Chapter 19: Alan Shearer’s Successor

"I'm sorry about this, Yang."

Chris Hunter had barely stepped into Yang Cheng's office before he apologized, his tone filled with guilt.

Yang Cheng had already anticipated the reason for his visit, but the apology was unexpected.

It showed that Chris Hunter didn't fully support the company's decision.

"Chris, you've seen the progress our team has made recently. We're currently at the top of the League Two standings, seven points ahead of second place."

Yang Cheng leaned forward slightly, meeting Chris Hunter's gaze with unwavering confidence.

"I have no doubt about our trajectory. I can guarantee that by the end of this season, we'll secure promotion to the Championship."

He paused before adding, "Surely, you're not worried about our ability to repay the debt?"

Chris Hunter nodded, but his expression carried a hint of shame.

Even though Yang Cheng's club wasn't part of his usual bankruptcy reorganization cases, Chris had been involved from the beginning.

Over the past few months, he had personally witnessed Yang Cheng transform a struggling club on the verge of collapse into the dominant force of League Two.

Now, the company's decision threatened to derail everything.

No stadium. No training ground. And if things spiraled out of control, the Football Association could even ban the Chinese from Bayswater.

"Yang, I have to inform you that the company has made its final decision."

Chris took a deep breath, steadying himself before delivering the news.

"Chelsea approached us through Cash Harris. They're offering £15 million for the land."

"Fifteen million?"

Yang Cheng let out a low chuckle, though there was no humor in it.

"A few months ago, they only offered five."

Chris Hunter remained silent, pretending not to hear the sarcasm laced in Yang Cheng's words.

"Yang, this is an incredible offer. Taking the money would be the smart move."

Yang Cheng didn't respond immediately.

Elvino was a business, first and foremost.

Fifteen million pounds was a huge sum, especially for a company like Elvino, which owned only 20% of the club's shares but would walk away with three million pounds.

And that wasn't even considering the commission Chelsea might offer them once the deal was done.

For Elvino, this was a no-brainer.

For Bayswater Chinese, it was a complicated dilemma.

With £12 million in hand, the club's financial situation would improve drastically.

They could rent stadiums and training grounds elsewhere.

After all, in England, football pitches weren't exactly in short supply. Some lower-league clubs even trained in public parks.

"Yang, I specialize in bankruptcy restructuring, and I've thought this through for you. If you take this deal and clear your debts, you can easily purchase a larger plot of land in the suburbs."

Chris continued persuasively, "There are plenty of struggling football, rugby, and golf clubs up for sale at rock-bottom prices. Any of them could be converted into a training facility for your team."

"As for your stadium, you can rent from Queens Park Rangers, West Ham, Reading, Watford, or Brentford. Their facilities are far superior to what you currently have, and the rent wouldn't be expensive."

Yang Cheng couldn't deny that Chris's proposal was reasonable.

This was exactly what Yang Jianguo and Lin Zhongqiu had originally planned—to sell the land, revitalize the club, and push for promotion.

With a proper financial foundation, Bayswater Chinese could make a serious push for the Championship and, eventually, the Premier League.

One step at a time.

But Yang Cheng was unwilling.

"What if I refuse?"

His voice was firm as he looked straight at Chris Hunter.

Chris hesitated for a moment, frowning as he tried to formulate a response.

But before he could speak, Yang Cheng raised a hand to stop him.

"Just tell me—what happens if I refuse?"

Chris let out a slow sigh, as if trying to suppress his frustration.

"Yang, we have a contract. And Chelsea's offer is extremely generous…"

"If you still consider me a friend, then don't waste time trying to convince me," Yang Cheng interrupted.

Chris studied him for a long moment.

He couldn't understand why Yang Cheng was resisting.

From a business standpoint, taking the deal would open up a new world of possibilities.

But Yang Cheng was stubborn.

"If you refuse, we will have no choice but to demand immediate repayment of the £2 million loan, along with interest accrued over the past few months."

Yang Cheng's expression darkened.

"Why? Our contract clearly states a two-year repayment period."

Chris hesitated before explaining, "There's a clause in the fine print. If our company faces financial difficulties, we reserve the right to demand early repayment. Of course, you can refuse to pay the remaining interest."

Yang Cheng narrowed his eyes.

Fortunately, he had anticipated this possibility and had Lin Zhongqiu consult a professional to analyze the contract.

If he hadn't done so, he might have been caught off guard.

"Chris, your bosses really are ruthless."

Chris let out another sigh.

"Chelsea is simply offering too much."

Yang Cheng clenched his jaw but held his temper in check.

At the end of the day, this was just business.

"Yang, I can guess what you're thinking. Selling players might bring in some cash, but you need to ask yourself—if you let go of your star player, can you still secure promotion next season?"

Chris's point was valid.

If the goal was long-term growth, then securing promotion had to be the priority.

Sacrificing a key player just to keep the land could jeopardize everything.

Even Lin Zhongqiu, who was usually composed, was visibly anxious.

—

Yang Cheng didn't make an immediate decision.

Instead, he called for a meeting with Lin Zhongqiu and Brian Kidd.

"I've made up my mind—I will not accept Elvino's decision."

His firm declaration left both men stunned.

Lin Zhongqiu had always been cautious, while Brian Kidd was surprised by Yang Cheng's resolve.

"If we refuse them, we'll have to find a way to repay the debt," Lin Zhongqiu warned.

"Are you considering selling a player?" Brian Kidd asked.

Yang Cheng didn't answer directly, but his expression spoke volumes.

"Will it affect our promotion chances?" Lin Zhongqiu pressed.

"We've worked for years to reach this point. This is our best chance."

Yang Cheng understood his concerns, but he had already weighed the risks.

"In fact, there's something Chris Hunter didn't mention. If we do get promoted, we might have to rent a stadium anyway."

Yang Cheng looked at Lin Zhongqiu. "Why?"

Brian Kidd was the first to react.

"League One matches are televised, but our stadium lacks proper broadcasting infrastructure."

Yang Cheng exhaled sharply.

Yet another problem left behind by his father.

But this, too, could be turned into an opportunity.

"Brian, based on our current tactics, which player would be hardest to replace?"

"Ribery and Martin Roland," Kidd answered without hesitation.

Yang Cheng nodded.

Martin Roland had no immediate replacement. Modric was still too raw.

Ribery's contributions on the left wing were irreplaceable.

"Interestingly," Brian Kidd added, "Mick McCarthy came to scout Steed, but after one match, he started asking about Ribery."

Yang Cheng smirked.

In League Two, there was no media coverage, no detailed statistics.

Scouts had to rely on firsthand observation to spot talent.

"But that means Steed is the most replaceable player in our squad," Lin Zhongqiu realized.

"Who will replace him? Lambert? He's still struggling to adapt."

Yang Cheng merely smiled.

Brian Kidd caught on quickly.

"Lambert might not be ready yet, but I'm guessing you've already found someone else."

Indeed, Yang Cheng had recently noticed a certain striker in League Three—playing for Cambridge United.

A young forward. A natural goal scorer.

And the best part? He could be signed cheaply.

"Brian, spread the word through the media. Let potential buyers know—the England U21 striker is about to hit the transfer market."

Brian Kidd chuckled.

"Sunderland is interested. And Newcastle… Shearer is already 33."

Yang Cheng grinned.

"Bobby Robson and Newcastle are searching for Alan Shearer's successor."