Rekindling the dream of becoming a star

Chapter 372 The Day After Winning the Championship

On June 21, the news broadcast on the day of Chen Fang's championship win dedicated 56 seconds to congratulating him. This was four times longer than the 14 seconds it took when Chen Fang was first featured in a news flash segment on the evening news.

This kind of display is already extremely grand.

If even the CCTV Evening News is like this, then other media outlets are even more so.

The 21st is Chen Fang Day. Open any media homepage and you'll see him everywhere. Various self-media, regardless of whether they are in the sports category, will release a special episode to ride on this huge traffic.

The vast majority of reports focused on how Chen Fang single-handedly turned the tide of the game and won the championship, hailing him as the Clippers' savior and the league's strongest player.

Only a few media outlets mentioned Chen Fang's injury, but they were immediately bombarded with comments from fans, who accused him of being psychologically twisted and unable to tolerate success.

On the 22nd, TX Sports, followed by Hupu, Zhibo8 and other sports portals, reprinted Duan Ran's report from Los Angeles, North America.

The news is very short, and according to reporting rules, the shorter the news, the bigger the problem.

Chen Fang will undergo surgery on his left ankle today, with an expected recovery time of 12 weeks.

At first glance, many people thought it was fake news, but the media quickly reposted Chen Fang's tweet.

I will be undergoing surgery on my left ankle tomorrow. Please don't worry, I'll be back soon!

Soon, more details were revealed. After undergoing testing, scar tissue and fine bone spurs were found in the ankle, as well as a more serious tibia and fibula separation. Although it was a minor injury, it was considered a major injury for an athlete.

While fans were still in shock, they belatedly realized that the difficulty of Chen Wang playing with an injury, persisting on the court for 3 minutes, and even making the game-winning shot was unimaginable.

This news about the injury has completely silenced the previous dark criticisms, such as the claim that the injury was faked or staged.

According to sources, the surgeon who performed the operation on Chen Wang was Dr. Richard Ferkel, a renowned foot and ankle surgeon in Los Angeles.

He has performed surgery on numerous athletes, including Embiid, Rubio, Cousins, and Curry, and this time it was Curry who strongly recommended him.

In addition, he has long served as the chief consultant team doctor for the NFL, MLB, NBA, and the US Olympic soccer team.

This offered some comfort to fans who were worried about Chen Wang, but it also brought a new wave of anxiety, especially among domestic fans.

The chances of Chen and Wang participating in the World Championships at the end of August, which will be held on home soil, have been greatly reduced.

This was a devastating blow to Chinese fans, like a bolt from the blue.

The Basketball Association urgently sought specific information through intermediaries, but the feedback was that the recovery information could not be determined, and based on past cases, 10 weeks was a more accurate timeframe.

The World Championships started on August 31 and ended on September 15. To be precise, the recovery period for this surgery was perfectly missed.

It's unclear how bad the main leaders of the Basketball Association are feeling, but what's certain is that they are disappointed and downcast after their hopes were dashed.

But how do you solve this?
There's no solution. According to my understanding from domestic experts in this field, conservative treatment takes longer to recover, while surgery is the fastest. It's like a mute taking poison, dying knowing exactly what's going on.

On the 22nd, Chen Fang underwent surgery on his left ankle and posted a photo of a V-sign victory on Twitter, indicating that the surgery was a success.

Many NBA stars liked the post and sent their blessings, including Draymond Green of the Warriors.

After winning the championship, Chen Fang's status in the league rose again, and his strength and willpower shown in the playoffs were widely praised.

"Thank you, thank you very much." After hanging up the phone, Curry sent a message to Durant, who was concerned.

Durant called quickly: "What did the Doctor say?"

Curry replied, "No doubt about it, the situation is more serious than you think. The bone spurs and broken tissue inside prove that this is actually an old injury."

"This injury is a separation of the tibia and fibula."

"The doctor said it was more serious than what happened to me. He couldn't imagine how I managed to grit my teeth and endure it. As far as he knew, Chen Wang never took painkillers and even resisted anti-inflammatory drugs."

"So you just grit your teeth and play the whole series?" Durant was shocked.

"No, to be precise, there are still two games against us."

Curry's words left Durant completely silent. Curry, of course, understood Durant's feelings and exclaimed, "To be honest, when I learned the truth, I felt a surge of admiration."

"And you're not the first one to care. Green knows it's about me, Dr. La Xian, and Chen Wang, so he called to ask."

