At 8:00 PM, the chairman of Wendell Football Club arrived.
Arthur Bennett.
Fifty-two years old.
After entering the study, he didn't look at Victoria, nor did he look at Isabella.
He looked directly at Jiang Lin.
"So you're the one who wants to interfere with the club?"
Jiang Lin placed the documents on the table.
"Sit."
Arthur didn't sit.
"I'm asking you a question."
Jiang Lin looked at Victoria.
"Is this chairman always this aggressive?"
Victoria said, "Arthur has endured for twenty years with the club; he has the right to be aggressive."
Arthur glanced at her and sat down.
Behind him followed a man around forty years old, bald, wearing black-rimmed glasses.
Carrying a document bag.
"This is the club's financial director, Robert Hill."
Robert nodded.
"Madam, Mr. Jiang."
Jiang Lin said, "How much money does the club need right now?"
Robert opened the document bag.
"The most urgent needs are wages, facility maintenance, and youth academy accommodation. We need 800,000 pounds within four weeks, and 1.5 million pounds within three months."
Arthur added,
"If we drag it out for another two weeks and can't pay player wages, the team will fall apart on its own."
Jiang Lin opened the financial statement.
"What is the proposal from Hall Capital?"
"A one-million-pound short-term loan in exchange for debt priority, acquiring an eighteen percent stake from the Wendell Family, and pushing the board to sell the Training Ground."
Robert said, "The Training Ground is the club's only valuable fixed asset."
Jiang Lin looked at Victoria.
"This is what they really want."
Victoria's face turned cold.
"Does Edward know?"
Arthur said coldly,
"The Count certainly knows. He even told me that we could rent a new venue after selling the Training Ground."
Jiang Lin asked, "Where is the new venue?"
"Twenty kilometers away, an artificial turf pitch next to an industrial zone."
"That would be killing the team."
"You understand that?"
"If the youth academy leaves the original Training Ground, the players' families won't be able to keep up, community ties will be severed, and the fans will revolt. Hall Capital doesn't care about the team; they only care about the land."
"What else do you know?"
"There's a striker in the U18 team named Ethan Reed."
"How do you know about him?"
"Fast speed, strong acceleration, rough right-foot shooting, but excellent off-the-ball movement."
Arthur looked at Robert.
Robert was also stunned.
Jiang Lin continued,
"There's also a midfielder, Lucas Shaw. Good passing, poor physique. He's not worth much right now, don't sell him."
"Hall Capital has also asked about Ethan."
"They will take the Training Ground first, then the youth players."
Victoria looked at Arthur.
"They've already made contact with the youth academy?"
"An agent came by and said they could help Ethan get a trial at a big club."
Jiang Lin said, "Keep him."
"With what? With the tea and silver platters in the castle?"
"Three steps."
He held up his first finger.
"Mrs. Wendell issues a public statement: The Wendell Family is pausing the sale of club shares and opposes the stripping of the Training Ground."
"Provide 1.5 million pounds in bridge financing to the club to secure wages and the youth academy first."
"Establish a new company to receive the Wendell Family's eighteen percent stake, with Mrs. Wendell retaining nominal control.
I will take future subscription rights and revenue sharing.
Arthur joins the board's special committee.
The sale of the Training Ground will require consent from three parties."
Arthur stared at him.
"Where's the money?"
Victoria said, "I can mortgage some of my private jewelry for a portion."
Isabella looked at her.
"Mrs. Wendell, it's best to be cautious about mortgaging jewelry."
"Does Mrs. Montclair have experience?"
"Experience is bought with money."
"The jewelry will only serve as a backup."
Jiang Lin looked at Isabella.
"The first batch of Asian orders for Montlais Winery has arrived. We can set up a short-term brand partnership advance payment of 500,000 euros."
"The reason?"
"Wendell Football Club training kit chest sponsorship, Montlais Winery Asian charity auction joint event, and pre-heating of UK distribution channels."
Arthur frowned.
"A French winery sponsoring a low-level British team?"
