The NBA's Absolute Dominance

Chapter 188 I'd Rather Shoot Myself
"stand up……"

As the five-star red flag was raised, the March of the Volunteers resounded in the Tianhong Gymnasium.

Standing on the highest podium, Tang Bei pressed his gold medal to his chest, looked at the fluttering national flag, and listened to the stirring national anthem, feeling extremely excited.

He not only led his team to win the World Championship, but also won a series of honors, including FIBA's MVP, scoring champion, rebounding champion, and blocking champion.

Xu Jicheng said, "Congratulations to Tang Bei. In the same year, he won the NBA championship, FMVP, AMVP, scoring title, and All-NBA First Team, as well as the World Championship and MVP. He was the most successful basketball player in the world that year."

"I also wish Tang Bei a happy marriage!" Sun Zhenping said with a smile.

"I wish Tang Bei the best of luck in defending his NBA championship title next year," Han Qiaosheng said with a smile.

After receiving the award, Tang Bei and the men's basketball team celebrated and were interviewed by CCTV and Xinhua News Agency. At noon, he boarded a private plane arranged by Jia Bao and flew to Miami.

Once on the plane, Tang Bei finally had time to open the treasure chest.

"The host has achieved the following accomplishments: World Championship Champion, World Championship MVP, World Championship Top Scorer, World Championship Top Rebounder, World Championship Top Blocker."

"A reward of 1000 Dongwang Buxin Pills (After taking 1000 pills, the medicine will reach its perfect effect; thereafter, only one pill needs to be taken monthly to maintain the effect.)"
"Reward: 1000 Dongwang Qingxue Pills (with the same effect as above)."

"Reward with 1000 Dongwang Kidney-Nourishing Pills (with the same effect as above)."

"A big prize!"

Tang Bei sighed inwardly.

After taking a few hundred more Dongwang Buxin Pills, you should be done. Keep some for yourself and give the rest to your family.

The effects of Dongwang Qingxue Pills are actually quite significant. I haven't taken many yet and need to continue taking them.

We'll use Dongwang Kidney Tonifying Pills with Jiabao first, and then share some with our family members when there are any rewards later.

"Tang Bei, a super center, is the best active player in basketball." (AFP)

"Severe phobia leads Tang Bei to dominate the World Championships." - The Washington Post.

"Tang Bei's severe fear of the US has led to the dominance of the Dream Team II, and the US Dream Team has fallen." - The New York Times.

"The number one player in the basketball world, Tang Bei, comes from China." Asahi Shimbun.

After the World Championships final, countless media outlets around the world began reporting on it. Tang Bei and his many exciting matches instantly made headlines and occupied the largest pages, and his fame spread all over the world overnight.

At 3:30 a.m., Tang Bei returned to his small villa, slept for four hours, and was full of energy for his wedding day.

Because he was not religious, his marriage to Garbo was subject to certain Catholic rules.

For example, if Garbo wanted to hold her wedding in a church, she would need the bishop's permission. She would need to apply to the bishop for an exemption from the restrictions on marriage between people of different faiths. This permission would require proof of both parties' seriousness about the marriage and their respect for the Catholic faith.

He also needs to understand the Catholic Church's concept of the indissolution of marriage, which, simply put, prohibits divorce.

As for his and Garbo's children after that, they were subject to fewer constraints due to China's secular regulations and laws governing religion.

He and Garbo had previously attended a premarital course organized by the church and obtained permission from the bishop.

Eric Fleischer, along with all the Heat players, Heat owner Mickey Arison, and the management, arrived at his home before he even got out of bed.

Eric Fleischer followed him from the bedroom all the way into the bathroom, chattering excitedly.

"Tang, I have received twenty endorsement contracts from top global brands, with endorsement fees reaching the level of top Hollywood stars."

“Great, I need the money right now. Jia Bao won’t sign a prenuptial agreement with me, which puts a lot of pressure on me. She’s much richer than me.”

"Oh, Tang, are you showing off?"

"Ha ha!"

"By the way, there are reporters everywhere outside, probably no less than a hundred. Your amazing performance at the World Championships has made you famous, haha!"

"I heard it, it's very lively outside."

"Did you know that your wedding with Garbo is comparable to Bill Gates' wedding in January? It's truly a global spectacle."

After washing up, a stylist and makeup artist tidied up Tang Bei.

