Basketball: The Chosen Victim

Chapter 290 Unexpected Recruitment

On June 6, in the chairman's office of Nike headquarters in Portland, Knight looked at the K-line chart of Nike's stock price on the screen and felt like crying.

G3 of the finals won't start until tomorrow, and it's not certain who will win, but Nike's stock price has already fallen through his psychological defense!
Plummeted 7.3% again!

Since Wu Di entered the NBA, Nike's stock price has been falling...

From the peak of more than 1300 billion U.S. dollars, it fell all the way to more than 700 billion U.S. dollars. In two years, it was almost cut in half!

Affected by this, Knight's net worth has dropped from US$240 billion to US$145 billion!

It plummeted by US$95 billion!

He's almost like Jordan!

At that time, he failed to match Under Armor's offer for millions of dollars a year, which actually caused him such huge losses...

It can only be said that James and Durant, who he also bet on, are too disappointing!
"Boss, China's public opinion monitoring data shows that we may be boycotted by the Chinese people. I have summoned the public relations department and marketing department to discuss the response plan. This is the compiled report..."

Nike CEO Mark Parker said respectfully after presenting a piece of information to Knight.

But Knight turned over the pages with no interest, and then put it aside:
"You decide, I need to go to Europe to find inspiration!"

Nate waved his hand, he was going on vacation!

He doesn't want to hear any more news about Wu Di!
So he is preparing to go to Europe. Wu Di has been banned by the Chinese Men's Basketball Team. He will definitely not be able to go to this summer's Olympics. He probably won't lick his face and come to Europe to join in the fun...

In Cleveland, Woody's estate in Irvine Heights was packed with people and filled with laughter and joy.

Sports stars, Hollywood stars, singers and queens, business leaders and other celebrities who are rarely seen in ordinary times gathered at Wu Di's manor for social parties.

Party culture is popular in the United States. Whoever throws a grand party has a high social status.

Now that the situation in the finals is clear, the Cavaliers hope to break the 42-year drought and be crowned the championship, which has become the headline news these days.

So not only are hundreds of millions of fans turning their attention to Cleveland, but also these celebrities are flocking to Wu Di and want to make friends.

After all, once you establish a connection, you can later say, "I knew Wu Di before he won the championship!"

Seeing this situation, the widowed sister discussed it with Wu Di and held a party at home to make good friends.

Wu Di was also happy to save trouble. He received more than 3000 million U.S. dollars in rewards from the system in the last game. He couldn't spend all the money on cars, boats, and planes. He might as well rely on the memories of his previous life and invest in some of them to make money.

Such as Airbnb founder Joseph Gebia, ZOOM founder Yuan Zheng, etc.

These entrepreneurs who will shine in the future will find it very difficult to raise funds this year, and their companies may fail at any time.

But when they come to Wu Di, they can not only be entertained with fine wine and food, but also receive large investments to bring the company back to life. Their gratitude to Wu Di is beyond words.

There are also some Hollywood directors, and the one that Wu Di paid special attention to was Francis Lawrence.

This guy replaced the original Gary Ross and was selected as the new director of "The Hunger Games 2", so there is an urgent need for a strong new producer to support the scene. At the same time, he is also from the Netflix series.

Netflix, which is booming in the future, is not having an easy time at the moment. They have been squeezed out by popular dramas such as HBO's "Game of Thrones" and have almost lost their living space. They rely entirely on Megan's "Janeko" to support them. The set's budget was extremely limited.

Therefore, some outstanding directors under Netflix began to find their own way to receive some extra money, and Francis Lawrence was one of them.

This is a normal phenomenon in the United States. Netflix executives will even use their connections to help them contact the crew. After all, they can't pay the salary. If they ask for mindless loyalty from the other party, what's the difference between that and a bitch?
"Di, please allow me to call you this, I need funds, traffic, and actors with Asian faces..."

Lawrence expressed his appeal to Wu Di sincerely.

Wu Di clinked glasses with him and listened to his appeal with interest.

After the first part of "The Hunger Games" became a hit, Gary Ross fell out with Lionsgate Pictures, and Lawrence was recommended as a close relative to put out the fire.

