Rare leisure
After experiencing consecutive battles, Real Madrid players were physically and mentally exhausted. Seizing the opportunity with a week's break before the next round of league matches, the club quickly gave everyone a three-day vacation, which should also be the last leisurely days of this season.
"After these few days, I don't want to have anything to do with football anymore. I just want to enjoy my vacation," complained Guti.
Inside the locker room, everyone was packing up their belongings to go home. Many players planned to take a short trip to relieve stress. Wang Feng was no exception. Perhaps he could leave his child in the care of his parents and nanny and go on a trip alone with Lu Yao. They indeed needed to escape from the heavy burdens for a while.
Back at the villa, Wang Feng discussed their travel plans with Lu Yao, who seemed exceptionally excited and thrilled. After all, it had been a long time since they had been out. "Feng, will it be inappropriate for us to go on a trip alone like this?" Lu Yao asked with excitement, followed by some concerns.
"What's inappropriate about it? It's just a few days, and everyone will take good care of Little Si Yao," Wang Feng reassured her. "Quickly think about where we should go. I haven't traveled in a long time. I'm really looking forward to it."
The two discussed for a long time. There were countless European tourist destinations they had visited before, making it difficult to choose. However, when it came to a place they both liked, Sardinia in the Mediterranean was the obvious choice.
Although it didn't have the loud reputation of Sicily and Tuscany, its serene environment attracted many European celebrities and royals for vacation, making it a place Wang Feng particularly liked.
Lu Yao, on the other hand, loved the magnificent beaches and clear sea here, where they could take a yacht to dive near the coast. The weather conditions in mid-April were particularly suitable.
"Let's go there then. It's been a long time since I've been back to Italy. It's a good opportunity to revisit the past scenery," Lu Yao suggested, and Wang Feng nodded in agreement.
They informed their families of their travel plans, and everyone agreed that they should take a break. Wang Feng's sister encouraged them, saying, "Go ahead, I won't disturb your private world this time."
Wang Feng patted his sister's head. "Xiao Tian has grown up." This time, she didn't open her brother's hand but just rolled her eyes. "You still think I'm a little girl?"
Before they left, Wang Feng and Lu Yao still couldn't completely let go. One was stuffing a soccer ball into the suitcase, and the other was holding onto Little Si Yao, unwilling to let go. "This is the first time I've been so far away from my child. She's still so young," Lu Yao almost cried.
Fortunately, with the careful comfort from her mother, her mood gradually calmed down. After kissing the baby's little cheek, the two finally set off on their long-awaited and short vacation.
The warm sun shone on the yacht, and the sea breeze gently blew. Lying on the beach bed on the deck at this moment was simply the ultimate enjoyment. Lu Yao listened to music while grilling steaks, enjoying herself.
Soon, the fragrant dishes were served in front of Wang Feng. "This is my masterpiece. Taste it," Lu Yao said confidently. As he cut into it, juice flowed out, and he couldn't help but exclaim, "Yao Yao, your cooking skills could definitely make you a chef."
"I don't want to be a chef. I just want to cook for you alone," Lu Yao stretched. "But it's been a long time since we rested. There are many things to deal with in the company."
"Don't push yourself. Everything is going smoothly now," Feng Yao Group's investments in domestic and international internet were quite successful, reaping huge profits and expanding its scale. It had become a world-renowned investment company.
They were particularly optimistic about and invested in Apple's development, which had seen rapid growth. Two years ago, the launch of the new iPhone smartphone had shocked the world, gradually eating into the market share of other smartphones. They heard that they planned to launch a groundbreaking product next year, which Wang Feng was eagerly looking forward to.
After lunch and a short rest, the two decided to go diving near the coast. Lu Yao had obtained a diving certificate, so they didn't hire a diving instructor this time. Of course, they wouldn't take risks in areas that were too deep or dangerous.
When the mysterious and quiet underwater world appeared before their eyes, with colorful schools of fish, bizarre corals, and soft sandy seabeds, everything made them feel extremely relaxed.
For the next two days, Wang Feng and Lu Yao enjoyed the beautiful scenery and delicious food. On the last day, they detoured to Milan to visit the small villa by Lake Como where they had once lived.
Entering the incredibly familiar home, the first thing that caught their eyes was the large floor-to-ceiling windows and the distant mountain views. They had spent five years here, and Lu Yao looked around with nostalgia in her eyes.
Since they hired someone to clean regularly, everything here was very clean and remained the same as when they left. The two cuddled on the sofa, recalling the old stories, feeling particularly peaceful and comfortable.
Since they were back in Milan, they naturally had to meet up with friends. At noon, Wang Feng hosted a lunch at a Michelin-starred restaurant for old comrades such as Zanetti, Ribéry, who happened to be on vacation too.
"Without the Champions League to play, we have more leisure time than you, boss," Ribéry said, half teasing and half helpless. "At least you're about to win your eighth consecutive title. That's not easy, especially with Juventus showing signs of resurgence."
"European competitions have always been the expectation of club presidents and fans, but the overall environment in Serie A is very bleak. In recent years, it's been rare to see a team make it to the Champions League quarterfinals," Ribéry sighed, then suddenly looked determined. "Since Mr. Mourinho took over Inter Milan last year, I have a feeling that he can definitely lead the team back to the highest stage of the Champions League. By then, I hope to face you, boss."
Seeing the Frenchman's determined expression, Wang Feng nodded with a light smile. "Hmm, I hope you guys succeed. I won't go easy on you then."
The group chatted for a long time until the time to return was very short before reluctantly parting ways. Afterwards, Wang Feng and Lu Yao ended their short vacation and returned to Madrid.
The vacation was to set off for better things. On April 27th, in the 33rd round of La Liga, Real Madrid challenged Sevilla away.
Despite facing the third-ranked team in the league now, the Galaxy Battleship, who had been conserving their strength, still showed their strong dominance. In the 12th minute, Wang Feng's cross from the left found Iguaín in front of the goal, who stunningly volleyed to open the scoring for the away team.
Just seven minutes later, the Chinese superstar moved to the right, continuously dribbling past two defensive players into the penalty area from outside, then passed it across the penalty spot.
The Argentine forward in the middle received the ball sideways, and with a backheel flick, the ball went through the defenders' legs and reached Gago at the far post, who volleyed it fiercely. Real Madrid extended their lead.
Before halftime, Van der Vaart played a through ball into the penalty area. Wang Feng, with his back to the goal, received the ball and laid it off, and Iguaín, who followed up, shot to score again, completing his brace!
Although Sevilla pulled one back in the second half through Fabián, Van der Vaart soon scored a decisive goal with a world-class strike from outside the penalty area.
4-1! Real Madrid achieved a resounding victory away from home, sounding the horn of attack for the next three tough matches.