In every aspect domestically, everything was ready with seats awaiting occupancy. The higher-ups had already given the green light early on; except for a few industries involving military secrets and the nation's lifeline, Gan Guoyang could invest in any of them.
When people thought Gan Guoyang would pour his funds into the sports industry, establishing a sports business empire in China with Gan Guoyang as the brand symbol, Gan Guoyang went against the consensus, unwilling to do so.
At an internal discussion meeting, Gan Guoyang said that in the sports product industry, Avia was already doing very well, and Nike, though a competitor, was also doing not bad; they could provide enough products for sports enthusiasts in China.
His brand and products, especially Skyscraper, could be entrusted to Avia; why bother getting involved to seize a share of this market?
"There are many backward areas in China that require considerable funds for support, far more important than sneakers or jerseys."
After vetoing several industries like real estate, trade, and energy—industries that would make money while lying down—Gan Guoyang made an important investment decision, which had been previously discussed with the capital.
In July, in an unknown and silent manner, a huge amount of funds from America was injected into a Chinese company established in April 2000: SMIC.
Gan Guoyang invested half of his funds into the semiconductor industry, which had long been neglected in China but was now starting anew under the attention of the higher-ups.
This amount of investment was around 800 million US Dollars, exceeding the national investment in the semiconductor industry from 1980 to 2000.
However, this was done very discreetly, with the funds gradually pooled through various official and unofficial channels, without any major publicity in the news.
Apart from receiving a large number of shares and uncertain future returns, Gan Guoyang also received a precious inscription, which read:
"After hardship comes sweetness, unparalleled national hero, rising phoenix at dawn, best in the world."
Had it been someone else, this inscription would have been hung in the most conspicuous place at home, but Gan Guoyang just carefully preserved it together with his championship trophy, MVP award, and other keepsakes, as a memento of his life.
In mid-July, Gan Guoyang went to New York to attend another hearing, which was just a formality this time.
After the hearing, the committee informed Gan Guoyang that his next hearing would be held on August 21st.
By then, it would be his last hearing, and the committee would give a final conclusion, bringing an end to this arduous dark journey and ushering in the dawn.
After the hearing, Gan Guoyang could finally focus his energy on the next important event—the Olympic Games.
It's been 8 years since the thrilling Barcelona Olympics; Gan Guoyang did not participate in the 1996 Olympics due to his long retirement.
This time, it's different. Gan Guoyang has just retired, maintaining a good condition and at a not-too-old age. Competing in the Olympics is entirely feasible.
The Basketball Association had proactively contacted Gan Guoyang last year when drafting the 2000 Olympic preparation plan, and Gan Guoyang readily agreed to participate in the competition.
Then, starting from April 2000, the Men's National Basketball Team of China convened and assembled, beginning long-term training and preparation.
The national team head coach was still Jiang Xingquan; the silver medal match in 1992 made Jiang Xingquan a renowned coach.
In 1996, China Team originally had an opportunity to make great strides if Gan Guoyang was around.
The young players from 1992 matured by 1996; Hu Weidong, Li Xiaoyong, Zhen Wu, Sun Jun, Liu Yudong, Gong Xiaobin, all were at their prime age.
Not only that, but this '96 batch also introduced several strong, promising young players like Li Nan, Wang Zhizhi, Bartel, who all emerged in this national team.
At the Atlanta Olympics, China Team achieved a top-eight finish even without Gan Guoyang.
It's imaginable, if Gan Guoyang in his prime was in the team, there would definitely be the capability to contend with the US Dream Team.
After all, Dream Team II no longer had Michael Jordan, and Hakeem Olajuwon was not at his peak as Big Dream anymore.
Unfortunately, at that time, Gan Guoyang had just decided to return, and his physical condition did not allow him to participate in high-intensity competitions.
His energy was focused on recovering his condition and labor negotiations, unable to attend to the Olympics, thus letting the golden generation miss their chance for a gold medal.
Now, Gan Guoyang feels almost unburdened, having no regrets in Portland. If he can bring an Olympic gold medal to China Team, it would be a new pinnacle in his basketball career.
This is also why, on the day of his retirement, though Gan Guoyang felt saddened, he was still optimistic and upbeat, because he knew he still had unfinished business and a future to look forward to.