Chapter 80: Signing the Contract? (Second Update)

Lin Zhengming’s situation did not stir much emotion in Ming Han’s heart. Ming Han knew very clearly what he needed to do at this moment.

After the New Year holidays passed, the chefs and servers at the restaurant returned. Su Yan told Ming Han directly, “Son, you don’t need to come tomorrow. You’re really a bit of a hindrance when it comes to the heavy work.”

Hearing this, Ming Han felt deeply hurt. After toiling for more than ten days, all he got was such an assessment: a hindrance?

Mother! Is hurting your son really such a joy for you?

Returning home, Ming Han sprawled comfortably on the sofa, looking like a living corpse.

Just then, the phone rang.

“Hello, is this Ming Han? I’m the manager of Qianyang Youth Palace. May I ask if you’d be interested in signing with our club’s basketball team?”

“What?” Ming Han was startled, feeling utterly confused.

“It’s like this: our club needs to form a new basketball team for certain reasons, and you’re one of our candidates. If you’re interested, you can come to our Youth Palace office to discuss it further.”

After hanging up, Ming Han felt a little lost. He definitely hadn’t considered pursuing basketball, but if he joined the Qianyang Club, would that mean he’d become a professional player?

At that moment, Yuhang sent a message: Bro, I’m in town. I need to talk to you about something.

Ming Han sent Yuhang the meeting location, then hopped on his electric scooter to find him.

When they met, Ming Han noticed that after just a few days, Yuhang had put on a bit of weight again. “Look at you, gaining three pounds every festival.”

Yuhang chuckled awkwardly and rubbed his nose. “Haven’t exercised much, just eating a lot, haha…”

“Aren’t you worried Ying will dislike your chubby uncle look?”

Yuhang grew indignant, “She wouldn’t dare! I’d give her a slap if she did.”

Ming Han thought to himself, keep pretending! The moment you see her, you’re like a mouse facing a cat.

After chatting for a while, Yuhang pulled out his phone. “A club called Qianyang Youth Palace sent me a message, saying they want to sign with me.”

Both he and Yuhang were already sixteen. According to the law, citizens over sixteen but under eighteen who rely on their own labor income as their main source of living are considered to have full civil capacity. Therefore, they have the right to sign contracts.

Ming Han was taken aback, “They called me too.”

Yuhang nodded and smiled, “The video of the last grade finals was posted online by our school, and it got a lot of views. So, it’s normal that some professional organizations noticed us. Especially those of us who play with flair—we’re more popular.”

Yuhang spoke with deep pride, and he truly had reason to be proud.

“A combination of Magic and Iverson—just the thought excites me.”

“Yuhang, I think we should ask Blackie. He’s played professionally and knows all the details about this kind of thing.”

Yuhang agreed, saying that if the organization turned out to be a youth trafficking ring, they’d be in danger.

Yuhang called Blackie!

“The coach said we should go to his house.”

They had been there once before. Blackie’s home was behind Jinhua Secondary School, where his wife ran a milk tea shop.

They drove over and arrived in twenty minutes.

Blackie sat inside his wife’s milk tea shop waiting for them. As soon as he saw his two disciples, his face lit up with a smile, “Happy New Year.”

Ming Han respected this teacher deeply; his mind was full of knowledge, and he could speak eloquently about tactics. Unfortunately, because of the students’ abilities, Blackie had never led them to a county championship.

After Ming Han and Yuhang greeted him with New Year’s wishes, they explained why they had come.

Blackie listened intently, and even called the Qianyang Club to inquire directly. Finally, he said, “They want to form a commercial basketball team with students as the main force, playing friendly matches at city events and celebrations. There’s a profit motive, but you’ll get compensation and a share.”

“Why did they approach us?” Ming Han asked. After all, he was different from Yuhang; he hadn’t even played basketball for a year.

Blackie continued, “They have their reasons. The pass you made at the end of the grade game spread widely online, which increased your popularity. Plus, they need a well-presented young player as the face of the team for various events.”

Yuhang and Ming Han were stunned, never having considered such a thing could happen.

“Actually, you can consider it. If you become famous, you’ll earn quite a bit—it could be a great path. And there are more professional trainers and coaches there, which would really help improve your skills,” Blackie advised.

Yuhang said, “I’m fine with it—right now, I’m on my own. Let’s see what Ming Han thinks. We brothers advance and retreat together.”

Yuhang’s tone was casual, but Ming Han understood the sadness in his heart. Since Yuhang’s parents divorced, he had lived with his grandparents. His grandfather, over sixty, still took odd jobs, and his grandmother had high blood pressure, relying on medication every day. Ming Han often saw Yuhang eating instant noodles alone in the dorm.

Ming Han had never met his father, but his mother had poured all her love into him, working tirelessly to give him the best life. They weren’t wealthy, but they were happy.

“Yuhang, give me a night to think it over, okay?”

Yuhang punched Ming Han lightly, “Bro, it’s nothing major. I’m easy—don’t put too much pressure on yourself.”

That evening, Ming Han told Su Yan about it.

Su Yan’s expression was serious this time, because this could affect her son’s future.

“Ming Han, what do you think?” As always, Su Yan valued Ming Han’s own opinion above all.

Ming Han remembered Yuhang, which helped him decide. “I want to sign.”

“Tell me your reasons.”

“Ever since Yuhang’s parents divorced, he often feels like he’s unnecessary in this world. Only his grandparents are still working hard for him, hoping to see him succeed. I know Yuhang’s talent too well—his playing style is perfect for the commercial stage. I think this is his opportunity, and it could change his life.” Ming Han said all this in one breath, visibly agitated.

Su Yan looked at her son. This kid had inherited her irreverence since childhood and always acted carelessly towards many things. She had always seen him as a silly child. Suddenly, Su Yan realized her son had really grown up—he considered many things, and cared about others’ feelings and situations.

“Son, whatever you decide, Mom will always support you.”

That night, Yuhang tossed and turned in bed. His grandfather didn’t return until eleven, having worked as a carpenter that day. When he came back, his violent coughing shattered Yuhang’s heart.

After his parents’ divorce, Yuhang had once considered dropping out to work and support his family. “Grandpa, Grandma, making you toil at your age is my father’s and my own failure.”

But his grandfather told him earnestly, “My greatest wish in this life is to see you make something of yourself, Yuhang.”

Yuhang clenched his fists, tears streaming down his face!