Chapter 115

Lilian faced a stark choice: be blacklisted or become Clinton's girlfriend. The demand was unreasonable and overbearing, stunning Michael and the entire NexusTV staff. Clinton's request placed them in a difficult position, a dilemma he clearly enjoyed. He glanced at Michael and Lilian. "Take your time and think it over. Give me your answer when you've decided." He then left abruptly.

However, a cold voice stopped him. "I'm answering for Lilian and Mr. Hamilton. We choose neither option!"

Clinton turned, his gaze sharp as he looked at Gilmore, the speaker. He smiled arrogantly. "Neither? Then 'Run, Friends, Run' disappears from television forever. Lilian will be blacklisted by NexusTV and every other station. Her career will be over."

Gilmore responded sarcastically, "'Run, Friends, Run' canceled? Lilian blacklisted? Who says so?" He turned to Michael. "Do you want to renew the sponsorship contract? Give it to me. I'll sign it."

Michael and the others were stunned. They couldn't believe Gilmore could sponsor the show. Clinton, too, was shocked. He laughed. "Are you serious? Boy, do you know the sponsorship fee is thirty million dollars? Do you have that kind of money? Can you afford it?" His eyes were filled with ridicule and contempt. He remembered Gilmore arriving on a shared bicycle, thinking, "He's just bragging. How can a pauper sponsor a major variety show? What a joke!"

Chapter 115 (continued)

Gilmore looked at the arrogant Clinton indifferently. "You'll know when I sign the contract." He then addressed the dazed Michael. "Didn't you say you didn't want the show canceled and your employees to lose their jobs? Then what are you hesitating for? Get the contract."

Though skeptical, Michael retrieved the contract from his briefcase. "Here's the contract, Mr. Reed."

Gilmore took it, requesting a pen. Michael, still in a daze, provided one. Gilmore casually flipped through the annual contract, a thirty-million-dollar sponsorship for "Run, Friends, Run," in exchange for advertising and promotion.

He wanted to sign not only to spite Clinton's arrogance, but also because the Evermore Diner was soon opening dozens of branches in Oakhaven. While its reputation was strong, a show like "Run, Friends, Run" would propel it to national popularity, rapidly expanding beyond Vane. The sponsorship was a worthwhile investment.

After reading the contract, he said, "I've read it. I'll sign it now." He picked up the pen, but Lilian stopped him. "This is a legal contract. If you sign, you're legally liable," she warned, doubting he could afford the fee, even after winning the lottery.

Gilmore smiled, reassuring her, "Don't worry. I understand the consequences. If it had no legal effect, I wouldn't sign." He signed the contract, surprising Lilian and delighting Clinton with a sense of schadenfreude. He kept a copy and handed one to Michael.

Michael, still reeling, asked solemnly, "Mr. Reed, will you regret this later?" He feared Gilmore had acted impulsively.

Chapter 115 (continued)

"What's NexusTV's account number?" Gilmore seemingly ignored him, opening the contract. "Ah, here it is: 662000…" He transferred thirty million dollars to NexusTV's account via his phone. "I've transferred the money. You can verify it."

Michael was taken aback. He'd seen Gilmore use his phone but hadn't realized what he was doing. As Michael reached for his phone to call the station, his own rang. A woman's voice announced, "Mr. Hamilton, a Mr. Gilmore Reed just transferred thirty million dollars to our account. Is he your show's sponsor?"

Michael, initially stunned, then happily replied, "Yes, I just signed a contract with him."

The woman, surprised, asked, "Didn't Mr. Field from Horizon Group want to renew?"

"No," Michael replied. "Mr. Reed is our new partner."

"Please thank Mr. Reed for his support," she said.

"Of course," Michael replied, hanging up with unconcealed joy. Everyone heard the news: Gilmore had sponsored the show for thirty million dollars. "Run, Friends, Run" was safe, and their jobs were secure. Lilian, too, was surprised by Gilmore's ability to afford the sponsorship.

(Note: I removed the promotional text at the end.)