Chapter 28: Skyrocketing Influence and Commercial Value

The messages from Caroline read as follows:

 • "Ah, you tagged me, and now my followers suddenly went up by over 100,000! I should be the one thanking you. My Twitter had barely hit 10,000 followers in a year."

 • "Sorry, I've been in class lately and couldn't reply right away."

 • "I'm watching your game now—take down that 'flop king' Harden. Go, go! (๑•̀ㅂ•́)و✧"

 • "Wow! A triple LOGO shot?! How do you even practice something like that?"

 • "Just five points behind now. Keep pushing!"

 • "Oh my, 666—you actually put Capela on a poster with that putback dunk!!!"

 • "That save was impressive, but please, stay safe!"

 • "Such a perfect pass—Steph tied the game! Congrats, your hard work paid off!"

 • "Too bad Harden got you with that trick, but you did everything you could. Rest assured, your 'Candy' fans will keep cheering you on!"

 • "Oh—OH MY GOD! You hit that deep three for the win! That was epic!!!!!!!"

While reading these messages, Tang Lei was taken aback for a moment before a smile crept onto his face. He could almost picture Caroline's excitement as she watched the game unfold.

"This feeling—it's something I've always wanted," Tang thought. "I never imagined I'd get here this way." In his past life, he'd practiced tirelessly, hoping to someday impress Caroline with his skills and catch her attention. Yet no matter how hard he worked, he was always overshadowed by taller players and never stood out to her. But now, in this new life, he'd finally gotten the recognition he'd longed for.

There was something truly special about being praised and cheered on by someone you've secretly admired.

After thinking for a moment, Tang Lei replied with a few messages:

 • "Thanks for tuning in to watch me play. Luckily, we managed to pull it off—it was a crazy last shot, even I was stunned."

 • "You said my tag boosted your followers by 100,000 and you feel like you owe me? So, how do you plan to thank me?"

 • "Haha, just kidding! But since we have this rare connection and you gave me the idea for my fan name, I really should show my appreciation. Christmas is coming up soon—how about I send you a couple of tickets to our Christmas game so you and your bestie can see it live?"

As a main player, Tang Lei had access to complimentary tickets for home games, typically reserved for family or friends. With the Christmas game just over a week away, this was a perfect chance to invite her. Unlike his past self, who would have quietly admired her from a distance, this time Tang was determined to seize the opportunity and take the initiative.

After sending the messages, Tang Lei drifted off to sleep with a satisfied smile.

Across the Ocean

Back in China, it was midday, and, as expected, major sports media outlets were rolling out article after article:

 "Witness a Miracle! Tang Lei's 0.9-Second Deep Three to Take Down the Rockets!"

 "Unprecedented! Chinese Player Tang Lei Hits Buzzer-Beaters in Two Straight Games!"

 "A Dunk for the Ages! Tang Lei's Epic Poster Dunk Predicted to Be a Top 10 of the Year!"

 "Your 'Lei King' is Limitless! 25+10+10 Breaks the Record for NBA's Youngest Triple-Double!"

 "Triple LOGO Shots: Is This New Warrior Another Curry?"

 "Double-Digit Scoring in Five Straight Games—Could Tang Lei's Legacy Surpass Yao's?"

 "Harden Calls Tang Lei's Last Shot 'A Bad Choice'; Tang Lei Responds: 'I Loved It!'"

These headlines sent shockwaves across China. Back-to-back game-winning buzzer-beaters are a rarity in NBA history. Fans spread the news across social media, some boasting in group chats or to friends as if they'd hit the shot themselves. As Tang Lei's name spread like wildfire, his follower count exploded, and his impact only grew.

Leading Chinese sports brands were quick to notice, too. Many were now holding high-level meetings, aiming to recruit Tang Lei as a brand ambassador. Five games in, all with double-digit scoring, two #1 Plays of the Day, two buzzer-beaters, and records as the youngest player to notch both 30+5+5 and a triple-double—Tang Lei's accomplishments were even crazier than "Linsanity"!

As for Tang Lei, blissfully unaware of the sensation he'd caused back home, he slept in until midday, waking to dozens of missed calls and messages. He always muted his phone at night for a peaceful sleep, so he hadn't heard a single ring.

Ignoring the unknown calls, he checked his texts first.

"Dear Mr. Tang, we hope we didn't disturb you. I am the Head of Business at Anta, and we're interested in discussing a partnership with you. We look forward to your reply."

"Tang Lei, hello. This is Tom Xie, a shareholder at Xtep. We'd love to explore endorsement opportunities with you."

"Dear Mr. Tang, this is Li Ning, Chairman of Li-Ning. First, congratulations on your achievements, and we hope for a chance to work together."

Tang Lei scanned through these messages, realizing that endorsement offers had started pouring in. Nearly every top Chinese brand was represented—Anta, Xtep, Li-Ning, Hongxing Erke, 361 Degrees. He was especially surprised to see Xtep's offer extended personally by shareholder Tom Xie. And then there was Li-Ning, reaching out directly from the Chairman himself.