Chapter 231: Rugby, Billiards, and Fortune’s Favor

They waited less than ten minutes before two cars pulled into the parking lot, one after the other. President Elena immediately went forward, with Lynch right behind her.

A woman in her fifties stepped out of the second car. She had a tall, slender figure and a serious expression when not smiling, but her smile made her seem approachable.

Elena was surprised. “I didn’t expect you to come in person…”

The woman nodded slightly. “I had other matters but canceled them. Women’s professional sports will be the next important focus.” She looked past Elena to Lynch. “You must be Mr. Lynch?”

Elena stepped aside and introduced them. “This is Ms. Tracy, a policymaker in our state and president of the State Women’s Rights Association.” Then she introduced Lynch to Tracy: “Mr. Lynch has always supported our cause and first advocated recognizing women’s needs and equality in sports.”

After brief greetings, Lynch led the group onto the field. The match was about to start, but since Lynch and his important guests had not arrived earlier, the referees cleverly delayed kickoff by having the teams inspect the turf—a common tactic.

While inspecting the field, they took seats in the best viewing area.

Before the game began, Tracy asked Lynch, “Mr. Lynch, how did you come to advocate for women’s rights and value in sports?”

Lynch smiled brightly, as if hiding nothing. “I’ve loved sports since childhood and actively participated in many at school. But I noticed one problem—there are no women in professional leagues.”

“Rugby, baseball, cricket, polo, golf…” He listed a dozen sports. “None have women athletes or female competitions.”

His tone grew serious. His examples convinced the listeners to pay closer attention.

“I respect every woman. This is not a false claim for any agenda. Every one of us is born through the long process of a mother’s pregnancy.”

“Women grant the world its future. There is no reason to discriminate.”

“Maybe in the past, due to culture, society, or ruling classes, women faced unfairness, but those excuses no longer hold.”

“I know it’s a long process. It’s still difficult for all women to stand up. But with fierce determination, we do what we can.”

“Act, don’t just think!”

“Sports strengthen our bodies and spirits. Perhaps this is a perfect start for our cause. I can do little—only this. The rest is up to you.”

Tracy nodded constantly, pleased. Though she suspected Lynch might be using the women’s rights association for influence, such mutual benefit hardly mattered.

“You’re a true gentleman, Mr. Lynch.”

He smiled slightly. The whistle blew.

Attention quickly turned to the game. Lynch’s choice of designer was brilliant.

Men’s rugby gear is bulkier and tougher to protect against greater strength and impact.

But women rugby players don’t need that. Their gear was redesigned to highlight feminine features without losing protection—a true talent who understood Lynch’s vision.

Watching players sprint and collide, some thought of billiards. Though unsure why, there was a strange similarity.

The crowd’s enthusiasm exploded instantly. This game was more than just spectacle—it demanded strict tactics and hard physical contact.

Women are physically weaker than men, so their collisions were less shocking, but they still collided.

Elena and Tracy focused entirely on the female athletes, ignoring crude comments from men nearby who drank and judged the women—a natural behavior among lower-tier spectators.

The score was tight; competition fierce. The women played with full dedication, knowing they could be replaced anytime.

In this era, survival is the sole goal for the social bottom; survival with dignity a luxury.

These women had achieved that—if they weren’t fired.

At halftime, Tracy exhaled, smiling more. “I’ve rarely—almost never—watched a full rugby match. I used to think it was savage. Today, I see it differently.”

“Resilience, fighting spirit, and relentless pursuit! You chose well, Mr. Lynch. On behalf of those women, I thank you for your efforts.”

Her words drew similar smiles from those around.

No one mentioned how scantily the women dressed—there had been jokes nearby about teams being so poor they played in underwear.

No one spoke on this because Elena, Tracy, and senior women’s rights leaders understood.

To draw attention, to get people to care, they couldn’t wear clothes.

Like mass protests where half-naked women carry flags through the streets.

Reporters and passersby watch, spreading their message far and wide.

Even today, if you ask about the vegan movement, many recall those naked women lying in cages pretending to be slaughtered.

It’s effective—if they wore clothes, they’d never make the news.

No one watches fully clothed women holding signs no one cares about.

So for these leaders, as long as the athletes aren’t completely naked or behave in ways that damage women’s image, it’s acceptable.

Especially now, with Tracy seeing a spirit of resilience and relentless fight—perfectly aligned with the women’s rights movement’s ideals.

This was no longer just about promotion; it needed support and had to be implemented across the entire federation.

Tracy’s political sensitivity surpassed Elena’s. She saw a real opportunity for a political career—perhaps the title of female legislator suited her better.

“President Tracy, would you like to speak to the athletes?” Lynch gently suggested. “Later, these games will be broadcast on the state TV, and we’ve invited some reporters here.”

Tracy’s eyes lit up. She finally understood why Elena always spoke highly of Lynch.

A young man who genuinely cares about others deserves praise—and he’s handsome too.

Soon, Tracy and Elena appeared separately in the two teams’ locker rooms, encouraging the girls.

Interestingly, the team visited by Tracy narrowly won the match, becoming a positive and amusing talking point.