THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME

A sparkling white private jet touched down on the runway of a small airstrip in Bergen at 10:45 AM. It soon came to a complete halt and quickly extended its airstair.

Zachary and Lorenzo, who were the only passengers on board, immediately moved to exit from the small aircraft. They carried their bags and slowly walked down the stairs. They soon stepped onto the tarmac and started heading towards the Audi SUV parked a few dozen meters away from the runway.

As they walked, Zachary squinted his eyes against the almost-blinding sunrays while constantly breathing in to take in the refreshing spring air of Bergen. A soft smile outlined his face, and he sighed again and again at the comfort and speed of the private jet.

They had only set off from Turin at 7:00 AM. But due to the efficiency of the private jet, they had covered the trip that could have taken them five-plus hours in only three hours and forty-five minutes. They had arrived in Bergen much earlier than expected, and they now had all the time to visit Mr. Martin Stein before returning to Turn in the evening.

Such was the efficiency of using a private chartered jet. It allowed you to travel comfortably and quickly without experiencing the commotion of stopovers. You could even dodge the fuss associated with busy airports at your destinations by choosing to land at a private airstrip like they had just done.

After experiencing how wonderful the private jet could be, Zachary even considered acquiring one for himself for a minute. But after recalling its purchase price that could go anywhere in the range of 2 million Euros and above, plus the associated costs of jet fuel, he sighed and shook his head.

Yes, he would get himself one in the future. But that would be after his retirement when he had saved plenty of money or gained ample returns from his investments. That was his immediate plan.

"Boss!" Lorenzo, the bodyguard, called out, thus interrupting Zachary's reverie. "I booked the car for us to use during our short stay here in Bergen. The driver already knows what to do. He'll take us straight to the Haukeland University Hospital."

"Great," Zachary said and stepped into the back seat of the waiting SUV. Lorenzo didn't follow him in the back. Instead, he sat beside the driver before giving the guy a few instructions.

The driver nodded at all the instructions and quickly eased the car out of the private airstrip. He gradually accelerated out of the gates, and soon, they were cruising through the neat streets of Bergen.

As the familiar architecture of Bergen flashed by, Zachary recalled some moments from his last visit to the place. He had enjoyed dinner with Mr. Martin Stein, who had been quite spirited. The old scout had even proposed they work together to start a sports agency and talent development center in Africa. But, with his career in mind, he hadn't replied positively to the suggestion.

"I wonder if he still wishes to start the agency!"

Thoughts flashed through Zachary's head as the car moved forward. Eventually, they slowed down and approached the gates of the Haukeland University Hospital, where Kristin was already waiting.

"Zachary, you made it," Kristin said with a smile as Zachary stepped out of the car. "How are you doing?"

"I'm doing fine," Zachary replied with a smile and hugged Kristin. "How are you? And how is your grandpa doing now?"

"Well, I'm not in the best of moods," she replied while returning the hug. "My grandpa's condition has improved. But he is still weak. The doctors say the cause might be the Hepatitis infection he suffered some years back. It could have damaged his liver."

"I'm really sorry to hear that," Zachary said. He released Kristin from the hug and continued, "I really hope he gets well soon."

Kristin nodded and sighed at that. "I'll take you to see him now. I left when he was still awake and waiting for you. Follow me."

Zachary nodded and followed after Kristin. They walked through the clean hallways of the hospital and passed by many medics in their uniforms, plus some patients, before eventually arriving at a door within the private ward.

Kristin knocked a few times before pushing the door open.

Immediately, the scene inside the room, with the haggard-looking Mr. Stein lying on the hospital bed, presented itself before Zachary's eyes. He winced despite himself as the moment reminded him of the last days of his grandma.

"Kristin! You're back?"

An unfamiliar voice sounded from within the room. Zachary turned to the source and realized that the person who had spoken was a blonde middle-aged woman seated on the other side of the hospital bed. She had a graceful air about her persona, and her oval face still showed clear signs of the stunning beauty she had been during her younger years. She also resembled Kristin to a certain extent and was probably her mother.

"Mom!" Kristin replied as they walked into the room, thus confirming Zachary's suspicions. "I have brought Zachary. He's a professional footballer Grandpa wanted to meet."

"Oh, so this is Zachary," Kristin's mother said. She stood up and extended her hand to him. "I have seen you a couple of times on TV. I have also heard a lot about you from Kristin and Mr. Stein. But this is the first time we're meeting."

