"Tang Long has made it to the finals," Jonas said, glancing at Guo Qiang without elaborating. The implication was clear: the Lakers' season was still ongoing, and if they went head-to-head with the Spurs until the very end, the finals would be extended.
"Then can we call Tang Long back for the next game? A joint practice, what do you think?"
"That might not be appropriate, would it?" This meant Tang Long would have to rejoin the team with virtually no rest. Such continuous play was detrimental to a player's personal development. Most players were reluctant, hence their half-hearted participation in national team schedules.
Guo Qiang looked hesitantly at Jonas. Flying back from the United States to China, playing a game, and then returning to the United States seemed to disregard the players' physical well-being.
"The next game is against Persia. If we lose again..." Jonas paused, looking at Guo Qiang with a clear message in his eyes. He was just a foreign coach; he'd get paid regardless. But Guo Qiang was the Chinese coach. If the team lost, it would be him facing repercussions from the higher-ups, not Jonas.
"Let's wait and see then." After a moment's hesitation, Guo Qiang decided to make a decision after the friendly match against Persia. After all, the Cavaliers were heading to the finals soon. Recalling Tang Long now for a friendly match might make the situation look better and save him from reprimands, but the fans would likely riot.
"As you wish," Jonas waved his hand, ending the conversation. Guo Qiang glanced at Jonas, feeling that the old man seemed a bit off lately. He didn't think much of it, chalking it up to the pressure on the coach after losing games.
...
"Tang, have you ever considered venturing into the entertainment industry?"
"Not at the moment. If I have some free time, I wouldn't mind a cameo for fun." Tang Long couldn't figure out why DC director Zack Snyder had approached him, and now it was the president of Marvel. He had no real interest in the entertainment industry; a cameo would only be feasible if it didn't interfere with his games and training. This year was out of the question, as he still had the Olympics during the offseason.
"That's such a shame!" Kevin Feige looked genuinely regretful. Tang Long's image was perfect for playing a superhero, and with his immense popularity, as long as the movie wasn't terrible, it would be a massive success, even excluding European box office figures and solely considering the US and China.
Hearing Tang Long's response, Scarlett Johansson felt a pang of envy. This guy had opportunities that she struggled to obtain, yet he was pushing such a valuable chance away. It truly was a case of comparing oneself to others and dying of frustration!
"Mr. Feige, while I don't have time right now, you could consider someone else." Tang Long then looked at Scarlett. "Scarlett is absolutely perfect for the role of Black Widow. If you trust my judgment, casting her in Iron Man and The Avengers would surely lead to box office success."
"Although I am the president, I don't interfere with the director's casting choices," Kevin Feige politely declined Tang Long's recommendation. Hadn't he just dismissed him? And now he wanted him to cast someone else? Was the "brother" president useless?
Hearing Kevin Feige's words, Scarlett Johansson felt incredibly awkward. She had been so excited when Tang Long invited her to the dinner, thinking it was a chance to audition. Little did she know that Feige didn't even consider her.
"But you are a producer." Tang Long pondered for a moment. "How about this: I heard you're looking for investors for your superhero series. I can invest as a shareholder of Twitter. Also, I heard you're in talks with CK. I can lend a hand there too."
Kevin Feige paused. At the same time, Stern said slowly, "If Tang is involved, I believe the league wouldn't mind recommending a film worth watching to everyone."
"Hiss!" Kevin Feige gasped, looking at Stern in surprise. Promoting a movie in the NBA would involve significant advertising costs. If a star player recommended it before a game, it would undoubtedly influence millions, even tens of millions of fans!
"If the promotion is in China, and I happen to be there, I wouldn't mind taking you on a tour of China." Tang Long's statement stunned Kevin Feige. In reality, besides Tang Long's suitability for the role, he was naturally drawn to the Chinese market. Without a Chinese actor, not only would the review process become more complicated, but the impact would also be greatly diminished. With Tang Long's help in promotion, the box office in China would at least be guaranteed!
Kevin Feige became excited. "Mr. Stern never speaks lightly. How could I refuse Mr. Stern's proposal? I'll inform Director Favreau." He then looked at Scarlett. "But whether she's suitable is ultimately up to the director's decision."
"Thank you, Mr. Feige. I will definitely prove my acting skills to the director." The opportunity had reappeared, and Scarlett was so moved that tears welled up in her eyes. If Stern and Kevin Feige weren't present, she would have rushed to hug Tang Long right then and there.
Gal Gadot couldn't help but tease. "Happy now? Look at your expression earlier; your mouth could hang two sausages."
"Hmph!" Scarlett glared at Gal Gadot. "Don't get too smug. Our Marvel movies will definitely beat yours."
"You ungrateful woman! Have you forgotten I just comforted you?"
"Was that comforting, or were you just showing off?"
"Tang, did you hear that? You need to be careful; this woman is unfaithful."
"Do you think Tang is like you?" Scarlett's beautiful eyes turned to Tang Long, her gaze so intense it could melt him. If it weren't for Tang Long, this opportunity would have been lost to her. It was impossible not to be moved. Tonight, she had planned not to leave.
However, Tang Long didn't dare to respond to Scarlett, as everyone else was looking at him with amusement. Kevin Feige, in particular, had an unusual expression. He had clearly misunderstood his relationship with Scarlett. Tang Long knew that the more he tried to explain, the more complicated it would get, so he quickly changed the subject. "LeBron, aren't you going to have a cameo role?"
"They're asking you, why are you asking me?" James teased Tang Long, but as Tang Long's friend, he was tactful and helped Tang Long diffuse the situation. "If there's an opportunity, I'd be interested in trying it out."
With James's words, the conversation quickly shifted to movies, and then gradually back to basketball. Tang Long noticed that Stern seemed exceptionally cheerful. He hesitated for a moment and then probed, "Mr. Stern, what are your thoughts on superteams?"
Stern's expression stiffened slightly but was quickly masked. He was aware that the Cavaliers had been trying to acquire Dwyane Wade. He feared that if Wade joined, the Cavaliers would become invincible in the Eastern Conference.