"Chen, I’m very moved."
In the restaurant, Blatter crossed his arms and said, "I also know that China has put a great deal of effort into this Women’s World Cup, and their preparatory work has been excellent."
"But we revoked their hosting rights primarily out of concern for the event’s environment. You’re about to become the Chairman of the Medical Committee. You should understand that sending players from other countries to compete in China would expose them to significant risk."
"From the information I’ve received, the football associations of many countries have this same concern."
"Most importantly, we already decided to revoke their hosting rights last month and have been selecting a replacement. And I can tell you, the United States has a very strong chance."
He glanced at Chen Yu and continued, "I noticed you talking with Jack yesterday. Did he mention this to you? Besides, aren’t you the team doctor for the United States National Team? You and Robert should be very familiar with each other."
The Jack he was referring to was Jack Warner, the President of Concacaf, whom they had met at the reception yesterday.
Blatter’s words were a reminder to Chen Yu that he was still technically part of the United States Soccer Federation.
To support China now would be a betrayal of the United States Soccer Federation.
Chen Yu had, in fact, already considered this.
’The United States already hosted in ’99. It’s not that significant whether they host it again this year or not.’
’Besides, this is the United States. Even men’s soccer doesn’t get much attention, let alone women’s soccer.’
’Even if the United States doesn’t end up with the hosting rights, Contiguglia won’t necessarily complain.’
’And even if he did complain, so what? I don’t need to base my actions on his feelings.’
"Joseph, I am aware of the issues you’ve mentioned."
Chen Yu sat up straighter. "First, regarding this disease, I’ve been following the news from the World Health Organization. To my knowledge, the situation in China has already improved, and there are almost no new cases. It’s currently the end of June, and the World Cup is scheduled for the end of September."
"There are three months between now and then. I don’t believe the disease will affect the tournament."
"Of course, I can put together an inspection team to go to China and investigate the control measures on the ground, just to ensure there are no issues."
Whether there was a problem or not could only be determined after an assessment.
Chen Yu continued, "Furthermore, as the video showed, China has already completed a vast amount of preparatory work. If we make a last-minute change and select a new host nation, they will only have three months to prepare. The timeline would be extremely tight, and the preparations would certainly be insufficient."
"For a World Cup that only happens once every four years to be held so hastily would be a great shame for us at FIFA, for all the participating nations, and for the fans."
"Since China is already prepared, and if the disease can be controlled, why can’t we let them continue to host?"
Blatter rubbed his temples, thinking for a moment. He glanced around to make sure no one was listening, then lowered his voice. "Chen, are you serious about helping China?"
After a moment of thought, Chen Yu nodded.
Blatter’s brow furrowed.
Blatter couldn’t simply ignore Chen Yu’s stance.
For one, he had gone to great lengths to recruit Chen Yu to FIFA.
Secondly, although Chen Yu had only just joined FIFA and hadn’t even officially started his position, he personally held sway over many people.
Beckenbauer, for instance, was an old friend of his.
Then there was Johansson, who had been chatting animatedly with Chen Yu at the reception yesterday, making constant overtures of friendship.
A whole group of European football association presidents also owed Chen Yu favors and would be reluctant to oppose him.
And don’t forget Hayatou.
It was Chen Yu who had saved Vivian Foe’s life, and Hayatou, being from Cameroon, had always looked out for his home country.
If Chen Yu were to truly leverage his connections and persuade a few people to support the proposal, he might actually succeed.
After all, many national football associations needed something from Chen Yu.
This was especially true now that Chen Yu was planning to establish a consulting firm to partner with national football associations, offering professional medical services and advanced training expertise.
"Actually... there might be a way," Blatter said, looking directly at Chen Yu with a cryptic smile.
「That afternoon.」
When Chen Yu returned to the hotel, he was surprised to find Zhang Jianqiang still waiting for him in the lobby.
Moreover, Yan Shiduo had also rushed over.
The moment they saw him, the two men immediately came forward to greet him.
"Let’s talk upstairs," Chen Yu said before they could.
He led the two men upstairs to a meeting room. As soon as Chen Yu sat down, Yan Shiduo spoke first. "Doctor Chen, asking for your help this time was truly forward of us, and we know we’ve put you in a difficult position. So, as I said before, our Football Association and the National Sports Administration will be eternally grateful for your assistance."
Chen Yu waved his hand dismissively. "There’s no need for thanks. The reason I decided to help is because of the video you showed me."
Yan Shiduo glanced at Zhang Jianqiang and gave a subtle nod.
It had been Zhang Jianqiang’s idea.
He had said that Chen Yu’s status was unique and that money alone wouldn’t solve the problem.
Besides, Chen Yu certainly wasn’t short on cash.
Zhang Jianqiang had figured that, based on how Chen Yu had helped Liu Yudong, he was someone who genuinely cared about the players. That’s why he had the video made—to show Chen Yu the effort the Chinese women’s national team had invested.
Seeing them both staring at him with bated breath, Chen Yu didn’t beat around the bush. "There might be a turning point."
Both men were instantly overjoyed.