"Yes, that's right," Zachary replied. "It's nice to meet you, ma'am." He took her hand in greeting.

Kristin's mom smiled. "Thanks for taking great care of Kristin. Since childhood, her dream has always been to follow in her grandpa's footsteps by working in the football industry. As her mom, I'm very thankful to you for offering her such a great opportunity."

"No need for thanks," Zachary said with a dismissive wave of his hand. Suddenly, something triggered his senses, and he turned his gaze towards Mr. Stein. The sickly old gentleman seemed to have been sleeping moments ago. But the voices had most likely interrupted his rest. He was now awake and glancing at Zachary with a weak smile.

"Zachary! You're here?" He said in a barely audible voice. "I'm glad you made it. Otherwise, if you had delayed, I might have gone to heaven without seeing you."

"Hello, Mr. Stein," Zachary greeted and sat on a chair beside the hospital bed. "You must not speak like that. A positive mindset is crucial for your recovery."

Mr. Stein smiled and sighed. "It feels like just yesterday when I traveled to Lubumbashi and saw a boy with potential partaking in one of the trials. I brought him to Europe, thinking he might mature into another solid footballer who could help my former team, Rosenborg, achieve its past glory."

"But within a short five years, he has already exceeded all expectations and even joined one of the greatest teams in Europe. He even has a chance of making this year's Ballon d'Or shortlist. What a legend you've created in this short window, Zachary! I feel like discovering you can be considered the greatest and most important achievement in my scouting career."

Zachary smiled and chose not to reply.

It was at that moment that Kristin's mom interrupted. "We two need to get some fresh air," she said. "You guys can take your time talking." She tactfully pulled Kristin out of the room and closed the door behind her.

Mr. Stein smiled and turned in bed. "Do you remember my proposal from years back? I suggested we collaborate to start a sports agency and talent development center."

Zachary nodded. "I do remember the proposal. In fact, I was constantly thinking about it while on my way here. But don't burden yourself with such issues at the moment. You only need to focus on your recovery, and we can talk about the proposal after you heal."

Mr. Stein sighed again and said quietly, "I know my body well. I don't think I have much time."

Zachary's eyes flashed and narrowed. He looked at the sickly old scout but decided not to give needless words of advice or consolation.

"You must be thinking that I have chosen to give up the battle early," Mr. Stein continued. "But let's forget all that and focus on what's important. Have you ever had a dream you wanted to accomplish so badly? I'm talking about something you yearn and dream to do before your life's journey ends."

Zachary nodded. Becoming a professional footballer and playing for one of the best teams in the world had always been his dream in his two lives. But he had already realized it when he joined Juventus the year prior.

Mr. Stein smiled. "Then, you can understand me. I've always yearned to put up talent development centers in Africa. These centers will then help develop most of the neglected footballing talents there and help them have a chance of overturning their fate. At least, I want to set the foundation for this goal before I leave this world."

Zachary took a deep breath and sighed. He considered how the old scout had saved him a lot of trouble by bringing him to Europe and asked, "How can I be of help, then?"

"I hope to use your name to market this venture," Mr. Stein said.

"Oh," Zachary said with some surprise. "Don't you want me to invest any money?"

Mr. Stein shook his head. "If I asked you for capital and still used your name to market the venture, I would be unfairly exploiting you. You must understand that the popularity associated with your status can already match millions of dollars. We only need to use this popularity to elevate the venture. And for that, we're willing to surrender 30% of shares in the company responsible for managing the entire project."

"Oh!" Zachary exclaimed. "This seems like a good deal. I don't see any reason to reject your proposal. I will notify Emily Anderson, my agent and lawyer, to meet your people soon. She'll be in charge of discussing all the progressive matters related to the venture."

"Great," Mr. Stein said and let out a breath. "I'm glad that you agreed to this. Thanks a lot."

"No problem." Zachary smiled and changed the subject. They started discussing various topics, big and small, including current football news, club politics of the most prominent teams in Europe, and even the future of the transfer market. They talked for about an hour until Zachary said his goodbyes and left the hospital.

He had fulfilled his promise to Kristin and visited Mr. Stein in the hospital. They had even agreed to collaborate to start a massive project in Africa. His next order of business was to return to Turin and continue preparing for the upcoming matches, including the Champions League semis.