"As a guest?" Chen Yilun rubbed the back of his head. "I'm just a manager, not a basketball star. Why would I go on a variety show?"
Zhou Ling'an smiled faintly at his puzzled look. "Sounds like you haven't been keeping up with the news back home. You're actually pretty popular right now."
After she explained, Yilun finally realized he had built quite a following.
It was partly thanks to the decline of Chinese basketball. With the golden generation retiring, the fan base had splintered. Back when Yao Ming was still playing, most fans supported the Rockets. But after he left the NBA and no new Chinese players emerged, supporters began following different teams.
This season, die-hard fans were surprised to see another Chinese figure on the NBA stage. He wasn't a player, but Chen Yilun was fully Chinese—not just of Asian descent like Jeremy Lin.
Naturally, attention shifted toward the once-overlooked Kings. And with the team starting the season red-hot, climbing into the Western Conference's top four, Yilun had unknowingly become an idol for many fans. His rare public appearances only deepened the air of mystery around him.
"But I don't really have anything worth interviewing about," Yilun said, still unconvinced. In his eyes, he was just another professional in the league, far from the stars constantly under the spotlight.
"Don't say that. Plenty of people want to interview you but haven't had the chance. This could be a great way for people to get to know you—and it could help with your work, too."
Seeing him hesitate, Zhou leaned in, pressing her advantage.
Just then, the long-silent System came to life.
"Ding! Host has encountered a sudden event. Issuing temporary task."
"Challenge: Participate in a feature interview and earn an A rating. Reward: Random bronze badge."
"Alright, I'm in!" Yilun blurted out, making Zhou jump.
"Ah—what I mean is…" He coughed, softening his tone. "If people want to know more about me, I've got no problem with that."
Zhou quickly seized the opportunity. "Perfect. We'll be in Sacramento in the next couple of days—we'll work around your schedule."
...
After a short vacation, Yilun returned to Sacramento. He hadn't realized how seriously Zhou's team was taking this first exclusive interview.
In the Kings' next home game, they cruised past the Pelicans. Cousins and Pelicans star Anthony Davis battled hard in the paint, but the Kings' overall play sealed the win.
After the game, Zhou called to lock in the interview time. Checking his calendar, Yilun picked the very next day—any later and he'd be tied up in a grueling four-game back-to-back road trip.
The following day, in a temporary studio, Yilun arrived in a sharp gray suit. Zhou was also dressed to impress.
"Hello, everyone, and welcome to this episode of NBA Secret Agent," Zhou began. "Today we're honored to have one of the league's hottest names—also hugely popular back home—the Kings' General Manager and Chief Operating Officer: Mr. Chen Yilun!"
Yilun gave an easy wave to the camera. "Hello, host. Hello to all the fans watching. I'm Chen Yilun."
"Mr. Chen, you've been making waves this season. The Kings have been a surprise powerhouse, holding steady in the West's top four. But many viewers might not be familiar with the details of your role. Could you explain it for us?"
"Of course," Yilun said after a moment's thought. "My work has two main sides—external and internal. Let's start with the part most people are curious about.
"Externally, I deal with other teams' managers to negotiate trades—those player, draft pick, and asset deals you see between teams. I also work with player agents to negotiate contracts, what we usually call free agency signings. For rookies, I coordinate with scouts to understand their stats and skills so we can make the most of our draft picks. Sometimes we track promising players from junior high or high school, even adjusting our season goals around them.
"Internally, I handle the team's annual budget, revenue, and expenses—everything from ticket pricing to day-to-day arena operations. And of course, I manage our players' contracts."
"Sounds like a heavy workload," Zhou noted. "So is it fair to say the coach leads the action on the court while you handle the operation behind the scenes?"
"You could put it that way."
"Then can you share whether the Kings have any trades in the works, or any inside news from around the league? A lot of fans online see you as their main connection to the NBA."
Yilun chuckled. "Well, I can't leave fans empty-handed. The Kings are a young, energetic team. Under Mike Malone's leadership, we're on the right track. Our goal this season is simple: make the playoffs and build a winning culture. The trade deadline's still a ways off, and we're still building chemistry, so there's no major trade plan right now."
He paused, then added with a different tone, "But from what I know, the Eastern Conference has shifted a lot this year, and plenty of teams—especially contenders—are restless. The trade market could get busy. Keep your eyes on it."
He punctuated the statement with a sly wink at the camera.
The rest of the interview was more routine. Yilun took the chance to praise his players and speak highly of Mike Malone. He had a clear motive—he remembered that in the original timeline, Malone was fired mid-season and replaced by veteran coach George Karl. If that happened here, Yilun's good days would be numbered. So he worked to strengthen Malone's position. To outsiders, it looked like a seamless partnership.
As the interview neared its end, Zhou asked, "Mr. Chen, many young players will be watching this. What advice would you give to those aiming for the NBA?"
This question made Yilun pause.
"When we decide whether to spend a draft pick on a player, we look at many factors—not just physical ability. Playing style, growth potential, and even personality all matter.
"I'm looking forward to the day we see new faces from back home on draft night. For those still training and waiting for their shot, my advice is to stay positive, stay competitive, but don't train aimlessly—know your strengths and build on them. These days, both the NBA and international basketball value speed and outside shooting more than before. It's no secret, but if you want a place in the future, start working in that direction."
As someone who knew what was coming, Yilun understood the game's trajectory. The five-out offense would dominate the next decade. Sharing this now, he hoped it might help the sport grow back home.
--
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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