Café.
Kai sat face-to-face with Mendes.
"I watched your game from a couple of days ago!"
"Honestly, it was phenomenal! That goal from midfield—must've turned you into the darling of South London!"
"I even went back and caught up on all your recent matches. Watching you play is like watching someone play the violin! What I mean is, your game is full of grace and composure."
"I've also taken note of the media's evaluation of you recently, and how you've handled yourself in front of the press."
"To be frank, you have all the natural qualities of a top-tier player."
He paused.
Mendes gave a self-deprecating chuckle.
"I'm getting sidetracked! The reason I'm here is simple: I want to sign you. I hope we'll have a pleasant discussion. Next, I'd like to tell you what makes me stand out as an agent..."
His eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.
He looked at the 16-year-old genius across from him as if he were a priceless treasure.
Kai wasn't surprised by any of this.
In fact, he had been expecting Mendes to approach him for quite some time.
As a footballer, having an agent to manage one's affairs is a necessity.
And a reputable, high-profile agent is always more reliable than some random intermediary.
Kai smiled, "I already know your strengths. No need for introductions. Let's get straight to the contract."
Mendes was visibly taken aback.
But he quickly understood.
He had done his background research. Though only 16, Kai came from a well-off family—he wasn't some kid from the streets. His awareness and exposure were far broader than one would expect.
Mendes assumed that Kai's elite background gave him a chance to understand Mendes' reputation ahead of time.
In the café, the two began discussing the details of the contract.
The atmosphere remained quite cordial.
There's a reason Mendes became the agent for so many of football's biggest stars.
He was especially good at crafting public personas and helping players maximize their commercial and career value.
His commission rates were also considered fair—more reasonable than someone like Raiola.
With Cristiano Ronaldo, Mendes took 15–20% from the commercial portion of the contract.
But during his negotiation with Kai, Mendes felt an unexpected pressure from the teenager.
It didn't feel like he was talking to a 16-year-old—it felt more like a seasoned negotiator.
In the end, Kai pushed the commission down to 12%.
Mendes looked pained. "Are you 16 or 61? No one's ever been so aggressive with me during negotiations!"
Off to the side, Fan Sijing was stunned.
Kai... is so cool!
Negotiating with the most famous agent in football—and completely dominating the atmosphere!
But this didn't dampen Mendes' enthusiasm.
Signing this football prodigy was the core objective today.
"I still have to say—here's to a fruitful partnership!"
"Together, I'm confident we'll revolutionize the football world—with you at the center of it!"
Mendes was visibly excited, but his tone quickly changed.
"On another note, staying with a small club like Crystal Palace will seriously hinder your development."
He frowned and shook his head.
"I've got a complete plan! In the upcoming winter transfer window, we make our move. I'll get you into a mid-tier team in a top league, where you'll improve rapidly."
"Then in the summer window—six months later—"
"You'll have everything: top-tier skills, media exposure, popularity, reputation… At that point, I'll take you straight to a major club!"
Mendes spoke with absolute confidence.
That's exactly how he managed Ronaldo—moved him from Sporting CP to Manchester United, and then from United to Real Madrid for a record-breaking fee.
It was one of the most iconic career paths crafted by a football agent in the 21st century.
After hearing all this, Kai fell silent.
A big club?
What an enticing idea.
Let's be honest—who wouldn't want to play for a giant?
And he understood it well: only the biggest stages could truly carry the weight of his overflowing talent.
But leaving in the winter window? This season?
Kai shook his head firmly.
"No. I can't leave in the winter window."
"At the very least, I have to finish a full season here. The fans, my teammates, and the coach—they all need me. I can't just walk away mid-season."
"When I was at my lowest, Crystal Palace gave me my first shot at professional football."
"I owe it to this club to win at least one championship."
Mendes' eyes widened in surprise.
After a brief pause, his mind kicked into overdrive.
"I get it now!"
"You're a man of loyalty. That's rare. And from my perspective, leaving mid-season would damage your public image, which could also hurt my interests. It would be a lose-lose for both of us."
"So I'll shift my focus to the summer window."
"But that extra half-season—we won't waste it!"
"I'll start building your market value like crazy!"
"You'll get endorsement deals left and right. It'll boost your fame, grow your fanbase, and of course, increase your wealth. But don't worry—I'll make sure none of this affects your training or matches."
Mendes was all business—already beginning to craft Kai's off-field empire.
As far as everything beyond football was concerned, Mendes could handle it all. Kai didn't need to worry.
Mendes added, "By the way, I've been keeping an eye on the Premier League. Some clubs seem eager to make a move for you this winter."
"Your current release clause is €7 million. That's pocket change for most Premier League teams. If you agree, they could trigger the clause and take you immediately..."
Kai understood what Mendes was implying.
"Don't worry. I won't be tempted by offers. I'm seeing out this full season at Crystal Palace."
Mendes nodded. "Good. Most young players get dazzled by quick money. But clearly, you're not like them."
"I'm only warning you because many top clubs already have their starting elevens set in stone. If they activate your buyout clause, it's not because they need you—it's because they don't want you to end up with their rivals. At best, you'd be warming the bench."
"When the time comes, I'll find you a club that gives you a guaranteed starting role!"
"In short—whatever decision you make, always discuss it with me. I'll give you the best advice from an agent's perspective."
Mendes moved fast.
That very night, after officially becoming Kai's agent, he made a call to Crystal Palace's management.
He demanded that the club restructure its salary cap and offer Kai a top-tier wage.
This wasn't something Kai specifically requested.
But from a commercial standpoint, Mendes believed the current £15,000 weekly salary didn't reflect Kai's true value.
He asked the club to increase Kai's weekly pay to £25,000, with additional bonuses for goals and assists.
Crystal Palace management was caught off guard and called an emergency meeting that night.
Fortunately, the club's finances had improved significantly.
Previously, they couldn't even afford to pay their cheerleading squad.
But ever since Kai joined, just the revenue from his No.10 jersey sales had plugged a major financial hole.
Soon enough, Kai's contract was renegotiated.
Weekly salary: £30,000
Bonuses tied to assists and goals
An additional £30,000 bonus if he ends the season as the top assist provider
The club is forbidden from using Kai's image rights without permission
The club must not interfere with Kai's personal endorsements, as long as they don't affect his training and matches
In return, Kai had to make one promise:
He would remain at Crystal Palace until the end of the season.
When manager Holloway heard the news, he felt both happy and sad.
Sad because it likely meant this prodigy wouldn't be at Crystal Palace next summer.
Happy because, at the very least, he no longer had to worry about other clubs pouncing during the winter window.
Kai would finish the season with them.
That was a huge relief.
As for the release clause?
Mendes wasn't too fussed.
He had it raised by a symbolic €2 million.
Because when a player has made up his mind to leave—and the club can no longer hold him—release clauses become nothing more than numbers.
With Mendes handling all off-field matters…
Kai could finally focus all his attention on the long season ahead.
The English leagues have no winter break—the schedule is packed and grueling.
And this season, Crystal Palace still had a long road to travel.