To wear the crown, one must bear its weight first.

Chen Zhong explained the origin of his name, and Florentino finally decided to let go.

Real Madrid quickly responded to the "rumors" from the outside, but the way they responded caught everyone off guard.

"Is this for real?"

"Did they really offer Chen Zhong a 12 million Euro annual salary?"

"Even I, a Chinese person, find it unbelievable!"

"A tree standing out above the forest is sure to be blown by the wind, what is Mr. Florentino doing?"

"Mr. Ballon d'Or Kaka, Mr. Ballon d'Or C. Ronaldo, excuse me, what kind of 'Mr.' is Chen Zhong? Mr. Bootlicker?"

...

The outside controversy was fierce, some people were simply envious, others talked about conspiracy theories, while some remained neutral.

But no matter what, 18 years old, in 2009, 12 million Euros, equivalent to 120 million RMB domestically.

This amount of money, someone else earned it at 18, how could they not be envious!

Others were simply haters, believing Florentino had lost his mind; what team has an 18-year-old getting a top salary? And it's the highest in the world, wouldn't the Real Madrid fans be furious?

Some fans, however, were celebrating, thinking Real Madrid's new season would be unstoppable for sure, given the 07 Ballon d'Or Kaka and 08 Ballon d'Or C. Ronaldo teaming up against a single potential Ballon d'Or Messi, it's a piece of cake.

The new Galaxy Battleship against the Cosmic Team, the Cosmic Team might not stand a chance!

But now...

They just want to see if the money Real Madrid threw into the water can make any waves, and how many waves it can make.

The "top salary scandal" of Real Madrid became the headline of major media outlets, countless reporters started to besiege associated Real Madrid personnel, hoping to get the specific details inside.

Cristiano Ronaldo was blocked by a group of reporters; they were sharp-tongued, trying to ask how this "temporary" top salary Ballon d'Or winner views Chen Zhong's impending 12 million Euro annual salary.

He kept his mouth shut, lowered his head with no intention of responding, but the relentless reporters kept probing until C. Ronaldo was enraged.

He snatched the microphone from the reporter in front of him and hurled it forcefully, watching as a passing car crushed the damn microphone, feeling a rush of satisfaction.

Though he said nothing, his actions expressed his strong displeasure.

And C. Ronaldo indeed had a reason to be angry. At 19, in Sporting Lisbon, he only earned a 1 million Euro salary. When he joined Manchester United, his salary was around 1.4-1.5 million Euros, until the 05-06 season, after an outstanding performance, he received a 5.68 million Euro salary.

In his last few seasons at Manchester United, qualified for the Ballon d'Or, becoming an absolute key player, he finally got a 7.6 million Euro salary.

Reaching Real Madrid, he thought he was respected, becoming the most outstanding player in the world, earning the most top-notch salary.

But now...

It all seemed like a joke.

Messi's salary is 10.5 million Euros, his is 11 million Euros, Chen Zhong's is 12 million Euros.

Isn't this a joke?

During his contract negotiations, considering his "Royal Dream," he decided to step back, not needing 13 million Euros, just more than Messi, ensuring he was the highest in transfer fee and salary.

But now?

But Mendes discussed it with him in detail.

In Real Madrid, even if he was the 2008 Ballon d'Or winner, even if he was one of the world's best players, he had to temporarily lower his head to Chen Zhong.

For the good side, at least Raul's departure allowed him to wear the number 7 jersey, right?

If worse comes to worst, he could treat Chen Zhong as Raul.

Finally, Mendes promised C. Ronaldo that he would find a way to change C. Ronaldo's situation, which temporarily made C. Ronaldo "shut his mouth," but his anger could not be buried.

Sometimes, C. Ronaldo even wondered whether leaving Manchester United was the right choice, as it seemed he was not given the respect he deserves at Real Madrid.

C. Ronaldo's actions prompted numerous reporters to start interpreting, and the next day, all sorts of small articles about C. Ronaldo throwing the microphone would proliferate.

But these matters were ultimately affairs of the next day.

Tonight, Real Madrid will hold a farewell ceremony for Raul and Guti, which cast a shadow over the event and caused "division" within the Merengue internally.

Merengues who loved Raul and Guti believed this was a wrong farewell.

Raul had obtained a lifetime contract, and Guti was still capable of scoring for the team. They should have retired at Real Madrid, at the Bernabeu, instead of leaving now.

The current departure was all a conspiracy, a future plot to elevate Chen Zhong...

The lights blazed across the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium at night.

Countless Merengues gathered from all directions, clad in their white robes, some chatting and laughing, some looking heavy-hearted, others with faces full of anger, even holding banners aloft that read: "Keep Raul, keep Guti."

The only fortunate thing was that among these people, there were no banners attacking Chen Zhong.

Perhaps some were inappropriate, but after the counsel and reminders of other Merengues, they made slight modifications or just dropped them entirely.

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