****
"Scott, relax~ I'm not here to poach your players!"
Jordan raised his hands in a gesture of innocence, releasing Scott Layden's grip first.
Scott hesitated but eventually stepped aside, making way for Jordan.
Jordan walked up to Wang Song and asked with a warm smile, "Wang, do you have a shoe endorsement deal yet?"
Wang Song shook his head, but his mind flashed back to David Falk's earlier mention of Nike's insulting offer. Knowing Jordan's ties with Nike, Wang immediately assumed he was here to mediate.
"Mr. Jordan, David Falk told me you're an old acquaintance of his," Wang said flatly. "Any business discussions can go through him. For now, my focus is on playing basketball."
Jordan was momentarily stunned by the straightforward rejection. Thinking it might be a misunderstanding, he quickly clarified:
"No, no, Wang. This might be a misunderstanding. I'm not here on behalf of Nike—I'm here representing Air Jordan."
Jordan expected Wang to light up with excitement. However, Wang's reaction was surprisingly calm, almost indifferent.
**Air Jordan? Isn't that still Nike?**
"You should still go through Falk, Mr. Jordan. I believe you have his contact information. Best of luck!"
This second rejection left Jordan raising an eyebrow, surprised. He hadn't expected such a firm response. He noted Wang's unique demeanor—calm, composed, and, above all, confident.
Jordan wasn't angry. Over the years, he had encountered all types of personalities. And Wang Song reminded him a bit of himself in his early days—proud, with an unshakable resolve.
Watching Wang's retreating figure, Jordan muttered to himself, "David, I think I understand why you signed him now."
---
### Media Frenzy
This scene, captured by the courtside media, became the hottest news story overnight.
Headlines flooded sports columns and websites, creating a sensation in American basketball circles:
- *"Refusing Jordan! What Gives This Chinese Rookie Such Confidence?"*
- *"Air Jordan Fails to Sign Rising Star: An Asian Player Shakes the Industry!"*
- *"Jordan Snubbed: The Story Behind the Rookie Who Said 'No' to MJ!"*
- *"Future League Icon? Air Jordan Misses Out on a Rare Gem!"*
- *"Jordan's Failed Bid to Steal Knicks' Star: Business Over Basketball?"*
Meanwhile, in Wang Song's home country, fans had a slightly different focus:
— *"12 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists! This stat line doesn't even reveal his true position...blind guess: a 7-foot guard!"*
— *"This guy is rewriting the definition of versatile."*
— *"Wang Song has found his role on the court, and Nash was a revelation. Exciting season ahead!"*
Others commented on Wang Song's refusal of Jordan:
— *"Nike's offer was insulting—Jordan or not, why settle?"*
— *"Exactly. That kind of lowball offer lacked sincerity. It felt like Nike just wanted a collectible from the top three picks."*
— *"Even if it's under Air Jordan, it's still Nike. No thanks!"*
---
### A Lucrative Offer
In David Falk's office, Wang Song's decision to reject Jordan had unexpectedly boosted his reputation. The media coverage painted him as a rising star with integrity and a strong sense of self-worth.
As a result, endorsements began pouring in, including the long-awaited shoe deals.
Reebok led the charge with an unprecedented offer: **$15 million over five years.**
This was three times Nike's initial offer and a testament to Wang's growing market value.
"Wang! Reebok is no small player," Falk said, his tone excited. "They've been fair with their contracts. Just look at Allen Iverson—they've done wonders with him. A starting deal like this is rare for any rookie, let alone a center!"
Falk's enthusiasm was palpable, but Wang remained calm.
Reebok, after all, was more of a fitness brand. Their reputation in basketball wasn't stellar, and their lack of innovation in shoe technology made Wang skeptical.
"Falk, it's still not quite what I'm looking for," Wang said after a moment of thought.
Falk blinked in disbelief. "You're serious? Reebok's $15 million is already a great starting point for a rookie!"
Wang nodded firmly. "Yes. Let's pass on Reebok."
Falk sighed, shaking his head at Wang's decisiveness. "You're a tough one, Wang. Sure, we've got leverage, but overplaying our hand could backfire."
Falk rummaged through his cluttered desk for other potential offers. Suddenly, he paused, holding up a business card.
"Wait a second... Isn't this from that Anta company? I thought we already turned them down. Why is this still here?"
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(End of Chapter)