After a quick wash, the two headed to their meeting with Nike.
On the way, Austin said, "After we gave Adidas your feedback, they moved fast. Very decisive. The five-year, $100 million offer stays the same.
"On top of that, they're offering you an additional 30% personal equity stake. That's an astronomical deal. Their attitude shows they genuinely want you.
"If Nike weren't in the picture, I'd tell you to sign with Adidas right away. But… it still comes down to market reach.
"Nike has a broader global market. In the future, they can secure more resources for you. The competition might be a bit tougher, but overall, it's the stronger platform.
"That's why I want to hear Nike out and see what they're offering."
"Mm."
Blake Su nodded. He thought the same way. Comparing offers never hurt. He held all the leverage—there was no rush. He could take his time and choose the deal he truly wanted.
Soon after, under Austin's lead, they arrived at a high-end café in the city—the prearranged meeting spot with Nike.
Nike manager Karl personally came to greet them and escorted Blake Su and Austin into a VIP private room. A server placed two cups of steaming coffee on the table. At the same time, a contract was slid in front of Blake Su.
"Mr. Blake Su, this is the best mocha in our café. Please enjoy."
Karl offered a polished professional smile before continuing, "I'm sure you're already familiar with the situation, so I'll get straight to the point.
"Your recent performances in the league—and the buzz you've generated—have been outstanding. Nike values you highly and hopes to sign you.
"We're prepared to offer you a seven-year, $100 million contract and make you one of our signature sneaker ambassadors.
"You should know that when 'King James' LeBron entered the league, he received seven years, $90 million. Kevin Durant signed for seven years, $60 million.
"Your offer exceeds both of theirs. That should show you how sincere we are. The detailed terms are all in this contract—you're welcome to review them."
Blake Su's expression remained calm, though a sharp glint flickered in his dark eyes.
Austin frowned and responded first.
"Manager Karl, that comparison isn't quite fair.
"LeBron's seven-year, $90 million deal was signed in 2003. This is 2010. A seven-year, $100 million contract today isn't anywhere near as valuable as LeBron's was back then."
"So what?"
Karl remained unfazed. "An 18-year-old getting $100 million over seven years—how many players can land a deal like that?"
"This offer matches Blake Su's ability.
"And then some."
Austin blinked, momentarily at a loss. "Manager Karl, the way you're putting it…"
"Austin."
Blake Su cut him off. He took a sip of mocha, then looked at Karl with a faint smile.
"The mocha's good. As for the offer—I already have a number in mind."
"Oh?"
Karl smiled slightly, gesturing for him to continue.
Blake Su pretended to think for a moment, then said casually, "Seven years, $1 billion.
"And 50% of the profits from my personal endorsement line."
Silence.
Then—
"Pfft—"
Karl couldn't help but laugh out loud, staring at Blake Su.
"Are you joking?"
Blake Su met his gaze calmly.
"Are you joking?"
The identical reply, delivered without a change in tone, made it perfectly clear—he found Nike's offer laughable.
Karl let out a dry chuckle. "Blake Su, this offer really isn't low. You need to understand something.
"Phoenix is a small market. No matter how well you play, there's a ceiling there.
"Without the backing of a major brand and the resources we can provide, your ceiling won't be much higher. Do you understand?"
"Ah…"
Blake Su nodded lightly, a faint smile on his face.
"So that's why you gave me a bad contract."
"No, no, no."
Karl shook his head immediately. "Let me emphasize again—this contract isn't low.
"It might be slightly behind LeBron's, but it's absolutely above Durant's.
"And stars like Allen Iverson, Wade, Bosh, Nowitzki—none of them received this kind of deal as rookies.
"There's no need to measure yourself against a once-in-a-generation prodigy standing at the very peak of rookie history."
"That makes sense."
Blake Su nodded again.
Karl' eyes lit up. "So you agree?"
"Anytime," Blake Su shrugged. "My offer's already on the table. The moment you nod, we can sign."
Karl' expression darkened instantly.
Seven years, $1 billion. Fifty percent equity.
What kind of proposal was that?
It was completely unrealistic.
And that was precisely the point.
Blake Su had made that counteroffer because of Nike's tone—the condescending, high-handed attitude that rubbed him the wrong way.
As if he should be grateful. As if he should chase Nike for exposure and resources.
Just like what happened to some players back then. They dominated at the highest level, yet the offers they received were shockingly low—nowhere near what other elite stars at their position were getting.
It wasn't really about value.
It was about respect.
And in the end, only some of them chose not to sign.
And now, Blake Su was doing the same—only more decisively.
"Let's go."
After waiting a few minutes, Blake Su stood up.
There was clearly still room for negotiation, and Austin felt a flicker of urgency. Deep down, he still believed Nike's market reach and resources were superior—and objectively, that was true.
But Blake Su was firm.
Karl was caught off guard. His instructions from above were clear—do everything possible to sign Blake Su.
"Mr. Blake Su!"
Karl hurried after him as Blake Su walked out without slowing down.
"Your counteroffer is too extreme," Karl said quickly. "Let's both take a step back.
"Originally, it was seven years, $100 million. Now we'll change it to five years, $100 million.
"And we'll add 30% personal equity.
"What do you think?"
Austin's heart jumped.
That matched Adidas' offer exactly. And with Nike's larger global market and stronger platform, it would clearly be the better choice.
Of course, he kept his expression neutral, leaving the final decision to Blake Su.
But Blake Su didn't even slow down.
He walked straight out of the VIP room, leaving Karl standing there in stunned silence.
"…Ah."
Austin sighed, gave Karl a brief nod of courtesy, and quickly followed after him.