Starting With Real Madrid

Su Qing (Img)

---

What's it like working in a powerful department of a powerful ministry?

The answer is simple: busy.

Really busy.

From the moment you step into the office until long after normal working hours, you're drowning in work. Big tasks, small tasks—everything must be handled with precision. There's no room for even the smallest mistake.

A minor error at the top can snowball into a major disaster at the grassroots level.

The work intensity is so high that even many male colleagues find it overwhelming.

But Su Qing felt fulfilled.

She thrived on this busyness, this sense of purpose.

More importantly, it made her feel like she was constantly improving.

---

She wasn't sure when it started, maybe two years ago but somewhere along the way, she began hiding someone in her heart.

He was so exceptional, so remarkable, that everyone who knew him couldn't help but feel proud of him.

In the past two years, his name had become a regular feature in the country's most prestigious newspapers, magazines, and TV shows. He'd received widespread praise from every corner of the country. Even at work, Su Qing often overheard her leaders praising him.

Yet, she never told anyone about their connection.

In her heart, there was an obsession: she wanted to work hard to get closer to him.

"I already have a boyfriend."

This was her standard response whenever someone expressed interest in her or tried to introduce her to a potential partner.

But no one had ever seen this so-called boyfriend. She never mentioned who he was or what he did. Most people assumed it was just an excuse.

Only she knew the truth.

There really was someone in her heart.

With him, there was no room for anyone else.

No matter how late she worked or how tired she was, she always logged into World of Warcraft when she got home, checking to see if he'd sent her any messages or left her anything. Whenever she had a moment, she'd visit his social media space, reading the posts he'd left behind.

At first, she didn't understand, but over time, she realized that his posts were visible only to her.

To him, she was special.

And to her, he was special too.

Occasionally, she'd wonder if their relationship would ever change.

Though it wasn't bad, it always felt like something was missing.

Every time she saw photos of him with other women in the news or when someone tried to use his fame for publicity she felt uncomfortable. But she was smart. She could read between the lines.

She trusted him. And because she trusted him, she never asked questions.

If you believe, there's no need to ask.

---

That evening, after finishing overtime, she pushed her bicycle out of the office building. Across the street, under the dim streetlight, stood a man in a mask and a thick down jacket.

Despite the smog hanging over the capital, she recognized him instantly.

He saw her too and waved enthusiastically.

She couldn't see his face behind the mask, but she was sure he was grinning.

"When did you get back? Why didn't you tell me in advance?" Su Qing asked, a hint of playful annoyance in her voice. But the happiness shining through her tone betrayed her true feelings.

"I've been back for two or three days. I wanted to surprise you," Gao Shen said with a smile.

And it was indeed a surprise.

She walked her bicycle slowly, and he kept pace beside her.

They hadn't gone far when he started complaining about sore legs.

"Have you been waiting out here for long?" Su Qing asked.

"Two or three hours," he replied casually.

"Why didn't you come inside?"

"I didn't dare," Gao Shen said with a grin. "This is a national government building. If I wandered in, I'd probably get arrested. Imagine the headlines tomorrow: Serie A Coach Detained for Trespassing at State Ministry. How would I face the world then?"

Su Qing burst out laughing.

She got on her bike and gestured for him to hop on the back.

At first, he sat cautiously, keeping a polite distance. But as they rode through the streets, he inched closer and eventually wrapped his arms around her waist.

"I feel safer this way," he said with a self-deprecating chuckle.

When did this guy learn to be so smooth?

Suddenly, she didn't feel like going home just yet.

She pedaled leisurely through the alleys of the capital, carrying him on the back seat.

Passersby turned to stare, whispering to each other.

Some commented on how ungraceful it was for a man to let his girlfriend do all the work while he lounged on the bike.

Others speculated that he might be sick, why else would he be so shameless?

When they passed by the park, an elderly man taking a stroll called out to Su Qing, "Girl, don't spoil a man like this!"

Su Qing couldn't help but giggle, while Gao Shen remained unfazed, smiling and shouting back, "Thank you for your concern, uncle!"

As they rode away, laughing, the old man muttered to himself, "What's wrong with young people these days? So strange!"

After riding for what seemed like ages, they arrived at one of the most solemn landmarks in the capital.

Gao Shen suddenly jumped off the back of the bike, startling Su Qing. She quickly braked and turned around, concerned that he might have fallen. When she saw that he was perfectly fine, she let out a sigh of relief. Just as she was about to complain, she noticed the serious expression on his face.

Without warning, Gao Shen raised his voice.

"Su Qing!"

"I love you!"

