The first punch that shocked the basketball world

Lin Fei walked to the restaurant entrance and circled the black Audi Q3 halfway around.

This car is in an awkward position.

Real bosses drive Q7s, middle-class people drive Q5s, and only young people with limited funds who want to project the image of an Audi SUV will choose the Q3.

He can't afford the car right now, but that doesn't stop him from thinking it's boring, neither here nor there, and just plain awkward.

I pushed open the door and went in; the bell rang softly.

Lin Xiuqin sat at a table by the window, chatting with someone.

Sitting across from me is Aunt Dong, an old neighbor who runs a liquor store at the street corner. She immigrated here in the mid-90s.

My aunt's family always gets their drinks from her; it's cheaper than the wholesale price. She's a neighbor, and I trust her character.

Sitting next to Aunt Dong was a young woman, about twenty-five or twenty-six years old, with deep-set eyes and a high nose bridge, a typical Sino-American mixed-race appearance.

That Q3 by the door most likely belongs to her.

"get off work?"

Lin Xiuqin was the first to stand up, pulling Lin Fei's arm to sit down: "Are you tired today?"

"Not tired," Lin Fei shook his head.

Aunt Dong smiled, her face crinkling with wrinkles, and started to chat.

"Xiao Fei is back. This is my granddaughter, Emily. She works at a sporting goods company nearby. You young people should get to know her."

Aunt Dong would often squat under the big locust tree by the door and play cards. Everyone on the street knew that the Lin family's son was honest, upright, and good-looking.

Emily looked up at Lin Fei, her eyes visibly brightening.

She initially thought he was just an ordinary restaurant owner's nephew. At first glance, he was tall, with well-defined shoulders and sharp features, looking much more energetic than the white men in the company.

A surge of warmth immediately appeared in his eyes.

With her grandmother nearby, she didn't act too boldly, but reached out and handed it over with a smile.

"Hello. We're neighbors, let's keep in touch."

Lin Fei reached out and gently shook his hand.

"Hello there."

Within two minutes of sitting down, Lin Xiuqin explained her purpose for coming.

It's quite a coincidence.

The general manager of Emily's company drove by last week and came in for a Coca-Cola chicken rice bowl.

It tastes great, much better than the canteen I used to run.

Coincidentally, the food in that cafeteria wasn't fresh last week, and after being reported by employees, they were all fired.

The company, which has about 20 to 30 employees, is struggling to find lunch and dinner options.

The general manager used to drive over to eat every day, which took half an hour round trip and a meal, and it was too much of a hassle.

I'm looking for a reliable restaurant to book group meals with long-term, two meals a day, delivered on time.

Emily knew that her grandmother ran a liquor business in this area, so after asking around, she asked Lin Xiuqin.

The company sent her to discuss the matter; it was arranged by an acquaintance, so I don't feel worried.

Lin Fei understood immediately after hearing it.

To put it simply, the other party values ​​the taste and wants a long-term partnership.

It's stable, but the price is kept low.

He also understood his aunt's concerns.

The small restaurant was run by Uncle Zhu Yuliang alone, with one temporary waiter hired from outside, and the rest of the staff were all family members.

Taking this order will definitely make me more money, but my workload will also double.

My uncle isn't in good health; he's been working non-stop every day, and I'm afraid he won't be able to keep up.

If you keep pushing the price down, you'll only earn that little bit of hard-earned money, and you'll end up getting sick from exhaustion. It's not worth it.

So Lin Xiuqin couldn't make up her mind, and just then Lin Fei came back, so she asked him to help her decide.

"Do you have a specific plan?" Lin Fei asked Emily.

Emily smiled and pushed the contract on the table towards her.

"This was drafted by the company; take a look at it first."

Lin Fei picked it up and flipped through a couple of pages.

The terms and conditions are standard and there are no unfair terms or conditions.

Food delivery must be completed before 10:30 a.m. or 4:30 p.m., and must be clean, hygienic, and of sufficient quantity.

Sincerity is there.

They slashed the price drastically.

