The following day.
ZACHARY BEMBA STRIKES ONCE AGAIN TO PROPEL ROSEBORG INTO THE KNOCK-OUT STAGE OF THE EUROPA LEAGUE!
Kristin could not help but smile after reading the headline on TV2-Sporten's official website. As Zachary's publicity secretary, she was really happy for him from the bottom of her heart. She truly wished him plenty of more success in the years to come.
But above all, she was happy that Rosenborg had qualified for the Europa League's knock-out stages for the first time in over two years. With nine points from six matches, the Troll Kids had finally firmly established themselves as second in Group C and managed to snatch one of the spots in the round of thirty-two.
On the other hand, Standard Liège, the club from Belgium, had once again lost to Red Bull Salzburg by a score of two goals to one in the previous day's fixture. As a result, they'd remained stuck at six points and only managed to place as third in Group C. So, they could only bow out of this season's Europa League.
"What are you reading that's making you smile this early in the morning?" Monica Rønning, her flatmate, asked from across the table. The two of them were feasting on a sumptuous breakfast in the living room of their apartment located in Stjørdalsveien.
"I'm just looking at some of today's sports headlines," Kristin replied after taking a slight sip on her coffee. "The most trending topics on all the major news platforms and the popular sports blogs are Zachary and Rosenborg's qualification for the next round of the Europa League."
"I heard that Zachary was involved in both the two goals of Rosenborg last night," Monica remarked, punctuating her words with a sip on her orange juice.
"Yes, he created both goals almost out of nothing," Kristin replied with a sigh. "He single-handedly dissected the IF Elfsborg defense on both occasions to create the two goal-scoring opportunities. He managed to score the first from the penalty spot and then, later on, created an opportunity for Nicki to score the second. He was truly incredible on both occasions."
"How does he really do it?" Monica mumbled. "Counting the one goal from yesterday, he should already be having a tally of seven goals in the Europa League. Isn't that right?"
"Yes, that's true." Kristin nodded. "He's already the top scorer despite the fact that he has only played three of the six group fixtures of the tournament. His form is incredible these days."
"Wow!" Monica said, glancing squarely at her friend from across the table. "Do you know what this means? Do you understand the repercussions of his continued incredible performances and his increased fame, especially on the European stage?"
"What exactly are you implying, Monica?"
"I'm just trying to say that Zachary will most likely be leaving Rosenborg soon," Monica replied with a sigh. "Think about it logically. By now, even the top teams around Europe should have heard about him. They should be already making plans to steal Zachary from Rosenborg. I don't expect a player as good as him to say no to all those mouth-watering offers."
"You're right," Kristin said, creasing her brows. "But, why are you telling me this? I would still be happy for Zachary if he left Rosenborg and moved on to the greener pastures like the five big leagues in Europe. The only thing I wouldn't tolerate is him moving to a team like Molde. But that won't happen unless Roman Abramovich purchases the club. So, there's no need for me to worry."
"What I meant to ask is what your plans are, especially since Zachary will most likely be leaving Trondheim soon. Do you plan on continuing as his publicity secretary, or will you focus on only school and give up on the job?"
Kristin could not help but sink into a moment of contemplation on hearing the question. She really loved working as Zachary's publicity secretary since the position had allowed her to interact with professionals in the sports industry. As a result, she was one step closer to achieving her dream of working as both a scout and an agent in the footballing world.
The position had also awarded her a lucrative wage of 40,000 NOK per month. She was already making money that most people in the world couldn't hope to touch until they had finished their university studies. Moreover, there was even a possibility of earning more if Zachary moved on to greener pastures. And that was why she didn't want to give up her position as Zachary's publicity secretary for anything in the world.
But there was one issue with the whole picture. Kristin was still a student who'd just commenced her studies at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim. So, if Zachary decided to transfer out of Rosenborg and out of Trondheim, she, as his publicity secretary, would have to follow him wherever he went. The other option would be to give up the position and only concentrate on her studies while hoping to land another similar job in the future.
What was she to do?
For a moment, Kristin was in a dilemma. One option was the traditional way of investing in her future through studying. The other had already allowed her to take firm steps towards achieving her dream career even before completing her university studies. If she was to be really honest with herself, she didn't want to lose either.
"I don't know what to do yet?" Kristin mumbled after a short while of contemplation. "What would you do if you were in my shoes?"
A soft smile lit up Monica's face as she held her friend's gaze. "If you want to continue your studies and also hold on to your job at the same time, you could think about transferring to another university. If you play your cards right, you might even enroll in a university that will straight away allow you to continue your program of study. In that case, you wouldn't have to waste a year since there wouldn't be any need to restart your course from the beginning."
"But," Monica continued, her tone turning solemn. "Before deciding to transfer, you should first get confirmation that will allow you to remain as Zachary's employee, at least throughout the duration of your university studies. That means you'll have to negotiate for a working contract of a minimum of three years before you agree to transfer out of NTNU and then follow Zachary to wherever he'll be going. With the contract in place, you can be sure of your future even if the working relationship between you and Zachary breaks down. At least, you'll get compensation and be able to continue your studies."
"That's really a good solution," Kristin said, the fog clouding her mind clearing. "I'll talk to Zachary and his agent about the idea before the festive season. If their response is positive, then I'll have to start the preparations of transferring out of NTNU soon. Thank you, Monica, for the advice."
"I'm glad to be of help any time," Monica said, her delicate facial features blossoming into a smile. "But don't you dare forget me when you make it big as some football scout or agent out there."
Kristin pursed her lips, suppressing a giggle. "How can I forget you when you're about to join the Olympics team? That would be unbecoming of me as a person who wants to make it big in the sports industry."
"Jokes aside," Kristin continued. "Do you wish to attend Rosenborg's end-of-year banquet tomorrow evening? If you do, I can guarantee to get you an invite from the organizers."
"You can even get yourself some invitations to a Rosenborg club party!" Monica exclaimed, raising her brows.
"Have you forgotten that I'm still working there as an intern? It's no big deal getting an invitation for one of my friends to attend the party. So, do you wish to go or not?"
"Of course, I wish to go, girl," Monica was quick to reply with a smile. "Just get me the invitation."
"Good." Kristin nodded. "Just prepare a formal evening dress for tomorrow evening. I'll get the invitations by the end of today."
**** ****
