Still, he needed time to get all the way here . Tang En and Bale could not possibly just sit and wait in the office . So, even though they had not officially signed the professional contract, Tang En brought Bale to the training grounds to introduce him to the members of Forest's First Team .
Wes Morgan was delighted to see yet another player from the Youth Team coming to join them . Although he did not have much status on the First Team, he was still happy to help the newly arrived boy .
Tang En washed his hands of the matter after making the introductions; with a push, he passed Bale off to his team members .
After seeing Bale quickly become friendly with Wes Morgan, Kerslake stepped forward and announced that the day's training was officially beginning . Meanwhile, Tang En continued standing by the sidelines and supervising them .
To Gareth Bale, the First Team, with the presence of Wes Morgan, George Wood, Kerslake, and Tony Twain, felt no different from the Youth Team he was familiar with . He believed that he would be very happy here and able to quickly adjust to the managers' demands . He was also sure he would swiftly meet with opportunities to display his abilities .
Wes Morgan took great care of this little brother, helping him out numerous times during training . Tang En took it all into consideration . While Wes Morgan could only play as a substitute fullback from the perspective of his abilities, his warmth as a person was irreplaceable on the team . Because of that, Wes Morgan was also a non-saleable player of Forest .
The training had barely started when Tang En's phone vibrated in his pocket .
He took it out . It was Allan .
Ever since Allan had taken on the matter of discussing Anelka's transfer, he had for a while disappeared from Tang En's sights . Tang En did not know how the negotiations were going; if everything was going well, or if they had gotten into a stalemate . He figured Allan's call must have something to do with Anelka .
He took quick strides to the rest area on the sidelines and found a quiet corner to pick it up .
"Allan, I almost forgot about you . "
"Ha! I'm sure you know what I'm calling you for, right?" From Allan's voice, Tang En found it hard to tell if the situation was good or bad; he excelled at hiding his emotions and intent .
"Of course . Other than Anelka, I can't think of anything else . " Tang En shrugged .
"That's right . I wanted to confirm your intent towards the French forward . Do you absolutely have to have him, or does it not matter either way?"
Tang En thought briefly . "Doesn't matter either way . " He could approximately guess the situation; the transfer had probably progressed into a stalemate . "I can wait until Eastwood recovers from his injury . I can even take this chance to search for another forward on the transfer market . But the timing has to be quicker on your end and conclude sooner . Have you met with some trouble, Allan?"
"Mmm…" Allan pondered for a moment . "The two agents have big appetites . They regard the treatment of their younger brother highly . Straight off the bat, they've already asked for a signing fee of 1 . 25 million pounds . And that's only for the two agents; it doesn't include what we need to pay their younger brother . "
Hearing Allan relate the matter, Tang En was not angry . Instead, he laughed . He had known that it would be this way, so he was not in the least surprised .
"They've always been that way and always will be . You can tell those two guys that Forest's manager said this: either they accept Allan Adams' terms, or they can pack up and run back to Turkey! Let them understand their situation . It's not us, Nottingham Forest, begging to buy Anelka . It's them who've taken the initiative to look for us, hoping for us to give their brother a way out . "
Allan burst out chortling when he heard Tang En's words . "You've been keeping a lid on those words, haven't you, Tony?"
"Of course . Ever since you intended to speak to them . "
"Oh right, Tony . The team recently bought a Chinese player? What kind of considerations did you have? The Chinese market?"
"You're not the Marketing Manager for nothing, Allan . Your whole mind is filled with thoughts of market expansions… I bought him because he compliments our team's abilities well, not for his commercial value . Plus…" Tang En hesitated . "I don't think that well of the Chinese market . If you're intending to sell jerseys, we should sign-on a Japanese player . Japanese fans are really easy to rip off . "
Allan laughed and said, "Tony, you aren't the manager of the Sports Competition Department for nothing either . Market expansion isn't just about selling jerseys or opening merchandise stores for fans . But the joining of the Chinese player reminded me; I've got a new plan . Maybe it's just because you're the manager, so whenever you're signing them on, you believe in looking only at a player's techniques and their ability to enhance the team's potency . However, I'm the Market Manager . What I'm interested in is how the players you've signed on can broaden the influence of the club and their effects on the market . It's your job to train players and lead them to win matches and championships . Figuring out how to get the players to help the club make money is mine . "
"You're right, Allan . We each have our jobs to do . Oh, are you negotiating with Anelka's agents?"