But Lawrence himself is indeed a very talented director with business sense. If the development of the previous life is followed, the box office of "The Hunger Games 2" will even exceed that of the previous film, becoming a rare classic sequel.

Not only can he make money by investing in such a work, but it can also further enhance his influence as a producer. It is simply a piece of meat that is delivered to his mouth!
But he has the funds and traffic. Who are the actors with Asian faces?

"You want me to be in this movie?"

Wu Di wondered, since he became famous, many film directors have approached him to make films, but being an actor is too tiring, so he naturally refused them all.

Lawrence quickly replied:

"No, your understanding is a bit off... Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't make it clear just now!"

"According to the story framework of the previous film, the male protagonist is still the original male protagonist, but The Hunger Games is a group movie. In the new sequel, I need to add new actors to increase the expressiveness of the battle royale..."

"By the way, it's best to be an actress!"

Wu Di's eyes lit up, and he understood that Lawrence was going to hand over part of the casting power to him!

It is estimated that as soon as this news comes out, the Chinese female stars Da Mi Mi and International Li will be able to break through his threshold!
And he can completely bypass these people. Now that Reba, Nazha, etc. have no screen works, he can take this opportunity to draw them by his side and cultivate them slowly...

Gee!

Or go to Neon or Bangzi to explore. After all, Lawrence only asked for Asian faces, leaving him a lot of room for maneuver!
"Relax! Francis, how much money do you need?"

Wu Di smiled and patted his shoulder.

"Well... 2000 million U.S. dollars, accounting for about 14.2% of the shares. Please believe me, you will definitely receive high returns! And the shooting cycle is much shorter than that of ordinary large-scale productions. It will be completed by this time next year..."

Lawrence's tone was a little weak. With the current market situation, it is too difficult to get money, otherwise it would not be his turn to be the fire captain.

Wu Di narrowed his eyes. No one else was optimistic about the current Hollywood, but as a reborn person, he knew that the total box office of "The Hunger Games 2" would exceed US$9 million, making him one of the top 50 box office players in the film industry!
In other words, his investment should bring him at least 6000 million US dollars in profit!
He took out the private bank's checkbook from his pocket and readily wrote a huge check for US$2000 million and handed it to Lawrence:
"We can talk about the actors in detail later!"

Lawrence was instantly overjoyed, and his hand trembling when he received the check!
Not only because I have never seen such a huge check, but also for a more important reason!

Wu Di spends generously, demands little, and the most important thing is that he can bring traffic to the movie. With such a producer supporting him, his position on the set is completely stable!
"Oh! That's great, you are really discerning..."

But among the visiting guests, not all of them were as pleasant as Lawrence. For example, the old gangster Michael McKenzie and the big bug Rodman also came to eat and drink.

"Danzi, I have to admit that you are indeed very strong. Nike's stock price has almost fallen, and you can still come to me like you're a normal person!" Wu Di teased after hugging Jordan. His relationship with Jordan It has been maintained well, especially after the selection of Kemba Walker and Bojan freed Jordan from the title of poor team operator.

"Hahaha! Otherwise? Do you think the name of my gang leader is a joke?"

After Jordan laughed, he pulled Wu Di to his side and whispered:
"In fact, because of you, this Jordan imitator, not only did I not suffer any financial loss, I actually made a profit!"

“I don’t own a single share of Nike stock right now, and I only get 5% of AJ’s sales, so guess what?”

"Those who originally wanted to buy James and Durant sneakers have turned around and bought AJ shoes, hahaha!"

Wu Di was also stunned for a moment. Rodman thought he didn't believe it, so he adjusted his sunglasses and added:

"Boy, you are far from a good guy. Now all the Air Jordan stores have been emptied out. People miss their Black Jesus like never before!"

The flattery made Jordan laugh again.

But Wu Di also smiled this time:
"Haha, I see! But this is only temporary. I will definitely surpass you and establish my own dynasty!"

However, this time Jordan looked at Rodman and smiled and said:

"Haha, you never can!"

Wu Di's eyes narrowed, and he could tell that Jordan's tone was completely different from when he was joking before:
"Why are you laughing? I'm only 20 years old. If I want to, let alone you, I can even surpass Russell!"

