Rebuilding the Theatre

Arrival in Mallorca

When Jin Taige and Woodward landed at Palma Airport in Mallorca, Spain, Woodward couldn't help but bring up their recent negotiation tactics. "Tiger, next time you're in a situation where you need to negotiate a price, let me handle it. With Van Dijk, we might have only needed to add €500,000 instead of €1 million."

Jin Taige, stepping off the plane, replied calmly, "Ed, Van Dijk was already discussing contract details with Celtic. If we'd dragged it out, even if Groningen agreed, Van Dijk might have been gone. You're a businessman, always looking at the money. But I'm responsible for my team. Losing a future defensive cornerstone over €1 million would've been a bigger loss."

Woodward pouted. "A small amount of €1 million? Tiger, you're too generous."

Jin Taige waved it off. "Enough of that. Let's enjoy the sun and air in Spain."

As they stepped into the warm Mallorcan summer, Woodward couldn't help but admire the scenery. "I'm definitely retiring here someday. Sunshine, fresh air, and bikini-clad women—what a life."

Jin Taige chuckled. "Be grateful we're not in London. The constant gray skies there are unbearable."

Woodward laughed. "You're not wrong."

As they walked, Woodward glanced back at the serious-faced negotiators trailing behind them. "These guys are good at their jobs, but they're so serious all the time. Thanks to you, I'm not so bored."

Jin Taige smiled. "Life's too short to be serious all the time."

Woodward looked at him curiously. "I'm really looking forward to your first game. I want to see how someone as cheerful and informal as you handles the pressure on the pitch."

Jin Taige's expression turned serious for a moment, his fists clenched as if imagining the game. "When you see me on the pitch, you'll be glad we're on the same team."

Woodward laughed. "I like your confidence!"

As they continued walking, Woodward brought up a question that had been on his mind. "Tiger, I've been meaning to ask—why didn't we stop in France first? There are six or seven players on your list from there. Instead, we flew straight to Spain, which is farther away."

Jin Taige explained, "The players I'm targeting in France aren't as high-profile, and their transfers won't be as complicated. I wanted to secure the Spanish players first, then focus on France. We'll stay there for a while."

Woodward nodded, then asked another question. "Why don't we just let the club handle the negotiations? Why do you need to go in person?"

Jin Taige looked out the taxi window at the passing scenery. "Some players are too valuable to risk delays. If the club sends an offer, it might get bogged down in bureaucracy. By meeting the officials and players in person, we can speed things up. Plus, players like Van Dijk appreciate the personal touch. It shows we're serious."

Woodward smiled. "Even though we haven't seen results yet, it's clear the club has chosen a dedicated and responsible manager."

Founded in 1916, Mallorca Club had a long history but had fallen on hard times. After 16 consecutive seasons in La Liga, they were relegated to the second division in the 2012-2013 season. Many players had left, and the club was forced to sell core players to stay afloat.

When Jin Taige and Woodward arrived, club president Kilmes greeted them directly. "Who are you here for?"

Jin Taige smiled, appreciating the straightforward approach. "I want to buy a youth team player from your club."

"Oh? Who?"

"Marco Asensio."

Kilmes hesitated, then excused himself to call the youth team director. When he returned, he looked troubled. "Asensio is a rare talent in our club. He's technically gifted, and many clubs are interested in him…"

Jin Taige cut him off. "Let's not waste time. Name your price."

Kilmes blinked, surprised by Jin Taige's directness. "€1.4 million. That's my bottom line."

Jin Taige was about to agree, but Woodward stepped in. "€1.4 million? That's too much. We'll offer €1 million."

Kilmes shook his head. "€1 million is too low."

Woodward pressed on. "Mallorca's been relegated. I'm sure you'd appreciate every euro right now. Selling a little-known youth player for €1 million is a good deal."

After half an hour of back-and-forth, Kilmes finally agreed to Woodward's offer of €1 million.

The rest of the process was quick. Asensio, faced with the choice between a relegated club and a Premier League giant, didn't hesitate. He signed the contract with a smile.

Jin Taige patted his shoulder. "Marco, welcome to Manchester United. You'll be the next Scholes."

Asensio nodded eagerly. "Thank you, Coach. I'll work hard to live up to your expectations."

As Asensio left, Jin Taige felt a surge of satisfaction. The future Real Madrid superstar, known for his technical skill, vision, and ability to perform in big moments, had been signed for just €1 million. It was a steal.

Later that evening, Woodward found Jin Taige staring out the window of their hotel room. "What's wrong, Tiger? Don't tell me you're already missing this Spanish island."

Jin Taige handed him a copy of *Marca*. "Look at this."

Woodward scanned the headline: *Real Madrid Signs Isco for €30 Million*. He looked up in surprise. "Isco? Wasn't he on your list?"

Jin Taige sighed. "We were too late."

Woodward tried to console him. "Even if we'd gotten to him first, €30 million is a lot. We wouldn't have had enough left for the others on your list."

Jin Taige nodded, though he still felt the sting of disappointment. "You're right. But it's still frustrating."

Woodward clapped him on the back. "Come on, let's get some seafood. It'll cheer you up."

The next day, they set their sights on Barcelona. As they traveled, Woodward asked, "Are we going to sign Messi this time?"

Jin Taige laughed. "If you give me enough transfer funds, I'll sign Messi."

Woodward shook his head. "Not a chance. Messi's worth over €100 million right now."

Jin Taige smiled. "I'm not here for Messi. I'm here for someone who can stop him in the future."

In Barcelona, they headed straight to Espanyol's offices. This time, they were even more straightforward, paying the release clause to sign Eric Bailly for €3 million.

With Bailly secured, Jin Taige felt a sense of accomplishment. Alongside Alonso, Van Dijk, and Kimihi, he now had the core of a defense that could serve Manchester United for the next decade.

With Isco's missed opportunity still fresh in his mind, Jin Taige decided not to delay any longer. From Barcelona, they headed straight to France, where six more players awaited.

As they traveled, Woodward asked, "Out of all the players on your list, who do you value the most?"

Woodward guessed, "Lewandowski, because he's the most expensive."

Jin Taige shook his head. "Not just because of the price. The biggest issue with Manchester United right now isn't the defense or the attack—it's the midfield. Since Roy Keane retired, we've lacked a strong defensive midfielder. That's why I'm heading to Boulogne. I'm going to fix our midfield."