"You're coming back?"
Chen Yilun paused, stunned by Anjali's words.
"Did your dad agree to let you return?"
Chen Yilun knew very well what Anjali's career prospects looked like.
His boss, Ranadive, was a complete doting father—if his daughter wanted something and it was within his power, he would give it to her.
But with his years of experience and instincts as an old-school businessman, Ranadive had always made a point of keeping his daughter away from the center of political power struggles.
Based on everything Chen Yilun knew, there was no way Ranadive would throw his daughter into the fray at a time like this.
"Well, of course I haven't told him yet."
Anjali spoke casually. "That's why I came to you first. Your status is different now—your words actually carry weight with my daddy. If you talk to him, it'll make a bigger impact."
"You're really putting me in a tough spot here."
Listening to her, Chen Yilun couldn't help but shake his head with a bitter smile.
From what she just said, Ranadive had no idea what she was planning. The little girl was clearly trying to borrow his authority to pressure her father!
"We've been friends for so long. You're not seriously telling me you won't do me this tiny favor, right?"
Anjali kept pressing.
"I'm not falling for that."
Despite her relentless barrage, Chen Yilun stayed unmoved.
"If you want to come back, it's not that hard. Just go talk to your dad yourself. Why go through me?"
"Oh, come on!"
Anjali pouted.
"My dad says he wants to 'toughen me up,' told me to settle down in Stockton. But it's so boring here. I'd much rather be working with you guys—it's actually fun."
"That's the reason?"
Chen Yilun asked with amusement.
"What else? Working with you is where I actually learn! In Stockton I feel like I'm just… stuck!"
"Alright, alright."
Chen Yilun cut her off.
"I can bring it up with the boss, but whether it works or not still depends on your own talk with your father."
"That's all I needed!"
Anjali cheered and immediately hung up.
"Every single day…"
Chen Yilun scratched his head, making no further comment.
Before, with him holding the two most powerful positions, everyone else stayed put. But once the gap opened, they couldn't wait anymore—each one itching to join the core team.
...
A few days later, Chen Yilun welcomed two guests to his office.
"I honestly thought Blackstone was joking, but he really brought you over!"
Chen Yilun grinned. Sitting across from him was Dennis Lindsey, freshly poached from the Jazz by Blackstone.
Lindsey answered his warm greeting with a friendly smile.
"I'm excited to join such a strong organization."
"Here's how I am—"
Chen Yilun led them to the reception sofas. "I like being straightforward. You left your role as the Jazz's Executive Vice President to come here as a Special Assistant. The position and the salary are both a step down. But since you came all this way, I'm not going to let your effort go to waste."
He picked up a contract as he spoke.
"Our top positions are already full, but I still made room for you. For the next year, besides serving as Divac's Special Assistant, I'm also appointing you as a Special Consultant. You'll mainly work with Blackstone on player contracts and union matters."
Listening to the arrangement, Lindsey felt deeply moved.
This was the highest level of respect Chen Yilun could offer within his authority.
"Don't worry, boss."
Lindsey stood and spoke earnestly.
"I didn't come to Sacramento for the money. I truly believe working under you will be great for my career."
"That's exactly what I want to hear."
Chen Yilun immediately stood as well and patted Lindsey on the shoulder. He loved employees like this. Someone who could be their own CPU—who wouldn't want that?
He had thought he'd need to coax Lindsey a bit, but the guy didn't need any reassurance at all.
"Trust me—working with me won't disappoint you."
...
After settling Lindsey's position, Chen Yilun immediately met with Prince, who had traveled from afar.
Compared to Lindsey, Prince wasn't as high a priority. Though he was meticulous, he was fresh out of retirement, new to management, and had no real achievements yet.
Within just a few days, all the vacant roles in the Kings' management had been filled.
...
"So where are we going later?"
In his office, Anjali looked around curiously like a little puppy. "You re-did your office—it looks pretty fancy now."
"What do you mean 'where are we going?'"
Chen Yilun chose to ignore the second half of her comment.
"You're the General Manager Assistant now. You're Divac's assistant. What sense does it make for you to camp out in my office every day?"
"So stingy!"
Anjali frowned. "I don't want to be over there. Divac just stares at data all day. Paperwork doesn't suit me. I want to go around with you and learn things."
"You never act properly for even a minute."
Just then, Prince—already officially on the job—knocked and stepped inside.
"Boss, the tickets are booked. When are we heading out?"
Prince's words flipped a switch in Anjali.
"Oh, you little brat!"
Hands on her hips, she stood up. "You're going somewhere and you're not taking me?!"
"What are you talking about?"
Chen Yilun shot back without backing down.
"It's a business trip, not a vacation! Why would I bring you?"
"Then where are you going?" Anjali's eyes sparkled.
"Kentucky. To see my Coach Calipari." He packed as he spoke. "Last year he was on top of the world—he sent out three lottery picks in one draft. He probably wants to show me his new kids."
"Oh come on, just take me!"
Seeing that he was ignoring her, Anjali immediately switched to pouting and acting cute.
"Look, if you bring me along, I've got a respectable identity—I can help build your image. I'll just sit there quietly. I won't get in your way at all."
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / GhostParser