Chapter 370: The Twilight Years of Ronaldo

The last match before Christmas, AC Milan cleanly and decisively defeated Udinese 2:1, officially marking the start of the winter break for the season.

After a half-month break, the players will begin the second half of the season.

Suker hadn't planned on traveling during the winter break. With a busy schedule of competitions, he wanted to rest at home and maintain his form.

But some things Suker couldn't refuse.

Like making money!

This time, Suker and Gisele Bündchen were invited by Victoria's Secret to attend the runway show.

Although Gisele had ended her contract with Victoria's Secret, she was still invited as a guest to watch from the audience.

After all, as the most popular supermodel right now, Gisele herself was a walking brand!

As for Suker, he was a rising star in football, already famous throughout Europe, naturally attracting attention.

Of course, Suker's entry into the fashion world was largely thanks to Gisele's help.

But for Suker, this trip to America wasn't about the show — it was about investment!

The future belonged to the internet era, and he wanted to find those big internet players and grab their startup shares!

Suker wasn't a professional investor but knew some well-known internet companies.

Like Facebook and Twitter.

He searched online a bit.

There was still some info on Facebook, since it was founded in 2005.

But Twitter? He couldn't find much.

Suker didn't like complications.

So he directly told Zorančić two names: Mark Zuckerberg and Jack Dorsey, the founders of Facebook and Twitter respectively.

He told him to invest in these two and grab their original shares.

He wouldn't be involved in operations — just take the dividends.

After Suker and Gisele left, Zorančić went to the US to try to find Zuckerberg and Dorsey in the sea of people.

Suker followed Gisele to see the "big wings" show.

Since his dull experience at the Milan fashion show, Suker became even more fascinated with Victoria's Secret.

Arriving in New York, the most famous city in America, Suker remained mostly silent while Gisele talked all along.

Suker didn't think he was a bumpkin, but his behavior now was basically like one.

"What's the fastest way to make money?" Suker wondered.

He had a few options.

But he didn't know how to trade stocks and never followed the stock market.

Investing in startups was long-term.

Suker wanted to make more money quickly.

Hearing his question, Gisele immediately said, "Movies!"

Suker suddenly clapped his hands, eyes lighting up.

"How did I not think of that!"

Then he called Zorančić and told him to try to contact James Cameron.

He wanted to invest in Avatar, the highest-grossing film in history.

Suker wasn't sure if Cameron would take his money seriously, but for such a sure-win deal, he had to try. (Treat it as wordcount if u dont like it )

On the first day in New York, Suker and Gisele strolled the streets, soaking in local life.

But Suker felt big cities weren't interesting — European towns had more charm.

After a day of wandering, night fell.

Suker wore a black tuxedo with a slightly tousled side part hairstyle, neat and tidy.

His youthful baby face still looked a bit immature, but there was nothing he could do about it.

Gisele wore a black low-cut long dress with a high slit, showing off her long legs.

They attended the evening gala arm in arm.

In front of the media and cameras, Suker appeared calm, smiling gently.

Once inside, Suker couldn't stop looking around with curiosity.

Gisele didn't mind his behavior at all.

Or rather, that "horse rider" shock she'd experienced before made her feel this kind of man was unlikely to cheat.

Soon the dome lights dimmed, and the lingerie show began.

Models wearing wings paraded one by one.

Suker stared without blinking.

Some younger models even flirted openly with him.

Gisele felt nothing, confident her charm surpassed those girls.

The show ended quickly, and Suker had a good eye feast.

"Are they not attracted to you? They're blatantly flirting!" Suker asked, confused.

Gisele replied, "This is one of the Big Four fashion weeks — Milan Fashion Week. Do you think anyone can join? Those girls have connections here, but in Europe, they're nothing. Honestly, they're not interested in your charm but your influence in Europe and Milan."

Suker blinked: "That hurts, if I had no charm, how would I have got you?"

"I don't have your money, your fame, or your resources. I depend on you," Suker drew a circle on his face. "It's all thanks to that!"

Gisele laughed and pushed him away. "Shameless!"

After the show, they returned to the hotel and stayed in New York three more days.

On the third day, Zorančić finally arrived.

"The investments went well. I don't understand why you're interested in a just-founded company (Facebook) and a new studio (Twitter), but they welcomed your money."

"How are they doing?" Suker asked.

Zorančić: "The first one is better, with their own office. The second is a mess — when I found them, they were still arguing over lunch!"

"For 3 million euros, you bought 20% and 40% stakes respectively."

"For Facebook, I tried to buy more shares as you suggested, but they refused."

Suker nodded; this was enough.

"What about the movie investment?"

"Not a lot, but Cameron welcomes all investments."

"Is the project started?"

"Yes, shooting already underway."

Zorančić marveled, "I've seen the stills — amazing! It'll be a big hit, so I invested some myself."

Suker gave a thumbs-up: "Well done. You won't regret it."

"But I worry," Zorančić sighed. "I'm afraid the movie might not be finished. They're halfway through shooting, special effects in progress, but funds are nearly gone. When I met Cameron, he looked like a starving ghost, asking if I wanted to invest more."

Suker grinned, "I'm broke."

Zorančić shrugged, "So was I."

Suker said, "Don't worry, the movie will get finished. Now, let's enjoy the holiday."

Madrid, Spain.

Ronaldo sat on the villa's sofa, noticeably fatter than before the season.

His once muscular, sharp body had become round.

Loss of muscle and weight seriously affected his explosiveness and speed.

He had a secret — one he couldn't reveal.

Many said he was fat because he lacked discipline.

And with Ronaldinho's recent partying, many tagged Ronaldo as undisciplined too.

Ronaldo admitted he wasn't diligent but would never risk his career.

His weight gain was due to hormone injections.

The hormone caused fat accumulation.

But it was also a banned substance in sports.

He couldn't explain.

Now, Ronaldo's situation was tough.

Real Madrid clearly wanted to sell him quickly.

Capello had lost all patience.

Ronaldo still wanted to play in one of the top five leagues, so he was willing to lower his price and salary to find a buyer.

At the end of his career, he still wanted a Champions League trophy.

Who would have thought the "Alien" Ronaldo, with countless honors, was missing the most coveted European club title?

"Any news?"

Ronaldo looked at his agent.