The cola chicken rice costs 26 yuan a serving, but regular customers who order a lot will pay 22 yuan.

The company's price is fifteen per serving.

It was cut in half.

No wonder my aunt was conflicted.

"It's a bit late today." Lin Fei handed the contract back. "I'll discuss it with my aunt and uncle and write to you later."

Emily still wanted to try.

"Your family has been working with my grandmother for so many years, we trust you." She leaned forward. "Our requirements aren't high, just deliver on time and keep things clean. It's okay if the taste is a little off when we're busy. Once this order stabilizes, it will be extra income for you."

Lin Fei rubbed his temples.

"I know," he said, "but my uncle is in charge of cooking, so I'll have to ask him what he thinks. I need to understand."

Having said that, Emily couldn't press the matter any further.

She put the contract away, stood up, and shook hands with Lin Fei.

"Okay, I'll wait for your message."

Before leaving, she asked for Lin Fei's phone number, for a legitimate reason, to facilitate future contact and cooperation.

Grandma Dong and her grandson drove away.

Lin Xiuqin looked at the back of the car, then turned to look at Lin Fei, her face full of gossip.

"Xiaofei, why do I feel like that girl's gaze towards you is off?" She nudged Lin Fei's arm. "Could she have a crush on you?"

Lin Fei looked helpless.

"Auntie, don't talk nonsense. It's our first meeting, how could that be?"

"Why not?"

Lin Xiuqin was displeased and lightly patted him: "My nephew is so handsome, isn't it normal for him to be interested in you? Aren't you confident?"

Lin Fei quickly stopped the conversation, otherwise it would lead to marriage and having children.

"Aunt, we can discuss the collaboration," he said seriously, "but the price needs to be raised a bit. The profit margin is too thin, and it's not worth it to exhaust your husband. You discuss it with your husband, and I'll talk to her."

"Okay, I'll do as you say." Lin Xiuqin nodded.

"I'll go upstairs and rest for a while; I'm a little tired today."

"Hey, bring this cup of honey water upstairs." Lin Xiuqin quickly handed over the cup.

...

Lin Fei returned to his room on the second floor, but no one was there.

Zhu Xiuli didn't go home after school; I wonder where she went off to have fun with her classmates again.

He lay down on the bed and took out his phone to browse the news.

It's all NBA news.

Two interesting points.

One example is Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, who publicly criticized the referees for unfair calls and was fined $25,000 by the league.

It would be abnormal if this guy didn't get fined several times a year.

The other team is the Wizards, who signed guard Shelvin Mack to a ten-day contract to fill a gap in their backcourt.

These are all scraps of news, just something to read to pass the time.

While I was scrolling through the app, a friend request popped up on my social media.

The profile picture is of a mixed-race beauty, Emily.

Lin Fei passed.

The other party replied instantly: 【What are you doing?】

Lin Fei replied: [Browsing the news.]

Emily: [Are you free tomorrow? How about we go to a coffee shop?]

Lin Fei raised an eyebrow.

So you've already made an appointment?

Just as I was wondering if the other party genuinely wanted to discuss cooperation or was just trying to woo me, they added: "This is a good opportunity to discuss the details of the cooperation further."

They found an excuse quite easily.

Lin Fei replied with "OK" and put his phone face down.

Emily then sent two more messages, asking about his usual hobbies and whether he wanted to work out together.

Lin Fei did not reply.

I practiced all morning and I'm exhausted. I don't feel like chatting with anyone.

The cooperation itself wasn't a big problem; the only hurdle was the price.

Lin Fei knew that the other party had taken the initiative to come to him because they liked his taste and cleanliness.

As long as the price increase isn't too outrageous, the other party will most likely agree.

My aunt and uncle are honest people. They never skimp on the weight when cooking, and they always use fresh meat and vegetables, which taste great.

If the negotiations fail, they will be the ones who suffer the loss.

To be honest, Lin Fei didn't want his aunt and uncle to suffer like this.

If they actually make it to the NBA and earn money, I definitely won't let them open a restaurant.

But not now.

