Rekindling the dream of becoming a star

Chapter 289 The Most Glorious Moment

Staples Center.

Looking at the crowd around him, like white waves receding into the distance, never to return, Duan Ran sighed deeply: "This was a regrettable game, but for the Clippers and for Chen Fang, it was also the end of an entire season."

"Congratulations to the Warriors for winning the game 117-104, eliminating the Clippers with a 4-1 series victory, and advancing to the Western Conference Finals."

Duan Ran's eyes welled up with tears as she looked at Chen Fang, who was wandering alone in the center of the field.

"He played 54 regular season games, starting 51 of them, averaging 22.5 points, 7.4 assists, 4.6 rebounds, 0.8 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game. For a rookie, this is unprecedented and will likely remain so."

"This is not his limit. In 9 playoff games, he averaged 34.7 points, 6.4 assists and 9.2 rebounds, proving that Chen Fang has given his all."

"With the Clippers' depleted roster, excluding Griffin who is out for the season, what is the total market value of all the players who played in the playoffs? Let's do the math!"

“2410万的小乔丹，700万的路威、130万的哈雷尔、157万的祖巴茨、142万的库兹马，105万的里乔恩、211万的罗斯，81万的桑韦尔、13万的埃文斯、8万的华莱士、5万的威廉姆斯。”

"Finally, there's Chen Fang's rookie contract of $741 million."

"A total net worth and salary of 4703 million."

"On the other hand, the Warriors have $1.36 million. That's the difference." Duan Ran had prepared these figures early on. He had a premonition that they would lose today because he hadn't seen that sharp edge in Chen Fang since the third game.

After that incident, he realized that Chen Fang might have accepted the gap between them and stopped forcing things.

Given the team's overall strength, no one could help him. The only one with fighting spirit, Rose, was also injured. Chen Fang was isolated and helpless. He didn't give up, but he knew very well that it was pointless to try.

You can't expect him to criticize his teammates or force them to fight; that doesn't fit his leadership style.

Therefore, Duan Ran understands Chen Fang very well. He is willing to say and do more at this moment so that the disappointed domestic fans will have less criticism and blame.

"We must believe that the ambitious Clippers will make significant changes in the offseason to make up for the gap in the roster for Chen Fang, so that Chen Fang can be placed on a more equal footing with the team."

Chen Fang was still pacing around the court when Sandwell came over. He looked very sad and grabbed Chen Fang's arm.

"Let's go, we should head back to the locker room."

"It will take a full year before we can come back here and play in the playoffs." Chen Fang's words unexpectedly made Sangwell feel a lump in his throat.

"Let's go, I've finished my remembrance." Chen Fang put his arm around Sangwell, and the two walked out side by side.

"You need to develop your three-point shooting, otherwise your screens aren't very effective."

"I will. I won't slack off for a single day this offseason!" Thornwell assured.

"Don't worry, just focus on training and don't think about anything else." Regardless of whether Sangwell was worried, Chen Fang wanted to give him a promise.

Back in the locker room, the atmosphere was heavy. After all, they had been eliminated. Even though the upcoming six-month off-season was exciting, everyone's expression was gloomy.

Upon seeing Chen Fang enter, everyone instinctively shrank back and lowered their heads.

After Rivers and the rest of the team arrived, he began his speech. He first thanked everyone on the team for their contributions this season, and then specifically praised several outstanding performers.

The speech was very formulaic, and the whole team listened silently.

Next up was Lawrence, who said something similar. Finally, he announced that the team would be entering the offseason, and that the team would send weekly emails to inform players of upcoming activities, reminding them of the required schedules and assembly times.

In Chen Fang's eyes, this was no different from the school's winter and summer vacations, except that there was no homework assigned.

For players, what is the purpose of earning money? Most of the money is spent during the off-season. Spending half the year playing games and the other half on vacation is indeed quite wonderful.

The players began to leave one after another, but Chen Fang did not. While tidying up his locker, he said a few words to each of his departing teammates.

Hugs, blessings, half-joking reminders not to get fat during the off-season, and things like paying attention to personal hygiene.

He didn't blame everyone after they were eliminated. Just as Duan Ran said, their value is only so much, how can they expect everyone to compete against opponents who are more than ten times better?

Finally, he was the only one left in the locker room.

Organize everything in the cabinet and stuff it all into your luggage.

