Jin Taige, enjoying the comfort of home, was interrupted by a call from Ferran. "Turn on Entertainment and Sports Channel 2—now!"
Curious, Jin Taige grabbed the remote and switched to the channel. What he saw made him freeze.
Him?
The screen showed a talk show with two guests: a man and a woman. The woman, Tai Mi, was instantly recognizable. A leading host at the network and a prominent figure in football circles, Tai Mi was a household name.
Dressed in a miniskirt and red high heels, Tai Mi exuded charm. Her long legs, flowing blonde hair, and captivating blue eyes made her a visual spectacle. Jin Taige couldn't help but think, *Even if she just sat there silently, male viewers would tune in.*
But it was the man beside her who caught Jin Taige's attention.
The man was thin, almost as slender as Tai Mi herself. His sharp, clean-shaven face and calculating eyes gave him a cunning appearance. The caption at the bottom of the screen revealed his identity:
Wolf – Reporter, The Sun
Jin Taige's jaw tightened. Wolf's name had haunted him since he took over as Manchester United's manager. Every move Jin Taige made was scrutinized, criticized, and often vilified in Wolf's columns. While Jin Taige had brushed off the attacks, he worried about their impact on the team's morale.
Watching the show, Jin Taige chuckled. "Writing wasn't enough? Now he's on TV?"
On screen, Tai Mi asked Wolf, "Mr. Wolf, are you concerned about Manchester United's future?"
Wolf waved dismissively. "Concerned? I'm downright pessimistic."
"Why?" Tai Mi widened her eyes, her innocent expression captivating viewers.
Wolf leaned forward, his tone confident. "United's squad is aging. Ferdinand is 35, Vidic is 31, Giggs is 39, and Carrick is 31. Even van Persie, last season's Golden Boot winner, is 30. Who among the younger players can step up? Smoling? Rafael? Anderson? Kagawa? Last season's title was all down to Sir Alex Ferguson's leadership. With him gone and Jin Taige in charge, United are doomed."
Tai Mi countered, "But Mr. Jin Taige's record isn't bad—one win and one draw in two league games."
"A win against Swansea and a draw against Mourinho's defensive setup? That's nothing to boast about," Wolf scoffed. "If he wants to prove himself, he needs to win meaningful games—like the upcoming match against Liverpool."
Tai Mi's eyes sparkled. "Speaking of Liverpool, I heard you wrote a column about Jin Taige's 'Double Kill Liverpool' bet."
Wolf smirked. "I swear, that story is true. At the FA reception, I heard Jin Taige tell Rodgers himself: 'This season, United will double Liverpool. If not, I'll jump off Tower Bridge!' His expression was priceless."
The studio audience erupted in laughter.
Tai Mi pressed further. "Do you think Mr. Jin Taige will win?"
Wolf's mocking smile widened. "Double Liverpool? Even Ferguson never made such bold claims. With United's current squad, they'll be lucky to avoid a thrashing. Jin Taige will lose this bet—mark my words."
Tai Mi tilted her head, her charm irresistible. "Are you so sure?"
Wolf, emboldened, raised his voice. "In fact, my editor at *The Sun*, Mr. Bright, and I have a proposal. We're willing to buy the exclusive rights to broadcast Jin Taige's jump off Tower Bridge!"
The audience roared with laughter.
Wolf, basking in the moment, added, "If I had Jin Taige's number, I'd call him right now to discuss it."
Tai Mi paused, touching her earpiece as the director's voice buzzed in her ear. She smiled, knowing this would boost ratings.
"Mr. Wolf," she said, her voice dripping with mischief, "I have good news for you."
When Taimi received the director's cue, she knew the show's ratings would skyrocket. Smiling coyly at Wolf, she announced, "Mr. Wolf, I have good news for you."
Wolf's sense that something was wrong just by looking at Taimi
A staff member hurried onstage, handing Taimi a note. She passed it to Wolf with a flourish.
Wolf stared. "What's this?"
"Jin Taige's phone number."
The audience erupted in laughter, their eyes glued to Wolf's flustered face.
Wolf's mind raced. *I've spent months trashing Jin Taige in print. If he curses me live on air, I'll be a laughingstock!*
Thinking quickly, Wolf deflected, "Such a significant decision requires my editor's approval. Mr. Bright, what do you think?"
But Bright, seated in the audience, stood and shouted, "Call him, Wolf! Now!"
Wolf shot Bright a venomous glare but dialed the number, hands trembling. "Mr. Bright has authorized a £1 million offer for the exclusive rights to broadcast your bet. Would you agree, Mr. Jin Taige?"
Wolf's plan: If Jin Taige accepted, he'd earn Bright's praise. If not, tomorrow's headline would brand Jin Taige a coward.
At Taimi's urging, Wolf switched to speakerphone. The line rang once before Jin Taige answered.
"Connected!" Taimi squealed, barely containing her excitement.
Wolf cleared his throat. "Mr. Jin Taige, I'm Wolf from *The Sun*. We propose—"
"I agree," Jin Taige interrupted, his voice crisp.
Wolf froze. "Pardon?"
"You want the exclusive rights to my Tower Bridge jump? Sold. £1 million. Done."
Taimi nearly leapt from her chair. "Mr. Jin Taige is watching our show!"
Wolf paled. *He heard everything I said!* "Th-thank you, Mr. Jin Taige. We'll finalize the contract post-show. Goodnight!"
"Wait." Jin Taige's voice halted him.
Wolf's throat tightened. "Yes?"
"Two conditions. First, if I *win* the bet and don't jump, *The Sun* still pays me £1 million."
Wolf glanced at Bright, who nodded eagerly. The editor mouthed, *Worth it for the headlines!*
"Agreed," Wolf said. "And the second condition?"
Jin Taige's tone turned icy. "If I win, you jump off Tower Bridge. I'll host the event."
Silence.
Wolf's phone nearly slipped from his hand. "W-what?!"
Taimi, sensing drama, leaned in. "Ladies and gentlemen, Jin Taige just challenged Wolf to his own dare! Will Wolf accept? After all, he's *so certain* Jin Taige will lose…"
The audience howled as Wolf's face turned crimson.