Chapter 517: Every Second Counts

Jenkins looked well-dressed and energetic at this moment, but in fact, he had not slept for more than 24 hours.

Yesterday, Gawain made history by winning the US Open. All media around the world went crazy, and Nike executives immediately held a meeting.

Two million dollars a year, five years. This contract failed to impress Tobias before the finals, which means the situation is now more urgent.

According to past circumstances, Nike had already offered Gao Wen a contract that he could not refuse. Since he was rejected, Nike naturally did not need to beg humbly; but this time it was different. Nike not only did not give up or get angry, but also made a prompt decision to follow up.

This is a historic moment that no one wants to miss. Moreover, even if Nike fails to sign the player, they will not let Adidas sign the player. Otherwise, Adidas’ Asian market strategy and the entire men’s tennis market strategy will be able to open up the situation. How could Nike make such a mistake?

Nike knew that Adidas must also be busy with meetings all night long; similarly, Adidas also knew that Nike must be determined to get Gao Wen.

Now it is a contest of time and courage. Let alone one or two hours, a difference of five or ten minutes may turn the tide of the battle.

The high-rise offices of Nike's New York branch were brightly lit. Jenkins stayed up all night, relying on twenty-two cans of Red Bull and six cups of espresso to get through it. He went to the gym at five in the morning to wash up and change into a suit, and then arrived at the door of Tobias' hotel room at six.

While waiting to appear at Gawain's door, Jenkins and Tobias had already finished a round of meetings. Even though their bodies were protesting, their spirits were still extremely excited.

Nike is competing not only for Gao Wen's sponsorship, but also for time.

At the beginning, all the sponsors made the wrong judgment and no brand signed Gao Wen, so when the sales of UCLA Bruins jerseys soared 2100%, everyone was dumbfounded and could only watch a good opportunity for commercial success slip through their fingers.

Nike will never miss a second chance.

Jenkins knew that Gowen would go to record the "Today Show" today, and there would be a series of full-time championship celebrations and media interviews coming up. He needed Gowen to appear on the "Today Show" screen wearing a Nike jersey. He needed the impact created by this heavyweight effect.

Especially knowing that Adidas is also sprinting at full speed, every second counts.

There was no time even for pleasantries; Jenkins had to finalize the contract as quickly as possible.

Sizzle.

Sizzle.

Tobias's phone was vibrating, and Jenkins knew it was Adidas without turning around. During the meeting this morning, Adidas had called Tobias more than a dozen times, and each time Tobias avoided him answering the phone. He knew that Tobias must also be listening to Adidas' offer.

Every phone call means that their competition becomes more intense, comparable to a 100-meter sprint.

The only advantage Jenkins had left was his personal relationship with Tobias, which allowed him to meet with Tobias face to face; Adidas, on the other hand, had the entire team meeting in a conference room and then keeping in touch with Tobias via Octopus conference calls.

Tobias signaled to Gawain with his eyes, then stood up again, left the room, and answered the phone in the corridor.

Tick-tick.

Jenkins seemed to be able to hear the sound of the second hand ticking. Even after experiencing countless storms, his heart still beat violently and uncontrollably.

call.

Jenkins let out a breath secretly, but remained calm on the surface and smiled.

"I know that I buttoned the first button incorrectly. Strictly speaking, I also buttoned the second and third buttons incorrectly, so we are now in this situation. But rather than apologizing, I hope to show our sincerity."

Gao Wen, after a little surprise, showed a faint smile in his eyes, "Fortunately, tennis shirts don't have buttons, except maybe Roger's jersey."

Federer's tennis shirts are all specially designed by Nike, often with an open collar design; while most other players wear round-neck styles.

Of course, there are only a handful of players in the entire professional tennis world who can get specially customized jerseys from Nike or Adidas, including the four giants in men's tennis and only Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova in women's tennis - Ivanovic and Wozniacki have not yet received any. You can count them on your fingers.

"Haha." Jenkins was amused by Gawain's joke. "Obviously, this is our luck, so we can temporarily forget the past and start over."

Without waiting for Gawain to continue, Jenkins went straight to the point.

“Nike always believes that everything is possible. As long as you dare to dream, dare to fight, and dare to believe, you have taken the most important first step.”

"Just like you."

"You know what my most memorable moment is at this year's US Open?"

Gawain raised his eyebrows slightly, but did not answer, waiting patiently for Jenkins to continue.

The latest novel is published first on Liu9shuba!

Jenkins spread his hands. "In the pre-match press conference of the first round, all reporters remained silent, but you didn't get angry or complain. You just focused on yourself and the game. So when you let out that wolf howl on the court, I knew you were the perfect interpreter of Nike."

Gawain chuckled. “Ian, even though I know these words are carefully crafted compliments, I must admit that I like these compliments.”

Frank and straightforward, but also smart and calm.

On the surface, Gawain admitted that he liked praise; on the inside, Gawain was actually saying that he was not moved by these sweet words.

Jenkins was exposed, but he was not surprised at all, because this was Gawain——

Obviously different from the generation of the Big Four, these youngsters are more outspoken, more confident and more direct; but at the same time, Gao Wen possesses a wisdom and calmness honed by time, which makes his personality charm truly stand out and become a unique image in today's tennis.

"I'm telling the truth." Jenkins shrugged. No matter what, he couldn't bow his head and admit the accusations, and then calmly changed the subject. "So, we have been thinking about how to design a jersey for you. Although it's a bit hasty, I think we should have found the answer."

Jersey?

Specially designed for Gawain? Well, this should be the only treatment for active male players besides the Big Four. Even Kei Nishikori, who is strongly supported by Uniqlo, has not received such treatment yet.

Perhaps, after the US Open, he should be able to enjoy such treatment.

Moreover, has the entire process of inspiration, design, and finalization been completed from last night to today? Is the efficiency so fierce? (End of this chapter)