Chapter 84: The Morning Star (Second Update)

They got up early the next morning and hurried to school by car. Blackie was already waiting for them at the school gate, driving a Buick today.

“Coach, have you struck it rich? When did you get your own car?” they teased.

Blackie laughed heartily. “Borrowed it from a friend. Such an important day, I can’t have my two top students losing face!”

The Qianyang Club was located right in the heart of the county’s busiest commercial district, where every inch of land was precious. In an average county, the price per square meter was close to twenty thousand yuan—an astonishing rate.

Because they had scheduled the meeting in advance, someone was already waiting for them at the club’s entrance when Ming Han and the others arrived.

“Hello, we’re here to see Mr. Dong,” Blackie introduced himself proactively. “We have an appointment.”

The middle-aged man in a suit, his hair impeccably styled, made a polite gesture to guide them.

Mr. Dong’s office was on the third floor of the club—a spacious, elegantly decorated room that exuded comfort. At that moment, Mr. Dong was bent over a thick stack of documents. He was in his early fifties, his face marked with a resolute air, clearly a man of decisive action. As the head of Qianyang Club, his primary business was scouting potential stars across various fields, not limited to basketball.

“Hello, my name is Dong Zhijun,” he introduced himself as Ming Han and the others were ushered in.

They responded politely in turn. After everyone was seated, Dong Zhijun began to explain his company’s operating model. “Our company has a multi-faceted strategy. Qianyang Club focuses mainly on sports. The athletes we sign aren’t just destined for professional leagues—we package them as marketable sports celebrities, as what’s now called IPs, to launch them commercially for great returns.”

Ming Han and the others already knew this much. What they really wanted to know was: “Mr. Dong, may I ask, why has your company chosen the two of us?”

Dong Zhijun smiled, speaking calmly and methodically. “You both love basketball, so I’m sure you know the NBA. Every year, NBA clubs send scouts all over the world to seek out the players they want. Similarly, in the entertainment industry, many big stars were discovered by talent scouts on the street. Our company has people like that as well. The video of your performance in the finals has gone viral online, and both of you have a strong presence. We’d like to try developing you and pushing you into the commercial market.”

Neither Yuhang nor Ming Han had expected this turn of events. The match video, initially intended by the school as publicity material, had turned out to be so spectacular that it caused a sensation on forums and message boards. People even started calling their partnership the “Aimo Duo.”

Blackie scrutinized the contract Dong Zhijun handed over. “Mr. Dong, what chance of success do you think you have? Honestly, these two are students I value greatly. I don’t want to see them become mere test subjects in your business strategy.”

Dong Zhijun shook his head. “Mr. Lin, to be honest, I can’t say for certain whether they’ll succeed. Our company runs a star-making model based on elimination. At first, we promote everyone as hard as we can and then observe the market’s response. Only those with positive feedback make it to the next round of promotion. If the cycle continues favorably, they could become the next Wu You, or even surpass him.”

Blackie fell silent. No one could predict whether they would continue to be accepted by the market. If their development went smoothly, their potential would be limitless, and wealth and fame would follow. But everyone knew that most people who set out on this path ended up as casualties.

“Actually, you don’t need to overthink it. Just continue as before—study hard, play basketball seriously. The only difference is that your matches will now be packaged and promoted by us. Also, you’ll need to come to our club on weekends for professional training in all areas.”

They understood that if they wanted to go far on this road, mastering basketball skills alone would not suffice—they’d also need social skills, even certain artistic talents.

At that moment, Dong Zhijun opened his laptop and pointed to a video for Ming Han. “This was sent to me by my assistant. I hear it’s a recording of you singing at a school competition?”

Ming Han nodded. It was a video from last year of him performing “The Most Romantic Thing,” recorded by the school’s photography club and uploaded online.

The internet was truly beginning to change people’s lives, rendering everyone more transparent.

“Excellent! Handsome looks, a good voice, a flamboyant playing style. Frankly, I have high hopes for the two of you!” Dong Zhijun exclaimed.

After considering for a moment, Blackie asked, “What’s your company’s plan for promoting these two next?”

Dong Zhijun opened a PowerPoint presentation and began explaining the arrangements for the first six months after signing.

“First, we’ll launch them as a basketball idol duo. Next, our main focus will be the county-level basketball tournament hosted by your school next term. If they can lead the team to a good result, it will greatly enhance our promotional efforts. Following that, as their popularity grows, we’ll arrange some smaller commercial events as appropriate.”

Blackie nodded repeatedly. The plan was thorough and clearly targeted.

“But there are a few points you must remember!” Dong Zhijun continued. “First, you are not allowed to date during the contract period. I know dating is common at your age, but for an idol, dating is career suicide. Second, you must not have any negative news—fighting, school disciplinary actions, and the like are strictly forbidden, as we need to maintain your positive image as youth role models.”

Yuhang lowered his head. The mention of dating stung—he and Huang Ying had already taken that plunge.

“The contract lasts three years, ending after your high school graduation. During this time, you must abide by all its terms. As for compensation and revenue sharing, it’s all listed here for your review.”

Blackie handed the contract to the two boys, and after some discussion among the three, they decided to sign.

“I’ll have someone handle the signing procedures,” Dong Zhijun said, “and from next week, you’ll begin your company training.”

Yuhang was a little nervous, his hands trembling slightly.

Dong Zhijun added, “Your partnership will be called the Morning Star Duo.”

“Morning Star Duo—the brightest one lately?” Ming Han murmured.

Dong Zhijun nodded and concluded, “As a duo, you must treat each other like family. From now on, no one will have more shared interests than the two of you.”