pjbooks Chapter 51 Bonus Settlement, Crazy Popcorn
Chapter 51 Bonus Settlement, Crazy Popcorn
Upon learning that a Starship rocket was worth $5000, Ma Jie graciously clasped his hands in greeting to the top-ranked donor.
The latter raised the corners of his mouth in response and then said a few words to the female assistant next to him.
The female assistant walked into the octagon with a smile, handed Ma Jieke a gold-embossed business card, and then picked up a glass of fruity champagne from the tray of the hostess next to her.
"Mr. Tang praised your boxing skills and said he wants to befriend you."
Ma Jieke responded in Chinese, "Not at all, I just came here for a visit. May I ask your surname?"
"My surname is Yang, Yang Xueman. You can also call me by my English name, Shirley."
"My name is Ma Jieke, nice to meet you."
"This glass of wine is a toast from Mr. Tang; I hope you will not refuse."
Ma Jie glanced at the glass of bubbly champagne, took it, and drank it all in one gulp. The taste was perfectly balanced between sweet and sour, with a lingering aftertaste.
Then he bowed to the audience again to express his gratitude. In terms of emotional value, the top donor deserves full credit.
Judging by his demeanor, he's probably a big shot in Chinatown, casually charging five thousand US dollars for a single popcorn. That's something those ordinary people can't compare to.
As arranged by the club, the female host conducted a post-match interview on short notice. After all, he was the super rookie who had defeated the rookie king, so there was no reason not to flatter him.
"Wow, listen to the cheers from the crowd." The female host approached Ma Jieke, her perfume pungent. "Can someone call the fire department and ask them to send a fire truck to cool things down? I feel like I'm about to explode from the audience's enthusiasm."
"Hey, Bao, come say hello to everyone! Your performance just now dazzled everyone, including me."
Ma Jie was not intimidated at all. He said into the microphone, "Hello everyone, good evening. I am Kung Fu Panda Po. Welcome to watch me fight."
There's no need for him to reveal his real name, and he doesn't plan to come back for a second playthrough.
Fairness is the premise of competition. I can accept that you are better than me, but even the referees can be easily bribed. Don't you have any shame?
It's perfectly fine to make a quick buck and leave like this; everyone's happy.
"Ah Bao, you just used many different martial arts techniques. How did you manage to do that?"
Faced with this probing question, Ma Jieke smiled and said, "The Jeet Kune Do I use was created by Bruce Lee. Mr. Lee dedicated his life to studying martial arts, and successively integrated boxing, fencing, Wing Chun, wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu and other domestic and foreign fighting styles. He emphasized practicality and efficiency, and opposed rigid routines and formalism."
He likened kung fu to water, which can be both soft and strong, adaptable to any container and environment, yet possessing the power to penetrate even the hardest rock.
"The ultimate goal of Jeet Kune Do is not to defeat others, but to understand oneself through daily practice, pursue one's true self, and achieve true inner freedom."
"In a sense, modern combat sports were formed based on Mr. Lee's spirit, and every athlete involved is a follower of Mr. Lee."
"You ask me how I did it? Mr. Li is my answer."
"Okay, that sounds quite philosophical." The female host tossed her hair. "So, what would you like to say to contestant Choi Dong-ho?"
"Can I swear?"
"Haha, of course, bro, it's not like it's on TV."
After a moment's thought, Ma Jieke said, "Actually, all I want to tell him is that Korean Taekwondo originated from Japanese Shoto-ryu Karate, while Japanese Karate originated from ancient Chinese martial arts, originally called Tang Shou. The master-disciple relationship was established a hundred years ago. Unfortunately, they only learned the superficial aspects and dared to call it martial arts, which is really laughable."
"What I'm about to say will be harsh, but I have to say it. It's not just directed at my opponents, but also at a certain country and nation. The core of modern sports is fairness, respect, and inclusivity, not that you can do anything to win. I advise you bastards, whether you're a person or a person, don't be so despicable."
