had arranged for a senior stylist to handle his appearance. The Italian female stylist could not help but praise Su Ye's figure.
"She's a natural clothes hanger," the stylist said. "Her posture is beautiful, her proportions are excellent, and her temperament stands out. Especially the shoulders. They're exceptionally elegant, like a white swan."
Once Su Ye put on the custom-made light pink gown from Armani, the effect was immediately evident. The dress enhanced her refined aura without appearing ostentatious. Her hair was styled simply, with a soft fringe framing her face and the rest pulled into a neat ponytail. With her clear features and calm expression, even Yang Yang, who was long accustomed to seeing her, found himself staring.
"You'll definitely be the most beautiful and striking female guest at the Zurich Opera House tonight," the stylist said with a smile, clapping her hands lightly.
Despite the tight schedule, she was clearly satisfied with her work. The gown was custom-made by Armani, and the shoes were as well. Apart from the diamond ring Yang Yang had given her, Su Ye wore no additional jewelry, and she had barely applied any makeup.
"Makeup and jewelry are meant to decorate or conceal," the stylist explained when Yang Yang asked whether Su Ye should add accessories. "But she doesn't need either. She's already the most complete artwork. Presenting her in the simplest way is the best choice."
Yang Yang agreed without hesitation and raised his thumb toward Su Ye.
Su Ye lowered her head slightly, her expression shy, but her heart felt warm and full. She had returned home with Yang Yang the following day, requested leave from school, and traveled to Europe with him. Everything had been arranged at short notice, including the styling session with Armani.
"From the Oscars onward, most female guests at major ceremonies have been wearing black or dark colors," the stylist continued, explaining her choice. "This trend dominated throughout 2006. But because of that, people are starting to feel visually numb."
She looked at Su Ye with confidence. "It's the end of 2006. Tonight, most female guests will still choose dark tones, maybe with some embellishments. It's safe, but it's conservative. You're young, your figure is excellent, and this dress brings out both elegance and natural curves. I can guarantee you'll be the highlight tonight."
Yang Yang applauded again after hearing this. The stylist's skill was clearly on another level, even compared to the one Raiola had found the previous year.
This time, Yang Yang himself had chosen a restrained dark suit, deliberately keeping his own look understated so that Su Ye would stand out.
"What do you think?" Su Ye asked softly as she stepped closer to him.
Yang Yang nodded, smiling. "Perfect. The only problem is that every man there will look at you, and that makes me a little jealous."
Su Ye shot him a look that was both amused and reproachful, but she looked visibly dazed, as if immersed in the moment.
After tonight, her relationship with Yang Yang would be completely public.
Given Yang Yang's status in China and in world football, she knew what that meant. Her position would inevitably change along with his. This was something Yang Yang had already told her.
From now on, he was Su Ye's support in the entertainment world.
…
…
Some people say that fashion is a kind of metaphysics. Yang Yang admitted that he could not really understand it, but he knew how to cooperate with professionals. As long as the stylist was the best, he did not need to understand it himself.
That night proved that the Italian stylist from Armani had been absolutely right.
On the red carpet outside the Zurich Opera House, the overwhelming majority of female guests were dressed in black. Among the most eye-catching figures was Monica Bellucci, invited by FIFA as a special guest. She appeared on the red carpet that evening in a black gown.
Later, during the presentation segment for the Women's World Football Player of the Year, Marta, Kristine Lilly, and Birgit Prinz all appeared in black dresses as well. Among the three, only Prinz's outfit was decorated with shimmering beads, while the dresses worn by Marta and Lilly were simple, restrained, and entirely black.
Seated in the back of the car, Yang Yang watched the guests ahead step out one by one. He reached over and held Su Ye's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze to steady her. It was her first time attending such an event, and her palm was already damp with sweat. Beneath her calm exterior, she was visibly nervous, worried that a misstep or mistake might affect Yang Yang's image.
The car advanced slowly along the red carpet entrance. Each guest was greeted by applause or cheers as they stepped out. Some reactions were genuine, others clearly polite and ceremonial.
Finally, it was Yang Yang's turn.
As the car came to a stop, Yang Yang lightly patted Su Ye's hand, signaling her to wait. He stepped out first, straightening his suit as he emerged. Almost instantly, a wave of exclamations rippled through the crowd.
"Oh my God, it's Yang Yang, currently playing for Liverpool!"
"This Chinese player, who has just turned twenty, has entered the FIFA World Player top thirty for the second consecutive year. Last year he finished tenth, and based on this year's published rankings, he has gone even further."