Yan Shiduo was so excited he shot to his feet, grabbed Chen Yu’s hand, and thanked him profusely.
Chen Yu pulled his hand free and gestured for them to calm down.
"I’m not finished,"
Yan Shiduo gave an embarrassed smile. "Doctor Chen, I understand. We’ve actually made some preparations as well."
As a man involved in politics, Yan Shiduo understood the nature of quid pro quo and was even more aware of how FIFA operated.
Blatter’s hands had never been clean.
So they had come prepared.
After all, compared to the massive investment already sunk into preparations, a small bribe was nothing.
The trouble was not being able to reach the key people. They wanted to offer money but had no way of getting it to them.
Chen Yu inwardly shook his head.
’For a major international tournament like this, the decision isn’t based on the host nation’s capabilities but on who offers more benefits. It just goes to show how truly corrupt FIFA is.’
"I’ll be direct," Chen Yu said, choosing his words carefully. "First, I will assemble a medical inspection team to travel to China and conduct an on-site evaluation of your disease control situation. This is to ensure the safety of the World Cup and is a non-negotiable prerequisite. Otherwise, it will be impossible to answer to the other national football associations."
Yan Shiduo nodded eagerly. "That’s to be expected. Doctor Chen, rest assured, the situation back home is already excellent."
Chen Yu nodded and continued, "Second, the company handling the commercial development for this World Cup must be replaced with one designated by FIFA."
The commercial development of the World Cup involves ticket sales, sponsor selection, brand marketing, and broadcasting rights—the financial stakes are enormous.
After China secured the hosting rights, the Football Association, operating on the principle of keeping profits in-house, skipped the bidding process and directly assigned the work to its subsidiary, the Fortune Company.
"I heard from Mr. Blatter that when FIFA conducted its previous inspection in China, they expressed dissatisfaction with the commercial development work of Fortune Treasure," Chen Yu added.
A flicker of embarrassment crossed Yan Shiduo’s face as he nodded.
Chen Yu said, "So, you need to switch to the designated company. You have until two o’clock tomorrow afternoon. If you agree, then at tomorrow’s executive committee meeting, Blatter will propose a re-evaluation of China’s hosting rights at the end of the session, and will subsequently push for it to be approved."
"If you are unwilling, then we can drop the subject."
This was Blatter’s only condition.
As for the reason, Chen Yu had already figured it out.
’FIFA probably revoked China’s hosting rights so swiftly this time because the Football Association didn’t hand over the commercial development to one of Blatter’s affiliated companies.’
’This was how he always lined his pockets.’
’Avelange was implicated in the International Swimming League bribery scandal; there was no way Blatter’s own hands were clean.’
Yan Shiduo and Zhang Jianqiang exchanged a glance and nodded without the slightest hesitation.
"Doctor Chen, I agree in principle, but I still need to report to my superiors. I’m confident, however, that it won’t be a problem," Yan Shiduo said at once.
Just as Chen Yu had said, this was their only chance. They had no choice but to agree.
Otherwise, their entire initial investment would go down the drain, the hard work of so many people would be for nothing, and China would lose face.
So at a time like this, he couldn’t be concerned with the interests of Fortune Treasure. The absolute priority was to secure the hosting rights, no matter the cost.
"Please be quick about it," Chen Yu said with a nod.
Yan Shiduo immediately rose to his feet and offered another round of thanks.
"Oh, right."
Chen Yu remembered something else. "If you agree to the terms, I’ll probably form the inspection team and travel to China early next month. When I’m there, that player you mentioned, Qu Bo, can come see me. I can perform his surgery."
Compared to this whole mess with FIFA, Chen Yu was actually far more concerned about the players plagued by injuries.
"Also, you’ll need to help me sort out the necessary medical licensing paperwork."
Performing surgery in another country without going through the proper channels would be considered illegal medical practice.
Yan Shiduo quickly replied, "The paperwork won’t be a problem at all, Doctor Chen. On behalf of Qu Bo, thank you."
Chen Yu waved his hand, dismissing the thanks.
After chatting for a little while longer, Chen Yu got up to see the two men out.
However, just before they left, Zhang Jianqiang pulled a document from his briefcase and handed it to Chen Yu.
"Doctor Chen, we heard you’re planning to open a sports consulting firm to provide professional medical services and training advice to clubs. That is precisely what we need."
"This is a letter of intent. Our Football Association would like to partner with your company. And it wouldn’t just be us; we can also introduce you to our domestic clubs."
He didn’t mention money.
It would have been awkward, and a direct cash payment would have been too crass.
A partnership like this was the most appropriate approach.
After a moment’s consideration, Chen Yu accepted the contract and thanked him.
Chen Yu was no saint who helped without expecting anything in return. After all, his reason for joining FIFA in the first place was to expand his business.
After seeing the two men off, Chen Yu considered the situation, then took out the notebook he used for keeping records. He documented the entire series of events, including the people involved and the times and locations of their meetings.
’It hasn’t been that long since the International Swimming League bribery scandal. I’d better be careful in case Blatter gets investigated again down the line.’
’As the middleman, if I get dragged into it, it’s best to have a record of everything.’

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