The Golden Age of Basketball

Chapter 735 Unforgiven
On March 29, 1993, at the 65th Academy Awards ceremony held in Los Angeles, Clint Eastwood's film "Unforgiven" won four awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

This former Western movie star achieved huge commercial and artistic success in the 90s, when Westerns were in complete decline, with an "anti-Western" Western movie.

In the movie, all the classic elements of Westerns—chivalry, superb marksmanship, beautiful heroines, and midday duels—are overturned.

The protagonist, who was once a serial killer, ultimately used his past instincts—his ruthless killings—to kill the corrupt town sheriff in a chaotic and ugly gunfight in a bar.

Eastwood claims this will be the last Western of his career, and that the golden age of Westerns is over.

However, Hollywood movies were entering their true golden age in the 90s, and they were going to spread their influence all over the world.

Gan Guoyang was invited to attend the awards ceremony, and his tall stature made him stand out in the Los Angeles Concert Hall.

With the regular season nearing its end, the Trail Blazers have essentially given up on their pursuit of the top seed in the Western Conference.

They will most likely finish the regular season as the second or third seed in the Western Conference.

They recently had two consecutive away games in Los Angeles, against the Lakers and the Clippers.

During the interval between the two matches, he had some free time to participate in some social activities.

Sitting next to Gan Guoyang is Tang Jianguo, the owner of the Trail Blazers.

That year, Lao Tang focused all his attention on his business and various social activities.

He doesn't seem as enthusiastic about basketball as he was when he first took over the Trail Blazers.

Otherwise, the Trail Blazers wouldn't have been so inactive in terms of player acquisitions this summer.

Three consecutive championships is the limit of what Old Tang can boast about; the marginal benefit of four consecutive championships is very low.

Gan Guoyang complained to Lao Tang, "Donald, are you thinking of selling the team? If you don't want to continue, just say so, and I'll help you find a good buyer."

Old Tang leaned closer and whispered, "Why don't you have any faith in me? We've won three championships together. You have to believe in my loyalty to the team and to Portland."

"You always talk the talk but walk the walk... I think you should give up basketball and casinos and just make movies. That industry is very lucrative."

Gan Guoyang's casual remark piqued Old Tang's interest. He turned to Gan Guoyang and said, "Sunny, I think this is a good idea. How about we make a movie together? Or, I could make a biopic about you."

"A biopic? I'm not dead yet, why would I make a biopic?"

"Your six championships are enough to make a biopic! But it's not easy to find an actor to play yourself. So, why don't you just play yourself? I'll play myself too, and we'll start from the 1989 Western Conference Finals loss. I bought the team and rebuilt the Trail Blazers with you to achieve our second three-peat! I think the second three-peat was even more exciting than the first one."

"Biographical films don't make money, so it's better to just make movies."

"Sonny, basketball movies don't make money, are you going to make kung fu movies?"

"Who says basketball isn't profitable? We can make...make a live-action animated film. Like 'Who Killed Roger Rabbit,' where real people and animated characters are together."

"Hmm... now that you mention it, it seems like a good idea? But what should we film, and how can we include your story in the film?"

"Well... for example, a group of aliens came to Earth. They wanted to kidnap the cartoon characters, so they made a bet to determine the winner in a sport, choosing basketball. But these aliens cheated and went to the real world to absorb the abilities of NBA players. They absorbed Ewing, Barkley, Jordan, Muggsy Bogues, and Johnson, forming a super-strong team to defeat the cartoon characters. The cartoon characters wondered what to do. They decided to invite the world's best basketball players to help them win and avoid being enslaved by the aliens. So they found me and asked me to help them defeat the aliens. After much struggle, I agreed, but I encountered many difficulties, such as how to play basketball in the cartoon world? And facing Barkley, Ewing, and Jordan, while my teammates were just cartoon characters. Finally, I realized that I was invincible in the cartoon world, so I went on the court and defeated them all. I scored 100 points, saved the cartoon world, and then saved the entire world. Because the aliens' next plan was to enslave all of humanity!"

Gan Guoyang recounted the entire plot, leaving Tang Jianguo dumbfounded.

"How is it, Donald?" Gan Guoyang asked.

"Oh, that sounds rubbish."

Gan Guoyang shrugged. This story was indeed quite rubbish and very cliché.

