harleyscars Page 87
Page 87
Chapter 69 The Gathering and July Professions
When Victor pushed open the familiar red-lacquered wooden door of the Zhao-style Bajiquan school, the wooden hinges made a familiar creaking sound.
Half a year ago, when he first stepped into this place, he was just a clueless kid who knew nothing about boxing. Now he is the champion of the All-American Golden Gloves Boxing Championship.
Inside the boxing gym, the scent of sandalwood mingled with the smell of sweat and the wooden floor.
A dozen or so trainees were practicing basic movements, their shouts echoing throughout the room.
Standing in the center, Master Zhao, dressed in a dark blue training uniform, with his gray hair neatly combed back, was correcting a young man's horse stance.
"Relax your shoulders and focus your energy in your lower abdomen!"
Master Zhao's voice was loud and powerful, showing no signs of his advanced age of over sixty.
Viktor stood at the door, not disturbing him immediately.
He gazed at the old master who had only taught him for three days, and a warm feeling welled up in his heart.
During those three days, Master Zhao taught him boxing footwork and boxing combinations, but that wasn't the main thing. The main thing was that Master Zhao encouraged Viktor's courage—he said that as long as Viktor could stand, he wouldn't lose.
"Victor?"
Master Zhao finally noticed the visitor at the door. After squinting for a moment to make out who it was, a look of surprise appeared on his face. "It really is you!"
"Master Zhao, it's been a long time."
Viktor greeted him in Chinese, respectfully bowing with his hands clasped in a gesture of respect.
Zhao, the boxer, strode over and looked Victor up and down: "Is what the news said true? You really won that national competition?"
Viktor nodded, took out an exquisite wooden box from his backpack, and handed it to Master Zhao with both hands: "This is a gift for you, to thank you for your guidance."
Master Zhao opened the box, inside was a set of exquisite purple clay teaware.
Looking up in surprise, she said, "This is too valuable! I only taught you for three days, and I even received payment."
"But those three days changed my understanding of combat sports."
Viktor said sincerely, "You give me confidence."
A hint of satisfaction flashed in Zhao the Boxer's eyes as he patted Viktor on the shoulder: "Good, good! Come in and sit down."
He turned to his students and shouted, "These are former students of the gym, and now they're the champions of the All-American Golden Glove Boxing Championship! Keep practicing! The future is bright!"
Then he led Viktor into the inner room.
The inner room was much quieter than the training ground. Several calligraphy and landscape paintings hung on the walls, and a mahogany tea table was placed in the center.
Master Zhao skillfully began brewing tea, his movements fluid and graceful.
“Tell me, Viktor,”
Master Zhao poured two cups of tea, pushing one towards Viktor, "Besides coming to see this old man, is there anything else I can help you with?"
Viktor took the teacup with both hands, took a small sip, and the aroma of the tea filled his mouth.
"There is something I would like to ask you for help with."
He put down his teacup. "I need three people to run a roadside food stall."
Zhao, the boxer, raised an eyebrow: "A roadside stall? You're a boxing champion now, and you want to open a food stall?"
"Boxing champions also make a living, and they are actually doing business. I pay them salaries and give them commissions."
Victor explained, "Meanwhile, my professional boxing team will also be eating here. I need a support team that can provide healthy, suitable meals. I've already taken care of the police and tax authorities, and Franky is protecting the gang."
"Frankie?"
Zhao, the boxer, seemed thoughtful—he knew that Franky and Srad's relationship was sometimes good and sometimes bad—but he still nodded, "What about the salary and benefits?"
Victor pulled a piece of paper from his pocket, which detailed the salary and benefits: "One day off per week, working hours are seven hours a day, including three meals a day, weekly salary of forty US dollars, plus 2% of the daily profit as commission. If room and board are provided, it will cost one US dollar per person per day."
“You’re a great deal; Chinatown is only two-thirds the size of yours.”
After carefully reading it, Master Zhao nodded in satisfaction: "Wait a moment."
He got up and went to the outer room.
About twenty minutes later, Master Zhao returned with three people:
A lean man in his forties, a kind-faced middle-aged woman, and a pretty girl of about seventeen or eighteen.
"This is Master Wang, who used to run a restaurant in the Philippines; his wife, Ms. Lin, is an excellent cook; and his daughter, Wang Xiaomei, is currently discussing marriage with my sixth apprentice."
Zhao, the boxer, explained, "They just arrived in the United States recently and need to work."
Viktor stood up and greeted them in Chinese: "Hello, Master Wang, hello, Aunt Lin, hello, Xiao Mei. I am Viktor Lee."
Mr. Wang nodded nervously, while Aunt Lin looked at the tall, mixed-race young man with curiosity.
Mei hid behind her mother, secretly glancing at Viktor.
"Would you be willing to work for me?"
Victor asked directly, "What we do is relatively simple; it's fast food. We just use insulated containers to transport prepared food to a certain place to sell it."
After some discussion, Mr. Wang and his family agreed.
After thanking Master Zhao, Victor left the gym with the three newly recruited fighters.
Back at the apartment in the laundry detergent shop, after settling the three of them in...
