Chapter 70: Loophole

When Li Mochen walked out of the comprehensive testing room, he found that the researchers around him had all stood up and were applauding him.

"8S, meaning your comprehensive skills are at the master level even among eighth-rank magic energy professionals."

Dwight Payton walked over first: "Don't be surprised, A-Mo. Over the past few years, your test scores are the best among everyone who has come to this lab."

Li Mochen didn't recognize this person, so he could only shake hands with a blank expression. It wasn't until Mike whispered a brief introduction in his ear that his expression turned serious: "Mr. Payton, your praise makes me uneasy."

The other was a superior with immense power, not only astonishing authority but also vast wealth. Someone like that could easily command one or two legendary experts and was worthy of his respect.

"You deserve it!"

Dwight Payton chuckled: "Please call me Dwight, okay? I'd like you to address me that way."

Li Mochen was first startled, then nodded slightly: "As you wish, Dwight."

He knew that in America, calling someone by their first name indicated a closer relationship, while using their surname with 'Mr.' was more distant but more polite and respectful.

"It seems you're fairly satisfied with my test results, right?"

"Of course, A-Mo, you deserve a top-tier sponsorship deal. Unfortunately, it can only be a sponsorship. I deeply detest the rules of NHSAA and NCAA. If possible, I'd sign you right now."

Dwight Payton waved his hand with slight disappointment: "So now, let's talk about the contract, A-Mo. Originally, this should have been handled by our marketing department colleagues, but I felt that wouldn't show enough regard for you, so I came personally. Now you have two options; our company can offer you two contracts."

"Two?" Li Mochen raised an eyebrow: "There must be some difference between these two contracts? I'd like to hear the details."

"One is the priority signing right for your first endorsement contract; the other is the priority signing right for a total of ten years after you enter NMOSA."

Dwight Payton explained solemnly: "Due to NHSAA rules, we can't reflect it in the contract details, but there are indeed significant differences in specific terms and benefits."

Li Mochen fell into thought: "For example? I'd like to know how big the difference is."

"If it's just the priority signing right for your first endorsement contract, we can offer you the company's top-tier treatment at this stage. Various training resources, meat from dark creatures, etc., won't be lacking. But if it's the ten-year priority signing right, then Nathan Sports Group can invest more confidently. It can be elevated another level beyond the original. Additionally, the company can provide you with various forms of assistance, such as legal resources. The company might even provide some security personnel to protect your personal safety."

Dwight said with implication: "For example, the various problems your company faces might be very difficult for you personally to resolve. But if you have the support of Nathan Sports Group, everything can be easily solved. Do you understand what I mean, A-Mo?"

"I roughly understand."

Li Mochen sighed: "Let me think it over carefully, Dwight. You've given me a tough choice."

...

In the bright lounge on the 69th floor of Nathan's Gate, Li Mochen stood with arms crossed, staring blankly out the window.

"A-Mo, are you hesitating, unable to decide?"

Mike Ross waited about ten minutes before finally asking: "The resources Nathan Sports Group offers are what you want, but you're also worried that signing this contract will completely lose your initiative. Without clear terms, things might change later? For instance, Nathan Sports Group might not keep its promises, or Dwight Payton, who values you, might drag you into the internal strife of Nathan Company."

"Exactly! It's the classic dilemma of not being able to have both fish and bear's paw."

Li Mochen turned his chair around: "I was ready to give up the bear's paw, but it seems you have some advice for me?"

"I do have some thoughts, but I'm not sure if you'd like to hear them, A-Mo?"

Seeing Li Mochen's attentive expression, Mike began: "First, Nathan Sports Group has a good reputation; things you worry about have never happened, at least not that I've heard. Second, if you truly show enough talent in the magic energy profession, Nathan Sports Group won't easily offend a future legend or even demigod. Third, regarding the priority signing right, we can still set some terms to protect your interests."

"Could you explain in detail?"

Li Mochen became interested: "I know almost nothing about this."

"We can set the priority signing right under certain conditions. For example, after you win a personal honor in NHSAA, they must sign you with an endorsement fee not less than a certain amount, otherwise, Nathan Sports Group is deemed to have waived the priority. Or, after you achieve star status in the tournament, the contract must match the amount and terms of others of equal status. Also, I think the term of the priority signing right could be shortened to five years—"

Mike Ross explained in detail, then smiled: "I think this can to some extent ensure your interests when you enter NHSAA."

"I see."

Li Mochen smiled bitterly: "Now you've tipped the scales in my mind again."

"You interrupted me. Besides that, there's a fourth point, the most crucial one."

Mike said this, but then looked around with a strange expression: "I want to know, is it safe here?"

Li Mochen's mind stirred. He casually picked up two ballpoint pens on the table and shot them in all directions. Then they heard a sizzling sound and a burnt smell reached their ears and noses.

"You can speak now."

Facing Mike Ross's astonished gaze, Li Mochen shrugged: "I don't think they're targeting us specifically; it's always been like this."

Mike still didn't speak. Instead, he took a thin notebook from his pocket and wrote rapidly. After a moment, he tore out the page and handed it to Li Mochen.

The latter took it, glanced at it, and then laughed silently.

"Is that so? Are you sure?"

Mike had written about a case: about ninety-seven years ago, shortly after World War II ended, a sports star named Chloe Craig in Atlanta had similarly granted a priority signing right to a sports product company.

But seven years later, after breaching the contract, he was sued by the sports product company, but the result was that the defendant won.

And this Chloe Craig's situation was extremely similar to his: both parents deceased, turned sixteen, with some civil capacity but no legal guardian.

Considering that America follows case law, this case was obviously beneficial to Li Mochen.

"Absolutely sure!"

Mike pointed to his dark circles: "I stayed up until 3 a.m. both weekends. For the hourly wage you're paying me, I've gone through almost all the legal provisions and precedents that might be useful."

"But isn't this a bit too much?"

Li Mochen said this, but he burned the paper in his hand to ashes: "Feels a bit underhanded, like I'm letting someone down."

"That depends on how you look at it."

Mike Ross smiled sarcastically: "If Nathan Sports Group gives you favorable terms and keeps its promises, I don't think you, with your character, would go that far, right?"

"That's the point!"

Li Mochen stood up: "Then I'll leave it to you, Mike. The specific legal terms must be carefully considered."