Chapter One: The Last Shot Before the Window Closed

The transfer window closes at midnight, and we don't even have a backup striker.” Shen stared at the agreement. His father had died three months ago, leaving him the club and one instruction: Don't let the lights go out. “Why would Aurum want a loss-making club?” Shen asked. “They call it a regional football strategy.” “They already built a top-flight club in the next province.” He closed the folder. “They don't want the team. They want the stadium land that was just added to the free-trade zone.” Tang rubbed her brow. “You may be right, but a theory won't pay wages.” An argument sounded outside. A tall man pushed past the security guard and entered, his black coat soaked by the rain. His right leg hesitated slightly with every step.