Chapter 166: Cooperation

The atmosphere in the meeting room was unusually tense. Giora Manda cast a cold glance at Li Mochen, then shot a sidelong look at Dwight Payton, but he received no support of any kind from the Eastern Regional Executive.

"That's it, then!"

Mr. Manda stood up directly and walked toward the door of the meeting room with his three colleagues behind him: "I think you'll regret this, Mr. Widenstein."

Li Mochen ignored the man's words, looking at Payton with a hint of inquiry: "Will this affect your plans?"

"The impact is limited. When it comes to the company's interests, they wouldn't dare act recklessly. Even if they don't care about me, they can't ignore Penguin Gaming. The alliance between those gaming companies isn't something they can afford to provoke. And even if they deliberately leak your information, it doesn't matter much. Due to a certain incident, they only have the first version of your test footage for now."

Payton knew what Li Mochen was asking and explained with a smile: "The only thing that might be affected is your personal compensation. I was planning to upgrade your sponsorship to 3S level after you win the Georgia state championship, but given the current situation, I'm afraid it will be difficult to achieve that before the national round of 32."

"That doesn't matter."

Li Mochen wasn't particularly concerned. The 3S-level sponsorship mainly provided him with various potions, better living conditions, and better security.

But Li Mochen was already quite satisfied with his current apartment and had no intention of changing it for now. As for security, if it were too tight, it would do more harm than good. And regarding those magic potions—the human body has its limits. Even he, Li Mochen, couldn't consume them endlessly. He had to maintain a certain amount and not let the potions exceed what his body could handle.

"By the way, are you confident in defeating that Felton Williams?"

Dwight Payton's eyes burned with intensity: "Speaking of which, your advantages in speed and technique should be a good counter to Williams's style. Otherwise, they wouldn't worry about both of you being crippled."

"I've watched his recordings. I think even with my current state, I have over a 70% chance of winning."

Li Mochen had already stood up: "I'd like to know if today's discussion can be concluded?"

"One more thing."

Dwight Payton gestured toward Carl: "Los Angeles Cultural Management Co., Ltd. recently sent a letter hoping to facilitate a collaboration between you and Belinda Harris."

"Belinda Harris?"

Li Mochen raised an eyebrow: "Who's that? Sounds like a woman's name?"

"You're too out of touch, A-Mo. She's one of the hottest singers in all of America, a famous A-list star, this year's most popular artist, and a genius magical chanter. Some say she'll become a superstar within a year at most. But whether to collaborate with her is up to you; the company won't force it. I can only give my personal advice—it would benefit both you and the Nathan Sports Group. EMMM, speaking of which, A-Mo, you should get an agent—"

Dwight Payton had just gotten to that point when his expression shifted: "Look, here she comes."

Li Mochen turned to look, and saw a glamorous, bright-eyed, white-toothed blonde woman walk in: "A-Mo, right? I think you should know me, Belinda Harris. I'm here to invite you to collaborate with me on shooting a music video. I went to watch your match on Friday, and I think there's no one in the world more suitable than you to be the male lead for my MV."

Li Mochen also stood up and shook hands with her, silently praising her in his heart.

He hadn't heard Belinda's songs, but he felt there was a reason she had become an A-list star.

The girl's appearance was already outstanding, and what was rare was that her temperament was also very good. She looked very cheerful and sunny, almost like a walking light source.

...

"Will you agree, A-Mo? You didn't seem too willing just now?"

When the 'Otto I' drove out of the Nathan Gate under the escort of several armored bulletproof vehicles, Carl asked Li Mochen curiously: "Can you tell me the reason? To be honest, we'd be very happy to see you reach a collaboration with Belinda. It will help increase your visibility. They also offered money—fifty thousand gold shields is a modest price, but for a music video, it's quite generous, and it won't take much time."

Li Mochen couldn't say that he sensed a faint trace of hostility from Belinda, so he just brushed it off: "I'm still not clear on the situation. I don't know if I should collaborate with her or if it will affect my image."

"That's right. There's no harm in being cautious."

Carl nodded: "But as Mr. Payton said, A-Mo, you should get an agent, or even a team. There will be more and more such matters in the future, and you'll need professionals to handle them."

"I was thinking the same."

Li Mochen also felt an urgent need for this: "Could you trouble yourselves to spread the word? I know you have connections with those big agency companies."

In fact, as early as a week ago, some people had already volunteered their services, but Li Mochen hadn't been impressed.

That was because his requirements were very high. The agent not only needed outstanding negotiation skills but also a considerable understanding of the industry. In addition, they needed a certain network of connections and to value him enough. Only then could they provide him with the greatest possible assistance.

Li Mochen didn't plan to look for a newcomer; that would mean a long adjustment period, which he couldn't accept.

"That's simple."

Carl didn't refuse: "What about hiring bodyguards? Do you want me to spread the word in the magical professional circle? The security department of the Nathan Group has close ties with retired personnel from several major special operations forces in America, so they should be able to help you find the people you need."

But Li Mochen couldn't accept that. He couldn't rely on Nathan for everything.

"I've heard that America has a Red Sparrow Club, which is not only Atlanta's highest-grade magical materials distribution center but also the best talent market in the magical professional circle. But you need to be a member to enter, right?"

"That's right! The Red Sparrow Club is famous to everyone."

Carl smiled and glanced over: "You've come to the right person on this matter. Mr. Payton is currently an honorary director of the Red Sparrow Club. But I suggest you go next Friday. In the meantime, Mr. Payton will help you secure an invitation to join. The Red Sparrow Club is a great place. Many high-level magical professionals in Atlanta register there for job hunting. They'll recommend the best for you, from level nine up to legendary—any magical professional you choose, more reliable than those headhunting companies. If you pay extra for the Red Sparrow Club to guarantee, they can even ensure the reliability of personnel to a certain extent. You can find all kinds of services there, and even mercenary groups and assassin organizations have personnel stationed there. You can also buy many high-grade magical materials and artifacts there. They're basically smuggled from overseas or the dark world, usually priced similarly to those in Ghost City."

Li Mochen knew that the same magical material or artifact usually sold for about twenty percent less in Ghost City than in Atlanta, but those were pre-tax prices.

When passing through the magical realm array, these items were subject to taxation.