Rekindling the dream of becoming a star

Chapter 320 The Meaning of Continuing

Chen Fang, who delivered the near-game-winning shot, did not take credit for it. He remained calm and composed when faced with excited reporters.

"Yes, I was planning to go all out and have a high-scoring battle with Stephen."

“But I have people around me who have stepped forward, and more than one.”

"Lou Williams, Brunson, each of us is a giant today."

"Does winning this game mean the Clippers have the ability to contend for the championship?" a reporter asked.

Because there were many people talking and the noise was loud, Chen Fang first listened carefully, and after hearing it clearly, he shook his head with a smile: "The alliance still has many powerful opponents. Our challenges are still on the way."

After giving a few brief answers, Chen Fang pushed Brunson out and went to take a shower.

He left the locker room quickly, having verbally asked Rivers for leave. For someone of his status, this treatment was perfectly normal. If it were a rotation player, trying to break away from the team and slip away on the road would certainly result in a stern warning.

Chen Fang first checked his phone and found two missed calls. He called them back, and since it was already late, he arranged a meeting place and time for the next morning before calling the second missed call.

"Buddy, I'm waiting for your big meal."

"Let's get to the underground parking lot, buddy. We need to keep a low profile and avoid being spotted by reporters," KD whispered a reminder.

Five minutes later, the two met up successfully, and KD drove his beloved Ferrari California away from Chase Center through a secluded exit.

They found a place that looked like an ordinary American restaurant from the outside. Chen Fang was a little disappointed: "Is this place any good?"

“You know, I’m a food connoisseur. Don’t worry, the sauces the chefs here make will definitely whet your appetite,” Durant explained.

Half an hour later, Chen Fang rubbed his stomach, his face full of happiness.

"It's definitely something!" Chen Fang thought that it was because he had been controlling his diet recently, and this strong flavor had suddenly whetted his appetite, but there was no denying that the taste was indeed good.

After the main course was cleared away and dessert was served, along with some of KD's treasured red wine that he had kept there, the two began to chat.

KD is actually a very introverted person, but after entering the NBA, a world of fame and fortune, he often has to attend various events, so it's inevitable that he'll make some funny mistakes. You can see from his words and actions that Durant is still a child at heart.

This is inseparable from his childhood experience. Because he grew up too fast and looked older than his age, he was rejected by his peers. Most of the time, Durant played by himself.

As for his views on money, they also stem from childhood trauma.

"My aunt got cancer, but because she was too poor, she refused treatment."

“One day I went to my grandmother’s house to play. My aunt was sitting in a wicker chair in the living room when she suddenly started vomiting blood. Before the ambulance arrived, she died.”

"This incident really affected me; it made me realize the power of money."

"So I vowed to make a lot of money so that my loved ones would never die from poverty again."

“From my first year in the league, I have been living up to my oath.”

"Many people have asked why I chose the Warriors. They say I took a shortcut and paid homage to LeBron James, but that's only half the story." Durant downed his red wine in one gulp and poured himself another half glass.

Chen Fang listened silently. Durant's openness showed that he believed his friendship and respect with Chen Fang were genuine, making this a day worth remembering.

"Actually, half the reason is that during the offseason, I started visiting teams I was interested in joining. When I came to the Bay Area, some successful people, after understanding my intentions, told me that I couldn't fulfill my promises just by relying on salary,"

"I need a higher return on investment, for money to make money, to do all this."

"So I chose the Bay Area, and now I have invested in more than 30 companies, all with very good returns." Durant said this with great pride.

Chen Fang raised his glass: "Come on, cheers!"

After finishing his drink, Chen Fang said, "Actually, one of the reasons I chose Los Angeles is that I also have an investment company, and so far, everything is running better than expected."

"Wow, I know some of it. Everyone's saying that you and Kobe are in cahoots."

Chen Fang smiled. Kobe's financial management skills were well-known in the league. Compared to James, Kobe's investments were self-directed, which was a big difference. Many people in the league respected Kobe, and not just because of the Mamba Mentality.

After all, Black people have an exceptionally strong affinity for money.

The two started talking about investments, but soon Durant steered the conversation back to the league.

"Why don't you ask me where I'm going next summer?" Durant asked, puzzled.

"Is it necessary?" Chen Fang laughed.

"This is exclusive; everyone's speculating about it."

"Actually, you already have a plan."

Durant's eyes widened: "Where did you hear that from?"

