Chapter 71 - First Contract Finalized

Stephen could only scratch the back of his head and proceed to read the content of the contract. 

'Young people, tsk tsk tsk,' Sofia secretly thought as she leaned her back on the seat. 

On the other end of the sofa, Jing Jing heaved a sigh of relief after realizing that the young lady just wanted the two representatives to read the contract first.

She also wanted to suggest checking the contract to them at first, but was too hesitant and decided to be quiet and observe the group.

Just like Stephen, Joey's face also looked helpless.

The two men acted as if they were forced to do some sort of a hard and impossible quest.

"This... there are so many words in here, Sof! Wow, this file is full of words!" Joey started to complained after few minutes of reading it. He was never fond of reading wordy articles. And there were even terms that were beyond his comprehension.

"Sof, did you read the contract already?" Clark curiously asked while peeking at the file on the phone.

"Yes, I have checked it and made some revisions," Sofia answered.

"Wow! You actually like reading that?!" Claire also questioned and felt amazed.

"Then, it's fine to sign this now, right? I have never read a contract in my life before! Since you have checked it, I'll just place my sign, Sof," Joey grumbled.

"The content of the contract is one thing but it's your signature who would appear on it. The two of you will be the representative of our squad for this deal, so, it is essential that you know the details of what you are signing," Sofia told her members.

Claire and Clark gulped silently on the side. They felt as if Sofia was like a teacher lecturing them about how important to read the file. Even her tone was stern and her face was serious.

"Sometimes, Sofia talks like my mother," Clark leaned closer at Claire and subtly commented.

"Mmm, I don't know why she is too particular with these things. The Sofia I know was heavily addicted to online games. She would not even go out of her unit sometimes. She can spend an entire day just by playing online!" Claire also whispered back at him emphasizing the characteristic of her friend before.

"Ahh, the two of you, read the contract too," Sofia caught the two after noticing their subtle exchange of conversations.

"Wow, I don't understand this at all!" Stephen was the next to complain. This time, he did not hesitate to voice out his troubles. He was not even ashamed of it as he was certain that some of the contract terms were too difficult for him to comprehend.

"Contracts are like this. In a regular company, pro players have their legal team to handle the negotiation and settlement of this matter. But, we can't afford to form a legal team yet. So, just endure reading that file for now. In the future, we will have our legal team," Sofia expressed.

Jing Jing who just sat silently and waited for the group to sign the contract was moved by Sofia's words. She had never met someone so young that acted like her. 

For some reason, she was inspired by how the young lady encourage her peers and how mature her way of dealing with the contract. Jing Jing secretly wiped the side of her eyes as it began to mist.

Several minutes passed and the group finally settled and signed the contract.

Jing Jing stared at their signatures for a while. Then she looked at them in the eye and said, "I will forward this to our legal department so that it will be notarized. Then, I will send you a copy of the finished contract."

To seal their deal and make their documents valid, it was necessary to notarize the files. Jing Jing felt the need to inform the group in case they were not aware of the procedure. It was necessary for them to undergo with such degree of formality as they wanted to avoid fraud and make their agreement legal.

"No problem, we can set an interview here in our booth too. But our group will be playing the third elimination round now. So, maybe, we can work together after this round, or whichever convenient time you have in mind." Sofia suggested. 

"That is so thoughtful of you, ma'am," Jing Jing admired how Sofia did not demand an interview right away. She actually asked her if there would be a much more convenient time to do the interview!

"Sister Jing, you can just call me by my name. I felt so old if you call me that. You are still my senior and I am also a student," Sofia clasped her fingers and told Jing Jing.

"Haha, okay. Then, I will get--" Jing Jing halted when she saw that Rica was calling her. "For a while, Sofia, I need to take this. It's my companion," she explained and exited the booth.

The host on the stage announced the Chronos squad and the group proceed to walk towards their lounge.

Jing Jing only waved her hand and gave them an encouraging smile while the audience cheered for the group.

"Jing Jing, where are you? I was about to call the police and report you as a missing person!" Rica hissed on the phone.

"Haha, sorry. I got a big scope! I'm here at the player's booth to interview the participants," Jing Jing felt guilty that she did not inform her friend about her whereabouts.

"Really? So much for having a day off! Haha that's great! You could have told me about this earlier!" Rica sounded.

"Yes, I should have! But, I was just too caught up in this sudden opportunity that I had forgotten to call you! I am interviewing the Chronos squad!" Jing Jing stated.

"Oh my god! Are you for real? They are playing right now! How did you approach the group?" Rica sounded delighted.

"It was a long story! I have bumped with their team captain earlier but I thought that she was my fan. So I did not think too much of it when she handed me a piece of paper. But, as I went to the comfort room, I saw her in the booth. And when I examined the paper she gave during our encounter, it was her contact details!" Jing Jing spoke rapidly like a news reporter. 

"That's great! I will join you!" Rica immediately presented and stood in her seat.

"Ohh, no, no, no. You are on a date! I can take care of this!" Jing Jing instantly refused.

"Hehehe, and how do you plan to interview them alone? Don't worry about my date! Maxwell is fine. We will help you set up," Rica insisted.