Just after eight o'clock, he got into a pearl rose-colored Rolls-Royce and headed towards Garbo's home, followed by dozens of luxury cars.

Along the way, countless cars automatically joined him; everyone in Miami knew he was getting married today and was already waiting on the road.

Tang Bei had just won the overall championship and the World Championship, both with astonishing performances that shocked the world, so the wedding also attracted major media outlets around the world.

There were at least a hundred cars belonging to media reporters, including interview vehicles from more than ten television stations such as CCTV and ESPN.

ESPN paid $1200 million for broadcasting rights to the wedding worldwide, attracting more viewers than the NBA Finals.

He and Jiabao discussed it and decided to donate all of the money, but they haven't decided where to donate it yet.

At 8:40, the convoy arrived at the Nemurs' luxury villa.

Garbo, with her perfect bridal makeup and wearing a white wedding dress, was already waiting for him. She was also wearing a set of wedding jewelry designed by Joel Arthur Rosenthal worth millions of dollars. She was stunningly beautiful and almost stunned Tang Bei.

After a sweet kiss, the two got into a Rolls-Royce and headed to the Miami Marriage Registration Office to register their marriage.

This time, there were even more luxury cars following behind, along with the Miami residents who came to join the fun, and more media outlets, bringing the total to at least five hundred vehicles, forming a massive river of cars.

Upon arriving at the marriage licensing office, Tang Bei asked one last time, "Jiabao, are you sure you don't want to sign a prenuptial agreement? I'm open to signing; I don't mind."

Jia Bao kissed Tang Bei and said with a smile, "Wet Tiger, I'm going to make a big bet, bet that we'll be together for life."

“Okay, let’s not sign that thing. You can manage the money at home,” Tang Bei said with a smile.

"Wet Tiger, get me some more kidney-tonifying pills. Besides you, I love it very much too," Jia Bao whispered in her ear.

"I just got some, I'll give them to you in a bit," Tang Bei said hurriedly.

"Really?"

Garbo's big eyes crinkled with laughter.

Like Tang Bei, she was an energetic person with naturally good kidneys. She had been taking some kidney-tonifying pills recently, which not only made her even more energetic, but also improved the quality of her skin and hair, resulting in amazing beauty and hair care effects.

After registering, the two went to St. Mary's Cathedral.

When they arrived at the church, Garbo's parents were already there, and John Clement Favarola, who had just been appointed Archbishop of Miami this year, was also ready.

After a series of complicated procedures, the wedding ceremony reached the point of exchanging rings.

Leo Nemur took a black safe from his bodyguard, entered the password, and opened it.

Inside was an even smaller metal safe. Opening it with the combination lock revealed yet another metal safe inside.

Sir Nemoor opened the third metal box, took out two exquisite little boxes, and handed them to the two men.

"Crack, click, click..."

The Seven Star Ruby was already world-renowned, and the media had been waiting for this moment. When Tang Bei and Jia Bao opened the small box, they started taking pictures like crazy.

The two opened the box at the same time, and under the light, two exquisitely beautiful and dazzling wedding rings appeared in everyone's sight.

Tang Bei was seeing it for the first time and was very satisfied.

This wasn't the first time Garbo had seen it; she looked at it every day after getting it. To guard against jewelry thieves, she always had no fewer than twenty top-notch security personnel around her after acquiring the ring, including ten professional security guards hired from China.

Although she looks at them every day, every time she sees them, she still feels like she wants to keep looking at them forever.

"In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit..." the head coach began to pray.

“Garbo…”

Tang Bei took Jia Bao's left hand and prepared to put the ring on her finger.

“Wet Tiger, please call me dear,” Jia Bao said with a radiant smile.

"Honey."

Tang Bei smiled and slipped the ring on Jia Bao's ring finger.

"My dear, this ring represents my love for you."

Garbo also put the ring on the ring finger of his left hand.

"Clap clap clap..."

The church erupted in enthusiastic applause.

On the 17th, Tang Bei signed a massive endorsement contract, representing all the world's top and first-tier brands globally, earning a staggering $7500 million in endorsement fees.

On the 18th, Tang Bei and Jia Bao arrived in Beijing.

The Leo Nemours also arrived on the same day. Their retail investment application had been approved, and all the city applications had been approved at an astonishing speed, while their previous application for Carrefour in France had still not been approved.

If the subsequent store construction can keep up with the pace, Walmart will become the first foreign retailer to open a supermarket in China.

