"Come in!"
A cold and dignified mature female voice came from the office of Chelsea's CEO.
Emenalo straightened his collar again, prayed to God silently in his heart, then pushed the door and walked in.
Chelsea's CEO's office is very large and luxuriously decorated in a typical Russian palace style, with a golden feel throughout the room.
Anyone who walks into this office will feel insignificant.
Even senior staff within Chelsea are no exception.
If Emenalo had to choose, he would rather face ten angry Mourinhos than the hostess of this room - Sister NO.
Sister NO never gets angry, but she has the aura of a strong woman, the kind of aura that is decisive and valiant, and does not tolerate any questioning.
During a negotiation, if someone says NO, there might be room for maneuver, but when Sister NO says NO, it really means NO.
Sister NO will never regret the decisions she makes, and she will never look back.
Sister NO’s real name is Marina Granovskaia, and she is a genuine Russian woman.
She was originally Abu's personal assistant, helping Abu take care of everything.
Later, she was parachuted into Chelsea by Abramovich, completing the most gorgeous transformation in her life.
At first, everyone thought that this beautiful Russian woman got to the top by relying on her body, after all, Sister NO is really beautiful, but that’s not the case.
Abu has had three wives and countless girlfriends, but Sister NO is always just Sister NO.
Sister NO is more like Abu's apprentice. Her style of doing things is very similar to Abu's. Like Abu, she is a person who pursues a "silent" policy - keeping a low profile as much as possible, not accepting interviews, and not responding even to negative rumors. She just keeps her eyes on the target and accomplishes the task wholeheartedly and efficiently.
From the first day that Sister NO took over Chelsea, everyone in Chelsea felt the woman's thundering methods.
——At this moment, this legendary 33-year-old woman, wearing a simple and elegant princess dress, sat behind a luxurious and large desk, holding a phone in one hand, with an expression as cold as an iceberg.
Who would have thought that this queen-like figure actually had a little princess living deep inside her? Seeing Emenalo coming in, Sister NO raised her long eyelashes and raised a slender index finger to Emenalo, signaling him to wait a moment.
Even her action of "wait a moment" carried a natural deterrent force.
Emenalo quickly stood up straight and waited patiently.
Emenalo sincerely hopes that this call from Sister NO will bring her a good mood.
Of course, Emenalo also knew that good or bad mood would not affect Sister NO's decision.
But Emenalo still wishes Sister NO a good mood.
No held the phone expressionlessly, "Listen, we can offer Ramirez a contract worth 18 million pounds at most. Tell him that he has one week to make a decision, otherwise, we will make another choice. Chelsea is Chelsea, Chelsea will not lower its posture for any player, so let's do it."
After saying that, Sister NO hung up the phone.
Although Sister NO had a blank expression on her face, in Emenalo's opinion, this was not too bad.
Emenalo complimented him at the right time: "Ramirez is great, and the price of 18 million is just right. Marina, you are amazing! I bet no one can do better than you."
——It’s not shameful in the workplace.
What's more, admiration for the strong is part of human nature. Everyone will unconsciously develop a sense of admiration when they see someone stronger than themselves.
In the face of the compliment, Sister NO just smiled faintly, "Michael, is there anything I can do for you? But you have to be brief, because I have a meeting later. The big boss wants Torres, and I have to confirm the feasibility of this matter."
Emenalo said quickly, "Oh, Marina, I won't keep you too long - I sent you a work email last night, did you read it?"
"Work email?" Sister NO shrugged. "Really? Sorry, I usually go to bed at 10pm, so I might have overlooked it. I'm looking for it now - um, I found it. Is this a scouting report on Gu... Ri?"
Emenalo quickly corrected him: "Gu Ran, his name is Gu Ran, not Ri."
Sister NO smiled and said, "This name is unfamiliar. He should not be included in our first-team recruitment plan for next season, right? Not bad, Michael, you are now taking the initiative and actively looking for outstanding players who have slipped through our net."
Emenalo said quickly: "It's my duty. This is what I should do."
