Pei Qian’s smile at this moment was truly heartfelt.

The voices of protest were much louder than he had imagined!

This was a good thing!

Pei Qian had never intended for these clubs to come to Jingzhou, much less for them to buy DGE Club’s players, but they had all misunderstood his intentions, leading to today’s situation.

If he could take this opportunity to drive away several clubs, wouldn’t that be a good thing?

If Tenda could buy all the clubs itself, that would be even better.

Spending a few million on each club, buying them only to let them rot away and continuously lose money—wouldn’t that be wonderful?

Facing the club managers who appeared pitiful on the surface but actually had their own ulterior motives, Pei Qian smiled and spoke in an extremely gentle tone.

“Everyone, please rest assured, we completely understand the difficulties faced by the clubs.”

“We also clearly see the efforts everyone has put into the development of GOG esports.”

“Clubs are indeed vulnerable groups, constantly operating at a loss, with interests that can’t be guaranteed—it’s truly very painful.”

“I especially understand this feeling.”

Manager Su listened in confusion.

This didn’t sound like something Mr. Pei would say, did it?

It felt like something was off somewhere.

The other club managers also exchanged glances, seemingly not expecting Mr. Pei to be so reasonable. It felt a bit unreal.

Pei Qian smiled slightly and continued: “Since all of your clubs are constantly losing money and in such difficult situations, let Tenda bear all these hardships!”

“You all established GOG divisions, which essentially meant investing in some rent and staff salaries, with the bulk of expenses being on player prices. Such a heavy burden, just let Tenda carry it!”

“For those who feel they can’t continue, just sell your divisions directly to Tenda. We can even offer a slight premium, allowing you to make a small profit. You definitely won’t have worked for nothing. What do you think?”

Pei Qian tried hard to make his attitude very sincere and his expression very kind.

If you don’t agree, that’s perfect! I’m already eager to take over!

The faces of all the club managers instantly turned pale.

Although Mr. Pei was smiling as he spoke, it was more uncomfortable than if he had insulted them.

If Mr. Pei had directly turned hostile, it would have been easier for these clubs to handle. They could label Tenda as “inconsiderate” or “ungrateful,” making other clubs afraid to take over, causing GOG’s league qualifications to rot in Tenda’s hands.

But now, Mr. Pei appeared extremely understanding while simultaneously not giving an inch. It was like a passive-aggressive person meeting another passive-aggressive person, both exuding a strange aura, and whoever got serious first would lose.

Mr. Pei had perfectly kicked the ball back to them. How could they respond?

If they continued to complain about their hardships, Mr. Pei had already said, Since you’re suffering so much, why persist? Quickly sell to me so I can find a new owner.

If they didn’t complain, what other options did they have?

Everyone fell silent for a moment.

Manager Li coughed twice: “Let’s do this, Mr. Pei. This is such a big matter that we can’t make a decision hastily. Why don’t you give us a couple of days? We’ll go back and discuss it in detail with our bosses, and then get back to you. How does that sound?”

Pei Qian nodded: “Of course, that’s fine. I hope all your bosses will seriously consider it. Selling your divisions would mean instant recovery, even making a profit. Such a good opportunity doesn’t come often!”

Manager Li: “…”

Pei Qian spoke with sincerity, but in the ears of the various club managers, it took on a completely different meaning.

They had been completely defeated by Mr. Pei’s “Tai Chi”!

But at least they had gained some buffer time. The various clubs would go back to find their bosses and discuss countermeasures.

The managers of the various clubs stood up one after another to take their leave.

“Take care, everyone. Oh, and you can take this paper back to show your bosses. Be sure to consider it carefully!”

Pei Qian didn’t forget to remind everyone to take the new regulations.

The managers were stunned.

What did Mr. Pei mean by this? Giving them bullets to attack him?

Wasn’t Mr. Pei afraid that if the clauses on this paper got out, it would lead to a unified boycott from all domestic esports clubs?

Originally, there was no concrete evidence, and other club owners might not believe it. But if they took this paper away, it would force all other clubs onto the same side!

With the mentality of “might as well take it if it’s offered,” the club managers folded the paper, put it in their pockets, and took it away.

Zhang Yuan was somewhat worried: “Mr. Pei, is this okay? Giving these clubs two days to consider is just giving them time to unite.”

Pei Qian smiled slightly: “Wouldn’t that be even better?”

If only one club wanted to sell, it might still find a buyer.

If all clubs wanted to sell but couldn’t find buyers, they would have to rot in Tenda’s hands.

That was exactly what Pei Qian wanted!

…

In the evening, several club managers came to the SUG Club to meet with Manager Li.

Everyone gathered in the meeting room, their expressions not looking good.

That afternoon, they had already spoken with their respective bosses, and the paper had been shown to them. As expected, the bosses were not willing to accept these conditions.

Why should they?

