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Chapter 692 - 291. Begins with roars_3

Chapter 692: 291. Begins with roars_3

Before the season started, Felton was ranked by the media as the top ’05 class Point Guard, mainly out of respect for his status as a defending champion...

...

Zhang Yang didn’t fall asleep until after 3 a.m. He wanted to stay up to see the night view of Salt Lake City at 4 a.m., but the thoughts of his classmate’s dismal playoff prospects comforted him. After feeling a bit happier, he became drowsy, kicked out the old fat boss, avenged the past by hitting Raja Bell, and then snuggled into bed and fell asleep.

He slept in until noon the next day, then Zhang Yang left Salt Lake City with his team, flying to the fourth stop of their five-game road trip, Los Angeles.

After settling in his hotel room, Zhang Yang changed into formal wear, met up with Hill in the parking lot, hopped into a nanny car, and set off for another hotel.

On the way, Zhang Yang asked, "Grant, what movie promotion are we attending?"

A few days before the road trip began, Hill had approached Zhang Yang, saying there was a movie promotion and party invitation during the Lakers game and asked if he wanted to come along for some fun. Zhang Yang, who enjoyed lively events, didn’t refuse and mentioned it to Tellem, who, knowing Hill was organizing the fun, was keen to stir him to participate.

However, after entering December, he was busy and didn’t give much thought to what movie promotion it was, almost forgetting about it until Hill reminded him on the plane at noon.

Fortunately, he had discussed it with his mother before, and she had prepared clothes for him.

Hill said, "It’s a British film company’s adaptation of a novel. I haven’t read the novel, but it appears to be an inspirational movie about three orphans growing up in a difficult environment."

Zhang Yang said, "Oh, did they invite you because you’re seen as an inspirational figure among athletes?"

Hill said, "Uh... maybe that’s partly why."

Zhang Yang asked, "What’s the other reason?"

Hill replied, "I used to be a popular player. After winning a gold award in a children’s piano competition, many TV stations wanted me on their shows, but my mom refused until I got to high school. I remember meeting today’s film director when I was in 10th grade. I had a cameo in his movie playing a nameless basketball club prodigy. That was 20 years ago... Oh, you probably weren’t even around back then."

Zhang Yang said, "Your childhood and my childhood were really different."

Hill said, "You’re special too. You started playing basketball at 15, entered the NBA after two years, and won an NBA championship in four years. You were much more acclaimed than I was as a kid."

Zhang Yang said, "You do have a point. Suddenly, I don’t feel so jealous anymore."

Hill said, "Haha, the reason I called you along this time is to get you more exposure to the outside world. Don’t just focus on basketball and work; go out and have fun sometimes."

Zhang Yang said, "I can’t even buy a bottle of wine without the store refusing to sell it to me. Where can I go for fun?"

Hill said, "That’s true, but there’s always a way. For these kinds of movie or TV promotions, or charity events, they would definitely be thrilled to invite you. When I got a call from Saunders... today’s director, saying he wanted to bring you along, he was ecstatic. These events can help you relax from the intense life of basketball and also enhance your public profile, which is beneficial for your commercial value and post-retirement life and work."

He added, "And today’s event is really suitable for you. The three lead actresses, who play the orphans, are about your age."

Zhang Yang said, "...Are you trying to set me up with a girlfriend?"

Hill exclaimed, "Wow, did you catch on? Haha, it’s not about setting you up with a girlfriend, it’s just giving you an opportunity to meet girls. Tamia has been worried about you being single at 19."

Zhang Yang replied, "...Thank her for me, will you? She hasn’t released a new song in two or three years, I’m also worried for her."

Hill said, "Haha, you really don’t spare anyone with your words, but it seems like you’re not against the idea, and that reassures me."

Zhang Yang said, "I’m not against it, I’m actually quite proactive when I meet a girl I like. But since I started playing, I’ve devoted all my time to training. The longer I play, the more I feel inadequate and want to train more, watch videos. You’re right, going out to relax once in a while is good... But it’s just like you, Grant, already planning for retirement."

Hill said, "Planning for after retirement? I started that right after high school graduation."

Zhang Yang said, "...Our youth wasn’t the same!"

...

He had been a public figure for a few years, but it was Zhang Yang’s first time attending a movie promotion and a socially demanding party with camera coverage.

Overall, he was quite reserved, turning on his ’king’ mode and featuring a professional smile throughout the event.

The media showed more interest in him and Hill than in the movie, the actors, or the director, creating a sense of overshadowing the main event. After expressing his concerns to Hill, Hill assured him that this was exactly what the director wanted. The film, not considered a commercial one, had little attention in the U.S., and the director wanted to leverage their popularity. Zhang Yang relaxed upon hearing this.

About the promoted film, Hill hadn’t been clear. After arriving, Zhang Yang saw the movie title but had no recollection of it. One of the three female leads, whom he had seen on TV as part of the Harry Potter starring group, was Emma Watson, around his age. Hill and Tamia weren’t wrong about inviting him to expand his social circle. However, he only exchanged greetings, took a photo together, and being his first time at such an event, he was surrounded by directors and producers, with no time for personal socializing.