Chapter 107: No Sentiment Beneath the Rules

Lynch’s meeting with the local Women’s Rights Protection Association president was destined to be a successful one.

As long as both sides respected each other’s core principles, there was nothing that couldn’t be discussed or agreed upon.

Lynch was straightforward with President Elena. He said he could initially offer about a hundred job positions—some related to women’s rugby and supporting roles, others within his Interstellar Trading Company.

The company was expanding, and it couldn’t be staffed entirely by men. While their aggressive energy could boost morale, too much hardness without flexibility would cause even steel to shatter like glass.

To solve this, he planned to bring in more female employees. He also intended to add telephone operator positions, a job women were generally better suited for due to their patience.

Elena praised Lynch’s honesty, though she had her own expectations. She understood that building job opportunities couldn’t happen overnight—otherwise, women across the world would’ve long stood up for themselves. But she asked that Lynch maintain communication with the local association when making staffing arrangements, even if just with a phone call.

This would help avoid misunderstandings and improve efficiency. Some tasks might be hard for Lynch to handle but would be easier for the association.

In essence, there were two key agreements:

First, the association would fully support Lynch’s push to promote female professional athletes in the city and the state. Elena would also use her influence to spark a gender equality movement in sports nationwide.

Second, Lynch must provide suitable job opportunities for women exclusively through her. Even jobs in other cities must be managed through Sabin’s association—this was her bottom line.

With little disagreement, both sides reached a verbal agreement. Witnessed by others, it carried legal weight, even if not as clear-cut as a formal contract. Unless an irreconcilable conflict arose, there was no need to worry.

After leaving the association, Lynch headed to the club. Following the contract signing yesterday, the club now belonged to him. Today, Kane had gathered everyone for the new owner’s arrival.

The staff was glad someone was taking over. At least they wouldn’t need to beg the League Office every month for their wages. At least now, there was hope for a brighter future.

Those athletes who hadn’t transferred—mostly because no one wanted them—could now return to the field. They were tired of working regular jobs and longed for the comparatively easier and more lucrative life of a professional athlete.

Lynch arrived in the afternoon, switching his morning attire for a dark business suit. It transformed him from a vibrant young man into a composed adult.

He saw the group—over thirty people—on the training lawn behind the club. Just their monthly salaries exceeded 7,000. When Lynch signed the agreement, the League representative was nearly grinning ear to ear. With Lynch taking over, the League was free from this useless club’s upkeep—plus, there was debt involved.

Lynch didn’t comment immediately. After briefly sharing his vision for the club, he let the staff go about their day and called Kane into the office.

Behind closed doors, the atmosphere turned heavy. Lynch sat behind the desk, expressionless, eyes intense. Kane felt a tightening in his chest.

“Boss…”

He started to speak, but Lynch interrupted him before he could continue. “Fire everyone except the electrician and plumber. That includes the athletes.”

Kane forced a strained smile. Out of over thirty people, only three were in utilities—the rest were athletes, coaches, assistants, and cleaners.

Running a team required more than one coach. A head coach usually had assistants specializing in fitness, explosiveness, etc. There were also assistants recording player health data for better training decisions.

Besides them were athletes who failed to transfer—no longer athletes in essence. They lived on the league’s minimum subsidy and worked outside jobs. Many were out of shape and aging. A pro athlete’s career typically lasted just over a decade, assuming consistent training and competition.

After years of inactivity, everyone in the club was washed up. Lynch even smelled heavy alcohol on the head coach—possibly a drunk. Maybe once a good coach, but not the one Lynch needed.

He tapped his fingers on the desk twice. The dull thuds rattled Kane’s nerves. Lynch repeated, firmly, “Fire them all.”

Kane lowered his head in silence. These colleagues had served the club alongside him for about fifteen years—some even longer. Before Lynch, they’d crawled through the dark together, clinging to hope.

Now, the light had arrived. But it came not as salvation, but judgment.

Kane had stayed silent when Lynch fired Julie—it happened so fast he hadn’t even known what to say. Now, facing the mass firings, he hesitated. Should he speak up? He was afraid—afraid that opposing Lynch would get him grouped with them.

He still dreamed of restoring the club to glory. He had given his youth to this place. Leaving now would be worse than death.

He had no grand ambitions—just the wish to stand on the sidelines and watch players smile and chase championships.

He once believed silence was strength, preparing for the right moment to speak up. But now he realized—it was surrender.

“They… served the club…”

“For those with unexpired contracts, give them three months’ extra pay. For those whose contracts have ended, cancel renewals and give one month’s severance. That’s final,” Lynch said firmly.

Kane remained silent.

After 20 to 30 seconds, Lynch spoke again. “Kane, understand this—I took on this club under enormous pressure. But since I accepted it, I’ll bring it back to life.”

“I’ve already spoken with the mayor. We’ll get a larger plot of land outside the city loop to build a full training facility—with better equipment, better logistics.”

“I’m bringing in young new players, better coaches, more scientific training.”

“By early next year at the latest, the Sabin City pro football team will return to the league—that’s what we all want.”

“You know what to do. Right?”

Though he was only a twenty-year-old youth, the moment Lynch spoke, the pressure on Kane became immense. Even his breathing grew heavy and labored.

After a pause, under Lynch’s gaze, Kane finally nodded. “Understood, boss.”

Lynch gave a slight nod and tapped his fingers on the desk. “Good. I want results before next week. You may go.”

Kane let out a deep sigh and left the room. Only when he stepped outside did he remember—that room behind him used to be his own office.

Now, he was beginning to understand Lynch’s decision to fire those people, though it was still difficult to accept emotionally.

Without removing those veterans, Lynch couldn’t fully take control.

The more glorious their past, the more they would stand in Lynch’s way. So they had to go.

As for whether anyone would choose to side with Lynch?

Small people aren’t meant to have opinions.