Chapter 46: A Sponsor Descends from the Heavens

“Coach Wang, this is Mr. Zhang from Tianyuan Dairy. Mr. Zhang, we truly appreciate your support for our province’s basketball program this time.”

“Oh, there’s no need for thanks. Tianyuan is a local enterprise, after all, and it’s only right for us to support the development of our own basketball.”

Every day was hectic for Wang Lei. The coaching staff was short-handed, so he had to keep a constant eye on the players’ training, racking his brains for ways to motivate them. Having once been a player himself, Wang Lei knew well that daily training could be the most draining part of the sport. Spectators only saw the athletes in their moment of glory on the court, moving with ease and dominance, but they couldn’t begin to imagine how tedious the training could be. Nearly every player who could be called a “gym fanatic” was, at heart, a bit of an obsessive.

But today, Wang Lei’s work was forced to pause. Someone from the Provincial Sports Administration had informed him that a sponsor wanted to support the team. As head coach, Wang Lei certainly had to meet the sponsor in person.

“Mr. Zhang, hello. I’m Wang Lei, the head coach of the team.”

Wang Lei didn’t want to waste time watching the Sports Administration officials and this portly executive exchange pleasantries.

“Ah, Coach Wang, you’re really impressive—so young, yet already a head coach. You must have some remarkable qualities.”

Though the words seemed harmless, there was an undercurrent in Mr. Zhang’s tone that suggested he took issue with Wang Lei.

Wang Lei was unaware of the undercurrents at play. In fact, Tianyuan Dairy had long been a frequent sponsor of the provincial basketball team. The company was unknown nationwide, but it enjoyed a certain reputation in this border province. Each year, it contributed a modest sum, but always managed to insert quite a few “special connections” into the roster. For a local business, this was a more cost-effective advertisement than hiring a celebrity, and it also helped cultivate relationships.

This year, however, Wang Lei had made his position clear from the outset. This had put the Sports Administration in an awkward spot, and left Tianyuan Dairy, which had already promised favors to various contacts, in a bind.

To maintain these relationships, Tianyuan’s boss, Zhang Qifa, had no choice but to approach Wang Lei directly. He was careful; he had made inquiries about Wang Lei’s connections. Though he hadn’t uncovered much, he did learn Wang Lei had been transferred in from the capital. Zhang realized that his usual tricks wouldn’t work. Still, he hoped to exploit Wang Lei’s youth and perhaps take advantage of his inexperience.

“Mr. Zhang, your time is valuable, so let’s get straight to the point. Do you have any specific requirements for your sponsorship? And what’s the amount you’re considering?”

Wang Lei’s schedule was indeed tight. Rather than let the Sports Administration drag things out with Mr. Zhang, he preferred to settle matters himself—if the terms and amount were suitable, they could move forward at once.

“Well…”

Zhang Qifa hadn’t expected Wang Lei to be so forthright. It left him feeling a bit slighted, but years in business had taught him that this was not the time for posturing. He still didn’t know Wang Lei’s full background, but his motto in business had always been: better to avoid making enemies when possible.

He looked helplessly at his acquaintance from the Sports Administration, hoping for some help, but the official merely rolled his eyes and offered nothing. Though annoyed at being abandoned so easily, Zhang now understood that Wang Lei’s background left the Sports Administration powerless as well.

“Coach Wang, here’s the situation: Tianyuan has always been a principal sponsor of our provincial basketball team. You’re surely aware of the team’s past performance. We’ve been putting money into this for years, so I hope you can show some flexibility in other areas.”

Zhang spoke in a roundabout way, but his goal was clear.

“So what exactly are your requirements?”

Wang Lei already understood what Zhang was after—no more than the usual backdoor placements—and saw no need to waste time.

“I have a few promising young players I’d like to recommend to you, Coach Wang. If you can give them some exposure at the National Games, the sponsorship amount will be substantial.”

Sure enough, when he saw he couldn’t avoid the issue, Zhang stated his intent directly. It was not even a real “unspoken rule”—most provincial youth teams operated this way, with every team harboring its share of “special connections.”

Some might ask: Who are these “connections,” anyway? In reality, few are the children of officials or the wealthy. Even if such kids exist, a “second-generation official” or “second-generation tycoon” who loves basketball is far preferable to one who causes trouble. Unfortunately, most of these “connections” are simply children of company staff, seeking a bit of polish for their résumés. That, in itself, is not so bad—but it seriously disrupts the proper functioning of every team.

“Sorry, Mr. Zhang. I’m young, and since I’ve been appointed head coach, I intend to deliver results. I’m afraid I can’t use the players you’re recommending. Of course, if you have no such requirements, I’d be delighted to accept your sponsorship. Rest assured, your investment will be well worth it.”

Wang Lei responded with blunt honesty. The team was finally on track, and every minute counted. Such sponsors were more trouble than they were worth.

“Coach Wang, that’s a bit much, isn’t it? This has always been the norm. We’re not just a one-year sponsor—we’ve been supporting the team for years. Even if not for our sake, at least for old times’ sake—you’re burning bridges here.”

Wang Lei’s unyielding stance had finally made Zhang angry. How could such a young man speak so boldly?

“Mr. Zhang, that may have been the old norm. I’m in charge of the team now, and I don’t want your players. That’s my standard. If you can accept it, let’s talk. If not, feel free to go—I’m quite busy.”

“You—!”

Zhang hadn’t expected Wang Lei to show him so little respect. With the conversation thus ended, there was no room for negotiation.

Fuming but unwilling to utter any departing threats, Zhang left without another word. If he couldn’t strike a deal here, he’d find someone else—businessmen are nothing if not adaptable.

Zhang walked out. The Sports Administration official didn’t bother to say more. Wang Lei wasn’t troubled by the loss of such a sponsor. Times might be tough for now, but once the players had improved and the team began to win, sponsors would come seeking him soon enough.

What Wang Lei didn’t expect was that Ma Pingdong would soon find him a truly reliable sponsor.