Chapter 105: Loyalty Above All Else

Zhang San had truly risen to fame this time—completely and utterly. The film *Goodbye, Charlotte*, released during a rather quiet season, was a modestly budgeted comedy that caught fire in an almost unbelievable fashion. The lead actors in this film swiftly became the rising “grassroots stars” within the industry.

The release window for *Goodbye, Charlotte* was, by all accounts, awkward. May was not traditionally a prime period for box office hits. Yet, thanks to the strong reputation the film had built through its prior stage play tour, a significant audience still flocked to theaters to support their favored movie.

In its opening week, *Goodbye, Charlotte* grossed nearly 400 million yuan, prompting cinemas to increase its screening slots from a mere 20 percent allocation. Initially, Qilin Film Group had only expected modest profits from the film, but no one anticipated that such a low-budget comedy would ignite such fervent enthusiasm from viewers. Following the impressive box office debut, Qilin Film ramped up promotional efforts, and the principal actors quickly became the media’s focus.

During interviews, Zhang San, Li Si, and others never failed to express their immense gratitude to Wang Lei. They acknowledged that it was thanks to him that they now had the credentials to break into the film industry. Wang Lei had become an indispensable figure in their journey.

Meanwhile, Wang Lei and his team, hailed as the new guiding stars by the media, also caught the attention of the sports press. Although it was merely a youth-level qualifying match, the live broadcast on Capital Sports Channel attracted a substantial viewership from the metropolitan area and even garnered national attention.

The Capital Youth Team’s performance was satisfactory; they played to their expected level and even held a dominant lead at times. Yet, the visiting Frontier Youth Team emerged victorious, enhancing their reputation—especially thanks to Turgun, who sank consecutive three-pointers in the fourth quarter.

Like Zhang San, Turgun skyrocketed to fame, his popularity even more intense. His story brimmed with compelling elements, verging on legendary.

In a basketball world dominated by inside play, it was incredibly rare for an outside player with average physical attributes and no formal training to gain such recognition. But bolstered by the match against the Capital Youth Team, Turgun won over fans with his exceptional ball-handling skills and astonishing shooting prowess.

Imagine this: in the team’s most critical moments, after missing all but one of his previous dozen or so attempts, Turgun decisively stepped forward. He courageously took up the mantle, repeatedly sinking seemingly improbable shots to tie the game—and thrilling spectators with a game-winning buzzer-beater in the final moments.

Competitive sports captivate the masses not only through their entertainment value but also by tapping into humanity’s primal instinct for rivalry.

Turgun’s clutch shots stirred the crowd’s excitement like nothing else. Naturally, most fans who watched the live broadcast or attended the game became enamored with this white-haired young man.

With interest came curiosity: Who was he? Where did he come from? What was his name? How old was he? These questions became the obsession of many fans eager to know more.

The media, ever sharp and vigilant, uncovered Turgun’s background almost overnight. Local Frontier media, having previously covered the Frontier Youth Team, held a distinct advantage.

Suffering from a hereditary illness, never professionally trained, supported by his working sister, and not yet seventeen—this young ethnic minority man was a story tailor-made for publicity.

As a promising talent was poised to rise, some media outlets began fueling speculation. Capital media reported that the Capital Youth Team might recruit Turgun, with a likely transfer to the capital city.

Before the match, Liu Sicheng may have dreamed of securing Turgun for his own team, but after the loss, his pride was shattered. Though a single defeat meant little, his ego felt irreparably bruised; he found himself too ashamed to face others.

Amidst the chaos, the Frontier Youth Team returned to their base in Urumqi. At that moment, a report from Jinling media stirred some anxiety in Wang Lei.

The Jinling Metropolitan Daily, a privately run comprehensive newspaper closely tied to the Jinlu Group, had learned through the Jinlu men’s basketball team that their chief scout had set out for the Frontier even before the match. The purpose was clear: to pursue the suddenly sensational young sharpshooter, Turgun.

As reigning champions of last year’s Republic Men’s Basketball A-League, the Jinlu team was a coveted destination for promising youth. Their scouting network was renowned nationwide, with chief scouts earning million-yuan salaries. Their judgment was sharp; players they favored seldom disappointed and rarely declined invitations.

In fact, the Jinlu chief scout had already contacted Turgun’s parents days ago, aiming to secure guardianship and bring the young talent to Jinling. From Jinlu’s perspective, Turgun himself was unlikely to refuse such an offer. Moreover, remaining in his current environment seemed a waste of his gifts.

However, Jinlu’s representatives were surprised to find Turgun’s parents noncommittal. The humble herders knew their son would receive better opportunities far away, but they also understood who had paved the way for their child’s current path. Though they had yet to personally thank Coach Wang, they had already resolved in their hearts that he was a good man—and that any decision must be discussed with him.

Perplexed and seeking clarity, Jinlu’s people returned to Urumqi to visit the Frontier Youth Team’s base. Since the parents had spoken, they intended to talk with Coach Wang, confident he would understand.

Wang Lei, fully aware of their intentions, recognized that while Turgun’s future might flourish in Jinling, he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of resentment. After all, Turgun was his own protégé.

“I won’t go. I don’t want to leave here because I believe this is where I belong, and Coach Wang is the coach best suited for me. Though I’m not yet an adult, I know that integrity matters,” Turgun declared to Jinlu’s chief scout—his words all the more striking coming from a typically reserved young man.