Chapter Four: Champions of the Mud

“They both have syrup.” Eli struggled for words. “I'm bad at apologising.” Gary took a cup. “Start by not making me run for you.” Two postponed matches erased gate income. The boiler failed and pipes froze. Mara spread the forecast before Lin. “We can pay December wages or tax. Not both.” “Wages stay untouched.” “Then the authority seeks another freeze.” The System produced a talent lead that was not a person. 【Commercial Lead: Old Dock cold-storage warehouse sits unused 91% of winter evenings. Owner open to short lease. Greyport winter market lacks indoor venue.】 Lin remembered the New Year fairs his father had taken him to.