Falk heard it, but pretended he hadn't.
He stood up, walked to the whiteboard, and picked up a marker to write a few large words: "NBA Finals marketing plan."
"First, some exciting news! We're increasing production of the sixth-generation Li Fei Series championship colorway again, adding another one million pairs to the global supply! Meanwhile, the much-anticipated Mamba II purple-and-gold colorway will follow suit, doubling production with another eight hundred thousand pairs worldwide! This will give fans more chances to own the shoes they've wanted for so long."
"Second, to thank consumers for their support and loyalty to our brand, we're introducing a surprise price cut on the standard shoes offered in the Chinese market—ten percent off! This discount will make these quality athletic shoes even more affordable, especially for students who love sports but have limited budgets. They'll finally be able to buy the shoes they want without worrying about the cost!"
"Last, but certainly not least: during the upcoming NBA Finals, every time Li Fei or Kobe scores, the Li Fei Brand will donate one thousand dollars to the China Youth Basketball Development Foundation! This isn't just a marketing tactic. It's a serious commitment to social responsibility. Through this initiative, we hope to do our part to help youth basketball flourish in China and inspire more young people to get involved, chase their dreams, and push beyond their limits."
He turned around and looked at everyone seated there.
"Li Fei entrusted me with running the brand not because he doesn't have time to manage it, but because he trusts me. I can't betray that trust. Neither can you."
The conference room fell silent for a second, then someone began to applaud. It wasn't perfunctory, polite applause. It was the spontaneous, heartfelt kind that came when someone's words struck