Sister NO praised: "Very good, Chelsea needs talents like you."
Emenalo wiped the sweat from his forehead and said, "Marina, take a look first..."
Sister NO said: "Why are you so nervous? Sit down first, let me take a look——"
Sister NO opened the email and frowned slightly the next second.
"This Gu is Chinese? And he's an amateur high school player?"
"Michael, is today April Fools' Day?"
Sister NO said as she checked the calendar.
How could Emenalo dare to sit and talk?
Emenalo said quickly, "It's like this, Marina. I know you think this is a bit far-fetched. I also know that your time is valuable. I also know that there are many things worth tens of millions of pounds waiting for you to deal with. However, I am willing to assure you from my professional perspective that this Chinese high school student named Gu Ran is indeed worth your 10 minutes of thinking for him - because he will be the future of our Chelsea."
For the first time, Sister NO looked up at Emenalo.
Sister NO's gaze was as calm as water, but Emenalo felt as if he was being held in water and about to drown.
Sister NO’s aura is so strong!
This kind of strong woman has the oppressive power of a queen. Only the true top king can match her. It is definitely not something that an ordinary man can control.
It was obvious that Emenalo was not the king, and Emenalo did not even dare to look directly into Sister NO's eyes.
Then I heard Sister NO calmly say, "So, Michael, you are kidding me."
Emenalo felt his calves cramping, but he tried to maintain his composure. "Yes, Marina, this is not a joke."
Sister NO said: "I'm sorry, Michael, it's not that I don't believe in your vision, but an amateur high school student from China? No, I don't believe he can be the future of Chelsea."
Sister NO is so straightforward!
Just say NO! And be very rational! Cold and decisive! No dragging your feet!
She didn't get angry when she refused, but she was intimidating without being angry and would not tolerate any rebuttal!
This kind of woman... is so domineering! Tough! Emenalo's inner hope was shattered in an instant.
He knew that when Sister NO said NO, it meant that the matter was over and there was no need to discuss it anymore.
But...Emenalo really couldn't accept it.
If it was just for an ordinary player, it would be fine to give up like this.
But this is Gu Ran! A God-like talented player! Gu Ran's future is limitless as seen with the naked eye!
Emenalo saw with his own eyes how Gu Ran shocked the entire crowd in a high school competition and became a god in one fell swoop!
He wrote so many analyses for Gu Ran and drew so many interlaced running diagrams. Moreover, at the end of the email, he even attached a photo of Gu Ran that he secretly took! Even if Sister NO took a look at Gu Ran's photo, she would immediately be interested in Gu Ran!
...Fuck, if I had known this, I should have put Gu Ran’s photo at the beginning of the email!
Although this approach is extremely unprofessional, it is better than NO not wanting to read it after seeing the title! At this moment, Emenalo was so regretful! But he didn't intend to give up! Emenalo mustered up his courage, "Marina, please take a look at my scout report, even if you only read the end..."
Sister NO smiled and shook her head. "No need, Michael. Let me put it this way. It's not that I don't believe in your professional vision. In fact, I don't have any professional ability in the field of football, and your professional vision has helped me a lot. I trust you very much. If someone else had come to me with this matter today, I would have just said NO and would not have explained so much nonsense to him, but you are different. I am willing to explain it to you——"
Sister NO kept a faint smile on her face from beginning to end, and her tone remained calm, but every word she said was filled with the oppression of a queen.
Sister NO continued, "I don't need to read the report. I just need to trust your judgment to know that this guy called Gu Ri... Oh no, I mean, this Chinese kid, can really become a world-class star one day - but he is not yet. He is not even a professional player yet. Only God knows whether he will fall halfway. There are talented players born in this world every day, but in the end, how many of them can really become stars?"
"Chelsea's policy is to only have superstars. Because superstars can not only lead the team to victory, but also bring huge commercial benefits to the club."
"Let me give you a more common example. It's like if I want to sell canned fruit, I won't take care of it when it's still small. I just need to wait for it to mature, survive the strong wind and rain, the scorching sun, and the nibbling of insects and birds, and then I will buy it. Then I can make it into cans, label it, and sell it. I will use the money I make to buy new ripe fruits."
