Prince Harry's birthday celebration came with more formality than Kai had expected.
Under the club's guidance, he was required to prepare a personalized Arsenal shirt with Prince Harry's name printed on the back, a commemorative football, and one of his own match-worn jerseys as a gift. There was also another requirement. He had to attend with a female companion.
That proved more difficult than any tactical instruction.
Kai did not have many close female friends in London, and the club made it clear they would not handle personal arrangements of that kind. After thinking it over, he decided to head over to Ma Fanshu.
"The Prince Harry birthday party?" she repeated, eyes widening with surprise, then a clear hint of excitement.
The director standing beside her immediately leaned forward. "Can we film this?"
Kai replied at once, slightly irritated. "No filming."
The director sighed in disappointment. He had clearly imagined material for another episode of their program.
Kai turned back to Ma Fanshu. "I know this is sudden. I do not have many female friends here, so I was hoping you might help."
"I can. I will. I am free," she answered quickly, almost without pausing for breath.
Kai blinked. He had expected hesitation. "Alright. Thank you. We need to prepare a dress. When are you available? I can take you to choose one."
"No," she said decisively.
"Just give me a little time to get ready."
"No problem," Kai replied.
He was invited into the living room to wait. For nearly an hour, he chatted with the director about football and production work while Ma Fanshu prepared upstairs. Eventually, they ran out of topics.
Just as the silence grew awkward, she finally appeared.
She wore a simple white long dress paired with a light yellow top, white heels, and carried a small handbag. Her hair moved lightly as she walked in.
"I'm ready."
Kai checked his watch. "Then let's go."
They said their goodbyes and drove to a shopping centre in London.
While driving, Kai asked, "Do you have any preferences for the gown?"
"No special preference," she said with a smile. "We should coordinate. What colour suit are you planning to wear?"
"Black."
"Then I'll choose wine red."
They were both efficient. Within half an hour, the outfits were selected and arranged.
Afterwards, Ma Fanshu suggested coffee. They found a quiet café nearby.
She took a sip and looked around. "This is actually my first time shopping since coming to London."
"You do not go out?" Kai asked.
She shook her head. "We barely have time. After filming, we go straight into dubbing and editing. Post-production takes three or four days. Then everything is sent back to China. By the end, we are exhausted."
"That sounds demanding," Kai said.
"It doesn't feel hard," she replied softly, resting her chin on her hand as she looked at him. "We feel proud to be here. Watching you at the Emirates encourages us a lot. You are the most successful Chinese player right now."
Kai waved his hand dismissively. "That's an exaggeration. Wang Yi is still playing."
She smiled knowingly. "Wang Yi has seniority, yes. But your role is different. He is not a core player at Paris Saint-Germain, and his form has dipped. I heard the club may not renew his contract."
Kai frowned. "Really? I haven't heard that."
"Clubs rarely discuss these things openly," she said. "I just hope he stays in one of the top five leagues."
"He will," Kai replied firmly. "His experience at Paris Saint-Germain is strong enough. During the transfer window, someone will take him."
She suddenly clapped her hands lightly. "What if he joined Arsenal?"
Kai paused.
Ma Fanshu blinked and looked at Kai. "So… no?"
Kai cleared his throat and gave a small, apologetic smile. "It's not very convenient."
He wasn't trying to brush her off. It was simply the truth. If Wang Yi was in trouble, Kai would absolutely recommend him to Arsenal.
But the real question was whether Wang Yi would accept a place on the bench. With Luis Suárez in that kind of form, any forward would struggle to get minutes, let alone establish himself as a regular starter.
Kai didn't elaborate further, and Ma Fanshu sensed his hesitation. She let the topic drop.
They chatted a little longer before Kai checked the time. "I should head back. Evening training."
Ma Fanshu looked reluctant, but she nodded. "Alright."
He drove her back to the villa and stopped at the gate.
"In two days," she asked softly, "will you come and pick me up?"
Kai nodded. "The club will send a car for us. I'll come along. I'll be counting on you."
She waved her hand with a bright smile. "Don't be so formal. See you then."
After stepping inside and closing the door, Ma Fanshu clenched her fists in excitement, practically bouncing in place. "Phase one—success! Keep pushing!"
. . .
Two days passed in the blink of an eye.
London's media had been buzzing about Prince Harry's birthday celebration. Compared to Prince William, Prince Harry had always drawn more public curiosity—mischievous as a boy, rebellious as a young man, and constantly in the headlines.
The banquet was held at Kensington Palace.
That evening, Kai and Ma Fanshu arrived in the club-arranged car. After checking their invitation, the guards waved them through.
As the car drove across the expansive grounds, Ma Fanshu stared out the window in awe. The estate was enormous—rolling lawns, manicured gardens, and even a private lake shimmering under the evening lights. It took nearly ten minutes just to reach the banquet entrance.
Before they even stepped out, the sharp crackle of camera shutters echoed through the air.
Kai felt Ma Fanshu tighten her grip around his arm. He turned and saw her taking small, steadying breaths. She was clearly nervous.
He gently patted her hand. "Relax. Just breathe."
When it was their turn, the car came to a smooth stop. Kai stepped out first, then offered his hand to Ma Fanshu. Together, they made their entrance.
Kai wore a tailored black suit that complemented his broad shoulders and athletic build. Ma Fanshu stunned in a wine-red evening gown with an elegant, low neckline. Standing side by side, they looked effortlessly composed.
The moment the reporters recognized Kai, there was a visible ripple through the crowd—then an explosion of flashing lights, brighter and more frantic than before.
Kai was used to this.
Ma Fanshu, however, clung tightly to his arm, eyes wide.
He leaned slightly toward her and whispered, "Don't stare so hard. Relax your eyes a little."
She whispered back urgently, "No! If I close my eyes, I won't look pretty in the photos!"
Kai fell silent, suppressing a laugh.
Some things, he decided, were beyond logic.
They walked along the red carpet under relentless flashes before finally entering the main hall. As the doors closed behind them, the noise dulled.
Ma Fanshu exhaled in relief. "Finally… that was intense."
"You did well," Kai said lightly.
Inside the banquet hall, the atmosphere was dignified and restrained. Most of the guests appeared to be politicians, diplomats, or high-ranking officials. Kai recognized very few faces, which suited him just fine. He preferred blending into the background.
They found a quieter corner just as the hall suddenly grew still.
Solemn music filled the room.
Everyone turned toward the entrance.
A ceremonial troop of knights entered first, forming two orderly lines. Red and gold flags were raised in perfect unison.
Then, under the watchful gaze of the entire hall, the Queen of England stepped inside, dressed in a white gown and wearing her crown.
Ma Fanshu inhaled softly. "Look… the Queen."
Kai nodded. It was his first time seeing her in person.
Whatever one might say, her presence was undeniable. Even at eighty-eight, after more than six decades on the throne, she carried herself with remarkable composure and vitality.
Kai couldn't help but feel a certain admiration. To reign for sixty-two years… that kind of endurance was extraordinary.
He murmured, half to himself, "That's real longevity."
. . .
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