Chapter 274: Buying the Club!

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

“All, it’s been a while since I tasted your cooking and wine!” Si Cong complained while stuffing a crispy chicken claw into his mouth.

“The plates on the table are too small to fit your appetite, aren’t they?” Zhou Chao glanced at Si Cong with amusement.

“Well, your cooking is still better, but it’s a pity you didn’t cook a few dishes for your guest, Hou Ting. It would have been a nice gesture,” Si Cong said, trying to involve Hou Ting while he was enjoying some prawns.

“Don’t listen to him; he’s just being dramatic. Besides, these dishes are delicious too!” Hou Ting, who was busy with the prawns, quickly defended himself.

“Come on, just admit you’re dying to have some, and these chances don’t come by often!” Si Cong wore a look of exasperation, watching as both Zhou Chao and Hou Ting burst into laughter.

After a satisfying meal and some pleasant conversation, the three of them got to know each other better. With Si Cong’s witty remarks, the atmosphere was lively and harmonious.

When they finished eating, Zhou Chao called the staff to clean up and then took Si Cong and Hou Ting to the tea room. He prepared a small canister of premium Yu Qian Longjing tea to enjoy and settle their stomachs.

“Sip.” Si Cong couldn’t resist taking a sip as he smelled the fragrant tea.

“Chao, this tea is really good. Can you pack some for me to take back to my old man?”

Zhou Chao chuckled at Si Cong’s words and wore a playful expression as he replied, “If you’re taking it home to your dad, I’ll give you some. But if it’s for yourself, sorry, no can do!”

Si Cong’s reaction was immediate. He set down his teacup and looked at both of them with a puzzled expression. “Do you think I’d lie to you for a bit of tea leaves?”

Zhou Chao and Hou Ting exchanged knowing glances and nodded, leaving Si Cong even more baffled.

“Alright, let’s get back to the point,” Zhou Chao said, diverting their attention back to the matter at hand.

His words drew the focus of both Si Cong and Hou Ting towards him.

Zhou Chao stood up and extended his right hand in a formal gesture. “Let’s have a proper introduction. I’m Zhou Chao, Chairman of Dragonfly Group.”

Hou Ting followed suit, standing up and firmly shaking Zhou Chao’s hand. “I’m Hou Ting from Omiga Network Technology.”

Seeing the shift in the conversation, Si Cong also straightened up in his chair.

“Master Hou, 1 don’t like beating around the bush. I believe you already have an idea of my intentions, and I’ve been straightforward about my thoughts with Si Cong before. Let’s get to the point,” Zhou Chao stated, taking a sip of tea with a calm expression, ready to discuss business matters.

“Alright, Master Zhou, you’re indeed straightforward. Before we discuss the acquisition, would you mind sharing your initial intentions behind wanting to acquire our club?” Hou Ting had invested a lot of effort into OMG, and the club was like a child he had raised from scratch. His emotional attachment to it ran deep.

In today’s LPL, all the teams were backed by major capital, and the entire league had become a battlefield for various brands to compete.

Hou Ting always hoped that his club could remain relatively pure. He hadn’t pursued financing like Si Cong had. Therefore, it was easier for issues involving capital to arise, putting the club’s survival at risk.

“I had this idea a long time ago. Initially, I invested in a club and partnered with Qin Fen. The team’s performance has been decent, but 1 gradually felt that I should have my own club. 1 want to lead it step by step onto the world stage. The sense of achievement in doing so, I believe you both can understand.

To be honest, there wasn’t a specific goal when 1 initially considered acquiring a club. If I said I’m a fan of OMG, it would sound like I’m making things up. This would be redundant. It was Si Cong who informed me about OMG’s recent situation, which sparked the idea of acquiring OMG.

Even though OMG hasn’t performed well in recent years, I genuinely hope it can rise again. 1 believe it can, and I also believe that its dynasty will return. It takes time, but 1 don’t think it will take too long.” As he spoke, Zhou Chao became surprisingly passionate, not hiding his genuine feelings.

Hou Ting and Si Cong fell into silence, understanding that Zhou Chao’s words were sincere. They knew his intentions, as they had both entered the esports industry with similar aspirations.

“I’m willing to sell the club, but I’d like to retain a portion of the shares,” Hou Ting said after a brief pause.

Si Cong, who was sitting nearby, couldn’t help but look surprised. Zhou Chao, on the other hand, wore a faint smile. Soon, Si Cong realized the implications. For Hou Ting, securing a substantial share was a significant advantage.

“I’ll need at least 8o% ownership, and 1’11 have the final say on decisions. Suggestions and opinions are welcome but only for reference. Additionally, I’ll be restructuring OMG, including appointing a new coach. Are you agreeable to this?” Zhou Chao laid out his requirements in one go, leaving no room for ambiguity. After all, he was planning to aggressively poach talent.

Hou Ting, upon hearing that Zhou Chao was willing to allow him to retain up to 20% of the shares, felt a surge of joy. However, Zhou Chao’s subsequent words plunged him into deep thought. He couldn’t help but wonder about Zhou Chao’s intentions behind such a move.

After a long pause, Hou Ting raised his head and looked at Zhou Chao, saying, “I agree with your proposal, Master Zhou. 1 hope that OMG can once again shine under your leadership.”

Upon hearing Hou Ting’s agreement, Zhou Chao’s smile grew even broader, and he happily said, “Rest assured, 1 entered the world of League of Legends to win, not to lose. So, you can trust me!”

Zhou Chao paused for a moment before continuing, “Now, let’s talk about the financial aspect.”

As soon as these words were uttered, even Si Cong, who had been in a relaxed state, straightened up. Hou Ting transformed into a businessman, ready to engage in a serious discussion with Zhou Chao.

Subsequently, Zhou Chao and Hou Ting began their negotiation regarding the financial aspect, engaging in a thrilling exchange of offers. The atmosphere became incredibly intense, and even Si Cong was nervously clenching his hands.

In the midst of the back-and-forth offers, Zhou Chao slowly gained the upper hand. Even Si Cong and Hou Ting, both experienced in business battles, were surprised. They hadn’t expected Zhou Chao to be this skilled.

Zhou Chao also managed to pinpoint Hou Ting’s weak points, making him extremely uncomfortable. Finally, after one last offer from Zhou Chao, Hou Ting had to compromise. He feared that if they continued negotiating, he wouldn’t even have the courage to speak.

“Alright, Master Zhou, on top of your previous offer, add another 20 million. What do you say? If it’s acceptable, we can sign the contract tomorrow.”

Zhou Chao knew he had won, and this price was already quite favorable. Moreover, he had no shortage of funds. The negotiations were just a way to avoid being taken advantage of. After all, nobody’s money grew on trees.

Zhou Chao stood up directly, looked at the somewhat nervous Hou Ting with a smile, and extended his right hand once again. Then, he said firmly, “I look forward to a pleasant collaboration!”

Hou Ting, who had momentarily been dazed by the offer, received a subtle kick under the table from Si Cong, snapping him back to reality. He immediately stood up and shook hands with Zhou Chao.

“Same here!”