On the 20th, Tang Bei held his wedding in his new house in his hometown.

This time, Jia Bao wore a custom-made phoenix coronet and embroidered robe, sat on the flower bridge, and experienced the most traditional Chinese wedding.

The wedding was incredibly lively, far surpassing any wedding in Miami. People from all around came to attend. The Tang family didn't accept monetary gifts, but they did host a continuous feast, serving 500 tables in two meals a day.

Leaders from all levels, from the city to the township, came to offer their congratulations. All members of the men's basketball team, as well as Director Yuan, Yang Boyong, Liu Yumin, and others from the Sports Commission, were also present.

A high-ranking official in Tianjing City took the time to speak with Tang Bei, mainly to convey some instructions from above.

In short, Tangbei's investment projects in China will receive policy support, and its manufacturing investment projects will also receive strong financial support.

"Thank you so much!"

After thinking for a moment, Tang Bei said to the senior leader, "Jia Bao and I currently have $1200 million in cash on hand, and we would like to donate it to Project Hope."

$1200?

The top leader was completely stunned. That was hundreds of millions of RMB. He could work for ten thousand years and earn that much in salary. Did Tang Bei just donate it like that?
After the wedding, they stayed at home for two days. On the 23rd, Tang Bei and Jia Bao went on their honeymoon with several bodyguards and four maids.

Garbo himself is French and doesn't want to go to Europe. There are a few nice places in Southeast Asia, but commercial development is insufficient and the supporting facilities are lagging behind.

She had previously chosen two locations, one of which was Fiji, which gained fame because Bill Gates had honeymooned there.

Secondly, there is Dodobas in the Eastern Caribbean, a Commonwealth country that offers high-end services and has excellent facilities.

After discussing it with Tang Bei, they chose Duoduobas.

Leo Nemoir, together with Tangjia Investment, signed a formal investment contract with Walmart, becoming a shareholder of Walmart China, and the construction of stores in 11 major cities officially began.

In addition, Jiabao and Tangbei jointly increased their investment in Tangjia Investment by $4 million.

Jiabao received $200 million and Tangbei received $100 million, totaling $300 million in cash, which was used to import production lines from abroad.

In addition, Tang Bei also took out a loan of 8.5 million RMB in China for domestic expenditures.

For example, workers' wages, construction of factories and supporting facilities, training of engineers and workers, and the construction of laboratories in China.

His loan was a commercial loan jointly issued by several major state-owned banks with the guarantee of the Tianjing government. The loan could only be used for the purposes mentioned above.

Whether it was the previous approval from Walmart or the subsequent massive loan, the government's support for Tangbei was substantial.

Tangjia Electronics has invested a total of 40 billion RMB and plans to add 65 production lines within three years, bringing the total to 74 production lines after three years. The company will produce home appliances such as color TVs, washing machines, refrigerators, rice cookers, air conditioners, and hair dryers, becoming the largest home appliance manufacturer in China.

On the evening of September 6th, in Las Vegas, Rodman emerged from the New York Hotel like a ghost and got into his car.

As soon as I got on the bus, I collapsed into my seat as if I were about to die.

His new agent, Dwight Manley, drove away from the hotel entrance and stopped on the street. "Dennis, are you alright?" he asked, turning around.

“I want to die, Dwight, give me a gun, I want to die,” Dennis Rodman said painfully, covering his face.

"You idiot!"

Manley cursed inwardly.

Rodman entered the New York hotel the day before yesterday and lost the two million dollars in cash he brought. In an attempt to recoup his losses, he borrowed another two million dollars in high-interest loans from the casino, which he also lost, bringing his total losses to four million dollars.

What does $400 million mean to Rodman?

To put it simply, his total career earnings so far are only a little over seven million dollars, and after taxes, his take-home pay is only about four million dollars.

He not only lost all his savings, but also incurred $200 million in high-interest loans.

“Dennis, you don’t actually have to die. Madonna just contacted me. Do you want to hear what she said?” Dwight Manley said.

"What did he say?" Rodman asked weakly.

Manley suppressed a laugh and said, "Madonna said she's currently ovulating, and if you'd like, she'll arrange a private jet to pick you up and take you to Los Angeles right away."

She provides the money, you provide the genes. If the child is born and she raises it, she will pay you $2000 million for the genetics.

"Cough cough cough..."

Rodman choked on his own saliva.

