Around 7:00 in the evening, Kai finally made his way home.
Some of the lads were still buzzing from earlier and floated the idea of going clubbing, but Vermaelen and Kai had put their foot down and sent them on their way.
The night sky was deepening into that dark blue glow just before full nightfall when Kai pulled into his street. By the time he reached his front gate, the clock had edged past eight.
Parked neatly in front of his house was a sleek black Mercedes-Benz. Kai didn't even need to double-check the plates—he recognised Jonathan Barnett's car instantly.
As he slowed to a stop, Chamberlain glanced at the Mercedes, then back at Kai.
"I'll leave you to it, mate," he said with a grin.
"See you tomorrow," Kai replied, waving him off casually.
Once Chamberlain was gone, Barnett stepped out of the car, wearing the sort of well-pressed suit that screamed business but with a friendly edge in his smile.
"The timing's spot on," Kai said, smiling as they shook hands.
Barnett chuckled. "I'm not one for no-shows. When I say I'll be somewhere, I turn up."
Kai tilted his head. "But why is it you always seem to prefer late-night meetings?"
"I've just flown back from the States," Barnett explained, loosening his tie a touch. "A couple of my fighters had issues I had to sort out. Long story."
"Fair enough," Kai said, unlocking the door. "Come inside—we'll talk properly."
Barnett followed him in, the quiet thud of his leather shoes echoing lightly against the hallway floor.
"Ice water?" Kai called over his shoulder as he headed to the kitchen.
"That'd be perfect," Barnett replied with an appreciative nod.
Kai poured a tall glass from the fridge, the clink of ice against glass filling the silence. Setting it down in front of Barnett, he pulled over a stool and sat opposite.
"Alright then," Kai said, leaning forward. "Let's get into it."
Barnett wasted no time. From his briefcase, he pulled a thick stack of neatly arranged papers and started talking through the details.
For over an hour, Barnett spoke with the energy of a man who knew exactly what he wanted. His voice eventually grew dry, but Kai listened intently, impressed by the level of preparation.
It was clear Barnett had done his homework—this wasn't just a quick pitch. The man had studied every angle, every opportunity. And it was obvious why: Barnett's early ventures into football hadn't been all smooth sailing. He'd taken his share of knocks, failed to land certain clients, and at present had only two marquee names—Ashley Cole and Gareth Bale.
To grow his football stable, he needed the next big name. And right now, the Premier League's rising midfield star, Kai, was exactly that.
Barnett saw more than just a player—he saw influence, marketability, and the kind of profile that could open doors.
"This," Barnett said finally, tapping the papers, "is the general plan. It includes what you mentioned last time. Now, I can't interfere too much with your relationship with the club, but I can and will make sure you get the compensation you've earned."
Kai raised a hand to correct him. "Not a higher reward, Jonathan—a fair reward. If I put in the work, I expect to be paid accordingly. Nothing more, nothing less."
Barnett smiled. "That's exactly how it should be."
He paused, then asked directly, "So… are you ready to sign?"
Kai leaned back, considering. "You know, I might not make you mountains of money straight away."
Barnett's grin returned. "Trust me, Kai—your future will take care of that."
"That sure about me?"
Barnett's tone turned serious. "Absolutely. Having you on my books would be a huge step forward for me and my company."
Kai nodded slowly. "How many years are we talking?"
"Three," Barnett said. "Let's see how we work together. If I deliver, you extend. If I don't, you move on, no hard feelings."
Kai considered for a moment, then smiled. "Alright, sir—you've convinced me. Bring out the contract."
Barnett's eyes lit up, his composure just barely containing the excitement. The hottest young midfielder in the Premier League was about to become his client.
Kai signed with a steady hand, then extended it across the table. "Looking forward to working with you, Mr. Barnett."
Barnett clasped his hand warmly. "Kai, I'll make sure the world knows your name. You'll be one of a kind—mark my words."
Kai chuckled. "Then let's make it happen—together."