Chapter 2 – Chelsea Kicking Them While They're Down
Israeli agent Pini Zahavi was a well-known figure in European football.
Over the past few years, he had maneuvered between countless clubs.
Until—he met Russian tycoon Roman Abramovich.
The Russian billionaire craved prestige. He wanted to use the Premier League and football to integrate himself into Britain's upper class.
Pini Zahavi tailored a plan just for him, aiming to help him build an English powerhouse no less grand than Real Madrid's Galácticos.
But whether it was Stamford Bridge in the southwest of Hyde Park or the "run-down warehouse" training ground near Heathrow Airport, neither matched the image of a footballing superpower.
Abramovich had money to burn. With a wave of his hand, he laid out plans to buy land in the southern suburbs to construct a five-star training base.
A new stadium was naturally added to the agenda.
That unfinished project in North Hyde Park immediately caught Chelsea's attention.
Most importantly, it was close to Stamford Bridge.
Just four kilometers away in a straight line.
With Abramovich completing his acquisition of Chelsea, it was only a matter of time before a massive spending spree on players followed.
This was the perfect opportunity for Pini Zahavi to show what he could do.
Before that, he hoped to use the purchase of this bankrupt lower-league club's land to prove his value and talent to the Russian oligarch.
So when they arrived at Bayswater Chinese FC, before Lin Zhongqiu could even state his asking price, Pini Zahavi took the initiative and named his own offer.
Five million pounds.
A lowball offer to the extreme.
At first, Lin Zhongqiu thought it was just a starting figure.
But as the negotiation progressed, it became clear Zahavi had no intention of budging. He had the attitude of someone who knew Bayswater Chinese had no other options.
"I've looked into your financial situation. You've got at least a million-pound shortfall right now. You're desperate for this money to stay afloat," Zahavi said calmly.
"And right now, we're the only ones who can help you through this crisis."
As he spoke, Zahavi shot a glance at Cash Harris beside him.
Cash Harris was a specialist in football transactions within London's financial district. From club takeovers to player transfers and fund flows, he had a hand in it all.
Back when Yang Jianguo came to London to purchase the club, Harris had been the one to connect the dots.
But Abramovich was the bigger, fatter cash cow now.
"Lin, I must remind you," Cash Harris said with a light chuckle, "there's no bank or institution left in the City willing to lend you money. You're running out of time."
Lin Zhongqiu's expression was grim.
Everyone loves to kick you when you're down.
When Yang Jianguo left, he had already anticipated such a scenario. He had even prepared for the worst.
Selling the land for five million pounds wouldn't be enough to cover the debts—let alone recover all the investments poured into Bayswater Chinese over the years.
This club had basically reached the end of the road.
Chelsea, on the other hand, would walk away with a massive bargain.
But what could they do?
Reality was stronger than will.
Just as Lin Zhongqiu was about to speak with a defeated expression, a hand slid out from under the table.
Strong and decisive.
Yang Cheng reached out and firmly pressed down on Lin Zhongqiu's hand, stopping him from saying another word. Then, he turned to Zahavi and Harris with a calm smile.
He had dealt with these two sly foxes many times in his previous life.
Especially Zahavi—Yang Cheng had never liked that devious agent.
"Five million pounds is too low. It's far from our expected price. We'll need some time to reconsider," he said.
Zahavi and Harris exchanged a surprised glance.
They had clearly seen the older man about to cave in. Why had this young man suddenly stepped in?
"Of course, Mr. Yang. A decision like this deserves caution," Cash Harris said with a fake smile. "But I'll say it again—when you're on life support, time is precious."
"We're aware," Yang Cheng replied confidently with a nod.
The confident response left both men confused.
But at this point, there was nothing more to discuss. The negotiation was temporarily put on hold.
As they left, Zahavi even turned back and gave Yang Cheng a long, cold look.
"Youngsters don't know the meaning of fear. He'll come begging soon enough."
Cash Harris nodded. "They've borrowed from everywhere they could. There's no way out. Waiting a couple more days won't change a thing."
…
Once the two left, the office was quiet again—just Yang Cheng and a visibly anxious Lin Zhongqiu.
"Ah Cheng, ten million pounds is our target price, but even five million is barely acceptable. We need this money urgently. It's what your father instructed me to handle before he left."
Lin Zhongqiu was fiercely loyal to Yang Jianguo. Otherwise, he wouldn't have stayed to clean up this mess.
The club was clearly beyond saving. Bankruptcy was inevitable.
The only thing left was to keep the disaster from spreading back home.
Sacrifice the car to save the king.
"I know we badly need the money, Uncle Lin. But please trust me—there has to be another way."
"What other way could there be?" Lin was getting desperate.
When you're drowning, even seconds matter.
"I haven't figured it out yet."