GOG wasn’t the first game these clubs had been involved with in esports. They had previously worked with games like “Fantasy Wars” and “Star Sea.” When had they ever heard of game manufacturers interfering with contracts between clubs and players?

This was reaching too far!

So, the bosses’ attitudes were unanimous: protect the clubs’ interests as much as possible!

“Manager Li, what should we do?”

SUG Club was the wealthiest among these clubs, and its boss was known for being tough. It was the most suitable to take the lead.

Other clubs were also unwilling to be restricted and manipulated by Tenda, so they naturally spared no effort in fanning the flames.

Of course, there were three or four clubs that didn’t think the matter was so serious, believing that Tenda wasn’t harming the core interests of the clubs. But they were present nonetheless, simply because all clubs’ interests were aligned.

They weren’t as resolute, but they didn’t mind tagging along.

Manager Li was silent for a moment, then said: “Mr. Pei is a tough nut to crack. It was evident during today’s meeting. His ‘Tai Chi’ move left us unable to refute.”

“But we can’t just let this go! We’ve been running clubs for so long—when have we ever been treated like this? If this precedent is set, what if there are more and more restrictions in the future?”

“Why should we sign standardized contracts with players? After painstakingly nurturing a good talent, what if their contract expires and they leave? How do we guarantee our interests?”

“Besides, it’s not like it’s hard to find internet-addicted teenagers—they’re everywhere! If players can come and go as they please, wouldn’t our clubs truly become vulnerable groups? This is outrageous!”

“We’re not in esports to do charity, so on this matter, we absolutely cannot compromise!”

One manager showed a difficult expression: “Manager Li, what you say is right, but Mr. Pei’s attitude is very resolute.”

Manager Li smiled slightly: “Mr. Pei is indeed someone who doesn’t respond to either soft or hard approaches, but we’re not completely without options!”

“The domestic esports circle, apart from us, does have some other companies involved, but ultimately, it’s a very small circle.”

“Mr. Pei probably thinks that even if we leave, other clubs will step in, which is why he’s not worried.”

“But he probably hasn’t considered: what if all clubs unite and don’t accept his offer?”

“Other clubs share the same interests as us!”

“Let’s coordinate with other clubs first, playing a duet.”

“We’ve provided significant help to the GOG World Invitational, making us Tenda’s senior partners, right? When the time comes, we’ll expose Tenda’s demands, hire some internet armies, and create a public opinion that ‘Tenda is exploiting clubs’ and ‘Tenda is destroying the GOG esports environment.'”

“Then, we’ll have other clubs speak up, hoping that Tenda won’t interfere with the normal operations of clubs, promoting mutual benefit and win-win cooperation.”

“Then, riding on this momentum, we’ll publicly announce the transfer of our GOG divisions, increase the price by 20%, and coordinate with other clubs to ensure no one takes the bait.”

“When no one buys, do you think Mr. Pei will panic?”

Manager Su seemed bewildered: “But what if Mr. Pei really digs into his pocket, buys them all, and then transfers them?”

Manager Li chuckled: “Transfer? To whom?”

“We’ve already informed other clubs in advance. We release the news that we want to sell, but no one buys—then Mr. Pei will realize that even if he buys all the clubs, he can’t sell them!”

“Wouldn’t they all be stuck in his hands?”

“And then what? Play matches against himself? Isn’t that a joke?”

“Besides, each of our clubs costs several million to over ten million. To take all of them? Does Tenda have that much liquid capital? Is he burning money just for this standardized contract? Taking such a big risk?”

“So, the scenario you’re imagining simply won’t happen.”

“The most likely outcome is that we play this duet, stir up some public opinion, and then, when no one buys the clubs, Tenda will be in an awkward position.”

“Mr. Pei will have to concede at least a little.”

“Even if he gives in on just one of these conditions, it won’t be in vain for us, right?”

The club managers nodded in unison.

“That makes sense!”

“Manager Li’s strategy is indeed good.”

“Right, the domestic esports circle is ultimately small, a circle of relationships. As long as we unite with other clubs, we’ll be in an invincible position!”

“Then we’ll await Manager Li’s good news!”

The club owners didn’t want to be subject to too much regulation. They had already told their managers not to fully accept the terms unless necessary.

Now, with Manager Li and SUG Club taking the lead, other clubs were content to watch and wait, as it would be beneficial for all of them.

Only Manager Su felt uneasy.

Because he had never heard of Mr. Pei making concessions!

Although this plan seemed flawless, Mr. Pei’s strategic planning abilities were also extremely terrifying.

Manager Su silently thought to himself that they should prepare for both scenarios.

First, observe. If Mr. Pei compromised, that would be ideal.

If the situation turned unfavorable, quickly switch to Mr. Pei’s side.

After all, the GPL slot wasn’t something that could be obtained easily. If they messed up and lost the GPL slot that was already in their hands, wouldn’t that be a massive loss?