"Why does Tang Zhou have to leave already?"
In Chen Yilun's office, Malone muttered in disappointment.
"When he first joined the team, I thought he was just one of your connections. But after working with him for a while, I've really grown to like the kid."
"You think you're the only one who'll miss him?"
Chen Yilun replied weakly, a cigarette hanging from his lips.
"He's a good kid. If he'd stayed a few more years to learn from us, I'm sure he'd have become a head coach in this league someday."
"It's too late to say anything now."
Chen Yilun flicked the ash into the tray.
"He's got his own problems to deal with. There's nothing we can do."
It wasn't just Chen Yilun and Malone who felt regret. Everyone on the team was disappointed by Tang Zhou's decision.
Since joining the Kings, Tang Zhou had worked tirelessly—always dependable, never complaining. His professionalism earned everyone's respect. He treated every player with genuine care, often staying late to help them train. It was no surprise the team had grown fond of the hardworking young man.
So, when Tang Zhou walked into the gym that day, he immediately felt everyone's eyes on him.
"Is there something on my face?"
Feeling uneasy under their stares, he rubbed his cheek awkwardly.
"You're really leaving?"
Rudy Gay was the first to walk up and ask.
"Yeah, everyone knows already?"
After talking with Chen Yilun, Tang Zhou had come to terms with it.
"This sucks, man. Why are you leaving when everything's going so well?"
Ben pouted unhappily. "Who's gonna keep up with my jokes after you're gone?"
"Maybe…"
Tang Zhou smiled at him. "It's not that they can't keep up—it's just that your jokes are so bad no one wants to."
"What?!"
Ben's face twisted in disbelief. "No way! Absolutely not!"
"When are you leaving?"
Ignoring Ben's meltdown, Butler stepped forward.
"Probably in the next couple of days. I already handed my resignation to my boss. Once the paperwork's done, I'm heading out."
"That's way too soon."
Butler scratched his head in frustration. "Forget it then!"
He slung an arm around Tang Zhou's shoulder.
"After tonight's game, don't even think about leaving! We're hitting the biggest club in Sacramento. My treat!"
"What do you mean, your treat?!"
Before the players could cheer, Durant walked over.
"Quit arguing. I'm the one making the most money on this team—I'm paying!"
"Alright!"
The players erupted in cheers like they'd just won a game.
"I heard our little Tang's never... you know, done that kind of thing yet! I don't need to spell out what we're doing tonight, right?"
Butler teased loudly.
"Got it!"
A bunch of grinning players looked at Tang Zhou with mischievous smiles.
"Hey, that's not right! I'm not into those kinds of places!"
Tang Zhou's scalp tingled just hearing them.
"Doesn't matter!"
Butler and Durant each grabbed one of his arms.
"You're in America now—when in Rome, do as the Romans do! You're not escaping tonight!"
...
A few days later, Tang Zhou's resignation was finalized—he was officially free.
The team had an away game that day, so no one else could see him off. Only Chen Yilun and CJ came to the airport.
Malone had arranged for CJ to rest that day, knowing how close the two were.
"You're really leaving with just this?"
Chen Yilun asked, looking at Tang Zhou's two small suitcases.
"Isn't this enough?"
Tang Zhou laughed. "When I first came to America, all I had was a carry-on."
He turned to CJ. "Don't be too sad. Let's keep in touch."
"By the way, CJ, your sneaker deal's expiring soon, right? I know a brand that's been doing some great work lately. You should check them out—you might like what they offer."
CJ chuckled, though his smile carried a hint of melancholy.
"Alright, I'll think about it. But if we meet up again someday, you're showing me around."
"Of course!"
Tang Zhou grinned. "And don't think I've forgotten what you guys did to me at the club the other night. Next time we meet, I'm getting my payback!"
Just remembering that night made Tang Zhou blush a little—he was still a traditional guy at heart.
"Don't just take it out on me!"
CJ laughed. "Jimmy and Rudy went way harder than I did. If you want revenge, start with them!"
As they chatted, Tang Zhou glanced at his watch.
"All good things must come to an end. It's about time for me to head to the gate."
He clasped his hands together in a polite farewell.
"Boss, CJ—thank you for everything. Hope we meet again someday."
Chen Yilun and CJ returned the gesture at once.
"Do well over there,"
Chen Yilun finally said after a long pause.
"And if you don't, don't go telling people you learned from me. I've got a reputation to keep!"
Tang Zhou gave one last look at Sacramento's gray sky, then grabbed his luggage and started walking toward the terminal.
This might be the last time he'd ever set foot here again.
But just as he took two steps—
"Tang Zhou!"
Chen Yilun called out.
"Take care."
After hesitating for a moment, Chen Yilun shouted,
"You're my first student! I'll always have your back!"
For a second, Tang Zhou felt something sting his eyes. He quickly wiped at them and shouted back,
"Got it, boss! I'll make something meaningful out there—something you'll be proud of!"
With that, he turned and walked straight into the airport, stepping into a brand-new chapter of his life.
Watching his silhouette fade into the crowd, Chen Yilun quietly pulled out a pair of sunglasses, put them on, and smiled.
"You little rascal."