Costa Maior stared blankly at Claire Lee and Steve Chen, utterly bewildered.
What was supposed to be a simple meet-up between friends had somehow turned into an impromptu business negotiation. And today was the first time Costa truly got to know his star client, Claire Lee.
Before this, Costa had only seen Claire as a highly disciplined and self-aware young man.
But now, he was seeing him in a whole new light. As their conversation deepened, it began to feel less like a casual chat and more like an investor pitching to a potential business partner.
And the man sitting across from them? A billionaire worth 13 billion RMB.
After a long pause, Steve Chen finally spoke up: "So, your cross-border travel platform will eventually adopt Ctrip's domestic business model, right?"
"Exactly. No heavy-asset operations involved. And when it comes to the Premier League, no one has deeper connections than my uncle. He treats that club as his life's work. I'm confident this niche travel service will remain unrivaled for at least a decade."
"As customized and specialty tours expand, partnerships will deepen, and interests will become more intertwined."
"Primeira Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A—all these leagues could be potential collaborators. If we break it down, it's essentially a comprehensive sports competition service platform, wouldn't you say?"
Claire chuckled at his own words, while Steve scribbled furiously on a notepad.
"Should we eat first? We can continue talking over dinner!" Lucy poked her head in, smiling at the three men sitting cross-legged in the hallway.
Steve remained silent, while Costa and Claire exchanged awkward glances before apologizing.
Time ticked by. Costa yawned intermittently, while Claire watched with interest as Steve jotted down notes.
Steve's notes were straightforward—outlining the technology, framework, and revenue model of Claire's proposed cross-border travel platform, including the customized and specialty tour concepts.
"Going public within a year would be tough." After some calculations, Steve slid the paper over to Claire, who carefully folded it and tucked it into his pocket.
"Do you have any suggestions, then?"
Steve hesitated, glancing at Costa, who immediately reassured him: "Don't worry—I know what to keep confidential. Claire's my bread and butter, after all."
Claire shot Costa a surprised look.
"If you're open to investment, I can contribute both technology and capital for a 40% stake."
The moment Steve said those words, Claire's exhaustion vanished, replaced by a flush of excitement.
Costa's eyes flickered with a mix of eagerness and hesitation.
"Don't be alarmed—40% isn't excessive, considering what I'm bringing. My YouTube tech team can have your framework ready in 20 days. Plus, I'll invest $8 million to cover everything—setting up travel agencies in China's major cities, expanding into key UK markets." Steve paused, then added, "Whether you cash out in a year or keep growing the business, I'll ensure your uncle's club profits."
Claire didn't hesitate.
He had pitched nothing more than a concept and an unproven business model, yet he'd just secured $8 million—along with YouTube's technical support. For anyone, this would be a windfall.
Sure, Claire had poured all his endorsement earnings into the project, but most of that had gone into his uncle's stadium. This asset-light online travel platform was built for future IPO financing.
Everything was falling into place. With Steve's backing—and the influence of internet mogul Kai-Fu Lee—Claire's biggest hurdles had suddenly vanished.
Dinner was a joyous affair. Claire even indulged in a few drinks, while Steve retired early under Costa's guidance.
The next morning, Claire woke up and glanced at Lucy Pindell lying beside him—headache incoming.
Unlike Jessica, Lucy, as the older sister, was aggressively attentive, always finding new ways to surprise him.
Claire noticed something else—his back injury had mysteriously healed.
"Holy shit."
"Since when did I have this ability?"
His outburst ruined Lucy's fake slumber. She sat up, deliberately stretching, and asked drowsily, "Hmm? What's wrong? Did your wound reopen?"
Seeing her act, Claire played along—burying his shock as he pounced on her again.
Meanwhile, Denis Irwin lounged outside Claire's house, basking in the sun. Every time someone passed by, he'd cheerfully greet them.
"Hey, Denis! Heard you bought a club. Need me to play for you?"
"Oh, fk off, Gary! Why don't you coach instead, you old fossil? Too ancient to earn a player's salary!" Denis shot back at Gary Pallister, his former Manchester United teammate.
Gary, carrying a little girl, rolled his eyes and walked off.
The steady stream of familiar faces made one thing clear—Denis Irwin had a remarkable nephew.
What they didn't know was that said nephew was currently busy ensuring Denis couldn't get back inside.