"If I didn't know better, I'd think you weren't going to be with the Clippers next season," Lawrence said as he walked in.

"Can you take this kind of joke?" Chen Fang asked.

Lawrence's smile froze. He awkwardly touched his chin and sat down next to Chen Fang.

"I know you're really uncomfortable being eliminated by the Warriors."

Seeing that Chen Fang did not respond, Lawrence could only continue: "Please rest assured, we already have detailed plans, and more than one. On behalf of the management, I assure you that next season, we will be capable of competing for the championship."

Chen Fang remained silent, and continued to untie his shoelaces.

Lawrence was a little worried. He knew that this was not enough to satisfy Chen Fang, so he had no choice but to reveal his trump card.

"Coach Rivers has provided a plan for the new season, which we are very satisfied with, and we are currently..."

"That's good. I've seen the plan, and I'm very satisfied with it."

Lawrence was interrupted by Chen Fang, and he couldn't finish his sentence. He blinked and nodded: "We will do our best to implement this plan."

“I will be returning to China in the next few days. Please tell me about any progress on this plan as soon as possible. I don’t want to feel like this again.”

"A playoff series against the Warriors can only happen once in my life, only once!" Suddenly, Chen Fang stood up, staring directly at Lawrence with a cold expression.

"Please don't blame me for being so harsh. I've never been one to give up, but playing against the Warriors made me realize that I can't win in a best-of-seven series."

“I need a group of players who want to win championships, who are extremely hungry for honors, and who have the potential to start for strong teams. Even if they don’t have it now, they must have the potential. I can wait, but I cannot accept the current situation.”

"I admit that I once thought I could lead the team to a championship by myself. This illusion made me complacent during some wins in the regular season. But at this moment, I know I was naive."

"So, today is the happiest day of my life. I will remember it forever. On April 27th, I, Chen Fang, was eliminated by the Warriors!"

"Please tell Mr. Wenger and Mr. Ballmer my exact words: I have shown that I can compete for the championship. I need the team to act immediately, help me unconditionally, and trust me."

After saying that, Chen Fang picked up his luggage and pushed open the door to the changing room.

Lawrence was stunned for a long time before finally muttering a sigh: "Dragon's Wrath, our big boy, seems to be really angry!"

Arriving at the parking lot, we learned that since it was the weekend, the match was scheduled for the afternoon, which is actually the prime time on a weekend afternoon.

The weather in Los Angeles was sunny and breezy, but Chen was filled with gloom. He drove home, still seething with anger, but he was surprised when he opened the door and saw a house full of people.

"Why are you here?" Chen Fang was surprised to see Wang Zhen.

He then looked at the others: Lu Yun, Lu Jie, Sun Lexian, Wu Zi, and Wu Zhen were all sitting there, as if they had been waiting for a long time.

"What's going on? Are they trying to comfort me after I was eliminated?"

"Yeah, I've done the math, and today someone's starting a long vacation," Lu Yun said lazily.

"Don't listen to his nonsense. Didn't you say you were going back to China? I just came here to relax for a few days and clear my head." Wang Zhen told Lu Yun to be quiet.

Because of their collaboration, they frequently met in the country, and their friendship deepened over time.

"Everyone's here today, let's not say anything, let's get cooking, let's have a feast!" Chen Fang felt a warm feeling in his heart, and in an instant he felt the warmth of his friends and the importance of home.

As usual, a group of people busied themselves with laughter and chatter.

One by one, Chen Fang's signature dishes were placed on the table. When Chen Fang served the last dish, Wu Zi helped him take off his chef's uniform. Chen Fang looked around, and every face meant that this was the person he was closest to in the world.

Fill the beer bottle to the brim and raise your glass.

"Cheers to our gathering!"

"Cheers!" everyone shouted in unison.

After drinking it all in one gulp, Chen Fang didn't sit down but instead poured himself a second glass.

"Cheers to my first playoff elimination in my life!"

This time, no one agreed. Wu Zi tugged at Chen Fang, thinking he was just saying it out of anger.

"I'm not kidding, this means a lot to me, I'll remember this day. Cheers!" Chen Fang tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp.

Everyone had no choice but to drink it along with them.

Chen Fang refilled his glass and raised it again: "Everyone here has a connection with me in life, and it is my blessing to be able to sit here today. I wish us all a bright future and everlasting friendship!"

"May our friendship last forever!" This time, everyone shouted it out loud.

