The first punch that shocked the basketball world

The team had the day off the next day.

Lin Fei gets up at 5 a.m., runs 10 kilometers, goes home, simmers some braised meat, and cooks four bowls of braised noodles.

Zhu Xiuli yawned and moved out of her room as her aunt and uncle got up.

"Brother, aren't you going to work today?"

"Have a holiday."

Lin Fei placed the noodles on the table: "After you finish eating, I'll take you out for a walk."

After finishing their meal, Lin Fei led Zhu Xiuli towards the park.

I made an appointment with Marcus Tucker.

Two things.

First, he wanted to inquire about the progress of the used car project; second, he wanted Marcus to act as a go-between, while Larry West watched his own game.

seeing is believing.

No amount of sweet talk is as effective as letting the other party see your performance on the field.

If he can really impress West, the Lakers might have a chance to offer him a 10-day contract.

A few minutes later, Marcus's beat-up Ford wobbled over.

Before anyone even got off the bus, the loud voice arrived first.

"Lin, you better really be in trouble! I stayed up until 3 a.m. yesterday, and I was just sleeping with a girl in my arms!"

He got out of the car rubbing his eyes; his dark circles were as heavy as a panda's.

Lin Fei joked with a smile.

"Try to stay up less late. When I make it to the NBA, I'll ask you to be my assistant. Don't end up only being able to give money at weddings."

Marcus chuckled, not at all angry.

"Speak up, what is it that we have to talk in person?"

"Let's ask about the car first," Lin Fei said. "Any leads?"

Marcus curled his lip.

"You have the nerve to bring that up. A car for a thousand dollars? You can't find one that easily, you have to be lucky."

"The one that Grandpa Zhang's son has next door only costs eight hundred."

"You dare take eight hundred?" Marcus laughed angrily. "I know all the car dealerships around here. Eight hundred dollars is either a flood-damaged car or an accident car. They'll refurbish it nicely, but after half a month, it'll be full of problems."

He paused, then added, "I made sure the ones I found for you were of legitimate origin, and that they weren't damaged by water or fire. I'm keeping an eye on them, and I'll let you know as soon as I find something suitable."

He thought for a moment, "A week, I'll give you a definite answer within a week."

Lin Fei nodded.

We're going to New York next week for an away game, which will take several days round trip.

This isn't urgent, I'm just mentioning it in case Marcus forgets.

"There's something else."

Lin Fei got down to business: "Did you see the news about yesterday's match?"

"I've looked at it!"

Marcus patted him on the shoulder, his face crinkling with laughter: "Your debut was a bombshell! Otherwise, do you think I would have abandoned my girl to come see you?"

The words may be crude, but the principle is sound.

Lin Fei's current status is completely different from when he was on trial.

"I'd like you to connect with Ryan West again," Lin Fei said. "Could you invite him to watch a game? I guarantee I can impress him."

Marcus looked troubled.

"Lin, to be honest," he rubbed his hands together, "I don't know Ryan that well. I had to beg him to come to the Alhambra to watch you try out last time."

"It's hard to say whether I can get him to go to the game in person," he sighed. "I'll try my best, but I can't guarantee it."

He really wanted to curry favor with Lin Fei.

If Lin Fei really makes it into the NBA, he, as the introducer, will also benefit.

But what is Ryan West's identity? He's a member of the Lakers' scouting team.

It's not that easy to invite someone.

"It doesn't have to be in person," Lin Fei compromised. "A live stream would be fine with him. As long as he notices me."

Marcus immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

"Live streaming is easy," he said, patting his chest. "Leave it to me."

After finishing their business, Marcus looked at Zhu Xiuli behind Lin Fei.

"Your sister? She looks a lot like you."

Zhu Xiuli peeked out from behind Lin Fei and raised her chin.

Complimenting her on looking like her brother is just another way of saying she's pretty.

"Don't praise her," Lin Fei interrupted, "If you praise her too much, she'll actually believe it."

"elder brother!"

Zhu Xiuli pinched his arm: "Uncle Marcus is telling the truth! You're just jealous that I'm prettier than you!"