"What was his reaction?" Durant asked in a rather teasing tone.

"He didn't say anything, and hung up after a while." Curry sighed. He knew what Green was thinking, but the truth always came in an unacceptable way.

Not to mention Green, Curry himself was also greatly shocked after Chen Fang's injury was confirmed.

How ruthless and confident must a person be to do something like this?
Curry knew he couldn't do it.

When Kobe Bryant ruptured his Achilles tendon, he returned to the court to shoot free throws before leaving, which was already shocking enough. But thinking about it carefully, what kind of willpower does it take to make the game-winning shot when one leg is completely immobile and in constant excruciating pain?

In short, after learning the true extent of Chen Wang's injury, Curry was completely convinced, and his last bit of resentment at being eliminated vanished.

Even if Durant hadn't stolen the ball, even if Klay hadn't stolen the ball, the Warriors still wouldn't have won that Game 7.

If King Chen goes on the field, they will not win.

There are many ruthless people in the league, but not many are ruthless to themselves.

People who are ruthless and capable to themselves are few and far between.

Among them, King Chen is the most terrifying.

Next season, Curry realized that he would need to work even harder to have any chance of defeating this opponent.

After hanging up the phone, Curry looked out at the bright sunshine and couldn't help but think back to his time practicing basketball in his sophomore year of high school.

Throughout his childhood, Curry's family only asked him to live a happy life, whether it was basketball, baseball, or football; they just wanted Stephen to be happy.

It wasn't until his junior year of high school that his father, Dell Curry, realized he was too weak and could only hit the rim with a push-like motion when shooting. After a face-to-face conversation, Dell devised a rigorous summer training plan for Stephen.

Curry himself called it "the worst summer of his life," which laid the foundation for his first step toward the NBA.

And now, Curry knows that an even worse summer is coming.

The Warriors' twilight hasn't arrived yet, but my career still has its peak to come!

※※※

"I'm very pleased to see the surgery was successful. For the next two weeks, you will need to wear a brace. The detailed recovery plan will be outlined at the first post-operative check-up in two weeks," Dr. Fekir said to Chen Fang, who was lying in the ward.

He was less than 1.8 meters tall, with gray curly hair, wearing thick glasses, and a kind smile on his face.

"Thank you, I didn't even feel any pain." Although this was Chen Fang's first surgery, he was very satisfied with the experience.

"The team has already brought in the best rehabilitation team in the country for the specific rehabilitation plan," Lawrence interjected.

"How many days will it take before I can get out of bed?" Chen Fang nodded and asked.

“Tomorrow will be fine. Just pay close attention and there won’t be any problems.” Dr. Fickel was very gentle. He understood what Chen Fang meant by the question. Then he said to Lawrence, “Please provide me with the data and information as needed.”

"Of course."

Dr. Feckel then turned to Chen Fang and instructed him, "I hope you can follow the doctor's orders and recover well. This is my phone number and email address; you can contact me if there are any issues."

"Thank you, I think I will be very good." Chen Fang was also in a great mood. He could feel the compassionate attitude of a doctor from Dr. Fekir.

In fact, Dr. Fickel has the best reputation in the entire NBA league. Klay Thompson even gifted him his 22-year championship ring to thank him for healing his Achilles tendon rupture.

After everyone left, Chen Fang was the only one left in the room. Wu Zi was too tired, so Wu Zhen sent her home to rest.

Chen Fang enjoys being alone more; he doesn't feel strange about it, after all, he's often done it this way.

The sunlight streaming through the window was cut into a golden beam by the curtains, casting a reflection on the white wall.

After great joy, people often enter a period of emptiness. Chen Fang lay there, letting his mind wander.

He had always been very strict with himself, but after winning the championship, he was at a loss.

Should I continue to push myself like Kobe, or choose to take a more natural path?
At yesterday's press conference, there was a lie in what Chen Fang said: when asked about the feeling of winning the championship, he didn't say he was addicted to it.

Instead, I felt empty inside, as if my soul had returned to high school. These past five years seemed too busy, filled with many goals and ideas, but at this moment, I felt as if I had lost all interest.

"I can't let this happen! I can't let everyone down!" Chen Fang rallied himself, then sighed with emotion.

I'm definitely not a basketball enthusiast yet, just like someone who seems like a superstar but is actually a talented actor and a shrewd businessman.

So what am I, exactly?
Chen Fang fell into deep thought.

