American winner takes all

Chapter 240: Fire Fighting (125k)

"The left hand is the key..."

Standing on the basketball court, Ethan stood on tiptoes, leaned his upper body back slightly, and pushed out his left arm...

The launched basketball spins hollowly into the basket, making a crisp sound as it hits the net.

A certain NBA star's signature fadeaway jumper in the future.

"It's great." Douzi, who was one-on-one with Ethan, couldn't help but applaud.

"If you ask me, you really should enter the NBA. You will become an excellent inside player or power forward." During the break, Kobe talked about this topic with Ethan again. In his eyes, Ethan's physical fitness was enough for him. He became the top player in any sport.

"Douzi, you will have better teammates than me in the future." Ethan threw the basketball.

This morning he returned to the BHHS campus and reunited with Kobe Bryant here.

In the six months since graduation, many changes have taken place at BHHS. First of all, the original athletic director Grace chose to leave. In addition, the Norman team without Ethan is still strong and cannot be underestimated, but it is no longer the best. Be dominant.Although football has declined, other projects have been steadily improving, the most typical of which is basketball. Under the leadership of Kobe, the Norman basketball team won championships in the National High School Basketball Association League and the National High School Basketball Association Challenge.Kobe was also invited to participate in this year's McDonald's Basketball All-Star Game in Pittsburgh.

He followed Ethan's path and became a highly anticipated young basketball player.

"Let's go, Bean. Tom is still waiting for us." Ethan called Kobe, and the two walked out of the indoor stadium together.

Then the two walked to the Niccolò Stadium. Compared with half a year ago, there didn't seem to be much change here, except...

Ethan looked at the huge sticker on the outside wall of the stadium. On the sticker, he was wearing the iconic orange and black uniform of the Normans, and the number printed on his chest would be sealed forever.

Although Ethan graduated, he will stay in this stadium forever in this form, watching groups of young people embark on the path of football from here.

Tom Brady had changed into casual clothes and was waiting for the two of them. After hugging Ethan, he expressed his apology to Ethan.

"Sorry, Ethan, I couldn't help the team go further." Tom shook his head, actually looking a little guilty.

Ethan patted his back to express comfort, and thought in his heart: If you can easily break my record, then something really goes wrong.

The three of them went to a Mexican restaurant outside the campus. Ethan and Catherine had dined here several times when they were in school.

It was still winter vacation and there was no one in the store, but the store owner recognized Ethan directly and shook hands with him enthusiastically.

"Ethan O'Connor, welcome back." He said with a warm smile on his face.

After ordering, the three of them chatted.

"Bean, there is no doubt that you should go directly to the league to play this fall and skip the college stage. Your outstanding talent has proven that you will become a dazzling basketball player. What do you think?" Ethan began to persuade.

Kobe's playing style has gradually matured. How much can his basketball skills improve when he enters college at this time?The price is to waste another three or four years under the NCAA's damn ban.And if he skips college, he can make money for Ethan's sports agency this year.

Money is secondary, but more importantly, Lisa can have the experience to operate a complete player.

"But..." Kobe showed hesitation.

"Only three people have done this before, and those three didn't get very far in their basketball careers."

"Remember, Douzi, you are different from others. Don't be limited by existing experience. You are not here to follow the rules, but to break them." Ethan encouraged.

"As a player, you just need to remember one thing - win the game, and Lisa and I will do the rest. As long as you can win, you can have everything you want, fame, money, and vision. , respect, the opposite sex, everything just requires you to win the game.”

"Instead of worrying about the future, it's better to think about how to defeat the next opponent." Ethan put his hands on the table.

Regardless of others, all of Ethan's current plans are based on "winning". As long as he can keep winning, his ambitions will not stop.

Strength on the court is the confidence for a series of operations off the court.

"Ethan is right. America is a business society. Everyone has a clear division of labor. As a player, you only need to focus on the court, and Ethan will help you arrange the rest." Tom Brady, who was sitting next to Douzi, also Then he said.

"Also, Douzi, do you know a woman named Vanessa?" Ethan suddenly said.

Kobe looked confused.

"I've never heard of that name at all."

Ethan shrugged: "It was my slip of the tongue."

As for why he specifically asked Vanessa...Ethan is just simply curious at the moment.

"Also, Tommy, which university have you received an invitation from?" Ethan turned to look at Tom Brady.

If it weren't for the special regulations of the NFL, Ethan would of course have sent Tom directly to the draft, and now he could only let him enter college first.

"I currently have invitations from four universities, including the University of Michigan, Ohio State, the University of Alabama, and the University of Notre Dame..."

"Alabama?" Ethan was stunned.

"That's right, I made a separate application to Alabama. Fortunately, the other party gave me an OFFER. Ethan, I can be a teammate with you!" Tom Brady said excitedly.

His character has a kind of calmness and restraint in his bones. He speaks at a gentle pace and in a low voice. It is difficult to see obvious emotional ups and downs from Tom, but it is different at this moment.

