0013 The Defiant Mancini (Please Support and Recommend)

The Mantovani family temporarily found an apartment for the two of them—a classic Mediterranean-style unit with a protruding balcony, situated above a commercial district. This arrangement would help them quickly integrate into the city. Finding a good place on short notice was no easy feat. Interestingly, the apartment was part of the Mantovani estate, and their neighbors happened to be the Mancini family. No wonder Mancini later said Mantovani felt like a father figure to him.

Being able to shop downstairs was incredibly convenient. Monica excitedly went up and down the stairs, carrying various shopping bags, decorating their new home with elements she loved.

“How about we keep some flowers, dear?” Monica Bellucci suggested. “Hydrangeas symbolize hope—hope for a fresh start here in Genoa. Plus, these flowers originally came from China before spreading to Europe.”

“That’s fine, but I prefer the steel wool flower. Its meaning is endurance and wealth,” Lu Deyang replied instinctively.

Monica looked puzzled, so Lu Deyang leaned in to explain.

“You scoundrel!” Monica playfully tapped his arm, mock-scolding him. “Would you accept an eighty-year-old lady?”

“If you wait until you’re eighty, maybe then I’ll consider it,” Lu Deyang said with a smile.

Monica immediately wrapped her arms around his neck.

“I have a national exam coming up in a few days; it shouldn’t be a problem,” Monica said.

In Italy, after graduating high school, students take a simple exam called L'esame di maturità. Passing it allows them to attend university. However, competitive fields like medicine and law require additional entrance exams. Monica wanted to enroll at the University of Genoa, so she needed to prepare for the upcoming exams—passing the September test would mean starting university in October.

“You go ahead and unpack. I’ll visit our neighbors and see if my future teammates are home,” Lu Deyang said.

“Take some gifts and your wallet. If you go out, call me beforehand,” Monica reminded him.

“Don’t worry. Even if it’s our first meeting, I’ll definitely ask you to join,” Lu Deyang assured her.

He grabbed a bottle of red wine—given as a gift with a whiskey purchase—and headed to the Mancini residence. He knocked three times using his middle knuckle.

After waiting two or three minutes with no response and just as he was about to leave, a woman in pajamas opened the door and asked, “May I help you?”

“I’m a new player for Sampdoria. I heard Roberto lives here, so I came to pay a visit,” Lu Deyang said, waving the wine bottle. “Looks like we’re neighbors now.”

The woman glanced at the door behind Lu Deyang and, surprised, said, “Ah, that explains it. Mantovani called to say there might be new neighbors. Come in, please.”

She quickly turned to change clothes.

Italians weren’t bothered by such informality, but it was less appropriate to be so casual in front of Mancini’s teammates.

Inside, Lu Deyang saw Mancini with a scowl. The younger Mancini looked rather fierce. Judging by the disheveled state of the couple’s clothes, it was clear what they had been up to.

“Good afternoon, Roberto. I just signed with Sampdoria and have always admired you, so I came to introduce myself,” Lu Deyang said with a smile.

Mancini’s face was tight with frustration. Even when someone said they liked him, he couldn’t lash out.

He could only nod grimly and turn toward the bathroom to splash water on his face and calm down.

Mancini’s wife, now dressed, came over to take the wine and pulled Lu Deyang onto the sofa. “Roberto and I were cleaning. We bought another house, but I prefer living here, so we moved back. Oh dear, how rude of me—I’m Federica.”

“Lu Deyang, surname first—I’m Chinese,” Lu Deyang replied. “I came to visit and also to invite you both to dinner.”

“That’s wonderful. Roberto doesn’t have many friends, so it’s great to have a new one like you,” Federica said warmly.

She was well aware of her husband’s foul temper. The previous World Cup, he was caught sneaking out with teammates late at night. The coach wanted to forgive him, but Mancini refused to apologize and was expelled from the national team. His chances in next year’s World Cup were uncertain. Making new friends might help soften his bad temper.

“I’m from Naples. Did you just transfer from abroad?” Federica asked.

“No, I was adopted by my uncle and grew up in Reggio Calabria. I used to play for Reggina,” Lu Deyang answered.

“Oh my!” Federica covered her mouth, then went to the TV stand and picked up a gossip magazine, pointing at the cover. “Is this you? The photo looks great.”