"Michael, you are looking at the problem from a professional football perspective, but a club is not just about professional football, it also needs business operations. And I am looking at the problem from a business operations perspective."
Sister NO looked at Emenalo and said, "Michael, from the perspective of a CEO, I don't want fruit seeds, nor do I want fruit seedlings. I just want the ripe fruit that can be picked and made into delicious canned food."
Sister NO smiled confidently, "Don't worry, as long as I, Chelsea, want to buy it, there is nothing I can't buy."
Emenalo pursed his lips and said nothing.
Seeing that Emenalo still hadn't given up, Sister NO smiled and said, "How about this, Michael, let's make a bet. The new season is about to start, you can continue to pay attention to the performance of that Chinese kid. If he can play well before the winter transfer window of the new season, then I will definitely call him personally and communicate with him patiently and in depth, and try my best to bring him to Chelsea."
Emenalo's eyes immediately flashed with brilliance! After Sister NO said NO, there was absolutely no turning back, so this summer window, Chelsea would definitely not sign Gu Ran to the first team unless Gu Ran was willing to accept the youth team's contract - the purchase of players from the youth team alone did not require a report to Sister NO.
Judging from the communication between Emenalo and Gu Ran, Gu Ran would not agree to come to Chelsea youth team.
But things are not completely hopeless now!
As long as Gu Ran can perform well in the new season of the professional league, Sister NO will take it seriously!
Emenalo asked quickly, "Marina, what is the standard for making a name for yourself?"
Sister NO was slightly startled. She had just said it casually, to give Emenalo a way out, but she didn't expect Emenalo to be so serious.
Ms. NO thought about it and shrugged. "Maybe, he can get 15 post-match scores of 8 or above in the professional competitions during the winter transfer window of the new season?"
It is not easy to get a score of 8 or above in a professional competition! After all, in a professional competition, your opponents are all professionals and will not let you perform well easily.
Moreover, it is difficult for an amateur grassroots player to make 15 appearances in half a season.
——There are 38 rounds in a Premier League season, and 46 rounds in a season in lower leagues such as the Championship, League One, and League Two. Add to that cup competitions such as the League Cup, FA Cup, and English Championship. In half a season in the lower leagues, there are at most 27 or 28 official matches.
Therefore, Sister NO feels that the standard she set is absolutely impossible to achieve.
However, Emenalo said excitedly: "Okay! Marina! It's settled! I know you are a man of your words! God bless you!"
After saying that, Emenalo ran out of the CEO's office excitedly.
Sister NO was a little confused:
What's going on? Why is it like I've already agreed to buy that Chinese kid? Can he meet such a stringent condition? Haha, if such a condition can be met, then I, Marina, will get him to Chelsea even if I have to kneel down.
By the way, what was his name?
Gu Ri?
Sister NO sneered and didn't take the matter seriously anymore. She grabbed the Hermès bag at hand and went to the conference room to discuss the feasibility of purchasing golden boy Torres from Liverpool.
After leaving the CEO's office, Emenalo immediately returned to his assistant coach's office, took out his mobile phone, took a deep breath, and dialed Gu Ran's mobile number.
At this time, Gu Ran and Annie had just finished their meal.
Gu Ran saw that it was Emenalo calling, so he picked up the call.
"Hi! Gu!" Emenalo's voice on the other end of the phone sounded particularly familiar, as if the two had been good friends for many years.
Gu Ran smiled and said, "Hello, Mr. Emenalo."
Emenalo pretended to be relaxed and said: "Gu, I know your time is precious, so I will make it short - unfortunately, Chelsea really can't give you resources, can't activate the genius clause for you, can't help you apply for a work permit, and can't sign you into the first team."
Gu Ran was prepared for this. "Okay, Mr. Emenalo, thank you for letting me know. I wish you a nice day."
Although the deal didn't go through, we still had to be polite.