If we refuse now, my aunt might regret it later and nag me endlessly.

Let's negotiate first. If we can negotiate a higher price, we can work less and earn more. That's fine too.

Just then, another notification popped up on the social media app.

— Someone liked your post.

Lin Fei was stunned for a moment.

On the day he signed the contract, he casually posted, "Signed with the Defenders, a new beginning."

Normally, nobody pays attention to me; the people who like my posts are either my Black friends on the basketball court or a few old neighbors.

He clicked on it, and his pupils contracted slightly.

Dwight Howard.

Officially verified with a blue V badge, and has over six million followers.

Is it really Dwight Howard from the Lakers?

Lin Fei's heart skipped a beat.

Clicking into the homepage confirms that it is indeed the person in question.

Why would I suddenly like his post?

He hesitated for a moment, then opened his private messages and sent one.

Hey Dwight, I didn't expect you to follow me.

After sending it, stare at the screen for five minutes.

No reply.

Lin Fei pursed his lips, somewhat disappointed.

I originally wanted to follow this lead and maybe speed up my move to the Lakers.

So you just randomly see it and give it a like?

He shook his head, no longer thinking about it.

Click to view the Lakers' schedule.

The Lakers just finished a game tonight, an away game against the New York Knicks.

Lin Fei clicked in to watch the highlights replay.

Anthony immediately started attacking Artest head-on.

He can break through, jump shot, or post up – he's got it all.

He scored 45 points in total, including 16 points in the final quarter, and forcefully broke through the Lakers' defense.

Artest couldn't keep up at all and was repeatedly attacked and torn apart.

He even had a verbal exchange with Anthony, and the two of them each received a technical foul.

Kobe and Howard both played for over 40 minutes and were exhausted, but they still couldn't win.

Lin Fei looked at Atai, who had been easily beaten on the screen, and stroked his chin.

These steps are really slow.

After watching for ten minutes, I started to feel sleepy.

He tossed his phone aside, turned over, and went to sleep.

...

Lin Fei woke up promptly at 5 a.m. the next morning.

I didn't go for a run.

The team's training volume is already high enough; there's no need to add another 10 kilometers every day.

He didn't sleep in; he went downstairs and cooked two bowls of noodles, eating one himself and leaving one for his sister.

After eating, I packed my bag and took the bus to the stadium.

Lin Fei's defense remained outstanding, and Morris became awkward around him, deliberately avoiding him.

After having lunch at the cafeteria, Lin Fei took the bus home.

As soon as I arrived at the entrance, I saw the black Q3 parked in the same spot as always.

Emily was leaning against the car door playing on her phone when she saw him get out of the car, and immediately waved with a smile.

"You're back." She stepped forward. "Auntie said you haven't gotten off work yet, so I'll wait here for a while."

Lin Fei nodded.

"Shall we talk in the car?" Emily opened the passenger door.

Lin Fei didn't refuse and bent down to sit inside.

The car's heater was on full blast.

Emily didn't rush to drive; instead, she turned to the side and stared intently at Lin Fei.

After watching for a few seconds, she suddenly smiled.

Has anyone ever told you that you're quite handsome?

A blatant flirtation.

Lin Fei leaned back in his chair and shrugged.

You are not the first, nor will you be the last.

Emily burst into laughter.

She was wearing a strapless dress with a light jacket over it today, but it was hot in the car, so she took the jacket off a while ago.

When she laughed, she leaned forward, and the curve of her neckline fell right into Lin Fei's line of sight.

After a morning of training, I was already thirsty.

Lin Fei didn't look away, staring openly.

Such beautiful scenery is too good to pass up; you might as well take a look.

What are you pretending to be, a virtuous gentleman?

When Emily saw his gaze fixed on her, she didn't look away. Instead, she tossed her hair and leaned closer.

"Oh, right."

Lin Fei suddenly spoke up: "Before we have coffee, could you take me somewhere?"

Emily paused for a moment.

"Where to?"

Lin Fei gave the address of a vegetable market.

"OK."

Emily didn't ask any more questions and started the car.