Chapter 641: When we get the S championship, that's when we'll open the prize pool

"……How could you suddenly want to come back?"

The other party asked like that.

Liang Yan had dealt most with this type of people in his previous life, but back then they mostly met at the negotiation table. Upon hearing the other's words now, he knew what the other truly wanted to ask was still hidden behind; this question was merely to draw that out.

This is what is called propriety and courtesy.

Actually, at this point, those present can be divided into four camps.

One side consists of two Mercedes-Benz representatives who came prepared.

One side is Liang Yan, who serves as a chip for VG.

The third side is Lu Wenjun and Gao Jun, who both vaguely guessed the true purpose of the Mercedes-Benz representatives' meal.

The last side consists of those completely kept in the dark, who at this moment are secretly excitedly guessing how much money Mercedes-Benz will invest in VG—innocent little cuties.

Liang Yan knew he had already been weighed; upon hearing the words, he smiled and glanced at the other party, appearing to be thinking seriously, and after a moment he answered unhurriedly:

"I hadn't thought about the development issue; knowing that S7 would be held here, I decided to come back."

"So you came back because the S7 World Finals are being held in China, not for any other reason……Then, after S7 ends?"

When the other party asked that final question, Lu Wenjun and Gao Jun unconsciously narrowed their eyes. This is the true intention behind the other party's meal.

As investors, they want to know whether Liang Yan will continue to stay with VG next year; this is normal and must be considered. Because everyone knows that VG's current honor and fame are largely thanks to this young man before them.

And Liang Yan's answer also determines how much money Mercedes-Benz is willing to invest in this deal.

The atmosphere in the private room instantly became tense.

VG went to great lengths to lure Liang Yan back; have they considered this issue?

Of course they have.

But previously no one had formally and thoroughly studied this; however, now the spring split has ended, MSI has ended, the summer split is underway, and the S7 World Finals are not far off.

This issue also needs to be taken seriously now.

From their own standpoint, most of those present naturally hope Liang Yan will stay. But speaking businesswise, Liang Yan has already proven his ability and value, so Lu Wenjun actually knows deep down that the chance of VG retaining Liang Yan next year is slim.

Furthermore, if VG truly relied on Liang Yan to lead the team to win the S7 World Championship, frankly, Lu Wenjun feels that even if the chance of VG renewing Liang Yan's contract isn't zero, it's almost negligible.

This isn't about how much cost VG would have to bear, but whether the entire LPL could accept it; Lu Wenjun doesn't mind opposing the whole LPL to keep Liang Yan, but rationally speaking, if VG really did that, the outcome would be without suspense.

These matters, Lu Wenjun had seriously considered when, after G2's championship last year, he still decided to poach Liang Yan.

Up to now, from the club's interest perspective, VG has already not lost.

The benefits Liang Yan brings to VG: the economic gains alone have already broken even; other intangible benefits are pure profit; and today's deal, regardless of how it turns out, is additional income; if Liang Yan truly can lead VG to a championship, then this investment can be said to have reaped a bountiful harvest.

At this very moment, when this very real issue was brought up by an outsider, Lu Wenjun merely felt nervous, without any worry or panic.

Of course, Liang Yan himself has the answer in his heart.

But he does not want to say it now, in this setting.

Under everyone's gaze, Liang Yan slowly said: "I haven't considered this issue; right now our entire team is focused solely on one thing—charging for the S7 World Championship title. Before achieving that goal, we... at least for me personally, I won't consider anything else."

Liang Yan's words were calm when he spoke, but to VG's ears they weighed a thousand jin; making such a statement in such a formal setting can be said to be equivalent to the firmest promise.

All VG members were excited.

Lu Wenjun and Gao Jun instantly felt as if they had taken a reassuring pill, showing relieved smiles.

The two Mercedes-Benz representatives fell into thought; after exchanging a glance, the male representative raised his head and solemnly looked at Liang Yan:

"Then may I understand it this way: you mean that before leading VG to win an S championship, you will not leave the team?"

"That's right."

Liang Yan answered without hesitation.

As Liang Yan's most loyal follower, Xiao Duan shouted excitedly on the spot:

"I will follow the Foot God unto death!"

After shouting, he felt embarrassed, gave a hehe laugh, and lowered his head shyly.

The rest could hardly contain their excitement; even Sima Laozei's face twitched from inner emotional agitation, and the two VG executives' faces flushed with a red glow.

The two Mercedes-Benz representatives exchanged a glance, as if they had made some decision.

The obviously higher-ranking male representative stood up, smiled, and extended his hand toward Liang Yan.

Liang Yan didn't quite grasp the meaning of the handshake, but he still stood up and shook hands with the other party.

Afterwards, the banquet atmosphere relaxed considerably, and everyone began chatting and laughing.

Cheers and laughter, cups clinking, the meal lasted until past ten before dispersing.

As they were about to part, Lu Wenjun and the two Mercedes-Benz representatives went out for a while, presumably to discuss specific matters privately. Then Gao Jun drove Lu Wenjun's rarely used but today specially swapped-out Mercedes-Benz S600 to send the two Mercedes-Benz representatives to the airport.

Lu Wenjun then accompanied everyone back to the base by bus.

On the bus, Lu Wenjun leaked some hints to everyone:

"The contract hasn't been signed yet; they need to go back and study it carefully, but the approximate figure has been determined, starting at eight figures."

"Moreover, they will have us film a promotional video for a specific car model; this is a separate contract, not included in the sponsorship agreement……"

Money‑mad Xiao Duan couldn't help raising his hand and shouting: "Boss! I just want to know, can we also get a share of the money?!"

Lu Wenjun gazed warmly at Xiao Duan, then glanced at Liang Yan, and smiled:

"Of course."

"First is the payment for filming that ad; the club takes only twenty percent, the rest is split equally among everyone……"

According to VG's contract, for this kind of team‑type revenue the club would normally take sixty percent, but Lu Wenjun takes only twenty percent—his conscience can't say otherwise.

"Moreover, starting today, I will create an internal bonus pool.

"When the sponsorship funds from this Mercedes-Benz deal arrive, I will directly put one‑third into the bonus pool, and will continue to add to it……

Speaking, Lu Wenjun glanced at Liang Yan again,

"When we get the S championship, that's when we'll open the prize pool."

In an instant, the crowd's howls almost overturned the bus; excited shouts flew out the window, traveling far, far into Shanghai's night.