After three cups, they started chatting and eating. Wang Zhen talked about interesting anecdotes from his work, Lu Yun revealed some scandals in the entertainment industry, and Wu Zhen also shared his experiences in college.

Chen Fang listened quietly. He had been playing this role at the dinner table, listening to everyone's sharing. It was a very pleasant feeling that allowed him to experience a sense of authenticity.

The NBA, under the spotlight, is a giant arena of fame and fortune.

Often, when people are in a situation, they unconsciously experience a sense of illusion, and often, Chen Fang's heart cannot find peace.

At this moment, Chen Fangxin was very calm. The frustration and humiliation of being eliminated had disappeared.

After the meal, Lu Yun, Wang Zhen, and Wu Zhen went to the backyard first, where they needed to chat.

"Where are we at?" Chen Fang asked.

"Everything is basically ready. This time, the work is being carried out simultaneously in the north and south, with the main bases in Jinan and Guangzhou," Wang Zhen explained.

“There is one division in the south and one division in the north. Each division selects 12 cities to form a total of 24 teams. Through cross-city competitions, the top eight teams from the north and south, as well as 50 players who will enter the variety show stage, will be determined.”

"The top eight will be determined in May, and the remaining 50 players will also be finalized at the same time. We can start the live broadcast phase in June." "Great, that's exactly what we want—live broadcast, not pre-recorded. This way it's authentic and believable. As long as the preparations are thorough, even if there are mistakes, we can make up for them." Chen Fang nodded.

"But we still need you to confirm the special guest," Lu Yun interjected.

Chen Fang glanced at him and understood what he meant.

"We'll provide the guest list in three days, but the timeframe might be tight, so you'll need to adjust accordingly."

"Around when?" Lu Yun asked again.

He had no choice but to act quickly. This time, not only did Blue Media invest heavily, but the Lu family also poured a lot of resources into it.

Everything is ready now, except for the final push.

"Do you have a judgment on the best time for the guests to appear?" Chen Fang asked after a moment of contemplation.

When asked about this, Wang Zhen replied, "July or August is fine."

"August is the best time to adjust things, so try to stick to that timeline." Chen Fang didn't think these people would disrespect him, but he still had to be careful.

NBA stars usually come to China to earn money in August or September; any later than that would conflict with the preseason.

"Okay." Wang Zhen felt there was no problem.

So Chen Fang looked at Wu Zhen and asked, "Why don't you go back too?"

Wu Zhen was stunned for a moment, then pointed to his own nose: "Me?"

“Yes, let’s keep the good stuff in the family. Just consider it a cover-up. Besides, the Nanyang team is still lacking a player with real strength.” He had discussed having Wu Zhen return to China to play this game with Lu Yun and Wang Zhen, but only he had the right to say it.

"Okay!" Wu Zhen nodded without hesitation.

Not only because Chen Fang made a name for himself in Los Angeles through this playoffs, but also because Wu Zhen genuinely missed the people and things in Nanyang.

This can be considered a triumphant return home!

"Everyone, go back! I've really had enough of America! Damn it!" Chen Fang cursed, and the last bit of resentment in his heart vanished.

The three of them exchanged a smile, completely relieved.

Chen Fang, who never swears, is never normal.

"I'll confirm the list first, and then you follow up," Chen Fang said to Lu Yun.

“Sure, there will be someone to handle the complicated matters,” Lu Yun said readily. Compared to Wang Zhen, the Lu family was more suitable for this job.

"The money won't be small, but it won't be much either. I'll make it clear that this is my own business," Chen Fang stated frankly.

“Understood. Friendship and business are two different things. We have this budget!” Lu Yun nodded.

Chen Fang scrutinized him closely, and the latter looked puzzled. Then Chen Fang said, "I just noticed that you look like you're in your forties when you're talking about business!"

"Get lost, damn it, I'm only 20!" Lu Yun roared.

"I bet you're over thirty now, and you're talking about me!"

After being scolded by Lu Yun, Chen Fang felt much better and smiled happily.

He's already starting to miss the days before he was famous. That's just how people are; they constantly yearn for what's inside and outside the walls of fame.

Chen Fang has one advantage: he acts on his ideas and has strong execution skills.

He dialed Kobe's cell phone first.

"Are you coming to me to cry?" Kobe asked.

"Of course not, I'm here to give you money." Chen Fang snorted, and then went on to explain the whole story.

