Chapter Four: One Life Divided Twelve Ways

Her Collective Victory Trust divided the season's bonuses among twelve registered players, coaches, and traveling staff, with thirty percent committed to retired-player health care. Individual highlights could be licensed only when team contributions were identified. Every beneficiary had to understand and consent. General manager Zhao Chi refused approval. Xu Boyan approved by video call, smiling as he turned his brass lighter. “Sharing is admirable.” Lu Chen understood the trap. True common ownership required real benefit. One sham participant could invalidate everything. He gathered the roster without mentioning lifespan and projected the bonus schedule.