Rekindling the dream of becoming a star

Chapter 130 The Most Unexpected Recruitment

"What, going to America with you?" Lu Yun had just returned to Nanyang and hadn't even sat down yet when he jumped up when he heard this.

"Are you going or not?" Chen Fang flipped through his resume. He was looking for a suitable financial investment manager.

"Why are you going to America?" Lu Yun asked vigilantly.

"Play ball and study."

"Hmm, this combination seems interesting." Lu Yun touched his chin and began to think seriously.

"As a rich second-generation, don't you need to broaden your horizons?" Chen Fang asked back.

Lu Yun was amused: "Brother, I am abroad for at least two months a year, please don't talk to me about this."

"Oh, that's presumptuous of me. I'll go alone then."

"Wait, it's really boring now that you're gone, but you have to tell me what you think." Lu Yun said quickly.

"I plan to apply for a tourist visa and go to the United States first to take a look at the school environment."

"Type B visa, going to the United States for training during the summer vacation?" Lu Yun's eyes lit up.

"Yes, I want to see if I can find a reliable trainer and further my studies." Chen Fang did have this plan.

"That's fine. I'm interested. How do you plan to go?" Lu Yun became excited. To him, he was alone and had nothing to worry about.

"This week, first go to the American Embassy in Beijing to apply, and then leave after the visa comes out." Chen Fang has already asked about the procedures.

"Okay, that's it. I'll make the call now." Lu Yun went out excitedly.

After a few minutes, he came back triumphantly.

"It's all right?" Chen Fang was surprised.

"Of course, it's hard for you to understand at your level." Lu Yun was very proud.

Ignoring the person who was taking the opportunity to flirt, Chen Fang stood up and said, "Then you should take a good rest today. I'll call you when we go to BJ."

"OK!" Lu Yun agreed readily.

When he got home, his parents were still at work, so Chen Fang didn't go back to his bedroom so quickly.

Wu Zi went to compete and would not be back for the entire summer. Chen Fang missed her very much, so he tried to hit her.

Unexpectedly, the call was connected very quickly.

"Hey, no work today!" Chen Fang asked.

"Yes, I just got off the stage to take a break." Wu Zi was very happy. She could tell that it was very noisy around them.

"I'll find a quiet place." Wu Zi noticed it immediately and said as he walked.

"I'm going to BJ to apply for a visa tomorrow." Chen Fang reported his itinerary.

"Well, good luck." There was no difference in Wu Zi's tone.

"That's for sure." Chen Fang didn't think too much about it. When the two of them were in different places, they wouldn't think too much because they trusted each other very much.

"Are you doing what I mentioned to you?" Chen Fang asked worriedly.

"Yes, I have hired a teacher in Kunming. I learn vocabulary every day. I have no problem with TOEFL."

"Okay then, once I've decided on a school, we'll set off."

"Da da da! Let's go!" Wu Zi laughed happily. If there were people nearby, they would be surprised that the cold king of the catwalk actually has such a cute side.

"Okay, then I'll go explore the route first!" Chen Fang also felt relieved and was full of anticipation.

"Go ahead, go ahead, come on."

"Together!"

"Ok!"

After hanging up the phone, Chen Fang breathed a sigh of relief. Although he was busy, he always knew why he was doing it.

Such a life with goals is really fulfilling.

The phone suddenly rang. It was Sun Lexian.

"Well, tell me."

"Where are you?"

"Just got home."

"Then you should come out quickly. We are leaving for the travel game tomorrow. There is a team party in the evening. You shouldn't come." Sun Lexian blamed.

Chen Fang slapped his forehead: "Forgot, come now."

At the dinner table, Chen Fang raised his glass and said, "Before we drink, let me say a few words from my heart."

"During this travel game, many of you will be forced to change your roles and encounter new functions and changes. But I want to say that this is how basketball works. You can only get the position you want through your own efforts."

"In a word, let the ball speak!"

"Talk with the ball!" everyone shouted together.

"It's the same for me. When I went to the United States, I had to start as a junior. These black guys were rough and fast. There was nothing I could do about it. That's how basketball is played!"

Chen Fang's heartfelt words made many people who were feeling strange suddenly wake up.

Even someone as strong as Chen Fang has this kind of awareness, so what right do I have to feel aggrieved and dissatisfied?