Jiang Lin said, "The headlines will be easier to write."
Isabella looked at him.
"Are you planning to tie Montlais to this team?"
"Only partially."
"And the rest of the money?"
Jiang Lin looked at Victoria.
"Mrs. Wendell will put up 500,000 pounds."
Victoria said, "That's fine."
"For the remaining part, use the rights to that painting as a short-term mortgage."
Isabella frowned.
"The painting hasn't been authenticated yet."
"That's why we're only mortgaging the revenue rights, not the ownership."
Victoria looked at him.
"You're putting that painting on the line too?"
"The club is worth the gamble."
Arthur suddenly asked, "Why?"
Jiang Lin looked at him.
"Because there are still people supporting this team."
Jiang Lin pushed the documents over.
"Attendance is still there, the community fund hasn't been cut, and the youth academy has players who can be sold for a price. The fact that Hall Capital wants to buy it shows it's not trash."
"What do you want?"
"A board observer seat."
"Anything else?"
"Veto power over youth player transfer decisions."
Arthur shook his head immediately.
"Impossible. Laymen shouldn't touch players."
"Then change it to: sales of core youth players within two years require both your signature and mine."
"Ethan and Lucas?"
"Plus three others. I'll give you the list."
"Do you really understand football?"
"It's alright. Let's put up 500,000 pounds tomorrow to stabilize wages."
Victoria said, "I can arrange that."
Isabella looked at Jiang Lin.
"For the Montlais part, I need Alan to confirm."
"Send the letter of intent first; don't pay immediately."
"That's fine."
Arthur said, "I need to take the proposal back to the board."
"Don't take it back tonight."
"What do you mean?"
"There are Hall's people on the board."
Arthur didn't speak.
Jiang Lin looked at Robert.
"The financial director knows who it is."
Robert's expression changed.
Arthur looked at him.
"Robert?"
Robert hesitated for a few seconds.
"Vice Chairman Mason has been in frequent contact with Hall's people recently."
Arthur cursed.
Jiang Lin said, "So, we need to do three things tonight."
"Go on."
"First, Victoria issues a statement."
"Second, you notify the board in your capacity as chairman to hold an emergency meeting tomorrow morning, with the agenda being to suspend all transactions related to the Training Ground."
"Third, Robert stays at the castle tonight to organize the real cash flow statement."
Robert immediately said, "I can do that."
Victoria looked at Eileen.
"Arrange a room for Mr. Hill."
Eileen nodded.
"Yes."
At this moment, the study door was knocked.
The butler entered.
"Madam, the Count requests to speak with you."
Victoria said coldly, "Where is he?"
"In the reception room by the stables."
Jiang Lin said, "Put it on speaker."
The butler hesitated.
Victoria said, "Do as he says."
The call was connected.
Edward's voice came through.
"Victoria, stop this farce immediately. Mr. Hall has left the castle, but the transaction will not be canceled."
Victoria said, "The transaction is suspended."
"You have no right to suspend it!"
Jiang Lin spoke up.
"Count, if there is already an addendum agreement regarding the Training Ground plot with Hall Capital, continuing to proceed would constitute a serious conflict of interest."
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line.
Edward sneered.
"It's you again."
"I suggest you don't say too much. In the room, there is the club chairman, the financial director, Mrs. Montclair, Miss Chen, and Mrs. Wendell's secretary."
Edward was clearly suppressing his anger.
"Arthur, you're there too?"
Arthur said, "I am."
"Don't forget, the club owes the Wendell Family money."
"I haven't forgotten, but I also haven't forgotten who wants to sell the Training Ground."
"If the Training Ground isn't sold, how will the team survive?"
Jiang Lin said, "There will be bridge financing tomorrow."
Edward's breathing on the other end of the line deepened.
"Where are you getting the money?"
"That's none of your business."
"Jiang Lin, you are interfering in the internal affairs of the Wendell Family."
Victoria interjected.
"He is the consultant I invited."
"I don't agree!"
"This afternoon has already proven that your agreement is worthless."
