Rekindling the dream of becoming a star

Chapter 330 I Want to Get MVP
The road trip continues, and the Clippers are struggling against the Hornets, led by Kemba Walker.

Chen Fang played for 24 minutes, but seemed to be affected by the previous game, and performed poorly in this game, making only 6 of 14 shots in the first three quarters, showing no signs of being in form.

In the final moments, Chen Fang redeemed himself with a game-winning three-pointer, securing a narrow 4-point victory over the Hornets.

The score of 18 points was also unsatisfactory. In a post-match interview, Chen Fang smiled wryly and said, "We were very tired. We were very lucky to win."

But they weren't so lucky in their next game against the Pacers, where the Pacers, led by Oladipo, finished the game in three quarters.

The Clippers' biggest loss to date was 98 to 121.

In this game, Pacers center Turner shone brightly, not only blocking Jaren's shots to death, but also successfully protecting the rim multiple times, suppressing Chen Fang, who was having a bad shooting night and posting up in the paint.

Oladipo's 34 points also set a new season high.

For a time, the Clippers were in trouble, and various media outlets were mocking them. Chen Fang, as the core leader, was also heavily criticized.

Rivers, as head coach, stepped up and took responsibility in a timely manner.

“Away games are never easy. Our whole team is under physical and mental pressure. Losing doesn’t mean there’s a problem with us. Everything will be alright.”

Although the head coach's words could quell some criticism, another big loss to the Celtics in the next game would be unbearable.

Chen Fang's performance is still declining. In 31 minutes of playing time, he only scored 15 points, 3 assists and 4 rebounds, which is completely unworthy of his status as the team's core player.

Some media outlets sarcastically remarked, "It seems that the Chinese have finally reached their 'rookie wall'."

With a record of two wins and three losses, the Clippers returned to the Western Conference for their final away game.

Minnesota Timberwolves.

There was a little incident on February 8th.

The league broadcast the selection process for team leaders from the East and West sides.

As Chen Fang predicted, James immediately picked Leonard, so Giannis chose Curry.

In the second round, James selected Irving, and Giannis selected Embiid.

In the third round, James selected KD, and Giannis selected Chen Fang.

In the fourth round, James selected Harden, and Giannis selected Walker.

The starting lineups for both the East and West have been announced.

Western Conference: James, Leonard, Irving, KD, Harden.

Eastern Conference: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, Chen Fang, Stephen Curry, Kemba Walker.

The remaining substitutes remain unchanged, but due to Chen Fang's arrival, George is now a substitute in the West, not in the East.

What made Chen Fang feel embarrassed was that Griffin was on the same team as him again.

This also brought Chen Fang invisible emotional pressure. The next day, facing the Timberwolves, the whole team wanted to win and wash away the bad luck, but Jimmy Butler seemed to have a divine intervention, as if Jordan had possessed him.

His historic performance on both offense and defense was remarkable. He not only scored 37 points, but also held Chen Fang to just 19 points.

The Clippers suffered another blowout loss.

104 to 130, lost by 26 points.

Now, Rivers doesn't know how to face the media, and the whole team covered their faces and fled back to Los Angeles.

This is the Clippers' longest losing streak of the season, but a game is a game and life is life. The coaching staff decided to give the whole team a day off to prepare for the last game before the All-Star Weekend.

Felix Suns.

Back home, Chen Fang decided to treat himself to a meal and then accompanied Wu Zi on a half-day trip to Chinatown in Los Angeles.

Let him reflect on it himself. He was mentally hurt by the game against Leonard, and he needs time to recover.

At the same time, he realized more strongly that winning the championship is not just about having the right attitude or ideas.

Countless problems and rivals await him.

Perhaps the absence of even one player could render the entire team's efforts for the entire season futile.

Ignorance breeds fearlessness, and Chen Fang has finally come to understand this completely.

The recent setbacks have made Chen Fang more restrained in his arrogance and recklessness; any misstep could lead to his downfall.

Don't underestimate anyone in the alliance, and at the same time, actively make up for your own weaknesses.

This mindset was fully demonstrated the following day, the 13th, when they played against the Suns.

Chen Fang was fully focused from the moment he entered the game, striving for excellence on both offense and defense. He not only scored 32 points but also achieved success in defending Booker one-on-one.

Booker, who only scored 13 points throughout the game, looked helpless and felt like he had become a punching bag.

