Chapter 126: To Stay or To Leave?

The impact of this matter was immense—so significant that the headquarters sent a special envoy to inquire about the situation.

At this moment, the management team of the Qianyang Club had all gathered in Dong Zhijun’s office. They were discussing a critical question: should Ming Han be sidelined?

Ming Han had not breached his contract, so the company had no right to terminate it unless they were willing to pay a hefty penalty.

“Ming Han has offended people at headquarters; his future path will undoubtedly be difficult. If we give up on him now and focus on discovering new talent, we can avoid further waste of resources,” suggested a man wearing glasses.

Another voice opposed, “I want to ask—did this kid get involved with prostitutes or drugs? He’s been attending events honestly and even exposed a little star who was bullying him. How is that wrong? I think what he did was very right—full of a sense of justice. Our industry is lacking people like him!”

The two sides argued vehemently, each defending their viewpoint.

One side said, “We’re all businessmen here; let’s not be so naive and talk about justice! Making money and development are our goals.”

The other retorted, “You’re just scared, unable to withstand pressure from certain people above. They haven’t even done anything to you yet, and you’re already shrinking back like a coward…”

Fang Ping, who had been silent all along, suddenly stood up. “I’ve been mentoring them these past six months, so I know their personalities best. I believe they’re the most promising basketball stars I’ve ever coached. They might even surpass Wu You in the future.”

Someone sneered, “Fang Ping, you’re still hung up on that? Yang Luoxue became famous domestically as an agent because she discovered Wu You, but the player you mentored, Zhang Qun, was blacklisted for drug use, forcing you to start over.”

That was Fang Ping’s past—a wound she could never heal.

She had devoted three years to nurturing a promising basketball star, only for him to be taken away by the police one night on drug charges.

She still couldn’t believe it because Zhang Qun was extremely disciplined. He never even ate barbecue or drank soda. Yet someone reported him for drug use, and subsequent tests confirmed the presence of narcotics in his blood.

This news abruptly ended his career. Tianqi Entertainment ceased all his activities and resources, shifting their focus to Wu You. After his release from detention, Zhang Qun lost all motivation and has since vanished from the public eye.

Although Fang Ping always suspected something was amiss, there was no concrete evidence. To this day, the informant remains unknown.

Now, seeing the old matter brought up again, Fang Ping was visibly annoyed. “That was the past. No need to dwell on it. But I want to state one fact: after this recent upheaval, the Morning Star group has gained unprecedented acclaim. This should be seen as an opportunity for them, not an endpoint.”

Everyone present followed the news closely and knew Fang Ping’s words were true.

The match-fixing scandal had sparked outrage among fans and brought disaster to Wu You’s studio. But online, Ming Han’s actions received overwhelming praise.

“Originally thought he was just a middle schooler, but didn’t expect him to handle this so decisively.”

“Overflowing with a sense of justice and full of protective strength!”

They could hardly be unaware of these sentiments.

However, Wu You’s standing at headquarters was more than just a partner relationship. Rumor had it he was on very good terms with some top executives.

They didn’t know the exact details, but any one of those leaders could directly influence their future promotions.

Dong Zhijun pondered for a long time before saying, “I need to ask for instructions from above on this matter.”

He had reservations, considering many external factors, although he truly wanted to continue nurturing this group.

Everyone’s eyes lit up—Dong Zhijun was different. He had backing at headquarters, allegedly from the company’s highest echelons, those who could change its operating model.

“Wouldn’t it be overreacting to bother them over such a minor issue?” someone hesitated.

Dong Zhijun shook his head, “Once these two kids enter high school, I’ll officially send them to headquarters. So opinions from Tianqi’s side are particularly important.”

The meeting adjourned.

Dong Zhijun turned to Fang Ping, “Come with me later.”

Fang Ping was puzzled, “Is the person you want to interview here in the county?”

Keep in mind, Tianqi Entertainment Group’s headquarters was located in the provincial capital’s commercial district, where space was at a premium.

Dong Zhijun nodded, “That guy just returned recently to see his beloved daughter.”

They drove to a well-known retirement community at the county’s edge. The complex boasted beautiful surroundings, far from industrial zones, with fresh air.

At the gate, Dong Zhijun and Fang Ping submitted their interview request. After the guard called to verify with the homeowner, they were allowed inside.

“Dong, the security here is strict!”

“There are many retired officials living here, so protection is naturally a top priority.”

They arrived at a villa and rang the doorbell.

The door opened to reveal a handsome middle-aged man with bright eyes and an imposing presence.

Dong Zhijun extended his hand, “President Chen, I heard you recently returned from abroad, so I came to trouble you.”

The man laughed heartily, “Old Dong, long time no see!”

Dong Zhijun had once been his secretary before being recommended by him to lead the Qianyang Club.

Inside, the villa was simply furnished, with the most prominent items being books and calligraphy scrolls.

“My father-in-law is fond of calligraphy. These are his masterpieces—please forgive the humble display!”

Dong Zhijun, familiar with literature, praised, “The old leader’s writing carries great momentum and spirit.”

The middle-aged man chuckled, “If my father-in-law heard that, he’d insist on inviting you for tea to discuss calligraphy.”

After pleasantries, the man got straight to the point. “Old Dong, you must be here on business, right?”

Dong Zhijun nodded, “President Chen, this kind of trivial matter shouldn’t bother you, but since the other party involves the Lin family, I wanted to hear your opinion.”

At the mention of the Lin family, the man’s expression grew serious. “What are they up to now?”

Dong Zhijun replied, “Actually, it’s not directly related to the Lin family.”

He then explained the situation with Ming Han.

Finally, he said, “You know, Wu You is heavily supported by the Lin family. If this young man enters headquarters, he will undoubtedly be watched closely by the Lin family, and his prospects will be bleak. So, should we continue with the original plan to nurture them, or give up now?”

The man thought for a moment, then sneered, “Old Dong, the Lin family isn’t the only power in this group. If you believe in this boy so much, there’s no need to worry about internal politics. This is a decision you should make yourself. Remember, your duty is to discover all new talent that can help the company grow.”

“Yes, President Chen!”