Chapter 101: As Long as It Brings Joy

The Sabin Football Club was originally the city’s only professional football team. However, due to certain circumstances, the company running it went bankrupt. With no one to take over, it transformed from a professional club into an amateur one.

Later, nobody wanted to take over, and it remained in a semi-abandoned state. Rumors said the previous company used player transfers for massive money laundering. When disputes over secret profit-sharing arose, some players reported the wrongdoing, which led to the company’s collapse.

Officially, no details were public—just that the company mismanaged the club and went under, a fact many lamented.

The club’s decline wasn’t solely due to internal problems. Running a professional club requires significant funds—hundreds of thousands to millions annually—not every business can afford this. Yet, the returns can be impressive.

Professional clubs benefit from government policy support, including tax breaks and subsidies from the city and state governments aimed at sports development.

A successful club also boosts a company’s public image. If the team performs decently, people will support the club and its backers.

There are social effects, too: cities with professional teams often have lower crime rates, as residents are more likely to stay home watching games than engaging in crime, or they use supporting the team as an emotional outlet.

A city with professional sports projects an image of health, vitality, and community interest in fitness and lifestyle.

All in all, it’s a positive thing.

When Lynch’s car arrived at the club, the manager, Kane, had been waiting and eagerly opened the door for him, bowing slightly with an ingratiating smile.

Beside Kane stood a woman in her thirties, professionally dressed with glasses, looking reluctant.

Lynch glanced at her and looked away. Since the economy downturn, bringing an attractive woman to business meetings had become routine, supposedly increasing chances of success—now a social issue.

Lynch’s upright posture and handsome appearance seemed to ease the woman’s expression, who no longer seemed bothered by her open collar or short skirt.

Kane clasped Lynch’s hand firmly. “I’m Kane, the club manager. I heard from the State Sports Association you’d visit today. I was so excited I couldn’t sleep all night. The long-awaited sunshine has finally come!” His voice trembled with emotion.

The woman beside Kane looked disgusted by his blatant flattery, her eyes full of contempt.

The State Sports Association branch had called yesterday, saying a major investor was coming who might restart Sabin City’s professional football plan, igniting excitement throughout the club.

Without sponsorship, the club couldn’t retain top players. Without good players, the club would fall apart, leaving only aging athletes with nowhere else to go.

Because the club dropped out of the professional league, players lost access to the association’s subsidies—devastating for many.

The State Sports Association (Baylor Federal Athletes Association) is an unofficial organization promoting sports development in the Baylor Federation. According to the Sports Development Act, all broadcast rights for professional leagues belong to the association, and profits fund sports promotion.

But support is only for professional clubs; amateur teams get nothing.

If Lynch could restart the club and get it back into even the lowest professional league, it would restore livelihoods around the club.

Upon hearing the news, the club was ecstatic. Kane’s back was bent under the weight of responsibility—so heavy he dared not straighten.

Lynch relaxed his hand, Kane immediately released his grip, then introduced the woman: “This is the club’s chief assistant, Ms. Julie…”

Julie glanced at Kane, shook Lynch’s hand briefly, then withdrew.

Kane visibly relaxed, wary that Julie might cause trouble. Tentatively, he asked, “Shall we go inside?”

“No, I’m expecting another friend…” Lynch declined, turning his attention to the trophies displayed behind the club’s glass wall.

They looked dusty, neglected for years. The trophies inside, including some state championships, were well preserved.

These trophies dated from before the club’s troubles, when they recruited strong players who contributed greatly. Without the later problems, they might have challenged for the Baylor Federation’s secondary league trophy—the Four Sides Cup.

As Lynch examined the trophies, Kane’s expression shifted from sadness to resolve.

He had to convince Lynch to invest in the club. Even a small investment covering daily expenses would help them return to the top league one day.

At that moment, three new luxury cars arrived in a line, surprising Kane.

Lynch turned to see Mr. Fox stepping out of the middle car. Lynch greeted him with a smile and a hug, then introduced Fox’s son before Kane led them inside.

“I couldn’t wait to come when you mentioned new plans,” Mr. Fox said enthusiastically. “What’s the idea this time?”

Kane listened closely to the conversation as Lynch replied, “The club, the football league, and the new businesses we discussed before.”

“Entertainment?” Fox raised his voice slightly. “I thought you meant movies or something. Sports too?”

Lynch smiled subtly. “You still see entertainment on the surface. To me, anything that brings joy to the audience counts as entertainment.”

He paused, then beamed. “We’re going to start a new era, Mr. Fox. Do you believe it?”

Fox smiled back, as if infected by Lynch’s passion. “If you say so, I believe it.”