When Prince Chen returned from his eastern tour, he took his anger out on him.

Ultimately, the Clippers defeated the visiting Suns 124-113 at home, concluding their February schedule.

46 wins and 13 losses.

Despite a three-game losing streak, the Clippers remain dominant, holding the top spot in the league.

In the Eastern Conference, this team has already secured a playoff spot.

The All-Star Weekend is also a rare rest period during the season, spanning nine days, which is the best vacation for players.

Chen Fang kept his promise and returned to China with Wu Zi on Air China the same day he finished playing against Sun.

For privacy, Chen Fang booked connecting first-class cabins, so no one except the flight crew knew that Chen Fang had returned with his wife.

After landing, Chen Fang and Wu Zi were among the first to leave, appearing and disappearing without a trace.

Wang Zhen naturally came to pick him up at the airport. This time, Chen Fang had no business activities; he was simply relaxing and spending time with Wu Zi.

Once on the bus, I spotted someone I hadn't seen in a long time.

"Damn, what are you doing here?" Chen Fang asked in surprise.

"Can't I come?" Lu Yun looked hurt.

"What, you're already looking down on my great star?" he then asked fiercely.

He was glared at by Wu Zi, and he awkwardly became serious. He muttered, "It's been a long time since we last met, so I took some time to come over."

"Don't joke around, I don't want to talk about official business, let's just have some fun together." Chen Fang said irritably, he had a feeling that Lu Yun's appearance was not good.

Given Chen Fang's current popularity and influence, it would be very difficult for him to make public appearances.

Moreover, the All-Star Weekend starts on the 16th, and although the main game is on the 18th, Chen Fang will definitely be back in the United States on the 17th. He only has one weekend off in China, so he didn't give Lu Yun a friendly look.

Since they naturally wanted a very private place, Lu Yun simply took Chen Fang back to one of the Lu family's estates in Shanghai, the place where they had entertained Kobe last summer. Chen Fang was quite satisfied.

After a few rounds of drinks, Chen Fang's smile returned. He put his arm around Lu Yun's shoulder and said affectionately, "You're so considerate, you saved me the accommodation fee."

"Damn, how dare you say that, a billionaire!" Lu Yun rolled his eyes. "Is this how you get your money?"

"Of course, it's not like you just met me yesterday!" Chen Fang chuckled smugly.

Lu Yun recalled the days they spent together in the mountains, when Chen Fang would never pay for anything, clearly a freeloader.

"It's my fault for not recognizing people well!" Lu Yun sighed.

"What's wrong, my great star Chen? Are you planning to skip the game? Isn't the All-Star Weekend coming up soon? I was thinking that I could only see your brilliance on TV."

Chen Fang sneered: "That's why I came back specifically so you could see enough. How about it, pay the entrance fee?"

"Hehe, I haven't even settled the bill for the meal with you yet." Lu Yun tapped the table.

Seeing the two bickering for the first time in a long time, Wu Zi smiled from the bottom of her heart. The feeling of coming home is just so wonderful.

After they had eaten and drunk their fill, Wu Zi knew they were about to get down to business, so she went back to her room to rest because she was tired.

The three of them strolled along the manor path, taking a walk to digest their food, and chatted as they went.

"The Blue Ocean project is progressing well so far, and the first season of the variety show has received a very good response, surpassing the competition. The revenue has exceeded our expectations." Wang Zhen was more like giving a report; although he had all these emails, saying it in person was more meaningful.

Chen Fang asked a few questions casually, and Wang Zhen did a good job; there was no need for him to interfere further.

Finally, he said, "Following the trend is inevitable, so we must hold on to our core base, which is the Blue League, rooted in the people."

"Yes, the current problem is still the funding gap. It would be very expensive to popularize it nationwide."

Chen Fang looked at Lu Yun, who snorted and explained, "Business is business. It's impossible to make additional investments. Money needs to make money. If there's no return in the short term, it's better to put it in the bank and earn interest."

"Is that all the business acumen you have?" Chen Fang laughed angrily.

Knowing Chen Fang wouldn't believe him, Lu Yun chuckled and said, "It's mainly about the shares; the company thinks it should increase its holdings."

"So that's why the development funds are blocked?" Chen Fang finally understood.

Lu Yun said with a bitter face, "I'm not the head of the family, just an employee. Don't blame me."