He somewhat admired Ethan. He felt that Ethan was really awesome and his performance on and off the court was impeccable. Although Ethan did not give him any help, he had been subtly impressed by Ethan. .

Being able to become teammates with Ethan will make him feel "happy".

But he saw Ethan shaking his head.

"I don't think it's a good choice for you to go to Alabama because you won't get a lot of playing opportunities...I would lean toward a top football school like Michigan or Nebraska, where you'll get more opportunities. Exercise and lay a solid foundation for the next step into the NFL."

"Can I really enter...the NFL?" Tom Brady sneered. He had no confidence in this matter.At this moment, he was surrounded by a talented basketball player, and opposite him was an even more talented football player. Against the backdrop of the two of them, he looked increasingly unsure of himself.

"Everyone in the world doesn't have to believe in you, but you have to believe in yourself. You have to tell everyone that you can do it, and do it the best. Otherwise, why should you engage in rugby?"

"I just... treat it as a career." Tom Brady shook his head.

"Then you can engage in other professions instead of relying on the court. When you step here, there should be only one thought left in your mind - to defeat everyone, including me." Ethan tapped his knuckles desktop.

"dong dong dong"

Like a dense ring of bells.

"Including you?" Tom Brady's eyes were a little dazed.

This was something he had never thought about.

"Yes, including me. As an athlete, the greatest respect is not the praise off the field, but the best effort on the field."

"I know." Tom Brady's eyes began to become decisive.

"When I meet you next time, I will go all out to defeat you at all costs!"

"Very good, that's right." Ethan nodded.

Whether he can win or not remains to be seen. No matter what, Ethan needs to get Brady's fighting spirit up.

·
At night, Burbank, Principal John's home.

"You..." John subconsciously exclaimed when he waited for his daughter to come home after a long absence, only to find that she was bringing another young man with her, and this man was none other than Ethan.

"Dad, let me formally introduce to you. This is Ethan O'Connor. You have met him many times before. Today he has a new identity, that is my boyfriend." Grace said with a very serious expression.

Although she said she was very nervous, once she got home and actually saw her parents, Grace seemed very decisive and took pictures of Ethan's identity as soon as she entered the door.

"Old principal, this is the gift I prepared for you two." Ethan also said.

Principal John couldn't say a word for a long time. In the end, his facial muscles twitched a little, and he said "Oh" in his throat, and then stiffly took the gift from Ethan's hand.

When seeing Ethan's expression, Principal John confirmed a fact.

This kid has long been thinking about his daughter!

But what can he do?He has no right to interfere with his daughter's choice, and looking at Grace's attitude, this is not asking for his opinion, it is clearly a notification.

"Daughter, are you pregnant?" John asked cautiously.

"Come on, Dad." Grace said.

Hearing his daughter's response, John's heart twitched again.

After that, Ethan met Grace's mother again. Compared to the principal John, the mother-in-law was very satisfied with Ethan. She was even more happy when she saw the expensive ladies' watch Ethan gave him. "Dad, if Ethan encounters something in the California education system in the future, you should help him more." Grace said specifically at the dinner table.

"Ethan has already hosted the Independence Bowl, so he doesn't need me anymore." John said with an awkward smile.

There was a hundred resentments in my heart. Why did my daughter, whom I had raised for decades after not seeing him for a few months, start to turn her elbows outward, facing this brat like this?

"Dad, just help him." Grace shook her father's arm.

"Okay, okay." John reluctantly agreed.

·
"That brat is not innocent at all. He has been spying on our Grace for a long time. I regret that I made Grace the school sports director of BHHS." In the bedroom, John sighed.

Looking back with the benefit of hindsight, if I had not chosen to pave the way for my daughter at that time, what would have happened next.

Good thing now, the paved road is not only useless, but my daughter has also run away.

Grace's mother sneered at this statement: "What's the point? Didn't you also carefully design and pursue hard to deceive me! You were just a bitter teacher at that time, not as good as you are now. Where’s Ethan?”

"Can this be the same?"

"Why is it different? He is tall, handsome, rich, and caring, so why can't he be worthy of Grace?" Grace's mother turned her head and was using the cosmetics sent by Ethan.

"After being married to you for so many years, when did you buy me these? You know fishing all day long, why don't you let the mermaid cook for you!?" Grace's mother glared at her husband.

"Didn't you say you don't need it..." John whispered.

Grace's mother laughed angrily and shook her head helplessly.

"Now you know how to listen to me? Then you can go downstairs and sleep on the sofa tonight!"

·
Grace stayed at her home and did not come back with Ethan. When Ethan drove home, he discovered a blaze red Mercedes-Benz SL600 parked in front of his house.

This car uses the same chassis and engine as the S600, and has an open-top design. Compared with the stable business car, it has a stylish appearance and is more suitable for young people to drive. Of course, the price is not much cheaper. It is similar to what Ethan is driving now. This Porsche is about the same price.

This kind of flamboyant red color is usually chosen by female car owners, right?
Lisa got a new car?I haven't heard her talk about it.

With questions in mind, Ethan parked the car and entered the house from the garage.

