Chapter 288: This Is Reality

Despite participating several times in the Champions League, ranking high in the Premier League, and having many fans, Leeds United couldn't escape their financial troubles because there were too many thieves.

"…Is this for real?"

Peter clenched the document tightly, his hands trembling.

"People can be deceived, but documents are harder to fake. Chairman, this is the truth."

"How could I be unaware of this information?"

Peter's hands shook, whether from disbelief or denial, as suspicion filled his eyes.

"We scrutinize every company or individual we invest in down to the last detail. But I've never seen this much dirt before."

"…"

"It's not that the club lacks funds. There are simply too many wage thieves and too much money being wasted. Do you know how much it costs to maintain the goldfish tank in your office each year, Chairman?"

"What do you mean by that?"

Peter seemed completely detached from the club's finances, only concerned with his affection for the team.

But that couldn't serve as an excuse.

"The goldfish maintenance fees amount to £250,000 a year, Chairman."

"…What?"

"I know you'd like to trust your staff, but this is reality. Besides…"

I handed over another document. Inside was a thorough compilation of various tax evasion and illegal activities perpetrated by the club.

Peter was left speechless, seemingly in shock after reviewing the document.

'Looks like he really had no idea.'

He sighed deeply.

"At first, I thought you were involved in these organized actions over a long period, Chairman."

"Oh, no. I knew nothing about this…"

"Of course, I don't think that anymore. Meeting you in person showed me you're a fan who loves the club. I can't imagine someone like that would do things to ruin it."

"…"

Still, he must have trusted the management completely, giving them full control over the club, which ironically led to its downfall.

"However, that doesn't absolve you of responsibility. You can't be completely free from the blame. You'll have to bear some of the burden."

In the UK, tax evasion is taken very seriously. Whether involved or not, that didn't change the significance of the issue.

It was obvious to anyone that Peter was the owner, and he would surely face some repercussions.

"Initially, I planned to leak this to the press, but seeing you, Chairman, it seems unnecessary."

"No! Absolutely not the press…"

"Regardless, you must report crimes like embezzlement."

Peter's face turned progressively pale as he contemplated Leeds, a prestigious club, being branded as a tax-evading one.

"…If that happens, it'll surely be published in the news."

"Ignoring this festering issue will only lead to a worse explosion later on."

It's better to burst a festering wound sooner rather than later. If it's going to happen, it should be sooner.

"…"

"As I mentioned earlier, too many people who shouldn't be earning salaries are robbing the club blind without any ability."

"That…"

Peter opened his mouth to speak but then fell silent. However, I had already guessed what he wanted to say.

"Are you implying that the regular staff are innocent?"

Peter nodded slightly.

"If there was just one person of integrity among them, and if even one had told you the truth, things wouldn't have spiraled this far for a prestigious club like Leeds."

Peter, naively optimistic about people, was utterly frustrating.

"If you want to trust your employees, it's your choice. But if I take over the club, I will hire competent staff, not those bound by personal loyalties."

"…"

"Chairman, if you reject my offer to take over, I will hand over all materials I possess to the newspapers, broadcast stations, and the police."

"Are you threatening me?"

With a pale face, Peter shot me a glare.

"It's only right that someone more fitting becomes the owner of the club. Someone who is capable and can turn the club into a stronger team, not someone ineffective yet loves the club to death. Who deserves to be the owner is…"

I intentionally trailed off.

Sometimes leaving a sentence unfinished can convey a more precise meaning than completing it.

It seemed Peter understood my implications.

The seemingly naive Peter was indeed a sizable businessman in Leeds.

He likely realized he couldn't prevent the club's bankruptcy despite his capabilities.

So he would understand there was no solution other than transferring his shares for good terms.

"…What are the conditions?"

"I'll buy all shares you and others possess for £10 million."

"What nonsense…"

Peter's face reflected shock at the absurd amount. One should listen to the full story.

"In exchange, I will assume all club debts. No, to be precise, I will repay all debts."

"Is that for real?"

"Yes. However, the club shares held by others must be brought directly to me by you. That's the condition."

"They…"

Peter hesitated, his lips parting, but I firmly interrupted him.

"I do not want anyone else interfering in the club's operations. I don't want someone with a tiny stake meddling in everything."

Though reluctant even to part with a single pound, I knew dragging this out could make acquiring the club next season difficult.

While I could rattle Peter now that I had him cornered, it could take a lot of time to find someone else's weakness.

Plus, I had calculated that if I offered some money to accompany the condition of assuming debts, they might be more inclined to give me the shares.

Peter seemed aware that this was a negotiation where he wouldn't incur any loss, pondering it.

"No need to think any further; I'll pass it on without hesitation."

Han Gyeong-yeong mumbled beside me in Korean. Instead of responding, I just raised one corner of my mouth slightly.

"Alright. I'll pass it on. But please promise me one thing: to strive to make Leeds, our club, the best club possible."

"Of course. No matter how much it costs, I will make it happen. Right, James?"

"Absolutely! That goes without saying."

Only then did Peter finally smile.

"Alright. I'll contact you after persuading the shareholders."

"I hope you can persuade them quickly."

"Yes, I will reach out in a few days."

I stood up and extended my hand.

"Let's save the celebrations for after signing the contract. We can enjoy discussing the past and future of Leeds Football Club then."

