323 An Exceptional Talent Part 2 (1/2)

The meeting with Mourinho was outside the English Football Association building located in Soho Square, a small embankment where many London Plane trees were planted.

This time he did not look around at the skyscrapers while in the car. Even though the last time he came here was two and a half years ago, that one time had left him with a very deep impression.

Representing the Forest team for the appeal was Jack Landy, the lawyer who had defended Twain the last time. They met again without any of the tension of the first meeting. When Landy shook hands with Twain, he smiled and said, ”I knew we were going to meet again, Mr. Twain.”

Twain squinted and said, ”I don't often get into trouble. I was afraid you were going to be unemployed.”

In view of everyone, the two men laughed as if there was no one else around.

Mourinho stood next to them without expression; or more accurately, he wore a straight face with slightly pursed lips and a crease in his brow. He clearly was not happy to see Twain acting so smug in front of him.

Next to him, Jorge Mendes lightly cleared his throat to introduce Mourinho to Twain.

On hearing the cough, Twain's expression quickly changed, as if he was already adjusting his face. His smiling expression towards the Landy quickly disappeared, and his smile immediately became warmer and more cordial. However, no matter how one looked at it, it felt overly enthusiastic and too friendly.

He turned to Mourinho and extended his hand. ”I never thought we'd meet this way, Mr. Mourinho. Anyway, thank you very much for being able to attend this hearing for Pepe.”

Mourinho did not intend to extend his hand. He continued expressionlessly, and his voice sounded a little cold. ”Don't get me wrong, Mr. Twain. I'm just as disgusted with the English Football Association as you are.”

His answer made the people present feel a little awkward. There was a momentary silence. Twain's hand was still hanging in mid-air. He did not know what to do with it.

But soon Mourinho had a smile on his face, and he clasped Twain's hand. ”I also did not expect for us to collaborate in this way, Mr. Twain.”

After that momentary silence, the atmosphere returned to normal. Mendes was in a pleasant conversation with the Forest Football Club chairman, Evan Doughty. Evan introduced Jack Landy to Mendes. Although the lawyer was sometimes inflexible and stubborn, his service was impeccable. If Mendes had any disputes in England, he could employ his services.

Intentionally or otherwise, everyone seemed to be distancing themselves from Twain and Mourinho to give them space to talk alone.

It was June, and the London Plane trees were luxuriant and leafy overhead. The mottled sunlight spattered at their feet. The breeze was gentle, the light shimmering.

Mourinho looked around and turned his gaze towards the agent, Mendes, but he did not look at Twain. ”I have a very good relationship with Jorge, so I agreed to help him.”

Twain looked up at the fragmented sky, divided by leaves overhead, and nodded. ”Of course. I know.”

”But don't be happy too soon. Nobody knows if the work permit will be successfully obtained. I've never heard of a successful application for a center back using the 'exceptional talent clause.'” Mourinho's tone showed clear disdain.

Twain returned his gaze and looked at Mourinho. ”Then I'll be the first to do it.”

Mourinho grunted and said nothing.

※※※

The hearing on Pepe's qualification for the work permit was held inside the Football Association building. It was the same room that Twain had been in the last time. However, the secretary who received them was not Faria Alam, who walked around with her hips swaying. She was replaced by a capable male secretary. And in the boardroom, the Chief Executive of the English Football Association waiting for them was not Mark Palios. The two of them, him and Miss Alam, had both resigned a year ago after the ”Zippergate” scandal. As for the more disgusting details behind the scandal, there's no need to discuss them here.

The male secretary, leading the way, was surprised to see José Mourinho and Tony Twain together with his own eyes, so he said, ”I didn't expect Mr. Mourinho and Mr. Twain to be here at the same time.”

Without waiting for the two managers to speak, Jack Landy stepped forward. ”Why? Is Mr. José Mourinho testifying for Pepe from the Forest team, not in compliance with the rules?”

The secretary realized his gaffe and quickly shook his head. ”Oh, so sorry. I was just a little surprised. Please, come this way.”

As he turned to lead the way, Twain and Mourinho shook their heads at the same time. This damn lawyer! Count your luck, kid!