A heavy sound came from the other end of the line, like a glass being shattered.
Victoria hung up immediately.
The study was quiet for two seconds.
Arthur suddenly laughed.
"Madam, you should have done this a long time ago."
Victoria looked at him.
"You were very dissatisfied with me before."
"Yes."
"And now?"
"We'll see if the money arrives tomorrow."
Victoria nodded.
"Very well."
Jiang Lin said, "Write the statement now."
Eileen immediately took out her laptop.
Jiang Lin dictated:
"The Wendell Family confirms that the shares held in Wendell Football Club will be suspended from sale. Mrs. Wendell is personally intervening in the assessment of the club's future development and explicitly opposes any short-term asset stripping that harms the community, the youth academy, and the integrity of the Training Ground."
Arthur immediately said, "Add a sentence: The club belongs to the local community."
Jiang Lin nodded.
Eileen added it.
Isabella said,
"Add: Mrs. Wendell will soon work with potential partners to study a long-term stability plan for the club."
Victoria looked at her.
"Potential partners?"
Isabella said, "Don't write Jiang Lin directly, and don't write Montlais either. Leave some room for now."
Victoria nodded.
"Good."
Chen Qian said softly,
"If we write'soon', the media will ask for a specific time. We could write 'within the next few days', which creates more urgency."
Several people looked at her.
Chen Qian was a bit nervous.
"This way, Hall Capital will know there is already a schedule, and it's not just stalling."
Jiang Lin said, "Change it to 'within the next few days'."
Eileen made the edit.
Victoria looked at Chen Qian.
"Miss Chen, you've helped me for the second time tonight."
Chen Qian blushed.
"I'm just following what Mr. Jiang taught me: look at time, money, and control."
Isabella said calmly, "She learns very quickly."
Victoria smiled and said, "Mrs. Montclair, can I borrow her for a few days?"
Isabella looked at her.
"Mrs. Wendell, before borrowing someone, ask her first."
Victoria looked at Chen Qian.
Chen Qian immediately said, "I'm with Mrs. Montclair and Mr. Jiang."
Victoria smiled lightly.
"Loyalty comes truly fast."
Isabella said, "People who have been saved will remember who reached out."
Victoria did not refute this.
After the statement was written, Victoria confirmed it herself.
Irene sent it to the Wendell Family public relations team and local media.
Ten minutes later, local sports reporters began to retweet it.
Fifteen minutes later, the Wendell Football Club fan forum exploded.
Robert held his phone, his voice tight.
"The fans are asking if it's true. Some are cursing at Hall Capital."
Arthur took the phone and glanced at it.
"They have always opposed selling the Training Ground."
Jiang Lin said, "Now give them a clear objective."
Arthur looked up.
"What objective?"
"Tomorrow morning, have the fans go to the club entrance and demand that the board disclose the details of the Training Ground transaction."
Arthur frowned.
"You want to incite the fans?"
"Hall Capital and the Earl are afraid of disclosure."
Victoria said, "If the fans stand up, the board won't dare to sign directly."
Arthur thought for a moment, then called the head of the fan association.
"Don't let them sell the Training Ground."
A loud voice came from the other end of the line.
Arthur listened for a few seconds, then held the phone away from his ear.
"They have already started organizing."
Jiang Lin nodded.
"Very good."
Robert asked, "What if Hall Capital temporarily raises the price tomorrow?"
Jiang Lin said, "Then let them raise it."
Arthur said, "Aren't you planning to buy it?"
"If they raise the price, it means the Training Ground is worth more. The higher the price, the more it proves that the Earl's previous low-price transaction was problematic."
Victoria looked at Jiang Lin.
"You are pushing them to panic again."
"They are already panicking."
There were footsteps outside the door again.
It was Irene.
"Madam, Hall Capital has sent a lawyer's letter, claiming that the Wendell Family's unilateral suspension of the transaction will affect the commercial reputation of both parties."
Jiang Lin said, "Reply to them with one sentence."
Irene looked at him.