"Yes . "
"Then what are you doing here, calling me and discussing market development in China?"
"I need to let those two guys cool down somewhat . They've probably never seen real money in their lives . If you're free, we can keep chatting about other stuff . Do you like listening to music? I like Elvis . Is that surprising? In this age, I don't think there are many who would still like his song . Evan likes Elvis a lot too . Both of us have the same hobbies . We've been old friends for many years . "
"I like Queen…Ah, Allan, you're evil!" Tang En laughed uproariously, attracting even the attention of the players on the field . "You're just letting the two Frenchmen wait for no reason in the room?"
"Yes . If I hadn't suddenly remembered the Chinese player, I would have gone to find a room to nap for a bit after asking you about your intentions towards Anelka . Or maybe, I'd have gotten a cup of coffee and some sunshine . There are quite a few cafes on the streets of Paris . I'll treat you the next time we come . In truth, the taste of the coffee isn't that crucial… What's important is the surroundings and the atmosphere . The atmosphere on Paris' streets goes impeccably with coffee . In that aspect, England is not at all…"
Before Allan, Tang En would admit to a complete defeat . Allan, with his baby face, was easily underestimated by others . But, whenever that happened, the person was in for some bad luck .
"Then, what drink is suitable in America?"
"Cola . Walking and drinking it at the same time . "
The two chatted happily as if they had entirely forgotten about Anelka . Only after a long while did the two finally end their call, and Tang En returned to the sidelines of the training grounds to watch the team practice .
※※※
On the other side, Allan headed to the washroom after hanging up the phone . He faced the mirror and held his breath . His reflection in the mirror got redder and redder, and beads of sweat began to line up on his forehead . His neck also started reddening . He suddenly opened his mouth when he could not hold it in any longer, gasping roughly for air . Leaning heavily with his hands on the sink, he breathed raggedly to satisfy the demands of his lungs of getting fresh air .
As he breathed, Allan reared his head to look at the mirror . Satisfied with his current state, he unbuttoned the top of his shirt and turned to walk out of the washroom .
While Allan and Tang En were laughing and joking with each other over the phone, both Claude Anelka and Didier Anelka were becoming impatient waiting in the hotel room .
When Allan left, he had told them he was going to give the team's manager a call to inform him about their terms . Who knew he would be gone for so long…
Each time they heard footsteps in the corridor, the two would straighten up their posture . But each time, it was not Allan returning It was very frustrating .
When Allan opened the door, he immediately noticed the two Frenchmen leaning back on their chairs, looking bored stiff . Naturally, he pretended not to see the astonishment on their faces and said to the both apologetically, "I'm sorry about making you wait for so long . "
"Ah… it's no matter . Can we continue now, Mr . Adams?"
Allan Adams sighed . "What I'm even more sorry about is… Our main manager Tony Twain, does not intend on accepting your terms . I argued with him for a long time, but he insisted on his opinion that Anelka is not a player that he needs . I'm sure you all know, but I am immensely keen on bringing Anelka into the team . From the beginning, he was against the idea . So… if he isn't agreeable, I'm afraid there aren't any other options . You must understand; the team is under his charge . Furthermore, our club's chairman, Mr . Evan Doughty, has extremely good relations with Mr . Twain…" he shrugged . "I'm truly sorry, but there's nothing I can do . He says, if you don't accept the current terms offered by Forest, then there is no need to continue transferral negotiations . "
Anelka's brothers were utterly boggled .
