Ferguson and David Gill immediately returned to Manchester.
As they exited the airport, the waiting journalists swarmed around them.
"Sir Alex, did you personally travel to sign Ye Chen this time?"
"I can't reveal that at the moment," Ferguson replied simply.
"You once said that Manchester United's doors were forever closed to Ye. Why did you now personally go to Germany to sign him?"
David Gill frowned and sternly asked, "Which paper are you from?"
The reporter shrank back and disappeared into the crowd.
Ferguson, however, smiled broadly. "I did say that before, but I must admitâmissing out on a talent like Ye would be unforgivable compared to a slip of the tongue! I declare that from today, Manchester United's doors are always open for Ye!"
The journalists gasped.
Was Ye really that good?
Ye Chen's rise to fame was so rapid that many reporters still knew little about himâonly that he had created a new footballing legend.
However, out of pride, the English media rarely paid much attention to the Bundesliga. After all, England is the center of world football!
Ferguson seemed satisfied with their reaction. "Ye has agreed to seriously consider our offer. We'll announce further details on our website. Of course, the terms we've offered Ye are very generousâincluding the legendary No. 7 shirt!"
Boom!
Ferguson's words hit like a bomb, leaving the reporters stunned.
But Ferguson said no more.
Despite Manchester United's sincerity, Ye Chen still declined their offer.
Meanwhile, in Dortmund, Ye Chen was discussing his contract renewal with Watzke and Klopp.
Ye thought he understood contracts wellâuntil Mendes stepped in to negotiate.
First, there was the issue of Ye's role in the team.
His previous contract labeled him as an "emerging star," capping his weekly wage at â¬25,000.
But this time, Mendes was pushing for a "regular starter" contractâone level below star or key player.
At 17, Ye's performances more than justified a starting role.
In addition to his weekly wage, the new contract included a loyalty bonus, agent fees, and several add-ons previously negotiated with Ye.
Ye was also set to receive his first "Bundesliga Player of the Month" and "Young Player of the Month" awardsâthanks to his consecutive hat-tricks that left no room for competition.
Mendes focused heavily on future terms during the negotiations.
He proposed a 10% annual wage increase.
But Ye had a different idea.
"Boss, let's raise the stakes."
"I'm listening."
"If we win the DFB-Pokal, my contract increases by 15%. Bundesliga titleâ20%. And if we win the Champions Leagueâ25%!"
"And if the team wins nothing?"
"No increase at all," Ye said decisively. "No titles, no raise."
"Alright, you said it!"
"What if we win a double?"
"Regardless of the number of titles, let's set the base at 10% and add 5% per trophy," Klopp chimed in enthusiastically. "If we win, we can afford it!"
"Deal!"
Mendes held his head in his handsâhe had told Ye not to speak. If Dortmund failed to win anything, the deal would be worthless.
Negotiations stretched throughout the morning.
Since Ye was still young, Mendes' commission wasn't particularly highââ¬1.3 million.
Ye's contract jumped from â¬20,000 to â¬40,000 per week, with his annual salary doubling from â¬1 million to â¬2 million.
Most importantly, his release clause soared from â¬50 million to â¬88.88 million.
This wasn't the era where every young star cost â¬100 millionâCristiano Ronaldo had only cost â¬96 million!
Waitâonly â¬96 million?
At Dortmund, the highest earner was 32-year-old captain Kehl, who made â¬50,000 a week.
Aside from playing, Kehl managed the dressing room alongside Kloppâa core figure at the club.
Ye's new wage placed him alongside Shinji Kagawa, Hummels, and LewandowskiâDortmund's top stars after winning the Bundesliga.
Clearly, Dortmund was showing tremendous faith in Ye.
Ye reciprocated that trust, and negotiations went smoothly.
By 2 PM local time, Dortmund held a press conference to announce Ye's renewal, ending the transfer saga.
"Dortmund Star Ye Chen Renews ContractâRelease Clause Hits â¬80 Million!"
"Signed and RenewedâYe Chen Makes Bundesliga History!"
"Dortmund's New Striker Extends Stay! Are Bundesliga Defenders Ready?"
"Ye Chen: I Love Dortmund. This Is Where I'll Write My Story!"
The news spread globally.
Dortmund fans celebrated.
"I love Ye even more now!"
"Ye, break up with Lina and have my babies!"
"Who said he needs to break up? I'll have his babies either way!"
"I wish he'd score on me like he does on the pitch..."
But not everyone was happy.
Manchester United fans were heartbroken.
"What an ungrateful player!"
"Sir Alex skipped managing a match to personally sign himâand he still refused!"
"Forget it, Ye Chen is dead to me."
"And he calls himself a United kid? Traitor!"
They felt betrayed.
After Ferguson's trip to Dortmund, United fans had already imagined Ye as their own.
Footage of Ye playing in the U18 Manchester derby resurfaced, fueling the belief he was the "next Beckham."
Even David Beckham himself commented:
"Ye is an incredible player. I really hope he returns to United one day."
But as the transfer drama concluded, Dortmund emerged victorious.
Ye didn't leave with Mendes. He immediately returned to training.
Even after practice, Dortmund fans waited outside to greet him.
Ye stepped out to sign autographs and take photos, but the fans didn't overstayâthey respected his hard work.
After a long day, Ye collapsed on his couch at home.
Reflecting on everything, he finally understood why clubs preferred dealing with agents.
The negotiations were far more efficient.
Ohâhe still hadn't collected his reward for the Dresden match.
Ding! Congratulations, host! You've led the team to five consecutive wins and achieved your first quintuple haulâbonus: Diamond Chest!
Ye gasped.
The diamond chest he had been dreaming of was finally his!