The car screeched to a halt, kicking up a cloud of dust that settled all over him. Steve squinted, brushing dust off his clothes as he walked toward the stopped vehicle. As the side window rolled down, he felt a jolt of recognition—it was Soe, his former assistant from the old club. Just seeing Soe again stirred an anger Steve buried under a forced, faint smile.
"Hey, Steve, long time no see!" Soe greeted with a mocking grin.
"Yeah... it's been a while. How's everything going?" Steve replied, his tone betraying a hint of irritation.
Soe threw back his head in a loud laugh that turned heads of people passing by. "Oh, you know me—working myself to the bone for the club. We just played against FC Dallas last week. Lost, though."
"Well, good luck with the finals," Steve replied dryly.
Soe's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Thanks! But what about you? Heard you've been jobless, just cooped up at home."
"Actually, I'm heading to the Football Association now to look into buying a club," Steve answered coolly.
Soe raised an eyebrow, smirking. "An agent now, huh? Well, I'm off to the training center. See you around, Steve." With a wave, Soe sped off, leaving Steve in the swirling dust.
After hailing a taxi, Steve watched the cityscape rush by, marveling at the new buildings that had sprung up in the last two years. When the taxi pulled up in front of the Football Association building, he stepped out, tilting his head up at the impressive structure. "Wow, it's even nicer than I imagined," he murmured.
As he entered, a short, fat man with white hair rushed toward him. "You must be Mr. Steve! I'm James. Mr. Eric told me to expect you."
"Nice to meet you, James," Steve replied smoothly.
"So, what brings you here today, Mr. Steve?"
"I'm here to discuss acquiring a specific club," Steve answered.
James's eyes widened slightly. "Oh, by all means, come in! Let's discuss further." He led Steve through bustling hallways into his office, a room filled with trophies and plaques. Steve took a seat opposite James, who settled into his own chair.
"So, which club are you interested in?" James asked, leaning forward.
Steve's gaze was steady. "Ridge City FC. I'd like to make an offer."
James looked genuinely surprised. "Ridge City FC? It's been on the market for a while… Are you sure that's the club you want?"
"Absolutely," Steve replied confidently. "I'd appreciate any details you have and the contact of the club manager."
James nodded and buzzed his secretary to bring in the club details. Moments later, the door opened, and a man entered. "Mr. Steve, this is Gabriel Kurt, the owner of Ridge City FC."
Steve rose and extended his hand. "Hello, Gabriel. I'm here about your club."
Gabriel looked slightly puzzled. "I didn't realize there was serious interest. James, could you explain?"
James smiled. "Mr. Steve here is very interested in purchasing your club."
Gabriel's expression shifted to cautious curiosity. "I never expected anyone to want Ridge City FC. We'd have to talk first—I can't just sell it to anyone."
Steve nodded. "Of course. James, could you arrange a private room for us?"
"No need; I'll step out so you can talk." With that, James exited, leaving the two men alone.
Gabriel got straight to the point. "Are you genuinely interested, or are you just looking for a project to toy with and flip?"
Steve met his gaze firmly. "I'm serious. I want to turn this club around, make it known, and improve its infrastructure."
Gabriel's gaze softened, sensing Steve's sincerity. "I see you're committed. I'm asking for $8 million."
Without hesitation, Steve replied, "I'll pay $10 million to cover the club's debt as well."
Gabriel looked stunned. "Are… are you sure about that?"
"Absolutely. I plan to invest in new training facilities, too," Steve said with a smile.
Just then, James re-entered. "Gentlemen, have you finished your negotiations?"
Gabriel nodded. "Yes, we're ready. We just need the contract."
James beamed. "Excellent. The paperwork should be ready in a week, and then you two can