"Wait, this sounds familiar. I think I remember this."

"Of course not, that's another company. This is my own, and it's much better for promoting Chinese basketball than that one. I'm very pragmatic."

"OK, you set the time, I owe you one," Kobe agreed quickly.

Although it was expected, Chen Fang was still somewhat surprised.

"Thank you."

"No need. You should hurry up and take care of making money, and focus on preparing for the next season. I've found you a trainer, and you can't refuse."

"Okay, I'll be back as soon as possible," Chen Fang agreed.

Then Chen Fang called Harden, who also misunderstood Chen Fang's intentions.

"Brother, watch me avenge you." Harden's words were completely unreliable.

"Thank you, but I made this call today for something else."

After Bilibili finished speaking, Harden replied generously, "Sure, but the specific time needs to be confirmed with my agent."

"Yes, try to do it in August."

"Who else did you invite?" Harden asked.

"It's a secret. You'll find out eventually, don't worry."

Next, Chen Fang called DeRozan, Garnett, Wade, and Rose.

After Chen Fang finalized everything, he realized that the three of them were looking at him with strange eyes.

"Done. Kobe, Harden, DeRozan, Garnett, Wade, Rose—this group can be considered a dream team."

"Of course it counts! My goodness, I've seen the power of influence this time!" Wang Zhen was genuinely stunned. He knew his brother was powerful, but he hadn't reached this level!
"Heh, you got me again." Lu Yun sneered unhappily.

"Let me think, who else can I call?" Chen Fang wanted to think of someone else he was confident he could call.

"Wait a minute, with this whole group of people coming at once, won't it be a bit chaotic?" Wang Zhen thought of a problem.

“Wouldn’t it be better to separate and keep the buzz going?” Chen Fang tapped Wang Zhen on the head: “What’s going on? You’ve been CEO for so long, and you still can’t wrap your head around it.”

Wang Zhen was helpless after being knocked on the head by Chen Fang. He was a respected figure in China.

"Let's put Kobe as the final act," Lu Yun suggested.

Chen Fang thought for a moment and said, "Okay, your thinking is correct, but others don't need to do it this way, otherwise they will be misunderstood."

"Of course, don't worry, I'm reliable."

With a chuckle, Chen Fang expressed his skepticism.

After another round of commotion, everyone finally quieted down. Night had just fallen, and the stars were shining brightly.

"This time, the Clippers lost, and you won." Lu Yun brought the topic back to Chen Fang.

"That's what people think now, but as time goes by, the truth will be buried, and people will only remember that in the 17-18 season, the Warriors eliminated the Clippers 4-1 in the second round."

"I lack dominance, even though it's because I don't have strong teammates."

"But who cares? It's all about the winner and the loser. People only remember the data and the honors. Nobody cares about the twists and turns."

Chen Fang's eyes shone: "After today's match, I fully experienced what defeat feels like. For the past three years, I've been winning all the time, and I've forgotten what it feels like to lose."

"I'll remember this for the rest of my life. I won't do it again. Next season, I'm going to win every time!"

"It's right to think that way, but it's also wrong. Don't put too many shackles on yourself," Lu Yun criticized instead.

"It's okay. I like challenges, and I have to push myself."

"Let's not talk about this anymore. Let's go inside and pack our luggage. Tomorrow, we'll go home!"

Standing up, Chen Fang stretched and went to the living room first.

The three of them didn't get up. After Chen Fang had completely left, Wang Zhen said, "Chen Fang has changed a lot."

"Stronger and sharper than before."

Lu Yun then looked at Wu Zhen and asked, "Could it be that you got this from me using the Star Absorbing Technique?"

Wu Zhen smiled wryly: "Then I want this too, to absorb it from him."

Then, Wu Zhen looked up at the starry sky and said in an incredulous tone, "I never dreamed that Chen Fang could be this strong. This season is nothing short of a miracle."

"Yes!" Lu Yun sighed.

"Damn, it's unbelievable that I could fight him to a standstill before."

Suddenly, Wang Zhen burst into laughter, pointing to his own nose: "Sorry, before, my odds against him were 30/70, I got 70% and he got 30%!"

All three laughed. As former rivals of Chen Fang, his growth became a source of pride for them.

"Let's protect him well, and one day, see him lift the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy!" Lu Yun said with a smile, looking forward to the moment.

"I think that will be the most glorious moment."

(End of this chapter)