After the playoffs ended, he climbed into Madonna's bed, and the Queen even prepared a lot of aphrodisiacs for him, so he could play from night until dawn.

At first, he was quite enjoying it. She was the top queen in the entertainment industry, and she was white. He became a man that even Michael Jordan envied. After the news came out, at least hundreds of millions of men around the world envied him.

For the next 15 days, he seemed to age 15 years, succumbing to the Queen's insatiable lust, and thus escaped the Queen's control like Snow White.

"2000 dollars?"

Rodman was tempted by the money and the $200 million he owed in high-interest loans, but the thought of being ripped out every night sent a chill down his spine.

Manley advised, "If you don't want to, I'll go to the bank and get a loan using your contract to pay off the usurious loan first."

"OK."

Rodman quickly said, "I'd rather shoot myself than die in her bed. Her desires are just too terrible, a real bottomless pit that can never be filled."

"puff!"

Manley couldn't help but burst out laughing.

At the end of September, Tang Bei and Jia Bao ended their honeymoon, which lasted for more than 9 days.

The two decided to stay in Los Angeles for a while and explore the city.

Many jewelry exhibitors, museums, high-end exhibitions, and brand events have been contacting the two through Tangjia Seven Stars Company, hoping to use the Seven Stars Ruby for their exhibitions.

In addition to these exhibitions, several Hollywood film crews have expressed interest in renting the rings for filming.

Tangjia Seven Stars is a company established by Jiabao for Seven Star Ruby, mainly responsible for the security and operation of Seven Star Ruby, and also providing high-end security services to the outside world.

Tang Bei retained ten retired elites from China at a high price, entrusting them with the main security of Ruby.

Lending jewelry is a business activity. The more high-end the jewelry, the greater the commercial profit, and it requires a specialized company to operate it.

For high-end jewelry lending, the rental fee is generally based on the market value of the jewelry. For example, jewelry worth ten million US dollars would have a daily rental fee of 1% to 3%, which is very expensive.

In addition to the rental fee for the jewelry, there are also various other expenses such as transportation, jewelry appraisal, security, and insurance, all of which are borne by the exhibition organizer.

Generally speaking, an exhibition can last from ten days to half a month to several months, with higher daily rental fees for short-term rentals.

For a three-month exhibition period, the total rental fee for a high-end jewelry piece valued at ten million dollars can typically reach one million dollars, which is 10% of the jewelry's market value.

For top-tier jewels like the Seven Star Ruby, which are unprecedented in their kind, the daily rental price will definitely be higher than the current highest market price.

Currently, some of the most authoritative jewelry companies have estimated the market value of this Seven Star Ruby at $6 million to $8 million, making it arguably the most expensive piece of jewelry in the world.

Based on a market value of $600 million, renting it for three months at 10% would cost $60 million, which is unaffordable for most exhibition organizers.

However, the lease still needs to be taken out. Tang Jia Qi Xing has hired so many security and management personnel, and the annual operating cost is as high as several million US dollars. This cost needs to be recovered through the gems.

After numerous discussions with various lessees, Tang Jiaqixing tentatively agreed to accept leases of one month or more, with the first month's rent at $300 million, the second month at $250 million, and the third month onwards at $200 million per month.

The first deal was struck with GoldenEye 007, who rented a pair of seven-star wedding rings for a week to film a movie, at a cost of $150 million.

The second deal was also reached with Hollywood, which invested $9700 million in Harrow Island. It's a pirate adventure movie about gold and jewelry, and the island will be rented for one month at a cost of $300 million.

The first exhibition organizer has also been confirmed: the Saudi Royal Jewelry Exhibition, which will last for six months and cost $1350 million in exhibition fees.

Both production teams and the Saudi royal family have provided a $6 million insurance policy and top-notch security.

After handing their two beloved wedding rings to Tang Jiaqixing, Jiabao and Tang Bei breathed a sigh of relief.

Wearing these two things and being followed by twenty security personnel every day makes life quite difficult.

Renting out the ring not only brings in a large sum of money, but also reduces the burden.

"Tang, do you want to act in a movie?"

On the morning of September 30th, while Tang Bei and Jia Bao were sightseeing in Hollywood, Eric Fleischer called.

"Is someone inviting me?"

Tang Bei asked curiously.

"I've received several Hollywood scripts, all action blockbusters, and I hope you can play a cameo role in one of them."

"Tell me."

