Chapter 697
“You…”
“I’ve had enough,” Ritchie interrupted sharply, his patience worn thin. “I don’t have time for noobs.”
With those final words, he turned on his heel and strode away.
Irritation coursed through him.
He, too, had desired victory, having exerted himself to the fullest. What he hadn’t anticipated was being summoned right after the game and berated by his manager as though the defeat was solely his responsibility.
Why hadn’t they recognized his invaluable contributions to the team? Without his efforts, they wouldn’t have secured three wins against the opposing team. A four-to-zero defeat would have indeed been a disgrace.
Emerging from a dim corner, Ritchie was startled to find Fernanda lingering near the wall.
Yet, he held his head high with a trace of pride, casting a brief glance at her before striding past. Fernanda trailed after him.
The lounges for both teams were situated diagonally across from each other. As Ritchie halted at his team’s lounge door, Fernanda paused alongside him.
He turned, his eyes meeting hers. She looked radiant, her demeanor gentle and composed.
“What do you want?” Ritchie inquired, his tone edged with frost.
Fernanda replied, “I overheard what your manager said.”
Ritchie straightened up, towering over her slightly. “Seems like you have a knack for eavesdropping, don’t you?”
Fernanda was utterly captivated by the robust health of today’s youth. Ritchie, not even a full-fledged adult, towered over six feet tall.
“I just happened to be walking by and caught a snippet of the conversation. It doesn’t really qualify as eavesdropping, does it?”
A flicker of sarcasm danced across Ritchie’s eyes. “So what do you want from me? Did you come here just to mock me? Yes, I acknowledge your team is remarkable, and you indeed clinched today’s game, but you…”
“You’re mistaken,” Fernanda interjected gently. “I’m not here to poke fun at you. Actually, I think you’re quite talented, which is why I want to know…” She paused briefly before asking, “Are you considering changing teams?”
Ritchie, caught off guard by her directness, was visibly taken aback.
“Change teams?” He scowled at Fernanda, confusion knitting his brow.
“To what? Your team?”
“Yes,” Fernanda confirmed with a serene, soft smile. Her eyes shone with confidence, their brilliance akin to the most radiant star in the night sky, irresistibly captivating.
Ritchie, seemingly under a spell, pressed on, “And what could you possibly offer me?”
Fernanda gave an encouraging smile. “Whatever you need to make it to the top.”
Ritchie couldn’t deny it—he was momentarily stunned by Fernanda’s words.
“Wait…” He chuckled. “Do recruiters nowadays just hand out grand promises like candy? You’re telling me you can give me everything I want? Why not throw in the moon while you’re at it?”
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