Marcus laughed heartily.

After saying goodbye to Marcus, Lin Fei led Zhu Xiuli towards the mall.

I've recently squeezed a lot of pocket money out of my sister.

I got my first week's salary, and I plan to buy her two figurines.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Xiuli jumped up high.

"Brother, you're so great!"

In the figurine shop, the little girl spent a long time picking and choosing before bringing over two anime character models.

When Lin Fei checked out the bill, he saw the price: three hundred and sixty US dollars.

The outstretched hand was immediately pulled back.

"Little sister, I suddenly think," he said seriously, "this isn't something we absolutely have to buy. How about I take you to get some cake?"

Zhu Xiuli knew perfectly well that he was stingy with money.

Clutching the box, he turned and ran towards the door.

"You've already swindled so much money from me! What's wrong with two figurines?!"

The little girl ran very fast, and her voice drifted over.

Lin Fei smiled and shook his head.

It hurts to spend the money, but it's worth it to give it to my sister.

He went over to pay the bill.

Zhu Xiuli had already run off with the figurine and disappeared.

Lin Fei put his hands behind his head and slowly walked back.

Whistling, in a good mood.

After his debut, he will most likely be a starter in the next game.

The restaurant catering arrangement has been finalized, which will provide my aunt and uncle with additional income.

Everything is moving in a positive direction.

I hadn't taken two steps when my phone rang.

I opened it; it was from Emily.

What are you doing? Did you miss me?

Ever since that time at the coffee shop, this girl has been messaging him every day to ask him out.

Lin Fei declined all offers, citing his busy training schedule.

I have a day off today, so I have nothing to do.

It's not that I'm lusting after her body.

The main point is that Marcus said there would be news about the car within a week.

He hasn't driven a car in a long time, so he needs to practice before buying one.

Emily has her Q3 all to go, plus a free driver.

Why not take advantage of it?

Lin Fei typed in a dog-like manner.

Of course I want to. I can't stop thinking about you, I wish I could see you right now.

The person on the other end was stunned for a long time.

【? 】

Let's start with a question mark.

Did you take the wrong medicine today? I have a feeling it's not going to be good.

Lin Fei laughed.

[It's a holiday, let's go for a walk. Remember to drive.]

Emily immediately responded with an OK sign.

[We'll be there in fifteen minutes.]

Lin Fei sent the location.

Less than fifteen minutes later, the black Q3 pulled up on the side of the road.

Emily, wearing sunglasses, gestured with her chin towards him.

"Get in the car."

Lin Fei opened the car door and got in, then took out a few small flowers from behind his back.

"This is for you."

Emily's eyes lit up immediately.

"Wow, that's pretty romantic."

Lin Fei nodded and pointed to the flower bed by the roadside.

"I just pulled it out."

"Hate!"

Emily punched his arm: "Couldn't you just say you bought it on purpose?"

After a few jokes, Lin Fei got down to business.

"By the way, I'm planning to buy a car soon. It's been a while since I've driven one, how about you be my driving instructor?"

"No problem," Emily said, intrigued. "I'm an experienced driver."

Lin Fei thought to himself, "This is what I'm thinking."

You're an experienced driver, the kind who drives yellow cars.

The car drove onto a secluded side road in Alhambra.

With few cars and people, it's a good place to practice driving.

The two switched seats.

Lin Fei got into the driver's seat and adjusted the seat first.

Emily's seat was moved too far forward, making him cramped up.

Buckle up and familiarize yourself with the buttons.

Start the engine, release the brake, and accelerate.

The first press of the accelerator was too hard, and the engine made a loud hum.

"Ouch, be gentle!" Emily cried out in distress. "Are you going to take the car apart?!"

I forgot to use my turn signal when changing lanes, and my brakes were applied erratically.

The car was driving shakily.

After two laps, my feel for the game gradually returned.

It's not that I don't know how to drive, it's just that I'm not very skilled.

The driving became smoother and smoother, and the braking and acceleration became more stable.

"Sure," Emily said, surprised. "You don't look like a beginner."

