"Tang, what a coincidence."
"Indeed, quite a coincidence."
Tang Long narrowed his eyes, looking at Swift before him.
Coincidence, my ass.
He knew with his eyes closed that Swift had come specifically for him.
But his plane ticket was arranged by his agent, Bill Duffy…
Meddling.
Tang Long cursed him inwardly. This guy must have told Swift his itinerary, and perhaps even booked the ticket for him.
"I was too busy the past while and didn't get any rest. This time, I plan to relax properly. Since you've spoken so highly of Long Country, I decided to visit."
Swift's bright eyes sparkled like deep-sea sapphires, making one involuntarily melt into the pure starlit sky.
Tang Long's mind immediately recalled that line from the Book of Songs, "Her eyes like limpid pools."
"I'm alone this time, unfamiliar with the place. You can't just abandon me."
Her soft, delicate voice could melt even the hardest steel.
Tang Long glared at her in exasperation. "I'm returning to Long Country to compete. Do you think I'm going back for sightseeing? Besides, I'm already late for the training camp. I have no time to take you sightseeing."
"I've already thought of that," Swift said, proudly and mysteriously shaking the book she held. "I've prepared a travel guide. I want to genuinely understand Long Country this time."
"Suit yourself." Tang Long sighed helplessly, then felt a sense of relief.
Fortunately, only Swift had come. If Scarlett and Gal Gadot had come too, he would have been in deep trouble.
Swift subtly observed Tang Long, a hint of slyness in her eyes that, rather than appearing flirtatious, added a touch of playfulness.
Her Long Country language teacher had told her that the fastest way to learn the language was to immerse herself in it.
She could already speak a few broken words. Once she had learned enough, she would surprise Tang Long.
…
"With eighteen people, there might have been a chance to make the final roster. Now with Tang Long's arrival, there's just another player to warm the bench."
At the training base, Zhou Peng handed Ding Mianhui a bottle of water and sat down beside him.
Other national team players also took advantage of their break time to chat while rehydrating.
"Who can blame him? He's the current darling of the NBA. The key is that he can play both center and power forward. What can you do?"
"Why does this guy insist on playing power forward when he's a center? If he were competing for a spot with Brother Yao, we'd have an easier time."
"Are you an idiot? Even if he competed with Brother Yao for a spot, the final roster is still twelve players."
"I've never played against this guy before. He might be doing great in the NBA, but he might not be able to adapt to our game's rhythm. Should we put him in his place?"
"Give him a taste of his own medicine, let him know that playing in the NBA doesn't mean he can be arrogant. I think it's a good idea."
"Let's go, we'll discuss it with the others."
…
"Why are there so many people? Is it fans of some celebrity trying to crash the party again? So annoying."
"The country should really crack down on these celebrities. They act for a living and earn more than scientists. The world is truly going downhill."
"These people probably wouldn't even go to the airport to pick up their own parents, but they're so attentive to their fans."
The airport was surrounded by fans, three layers deep. Passengers rushing to catch their flights were also blocked, making it difficult to move.
Especially those with a lot of luggage. Rushing for a flight was already frustrating, and being blocked by fans made them even more agitated, with everyone complaining.
"I heard it's a star playing in Huaqi Country. These kids are really worshipping foreign things."
"Worshipping foreign things? Don't you watch TV? It's our Long Country's player, Tang Long. What's so foreign about liking our own country's player?"
"That's right. Besides, Tang Long is back to participate in the Basketball Olympics. With Tang Long playing, maybe we can even win a medal."
"Oh, so it's Tang Long."
Upon hearing the fans say this, the previously complaining passengers' expressions immediately softened.
Even if some people didn't watch basketball, they had heard of Tang Long's name. Moreover, he was back to join the national team, to bring honor to the country!
Suddenly, the complaints diminished, and more people joined the crowd of fans, eager to catch a glimpse of the living superstar up close.
…
Tang Long had no idea that thousands of fans had already gathered at the airport, and the officials responsible for public security were treating it like a major event. He was currently contemplating how to arrange for Swift.
Fortunately, the scenery at the training camp was picturesque, truly allowing newcomers to Long Country to experience its beautiful natural landscape.
Besides, Tang Long knew that women were definitely not allowed into the training camp, and he wouldn't have much free time to take her sightseeing before the competition. He could only find a translator and guide for Swift.
As he was thinking, a flight attendant announced for passengers to turn off their mobile phones and other electronic devices, as the plane was about to land.
…
"Manager Wu, the crowd is getting larger and larger, and the plane is still a long way from landing. I think we should wait for Tang Long in the parking garage."
"What are you talking about? How would that show our respect for Tang Long?"
"Respect is something felt in the heart, not something to be displayed."
The young assistant's thinking was clearly more modern.
Old Wu shot him a look. "Stop reading so much trash. If you don't show it, how will others see it?"
The assistant pouted but remained silent, clearly not understanding.
Old Wu didn't elaborate further, as some things could only be understood through experience.
He glanced at his watch, estimating the plane's arrival time, and considered whether to go directly to the exit to meet Tang Long and leave, given the sheer number of people.
Huh?
Old Wu's brow suddenly furrowed.
He had been careless.
While thinking about what to say upon meeting Tang Long, he had overlooked Tang Long's fans.
With that thought, Old Wu dialed the company's logistics department. "Wu Yuanzhi, arrange a few cars and buy two thousand... no, three thousand bottles of water. Come to the airport, and make it quick. If you can get them to the airport within half an hour, I'll give you an extra six months' salary this month."
"Ah, boss, what do we need so much water for? Not even a pool party would use this much."
"Stop with the nonsense and buy it if you're told to." Old Wu was too busy to explain; time was of the essence.
"Boss, what's the water for?"
To be honest, after being outside for so long, the assistant was also a bit thirsty. He had even planned to go inside the airport to buy a bottle of water.
"You'll know soon enough."
Hain Province was already hot, and by the afternoon, many fans outside were already parched and their throats dry.
With so many people gathered at the airport, all the water had been sold out long ago. Many fans were waiting for Tang Long, swallowing hard, while some were nearly completely dehydrated.
When people get hot, they tend to get agitated, and with so many people crammed together, it was even more so!