James Sullivan's boldness lasted a few seconds before turning into a sigh. “The Fang family business isn’t small. With me, Little Benjamin's father, and a few brothers combined, our family has assets of five or six hundred million. So I always thought I wasn’t short on money. When others sent their juniors to train under me, I was internally resistant... But... these grandkids are just too damn willing to spend money.”

He looked at Grace Thompson. “You know, to keep them from forcing me to personally teach their kids and waste my own training time, I set the class fee at ten thousand per session. Several people just bought a hundred sessions straight up, can you believe it? In less than two months, I’ve sold almost two thousand sessions.”

“……”

Grace Thompson was a bit surprised.

A Danjin master...

Is it really this profitable?

Two thousand sessions? Twenty million!?

“Two thousand sessions doesn’t even mean one-on-one instruction. And if we scale up... the income from just the Changfeng Martial Arts School alone would match the profits of a dozen Fang family companies.”

James Sullivan said, “Before, I used to scoff at those Danjin masters who advertised courses and recruited disciples online. I thought they were disgracing the title of Danjin master. But now...”

Grace Thompson nodded in understanding.

A martial artist can earn this much?

On Blue Star, it’s almost unimaginable.

“So you mean you want me to be the head instructor?”

“Given that you participated in the Jiangzhou Martial Arts Tournament and even dared to sign a top ten bet, I’m sure that in half a year, you’ll almost certainly reach Huajin! So, I have two proposals...”

James Sullivan said seriously, “First, I want to invite you to become a shareholder and a member of Changfeng Martial Arts School. After expansion, the total investment won’t be less than sixty million. I don’t need any capital from you—just your presence. I’ll give you 5% equity, and once you reach Danjin, your shares can increase further.”

As he spoke, he watched Grace Thompson's expression, but seeing no emotional fluctuation, he felt a bit puzzled, yet continued, “The second option is what Coral mentioned—be the head instructor.”

He paused. “After the Jiangzhou Martial Arts Tournament, depending on my final results, we’ll open three to five more branches. You can choose one, and you won’t need to teach students anymore—just serve as the face of the branch. The annual salary is set at one million. What do you think?”

Chapter 10: One Million

“Director Sullivan really values me.”

Grace Thompson said sincerely.

Both of James Sullivan's offers were very sincere.

If he didn’t have talent, this would already be the best outcome.

Looking across Taibai, an annual income of a million could truly be called one in ten thousand.

And that’s including all kinds of equity dividends and individual business owners.

“I remember the first time I met Director, you said you wanted to witness the style of a grandmaster, even a martial saint.”

Grace Thompson looked at James Sullivan. “My goal isn’t exactly the same as Director's, but it’s pretty close.”

“I understand.”

James Sullivan felt a bit regretful.

If he could really bring Grace Thompson in with 5% or 10% equity and keep him at Changfeng Martial Arts School, in a decade or so, he’d almost certainly be another Danjin.

By then, a martial arts school with two great martial artists—what a selling point!

If he could go even further on the Danjin path, making Changfeng Martial Arts School the number one in Canglong City wouldn’t be a pipe dream.

“So, will you be the head instructor? You’ll just need to handle some challengers that ordinary coaches can’t deal with. It won’t interfere with your own training.”

James Sullivan said.

“Alright, but let’s sign for just one year first.”

Grace Thompson said.

There are still six months before the 16th Jiangzhou Martial Arts Tournament begins, and the tournament itself lasts three months.

There’s the state-level tournament, the national tournament, and the World’s Number One Martial Arts Tournament hosted by the Tianyuan Federation.

After a year, he’d have basically figured out the limits of his “talent” and set his path for the future.

By then, the chances of staying in Canglong City would be slim.

“That’s fine.”

James Sullivan nodded. “You’ll probably want to focus on your martial arts for the next six months, right? I’ll give you the one million signing bonus in advance.”

“Paying in advance?”

Grace Thompson glanced at James Sullivan.

James Sullivan responded with a smile.

Grace Thompson understood his goodwill and didn’t ask, “Aren’t you afraid I’ll take the money and run?” He just smiled and agreed, “This one million really is important to me. Thanks.”

“Your words are enough.”

James Sullivan said, “It’s currently Year 93 of the Star God Calendar, December 25th. The Star Arrival Festival is coming up, and the martial arts school will be closed for a week. Are you going home or staying in Canglong City? I’ll have Manager Brooks give you a key to the school. You can train there—the facilities and equipment are all available, so it’s convenient.”

“I should go back.”

Grace Thompson said.

After the turbulent era ended, people set the first time they “saw” the Star God as the first year of the Star God Calendar. Since that day happened to be January 1st, every year at this time became the Star Arrival Festival, the most important holiday in every country worldwide.

All companies and organizations would give three to seven days off during this period to celebrate the start of the new era.

Grace Thompson didn’t want to go back, but...

Two months ago, after what happened, Mrs. Thompson and Lily Thompson hadn’t come to Canglong City to bother him, which was already a great show of respect for his feelings.

If he didn’t go back now...