62: scramble

In fact, Qin Yang had been observing Liu Yang from nearby. Seeing that a coach had indeed approached him, Qin Yang smiled knowingly.

At the stage Qin Yang was currently at, although he still pursued money, he was no longer as obsessed as before. Now, he had begun to pursue something on a different level: fame!

Fame and fortune, fame and fortune—fame always comes first. Once a person gains fame, profit will roll in, much like Chinese TikTok influencers. If a few videos unexpectedly go viral, making netizens remember the person and gaining them popularity, specialized companies will recognize the value of that fame and proactively approach them to offer benefits, without the influencer needing to do anything.

Of course, Qin Yang pushing the Death Warriors into the spotlight was not just for the small goal of making money; he had deeper objectives.

As the saying goes, plan ahead. Qin Yang had witnessed the power of online public opinion. Countless people become famous overnight through the internet, and countless others suffer terribly from cyberbullying, so no one dares to underestimate the power of public opinion.

The deeper meaning behind Qin Yang pushing the Death Warriors into the spotlight was for public opinion. If Liu Yang, through the recommendation of an athletics coach, gained the opportunity to compete in international track and field events and won an award in the 100-meter race, Qin Yang was certain that Liu Yang's popularity would explode at that time.

Because track and field events are inherently a weak point for China, the citizens have always eagerly anticipated the emergence of talented individuals who can represent the Chinese people at the pinnacle of the world athletics stage. Among track and field events, the 100-meter dash is the culmination of all events, always representing the limit of human athletic ability and the most eye-catching discipline.

Once Liu Yang wins the gold medal in the 100-meter event on the international stage, it would be no exaggeration to say that everyone in the world would know him. Just look at Usain Bolt, the current number one in the sports world; he is the most globally recognized athlete, bar none, because he represents humanity's most primal speed and strength.

And once Liu Yang succeeds, his status domestically will be self-evident. Assuming Qin Yang has several subordinates with such immense influence standing behind him, the power of public opinion will transform into a sharp blade in his hand.

When Wang De learned that Liu Yang was signed to an entertainment company, he didn't react much. They say gold always shines, but patrons are rare. Wang De felt he should actually thank the company for Liu Yang's emergence; otherwise, Liu Yang would have remained ordinary. Of course, these were just Wang De's thoughts.

Immediately, Wang De brought Liu Yang over to Qin Yang and smiled, saying, "You must be CEO Qin, hello. I am an athletics mentor and coach at B Sports University. My name is Wang De, and welcome to B Sports University for holding your event."

"Hello, Teacher Wang. Thank you for your support; otherwise, the event could not have been held so smoothly," Qin Yang replied warmly.

After the two exchanged pleasantries, Wang De got straight to the point, saying, "CEO Qin, based on the recent competition, I found that this young man named Liu Yang is especially talented in the 100-meter event. You must know that currently, very few athletes in China can run the 100 meters in under ten seconds. The fact that Liu Yang can break ten seconds without professional training is a huge shock to me."

"I took the liberty of approaching you because I don't want such a promising talent to waste time elsewhere; his place should be on the track. CEO Qin, I know Liu Yang has signed with your company, but I still hope you can let him train with me. I will fully commit to sending him to international competitions. Once Liu Yang wins an award on the international stage, his value will be far higher than it is now, won't it?"

Hearing Wang De's words, Qin Yang secretly nodded. This old man was decent, unlike those senseless people who immediately tried to morally coerce Qin Yang.

So, Qin Yang pretended to ponder, remaining silent for a few seconds before replying, "Are you sure Liu Yang can achieve results? If he doesn't, his own value will be greatly diminished, and he will have wasted his time gaining fame."

Seeing an opening, Wang De quickly confirmed, "CEO Qin, I am certain. Liu Yang is a talent who can run under ten seconds without professional training. As long as he masters the correct starting technique and running posture, coupled with hard training, he will definitely have a place in the world sports arena."

