In Sacramento's Chinatown, inside the most luxurious private room of a Chinese restaurant, a table that could seat more than ten was reserved by Chen Yilun for only three people.
Chen Yilun, Director Zhang, and his secretary, Xiao Li.
"You've come all this way, of course I have to treat you to some local specialties." Chen Yilun opened a bottle of baijiu and reached to pour for Director Zhang.
Director Zhang quickly stood up, holding his glass with both hands.
After Chen Yilun poured for him, Xiao Li, who had already taken his seat, smoothly picked up the bottle, poured a glass for Chen Yilun, and sat back down — keeping the bottle firmly at his side.
Chen Yilun noticed the move and couldn't help but smile in admiration.
That kind of sharp attentiveness was invaluable. Honestly, who wouldn't want a subordinate like that?
"But I've been living here for over half a year, and Western food here really doesn't suit me — bland and hard to enjoy." Chen Yilun joked. "After all that, this place still fits our tastes best."
"I understand. I've heard about the food here," Director Zhang replied.
After clinking glasses, Director Zhang spoke. "Xiao Li, bring out our gift."
"No, no, that's too kind."
"It's nothing expensive. Just a small token from the basketball community back home."
Director Zhang waved his hand and took a basketball from Xiao Li.
"Before we came, Chairman Yu spent days thinking about what to bring you. In the end, it seemed like you didn't need anything. Since the Asian Championship is coming up this year, here's a basketball signed by the entire national team!"
If not for Director Zhang's reminder, Chen Yilun might have forgotten. That's right — this year was the Asian Championship, the last great moment for the national team in the original timeline.
That year, the team stood united, reclaiming Asia's throne and earning a direct ticket to the Olympics.
But afterward came a generational gap and a rocky decline.
Chen Yilun accepted the signed basketball with great care.
"This gift is perfect. I don't even want to put it down!"
The moment he saw it, he was already reluctant to let go.
This wasn't some mass-produced league souvenir. Genuine national team signed basketballs were only a handful in the entire world — priceless and unattainable.
For a basketball fan, the temptation of such a collectible was irresistible.
"I'm glad you like it." Seeing Chen Yilun's genuine delight, Director Zhang finally relaxed.
"This time, we mainly came to discuss the future direction of domestic basketball with you."
For various reasons, even after decades of development, basketball participation in China remained very limited. And not just in terms of players — there were also huge gaps in coaches, managers, analysts, trainers, and other essential roles.
Most of the time, it felt like groping in the dark. The fresh blood of the sport was sustained almost entirely by the youth training programs of a few clubs.
But since it was only barely being sustained, there would inevitably come a day when it could no longer hold up.
That day was already drawing near.
Still, on the surface, the national team looked strong, with veterans like Yi Jianlian and Da Zhenzi leading the way, supported by promising newcomers like Wang Zhelin, Si Zi, and Zhou Qi.
And this year, the "Big Monster" would fully make his name known, becoming the new standard-bearer among domestic centers.
Of course, that was all a story for later.
"Here's the thing. Recently in Beijing, there's been a proposal under discussion. Since this is your area of expertise, we wanted to hear your thoughts."
After a few rounds of strong liquor, the two had grown much more comfortable with each other. Director Zhang no longer spoke so formally.
"Go ahead."
What Director Zhang said stunned Chen Yilun. Wasn't this the early concept of the future Young Eagles Program?
So they already had this idea back then.
Chen Yilun didn't openly oppose the plan. Given the current conditions, sending young players abroad for training really was cheaper than building up the entire structure at home.
But with his foresight, he knew the program's success rate would end up alarmingly low.
"The idea itself isn't bad," Chen Yilun finally said after some thought.
"But the training methods and focus here are very different from ours. Getting a school team spot is easy, but wouldn't competing directly with American high school players be too much for our kids?"
"That's something we've been considering too. In the short term, the plan may not yield much. But raising talent is a long process, and we still want to align with the world — even if just little by little."
"I see."
After pausing for a moment, Chen Yilun continued, "If it's about working with schools here, I do have quite a few connections. It wouldn't be too difficult to arrange."
Since it was their first meeting, they couldn't go too deep into details. Showing goodwill and openness to cooperation was enough.
As the two continued drinking, Xiao Li quietly slipped out of the private room.
With just a glance, Chen Yilun already knew what he was up to. But too bad — restaurants here required advance reservations, and he had already paid in full when booking.
Typical Americans, not even giving guests a chance to show some courtesy.
After wrapping things up with Director Zhang, Chen Yilun slowly made his way home.
If he could build good cooperation with contacts back home, then the badges in his system warehouse would finally have a proper use.
Chen Yilun had always lived by one principle:
better wasted at home than handed over to others!
With his rebirth and the boost cards in hand, he was already in an invincible position. The badges had become almost redundant.
The only reason he hadn't used them yet was because he couldn't bear to let such a powerful advantage go to waste on others.
But if it was for his own people, that was a different story.
What? You think this breaks the system rules?
How's it breaking anything! The rule just says it has to go to team members! I'll talk to the boss, get myself listed on a subordinate team, and sign the kid to a 10-day contract first.
At worst, when the summer league comes, I'll ask for a roster spot. Who can say summer league players aren't part of the team?
Thinking of this, Chen Yilun found himself humming a tune.
I really am a genius.
...
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