"I can't be bothered with you." Chen Fang didn't believe him at all. He said to Wang Zhen, "By summer, there will be progress. Put the existing funds into the projects that have already been implemented. Don't worry."

"Also, I have something to ask you this time I'm back. I've sent you the details via email."

Then he said to Lu Yun, "I can make this clear today: not only will the shares not increase, but they will also be diluted."

"I don't have time to think about business warfare right now. I can guess what the Lu family is up to with my bare hands."

“Although I don’t have a lot of money, I can still mobilize a hundred or two hundred million US dollars.” Chen Fang didn’t want to be polite and continued, “Come with me, you definitely won’t lose out. If you have other ideas, then please get out of the car.”

"You can pass the message home, and I won't make things difficult for you. In short, don't even think about taking over this business."

Seeing that Chen Fang was really angry, Lu Yun panicked a little and quickly explained, "You've overthought it. I just want to increase my shareholding."

"Just consider it overthinking. Alright, we've finished discussing the important matters. That's enough for today." Chen Fang lost interest and turned to leave.

Wang Zhen sighed as he looked at Lu Yun, who helplessly shrugged.

“I told you from the beginning that Chen Fang dislikes these things the most, so why bother trying it?”

Lu Yun smiled wryly: "How am I supposed to choose? I have no choice."

Back in the room, Wu Zi had just finished showering. Seeing Chen Fang's unhappy expression, she knew they had argued.

"You've known Lu Yun for so long, do you know anything about him?" Wu Zi suddenly asked.

"Isn't he just the young master of the Lu family? What, is he an illegitimate child?" Chen Fang sneered.

"That's not how it is, what are you thinking?" Wu Zi said reproachfully, pulling Chen Fang to sit on the sofa.

“Lu Yun’s mother was his legal wife, but she died young, so his father found a second wife according to the family’s requirements.”

“Lu Yun was just starting elementary school at that time. She couldn’t accept it, so she ran away from home and didn’t return until junior high school, when she was taken back from her uncle’s house.”

"But he had three stepmothers. Anyway, he wasn't well received at home. But the old man in the family considered him the eldest son, so he had to maintain a proper status."

Chen Fang asked curiously, "Explain what?"

"We just hope he can get things done and take over his father's job."

"So happy?" Chen Fang shook his head dramatically, only to be pinched by Wu Zi: "Don't talk nonsense again. Haven't you ever watched a TVB drama about power struggles in a wealthy family?"

"Go on," Chen Fang said, baring his teeth, no longer daring to joke around.

"In short, Zhiyun was targeted by his stepmother and forced to run away from home in high school, which is how he met us. Actually, he doesn't care about this identity. If it weren't for the fact that he can work with you now, he wouldn't want to go back."

"You're making me feel so important. I know what you're trying to say, but this business is mine, and nobody can have any dirty thoughts about it." Chen Fang clapped Wu Zi's little hand: "Don't get involved in things like this in the future. Lu Yun is a grown man, he should have his own opinions. If he doesn't, he deserves to be ridden."

Wu Zi didn't say anything about her husband's attitude, and just sighed softly.

"I just hope you two can always be good friends."

"Only good friends can have real conflicts." Chen Fang didn't want to say more: "We're going back to Shandong tomorrow, let's go to bed early."

Prince Chen has actually returned to China!
It wasn't until Chen Fang boarded the plane alone to return to the United States that the media belatedly realized what had happened, but by then it was too late.

On the evening of February 16, Chen Fang landed in Los Angeles, but instead of going home, he met up with Duffy and headed to Charlotte.

"We lost a lot of business opportunities while you were gone," Duffy couldn't help but complain.

"It doesn't matter, nothing beats being home." Despite being tired, Chen Fang felt at peace. During his time at home, he felt a renewed passion for basketball, and that passion grew stronger with each passing day.

"Looks like you just want to show up and clock in," Duffy laughed.

"No, I really want to win the All-Star Game MVP." Chen Fang's answer made Duffy's eyes widen.

"seriously?"

“Very serious.” Chen Fang smiled. He didn’t tell anyone that James had taken a liking to him, but he was very sure that this All-Star game would be very different.

Leonard!
No matter your attitude, I won't let you succeed in this main competition.

Chen Fang was truly unwilling to admit defeat. He had been repeatedly humiliated by Kawaii. Even a clay figure has its own stubbornness, let alone him.

"Let's find a place where I can train behind closed doors tomorrow and get back into shape."

(End of this chapter)