"However, if it could actually be made, it could definitely make money. Kids would love watching a movie like that; it's fun and entertaining enough. How did you come up with that idea, Sonny? Are you some kind of genius?"

"No, it's because AVIA has been co-producing commercials with Warner Animation for the past two years. Didn't you see my latest Skyscraper commercial? It's with an animated character, Bugs Bunny. My son loves watching it. I wait in front of the TV to see me and Bugs Bunny appear together. He prefers Bugs Bunny."

After the Oscars ceremony, Gan Guoyang declined Tang Jianguo's invitation to a party, as he was going back to his hotel to rest.

There's another game against the Los Angeles Lakers tomorrow. With the regular season nearing its end, rest is becoming increasingly important.

As he was leaving, Old Tang ran over to Forrest Gump and said, "Sonny, there's something I need to tell you. I suspect Michael Jackson is going to be in some trouble lately. You should find some time to talk to him. Did you see him on Oprah Winfrey's talk show?"

Gan Guoyang said, "I watched a bit of it. I don't usually have time to watch TV. Wasn't he on a show to clarify things? I can go back and ask my wife. She must have seen it."

“Michael is a good man. I’ve received information that someone wants to get him. I’m reminding him to be prepared.”

“I will. Have you talked to Michael? Who wants to mess with him?”

"I can't say, it's a secret in the industry, it's not that simple. Sonny, Michael has too much, but he's too bad at protecting himself. You're more mature than him, and you're so close, I think only you can help him. The championship is important, of course, but don't forget your best friend. You're both super busy people, but even when you're busy, you're still human, take some time to care for each other. Go visit his Neverland Ranch, it's your turn now, Sonny."

Tang Jianguo said a lot at once, then said goodbye to Gan Guoyang and left.

At that moment, Gan Guoyang suddenly realized that some of his past impressions of Tang Jianguo might be wrong.

For example, he previously believed that on the Jackson issue, he would sit on the fence and betray his friend.

But now it seems that if something happens to Jackson, Donald Trump might stand firmly on Jackson's side.

During the period from 1992 to 1993, Jackson's fame grew, and so did the amount of negative news.

Gan Guoyang subscribed to several newspapers, and every day when he opened the entertainment section, he could see news related to Jackson.

Most of these messages point to some unpleasant rumors, such as skin bleaching, sexual orientation issues, and suspicions of drug use.

Gan Guoyang vaguely remembered that during this period, a major scandal awaited Jackson, which would ruin his reputation and leave him physically and mentally exhausted.

However, in his previous life, Gan Guoyang didn't pay much attention to entertainment news and didn't know much about it.

Thinking about what Old Tang said, he returned to the hotel and called Jackson the next day to ask if he was in Los Angeles.

Jackson was delighted to receive Gan Guoyang's call and said, "Oh Sonny! I'm in Los Angeles, eating KFC at home. Do you want to come over and have some?"

"Can't you eat something nutritious? You're already so thin! Why do you still eat KFC? What's worse is that you've basically opened a KFC in your own home!"

"I...I just love eating KFC. Eating KFC brings back childhood memories. Come on over and eat with me, Sonny?"

Jackson's voice remained as gentle as ever, and every time Gan Guoyang got angry at him, it was like punching cotton.

With no other option, Gan Guoyang took a car to Santa Barbara County at noon to visit Michael Jackson's famous Neverland Ranch.

In 1988, Jackson bought the land and built a private amusement park similar to Disneyland.

It features castle-like buildings and amusement facilities such as a carousel, Ferris wheel, and roller coaster, making it a paradise for children.

Michael Jackson did not have children of his own yet, and he lacked confidence in having children at the moment, but he loved children very much.

He invited many children to live with him at the Dream Manor, to keep him company through his monotonous daily life.

Michael Jackson had no childhood; he began his music career at a very young age.

While other children were playing with their peers and going to amusement parks with their parents, Jackson was always performing and on his way to performances.

As he grew up, Jackson's life was filled with commercial activities and music, leaving almost no free time.

There is a huge crack in his personality, which needs to be filled with the joy of childhood.

So he built this paradise for children and lived with them, hoping to make up for the regrets of his own childhood.

Gan Guoyang repeatedly tried to warn his friends that what they were doing could very well cause them huge trouble.

A public figure, especially a celebrity with such high fame and such great wealth.

He exposed his private life to too many people, which is extremely dangerous.

Driven by greed, people are capable of any evil deed and any bottom line can be trampled upon.

