On September 11, 2002, the first anniversary of the 9/11 attack, memorial events took place in New York City, with the American president and thousands of others visiting the site to pay tribute.
However, this was not the largest or most populous memorial event among the hundreds happening across America.
The largest was in Las Vegas.
Hundreds of people from all over America, calling themselves "Ah Gan followers," arrived in Vegas on September 11. They regard this day as their faith’s "Christmas" and consider the city where Ah Gan lives as the Holy City, commemorating the birth of their belief.
The number was not large, just over a hundred, but the resulting memorial event attracted a massive crowd.
Gan Guoyang’s fame was so high and widespread, and with so many tourists visiting Las Vegas in September, the followers arrived early to promote.
Ultimately, on September 11, thousands gathered near the MGM Hotel Center, and as time went on, from morning till evening, the crowd kept growing.
A small portion were followers from various places, while others were tourists looking for excitement, and indeed, they wanted a place to commemorate the 9/11 victims.
As the crowd grew larger, the Vegas Police Department started losing control over the situation and had to call the Glory Team for help, hoping Ah Gan could come and preside over the scene.
Gan Guoyang received the message while training at the stadium. When he got the call requesting him to "preside over the scene," he thought, am I supposed to lead a rebellion?
But eventually, when Mayor Oscar Goodman personally came to invite him, Gan Guoyang had no choice but to drive back to MGM to meet with his loyal and devout followers.
Gan Guoyang was very worried they might be some illegal religious organization, so he publicly announced on stage that if there was a religion revolving around him, it should only exist in the individual’s inner soul, without any organized hierarchy; if anyone claimed to form an organization with doctrines and rules, it would be illegal and contrary to belief.
"If you really want to believe in me, you can come to Las Vegas to watch my games or tune in to CBS for the NBA live broadcast. That is the best support. Everything about me is in basketball. Welcome to Las Vegas, enjoy the pleasures of life, that’s my doctrine."
The square erupted in enthusiastic applause as Gan Guoyang hurriedly left the stage and got back into his car.
Oscar Goodman said, "Your speech was brilliant. It contributes one percent to Vegas’s tourism."
Gan Guoyang replied cold-faced, "Don’t involve me in such events again. I want to live a few more years."
"Why?"
"A deceased spiritual leader is the best spiritual leader. He leaves behind deeds for interpretations without rebuttal."
Gan Guoyang was aware of the dangers such events posed; once entangled with religious forces, it could lead to big trouble.
He didn’t want to. It was like paying the debt for his past antics.
Just like America, now across the nation, security was being heightened, and American stars were even afraid of going abroad for games, fearing terrorist attacks.
Returning to the training gym, the others had already finished practice; Jordan was quietly doing his three-point drills.
"Where did you go, buddy?"
"Preaching."
Jordan shook his head, tossed the ball to Gan Guoyang, and invited him for a one-on-one.
Gan Guoyang wasn’t in the mood, feeling a bit agitated, he said, "Why don’t we go fishing?"
"Alright, fishing and relaxing sounds good."
The pair tidied up; Gan Guoyang had Quentin drive, brought along their bodyguards, and headed to Meid Lake, located in the east of Las Vegas.
Meid Lake was formed as a reservoir lake after Hoover Dam was built on the upper Colorado River, making it America’s largest reservoir.
Most of Nevada is arid and has little rain, making it very difficult to find wetland to fish; only Meid Lake is known for its striped bass.
There were dedicated fishing spots with staff providing various services; as long as you have the money, you can fish however you like.
The two chose an open lake area, sat down, and gazed at the calm water, beneath which lurked numerous ferocious striped bass.
In September, around three or four in the afternoon, the weather was quite pleasant, the sun shone just right, and a gentle breeze blew — truly a good day for fishing.
Jordan’s fishing skills were quite good, and he quickly landed a substantial catch, whereas Gan Guoyang did not catch much, his thoughts lingered elsewhere.
He often stared at the calm water, lost in thought; even when the rod twitched, he didn’t react.
Jordan looked at his sparse fish box and said, "What’s up with you, Sonny? Still troubled by those fanatics’ plight? It’s indeed freaking shitty, but who told you to make accurate prophecies back then? That’s not what a Basketball God should do."
Gan Guoyang shook his head, saying, "I’m not troubled by those fanatics; Basketball God, of course, worries about basketball."
"Why, are you not confident in the team?"
"I’m not confident in you, Michael!"
"Why me? We’ve been training together for over a month now, and you’re not confident in me?"
"It’s precisely because we’ve been training for over a month that I’m not confident in you! You’re worse than Kobe now!"
"What the hell are you talking about? I’m 40 now, buddy! Besides, I can still crush that bastard Kobe!"
"Come on, Michael, you can crush Kobe, but with your playstyle, it’s tough for us to win."
As he spoke, Gan Guoyang finally hooked a fish—a big one—and put it into the box.