Chapter 142: Full House

"But no matter how good-looking A Mo is, he can't use his looks to defeat James Lanster in the ring. Are you sure A Mo can win?"

William looked at the young man sitting next to him with a rather complicated expression.

—This was mainly due to the latter's identity: the assistant to the East District CEO of Nathan Sports Group, a man of low rank but great power, with a promising future ahead.

Three minutes ago, this man had stopped their bus midway, and surprisingly, Miss Linden and Coach Richard had both allowed him to board.

However, when the two introduced the young man's identity, all the students on the bus fell silent, even becoming jubilant.

Their Linden Academy's fighting club had a new sponsor after five years, and reportedly a high-tier one at that.

And this contract came from the young man's employer, Nathan Sports Group.

"Of course I'm sure!"

Carl Holton laughed: "Otherwise, why would our group provide Linden Academy with a sponsorship of up to four million gold shields?"

William's face twitched involuntarily, thinking that this man's words were indeed excessively blunt.

"Actually, I recognize you. William Jacques, right? I've watched your recent match footage. You have excellent fighting talent and strong magical energy天赋."

Carl Holton extended his hand to William: "A Mo once recommended you to the company, saying your future is limitless. After a month of evaluation, our company has confirmed this. So, as long as you win this match and enter the top 32, our company will offer you a generous sponsorship contract."

Upon hearing this, William's face flushed red, and he became incoherent: "Is this true, Mr. Carl? I can really get sponsorship? Ha, I knew it, A Mo, you're my best buddy."

Li Mochen, upon hearing this, rubbed his forehead in some distress: "Carl, this will throw him off balance."

"I've already noticed."

Carl showed no sign of guilt: "The company wants to see how he performs under pressure. Besides talent, mental fortitude is crucial for a successful fighter. If he enters NHSAA later, he must either learn to tame his emotions or ensure he can still fight effectively even when mentally unstable. In fact, we don't think he can defeat his opponent this round. As long as he performs at his normal level in this match, that will meet our expectations."

He whispered these words into Li Mochen's ear, using a special sound-control technique so that only Li Mochen could hear.

Li Mochen had nothing to say after hearing this. Carl's approach was perfectly fine.

However, the reactions among the others on the bus who had overheard their conversation varied.

Most of Linden Academy's contestants had already been eliminated; only a few remained in the round of 64.

Some were puzzled, some simply envious, and others so jealous their faces twisted.

"I still don't believe he can defeat James Lanster."

At the front of the bus, Coach Richard frowned: "It's sheer fantasy. I tested him myself."

"Coach, can't the sponsorship contract from Nathan Sports Group convince you?"

Louise Linden smiled wryly: "I told you, you can go and test Andre yourself; he will definitely agree. Andre practices a top-tier constellation meditation method. Although it's hard to get started, if he gains some insight at this stage or obtains a treasure to enhance his connection with the constellation, it can indeed greatly boost his combat power. Coach, you should know his foundation is very solid, stronger than anyone else in this club, even surpassing me. Such examples are common in prestigious families; they usually practice the most advanced meditation methods, lay a solid foundation, and then just need an opportunity to soar. Those big families have such means, and Andre's father might too."

But Coach Richard remained tight-lipped. He had personally judged that Andre Li Wiltonstein's potential was limited. How could he now lower himself to go and verify with that kid?

"James and I are roughly equal in strength. Even if he relies on a lot of drugs and is slightly stronger, it's very limited."

Louise said calmly: "But even I can't withstand even one of Andre's strikes. Doesn't that prove something? Coach, you're too stubborn."

The coach remained silent, but his eyes were fixed on Li Mochen in the back seat through the rearview mirror.

He still couldn't believe that this youth had the potential to become a fighting star. Could he really defeat James Lanster, the genius warrior that the media called the best Atlanta had seen in five years?

As the bus entered the parking lot, the noise from outside the windows began to subside.

There were numerous security guards and police at the school bus parking lot, forcefully keeping bystanders away. But when Li Mochen and the others entered the Storm Arena through the player tunnel, their ears were once again bombarded by the roar from the audience.

"Wow, so many people?"

Some classmates looked around in amazement and nervousness: "It seems like all the seats are full, and many are standing. It's never been like this before."

"And so many cameras. I'm suddenly nervous. Will they film us?"

"Really full, even the aisles are packed."

Although comprehensive cold weapon fighting was the most popular sport in Atlanta, and NHSAA (National High School Sports Association) was second only to NCAA, before the round of 16, the stands were usually not full. Scenes like today, with reporters gathering and the audience packed, were only seen during the quarterfinals.

"What are you looking at? They're all here for A Mo. Don't you know? Yesterday, a seat ticket for Arena A in the black market was already scalped for 320 gold shields. I bet your parents sold the free tickets from the school."

William said as he strode toward the schedule board.

When he saw that Li Mochen's opponent hadn't been crossed out with a black line this time, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief. If even James Lanster had an accident, Li Mochen's luck would be off the charts.

But then he felt that this was wrong—how could he wish ill on his buddy? He should share the same hatred.

So he twisted his eyebrows and said: "The match is in an hour. It seems you won't be so lucky this time, A Mo."

At that moment, Carl Holton held up a bracelet in front of Li Mochen: "A simple action: kiss it before the fight. Make sure your eyes show emotion—the more emotion, the better. We've arranged with some photographers to give you a close-up at that moment."

Li Mochen frowned slightly: "The design of this bracelet seems too delicate?"

Carl Holton smiled. After a month of contact, he knew how to persuade Li Mochen.

"My boss said that if this product sells well in the coming period, our company will provide you with more training potions, and he personally will give more support to Xuri Company."

Li Mochen put the bracelet on without hesitation. Although the design was a bit delicate, he wouldn't argue with money.

At this moment, Li Mochen felt a gaze different from others, yet familiar. He looked back and found the source of the gaze was a box on the south side.

Li Mochen understood immediately. He knew who had been watching him—it should be his so-called elder sister, Jennifer Wiltonstein.