"Die Hard 3, GoldenEye 007, Arnold's True Lies, Denzel's Red Tide, they can create a character just for you."

"GoldenEye? They just borrowed my and Garbo's wedding rings, and now they want us to make a movie?"

"Yes."

"They don't pay for cameo appearances, right?"

"Haha, Tang, the rule in Hollywood is equal value, not equal screen time."

"What do you mean?"

"If it wasn't a friendly cameo, then with your current popularity and the hype of your first film role, even if you just show your face or say only one line, you'd get the treatment of a top Hollywood star. Don't even think about it without a multi-million dollar salary."

Do you think I should film this?

"Don Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar starred in two movies each, Julius Erving starred in one, Magic Johnson starred in the most, with three movies, and Bill Russell also starred in one."

"So many people have filmed NBA games?"

"I only mentioned a few superstars. In fact, many more people have made movies. It's an experience, and you can also make some money."

"How about I give it a try and earn some pocket money while I'm at it?"

"By the way, Warner Bros. and Nike have been planning for years to make a movie about Michael Jordan called Space Jam, with him as the lead."

"If he's going to be the lead actor, then I'll give it a try too."

"OK, I'll come to Los Angeles right away and negotiate with them."

"There's one more thing, Tang. I've also received calls from several production companies. They all want to use the Seven Star Ruby as a gimmick to make a movie about a jewel thief."

"Is it really that much of a gimmick?"

"Tang, your wedding rings are the most expensive jewelry in the world, worth at least $6 million. If it weren't for your excellent security, they would have been stolen long ago."

He had just hung up the phone when he received a call from Arno.

"Hello, Arnold?"

"Tang, you know the news, right? Fox has agreed to increase its investment by 20 million dollars, and James Cameron has just contacted your agent."

“I just spoke to him on the phone, and he’s coming to Los Angeles right away.”

"Great!"

"But he just said that four production companies have contacted him, including GoldenEye, which just spent $1.5 million to rent my wedding ring. They invited me and Garbo to star in it."

"Shet!"

"Arnold, I don't quite understand. With Cameron and your box office appeal, that's enough. Why do you need me to join?"

"Tang, you underestimate your current influence, as well as the influence of the Seven Star Ruby."

"is it?"

"With your participation, the box office will definitely be even higher."

"Okay, you guys talk to my agent, I won't get involved in this."

"OK."

Less than twenty minutes later, Tang Bei received another film from Arno.

"Don James said that you could get a $1000 million salary, plus 2% of the box office revenue. If the film grosses $3 million worldwide, you could get a total of about $1500 million."

"By the way, it's about a ten-minute scene, and the filming period will not exceed one week. We can prioritize filming your scenes."

Tang Bei was dumbfounded. I only had a ten-minute cameo role, and they gave me $1500 million. What am I hesitating for?

“Then I have to play a positive character,” he said.

“Haha, of course.” Arno laughed.

Eric Fleischer arrived in Hollywood and signed a contract with the True Lies production team the very next day, and Tang Bei immediately joined the crew as well.

Cameron has revised the script, adding the Tang Bei storyline, changing the protagonist's agent partner Abbott to Tang Bei, and increasing his screen time.

The main focus is on action scenes, as Tang Bei's violence is known worldwide.

But after filming, Cameron immediately realized a problem: Tang Bei's fight choreography was a hundred times more exciting than Arnold's punch-and-hit routine, stealing Arnold's thunder.

"Arnold, how did you become an action star?" Tang Bei asked with a look of disdain.

"Tang, can you design the moves for me?" Arno asked ingratiatingly.

Tang Bei shook his head and said, "Your body is too stiff. You lack explosive power, coordination, and agility. You can't do my movements."

"No, no, no, design something I can do," Arno hurriedly said.

Cameron also said, "Don, I'll pay you a salary as an action director so you can design some more exciting action sequences for Arnold."

"Ahem, and also, your own movements—well, I mean, you get it—shouldn't be too spectacular."

Tang Bei had no scruples and immediately gave the two of them the middle finger, saying, "If I had known, I wouldn't have filmed it. It's such a hassle."

Finally, with no other option, after Cameron paid another million dollars for the action director's fee, Tang Bei designed some moves that Arnold could do, while also reducing the difficulty of his own moves.

After nine days of filming, his scenes were finished, and he left Hollywood with a check for $1100 million and Garbo, returning to Miami on the 13th.

(End of this chapter)