Lin Fei flashed a smile, revealing a set of white teeth.

"I'm pretty good at more than just driving; I'm also quite skilled in other areas."

There's a hidden meaning in his words.

Emily understood, tugged at her collar to reveal her collarbone, and gave him a flirtatious wink.

"My sister doesn't believe me. Show me how."

Lin Fei felt a surge of warmth in his heart.

There's a convenience store right at the intersection ahead.

He turned on his turn signal and pulled over.

"Wait."

He got out of the car and went inside, then came out two minutes later with a box in his pocket.

Get in the car and step on the gas.

We headed straight to a nearby budget hotel.

...

The team held a normal training session the following morning.

The intensity is not high; the main activity is shooting.

Harris clapped his hands and told everyone.

"We're leaving for New York tomorrow and will stay for a week. First, we'll play the Westchester Knicks, the Knicks' affiliate team, and then the Long Island Nets, the Nets' affiliate team."

"Go back this afternoon to pack your things and make the necessary arrangements."

After training ended, Lin Fei did not do any extra practice.

Marcus called right after I finished lunch.

"The car has been found! Are you free this afternoon to transfer the ownership?"

Lin Fei was a little surprised.

We just said it would be a week, and here we are already receiving news.

"Okay, send me the address."

In the afternoon, Lin Fei followed Marcus to a used car dealership in the suburbs.

The shop was small and dilapidated, with old cars parked in the yard.

The boss is Marcus's brother, a big, dark-skinned man with a bright white smile.

"A Buick Excelle, 2003." The shopkeeper patted the car door. "No accidents, no major repairs, regularly maintained. It's just a bit old-fashioned."

Lin Fei walked around the car, opened the door, and looked at the interior.

A thousand dollars, what more could I ask for?

"That's it."

I went to the vehicle management office in the afternoon to transfer ownership and register the vehicle.

Lin Fei counted out one thousand US dollars in cash and handed it over.

Before leaving, he patted Marcus on the shoulder.

"Thanks, bro. I'll remember it. When I make it to the NBA, I'll definitely take you with me."

Marcus smiled and waved his hand.

He'd heard too much about pancakes.

But he truly believed in Lin Fei's momentum.

Who knows, one day this opportunity might just fall into my lap.

The next morning.

When Lin Fei finished his run and returned home, his aunt had already packed his backpack.

The change of clothes was folded neatly.

Be careful when you go out.

Lin Xiuqin handed him the bag, her brow furrowed with worry: "Don't go to crowded places or remote areas. Get along well with your colleagues, and call if you need anything."

"Okay, Auntie." Lin Fei smiled and took the bag. "I've said it a million times, I'm off."

We gathered at the stadium, and the whole team took a bus to the airport.

New York is too far, so I have to fly.

Development League teams don't have private jets; they fly economy class on regular commercial airlines.

They squeezed in with the regular passengers.

This was Lin Fei's first time flying in the United States.

Before boarding, I was wondering if all the flight attendants were pretty.

When I went up there, I saw that they were all middle-aged women in their thirties and forties.

She's maintained a decent figure, but her face is just awful.

Compared to Emily and Sofia, she's a whole level below.

They didn't even have the thought of asking for contact information.

The airplane food was just something to eat and forget about.

We landed at New York JFK Airport at 3 p.m.

The entire team boarded a chartered bus and headed straight to the Westchester Knicks' training facility.

Everyone paused for a moment as they got off the bus.

The stadium is brand new and bright, with glass exterior walls and a large area.

The players' tunnel is spacious and clean, and the facilities inside the stadium are complete.

Compared to the Utah Lightning's crappy arena, it's like heaven and earth.

"Wow..." substitute center Olaf exclaimed in amazement, "Big markets are really something else. Even the affiliated team arenas are so luxurious."

Lin Fei nodded as well.

No wonder star athletes flock to New York and Los Angeles.

In a place where land is incredibly valuable, even the development alliance exudes extravagance.

Compared to this, the stadium in Salt Lake City from a few days ago is like a junkyard.