"Then why did you just..." Lin grew even more agitated.
"I know what you're worried about. But it was obvious—they were trying to take advantage of our desperation. There's no need to rush. Let's stall them for two days. Try to buy a bit more time from the club's side, and I promise I'll find a solution."
He paused, then added, "Also, in the next two days, cut all ties between us and our domestic business. Make sure none of this blows back home."
"Don't worry, we're already working on it."
"Good. Then just give me two days."
With that, Yang Cheng left the meeting room.
Lin Zhongqiu watched him go, still uneasy. He had a bad feeling about all of this.
He immediately returned to his office and made a call back to China to update Yang Jianguo on the situation.
"Ah Cheng really said that?" Yang Jianguo, rather than sounding worried, actually burst into laughter.
Lin could tell there was surprise in his voice, but also a trace of pride.
"Yes, but I think it's too risky. He just graduated. He doesn't know what he's doing, I'm afraid—"
"Nothing to be afraid of."
Yang Jianguo cut him off directly.
"Old Lin, you're too cautious."
"Stick to the original plan. I'm ready on my end. Worst-case scenario, we lose a few years of investment over there. I honestly don't think that kid will come up with anything."
"But let him try. It's good practice."
In Yang Jianguo's eyes, the UK operations were already a lost cause.
He might as well let his only son gain some real-world experience—even if it meant learning through failure.
That's business. No one wins all the time.
If Yang Cheng could learn something valuable from this mess, it'd be worth it.
Money could be earned back. But there was only one heir.
…
Back in his office, Yang Cheng immediately got to work.
He first reviewed the club's financial statements and quickly confirmed the club needed at least one million pounds just to stay afloat.
But Bayswater Chinese had already mortgaged everything they could.
No bank would give a loan to a third-tier club teetering on the edge of collapse.
In his previous life, Yang Cheng had seen countless similar situations. Some clubs' financial maneuvers had even left him speechless with admiration.
What he needed now was a lifeline for Bayswater Chinese.
Once he finished reviewing the documents and had a good grasp of the club's situation, he began rummaging through the office.
He found a thick stack of business cards.
He flipped through them quickly, but with total focus.
Even when Lin Zhongqiu paused outside his open door for a moment, Yang Cheng didn't notice.
Before long, he had selected several cards.
Back at his desk, he began calling each contact using the information on the cards.
Most of them were business managers from banks or financial institutions.
On the calls, he mainly inquired about their services and scope of operations.
By the time he finished calling all the contacts, the sky outside had already gone dark.
Everything that had happened today left Lin Zhongqiu baffled—and deeply surprised.
Yang Cheng was behaving completely differently from usual.
The old Yang Cheng had been polite and courteous, but lacked conviction. There was no sharpness to him.
He even seemed a bit timid.
But today was different.
Especially that moment when he reached out to stop Lin from speaking.
Looking back, Lin Zhongqiu felt like he had caught a glimpse of the same fire Yang Jianguo had when he first started his business.
He passed by Yang Cheng's office a few more times but still couldn't figure out what the young man was doing.
Finally, when Yang Cheng finished his calls, Lin knocked and walked in.
"Uncle Lin, you're just in time," Yang Cheng said, standing up from his chair. "Help me put together some materials—club finances, operations, and information about our land. Print several copies."
"What is all this for?" Lin asked, puzzled.
Yang Cheng smiled slightly. "I spoke with a few City managers this afternoon. They're interested in the land. I'm planning to meet them tomorrow morning."
"It's no use, Ah Cheng. We've already mortgaged that land."
"I know. But there's still money out there. We just need to find it," Yang Cheng said confidently.
In 2003, European football's capital operations weren't nearly as sophisticated as they would become.
Naturally, someone like Yang Jianguo or Lin Zhongqiu wouldn't know all the ins and outs of the game.
But if something had value—then capital would be interested.
Even in a club as close to collapse as Bayswater Chinese.
And if they weren't interested? Yang Cheng would make them interested.
"Trust me, Uncle Lin. Just believe in me. Go get those documents ready."
Still confused, Lin turned to leave. Yang Jianguo had told him to let Yang Cheng take charge this time—so he had no choice but to cooperate.
What he didn't know was—after Lin left, Yang Cheng pulled out one particular business card from the top of the stack.
Elvino Asset Management Ltd.
Distressed Assets Division Manager.
Chris Hunter.
In the powerhouse-filled City of London, this company wasn't especially prominent—but it would do.
This man had once approached Bayswater Chinese because he saw the land's hidden value. He'd wanted to help the club with bankruptcy restructuring.
After a short but revealing chat, Yang Cheng believed—this guy would be very interested in what he had to propose.
You want me to go bankrupt?
I'll use your back to cross the river.
And we'll both enjoy the ride.
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