After venting his anger, the person felt a sense of satisfaction, having been thoroughly disgusted and needing to vent his frustration.
After the interview, I went directly to the finance department to collect my bonus.
According to club regulations, prize money is paid in full, while 40% of the gifts given to boxers are deducted as operating costs.
最终拿到手的，也就是1500+1500+3000+（5000X0.6），加起来一共九千美金！
Clutching the heavy brown paper bag, it was impossible not to be excited, after all, it represented three months' wages for a local wage earner.
"Congratulations, Jack, you've earned so much money on your first stage of competition."
"Watching you play, you have no idea how nervous I was. Luckily I don't have a heart condition, or I would have been rushed to the emergency room by now."
Walking along Sunset Boulevard lined with palm trees, Sawa was filled with emotion.
"I didn't expect that either," Ma Jie said with a smile. "But as we agreed beforehand, we're a team, so what kind of profit-sharing ratio would be most suitable for us?"
Upon hearing about the money split, Sava immediately became excited: "According to industry standards, for a newcomer like you, the agent should take at least 30% commission. However, it's obvious to everyone that this is the result of your hard work and perseverance, so I'll only take 15%. Also, the gifts that are given as tips don't count as team gifts; they belong to you personally. In conclusion, just give me $900."
15% commission... Fine, anyway, there's no agent to lead the way, and I don't have anywhere to compete. It's money earned through my own skills, so there's no reason not to give it to him.
He counted out $900 from the prize money and handed it to Sava, who accepted it with trembling hands.
There's no way around it, life has been too tough lately. I'm receiving welfare meals and living in shelters. It's been far too long since I've smelled what US dollars are like.
"And you, Max?" Someone who doesn't like to drag things out should just get it over with in one go, to avoid future disputes.
"I'll pass," Max said, looking a little embarrassed. "I didn't do anything in the last game, and I even made things worse, almost getting you disqualified."
"What do you mean by 'forget it'?" Seeing that she didn't intend to take the money, Ma Jie took it upon himself to say, "How about this, like the agent, you take 15% as well."
"NONONO, you're breaking the rules." Upon hearing that she would be given 15%, Max quickly waved her hand: "The coach's role in the team is not as crucial as that of the agent. Usually, they get 5% to 8%, at most 10%."
"Then 10% it is." Ma Jie said, counting out $800 and stuffing it into her hand: "Take it, this is what you deserve. Use the extra $200 to get my driver's license sorted out as soon as possible."
The driver's license I got from Max was only an electronic version; a physical version would be more expensive, since it's illegal.
Although fake certificates cannot withstand scrutiny, having one is better than having none, since they are essential for buying cigarettes and alcohol, buying or renting cars, and entering and exiting hotels and entertainment venues.
"Thank you, sweetheart. You're so kind to me. I almost want to call you my sugar daddy."
Max accepted the money, feeling quite pleased with himself.
"Get lost, don't joke like that, there are minors here."
"It's your turn, little brother." Finally, MaJack looked at Jimmy, who was serving as the medical technician.
The latter licked his lips and smiled, his expression looking greedy: "I won't fall into self-doubt like Max. I feel that my role is quite important. Surgeons are the most stable and highest-paid profession in the United States, so you have to pay me at least $2000."
"A surgeon?" Ma Jie couldn't hold back anymore: "Why don't you just say you're a medical professor? $2000 in Skid Row is enough to buy a life."
"Haha, I was just kidding. My contribution was actually the smallest. You can give me 200 yuan."
Despite Jimmy's words, MaJack still took out 600 and split it with him in the same proportion as Max.
After all, this kid is a jungler and a social expert. If he wants to grow bigger and stronger in the future, he can't do without his help. There's no need to feel sorry for these three small things.
With $7000 in his pocket, Jack Ma planned to find a place to have some fun first.
If I save when I'm poor and still save when I'm rich, then what's the point of having money?