(Extra chapter)
"Hey, Director Zhang? You've arrived? Great! We're waiting for you at the arrivals gate!"
Chen Yilun pushed through the crowd, straining to hear the voice on the other end of the phone amid the noisy chaos.
Sacramento Airport was buzzing with activity.
Dozens of cameras with long and short lenses were aimed at the exit—some from local Sacramento media, others from domestic outlets that had flown in early. Even plenty of independent bloggers had shown up to add to the excitement.
A sudden cheer erupted as the men's national team, dressed in bright red training suits, marched out of the gate in formation.
"Welcome to Sacramento!"
Chen Yilun hurried forward at a jog to greet the man leading the group.
"It's great to see you again, Chen!"
Director Zhang laughed heartily, gripping Chen Yilun's outstretched hand. "Let me introduce you—this year's head coach, Coach Gong!"
"Hello, hello!"
Chen Yilun greeted the legendary national team coach with genuine respect.
"The rooms are all ready, and the bus is parked outside. Just follow me!"
Chen Yilun led the way as the national team walked out.
"Is that Chen Yilun? Do you know him?"
Guo Ailun, carrying an oversized basketball bag, leaned toward Yi Jianlian and asked quietly.
"I've been playing in China the past two years. How could I possibly know him?"
Yi Jianlian, the team's leader, glanced over and replied casually.
"What, are you thinking about the NBA?"
"Who wouldn't? That's the ultimate stage!"
Guo Ailun edged closer and whispered, "I heard from my uncle that the Kings reached a partnership with China. A few of us might get tryout spots. Interested?"
Before Yi Jianlian could answer, an excited voice chimed in from behind. "Seriously?"
Guo Ailun turned to see Ding Yanyuhang dragging two massive suitcases, hurrying to catch up.
"Sharp ears, Ding!"
At just 21, Ding still had a youthful air, but his raw talent on the court filled fans back home with endless dreams.
"It's true!"
Yi Jianlian's confirmation put the rumor to rest.
"But don't think it'll be easy just because the GM is Chinese. The league runs on strength—connections won't get you far!"
"Of course!"
The players' chatter didn't reach those in front.
"The higher-ups are taking this friendly very seriously. They hope it will be the start of future cooperation," Director Zhang said as they walked. "Only the players arrived today. Yao Ming, Coach Du, and Coach Li are on tomorrow's flight."
The roster alone showed how much importance was placed on this game. Beyond the full national team, nearly every big name in Chinese basketball was present.
"No rush, no rush. Let's get over the jet lag first," said Chen Yilun. He wasn't in a hurry—if they were going to do this, it had to be done right. Otherwise, the team wouldn't train properly, and there'd be no time to build momentum.
"Mr. Chen, about the training camp we discussed earlier..."
"It'll happen for sure, it's just the numbers..."
Director Zhang shot him a meaningful look. "Don't worry, we won't put you in a tough spot."
"The higher-ups are clear—they just want to give these young guys a chance. Whether they seize it is up to them."
He smiled a little sheepishly after saying that.
"I know what you're worried about. Don't worry, there are a lot of misunderstandings about us, but we genuinely want Chinese basketball to grow."
"That's good to hear."
Chen Yilun turned to glance at the players behind him, laughing and talking together.
Many said that after Yi Jianlian, there was no one capable of leading the team. But there had been players who shone brightly like shooting stars—it was just that circumstances never aligned.
But with me here, all that will change.
A surge of confidence rose in Chen Yilun's chest.
"We must play with passion in tomorrow's game!"
Director Zhang stood before the team, hands on his hips.
"I don't need to tell you how valuable this chance is! We're facing a real playoff team this time, not some NCAA squad or a random American semi-pro group."
"And more than that," he continued, "Mr. Chen from the Kings is showing us respect—he's invited a number of scouts to tomorrow's game."
"You've always wanted international exposure! Now you've got it—make sure they see you!"
"Got it!"
The team answered in unison.
It wasn't just rising stars like Zhou Qi, Wang Zhelin, and Ding Yanyuhang—even Yi Jianlian, the undisputed leader, still held hopes of returning to the NBA.
Seeing the team's spirit, Director Zhang nodded in satisfaction, then caught Coach Gong's eye.
"Coach Gong, the lineup for tomorrow?" he asked quietly as they headed back.
"I'll let the tentative starters play a bit, mainly to give the young guys a chance to shine," Coach Gong said without hesitation.
"Isn't that a bit too risky?"
Before Zhang could finish, Gong stopped walking.
"Director, we can run drills anytime—we've got plenty of time. The bigger purpose of tomorrow's game is to let these scouts see our new generation."
Coach Gong was one of the few in Chinese basketball history bold enough to trust young players. From removing veteran captain Adijiang to make way for 17-year-old Wang Zhizhi, to later giving a raw Yao Ming complete freedom on offense, Gong had played a decisive role in every shift of the national team's core over the last 20 years.
"Only if the young players rise will this team have a future. We must give them a chance."
He looked at Zhang sincerely, speaking each word firmly.
"Alright, alright."
Director Zhang waved his hand and nodded. "I'm with you. The higher-ups already made it clear—you have full authority over player assignments. I'll back you up."
"Good."
Coach Gong glanced at his phone, frowning slightly at an unread message.
"Director, I'll turn in for the night. Tomorrow's a busy day."
"Rest early."
As Zhang returned to his room, Coach Gong studied the message again. Instead of going back, he headed to the VIP floor of the hotel.
The national team was staying at Sacramento's most luxurious hotel, its top floor boasting a spa, yoga studio, cigar lounge, and more.
After some searching, Gong finally found who he was looking for in the cigar lounge.
Chen Yilun was stretched out on a massive leather sofa, enjoying a fine Cuban cigar.
Seeing Gong enter, he quickly sat up and gestured.
"Coach Gong, the cigars here are excellent. Want one?"
At his casual demeanor, Gong's brows furrowed.
"Mr. Chen, isn't it against the rules to ask me to meet at a time like this?"
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / GhostParser