"Here!" Chen Fang poked his head.

"I'm a little skeptical. Come on, tell me and convince me."

Chen Fang slowly took a sip of red wine and said, "What's so difficult about that? I'll give you a summary."

"First, even if Green apologizes, given your personality, you still won't be able to accept that tone. It will surface in the dead of night, forcing you to make a decision to leave."

Durant remained calm and did not interrupt, gesturing for Chen Fang to continue.

"Second, rebuild your public relations image. You need to prove yourself. Now that you've won the championship and the Finals MVP, it's time to rebuild. This is also inspired by LeBron James, who abandoned the Cavaliers and returned to them to achieve redemption."

Durant frowned slightly, his eyes starting to wander.

"Third, you're tired of the Warriors' system. You still feel that this system is not suitable for you. This is Curry's world, not a place built for you."

Durant's expression began to change noticeably, and he appeared very unnatural.

"Fourth, someone must have already extended an invitation to you privately. This was inspired by LeBron James. You aspire to manage and build a championship-contending roster and replicate all of this."

At this point, Durant began to unconsciously grip the edge of the table, his gaze lowered, unable to meet Chen Fang's eyes.

"fifth……!"

“A fifth one? Fuck.” Durant groaned in pain, genuinely terrified of the person in front of him.

"Fifth is very important; that's the core reason why you decided to leave the Warriors."

Durant trembled slightly as he struggled to look up, staring intently at Chen Fang.

"You hate everyone on the Warriors, and you feel uncomfortable every day here."

"Bullshit, I vehemently deny that!" Durant shook his head frantically.

"But that's the truth. You're too introverted. You're like an Asian person with dark skin."

Durant felt offended and stood up. Chen Fang remained calm, took a sip of red wine, and said, "You've always felt different from many NBA players, and that feeling was especially evident during your time with the Warriors."

“You have different views, you are lonely, you need to go somewhere, like a child who has left home and is looking for his hometown.”

"A team that used to be the Thunder!"

Durant slumped down, looking at the calm Chen Fang, and shook his head repeatedly.

"You're a monster! Everyone says you're very smart, but I think you're even scarier in life, not just on the court."

Chen Fang grinned. These were all things Durant himself would say in the future, officially certified, so Chen Fang didn't think he was wrong. "Since you're so amazing, guess again where I want to go and who I want to team up with?" Durant seemed unwilling to give up.

"This requires some incentive; I'm not that cheap."

"Speak," Durant said, letting Chen Fang state his conditions.

"This summer, no matter how busy you are, you have to come to China to help me with some business. Also, you need to come and be a coach for the training camp I'm running in the US."

Durant breathed a sigh of relief: "That's all, I'll agree to it now."

"Irving, Nets!" Chen Fang said casually, but these words were like a bombshell in Durant's mind.

"Shit! Are you a secret agent?" Durant was genuinely shocked, his expression incredulous and his gestures exaggerated.

"You can eat whatever you want, but you can't say whatever you want." Chen Fang told Durant to stop. He was enjoying the pleasure brought by the information dividend, even though these days wouldn't last long.

Durant was clearly convinced. He shut his mouth and stared at the delicious food in front of him, afraid that if he said another word, the guy opposite him would see right through him.

"Actually, you still want to contact Harden. Maybe you haven't called him yet, but you have this idea."

Durant was speechless. If the previous part could be explained, it was just a thought that flashed through his mind, so how could that be explained?

"Why this judgment? Why not Russell?"

“Russell is definitely not an option. You know both of them well, and you know who your real ally is.”

"A team with an overly passionate leader is not a good thing."

Durant agreed with this viewpoint, and then, as if struck by a thought, asked, "Aren't you passionate a lot of the time?"

"Yes, I am changing, I am learning to be a leader."

"You're being modest!" Durant thought Chen Fang was showing off: "The Clippers are your team, everyone can see that. You're only a second-year rookie, and this season is only halfway through."

"Everyone knows that the Clippers are all yours—the players, the coaches, everything."

Chen Fang was now embarrassed. He scratched his head and said, "Please don't say that. It makes me feel like a bully."

"But a lot of people envy this, including me." Durant's habit of speaking the truth was exposed again. He really envied and longed to have a team that was completely under his control, and he believed that his abilities deserved this treatment.

Chen Fang felt that was enough; going any deeper would be going too far.

I advise KD not to overthink things. It took him 24 years to finally let go of his obsession and enjoy life freely.