"Ethan, look who's back." Mother Mia was sitting in the living room chatting with a woman. When she heard Ethan's footsteps, Mia said immediately.

At the same time, Ethan also saw the other party turning his head as well.

Compared with Ethan's impression, the iconic baby fat on her face has disappeared, and the eyebrows are a bit sharper and sharper. Only the iconic blond hair is still bright, but it has been replaced by short hair at this moment. In addition to stunning Besides, he is a little more heroic.

Charlize Theron, you really haven’t escaped the short hair style.

She smiled slightly at Ethan.

"Ahem, you two talk slowly, I have something else to do." Mia chose to stand up at this time.

"Why didn't you notify me when you came back?" Charlize Theron said looking at Ethan sitting opposite.

"I'm... quite busy." Ethan

"Too busy picking up girls?" Charlize's eyebrows twitched.

"You came here tonight just to scold me, right?"

"Nothing, I just want to see how you are doing, and I also want to come back to see you. After all, I have lived here for such a long time, so I came back to pick up things." Charlize said, then raised his head.

"This place is still the same as before, and you can hear a bunch of weird noises during the day."

"But people change, everything changes." Ethan looked at her.

"Yes, you are right."

"Tell me about your experience during this period? It seems that you are doing well under JJ Harris? You have bought a new car." Ethan noticed the valuable jewelry on Charlize.

Charlize pursed her lips and shrugged helplessly: "I'm pretty lucky. I got the attention of people in the industry. I have no shortage of scripts now, so I can take on roles. JJ Harris also protects me very much." It’s great, she’s a great female agent.”

"Congratulations, you have realized your dream." Ethan smiled.

"The same goes for you. I see your performance on the court and I will cheer for you." Charlize Theron nodded.

At first glance, it seemed like the two had broken up, but in fact Ethan had envisioned this scene when Charlize moved out.The ultimate reason is that Charlize couldn't get what she wanted under Lisa, so she had no choice but to turn to someone else.

Hollywood is like a vast ocean. People here are just passengers on a ship, and they may disembark at any time.

And once you get off the ship, it's difficult to get back.

"It's time for me to go Ethan." Charlize said after a short silence.

"Aren't you going to stay for dinner?" Ethan stood up.

Charlize shook her head.

"It's too late. How about staying tonight and leaving early tomorrow morning?" Ethan tried to suggest.

"Ethan, you are still the same as before." Charlize laughed.

Then he shook his head gently: "You know I can't do this."

"So, you came here today just to say goodbye to me?" Ethan said suddenly.

Charlize was silent for a long time, never saying a word.

Ethan walked over, raised his hand to gently brush the hair on her forehead, and wanted to hug Charlize, but she avoided him.

"You're always like this!" Charlize raised her head suddenly.

"You treat every woman like this! You make your private life a mess. I don't get even a hint of security when I'm with you. Am I just a tool for you to vent your desires?!" Charlize closed her eyes and looked deeply. Take a breath and try to control the tears from falling from the corners of your eyes.

"I'm sorry, I lost my temper. I shouldn't expect anything from you. After all, you only regard these as part of the deal. It's my fault and I shouldn't be tempted by you. But what if you even give me a call? Even if it's just the last minute. A simple greeting? I don't know what I'm waiting for!" Charlize cried bitterly.

"I...I just don't want to disturb you, right? You have your own agent and you no longer need me in your career. Maybe you are with someone else. I don't want to face the fact that you have left me."

"Who left you? You didn't contact me, do you understand?! It's not my fault." Charlize yelled.

"Of course it's your fault. I have to train and deal with my studies. Even if it's a holiday, I still have to prepare for the game. Even today, I have to discuss the future arrangements with the young players. Why didn't you give it to me earlier? Where are you on the phone?" Ethan said righteously.

At first it was Charlize blaming Ethan, now it's Ethan blaming Charlize.

"I'm also very busy at work, so I don't have so much time." Charlize muttered.

"Yes, since you are also very busy, why can't you understand me?"

"I..." Charlize was at a loss for words for a moment, and then he realized what he was talking about and smiled through tears: "I'm questioning you."

"Okay, I admit it's my problem. Even though I'm so busy, it doesn't mean I can't spare a little time. For example, I can call you when I'm having a poop..."

"Fuck you. Stop being so playful, I'm talking to you about business."

"Are you going to talk to Lisa about collaborating on a film project? Or are you going to rehire her as your agent?"

"I mean, it's business between us." Charlize stopped smiling.

"There is only one serious thing between us, and that is..." Ethan said.

"Shh, I can't get married now. Harris said that considering my career, I have to remain single in public."

As Charlize spoke, she was hugged by the shameless Ethan.

"I haven't finished speaking yet." She looked angry, but she hadn't vented enough yet.

"You have a whole day to talk carefully tomorrow." Ethan hugged her from behind.

"I want you to put the hot water for me yourself." Charlize said angrily, finally getting the chance to order Ethan around.

"Yes, ma'am." Ethan breathed a sigh of relief and finally coaxed the person...

(End of this chapter)