After all, we are all future big guys, and we may have to deal with each other in the future.
Gu Ran was about to hang up the phone, but Emenalo quickly said, "But don't worry, I have good news!"
"oh?"
"I have already talked to our CEO, Ms. Marina Granovskaia. What she meant is that as long as you can get 8 points or more in 15 games within half a season, we will fully launch the action of signing you during the winter transfer window."
Gu Ran: ...
Chelsea really still has evil intentions towards me!
But isn't Chelsea too smart for this? Southampton signed a contract with me and helped me get a work permit, but when I'm out, you come to reap the fruits of Southampton's labor?
How much money can you give Southampton?
Besides, this is not about money at all! If you are sincere, you can ask Sister NO to come and beg me in person! Otherwise, I will ignore you!
Gu Ran smiled and said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Emenalo, I'm not playing football to attract Chelsea's attention. Please don't waste your time on me. It's over between us. I wish you good luck, Mr. Emenalo."
This time, Gu Ran directly said NO to Chelsea!
"Gu, Gu, stop it. You have to play well. Just 8 points in 15 games is enough. You can do it..."
Emenalo was also miserable, haha. First, he was given a NO by Sister NO, and then he was given a NO by Gu Ran.
Emenalo's miserable face turned black!
Even though he was originally black.
"Goodbye!" Gu Ran didn't give Emenalo any more chance and hung up the phone directly.
Annie hugged Gu Ran from behind and said comfortingly, "Gu, are you sad?"
Gu Ran shrugged, "No."
Annie said softly, "It's okay. Damn it...
Is that what I meant? Is that so? Gu Ran turned around and hugged Annie, his face full of real sadness, "Annie, you still understand me the best... I can't go to Chelsea... I'm so sad! I need comfort!"
As he spoke, Gu Ran buried his face in Annie's arms.
Annie patted Gu Ran's back distressedly, "Don't be sad, don't be sad, I'm here for you... How about we go lie down for a while?"
"Uh-huh,"
…
The next morning.
After getting up, Gu Ran took a shower, recovered in a liquid nitrogen freezing capsule and sauna, and then made himself a nutritious breakfast.
Next, we need to get down to business.
The relationship with Chelsea has been completely cut off, and other small clubs are not reliable at all, so there is no need to waste time with Southampton. Finalizing the contract details as soon as possible will also help Southampton apply for a work permit.
Gu Ran took out his cell phone and found Lao Lais’ number.
Gu Ran immediately cleared his throat and dialed Old Rice's number.
Old Rice answered the phone immediately! Before Gu Ran could say anything, Old Rice on the other end of the phone excitedly said, "Hi, Gu! Good afternoon! God, you finally called me! Tell me quickly that you have good news for me! Tell me quickly that you have decided to come to Southampton Football Club!"
Gu Ran said calmly: "Yes, Mr. Rice, I have made up my mind. Although Chelsea offered me a weekly salary of 4,000 pounds, I like Southampton and I am willing to sign my first professional contract with Southampton Club."
"Haha! Great! I knew it! Gu! I knew you were an extremely smart kid! I knew you would choose Southampton! You made a very, very correct decision! Welcome! Welcome to join the Saints!"
On the other end of the phone, old Rice was as excited as a child.
For old Rice, signing such a talented player to Southampton Club is equivalent to starting Southampton Club’s century-long revival plan!
Old Rice couldn't wait to say, "Gu! Where are you? I'll come to you with the contract now! Let's discuss the specific details of the contract!"
Gu Ran said quickly: "Oh no, Mr. Rice, where I live is a little... not very convenient. How about this, if it's convenient, I'll go to your office this afternoon to discuss in detail."
Old Rice immediately said, "Of course no problem, my dear Gu! I will go to Staplewood training base this afternoon, shall we meet there? I will send you the address, see you at 2:30 pm!"
…
Yes, there is only one update today. I updated two chapters in a row yesterday. The two chapters that were supposed to be close to 10,000 words were forced to be more than 8,000 words. I was exhausted from editing the book.
(End of this chapter)