Looking at everyone, Chen Fang knew that what he said just now had worked, so he ended the topic at the right time: "This will definitely be an unforgettable trip of a lifetime. Tomorrow I will also start my new challenge. Come on, brothers, I wish us to ride the wind and waves and have smooth sailing!"

Every face, with anticipation for tomorrow, raised their glasses.

"Blue!" Chen Fang took the lead and shouted.

"Blue!" everyone shouted.

"rush!"

"Huh!" Everyone, including Chen Fang, yelled together.

※※※

"Why don't you take the exam? Are you worried that you won't pass? The TOEFL score required for No. 4 Middle School's study in the United States is not high this time. It should be fine if you strengthen your studies during the summer vacation. You can also stay in No. 4 Middle School. I will be responsible for finding a teacher to tutor you." Shan Shaoxiong asked in surprise.

Chen Fang quickly explained: "Coach, actually I haven't decided to go to Metdeyi High School yet. I want to go to the United States for special training first, and travel around before making a decision."

"Ah! Chen Fang, your idea is immature. It is not easy to get into a good high school in the United States. There are many things to consider, not just money." Shan Shaoxiong understood and immediately advised.

"I know, but I can't be careless. I want to play in an American high school, so I need to be careful about which school to choose."

"I don't want to waste these two years!"

This sentence made Shan Shaoxiong silent, and he also understood.

"As for the TOEFL test, please rest assured, coach. There shouldn't be any problem with it." Chen Fang was very confident. He had simulated it twice and scored above 90 points both times. There were still two months left, so it should be pretty stable.

Lu Yun also came back. When Chen Fang saw him, he said goodbye to his coach. The two of them walked out of the neighborhood where Shan Shaoxiong lived. Lu Yun asked, "Why don't you consider Met Dei?"

"It's not that I don't consider it, but I don't want to be so anxious."

"Let's go and see the situation, and then make a decision." Chen Fang said.

"I don't care. It doesn't matter where I stay." Lu Yun shook his head.

"By the way, I just called my cousin. He happens to be in California. He will drive over to pick me up when the time comes."

"He's driving? Your cousin? Are you sure?" Chen Fang asked three times in a row.

Lu Yun laughed: "What are you worried about? He also has a driver, and he is only one month younger than me."

The visa was obtained smoothly. After Daoming's intention to go to the United States and proving his identity as an athlete, the visa was issued quickly. Now the plane ticket has been booked. The wealthy Chen Fang also splurges and, like Lu Yun, takes a first-class flight across the Pacific Ocean to the United States.

Air China, one transfer, first fly to Incheon Airport in South Korea, then fly directly to Los Angeles.

This is the case for all long-distance flights, as it is difficult to fit so many passengers in one place, so one more place is necessary.

And flying to the United States actually does not cross the Pacific Ocean. Instead, you fly along the continental shelf to South Korea, Russia, into Alaska, over Canada, and finally to the west coast.

Because this way the flying distance is the shortest, which is quite contrary to the illusion.

The flight time from China to the United States is generally 16 hours.

Considering the pain he experienced last time flying to Europe, Chen Fang generously bought a first-class ticket this time, and 46,000 yuan was gone just like that.

When boarding the plane, Chen Fang looked back, not sure whether his fate this time would be what he expected.

His mood was quite complicated, but fortunately there was Lu Yun. A few minutes later, Chen Fang's mood improved when he saw Lu Yun chatting up the first-class flight attendant in various ways.

The stewardesses in the first class are not necessarily the prettiest, but they are definitely the best at their job, and the people they serve are the first class passengers. There are not many people here today, just six people in addition to Chen Fang and Lu Yun.

The cabin is very quiet. The first-class cabin is behind the cockpit, at the nose of the plane, which avoids the vibration noise caused by the wing engine vibrating the fuselage. In addition, it is a partitioned and enclosed space, so the noise is minimal.

In addition, the seat comfort and space are the best. After all, tens of thousands of yuan are spent here, while the economy class ticket only costs 4, which is ten times the price.

Chen Fang brought several books, including a TOEFL crash course and a pirated online fantasy novel. In short, Chen Fang was well prepared for these ten hours.

Lu Yun was next door, chatting with the stewardess, calling her sister all the time. The stewardess was also very good-looking and not too old. When she looked at Lu Yun, tears were almost coming out of her eyes.