The words echoed in the night.

People passing by stopped in their tracks, stunned by the scene. A man in a thick down jacket and mask stood under the streetlight, shouting his love to a woman with an elegant and extraordinary temperament.

Onlookers quickly caught on to what was happening.

Many of the women couldn't help but feel envious of Su Qing. To be loved so openly, so boldly, must feel like pure bliss.

The men watching were equally impressed. Brave or reckless, this guy had guts!

"I swear here and now," Gao Shen continued, "I will let the whole world know that I love you!"

Su Qing's vision blurred as tears welled up in her eyes.

Following her heart, she walked forward quickly and embraced Gao Shen tightly.

Warm applause erupted from the bystanders, cheers filling the air.

Overwhelmed by the attention, Su Qing blushed deeply. As soon as the crowd's excitement subsided, she pulled Gao Shen along, pushing her bike, and fled the scene as fast as she could.

---

The next morning, Gao Shen woke up feeling refreshed, surrounded by a faint, pleasant fragrance.

The beauty who had slept beside him the night before was gone, but the sound of cooking wafted in from the kitchen.

Leaping out of bed, Gao Shen tiptoed to the kitchen door and saw Su Qing, dressed in light pajamas and an apron, busily preparing food at the stove.

Unable to resist, he rushed forward and hugged her from behind.

But instead of the startled reaction he'd anticipated, Su Qing remained calm, her movements undisturbed. She only said playfully, "Don't move your hands. I'm cooking. You'll get burned."

Gao Shen rested his head on her shoulder, inhaling her faint fragrance.

"My dear young lady, shouldn't you act a little more delicate right now? At least pretend to be startled, just to satisfy my masculine ego."

Su Qing giggled. "I heard you moving around the moment you left the bedroom. Besides, there's no one else at home. Who else could it be but you?"

Gao Shen pouted. "You're breaking the rules. How am I supposed to keep this up?"

"Well then, my great sir, you scared me half to death!" Su Qing teased, laughing so hard she could barely stand.

Watching her radiant, playful smile, Gao Shen couldn't help but tighten his embrace. Leaning close to her ear, he whispered, "I've always thought you look beautiful when you smile, but now I realize how utterly captivating you are."

And with that, Gao Shen's hands began to wander again.

---

For the next two days, Gao Shen stayed hidden in the capital.

Every morning and evening, he accompanied Su Qing to and from work, and they spent their lunches together. During his free time, Gao Shen wandered the city, exploring its sights.

At one point, he even snuck into the ministry's cafeteria.

"I have to say, the food here is really good," he joked to Su Qing later.

Two days later, Gao Shen didn't return to Shanghai. Instead, he booked a flight straight back to Europe from the capital.

Su Qing took half a day off to see him off at the airport.

"Make sure to prepare for your vacation," Gao Shen reminded her before leaving. "Get your passport and visa ready so you can come and watch me play!"

Before heading to security, he hugged her tightly and didn't let go for a long time.

"Come back as soon as you can," Su Qing said softly, her eyes glistening. "And don't forget to call me, no matter how late it is when you land."

Gao Shen nodded.

In the past, it had been his parents who constantly worried about him. Now, it was Su Qing.

But this was different, and Gao Shen felt it deeply.

He silently vowed to himself that he would succeed not just for himself, but for Su Qing.

He wanted to give her the most public and heartfelt confession in the world.

He wanted everyone to know that Gao Shen was no longer single.

---

After a long flight, Gao Shen arrived in Rome. The moment he landed, he called Su Qing.

Even though it was the middle of the night in China, Su Qing answered immediately, clearly waiting for his call.

After confirming they were both safe, Gao Shen reminded her to take care of herself and not overwork.

In the past, he had suggested that she quit her job, but Su Qing had refused.

She loved what she was doing, and Gao Shen respected her decision. He was confident that their relationship wouldn't be affected.

Long-distance relationships were tough, no doubt. But they could also be sweet.

Whether they succeeded or failed didn't depend on the distance, it depended on whether the people involved were right for each other.

Some couples, separated by thousands of miles for years, still stayed together until old age.

Others, living side by side, still drifted apart.

Gao Shen believed his relationship with Su Qing was the former.

After talking with Su Qing for a long time, Gao Shen hailed a car and set off for Naples.

On the ride, he mentally prepared himself to dive back into work with renewed energy.

Buenaventura and Pintus had already crafted a winter training plan tailored to Napoli's needs. The goal was to use the break to recharge and set the team up for an even better second half of the season.

Gao Shen was determined. He wanted to lead Napoli to more victories and championships in the months to come.