Peter stared at my outstretched hand for a moment before gripping it tightly.

"Alright. If it's about Leeds' history, I know it all."

The frail demeanor he once had was nowhere to be seen. I smiled at Peter's bold laughter.

"I'll await good news."

Han Gyeong-yeong stood up, shook hands with Peter, and then turned with me.

When we opened the conference room door, Neil Taylor and the executives were waiting with anxious expressions.

Their eyes were filled with animosity towards me. I scoffed at them, gesturing towards the chairman's office.

"The conversation has ended. You can head in now."

Taylor's face twisted in anger, looking as comic as a cartoon character.

"Let's go, Hyung."

We passed by them and left the clubhouse with Han Gyeong-yeong.

"This facility is too shabby."

"Right? I thought it would be grand considering they were a top-tier Premier League team, but it's…"

Han Gyeong-yeong nodded in agreement, glancing around the clubhouse and the training grounds.

He clearly showed his disappointment as he shook his head, so I gave him a light pat on the shoulder.

"Well, we can change it all. Let's move on."

* * *

"What do you mean? Who the hell is that?"

—Murdoch.

"No, speak up! I've been threatened in London, and you expect me to remain silent?"

A loud commotion echoed from Murdoch's mansion in London.

He was so furious that the veins on his forehead were visible.

"Is that why I supported you? Am I supposed to stand against you like other media outlets?"

—…Murdoch. Choose your words carefully.

"Is it about money? Then I will increase my sponsorship. No, I will use all my power to support you. Either persuade the president right away, or you deal with it yourselves…"

His lofty aura was undeniable. The person on the other end of the line seemed fed up, responding with a chilling voice.

—Do I look like your subordinate?

Perhaps the cold response silenced Murdoch for a moment, calming his excitement.

"That's not it. I am Rupert Murdoch, your friend and steadfast supporter. I'm doing this because you can't refuse my request."

—That man is still valuable. And he's not someone you can easily remove. Don't ruin everything due to hasty vengeance, and restrain yourself.

"You didn't ask for this first. I started investigating a man named Charlie, who's associated with James Han. What do you mean by changing the terms now?"

The man on the other end didn't respond to Murdoch.

"Speak. What's so special about that man that you won't let me through?"

—I warned you. Acting rashly could derail your ambitions.

With that, the call was disconnected. Murdoch, furious at the abrupt end to the conversation, hurled the phone he was gripping.

The sharp sound of something breaking drew his secretary from outside.

Pausing at the entrance was the secretary, taken aback at the sight of the phone shattered on the floor and her furious superior.

Spotting the secretary, Murdoch glared with bloodshot eyes.

"What are you standing there for?"

"Oh, it's nothing."

"What time did Director Cahill say he'd arrive today?"

"He contacted me, saying he'd arrive in an hour."

"Clean this up."

Murdoch ordered his secretary to tidy the room and then exited.

His expression as he left was as cold as ice.

* * *

After leaving the Leeds United clubhouse, Han Gyeong-yeong and I arrived at the hotel we had reserved.

After a simple meal in the restaurant, we headed up to the suite and began discussing the day's events over whiskey.

Han Gyeong-yeong filled a glass with whiskey, ice clinking as he swirled it, saying,

"Doesn't it seem like Neil Taylor is the one behind this?"

"Given the circumstances, it would probably be the chairman, not the club owner. They said Taylor managed all the club's finances."

"What kind of audacity did he have?"

Crimes like embezzlement or tax evasion weren't considered significant offenses in Korea. Well, they were serious offenses but the penalties were light.

However, in the UK, the punishments were anything but lenient.

"He probably only envisioned a rosy future. He managed to qualify for the Champions League two years in a row, and being a chairman, he'd think that a devoted fan would do everything to secure money. With neglect towards finances, he had the perfect environment for embezzling funds."

"What's your take on Peter? How could someone so seemingly clueless end up being a top businessman in Leeds? Do you understand it?"

"His love for the team might have clouded his judgment."

In England, football was akin to life. That might explain the many people who passionately immersed themselves in their supporting teams.

"Well, since we plan to take over, we'll just revamp it all."

After several rounds of drinks, as the atmosphere grew lively, I jokingly remarked,

"By the way, I noticed you seemed interested in that girl, Ailee?"

"She's pretty, right? That's why I asked for her contact info. Don't you think she's attractive?"

His smooth reply made me chuckle.

"She is indeed beautiful."

"If you like her, you should just go for it!"

"Looks like business made you bold, Hyung."

I recalled Han Gyeong-yeong trembling when he first met me. That timid version of him was long gone.

"What about you? Aren't you seeing anyone?"

"There hasn't been anyone who caught my eye yet."

"Is it that your standards are too high? A guy like you should have girls swooning over you. You're wealthy, handsome, and have it all. God must be unfair."

"Life isn't that simple."

We continued to exchange banter for a while. Our laughter resonated throughout the room.

"Boss."

At that moment, Manager Ma called out to me. Han Gyeong-yeong and I simultaneously turned our heads.

"Leeds fans have gathered outside the hotel."

"Really?"

"Yes. They're shouting they won't let their club be taken over by American capital."

It was quite a surprise to see protests erupt immediately after talks of the takeover surfaced. Looks like things are getting interesting!