But it was impossible to stick with him forever, so after the stewardess left, Lu Yun leaned over and whispered, "Do you know why you are so enthusiastic about me?"

"Why?" Chen Fang patiently cooperated with his performance.

Lu Yun stretched out his hand, revealing a large watch.

Chen Fang glanced at what looked like an oversized electronic watch and asked, "What's wrong?"

“Richard Miller, 10th anniversary commemorative model RM011, only 100 pieces are issued worldwide.”

"So what?" Chen Fang was puzzled.

Lu Yun was speechless: "Just pretend I didn't say anything."

"Keep up your efforts, I also need to memorize some words." Chen Fang picked up the book. Each seat in the first-class cabin had an exclusive small desk, which made it convenient for Chen Fang to study.

"By the way, don't you need to learn English?" Chen Fang remembered something.

Lu Yun rolled his eyes, slumped in his seat, and said weakly: "Brother, do you think that poor students must be poor in English?"

"Is not it?"

"Of course not. Please excuse me. I learned English at the same time as my mother tongue. I also know a little about French, Spanish, and German. You are still studying for the TOEFL, but I have passed the IELTS."

"Ah..., it's becoming increasingly difficult to get along with people of lower levels."

"Hey, why are you hitting me?" Lu Yun was showing off, but Chen Fang hit him in the face with a pillow.

"To wake you up." Chen Fang decided not to provoke Lu Yun. This guy has been showing off his superiority recently.

"Such a lot of talk, aren't you going to America for the first time like me?"

"Tsk, only the nouveau riche go to America!" Lu Yun replied arrogantly.

The conversation was completely exhausted and Chen Fang decided not to pay any attention to him for the time being.

The plane began to roar and tremble, and with inertia, people were pressed tightly against the backrests. The feeling was not strong. The larger the plane, the weaker the feeling of takeoff. On the contrary, it would be more obvious when landing.

But Chen Fang's heart has begun to drift to the United States, thousands of miles away.

※※※"Hello, my name is Lu Jie, you can just call me Ajie." A young man with a shaved slicked back hair, who looked very mature, extended his hand enthusiastically and introduced himself.

"Please come and pick us up. My name is Chen Fang, you can just call me Wudang." Chen Fang thought of a nickname for when he came to the United States.

"Wudang, wow, what a cool name!" Lu Jie praised. It seemed that he and Lu Yun were indeed from the same family.

"Let's talk in the car." Lu Yun yawned, interrupting their conversation.

Lu Jie was driving a Chrysler Grand Voyager business car. This car is not available in China, so Chen Fang found it quite novel.

When I opened the car door, I found that the interior had been modified. The seats were replaced with the wide and thick ones in first-class cabins, and the seven-seater car was directly changed to a four-seater one.

"Good! You know how to provide service!" Lu Yun praised and patted Lu Jie on the shoulder.

After getting in the car, Lu Jie asked, "Should we go to the hotel first?"

"You don't have a home?" Lu Jie asked unhappily.

“Uh, no…” Lu Jie smiled awkwardly, then explained: “My neighbor was murdered, and I’ve put the house up for sale online, so I’m also staying in a hotel now.”

"What a coincidence?" Lu Yun looked at his cousin suspiciously, then shook his hand impatiently: "Whatever, it depends on him."

"Is this place far from San Diego?" Chen Fang asked.

Lu Jie asked the driver, who was a white man, and they talked in English for a while. Then Lu Yun said, "It takes an hour and a half to take Interstate 5 and go directly to the city."

In fact, Chen Fang could hear it without translation. He handed over the numbered map and said, "Go directly here."

"OK, no problem!"

"Are you so anxious?" Lu Yun muttered.

"Wouldn't it be better to confirm whether it's appropriate as soon as possible and then get to the point?"

"Okay, that makes sense." Lu Yun didn't get enough rest on the plane yesterday, so he was sleepy the whole time and fell asleep in a short while.

"Ajie, can I borrow your phone?" Chen Fang asked, remembering something.

"Oh, okay." Lu Jie handed over the phone and unlocked it directly.

Chen Fang took out the number Tatum left and tried to call it.