After the surgery, Chen Fang left his recovery to fate. He wouldn't deliberately try to play before the World Championships; that was never something he cared about.

Of course, it wasn't because he didn't love his country; Chen Fang always felt that the concept of patriotism was too vague and general.

What exactly constitutes patriotism?

Everyone has their own understanding. Chen Fang has always felt that patriotism is the simplest thing, not that complicated. So-called rational patriotism is a false proposition.

Reason and love are both products of emotion, and the nation is a synonym for a vast human group. The combination of these three words is inherently contradictory.

When Chen Fang learned of his injury, he thought of the World Championships.

The championship is a lifelong obsession, while serving your country is an inevitable result when your talent or skill has reached the world's best.

It's either go or don't go.

If I can't go, I won't force myself.

Go and give it your all. Whatever results you achieve, you'll have no regrets. That's why Chen Fang chose to have surgery—to do his best with the fastest possible recovery.

Even so, Chen Fang was prepared to be doubted and criticized, not only by fans but also by officials.

From being a fan to where he is today, Chen Fang has never forgotten his original aspirations.

Every Chinese person who loves basketball and their country looks forward to playing, whether they buy a ticket to watch him live, or watch it on TV or their mobile phone.

The enthusiasm of Chinese people for participating in the World Championships is inevitably closely related to whether they can participate.

He only wants to play for the fans and contribute to the basketball cause of his country, instead of making grand pronouncements while actually considering too many higher-ups.

Although he was well aware that within the huge fan base, there were many people who were easily swayed by their opinions, and that it could be said that more than 90% of the fans valued your results more than your efforts.

In competitive sports, if the result is not good, no matter how much effort you put in, it's all in vain; no one is moved, no one cares.

The idea that food is the original sin is a value most applicable to sports.

This is most prominent and obvious at the Olympics.

For many athletes, their entire youth is spent only seeing their names flash by on television screens.

Even if you win a medal, your popularity will only last for a few days that summer, while what you will have to endure is countless days and nights tormented by injuries to your soul and body.

Even in the United States, there are still many different opinions on the conflict between sports and patriotism. People should first take care of themselves before they can have the mood and ability to do more things.

Chinese basketball will be very different because of itself.

The fear of Japan that once existed is no longer possible, and even Australia is no match for it.

But that doesn't mean that China's current level is high. In basketball, the role of star players is far greater than in football; one person's strength is enough to change everything.

Without Chen Fang, starting this year, Chinese basketball will only disappoint fans more and more. The national pride and confidence that Yao Ming inspired in the Chinese people has been completely worn down by repeated failures.

Therefore, Chen Fang needs to devise a long-term plan to save the men's basketball team.

The Chinese national character dictates that it is impossible for them to fully accept foreign ideas; they will inevitably be reorganized and transformed.

Now, this is a good opportunity, and Chen Fang feels it is necessary to seize this opportunity and realize his plan.

His phone rang. He had set it as an important caller, but it wasn't on his call list. His phone only showed a message notification.

Upon inspection, it was Yao.

"Did the timing of my call affect you?" Yao's first words were tinged with apology.

"No, I reckon you're about to call me."

"Haha, you guessed right, I've been waiting since yesterday."

"First of all, congratulations on winning the championship. It's a huge achievement." It would be a lie to say I'm not envious, but Yao is now more composed and able to control his emotions.

"Thank you, I've said thank you so many times these past few days. Okay, let's get straight to the point."

"Hmm...!" Yao paused for a moment on the other end of the phone: "Okay, on behalf of the Basketball Association, I send my greetings and congratulations on your successful surgery."

"Also, regarding the World Championships, I'd like to know your current attitude because of the surgery."

"I can't give you that right now. I can only give you an approximate recovery time in about two weeks."

"I understand. This is very bad news for the Basketball Association." Yao Ming was inevitably disappointed, but as someone who had been through it all, he understood Chen Fang's position and attitude very well.

"Are you coming to the Summer League this year?" Chen Fang asked.

"Do you need it?" Yao Minru asked rhetorically.

"It is necessary. I hope to use my resources and connections to serve the national team well."

Chen Fang spoke in a very official tone, but Yao still understood what he meant.

"Okay, I'll come as soon as possible, just to pave the way." Yao made the decision quickly. He needed to understand Chen Fang's intentions as soon as possible. From the moment he met him, he knew that this young man was extremely capable.

"Then let's meet and talk. By the way, has there been any progress on the matter we discussed before?" Chen Fang remembered.

