The All-Around Center Forward

Buurrpp!

Ramos let out a satisfied burp, patting his stomach as he laughed.

"That was really healthy. Your cooking's excellent."

Suker stared at Ramos like he was looking at a strange creature.

"Don't you think… it has no flavor at all?"

"No flavor?" Ramos shook his head. "No, no! The veggies sautéed in olive oil, paired with the natural freshness of seafood, and rice to provide enough carbs… This meal tastes very healthy."

Suker covered his forehead.

"That's the first time I've heard someone describe a dish using the word 'healthy' for taste."

Hahahahaha!!

Ramos laughed heartily, pointing at himself.

"Guess I'm a little special. Like I said, I don't really care much about flavor."

"This isn't about not caring—you have no taste buds."

Suker jabbed.

Ramos shrugged.

"You could say that."

Suker glanced at him again.

"Why are you standing?"

After finishing dinner, Ramos had been standing and pacing around instead of sitting. Suker couldn't help but ask.

"Helps with digestion. I overate a little tonight. Haven't had a meal this carefully prepared in a long time, so I ate more than usual."(Checking his watch) "Half an hour left. Once I stand for 30 minutes, I'll go home and head out for a night run."

Suker shook his head and opened the special sauce, pouring some onto his paella before mixing it in.

Seeing the red, oily sauce, Ramos made a face.

"You really shouldn't eat that stuff. Just look at the color—it's so unhealthy."

"Please," Suker pointed at him. "Stop using 'healthy' as a way to rate food."

Ramos laughed and offered:

"Next time, come to my place. I'll cook you a big dinner."

"Let me guess: boiled chicken breast, a sprinkle of pepper, maybe some broccoli or other veggies?"

"How'd you know?" Ramos asked.

"Don't worry, I'm not going. I can't share real food with someone who has no taste buds."

Hahahahahaha!!

Ramos burst out laughing again.

Seriously, this guy had a weird sense of humor.

When he said 30 minutes, he meant exactly 30 minutes.

Ramos left right on time.

Looking at his sparkling-clean plate, Suker realized—not everyone was like Kaka.

Some people really didn't care much about flavor.

After sending Ramos off, Suker began cleaning the dishes.

Around 8 PM, Zoranqi returned.

He looked exhausted, but there was a bright gleam in his eyes.

"The endorsement deals in Milan are almost fully wrapped up. I've started expanding into the Spanish market. Lots of local brands want to work with you. But I've been filtering them carefully—priority goes to brand positioning and endorsement fees. Currently…"

Zorancic launched into a lengthy report.

Despite the physical and mental fatigue, the thought of making money gave him energy.

"Just let me know after you've summarized it all," Suker waved it off.

Zorancic nodded. He knew Suker's style—and after years of working together, there had never been any issues.

"That said, I do have a few things to go over," Zorancic added."First, your personal team. Apart from the private fitness staff, I plan to hire a lawyer, a doctor, and others to form a new support team. It'll help manage contracts and your health better."

"No need for a personal doctor. I'm partnered with Milan's medical center. If I send them my health data, they'll generate full reports."

Suker didn't want to hire a doctor just to have someone sit around—especially not at a high salary. He had recovery cards to handle that.

Zorancic nodded.

"Second issue: security team."

Zorancic turned serious.

"Your house in Milan was broken into."

"What?"

Suker looked up in shock.

"I got the news just now. They smashed a window and broke in. Luckily, there wasn't much valuable stuff inside, so the losses are minimal. But we absolutely have to take security seriously."

"Weren't there patrol officers around?"

"They don't watch every detail, and they have shift changes. These thieves probably scoped the place out first.""I'm already in touch with the Milan police. They've promised to find the culprits. But you seriously need bodyguards."

It's common for players to have personal bodyguards.

In football, many stars have experienced planned home invasions, and even family kidnappings.

Like the time Di María's home was robbed—his family was violently held hostage.

With Suker's fame, he was a prime target for bold criminals.

Zorancic insisted that Suker must have a bodyguard team.

"I've contacted a security company. They gave me several plans. Take a look—"

"I want the best, the most expensive!" Suker cut him off.

If he was going to hire bodyguards, he wouldn't skimp.

"You handle it. Money's not a problem. I'll even personally cover extra team costs.Besides my personal bodyguard, my villa complex needs extra protection too.""I do not want to wake up one night with a burglar standing over me."

Zorancic nodded.

"Got it."

Suker stood up.

"That's all for now. Leave the rest to you. I have training tomorrow—I'm going to sleep."

He headed upstairs to get some rest.

The night passed uneventfully.

The next morning, Suker took the earliest team bus to Real Madrid's training center.

Diaz was the driver—a job he inherited from his father.

He had been doing it since he was 28. Though the job was repetitive, it was stable and secure.

Lately, Diaz had been loving his job—for one reason:

His favorite footballer took his bus to training every day.

Diaz was a bit shy and hadn't dared speak to him yet.

But this time, he was determined to muster up the courage.

Sure enough, when he arrived, he saw Suker standing at the bus stop, bathed in the morning sun.

"Good morning, sir."

Diaz instinctively greeted him politely.

Suker turned and smiled.

"Good morning."

As Suker walked past, Diaz opened his mouth—then hesitated.

All the way, he kept sneaking glances through the rearview mirror.

Even just one more look was worth it.

But time flew by. Even though Diaz tried driving slower than usual, the trip ended too quickly.

Just as he saw Suker stand up—instead of heading for the door, he walked toward the driver's seat.

"Need something?" Suker asked as he approached.

He pointed to the mirror.

"You kept staring at me the whole ride. Care to explain?"

Diaz's face turned beet red.

He realized he'd been misunderstood.

And by his idol, no less.

"N-no, I—I'm just… I'm your fan. So I... I just…"

Diaz stammered, unable to form a full sentence.

But Suker understood.

He smiled and patted Diaz's shoulder.

"What's your name?"

"Fidi! Fidi Diaz!" he blurted out.

Suker smiled.

"Nice to meet you, Fidi. Hope you have a great day. But one reminder—always stay focused while driving. Even for your family's sake, never let yourself get distracted."

Diaz nodded enthusiastically.

"I understand, Suker! I'll come to watch your next match!"

Suker waved as he stepped off the bus.

Diaz watched him go, heart pounding.

His idol's kind reminder deeply moved him. What a great guy.

"Damn it! I nearly called the cops yesterday…"

Suker thought to himself—just yesterday, Zorancic told him about the break-in in Milan, and today, the bus driver had been creepily staring at him.

Who wouldn't think something shady was going on?

Still, Suker knew he needed to get his license soon.

Better yet, once the bodyguards arrived, one could double as his driver—he'd even pay them extra.