His original intention was simple, because he had two purposes for coming to the United States this time: to find a suitable high school so that he could study and play basketball at the same time, and at the same time to see if he could find any acquaintances who could introduce him to some excellent training camps so that he could continue to improve his basketball skills.

Then Tatum is the best choice. Of course, Chen Fang is also prepared to be ignored.

After all, it was just a one-sided relationship.

The phone rang four times, and just when Chen Fang was nervously considering whether to hang up, it was connected.

"Hi, I'm Jason."

"Jason, I wonder if you still remember Chen Fang from the World Youth Championship? I'm in the United States."

There was a delay on the other side, and then Tatum's voice became enthusiastic: "OMG, you really came, where are you?"

"I just got off the plane. I'm in Los Angeles. I'm going to San Diego now. There's a high school there. I want to go check it out."

"Los Angeles, wait, high school? Are you here to study?"

"Yes, studying and playing basketball, that's what I want to do. I'll go and see if that high school meets my standards."

"Can you tell me which one?"

"Mettedei."

"Oh NO, this is indeed a very good high school, very strong in California, but in the whole country, it is not the best." Tatum spoke very quickly, but Chen Fang had a good understanding ability, and he still understood the general idea through a few words he understood.

"Wait a minute, I'll call you later. Is this your number?"

"From my friend in Los Angeles."

"OK, keep it open."

Tatum hung up and Chen Fang handed the phone back.

Lu Jie was sitting in the passenger seat. He took the phone, looked at the number, and said, "Wudang, your spoken English is pretty good."

"It's okay, just barely enough." Chen Fang said modestly.

Just think of it as Chen Fang and Lu Jie having a casual chat to kill time during the boring journey.

In a private gym in St. Louis, Missouri, Tatum yelled to a muscular man standing in a furrow waiting for him: "Give me a minute, bro. Give me a few minutes."

Bradley Beal then started shooting on the court himself.

Every July and August, Bill would return to St. Louis to open his own training camp and AAU minor league. Of course, as his younger brother Tatum's level has improved in recent years, sparring between the two has become a part of it.

Tatum called head coach Frank Bennett (damn, I spent an entire afternoon trying to find the name of this head coach, and my computer was smoking).
"Jason." There was some noise over there, so Bennett explained to his beloved student, "I'm watching a baseball game. What happened?"

"Yes, remember the guy from the World Youth Championship that I mentioned to you when I came back?"

"Scoring champion?" Bennett remembered it immediately, because when Tatum passed by with the honor, he continued the fifth stop of the EYBL National Invitational Tournament which was interrupted because of the World Youth Championship, the Peach Jam (Peach Jam Cup, a national high school elite competition organized by Nike) finals held in North Augusta, South Carolina.

Tatum, who lost the championship, mentioned Chen when he talked to him on the phone, because he also met a similar guard in this stop.

And was eliminated by it.

Tatum is in great glory at the moment. He has just announced that he will join Duke University and is attracting widespread attention across the United States.

Bennett was not surprised that he would encounter a strong enemy, but he did not expect that his disciple was still obsessed with a player far away in the East.

Tatum then went to Las Vegas, joined a local AAU team, and competed in the THE 8 tournament.

Tatum, who performed well in the league, was selected into the EYBL select team and was eligible to play in the Super Elite Tournament in August.

Tatum, who wanted to take a break from his busy schedule, chose to return to his hometown and relive the one-on-one games he had during the summer vacation with his older brother Bill.

Bennett planned to meet his beloved disciple after watching the baseball game today, but unexpectedly, Jason called him first.

"Coach, he's come to the United States. He's looking for a suitable high school and I want to recruit him." Tatum said excitedly on the phone.

"Oh, this is indeed a surprise." Bennett was very surprised. Although Tatum is low-key and has a calm personality, he is actually extremely arrogant in his bones.

Apart from Harry Giles, who is currently the most popular player with the highest ESPN comprehensive rating, he seems to have never been convinced by anyone.

And Tatum has only recruited Giles so far, but that was for Duke University.

Unexpectedly, he wanted to recruit a second person for the team so soon, which aroused Bennett's great interest.

"Is this his idea or yours?" Bennett quickly asked the key question.

"My, he said he was looking for a high school, so I hope he can come. He is an incredible point guard. If I have him this year, I will have no regrets in my senior season and win the intercontinental championship." Tatum directly stated the reason for the recruitment.