"With the top three nominees being Ronaldinho, Zidane, and Cannavaro, Yang Yang's final position is expected to be between fourth and fifth. The exact ranking will be revealed later tonight."
Amid the cheers, Yang Yang moved with calm confidence toward the side of the car. He opened the door and bent slightly, extending his hand.
Su Ye stepped out.
The moment she appeared on the red carpet, a collective gasp spread through the crowd. No one had expected Yang Yang to attend with his girlfriend, and even fewer had anticipated the visual impact of her presence. Against a backdrop dominated by black and dark tones, Su Ye's light pink gown stood out immediately.
Her tall figure, elegant posture, and composed temperament drew attention at once. She wore almost no makeup, yet there was not a single visible flaw. Standing beside Yang Yang, the two appeared perfectly matched, and many reporters exchanged looks of quiet admiration.
The loudest cheers of the night followed. This was Yang Yang's second appearance at the Zurich Opera House. With the experience of the previous year and Su Ye at his side, he naturally took the lead, guiding her forward as they walked along the red carpet. They paused repeatedly to accommodate photographers from around the world.
The red carpet itself was not long, but with constant stops for photos and brief exchanges, it took nearly five minutes before they reached the entrance. The entire process was being broadcast live to more than 160 countries.
At the entrance of the opera house, the host noticed them approaching and reacted immediately.
"You two are without question the biggest highlight of tonight," the host said. "Yang, could you tell us about the beautiful lady beside you?"
Yang Yang was never fond of media interviews, but for Su Ye, he made an exception. Smiling, he nodded and spoke clearly.
"This is my girlfriend. Her name is Su Ye."
"Wonderful," the host said, clapping. "Miss Su, could you greet everyone and briefly introduce yourself?"
Su Ye looked at Yang Yang and, after receiving his nod, smiled toward the cameras.
"Of course. Hello everyone, my name is Su Ye. I'm from Beijing, China, and I'm very happy to be here tonight."
Her English was fluent and clear, her voice crisp and steady.
"What a lovely voice," the host said warmly. "I'm sure you are a gentle and pleasant person in everyday life. I sincerely wish you both happiness."
With that, the host gestured toward the entrance.
Yang Yang took Su Ye's hand, and together they walked into the Zurich Opera House.
…
Attending such an event for the second time, Yang Yang still felt a certain degree of discomfort. Fortunately, Steven Gerrard had also brought Alex Curran with him. The two couples had spoken on the phone beforehand, and once inside the venue, they found each other quickly.
After Gerrard and Curran saw Su Ye, they could not help but express their admiration once again. Even in a setting filled with celebrities, Su Ye's appearance and temperament stood out naturally.
The hall of the Zurich Opera House was filled almost entirely with well-known players, club executives, senior football officials, and representatives from FIFA from around the world. From time to time, people approached Yang Yang and Gerrard to greet them, exchange a few words, or offer polite congratulations.
Su Ye inevitably drew attention as well. Wherever she stood, conversations nearby slowed, and curious glances followed. Many were openly impressed by her composure and elegance, and compliments came one after another, all measured and appropriate to the formal setting.
Yang Yang soon encountered Kaká and Ronaldinho. It had been some time since they last met, and the greetings were warm and familiar.
What made the encounter particularly interesting was the situation in the UEFA Champions League. Barcelona had not performed smoothly in the group stage this season and had only finished second. In the knockout draw, they were paired with Liverpool. Most observers believed Liverpool's chances of progressing were slim, as Barcelona's overall strength was still widely regarded as superior.
Ronaldinho smiled when he saw Yang Yang and joked that he and Lionel Messi would be waiting for him at the Camp Nou. Messi, however, had not yet been invited to attend the FIFA awards ceremony this year.
By contrast, Cristiano Ronaldo had arrived. According to the list released beforehand, he had made the shortlist of thirty candidates but did not enter the top ten. His final position was expected to fall somewhere between eleventh and thirtieth, with the exact ranking to be announced later.
Kaká had reached the top ten but failed to enter the top five. As it was a World Cup year, discussion within the venue made it clear that Zinedine Zidane was widely considered the strongest contender for the award.
Yang Yang also took the opportunity to meet Zidane in person. Having only recently retired, Zidane was still the focus of attention wherever he went. Yang Yang greeted him respectfully and spent some time chatting with the senior figure, the exchange calm and cordial amid the hum of the ceremony hall.