Gareth Bale gave his dad a call after getting onto the First Team . On hearing that Forest was offering a professional contract, Bales father did not wait for him to finish his words before dropping the phone and driving from Cardiff to Nottingham in a rush . Still, he needed time to get all the way here . Tang En and Bale could not possibly just sit and wait in the office . So, even though they had not officially signed the professional contract, Tang En brought Bale to the training grounds to introduce him to the members of Forests First Team . Wes Morgan was delighted to see yet another player from the Youth Team coming to join them . Although he did not have much status on the First Team, he was still happy to help the newly arrived boy . Tang En washed his hands of the matter after making the introductions; with a push, he passed Bale off to his team members . After seeing Bale quickly become friendly with Wes Morgan, Kerslake stepped forward and announced that the days training was officially beginning . Meanwhile, Tang En continued standing by the sidelines and supervising them . To Gareth Bale, the First Team, with the presence of Wes Morgan, George Wood, Kerslake, and Tony Twain, felt no different from the Youth Team he was familiar with . He believed that he would be very happy here and able to quickly adjust to the managers demands . He was also sure he would swiftly meet with opportunities to display his abilities . Wes Morgan took great care of this little brother, helping him out numerous times during training . Tang En took it all into consideration . While Wes Morgan could only play as a substitute fullback from the perspective of his abilities, his warmth as a person was irreplaceable on the team . Because of that, Wes Morgan was also a non-saleable player of Forest . The training had barely started when Tang Ens phone vibrated in his pocket . He took it out . It was Allan . Ever since Allan had taken on the matter of discussing Anelkas transfer, he had for a while disappeared from Tang Ens sights . Tang En did not know how the negotiations were going; if everything was going well, or if they had gotten into a stalemate . He figured Allans call must have something to do with Anelka . He took quick strides to the rest area on the sidelines and found a quiet corner to pick it up . Allan, I almost forgot about you . Ha! Im sure you know what Im calling you for, right? From Allans voice, Tang En found it hard to tell if the situation was good or bad; he excelled at hiding his emotions and intent . Of course . Other than Anelka, I cant think of anything else . Tang En shrugged . Thats right . I wanted to confirm your intent towards the French forward . Do you absolutely have to have him, or does it not matter either way? Tang En thought briefly . Doesnt matter either way . He could approximately guess the situation; the transfer had probably progressed into a stalemate . I can wait until Eastwood recovers from his injury . I can even take this chance to search for another forward on the transfer market . But the timing has to be quicker on your end and conclude sooner . Have you met with some trouble, Allan? Mmm… Allan pondered for a moment . The two agents have big appetites . They regard the treatment of their younger brother highly . Straight off the bat, theyve already asked for a signing fee of 1 . 25 million pounds . And thats only for the two agents; it doesnt include what we need to pay their younger brother . Hearing Allan relate the matter, Tang En was not angry . Instead, he laughed . He had known that it would be this way, so he was not in the least surprised . Theyve always been that way and always will be . You can tell those two guys that Forests manager said this: either they accept Allan Adams terms, or they can pack up and run back to Turkey! Let them understand their situation . Its not us, Nottingham Forest, begging to buy Anelka . Its them whove taken the initiative to look for us, hoping for us to give their brother a way out . Allan burst out chortling when he heard Tang Ens words . Youve been keeping a lid on those words, havent you, Tony? Of course . Ever since you intended to speak to them . Oh right, Tony . The team recently bought a Chinese player? What kind of considerations did you have? The Chinese market? Youre not the Marketing Manager for nothing, Allan . Your whole mind is filled with thoughts of market expansions… I bought him because he compliments our teams abilities well, not for his commercial value . Plus… Tang En hesitated . I dont think that well of the Chinese market . If youre intending to sell jerseys, we should sign-on a Japanese player . Japanese fans are really easy to rip off . Allan laughed and said, Tony, you arent the manager of the Sports Competition Department for