Soccer: I became Bruno Fernandes.

Chapter 270: The Place in My Heart

Udinese's victory in the Club World Cup marked the end of their 2015 season. After the celebratory banquet that evening, Udinese announced the team's disbandment for the winter break, allowing players to begin their vacations. They would reconvene after the New Year.

Some teammates invited Bruno to vacation in RB and experience its unique culture. However, Bruno wasn't interested and politely declined, boarding a flight from Tokyo to Beijing instead.

Since his time-travel experience, Bruno hadn't returned to his original hometown. In August, Udinese and Juventus played the Italian Super Cup in Shanghai, but due to a tight schedule with the upcoming UEFA Super Cup, Bruno had no time to follow through with his plans.

Now, with all of Udinese's 2015 matches concluded and a two-week winter break ahead, Bruno finally had the chance to visit his homeland.

Bruno had planned this trip well in advance, obtaining a tourist visa before heading to RB. Carrying only a backpack, Bruno set foot on Chinese soil alone, without any entourage or welcoming party. Despite being a world-famous superstar, few people recognized him in this eastern country. Of course, in such a vast nation, there were millions who knew him, but they were spread thinly, making them hardly noticeable. Moreover, his trip was discreet, with no media or fan knowledge.

...

Upon arriving at Beijing International Airport, Bruno didn't plan to explore the city. Instead, he immediately transferred to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, and then took a bus to his hometown.

Rather than heading straight to his former home, Bruno rented a car and quietly toured his hometown. Although it was rare to see foreign faces in this small mountain town, few people noticed Bruno, let alone knew that the soul within his body belonged here.

After exploring his hometown for two days, Bruno learned that there were no traces of his former self. His parents were still there, but his family no longer included him; only his two sisters remained as their children. Bruno sighed inwardly, attributing these changes to the system's machinations. He decided not to delve into the details.

After spending a day in the village as a foreign tourist, Bruno quietly left, as quietly as he had come, without leaving a trace.

On December 24th, Bruno flew from Chengdu back to Beijing. He planned to explore the city over the next three days.

...

After checking into his pre-booked hotel and having dinner, Bruno ventured out alone onto the brightly lit streets. It was the eve of Christmas, a Western holiday that had increasingly been embraced by young people in China due to the influence of Western culture.

Wandering with the crowd, Bruno observed the festive atmosphere, with shops offering promotions and florists and gift shops bustling with customers. However, amidst the lively scenes, Bruno felt a sense of detachment.

At that moment, Bruno realized that he had become a foreigner in this country, with nothing here relating to him anymore. This thought brought a sense of loneliness to his heart.

As the night deepened, the city remained beautiful. Bruno aimlessly wandered the streets, searching for a place to unwind.

Finally, on a commercial street, he was drawn to a bar still open for business. The neon sign flashed "Blue Harbor," and Bruno walked in, led by the hostess at the door.

...

Despite the late hour, the bar was lively, with vibrant lights and a bustling crowd. Bruno, a lone foreigner, immediately attracted the attention of a few people with ulterior motives.

"Sir, you're alone, right? Do you need some company tonight? How about I keep you entertained?" A heavily made-up young woman approached, looking like a seductive fairy.

Bruno glanced at her indifferently, finding her unimpressive and lacking charm. Without bothering to reply, he shook his head, his aloof demeanor making the woman leave dejectedly.

Several more similar women approached, only to be rebuffed by Bruno.

For a moment, Bruno's arrogance made him the most talked-about person in the bar, drawing considerable attention.

Bruno didn't mind casual flings or going out to have fun, but it depended on the company. With a beautiful woman waiting for him back home in Italy, he saw no need to indulge here.

Tonight, Bruno wanted to unwind, but not in that way.

...

"What would you like to drink?" the bartender asked.

"Hmm... Do you have a drink that's intoxicating but won't make me drunk?" Bruno pondered before asking.

The bartender chuckled at Bruno's unusual request. "Sir, you know that alcohol will make you drunk if you drink too much. Are you alone tonight?"

Bruno nodded.

The bartender thought for a moment and smiled. "How about some whiskey on the rocks? It's rich and flavorful, cool and calming."

"Sounds good," Bruno replied with a smile. "I'll start with a glass."

The bartender quickly served Bruno his drink.

Savoring the rich whiskey, Bruno felt a blend of cool and fiery sensations as he swallowed, an experience both thrilling and soothing.

As a professional athlete, Bruno rarely drank, even during celebrations, he only sipped champagne. But tonight, alone in a familiar yet foreign place, he wanted to indulge a little. Besides, whiskey on the rocks was smooth and not too strong; Bruno felt he could handle it.

Halfway through his drink, Bruno felt the alcohol spreading through him. Scanning the room, his eyes were drawn to a figure.

...

In a corner of the bar sat a stunning woman. She wore a light pink down jacket that accentuated her curvy figure, making her look incredibly sexy and alluring. Her silky black hair was styled in soft waves, giving her an effortlessly glamorous look. Her beautiful face, partially hidden by oversized sunglasses, wore a faint smile.

Noticing Bruno's gaze, the woman looked back and smiled seductively, making Bruno's heart race.

"Is it really her?!"

Bruno nodded at her with a smile, raising his glass in a toast before downing his drink.

He put the glass down and signaled the bartender for another drink. Meanwhile, the woman in the corner raised her cocktail glass and nodded back at Bruno, taking a sip while leaving a trace of the drink on her lips. She slowly licked it off, her face filled with playful seduction.

Bruno smiled, feeling his mood lifted by this playful interaction. The mutual flirtation had clearly piqued both their interests.

Bruno took his fresh whiskey and walked over, smiling. "It seems I'm not the only one alone tonight. May I sit beside such a beautiful lady?"

The woman, surprised by Bruno's fluent Mandarin, nodded slightly, granting him permission to sit.

...

With her consent, Bruno sat down, placing his glass on the table. He gazed into her eyes with a fiery intensity, filled with a man's desire to conquer.

The woman couldn't withstand Bruno's burning gaze for long; her eyes quickly showed a hint of panic. In reality, she was a well-behaved girl, sneaking into the bar for some fun, not expecting to encounter someone like Bruno.

"Is that how you look at a lady?" she teased, turning her gaze away with a playful pout.

Bruno smiled, taking a sip of his drink. "If admiring beauty is a crime, then I don't mind being guilty over and over."

His charming compliment made her heart flutter, and Bruno's response turned her playful reproach into a shared amusement.

The woman lowered her head, silent for a while. Finally, she raised her glass and smiled at Bruno. "Two lonely souls, let's have a drink together."

Bruno raised his glass without a word. They clinked glasses, then drank deeply, laughing together, sharing a moment of unspoken understanding.

(End of chapter)

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