In this respect, Gan Guoyang is much more mature than Jackson; he has always protected his privacy very well.

Moreover, his inner circle is very small, consisting only of his own people; outsiders cannot get in.

At their level of wealth and fame, preventing internal sabotage is of utmost importance, as external forces often cannot find any incriminating evidence against them.

What I fear most is people around me making baseless accusations and spreading rumors that don't exist.

Once the fortress is breached from the inside, wolves from the outside will come in droves to tear it apart.

Since it's all business with no initial investment, being able to take a bite out of the profits is enough for some petty people to eat and drink their fill.

Moreover, Gan Guoyang has connections with various political forces and is supported by a large group behind him.

Michael Jackson was too naive. Lacking the protection of political power, he was riddled with vulnerabilities in the fierce media environment in the United States.

His growing social prestige and enormous wealth accumulation were not a protective shield for him, but rather like a child carrying a gold brick in the middle of the city, making it almost inevitable that he would be attacked.

However, every time Gan Guoyang saw Jackson happy because of everything he had done and living the life he wanted, he didn't know how to bring it up.

After all, Michael Jackson was an adult, and he had the right to choose his own lifestyle. Just like another Michael, Michael Jordan, who loved gambling and caused a lot of trouble.

However, Jordan knew how to ask for help and had a strong mentality; he wasn't ashamed at all for not paying back the money he owed others.

Nike and Forrest Gump did a great job of smoothing things over for Jordan, ensuring that he wasn't affected in any way.

After all, Nike and Jordan are partners with shared interests; if Jordan is affected, Nike will also suffer.

Unlike Jackson, he had a very bad relationship with his record company, and there were copyright disputes.

Individuals are very vulnerable in the face of a lack of support from groups, organizations, and capital.

Even if you have thousands of fans and a wide reputation, it's like trying to quench a thirst with water from afar; it can't truly protect you.

Gan Guoyang arrived at Dream Manor by car. Looking at the magnificent entrance, he believed that Michael was truly a romantic person.

But the real world is far from romantic; it is full of coldness and cruelty.

Especially when it comes to huge profits, people are no different from hyenas tearing open anuses on the grasslands.

Gan Guoyang met Jackson at the KFC restaurant in Dream Manor. Jackson was holding fried chicken and his hands were greasy as he came over to pull Gan Guoyang.

"Sonny, I've recently developed and improved my robot dance moves. I've also enhanced my muscle control. How about we dance together for a bit?"

Regardless of whether Gan Guoyang agreed or not, Jackson put down the fried chicken, wiped his hands, turned on the music, and started dancing.

Gan Guoyang had no choice but to cooperate with Michael, dancing alongside him for a while.

Jackson kept turning around to point out Forrest Gump's steps and physique, and he seemed very happy.

After jumping for a while, he asked Forrest Gump if he wanted to play with the other children for a bit.

"They all really want to see you, so much so. You're their basketball hero!"

For some reason, Jackson seemed very happy today.

Gan Guoyang asked, "What's wrong, Michael? You look so happy. Did something good happen?"

Jackson finally sat down and whispered to Gan Guoyang, "Sonny, I've made a decision!"

When Gan Guoyang saw Jackson's expression, he immediately understood what had happened.

He had seen that expression on Stockton's and Bellman's faces before.

"Are you getting married?"

"Bingo! You know me so well, Sonny!"

Gan Guoyang rubbed his forehead, thinking to himself, "You little brat, you didn't even realize that danger was approaching."

You're still immersed in the happiness and longing for marriage. What can I say to you?

"I don't just know you, I know all of you too well. You recently appeared on Oprah's talk show?"

Yes, did you see it?

“I didn’t watch it much, I didn’t have time. But Fosse did watch it, I called her last night and she said Oprah was very rude to you, she wasn’t really on your side.”

"Don't say that about Sonny, Oprah is a good person."

"Don't be so naive, Michael. I don't like this guy. It's not that it's wrong for you to do stand-up comedy; I understand your mindset. You want to tell the world everything clearly, let the sunlight in, let everyone see clearly, and all the rumors and gossip will fall apart on their own."

"Isn't that right, Sonny? I think I did pretty well on the show~"

Gan Guoyang said seriously to Jackson, "Michael, for those who believe in you, even if you don't go on the show to clarify, they will still believe in you. Now they will only support you more. But for those who are clearly trying to slander you and don't like you, no matter how much you defend yourself, it will be in vain. You can't wake someone who is pretending to be asleep, and for those who slander you, no one knows that you are innocent."

