Reluctant Return (For HawtHorne)

She put her copy of her file down beside her left leg, allowing her mind to focus on something other than the embarrassing amount of detail someone else had discovered on her. She replaced it with the file on Cecilia. According to the file, the woman was a powerhouse of brute strength, but otherwise unremarkable. People who depended so much on brute strength were her speciality, just as she had proven with Jocelyn. Over confidence aside, she closed the file after a cursory review and placed it back on the table. "You will find, I hope, that I can be pleasantly full of my own share of surprises."

Just, not right now. Yi had no cards up her sleeves while the councilor across the table seemed to hold the whole deck. There was no amount of cunning that could play that deal to victory, and Zhouyi gave in to the prudent choice of just folding, rather than bluffing a card set she didn't have. Eventually, better cards will come her way, and at that time taking Margaret down would be possible. Taking the contract in hand she skimmed through it, making a few mental notes on the terms and conditions. "Very well, Ms. Manager. Set up my first training, and re-debut me at your convenience. When I procure the Hardcore title belt for you, we will renegotiate this deal."

Margaret nodded, "I hope so too, for your sake." She took a careful sip from her coffee cup. Yi seemed to be biding her time for now. Margaret was certain, though, that Yi was cool, calculating. She played the long game. She would be a tough one to control...

Margaret gave Yi a genuine, but not friendly, smile as she agreed to the terms. "Excellent." Margaret handed Yi a business card. "That's my contact information. I will your new trainer get in touch with you sometime tomorrow." Margaret pursed her lips, "She is... a little crass. Unorthodox... but terribly good at what she does." Margaret continued, "You will hear of your match bookings through the usual channels... We may have to discuss rebranding, but... if I need to speak with you about it, you will hear from me." Margaret began to gather up her various folders. "Now, I expect you to win the crowd's love. Make ratings. Make money. Do as you are told. Do all of these and you will find I can be quite easy to work for. Now, if that will be all..." Margaret trailed off, allowing Yi to interject.