Chapter 199: A Little Gambling for Fun

[Chapter 199: A Little Gambling for Fun]

"Yeah!!!"

As the final whistle blew, all the German fans erupted into a deafening cheer. They sang along to the anthem, pouring out their joy freely.

Seeing this, Ian chuckled, "Nipple fun."

"What did you say?" Murdoch looked at Ian, confused.

Even though he had lost a bet, it wasn't a big deal.

After all, it was only a preliminary agreement -- it didn't really matter because as long as the deal wasn't signed, even if Murdoch didn't go back on his word, he could still recoup his losses through other means.

For instance, he could agree to sell 40% of the shares for $13 billion, but without a confirmed market value increase, he could revise the share value increase from 80% to 200% and add punitive clauses.

In 90 minutes, it was impossible to discuss everything, and any unaddressed areas could serve as negotiation leverage.

So, Murdoch didn't need to go back on his word, as it didn't affect the implementation of the contract.

However, Murdoch didn't want to push it too far. He had quite an admiration for Ian Carr.

This young man was impressive!

Ian had not only won over Britney but also had made an impression on Murdoch.

Sure, there was Wendi, but who cared about her?

Wendi was a desirable figure for many women looking to move up in the world, but to someone already in a position of power, she held no value!

Murdoch didn't even consider his wife seriously. He was always on guard against her, otherwise, he wouldn't have had that divorce arrangement that left Wendi almost empty-handed.

...

Ian smiled and said, "There's a theory that suggests that for those in poverty, they need a little bit of fun. They're like children; when they cry out in hunger, a little milk can soothe them. Entertainment is like that milk..."

He glanced at Britney, "You're the biggest one out there."

Britney was speechless.

She shot Ian an annoyed look, "I hate your description, Ian Carr!"

Ian wrapped an arm around Britney and lightly kissed her cheek, "Don't mind me; I was just joking."

He first teased her lightly, then soothed her -- that was the typical approach to charm a girl.

Britney was surprised.

He kissed me?

He just did that without even asking?

But why wasn't I upset? I was actually a bit happy?

Hmph, Ian Carr, you still claim you don't pursue girls?

Britney felt a surge of joy at Ian's exception towards her, unaware that she was falling into an emotional trap.

Murdoch didn't mind this.

After all, they were there to discuss corporate acquisitions; being intimate was just part of it, wasn't it?

Otherwise, what gave them the right to be in the same space?

Did they really think their big-star status gave them the privilege to listen in on a multi-billion dollar deal? Fortunately, Fox, News Corporation, and Carr Media weren't publicly traded at that moment, or just them sitting together to watch a game could have caused stock market fluctuations, with share prices soaring high.

Of course, the big bosses would never let their shareholders in on those opportunities. If they publicly informed shareholders about some favorable news, it could mean the shareholders needed to watch out for a potential loss -- the common folk only knew what the big bosses wanted them to know!

Murdoch had said, "I like your performance, Ian. Now we can discuss some specifics; you can leave that to the team below."

As he spoke, he stood up and walked towards the door.

Ian politely went ahead, assisting Murdoch; this gesture pleased him greatly... there were not many young people of such accomplishments in this era who could still show respect to their elders.

...

They exited through the VIP passage, passing by a businessman named Anthony Roberts and his wife.

Murdoch remarked, "I'll have my reporters follow his wife; you might take the chance to short the stock, but don't overdo it."

"Thanks for the tip," Ian smiled.

There were limits to shorting, and going too big could backfire. For limited resources like Ian Carr, earning tens of millions was just a minimal win.

At this moment, Ian made arrangements to meet with Murdoch again before leaving, bringing Britney back with him.

...

The car was still being driven by Brydon, while Ian and Britney sat in the back seat.

As the partition of the stretched Lincoln went up, Ian casually put an arm around Britney.

His movements were so natural, as if they had known each other for a long time.

Britney felt a little nervous but didn't reject it.

She looked at Ian, and he smiled back at her.

With no words, they just gazed at each other.

Feelings ignited within, Ian appeared so much larger than life in Britney's eyes at that moment...

He completely captured her heart.

Unable to control the heat rising within her, Britney suddenly embraced him, kissing him fervently.

The girl released her most passionate feelings.

No declarations, no announcements, no flirting, no build-up.

Everything was so natural.

Britney was completely lost in Ian's masculine aura.

Ian reciprocated with an equally fiery kiss.