Jackson said, "It's not that serious, Sonny, is it? I'm not someone you can just bully. I have many friends and a great legal team."

Gan Guoyang reached out and pinched Jackson's thin arm hard.

"Oh!!"

Jackson screamed, "You're hurting me, Sonny!"

"See, you're so easy to pinch."

"You're too strong, Sonny."

Jackson rubbed his arm; he did indeed have a lot of worries on his mind.

In the past two years, he has been on the verge of collapse, facing work pressure and slander from the public.

He often couldn't sleep at night and had to rely on sleeping pills to fall asleep.

However, he always appears happy and optimistic when he is with his friends, because he doesn't want others to worry about him.

Gan Guoyang ate a piece of fried chicken, wiped his hands, and said, "Those kids wanted to see me, right? Introduce me to them. I want to get to know them better. Your friends are my friends."

Jackson's eyes lit up. "Really? That's great! Let's go ride the carousel first, that's my favorite ride. Then I'll introduce you to my friends..."

Gan Guoyang didn't actually like Jackson's children; he just wanted to get to know them and use his childhood experience of identifying children to screen out any potential dangers.

He grew up in an orphanage and knows that children are a mixture of angels and devils.

People grow up from childhood, and most people are innocent and naive during their childhood.

But innocence does not equate to foolishness, nor does it represent pure goodness; sometimes it can also be filled with pure evil.

Because children don't know the consequences of many of their actions; a single word or action can cause a ripple effect.

People say that children don't lie, but in reality, children not only lie, they also talk nonsense.

Gan Guoyang not only needs to understand these children, but also their backgrounds, families, and parents' situations.

Of course, he got all of this out of Jackson in casual conversation.

When talking about a kid named Jody Chandler, Jackson scratched his head and spoke hesitantly.

Gan Guoyang quickly asked him, "What's wrong with Qiao Di? You seem to have a good relationship with this kid; you've taken him to events before."

"Yes, he's a good kid, and I like him very much. However, his father has been... trying to talk to me about something lately."

"Discuss something? Is he trying to blackmail you?"

“Oh, Sonny, you really shouldn’t play basketball. You should go to the FBI or CIA and do interrogation work. I don’t think that’s blackmail. He’s been trying to get my help, to give him some money to build a house or… to start a business. I have money, but I don’t think it’s right.”

"That's extortion, or rather, the prelude to extortion. Tell me his information, and I'll find someone to help you resolve this issue."

"What are you doing, Sonny? Don't hurt him, that's wrong."

“I won’t hurt him. Doesn’t he need money and help? I can help him. But he may have to pay a price. There’s always a price to pay for what you gain. If you don’t pay now, it will accumulate and eventually explode, hurting many people.”

"Some mistakes are unforgivable, Michael. We must prevent them from happening again."

After much deliberation, Jackson gave Gan Guoyang the information about this man named Evan Chandler.

The family were all fans of Jackson, and they became friends with him in 1992, maintaining a good relationship ever since.

However, the unequal status of the two men, coupled with the sensationalism of tabloid media, caused Evan Chandler to harbor resentment towards Jackson.

Lately, he has been constantly asking Jackson for money, a lot of money, and of course Jackson will not agree to his unreasonable request.

If the demands of petty people are not met, they will inevitably retaliate, and in a way that is unreasonable and reckless.

Gan Guoyang treated Evan Chandler as a landmine. He dug up several similar landmines and made a note of them.

On the way from Dream Manor to the Great Western Forum in the afternoon, Gan Guoyang gave Quentin the information about these people.

“After I get back to Portland, I’ll give it to Fosse and ask her to help me find a way to contact them and handle their relationship with Michael.”

"Got it, Sonny."

"Oh, by the way, when I'm playing in the competition, go to the mall and pick out a few nice bags for me to bring back as gifts for Fosse. Don't pick the styles we've bought before, remember that."

"Don't worry, I've kept records. You can focus on your game."

Gan Guoyang had complete confidence in Quentin's abilities; Quentin was an absolutely loyal person by his side.

Even now, as the manager of a security company, Quentin still spends most of his time guarding Gan Guoyang.

But Jackson didn't have anyone like that around him; even his family doctor might not have been reliable enough.

(End of this chapter)