Chapter One: The Red Words on the Severance Agreement

Su wore a black suit and an auditor's gaze. A temporary employment contract lay between them. “Five percent is absurd.” “Your current transfer profit is negative.” “I will not give final authority to a temporary scout.” “Then you approve every bid, but no one signs around me.” She amended the language and turned the contract toward him. When Lin touched it, pale-red letters surfaced. [PRICE OF CONTRACT: Within seventy-two hours, Lin Zheng must create an asset capable of covering Harborbridge's seasonal cash deficit. Su Man must pledge the final twelve percent of shares inherited from her grandfather. Failure removes both from professional football.] There was no conspiracy in this Price. It merely named what they had already decided to risk.