Chapter 287: Giving and Taking

Society is real; it is not a fantasy world full of magic. In this real society, there is one thing you can never escape: money.

Money can be seen as the driving force behind everything. No matter what you want to do or what goal you want to achieve, you cannot avoid money in the process.

For example, when Earl Kazril wants to organize a small women’s rugby tournament, he doesn’t just offer 200,000 Federal Sol as a prize for the champion team. He also needs to spend a large additional amount—no less than that—for other expenses.

From transportation costs for the participants, to their lodging, travel permits, meals, and various hospitality expenses.

Then there are venue rental fees, arrangements for staff such as referees and linesmen.

Also, promotional expenses and extra hospitality costs, including media and guests invited to watch the match—all must be paid for.

Holding a small tournament with only six teams requires at least 300,000 to 500,000 Federal Sol. So how much would it cost to run a women’s professional rugby league covering the entire federation?

Maybe three million, maybe five million, maybe over ten million!

Because Ms. Tracy wants to seize control and have greater power, she must invest more wealth to support this venture. Otherwise, others won’t allow her to wield power using other people’s money or to dominate over them.

Lynch’s question struck at the heart of the matter: how much money can the Women’s Rights Protection Association actually provide to operate this?

Keep in mind, the Women’s Rights Association is not a profit-making organization; it is a non-profit grassroots group. Most of its operating costs come from donations across society and some event proceeds. Compared to the Federation Sports League, a monstrous entity, their funding is insignificant.

Last year alone, the Federation Sports League generated an effective revenue of 33 million. Many large companies don’t even make that much income, yet the Federation Sports League achieved this easily.

In contrast, last year, the Federation Women’s Rights Protection Association’s total income from donations and profits didn’t even reach 3 million—a fraction of that.

These two are not even comparable. From the start, it was impossible for Ms. Tracy to seize power. The Federation Sports League hasn’t forcibly expelled them because the Women’s Rights Association holds significant influence in many social areas, especially in women-related matters.

Some things truly cannot be done without them, and they are indeed a necessary part, just not as important as Ms. Tracy imagines.

Lynch’s words brought her attention back to the uncomfortable truth: she and her Women’s Rights organization have no money.

Not only do they lack money, but they also lack power. They have always been unwilling to admit or face this fact, and Ms. Tracy embodies this fully.

“We can’t raise that much money in a short time, but we have strong appeal and influence…” At first, she sounded uncertain, but as she spoke, her confidence grew.

Over the years, the women’s movement has caused significant social upheaval and demonstrated the association’s power. From advocating abstinence to reclaim family control, they regularly cause a stir.

“Whenever we hold events, all businesses provide various services for free. Society donates and supports us. I believe it will be the same this time!”

“We can bring more women into sports and make society recognize the value, role, and status of women in professional sports. These are things money cannot buy. Isn’t that enough?”

Seeing Ms. Tracy regain her pride, Lynch raised an eyebrow and said, “Ma’am, in our current society, influence and appeal rarely translate into real, quick money. People won’t pay out of pocket to join competitions just because you speak louder.”

“Ordinary staff won’t contribute everything without material compensation. Everyone has to live and has their own pursuits. They don’t want tears or emotions; they want money—sol, Federal Sol!”

Lynch didn’t stop there and asked, “Ms. Tracy, why do you think the Federation Women’s Rights Association’s president doesn’t handle these matters personally, but delegates them to you?”

With every word Lynch said, Ms. Tracy’s expression darkened. Could she not know this?

No, she knew better than anyone. She was only pretending not to. Now a young man was forcibly exposing it, and her expression changed.

She didn’t find Lynch handsome or charming—only unpleasant and infuriating.

“So what about you, Lynch? This all started with you. Don’t you want more control?” she snapped angrily, thinking she hit a critical point.

It all began with Lynch, who first proposed women’s professional rugby, giving Ms. Tracy and the Women’s Rights Association an opportunity to jump in.

As for why the association’s headquarters didn’t intervene, it’s because those people are more rational. They know they have nothing to offer, so it’s better to let Ms. Tracy try. If she succeeds, they reap the benefits; if she fails, they can step in to salvage the situation.

Lynch said bluntly, “I never wanted to gain any control over these matters. They’re too complicated, I’ve never been involved and don’t intend to be. I just want to be an initiator and get more benefits and perks!”

“Ms. Tracy, I’ve always thought we were on the same side, you and me. That’s why I’m being honest with you.” His expression was sincere and friendly. Despite her dislike, Ms. Tracy suddenly felt less antagonistic toward him.

“Oh?” she replied without revealing her thoughts.

Lynch continued, “My idea is simple. As one of the initiators, for all future matches related to my club, the broadcast fees I receive should never be less than those of our opponents.”

“I don’t ask for high status in this women’s professional sports system. Whoever helps me maintain first-tier income, I support them!”

“Ms. Tracy, for an association that already has strong influence and appeal, there’s no need to fight over who leads. Even if we don’t hold the initiative, people won’t ignore us.”

Ms. Tracy was puzzled, “You mean…”

“I want to push for the establishment of a new organization at the meeting, like the Baylor Federation Women’s Professional Sports Promotion Association. We must avoid being absorbed by the Federation Sports League, where we have no chance.”

“In the new organization, we can give up most of the power—especially you, Ms. Tracy. You don’t have to fight for broadcasting rights; the Federation Sports League won’t let you. But you can try to control the athletes.”

“The Women’s Rights Association already has some connection with female professional athletes. It’s more suitable for you to handle this. If you pay attention, you’ll know how much transfer fees clubs pay for athletes each year.”

Lynch sipped his floral tea and said, “Compared to tangible benefits, who is president or leader no longer matters.”

Ms. Tracy didn’t fully understand but wouldn’t show her ignorance. Like most women, she barely followed men’s professional sports. She didn’t grasp what Lynch was saying.

All she knew was that the Federation Sports League receives huge broadcasting authorization fees from major TV stations annually—that was what she wanted most.

Funding issues have always limited the Women’s Rights Association’s activities. If they could earn more from broadcasting women’s professional sports, it would support more initiatives, turning their influence into a force.

A force that could sweep through society and change the world. No one could keep a clear head before such power.

Seeing Ms. Tracy’s confused look, Lynch comforted her, “Don’t rush. These things take time. You can talk to more people; maybe they’ll offer better ideas.”

Then Lynch got up to leave. After a long day’s travel, he needed rest and to prepare for tomorrow’s meeting.

After Ms. Tracy arranged a car to see him off and returned home, the two old men who had been arguing on the sofa suddenly fell silent.

They both stared at Ms. Tracy with a look of expectation. After about ten seconds, Jackson suddenly stood up, pumped his fist, and shouted at Jefferson, “I win, pay up, bastard!”

Jefferson scowled, pulled a one-Sol bill from his pocket, balled it up, and threw it at Jackson.

They were betting, and judging by the current situation, Jackson won!