Spend Big, Budget Enough

Wagner neatly stacked the three signed contracts and put them back into his briefcase.

"Then it's settled. I'll arrange a time with FIFA next week. Take your time looking over the Gatorade and Nike terms, no rush."

Chen Anno stood up from the sofa and glanced at the wall clock. "It's noon. Stay for lunch before you go. Nicolas made beef stew today."

Wagner paused, then broke into a smile. "Then I won't stand on ceremony. Honestly, the food at your place is far better than those Michelin restaurants in London."

He got up and took two steps toward the kitchen, then stopped and turned back with a question.

"By the way, where's Chen Xiaolong? Isn't that kid staying at your place?"

Chen Anno slapped his thigh.

"Damn, how did I forget about him?" He rubbed his temples.

"I've been so busy with the team's celebrations these past two days that I completely neglected him."

Nicolas came out of the kitchen carrying a plate of sliced fruit. Hearing their conversation, he laughed too.

"He's gaming in your study. He's been holed up in there since yesterday afternoon. Even his lunch was brought in to him."

"He hasn't come out for a whole day and night?"

"He came out once to use the bathroom."

Chen Anno's expression was somewhat complicated.

He turned and headed toward the stairs, his footsteps thudding across the wooden floor.

Wagner and Nicolas exchanged a glance.

Wagner spread his hands, while Nicolas shook his head helplessly. Both were struggling not to laugh.

When the study door was pushed open, Chen Xiaolong was sitting cross-legged in the gaming chair. A shooting game filled the large screen before him, his headphones hung around his neck, and an energy bar was still clenched between his teeth.

Hearing the door, he