Victor immediately had Master Wang and his family come with him to apartment 2312 to start preparing dinner.
"I have important guests this afternoon and need an authentic Chinese meal."
Victor explained, taking out thirty dollars: "This is for entertainment outside of work. There may be many more in the future, so I will receive extra pay for each one."
Aunt Lin skillfully checked the ingredients and seasonings in the kitchen and quickly made a shopping list. Xiao Mei volunteered to go to the nearby Asian supermarket to buy the items.
Viktor's apartment was bustling with activity that noon.
In the living room, old Jack and Frankie are arguing about some kind of boxing technique;
In the restaurant, agent Lowell and promoter Foucault discussed a business collaboration;
In the kitchen, Mr. Wang and his family were busy preparing dinner, and the aroma filled the entire room.
“Victor, this place is nice.”
Uncle Joe exclaimed in admiration when he arrived with his wife, daughter Karen, and granddaughter Jessica.
The little girl Jessica was immediately attracted by the aroma wafting from the kitchen and ran to watch Aunt Lin cook.
"Uncle, Auntie, welcome."
Victor hugged them, then picked up Karen and Jessica: "Karen, Jessica, dinner will be ready soon."
As the guests arrived one by one, Victor arranged for everyone to be seated.
The long dining table was laden with Chinese dishes: Kung Pao chicken, steamed fish, stir-fried vegetables, braised pork...
Master Wang also specially prepared a large pot of chicken soup.
The banquet was served in a buffet style with individual servings.
Viktor raised his glass. "Thank you all for coming to this gathering. I have two announcements to make today: First, my professional boxing team is officially launched—"
Promoter: Foucault. Agent: Lowell Haddad. Legal Counsel: Jimmy McGill. Coaches: Jack Sr., Frankie Dunn, Ethan Lee. Therapists: Michael Lee, Liz Chan.
One person raises their glass when someone else points it out.
"Secondly, I have decided to start my professional boxing career in July, and my first fight is already scheduled."
Applause and cheers erupted at the dinner table.
Foucault immediately chimed in: "I have already contacted several sponsors, all of whom are involved in foreign trade with China, and they are very interested in supporting an Asian champion."
Old Jack put down his chopsticks, his brow furrowed: "Victor, three months is a tight timeframe. Your dodging techniques still need adjustment, and the fluidity of your combination punches is also problematic."
“I know time is of the essence,”
Viktor admitted, "But I'm ready. I have a strong competitive spirit, and I need to make a name for myself in the boxing ring as soon as possible in order to gain a place in the sunlight."
Frankie interjected, "We'll develop the most rigorous training plan. But Viktor, professional boxing is completely different from amateur boxing; you need to be prepared."
Therapist Michael raised his glass: "We're a team now, no matter what. Cheers to Victor Lee's professional debut!"
Everyone responded, and the clinking of glasses produced a crisp sound.
As the party drew to a close, Victor distributed the official contracts to the team members.
Lowell nodded after carefully reviewing each clause: "Very thorough, Victor. It seems you've made ample preparations."
Viktor smiled and signed his name on the contract: "This is not a battle I'm fighting alone. From today onwards, the Viktor Lee Team is officially established."
Xiao Mei timidly approached and handed Viktor a piece of paper: "Mr. Li, this is a boxer's diet plan that I designed based on nutritional knowledge..."
Victor took the fruit in surprise, but handed it directly to Michael.
Wang Xiaomei's expression darkened, but after reading it carefully, Michael smiled approvingly: "Fantastic! This is exactly the professional advice we need."
Michael turned to Master Wang and said, "It seems your daughter will become an important member of our team."
Mr. Wang looked at his daughter with pride, his eyes shining.
Aunt Lin had already begun quietly clearing the table. Wang Xiaomei knew she had made a mistake and followed behind her to help. The two communicated using simple Chinese and English words.
Afterwards, in the study, Victor invited Lowell and Foucault.
"I hope to fight ten professional boxing matches between July and December so that I can quickly establish myself in the WBO."
Lowell looked at Foucault in surprise: "That's quite a lot of work."
Foucault frowned: "This is too difficult. I need to go back and contact them. I'll let you know the result within a week."
Viktor understood, and then saw Foucault off.
Lowell, however, hadn't left yet. He sat in his chair and stated bluntly: "The core responsibility of a promoter is to organize boxing matches, including venue rental, event promotion, ticket sales, television broadcast negotiations, and sponsorship negotiations; to coordinate with boxing organizations (such as the WBA and WBC) to arrange for boxers to participate in ranking matches or championship matches; to generate revenue through the events and pay boxers appearance fees (usually based on a share of the contract)."
The core responsibility of an agent is to handle the boxer's commercial interests, including contract negotiations, sponsorships, and financial planning. They assist in selecting promoters and coaching teams, and oversee training programs. The usual commission is 10% to 20%, but Viktor, I only take 10% out of respect for you; I believe 10% is more than others can offer you.”
Victor saw through his thoughts: "My contract with Foucault Gym is for one year, not a long-term promotional contract. He'll be happiest if I fight ten times."
Lowell was pleased and stood up: "I'll get you a better marketing company."