Chapter 324: Chapter 76: Winter Champions, the Hundred Years’ War, and the Celebration Banquet

Even though they competed for the same position, Foyelner had a genuinely great personality. He got along with everyone.

"You’re the only one here by yourself right now, so tell us..."

"Lina!" Subotic was the first to start the teasing.

As soon as he shouted it, his world champion girlfriend next to him gave him a punch.

But the other players all joined in on the teasing, shouting, "Lina."

Wang Shuo found it pretty funny himself.

The dinner began with speeches from Watzke and Zorc, one after the other.

Both of the club’s executives expressed their immense satisfaction with the team’s performance this season. They also relayed congratulations from Chairman Laubal.

Klopp was the third to speak.

He gave high praise for the team’s performance in the first half of the season. "But our team also faces a very significant challenge!"

"From what I know, Bayern is breathing down our necks. They think we’ll be hit by the so-called ’Klopp Syndrome’ in the second half of the season and are bound to collapse."

"And Bayer Leverkusen, along with our other rivals—they’re all just waiting for us to make a mistake!"

As he said this, Klopp reached up to adjust the glasses on the bridge of his nose, then told his players with absolute conviction.

"I guarantee you, they will not get their wish!"

"My colleagues and I will do everything in our power to help all of you!"

"I believe that as long as we all work together, as long as we stay united, we can overcome any and all difficulties!"

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone erupted into thunderous applause.

The restaurant was famous for its Italian cuisine. Dortmund’s menu included fish fillets, pasta, and other house specialties, but there was one particularly special item: a pie decorated with the design of the Bundesliga championship shield.

Clearly, the club had specially commissioned the restaurant to make it.

It also represented the club’s high hopes for its players.

"I’m sorry, I’m late!"

Just as everyone was digging in, a clear, bell-like voice called out from the restaurant entrance.

Everyone who was eating looked up.

In that instant, the very air seemed to freeze.

The previously boisterous restaurant fell utterly silent in a flash.

Lina Gerk appeared before them with a smile, a sight that dazzled everyone present.

Her sleek, golden hair was parted in the middle, accentuating her delicate and beautiful face. She had a high-bridged nose, and when she smiled, the corners of her eyes crinkled slightly, making her look both approachable and confident.

She wore a soft, white turtleneck sweater. The collar and cuffs were loose and draped, giving her a relaxed look while adding a fashionable sense of texture.

On her lower half, she wore a brown miniskirt and over-the-knee boots, which highlighted her signature long, slender legs.

Her warm, comforting smile and her chic-yet-casual outfit gave her a sophisticated air. She exuded a natural confidence and elegance that made her the center of attention the moment she appeared.

"My apologies."

Under everyone’s watchful eyes, Lina Gerk calmly walked to Wang Shuo’s side, took his outstretched hand, and sat down in the empty seat next to him.

Only then did the crowd seem to snap out of their daze.

’She really lives up to her title as Germany’s most beautiful woman!’

Countless people in the room were filled with silent admiration.

"What were you all just talking about?" Lina Gerk asked Subotic and Lisa Ritz across the table, her tone poised and natural.

Wang Shuo was closest with Subotic, and the two couples often had dinner together, so they were naturally the most familiar with each other.

"We were just giving Wang a hard time for not bringing you," Lisa Ritz said with a laugh.

Lina Gerk smiled, wrapping her arms around Wang Shuo’s and leaning her entire body against him. "He told me about it beforehand, but something came up last minute. I had to take a quick trip to Dusseldorf, so I was late getting back."

After saying this, she leaned over and planted a firm kiss on Wang Shuo’s cheek. "I’m sorry."

She was clearly apologizing for being the reason his teammates were teasing him.

Wang Shuo smiled and patted her hand. "It’s nothing."

"Lina, if you hadn’t shown up, I bet Wang would’ve been carried off by one of those female reporters outside," Foyelner called out jokingly.

Everyone found that amusing.

But Wang Shuo was indeed red-hot right now, and very much in demand.

Lina Gerk played along, hugging Wang Shuo’s arm even tighter, as if to say, ’He’s my most precious treasure.’

"If he really did get carried off, then I’d do whatever it takes to get him back!"

Everyone was stunned for a second, then erupted into a fresh round of cheers and teasing.

’What does it feel like to have Germany’s most beautiful woman declare her love for you in public?’

No one else there had ever had that experience, that was for sure.

And one look at Wang Shuo’s smug expression was enough to make any man in the room want to punch him.

However, her actions also instantly confirmed some of the rumors that had been flying around.

According to Subotic and Foyelner, it was Lina Gerk who had pursued Wang Shuo in the beginning.

She even had to ask for his phone number several times before he gave it to her.

Before, they had all been skeptical, thinking the two were just exaggerating Wang Shuo’s appeal.

But now, Lina Gerk’s actions were telling them loud and clear: it was all true!

She was the one who had chased after Wang Shuo!

And even now that they were together, she was still the one taking the initiative.

This filled every man in the room with envy.

And admiration!

’Not only is Wang Shuo a great player, he’s got some serious skill with the ladies too.’

’Unbelievable!’