"Please say it."
"The Wendell Family welcomes Hall Capital to disclose its acquisition offer, subsequent arrangements for the Training Ground, the list of relevant real estate consultants, and all supplementary agreements."
Victoria smiled.
"Reply with that."
Irene did as instructed.
Arthur slapped the table.
"That's a good line."
Isabella looked at Jiang Lin.
"Very practiced."
"Ask about whatever they fear."
At 9:30 PM, the discussion on the fan forum continued to ferment.
Mrs. Wendell's statement on suspending the sale of equity had already been reprinted by local newspapers.
Hall Capital did not continue to respond.
Edward did not call again either.
Harold's first batch of documents arrived at the castle.
Three archive boxes were moved into the study.
Chen Qian saw the archive boxes and took a deep breath.
Isabella said, "Are you scared?"
Chen Qian shook her head.
"There are too many."
Jiang Lin said, "We will only look at three categories tonight."
He wrote on the paper:
Old Collection Restoration.
Training Ground.
Duplicate Maintenance.
Chen Qian nodded.
"Okay."
Robert also sat down.
"I'll help you."
Arthur stood up.
"I'll go contact the fan association and the coaching staff."
Jiang Lin stopped him.
"Ethan Reed and Lucas Shaw, do not let any agents contact them tomorrow."
Arthur said, "I will have the youth training director keep an eye on them."
"Also, send over the recordings of the last three matches."
Arthur looked at him.
"You really want to watch them?"
"Watch them tonight."
Arthur nodded.
"I'll have someone send them."
After he left, Victoria walked up to Jiang Lin.
"Mr. Jiang, tonight you've asked for football, the old collection, the trust, and the media."
"And a lawyer."
"Will Harold give it?"
"He has already started giving."
Victoria was silent for a moment, then placed a letter on the table.
"This is the first payment you wanted."
Jiang Lin picked up the letter.
On the envelope was the Wendell Family crest.
Inside was a letter of introduction.
The recipient was the owner of a private club in London and an important intermediary in the British art and aristocratic asset circles.
Victoria said.
"This letter will get you into a small London circle, but how long you stay depends on yourself."
Jiang Lin put the letter away.
"That is enough."
Victoria looked at him.
"I haven't agreed to the thirty percent profit sharing of the club yet."
"You will agree."
"Why?"
"Because you have already come to the table tonight."
Victoria said softly, "Does coming to the table mean I have to pay?"
Isabella walked over.
"Mrs. Wendell, he is always like this."
Victoria asked, "How do you tolerate it?"
Isabella said, "Tolerate it occasionally, and occasionally let him know who the real master is."
Chen Qian lowered her head to organize the documents, her ears turning red again.
Victoria saw her reaction and smiled.
"Miss Chen, do you think Mr. Jiang is being excessive?"
Chen Qian did not expect the question to fall on her.
She looked up at Jiang Lin, then at Isabella.
"Mr. Jiang asks for a lot, but he also does a lot."
Victoria said, "You are speaking up for him."
Chen Qian immediately lowered her head.
"I am talking about the accounts."
Isabella's lips twitched slightly.
"A good answer."
Jiang Lin glanced at Chen Qian.
"Continue checking the accounts."
"Okay."
At 10:15 PM, the first batch of match recordings was delivered.
The study was divided into two sides.
On one side, Chen Qian and Robert were organizing the accounts.
On the other side, Jiang Lin, Victoria, and Isabella were watching the team recordings.
On the screen, Wendell Football Club was playing a low-level league match.
The turf was poor.
The stands were not large.
But the fans were very loud.
Jiang Lin pointed at the screen.
"Pause."
The image stopped before a counterattack.
He pointed to the right wing.
"Ethan started half a second too early, and his teammate passed too slowly. It's not a positioning issue; it's that the midfield is too slow to release the ball."
Arthur happened to return and heard this while standing at the door.
"Continue."
"Lucas is suited for dropping back to receive the ball, not for receiving it with his back to the goal at the attacking midfield position. Your coach is using him wrong."