Seeing the old man Wang so excited, Qin Yang chuckled internally, but maintained a serious expression. As the saying goes, a deal that rushes to you isn't a deal. The initiative was currently in his hands, and he couldn't give in so easily; people don't cherish things they obtain too easily.

Qin Yang then replied, "How about this, Teacher Wang. Let's finish the remaining events first. As for my side, I need some time to consider. As you can see, our company has invested a significant amount of capital to promote these few individuals."

Wang De naturally knew about the prize money. Since the conversation had reached this point, it was reasonable for them to take time to consider.

"Alright, CEO Qin, I hope to receive good news from you."

After the two finished their conversation, the events continued.

However, the subsequent competitions further shattered Wang De's worldview.

In the second 100-meter race, Liu Yang set a new electronic timing record. Since this competition involved an International Master Athlete, Liu Yang exerted slightly more effort, clocking 9.87 seconds—only 0.04 seconds shy of the B Sports University school record of 9.83 seconds set by Su Bingtian!

In the 200-meter event, the participating Death Warrior was named Yue Xiantao. In his first race, he clocked 20.40 seconds, instantly breaking the B Sports University school record. In his second race, his time was 20.38 seconds, showing slight further improvement.

In the shot put competition, the participating Death Warrior was named Wang Hailong. His three throws measured 20.60 meters, 21.20 meters, and 21.40 meters. This result was only 0.40 meters away from breaking the Asian record!!! Compared to the students at B Sports University, this was a cliff-like lead.

After the competition ended, many school coaches who heard about the situation rushed over, including famous professors from the sports world. At the highest level, even a Vice Principal arrived!

These people first inquired about the situation, and after a period of shock, they immediately surrounded Qin Yang and the three Death Warriors, trying to persuade them.

Their general message was that these once-in-a-century talents could not be allowed to leave just like that.

They were all elderly people past fifty, with the youngest being over fifty years old. Qin Yang felt helpless against this group of veteran teachers and professors, so he began negotiating with the Vice Principal.

Before Qin Yang could state his terms, the Vice Principal very tactfully offered conditions first.

"CEO Qin, I know these three great talents are signed to your company. Given the current situation, I won't be brazen enough to suggest contract termination. However, I hope you can give these young men a chance. If you agree, we can immediately process enrollment for these talents through the special recruitment route. Once they enter the university, all benefits and treatment will be the same as regular students, plus scholarships. Furthermore, our school will dispatch our best teachers to guide them.

"Should an opportunity arise to compete, our university will prioritize recommending them for the competition. Finally, outside of the training schedule, the school will not interfere with any of their commercial activities. How does that sound?" the Vice Principal asked cautiously.

Qin Yang continued to pretend to think. Honestly, the conditions offered by the Vice Principal were excellent, but what Qin Yang cared about most was the opportunity for the Death Warriors to compete. In reality, just because you are strong doesn't mean others will necessarily use you, but with the Vice Principal's guarantee, that was a different matter.

Qin Yang immediately replied, "Old Principal, it's not that I don't trust you, and your conditions are indeed very good, but I still hope to have them in writing—a formal written guarantee issued by your university."

Seeing that Qin Yang had agreed, the Vice Principal happily replied, "Of course, I will arrange for that to be issued to you immediately."

Seeing the Vice Principal smile, the group of teachers and professors waiting nearby knew the deal was done. They immediately swarmed the Vice Principal, asking what they should do—of course, they were scrambling for students. It should be known that the relationship between a teacher and a student in the sports world, in ancient times, was that of master and disciple. When a teacher finds a promising talent, they truly treat them like their own son. Naturally, the teacher also gains huge benefits once the disciple becomes famous.

Could these teachers and professors possibly fail to see the performance of the Death Warriors? These were individuals who could achieve results with minimal training. If they didn't compete for them now, when would they?

Qin Yang watched this scene, a smile appearing on his face. The original plan was halfway successful; the rest depended on Liu Yang and the others exerting themselves.