Lu Deyang was momentarily stunned. He hadn’t expected the photos from his racing with Monica to be published, especially since he wore a helmet and was still recognized.

“The article says you tricked a beautiful girl—she’s a promising model,” Federica laughed. “I feel the writer is jealous. You two look perfect together.”

“Thank you,” Lu Deyang responded.

Mancini emerged from the bathroom, face still damp from washing. He had been quietly listening to their conversation.

“If you’re worth one of the foreign player spots, that means Mr. Mantovani has faith in you. I hope you can perform well and prove he’s not mistaken,” Mancini said.

Federica immediately shot him a sharp look.

Lu Deyang was unfazed; he had already anticipated Mancini’s attitude.

“Don’t worry. I’m good at passing,” Lu Deyang said with a smile.

Mancini turned to put on his trench coat, impatiently urging, “Let’s go eat. I don’t want Mr. Mantovani to criticize me.”

Federica nudged Lu Deyang playfully, as her husband’s gruff nature was well-known.

Lu Deyang went home to fetch Monica. The four of them drove to a restaurant called Carmine in Mancini’s car.

Mancini took the initiative to ask about their preferences and handled the ordering. He was surprisingly thoughtful.

Federica said, “Before every Sampdoria season starts, the president invites the whole team here to gather. It’s like a family.”

“This place looks great,” Monica remarked.

“Yes, the seafood is excellent, and the lasagna is outstanding. Roberto loves lasagna; he’s quite fond of sweets,” Federica chatted animatedly.

“You really know Mr. Mancini well. Haven’t you only been married two years?” Monica asked.

The marriage of a football star was often reported in the papers.

“We’ve known each other for a long time. My father and his father were good friends. My dad is close to him too,” Federica explained.

Lu Deyang thought briefly.

If Mancini and your father are like brothers, does that make him your uncle?

During the meal, Mancini’s mood improved considerably.

Probably because their afternoon romp was interrupted—anyone, even animals, would be unsettled by that.

“Want a smoke, kid?” Mancini asked, dabbing his mouth with a napkin.

Italian cuisine uses minimal seasoning but plenty of olive oil.

“Not usually. Sometimes I can’t refuse,” Lu Deyang said.

“Then don’t start. Gianluca smokes, and I’ve told him not to listen. He’ll ruin himself with tobacco sooner or later,” Mancini complained.

He was referring to Gianluca Vialli.

There was no easy way to discuss this. Tobacco companies had previously flooded the market with advertisements, embedding lines in films worldwide about how real men should smoke, and portraying women smoking as a symbol of progress and fashion.

Many old footballers were heavy smokers—Zinedine Zidane even smoked before the World Cup final, though the media hadn’t caught him. Milan had plenty of smokers too. Around 2010, Manchester United’s Bobby Charlton smoked, as did others like Paterson. Wayne Rooney was unfairly photographed smoking; he mostly drank and occasionally lit a cigarette for effect but wasn’t a habitual smoker.

“You two seem to share a lot in common,” Federica interjected.

Mancini didn’t respond.

Lu Deyang asked, “Is your name of German origin? I recall that Wilhelm II’s granddaughter had the same name.”

“Yes, you’re very knowledgeable!” Federica exclaimed. “Everyone knows I’m from Naples, but you’re the first to ask if I have German blood.”

“Aren’t you worried about making other men jealous?” Monica teased.

“Gianluca Vialli might be upset if anyone else praised another man,” Federica joked.

Everyone except Mancini laughed. He and Vialli shared a close bond.

The meal ended on a high note. Mancini insisted on paying.

Back home, Monica washed up and immediately pretended to be asleep, afraid Lu Deyang might do something else. Feeling a bit bored, Lu Deyang opened the system and saw that the task had been completed.

[Successfully remained in one of the top four leagues. Mysterious event activated. The first mysterious event will occur at the start of the league.]

[You have successfully stayed in one of the top four leagues, which is an excellent choice. Although Sampdoria has declined, as the last Brazilian superstar in reserve, you can lead Sampdoria to newfound glory. The sea voyage depends on the helmsman—guide the young sailors forward! Rewards will be given at the end of the season based on your performance.]