Bennett also understood that in March this year, Chaminade College Preparatory School was eliminated in the intercontinental semifinals, which became Tatum's motivation to continue to get stronger. This summer, he has been crazy about competition and training, just to make up for the regret. (As he wished, Tatum won the Missouri 3A state championship in his senior year)
He didn't want to go to Duke University with the regret of not winning a championship in high school.

"No problem, Jason, go ahead and recruit him. I'll submit a scholarship application to the board of directors. It would be best if you could invite him here."

"Of course, I'll contact him now." Tatum was very happy.

Chen Fang was chatting with Lu Jie on Highway 5 when he heard his cell phone ring. Lu Jie took a look and handed it over: "It's the number you called just now."

Chen Fang took it in surprise. He didn't expect Tatum to call him so soon.

"Hi, Jason."

"Yeah, I'm listening."

"What? Say that again? This joke isn't funny."

"I'm sorry, I'm really surprised. I see."

"Okay, I'll come as soon as possible."

Chen Fang put down the phone, looked at Lu Jie, and suddenly pushed Lu Yun awake.

"What's going on?" Lu Yun was a little grumpy when he woke up, but before he could get angry, he saw Chen Fang hugging his neck and kissing him hard on the cheek.

"Fuck! Your true nature is revealed as soon as you come to America?" Lu Yun was horrified.

"Wow, haha!" Chen Fang laughed. Looking at the two people's confused expressions, he asked, "What's the fastest way to get to Missouri?"

It was such a surprise. If I could be teammates with Tatum, the path to my dream would undoubtedly become clear in an instant.

This is a straight track, so just rush forward without thinking.

Chen Fang's joy at this moment is indescribable.

He knows very well that in the United States, exposure is of the utmost importance.

Your skills are the foundation, but exposure is the key.

Playing for a year is not as fast as playing one game with the group with the highest exposure in the United States.

Most NBA stars enter the best D1 league in this way.

Being on the same team with Tatum, D1 is not just a dream, it’s inevitable.

"Change the route to Missouri, I know where I'm going!" Chen Fang was determined.

"Can you tell me the reason?" Lu Jie asked tentatively.

"Jayson Tatum just recruited me and invited me to join Chaminade College Preparatory School." Chen Fang said word by word.

Lu Jie's eyes widened instantly, and he asked in a trembling voice, "Is it Jayson Tatum who was selected by Duke a year in advance and recruited by Coach K himself?"

"That's right, I met him at the World Youth Championship. He asked me to contact him when I arrive in the United States. Damn, I didn't know he actually wanted to recruit me." Chen Fang was extremely excited. This was something he never dreamed of.

Lu Jie was also excited, he was also a basketball fan.

Being recruited by Duke in his senior year of high school, and it was K who came to him, there is no doubt that he is destined to enter the NBA.

At the same time, he was secretly shocked. What level of person was in front of him that he could be recruited by Tatum?

Lu Yun had already taken out his phone to search, and after a quick look, he cursed, "Fuck, this is not a scam, is it?"

"Get out! Can you please say something nice?" Chen Fang cursed.

"Brother, how can we walk the fastest? It will be a good thing for me, your brother, to wake up earlier." Lu Yun said lazily while lying on the seat.

"Driving is definitely not an option, it's 2000 miles. I suggest taking a plane," Lu Jie said.

"Then what are you waiting for? Turn around."

"Okay." Lu Jie was also excited. It was not common to be able to witness the hottest American high school star in the United States.

　I'm very sorry, something happened at home and I need someone to cook. Everyone says I'm Ma Li, but I'm actually Tang Jun. I have basically no time during the day recently. I only sit in front of the computer and type at night when my family doesn't need me anymore.

　　The United States is a great place, with so many adventures and stars. Just thinking about writing about American high school makes me excited.

　　Once I'm done with this busy period, I'll resume posting twice a day.

　　In fact, the daily updates are around 5 to 7 words, which is relatively not a small amount.

　　Please bear with me.

　　In addition, Tatum's line is very strong. I can say that it is the strongest line in 2015. His network of relationships is too deep. If you are on the same team with him, the exposure will be overwhelming.

　　Search for Tatum Megan on TikTok and you’ll find a detailed video. You’ll know the answer after watching it.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)