Britney closed her eyes, gasping, "Oh my God, Ian, you're killing me... you're the most charming man I've ever seen."

In response, Ian gently revealed Britney's clothing.

Though she still had a touch of restraint, she tried to resist: "No, not in the car! There are people around!"

Ian laughed, "Brydon's got a tight lip; that's why I chose him as a driver... I can't wait any longer, baby; I can't stand it for a minute!"

Britney's heart melted.

Those were the most enchanting words -- after all, it was Ian Carr, who never pursued women, saying this!

Some things should be judged not by content but by the speaker's identity!

Ian's hands began to roam freely.

Britney wanted to resist, but the warmth flooding her heart left her powerless to fight back.

She realized that she was enjoying this moment!

The back seat of the stretched Lincoln was spacious enough to transform into a makeshift bed.

Ian pushed Britney down against it.

She clung to him desperately, pulling him closer to her body.

With over 200 kilometers to cover, it was at least a more than an hour-long ride.

...

Brydon sighed lightly as he drove.

I might be tight-lipped, but that doesn't mean I'm not reacting here!

...

An hour later, the car returned to the hotel.

Britney stepped out of the car, her face flushed.

She linked arms with Ian, looking quite content and pleased.

A few bodyguards moved in timely to protect them while they entered the hotel through the back door, leaving Brydon exhausted in the car.

He needed to catch his breath... thank goodness he was a good driver, or he wouldn't have managed in that situation...

...

Just as Ian and Britney returned to their room, Britney's agent rushed over.

Seeing their affectionate display, her eyes lit up, "Britney!"

Britney waved at her agent, "Don't say anything; I know what I'm doing."

She giggled and followed Ian back to the room.

Seeing this scene, the agent sighed in relief.

She understood that Britney's problems had been resolved at least; Justin Timberlake's nonsense would not be an issue anymore.

...

Once they were back, Ian and Britney didn't step outside again.

They reveled in their room, experimenting with various positions.

Ian even held Britney up against the large floor-to-ceiling windows.

Britney felt a pang of panic, thinking about the potential of being caught on camera from the other side.

But Ian reassured her, "Don't worry; no one is filming. No reporter can escape my sight."

Those words settled Britney's nerves and even teased her into playfulness: "Maybe I should have the reporters take pictures; then I'd become your official girlfriend."

She had thought too far; that was impossible!

After Scarlett, Ian wouldn't have any official girlfriend.

Ian gently soothed her, "I hope your current self doesn't end up in any paparazzi reports... they won't be allowed to see any part of you. I didn't care before, but now you belong to me!"

Those words thrilled Britney, who clung to Ian, shouting, "Fuck me!!! Ian!!!"

She boldly expressed her beauty, releasing all her passion, her charming voice producing the most delightful melodies!

With Britney's company, time passed even more quickly and joyfully.

In the blink of an eye, two days went by.

---

It was now June 18.

The day of Korea versus Italy had finally arrived.

At 7:30 PM, Daegu Stadium.

Ian brought Britney back to the VIP box there again.

This time, he didn't meet with Murdoch but relaxed in the box, enjoying himself with Britney while witnessing what was undeniably the biggest scandal in soccer history.

When Yoo Sang-chul elbowed Italian defender Cocu during a corner kick, causing Cocu to bleed and collapse, the referee Moreno deemed there was no foul, and the booing began to rise frantically.

When the Italians thought this was just a one-time officiating blunder, the events that unfolded afterward shocked them even more, as did the rest of the world.

Even Britney, who was passionately engaged with Ian in the box, was momentarily distracted.

She looked incredulously at the chaos on the field, murmuring, "Is that referee insane?"

Ian chuckled softly behind her, "Don't be surprised, baby; I placed my money on Korea winning; God never lets me down."

"Ah!" Britney exclaimed softly, "How much did you bet?"

"Not much, just a hundred million, at 3.8 to 1 odds," Ian smiled.

Originally, the odds for this match should have been around four to one, but the betting companies would adjust the odds based on bets placed to ensure they wouldn't lose money.

When large sums were wagered on Korea, the odds for Korea would drop.

That was standard practice, after all, it safeguarded the interests of the betting companies, ensuring that the victorious side could secure their winnings.

"Oh my God!" Britney exclaimed, suddenly exhilarated after just feeling frustrated, "You're going to strike it rich, Ian!"

"It's not about getting rich -- just a little gambling for fun!" Ian wrapped his arms around Britney's delicate waist.

*****

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