To be honest, it's difficult. KD isn't suited to be the team leader, but that's his obsession. He won't admit defeat until he fails and suffers a crushing defeat.

But saying these things only damaged the relationship.

Back at the hotel, a slightly tipsy Chen Fang quickly fell asleep. He never imagined that their meeting the next day would become a turning point in his life.

The next day, Chen Fang took only Ilya to the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center, one of the top private hospitals in San Francisco. The center has received the highest rating in 19 areas and ranks highly in 13 specialties, including cancer, neurology, and psychiatry.

It's clear that Jess's family is not poor.

When Chen Fang appeared, Jess's family was very excited. They all had Asian faces and were not mixed-race. From a certain perspective, they were a relatively traditional family.

After a long talk, Chen Fang understood the general situation.

Jason was diagnosed with leukemia, a blood cancer that commonly affects children, and this lovely boy was struck by it.

But the reason that led to their connection moved Chen Fang deeply.

“Our family has four generations of Chinese descent. My great-grandfather came to San Francisco during the Republic of China era. For my generation, there is actually no impression of China anymore.” Jason’s father regained his composure at this moment. He works in Silicon Valley and is an excellent architect with a high income.

His wife works at Google, and the couple has been married for seven years and have only one child, Jason.

“Jasons was very introverted in preschool, but one day he was very lively and happy after school because many of his classmates were talking about him.”

"You beat Curry and hit the game-winner against the Warriors."

“From that day on, Jasons idolized you, and his room was covered with your posters. He became athletic and always asked us where China was and what good food there was.”

"One day, he suddenly asked us a question."

"Daddy, how can I become a Chinese person?"

Chen Fang listened quietly, and when he heard Jason's father say this, he was immediately touched and felt a strange sensation in his heart.

"He also adopted a Chinese name. Oh, by the way, we also share the surname Chen."

"What a coincidence!" Chen Fang exclaimed in surprise.

"So he gave himself the name Chen Sen."

“We all love him. Because of Jason, we started to learn about China, and then we discovered that China is such a great country.”

“Jasons watched every single one of your games without fail, even after being diagnosed. But he was afraid of going to the hospital, so he made a condition, which is why we met.”

“It’s an honor and I’m very proud.” Chen Fang nodded. They were talking outside the ward. Turning his head, he saw Jasons talking to Ilya through the glass.

“I don’t mean to offend, but I want to do something for Jason.” Chen Fang turned back.

"Let me cover Jason's medical expenses. Please don't refuse. I believe in the connection of fate, and this is very important to me," Chen Fang solemnly made his request.

Despite the other party's strong resistance, Chen Fang managed to change their mind with just one sentence.

“I wanted to establish an organization in California that cares about the health of Chinese Americans. This is an opportunity, and I am very grateful to your whole family for giving me a direction to work towards.”

Yes, Chen Fang suddenly realized that a question that had been troubling him for a long time had an answer.

How to influence more people?

If he can use basketball to influence a family that has no connection to China anymore and help them regain a sense of identity with their motherland, then he can influence many more people.

There are many Chinese Americans in California and in the United States. He can, like his predecessor Yao Ming, use basketball and his own performance to awaken the sense of identity of more overseas Chinese and their descendants with their ancestral roots.

“This is a brilliant idea.” Jason’s father understood, and he no longer hesitated but made the decision.

"Can I be the first donor to this fund?" he asked.

“Of course, I am honored to accept this generous donation.” Chen Fang solemnly extended his hands, and the two clasped them tightly.

Chen Fang decided to stay in San Francisco. He called Lin Na and told her that this matter needed to be handled by professionals.

After leaving the hotel, Chen Fang asked Ilya, who was driving, "What were you talking about just now?"

"Oh, when he found out we were college teammates, he asked you what your first day of college was like?"

“He’s adorable, interested in everything about you, and very intelligent; he already speaks logically,” Ilya remarked.

"Today is special, but I still hope you can keep it a secret for now."

“Of course, I will be your most trusted brother,” Ilya assured him, but then he asked, puzzled, “But why keep this a secret? Shouldn’t it be publicized?”

“I don’t like being seen as putting on a show. Once things get big, no one will have anything to say.” Chen Fang explained calmly, and looking at the puzzled Ilya, he sighed, “Many times, doing good deeds is far more annoying than doing bad deeds.”

(End of this chapter)