Zhang San knew that attending Qiao Tu’s birthday party, this guy would definitely throw some shade at him.
Some media outlets have calculated the endorsement fees Jordan received during his time as a spokesperson, totaling $82.5 million, which isn’t even as much as the contract Zhang Yang just completed for renewal... Jordan’s endorsement contract signed in ’84 was for 5 years at $2.5 million, and when renewed in ’89, it was 4.5% of stock options plus an annual lifelong contract averaging tens of millions.
When AJ became independent in ’97, Jordan directly received dividends, getting several tens of millions in the first year; a few millions in the late ’80s are not less than $25 million today; back then, the second-highest shoe endorsement fee was Big Bird’s, which was only $3 million... Zhang San knew Qiao Tu wouldn’t care about these facts, and indeed Qiao Tu didn’t care, just threw shade.
He wouldn’t tolerate it, ready to retort, but since it’s a birthday, he’d keep his words gentle.
Unexpectedly, Qiao Tu didn’t go all out like he used to, just made a couple of sarcastic comments, and happily ended the topic.
Zhang Yang recalled that since last month, Jordan’s manner of speaking with him became increasingly like that of a boss.
Zhang San still liked the rebellious Qiao Tu of the past...
But people inevitably change.
The Boss Qiao standing at the forefront of all the bosses, passionately arguing with the representatives of the players’ union, had arrived.
After exchanging pleasantries with Zhang Yang’s family, Jordan had the Filipino maid take Zhang’s dad and mom to the players and relatives group, and personally led Zhang Yang to greet the industry bigwigs.
Essential socializing, Zhang Yang gradually got used to, politely helping Boss Qiao save face.
Jordan hosted Zhang Yang for a while before heading off to drink and chat with old friends like Pippen and Barkley, while Zhang Yang was placed with the players who were drinking and playing cards.
Many active and retired players attended Jordan’s birthday party, the whole Bobcats team and their families were there, and most players who participated in the All-Star game were present.
Seeing Zhang Yang arrive, those who had a decent relationship with him came up to greet, tease, and playfully mentioned the fact he got over a billion in endorsement fees.
James, theoretically, didn’t have a good relationship with Zhang Yang, with many on-court grudges and not much interaction off-court.
Lately, fans of various stars have been comparing endorsement fees fiercely, with the most heated debates between James and Zhang Yang’s fans.
But James turned out to be the most enthusiastic, generous, and cheerful.
Felton and Alan Anderson saw Zhang Yang arrive but didn’t give a hug... Having known each other for so long, it’s not like being on the court, hugging in private was only creepy for the three.
Yet James gave Zhang Yang a big hug, congratulating him on securing the major contract.
After the hug, Zhang Yang spread his hands wide, looking helpless, and said, "I didn’t want to take so much, but they insisted on giving it, what can I do? I could only accept the money reluctantly."
This remark prompted a round of laughter and scolding from everyone.
In front of those industry bigwigs, he posed as a 19-year-old, mild-mannered sports youth.
In front of teammates and other players, he was different; he was the prodigy who made a name early, touted as having the greatest basketball talent in history, the youngest FMVP ever, newly securing the largest endorsement deal in basketball history, Zhang San shining boldly.
But this show-off demeanor actually matched the psychological expectations of this group of NBA players, if he were modest and subtle, they would rather think he’s pretentious.
After greetings, everyone went their own ways.
Zhang Yang went to teammates’ table and placed a couple of bets... Indeed, he had no betting luck, $200 down the drain.
In private space, Zhang Yang grabbed a glass of red wine, sat on a sofa beside and sighed.
Hill had terrible luck today too, preparing to take a break, just sat down when he heard Zhang Yang sigh.
Hill: "You just lost $200 and you’re sighing, I lost $8000 and didn’t say anything."
Zhang Yang: "It’s not because of this, I’m not interested in gambling, I placed a couple of bets just to fit in. I’m sighing because earlier, at these gatherings, not so many people proactively approached to greet me."
Hill: "That’s normal, a few years ago they just considered you a talented youngster with a bright future, but which one among them wasn’t once a promising talent? But few can lift that trophy, after Michael retired, championships were almost monopolized by O’Neal and Duncan, except the Pistons’ team and you were exceptions, after you lifted the championship trophy, in their hearts, you’re already akin to Duncan, their attitude towards you naturally changed."
Zhang Yang nodded, didn’t continue the conversation, he certainly knew it was for this reason, he just sighed.
He glanced around the hall, seeing most people gathered in small groups, here, teammates gathered together; after greeting, Paul joined Anthony, Wade, Bosh playing together, having formed strong friendships in Team USA; Yao Ming greeted, then sat leisurely with Hinrich, Rasheed Wallace, Billups; Kobe, Nash, Iverson, Nowitzki, Duncan, Garnett were on a separate table...
Only one rather anxious looking man was special, popping around to place a bet here, sitting for a drink there.
This guy looked good in every way at this point, seemingly getting along well with everyone, quite a few contemporaries are his fans, some say he’s pretentious and phony, but if you can fake it lifelong, for others it’s no different from being real, though faking it lifelong is difficult.
When age catches up and you realize how far from a title you are, you can only crown yourself...