However, when Jordan and Rodman heard this, they laughed even louder:
"Kid, I really appreciate your arrogant confidence!"

After Jordan finished laughing, he coughed lightly and said:
"But don't talk big words yet. I won't talk about the first crown, but the second and third crowns will be more difficult..."

"Your lineup may grow stronger, but if you want to successfully defend your title, your lineup is secondary, and psychological issues are the core..."

"Anyway, by this time next year, you will fully understand what I am saying!"

"And more importantly, even if you really achieve three consecutive championships and establish a dynasty, you can't surpass me at all!"

"Because I have an Olympic gold medal and you'll never get it!"

After saying that, he and Rodman pointed at Wu Di and laughed.

Wu Di was also speechless, these two bitches!
Jordan doesn’t need to remind him, he also understands that the meaning of Olympic gold medals can never be replaced by a championship or even a championship FMVP...

But the Chinese Men's Basketball Team is like that. If you can't help it, put it aside. He doesn't want to help him at all!
The system has not changed. How can we support it and let those superior men continue to make money?
"Bichi! You're here specifically to expose my scars!"

Wu Di laughed and cursed, but the look in the man's eyes made Jordan stop laughing.

Rodman patted him on the shoulder and said:
"Hey, little brother, I don't blame you for this. Don't you Easterners have a legend about reincarnation? You will be reincarnated as an American in your next life..."

Jordan and Rodman were considered bad friends at best, but a guest Wu Di saw later was a real bad friend.

Jerry Colangelo, this guy holds a high position of authority. He is the chairman of the NBA Rules Committee and the chairman of the American Basketball Association. He is also the current general manager of the American Men's Basketball Association.

"Di, I am here to provide you with an opportunity to abandon the darkness and turn to the light!"

Colangelo looked like a preacher and said to Wu Di:
"You may have heard that there is a way to obtain a green card called the EB2 National Interest Waiver (NIW), which can make you an American citizen immediately!"

"I came here specifically to provide you with this convenience and to recruit you to join the American Men's Basketball Team as the first naturalized player..."

"Needless to say, you should understand what a rare recognition and supreme honor this is!"

"You have not received fair treatment in China, but in a higher-level country on the other side of the ocean, you can achieve unprecedented success. The world needs your story to inspire them to keep moving forward..."

"Obtaining a green card will not only take your business interests to a higher level, but your descendants will benefit immensely. They will receive a fairer education, have a greater chance of being admitted to prestigious schools, and have a broader stage for development..."

Wu Di admitted that for a moment, he was moved.

But imagining himself wearing the uniform of the American national team and beating the Chinese team, he immediately came to his senses!

Although the Control Center treated him like this, the Control Center is not the same as the country!

Moreover, after this incident, the Hand Management Center is no longer qualified to represent the country. What they represent is more capital!
If he chooses to get a green card, what is the essential difference from the person in charge of the center?
No matter how fanciful Colangelo’s words are, China is always the place where his cultural identity is!

The food he eats, the language he speaks, the history he carries, the skin color he is born with...

It can only mean that he is a Chinese!

This is a fact that can never be escaped!
China may have problems, but doesn’t the United States have problems?

If you run away from a problem, the problem will never be solved!

And most importantly, no reason can be an excuse to betray the country!

This is the bottom line of being a human being!
Thinking of this, Wu Di straightened up and interrupted in a cold voice:
"Mr. Colangelo, I think you should stop it!"

"This will never be an option for me!"

Colangelo's expression was stagnant. He didn't expect that Wu Di would refuse before he finished speaking...

And he refused so simply!

He looked at the determination in Wu Di's eyes and knew that he would most likely fail this time, so he didn't try to persuade him. He took a deep breath and smiled:
"This condition will be reserved for you until June 6. Please think about it for a while."

However, Wu Di shook his head and stood up:
"Please take back this offensive condition, because it amounts to betrayal to me!"

……

After seeing off Colangelo, Wu Di fell into deep thought in the study.

There is no doubt that his influence is now very important, otherwise Colangelo would not have made a special trip to recruit him.

(End of this chapter)