nothing either . Market expansion isnt just about selling jerseys or opening merchandise stores for fans . But the joining of the Chinese player reminded me; Ive got a new plan . Maybe its just because youre the manager, so whenever youre signing them on, you believe in looking only at a players techniques and their ability to enhance the teams potency . However, Im the Market Manager . What Im interested in is how the players youve signed on can broaden the influence of the club and their effects on the market . Its your job to train players and lead them to win matches and championships . Figuring out how to get the players to help the club make money is mine . Youre right, Allan . We each have our jobs to do . Oh, are you negotiating with Anelkas agents? Yes . Then what are you doing here, calling me and discussing market development in China? I need to let those two guys cool down somewhat . Theyve probably never seen real money in their lives . If youre free, we can keep chatting about other stuff . Do you like listening to music? I like Elvis . Is that surprising? In this age, I dont think there are many who would still like his song . Evan likes Elvis a lot too . Both of us have the same hobbies . Weve been old friends for many years . I like Queen…Ah, Allan, youre evil! Tang En laughed uproariously, attracting even the attention of the players on the field . Youre just letting the two Frenchmen wait for no reason in the room? Yes . If I hadnt suddenly remembered the Chinese player, I would have gone to find a room to nap for a bit after asking you about your intentions towards Anelka . Or maybe, Id have gotten a cup of coffee and some sunshine . There are quite a few cafes on the streets of Paris . Ill treat you the next time we come . In truth, the taste of the coffee isnt that crucial… Whats important is the surroundings and the atmosphere . The atmosphere on Paris streets goes impeccably with coffee . In that aspect, England is not at all… Before Allan, Tang En would admit to a complete defeat . Allan, with his baby face, was easily underestimated by others . But, whenever that happened, the person was in for some bad luck . Then, what drink is suitable in America? Cola . Walking and drinking it at the same time . The two chatted happily as if they had entirely forgotten about Anelka . Only after a long while did the two finally end their call, and Tang En returned to the sidelines of the training grounds to watch the team practice . ※※※ On the other side, Allan headed to the washroom after hanging up the phone . He faced the mirror and held his breath . His reflection in the mirror got redder and redder, and beads of sweat began to line up on his forehead . His neck also started reddening . He suddenly opened his mouth when he could not hold it in any longer, gasping roughly for air . Leaning heavily with his hands on the sink, he breathed raggedly to satisfy the demands of his lungs of getting fresh air . As he breathed, Allan reared his head to look at the mirror . Satisfied with his current state, he unbuttoned the top of his shirt and turned to walk out of the washroom . While Allan and Tang En were laughing and joking with each other over the phone, both Claude Anelka and Didier Anelka were becoming impatient waiting in the hotel room . When Allan left, he had told them he was going to give the teams manager a call to inform him about their terms . Who knew he would be gone for so long… Each time they heard footsteps in the corridor, the two would straighten up their posture . But each time, it was not Allan returning It was very frustrating . When Allan opened the door, he immediately noticed the two Frenchmen leaning back on their chairs, looking bored stiff . Naturally, he pretended not to see the astonishment on their faces and said to the both apologetically, Im sorry about making you wait for so long . Ah… its no matter . Can we continue now, Mr . Adams? Allan Adams sighed . What Im even more sorry about is… Our main manager Tony Twain, does not intend on accepting your terms . I argued with him for a long time, but he insisted on his opinion that Anelka is not a player that he needs . Im sure you all know, but I am immensely keen on bringing Anelka into the team . From the beginning, he was against the idea . So… if he isnt agreeable, Im afraid there arent any other options . You must understand; the team is under his charge . Furthermore, our clubs chairman, Mr . Evan Doughty, has extremely good relations with Mr . Twain… he shrugged . Im truly sorry, but theres nothing I can do . He says, if you dont accept the current terms offered by Forest, then there is no need to continue transferral negotiations . Anelkas brothers were utterly boggled .
Chapter end
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