The Premier League, as the most lucrative and attention-grabbing football league in the world, had its matches broadcast in 150 countries and regions by the end of 2006, with a fanbase nearing 450 million. Having spent over a decade at Manchester United, Denis Irwin was brimming with confidence after watching his nephew's outstanding performance. He was determined to help the young man carve out a legendary career in football.
Recently, to secure the best possible contract for his nephew at Manchester United, Denis had not only analyzed the club's management from multiple angles but also privately conducted a thorough assessment of his good friend, Sir Alex Ferguson.
"This counts as your long break—make sure you rest well. Before you join the team, United's first Champions League match has already been played: a 3-2 win against Celtic. The fourth round of the group stage is against Benfica!"
"That's a strong Portuguese team. Hopefully, your Champions League debut will go as smoothly as the Arsenal match."
Seeing the hopeful look on his uncle's face, Claire rolled his eyes behind his back, glancing at Lucy. Standing beside him, helping adjust his suit, Lucy seemed like a completely different person now—forgetting all about how she usually acted in private with Claire.
Now, she carried herself like a proper lady. Today, as if aware of Denis's visit, she deliberately wore a long dress that concealed her curvaceous figure. With her occasional giggles behind her hand, she looked every bit the demure young woman.
"Look at Lucy! And then look at you. Uncle Denis can't help you with everything. Remember to come cheer for Claire at United's next home match!"
While Denis was absorbed in organizing Claire's documents at the desk, Lucy seized the moment to flash Claire a teasing smirk. "Thank you, Uncle Denis~"
"Don't mention it. Just remember to keep things appropriate when you youngsters are together."
For once, Lucy had no snappy comeback to Denis's remark. Instead, she glanced down briefly, her eyes flickering toward the spot where Danielle Sharpe usually sat. Ever since Claire mentioned two days ago that Danielle was his "sister," she hadn't shown up again.
Though Lucy had secretly checked Danielle's YouTube channel—The Landlord's Silly Son—during her alone time at home. The account was still updating daily, but only with pre-recorded content.
Noticing the awkward tension in the room, Claire quickly changed the subject. "Uncle, about that record contract..."
Denis rubbed his temples the moment his nephew brought it up again. It wasn't that he opposed Claire pursuing music—in fact, singing could be a great boost for a footballer's brand.
The ticket and jersey sales from the Manchester United vs. Arsenal match proved that. But Denis worried that diving into the entertainment industry too soon might not be good for Claire. Just look at Cristiano Ronaldo—constantly wrapped up in scandals, changing girlfriends faster than meals.
At that thought, Denis shot a glance at Lucy. Truthfully, he was quite satisfied with her. Her figure would make Claire the envy of others, and being three years older wasn't an issue. His late brother-in-law used to say, "A wife three years older is like holding a gold brick." Besides, an older woman knew how to take care of a man.
As for Lucy's past relationships? Denis couldn't care less. That was all in the past!
"Well, you're an adult now. I should respect your choices. But can you really balance singing and football? Football is your profession—music isn't. I may not be in the entertainment industry, but I am a TV host. I've seen more than you..."
Claire nodded along with a practiced "You're right, I'll listen to you" expression, but his mind had already wandered off. Everything Danielle Sharpe had told him was coming true, one by one.
Afterward, Claire had even subscribed to The Wall Street Journal to better understand YouTube's acquisition by Google. The latest related news read:
[YouTube holds significant influence in the European market, and Google executives are highly confident in its future profitability.]
Around the same time this news broke, Claire noticed that media coverage about him had gradually increased. YouTube even launched a [Favorite Footballer Ranking], where Claire placed 8th—right behind Cristiano Ronaldo.
These changes only made Claire more anxious. If he didn't act soon, he'd miss out on a fortune. In this era, being good at football mattered—but making money mattered more.
"Uncle, look at yesterday's physical assessment from the United coaching staff. Even though I've been sick, I've been working hard. Ask Lucy—she's spent more time with me than you have lately."
Denis glanced at Lucy, who remained silent, before sighing and pulling out a thick stack of business cards from his pocket, placing them on the table.
"Don't slack on training. If you're not fit when you return, Sir Alex will come for you."
Just as he reached the door, Denis turned back and added, "Oh, right—forgot to mention. Someone from United will visit on the 25th. Make sure you clean up by then!"
"Did they sign the contract? How much is it?"
Denis couldn't help but laugh at his nephew's suddenly gleaming eyes. "Since when did you become such a money-grubber?"
"Your nephew's grown up! Gotta have some cash, right? Otherwise, I'd have to let Lucy pay when we go to hotels~"
Lucy didn't react—she was used to his jokes—but Denis feigned anger. "Stop learning bad habits from Ronaldo! Look what you've become!"
Then, with a proud grin, Denis pulled out a document from his pocket. "Signing bonus: £660,000. Weekly wage: £80,000—but you'll only get paid for 32 weeks a year. If we qualify for the Champions League next season, there's a £200,000 bonus. No goal incentives, though. If you perform well this season, I'll renegotiate for you."
"Tch, so I'm making the same as Park Ji-Sung?" Claire asked excitedly.
"Nope. United landed two sponsors from Korea thanks to him. Plus, Park has goal and assist bonuses!"
Claire's mood soured momentarily, but he quickly crouched down, pulling out his phone to calculate his exact earnings—so engrossed he didn't even notice his uncle leaving.
When he realized his annual salary would be around £2.5 million, an involuntary grin spread across his face. But then Lucy, who had somehow appeared beside him, pointed out:
"You forgot taxes. After deductions, your weekly wage is less than £50,000."
"WHAT THE FXXK?"
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