Chapter 2663 - 2637: The Reward of Respect

A luxury car glided in, and Hank Steinbrenner stepped out, greeting Gao Yang loudly as if they were old friends: "Hey, Gao, it’s been a long time! I’m so excited to see you here today; I almost jumped for joy."

Warmly embracing Gao Yang, Hank then extended his hand to Frey, smiling eagerly, "Oh, Frey, Frey, I’ve been dreaming about you. I really hope you’ve changed your mind now."

Shaking Hank’s hand, Frey said somewhat embarrassedly, "The Boss wanted me to come over; uh, nice to meet you, Mr. Steinbrenner."

Hank shrugged, then looked at Yarebin before saying, "And who are these?"

Gao Yang laughed, "Let me introduce my friends. This is my teacher, Yarebin, and teacher, this is Hank Steinbrenner, owner of the Yankees."

Yarebin smiled calmly and extended his hand, "Nice to meet you. I’m just here to see how the kid plays and take a look at Yankee Stadium."

Yarebin looked like an inconspicuous old man, and Glewatov equally unremarkable. If they were always the center of attention, they wouldn’t be agents. But Joseph was different; he unmistakably looked like a bodyguard, and a particularly high-end and expensive one at that.

Hank Steinbrenner, naturally perceptive, immediately gauged Yarebin’s status accurately. Shaking hands with Yarebin, he warmly said, "Mr. Yarabin, welcome."

After some pleasantries, Hank made a gesture of invitation, saying, "Let’s go inside and talk, gentlemen. I’ve been looking forward to your arrival again."

Gao Yang didn’t want to waste too much time; he hoped Yarebin could go home to rest soon. Thus, he said, "Why don’t we head straight to the training field, Mr. Steinbrenner? I want to see if Frey has maintained his state."

Hank was even more eager than Gao Yang to know, so he promptly said, "Then let’s go to the training field. After you, gentlemen."

Returning to the familiar training field, this time Frey wouldn’t surprise anyone. Yet everyone awaited to see whether he still held his former prowess after more than a year absence. If Frey’s skills had declined, it would be like the end of the world for many.

Standing behind the radar gun was Manager Brian, and the training field was empty at this time, with Roger Ruth acting as the catcher.

Frey picked up the ball, and Gao Yang took a deep breath, feeling like a father about to see his child’s report card.

It was deja vu; Frey threw his first fastball, Roger caught it, and everyone’s eyes, including Gao Yang and Hank, turned to Brian.

Brian confirmed he hadn’t seen wrong and immediately shouted, "104 mph!"

The first pitch, without warming up, was 104 mph; Frey’s prowess remained.

Needless to say, Frey continued pitching in various styles, throwing difficult balls and earning waves of exclamations and cheers.

As Frey concluded his pitching display, a visibly impatient Hank urgently said, "Mr. Gao, could I have a proper chat with you in my office?"

Gao Yang was there for a reason; of course, he would chat with Hank. Meanwhile, Yarebin said to the slightly breathless Frey, "Hey, come over here."

Frey ran over to Yarebin, saying, "Sir, what’s up?"

Yarebin gave Frey a thumbs up, smiled, and said, "You’re born for this. Gao was right; you really are a great baseball player."

Frey sheepishly scratched his head, saying, "Thank you."

Yarebin patted Frey on the back and solemnly said, "Gao’s told me about your stubbornness, which worries him. Listen, it’s time to play baseball—for yourself, your family, Gao, and Satan. Your mercenary career is over; go play baseball."

Frey hesitated a bit, paused, but finally nodded.

Yarebin then smiled, turned to Hank, and said loudly, "Mr. Steinbrenner, I know you have matters to discuss, so I won’t intrude further. Now I’d like to tour your stadium. Can I?"

Hank immediately said, "Of course, you can. Brian, find the best guide for Mr. Yarabin, and prepare our souvenirs for him. Oh, Mr. Yarabin, do you have a favorite player? Or does anyone in your family or friends want an autograph? We can have it ready and even arrange photo ops if you like. No problem at all."

Yarebin smiled, "No need, but thank you for your generosity. Goodbye."

Yarebin gracefully walked away, while Gao Yang and Frey were invited into Hank’s office, where Hank eagerly asked as soon as they sat down, "Mr. Gao, Frey, I genuinely want to know if you’ve let go of the idea of joining the Texas Rangers?"

Frey uncertainly looked at Gao Yang, then softly said, "Sorry, I must still go; it’s a promise."

Hank’s disappointment was palpable, while Gao Yang shrugged, saying, "I’m here to ensure Frey can start playing ball quickly. Hank, let me be clear; where Frey goes is his choice, and I won’t interfere. Now, Frey, state your reason. What do you really think?"

Frey raised his head, determinedly saying, "I must go to the Texas Rangers—this promise will not change. Once I win a championship with them, I’ll immediately join the Yankees. I’m even willing to sign one-year short contracts with the Rangers every time, but I need your guidance and assistance on how to do this."

Hank’s expression lightened; he smiled and said, "You have the power to shake up league dynamics. I believe you can win a championship, although it’s a pity you didn’t build your worth at the Yankees—that’s quite unfortunate."

Frey immediately said, "I’m willing to declare these intentions on the day I join the league, telling everyone my ambition, my determination, and my promises. The Metropolitan Team humiliated my Boss, so I’ll return the favor tenfold or hundredfold! Mr. Steinbrenner, your team and you have given me and the Boss the respect we deserve. Therefore, trust that I’ll reciprocate, just like my promise to the Rangers!"

Hank nearly burst into laughter, saying in a low voice, "If that’s the case, I think, well, it might be worth maneuvering. This does seem like a great opportunity. Just one question: have you reached an agreement with the Texas Rangers?"

Frey bowed his head and said, "No, we haven’t even contacted the Texas Rangers yet."

Hank was elated; his excitement visible, he said happily, "Mr. Gao, Frey, may the Yankees handle this matter?"