"Yes, especially if you might be injured and unable to fight, the advance will be very fast, but the news will be blocked and no one will know."

"We can release him, since Kyle will be coming to Las Vegas later."

"Okay, thank you so much, this is a wonderful surprise." Yao expressed her heartfelt gratitude.

Kyle's attitude is unclear, and he has made many demands, but yesterday and today, he took the initiative to send several messages to Yao, clearly expressing his willingness to be naturalized.

Even without using your brain, you can tell that this is Chen Fang's doing.

"I'm working on getting him to the Clippers, a power forward, we need someone like that," Chen Fang said casually, as an explanation.

Yao, on the other end of the phone, was shocked and exclaimed, "Wow, that's some serious energy!"

"Haha, it feels really good to be acting like this in front of you." Chen Fang's words cleverly diffused the awkwardness, and Yao burst into laughter.

"Then I hope you'll do it a few more times, the more the better."

"Okay, I'll come pick you up when we arrive."

"Is it convenient? Your foot?" Yao asked worriedly.

"No problem, we'll be paraded through the streets tomorrow, what's the big deal?"

"A champion parade through the streets, tsk tsk." Yao was genuinely envious.

Chen Fang couldn't talk much either; it was best to keep the phone conversation to a minimum.

I had just hung up the phone when there was a knock on the door, and a group of people came in.

Carl, Hannon, Wick, and the core members of Panshi all came.

“Looks good!” Wick laughed.

"Indeed, it's a good time to rest and have a nice vacation." Chen Fang was naturally in a good mood after seeing his own people.

But this time it wasn't to ask them to come and visit; they had a mission assigned to them.

After exchanging pleasantries, Chen Fang began to assign tasks.

"Guys, summer's here, you're getting busy."

"First, we need to start recruiting more coaches and divide them into three departments based on their skill level: high school, college, and professional. Rock needs to start refining its functions."

Everyone quieted down and took out their prepared pens and notebooks.

"The task this summer is very heavy. First of all, we will take on the special training of the Chinese national team. They will arrive in Los Angeles ten days in advance to prepare for the Las Vegas Summer League which starts on July 5."

“Karl, you need to develop a detailed training plan, taking into account the pace of offense and defense, the intensity of confrontation, and how to break the press.”

“Understood, leave it to me.” Karl nodded.

"Han Nong, I need you to design a special training program for the national team's key players, focusing on shooting, ball protection, and pick-and-roll."

“Okay!” Han Nong nodded immediately.

"Wick, your task is to help the national team improve its strength and intensity, with a focus on the perimeter players."

"Roger that, boss!" Wick chuckled.

"We'll use Carl's plan as the framework, with you three assisting. The three of you should work out the plan I just mentioned. Of course, we'll need to make adjustments on-site as needed, so we need to have a backup plan," Chen Fang instructed, then looked at Mary and Jack Smith.

"You two work together to organize and analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the Chinese national team, as well as the general situation of their opponents in this Summer League."

“Okay, boss!” The two nodded in agreement.

"This is the first item, and it's something we'll be starting soon."

"Next is the second item. The second Blue Sky Training Camp will be arriving in the United States soon. We will develop a more comprehensive training and development syllabus than last year, especially reviewing the problems from last year and the issues exposed by the 50 people last year."

"This is the core task. Next, Rock will also start accepting basketball talents from all over the world, recruiting more scouts, and partnering with more peer organizations. Starting this summer, Rock will expand."

"I've already drafted the shareholding agreement, and I won't treat everyone unfairly." Chen Fang brought out the dessert at the opportune moment.

Sure enough, everyone's smiles became even brighter; following Chen Wang meant a promising future.

"Work hard, and next year we'll all get villas and luxury cars." Chen Fang painted a rosy picture, which was met with a resounding response from everyone.

Since they were still in the hospital ward, after finishing the business, Karl bid farewell to Prince Chen on behalf of everyone.

Chen Fang didn't try to stop him, since he still had other people to entertain.

Teammates, friends, and brothers are all coming to visit. Harden and DeRozan are already on their way, and Kobe has also made plans for the evening.

There are also business partners and agents; these are people you have to socialize with. While Chen Fang is injured, you should take the opportunity to deepen your relationships with them.

That's just how people are; when they're at their peak, their doorstep is always bustling with activity.

But Chen knew very well that, apart from Jordan, who else could maintain their peak performance for decades?

Let's walk on thin ice and cherish every step we take.

(End of this chapter)