When Gao Shen was in a, he often heard that Real Madrid was sidered the aristocrad the rich, hes niame "the royal club". Even King Juan I was a fervent Real Madrid fan.

  In trast, Atlético de Madrid was seen as representing the oners and lower middle css, heheir quirky niame "the Mattress Makers". Gao Shen found this niame amusing—after all, who would want to be associated with bedsheets?

  However, upon arriving in Madrid, Gao Shen quickly realized that such generalizations were outdated. The ndscape of professional football had evolved signifitly from decades past. While the rivalry and historical animosity between Real Madrid and Atlétiaihe demographics of their fan bases had shifted.

  For instance, during a taxi ride from the Odalésa district to the Bernabéu, Gao Shen entered a die-hard Real Madrid fan driver. Despite not being able to afford tickets to the Bernabéu due to high prices, the driver and his family remained devoted to Real Madrid and its superstar pyers like Raúl, Ronaldo, and Zidahe driver even expressed his hope fao Shen to sider reinstating Ronaldo iarting lineup, g the Brazilian superstar's enduring skills.

  The driver praised Real Madrid's ret matches at the Bernabéu and Highbury, especially the exhirating game at Highbury, which he described as the most thrilling match he had seen in years. However, he was also ed about the uping away game against Valencia, aware of the challe posed.

  Gao Shen assured him with a smile, "Don't worry, we'll do our best."

  Upon arriving at the Bernabéu, the driver refused to accept payment from Gao Shen, sidering it an honor to have driven the coach of Real Madrid. Gao Shen insisted on leaving money behind, feeling that the driver deserved pensation for his service, though he humorously mented not receiving his ge back.

  Later, when Gao Shen visited the Bernabéu office, he navigated directly to the front desk, where the receptionist immediately reized him and escorted him to Vice President Butragueno's office. After a courteous introdu, Gao Shen engaged in discussions with Butragueno, who was impressed by Gao Shen's articute responses and insights into football strategy.

  Butragueno, who served as both vice president and teical director, was curious about Gao Shen's tract preferences. Gao Shen crified that he had no personal demands regarding his treatment; instead, he proposed two specific requests.

  "Firstly," Gao Shen began, "I believe our club o enhas data analysis capabilities. Relying solely on scout reports is outdated. We should i in a modern, data-driven scoutiwork akin to those seen in Ameri baseball and the NBA."

  Butragueno houghtfully, reizing the importance of data analysis in modern sports ma.

  "Sedly," Gao Shen tinued, "I'd like to recruit a more specialized fitness coader the club's auspices. This is an immediate need, and I propose targeting a coach currently with Cadiz."

  Butragueno, initially cautious about potential tractual plicatioually agreed to pursue the Cadiz coach, assuring Gao Shen of financial support and logistical arras.

  Impressed by Gao Shen's proactive approad strategisights, Butragueno proceeded to present a tract tailored to Gao Shen's expectations. Upon reviewing its terms, however, Gao Shen's expression turned incredulous, prompting him to question Butragueno's seriousness.

  "Are you certain this tract is genuine?"