Arthur frowned.
"The coach says his physical confrontation is too poor, and he'll get robbed if he drops back."
"Then arrange for a defensive midfielder to protect him. Don't let him turn in a crowd."
Arthur looked at the screen and didn't speak.
Jiang Lin continued watching.
Ten minutes later, he wrote down three points.
Keep Ethan.
Drop Lucas back.
The right-back can be sold.
Arthur picked up the paper.
"Sell the right-back?"
"He's twenty-six, his speed has declined, and his defensive habits are poor. There's a market for him now, but he won't be worth anything next year."
Arthur looked at him.
"About how much is the offer?"
Jiang Lin said, "Three hundred to four hundred thousand pounds."
Arthur looked at Robert.
Robert said, "A team asked about him last month, three hundred and twenty thousand."
Arthur was silent.
The way Victoria looked at Jiang Lin changed.
"You really do understand football."
Isabella held her teacup.
"Mrs. Wendell, his 'a little' usually means this."
Victoria said, "Now I understand."
Jiang Lin handed the paper to Arthur.
"Sell the right-back, keep Ethan and Lucas, and release five hundred thousand pounds tomorrow. Can you stabilize the locker room?"
Arthur said, "Yes."
"What about the fans?"
"As long as the Training Ground isn't sold, they will stand on our side."
"The board?"
"Mason will oppose it."
Victoria said, "I will have Irene investigate the connection between Mason and Hall Capital."
Jiang Lin said, "I will attend the board meeting tomorrow morning."
Arthur said, "You are not a board member."
Victoria said, "He represents me."
Arthur looked at her, then nodded.
"Then come."
11:00 PM.
A light rain began to fall outside the castle.
The lights in the archive room were still on.
Chen Qian organized the first list of issues:
Duplicate payments for East Tower maintenance.
Old collection restoration funds unaccounted for.
Stables expenses inflated.
Lack of valuation for the Training Ground.
Hall Capital's offer lacks independent assessment.
After Victoria read the list, she handed it to Irene.
"Make three copies. Give them to the lawyer, the board, and Arthur tomorrow."
Irene took it.
"Yes."
Chen Qian rubbed her wrist.
Isabella saw it.
"Rest."
Chen Qian said, "I can continue."
"I said rest."
Chen Qian immediately put down her pen.
Victoria looked at Isabella.
"Mrs. Montclair is very strict with her people."
Isabella said, "She is still young."
Victoria said, "You don't seem to treat her just as an assistant."
Isabella did not deny it.
"She has potential."
Victoria said softly, "People brought out of the basement by Mr. Jiang indeed have potential."
Chen Qian sat to the side, not daring to interject.
Jiang Lin stood up.
"That's it for tonight."
Victoria looked at him.
"Mr. Jiang will stay in the East Wing suite."
Isabella immediately looked over.
Victoria smiled.
"Of course, Mrs. Montclair's room is right next door."
Isabella said, "Thank you for the arrangement."
"Miss Chen is on the other side of the same floor."
Chen Qian breathed a sigh of relief.
Jiang Lin looked at Victoria.
"You changed the rooms?"
"Mrs. Montclair said this afternoon that she doesn't like my hints."
Victoria looked at Isabella.
"I accept the reminder."
Isabella smiled faintly.
"Mrs. Wendell is very considerate."
The two women looked at each other.
Jiang Lin walked out.
Victoria suddenly called him back.
"Mr. Jiang."
"Hm?"
"If you can save the Training Ground at tomorrow's board meeting, I will officially give you the negotiation rights for the club's profit sharing."
"Thirty percent?"
"First, let's negotiate the rights."
"Too little."
Victoria laughed, "You are in my castle now."
Isabella replied.
"He is by my side."
Chen Qian lowered her head and couldn't help but smile.
Victoria looked at her.
"Miss Chen, do you find it interesting too?"
Chen Qian immediately stood straight.
"No, Madam."
Jiang Lin smiled and turned to walk out.