Chapter 60

At 17:30 pm on July 8th, local time in Brazil, the sky was still bright, but the spotlights of Mineiro Stadium in Belo Horizonte were all turned on. More than 60,000 passionate samba enthusiasts had gathered in the stadium, wearing Brazil's iconic yellow jerseys.

Today's semi-final match pitted the host nation, Brazil, against the traditionally strong German team. This battle of titans had captured the attention of millions around the world. With half an hour to go before kickoff, the fans couldn't contain their excitement. They cheered wildly at the cameras in the air, expressing their passion for the game.

As Yang Cheng entered the stadium, he was immersed in the atmosphere. The powerful sounds of cheers, shouts, and various horns filled the stadium. Tens of thousands of fans who couldn't secure tickets were still waiting outside, contributing their energy to the players on the field. They stomped their feet, sang songs, and danced samba, eagerly anticipating the start of the game.

Experiencing the grandeur of the world's largest sporting event by being present at the stadium was a unique thrill. Modern football wasn't just a competition between teams; it symbolized national pride. In Brazil, the love for football was ubiquitous, transcending social classes and backgrounds. From the slums to the elite, from celebrities to the underprivileged, everyone in the nation shared a passion for the sport.

In Yang Cheng's life this week, football and entertainment with Kerr were the sole focus. They watched football, partied all night, slept, ate, drank, and cheered for their favorite team. Every day was filled with happiness and fulfillment, making him forget the troubles that had followed him.

Unbeknownst to many, after Paul Lehman had left the villa, an uninvited guest, Hansen, had visited. Moreover, Louis Lehman readily accepted Yang Cheng's invitation, and these two cunning minds were treating each other like lambs to the slaughter, waiting for the right moment to pounce and claim their share.

Mineiro Stadium had undergone renovations in 2012, emphasizing environmental sustainability. However, this didn't extend to the VIP boxes atop the main stand. For the World Cup, 20 VIP boxes of various sizes and styles were specially constructed to accommodate the wealthy.

When Yang Cheng and Miranda Kerr entered the largest box in the middle, they were surprised to find it packed with people.

Yang Cheng had secured this box after sending an invitation to Louis Lehman. However, it turned out that all 20 boxes had been reserved long before the World Cup's group stage had concluded. Most spectators came for the excitement of the game, not caring much about which teams were playing. After all, there were no weak teams in the World Cup semi-finals, making every match thrilling.

To Yang Cheng's surprise, he learned that Anthony Arnott and his supermodel girlfriend Natalia had traveled to Brazil. They had been invited by Dubai Crown Prince Hamandan to watch the semi-finals. Anthony had cheekily secured the box thanks to his connections with Arnott, as they frequented high-class parties in the United States.

As Yang Cheng entered the box, he couldn't help but think about how Louis Lehman would react. He had sent an invitation to Louis but was still waiting for his arrival. The event was graced with the presence of high-profile individuals, including LV Prince Anthony Arnott and his girlfriend Natalia, Dubai Crown Prince Hamandan, Prince William and Princess Kate of England, Prince Harry, Sam Branson (son of Virgin Atlantic founder Richard Branson), and others who were either wealthy tycoons or well-connected second-generation elites.

Miranda Kerr recognized many of these figures since she was part of the elite supermodel world, but she couldn't help feeling somewhat insignificant compared to these global economic influencers.

Amidst the introductions and greetings, the atmosphere in the box was somewhat formal and distant. The guests were divided into four small groups, each huddled in a different corner.

Meanwhile, Louis Lehman, the instigator, suddenly poked his head into the box, searching for something. Yang Cheng instantly recognized him, and the sight of him felt like discovering a moving gold mine.

Yang Cheng waved to Louis and then turned to Hamandan, asking, "Hamandan, that's Louis Lehman, the youngest son of 3G Capital's Paul Lehman. Do you mind if he watches the game in the box?"

Hamandan, focused on discussing odds with bookmakers, waved his hand nonchalantly, "Of course, I don't mind. Everyone is welcome."

Most of the attendees in the box hailed from Europe and were not very familiar with Louis Lehman. However, they acknowledged Paul Lehman's reputation in Europe, particularly due to his acquisition of AB InBev, which had garnered significant attention and wealth. Thus, they nodded in acknowledgment of Louis Lehman.

Only Anthony Arnott raised an eyebrow and approached Yang Cheng. He watched Louis Lehman greet others in the box with suspicion and asked, "Are you friends with him?"

Yang Cheng chuckled, "Do you know him too?" He didn't answer directly but continued with a mocking smile, "Don't worry, I'm not friends with him. We have a misunderstanding to clear up."

Before Anthony could inquire further, Yang Cheng moved toward Louis with a smile, ready to deal with the annoyance that had just walked in.