Chapter 60

For some reason…

Ever since he defeated Stackhouse with Kobe, Su Feng felt like his days were getting boring.

“Su, Coach John (Lucas) seems to have told us that…

“If we are willing to, we can visit the Philadelphia 76ers’ training court any time?”

After challenging Su Feng for a day, Kobe asked Su Feng.

“Yes, seems like it, why?” Su Feng scratched his head and looked at Kobe.

“Shall we go and challenge Jerry again?” asked Kobe.

Su Feng was speechless.

That was too much!

Sir, do you really think Stackhouse is a punching bag for you?

“Forget it, I don’t think it’s very nice.” Kobe shook his head and looked depressed.

Su Feng smiled like a father when he saw Kobe becoming more mature as the days passed.

This Black Mamba had grown up!

“Oh right, Su, shall we go and look for Tracey during winter break?

“Let him witness the peak of American high school basketball!” said Kobe suddenly as the idea struck him.

Su Feng was speechless.

Aiyo, no wonder he was Kobe, his thoughts…

Please, be more humane. McGrady still wants to maintain his image!

Well…

Right.

“I think it’s fine, I heard that Tracey is almost undefeatable in North Carolina.” Su Feng thought about it and felt that Kobe’s suggestion was interesting.

Tsk tsk, the thought of defeating McGrady made him happy.

“Oh, by the way, Su, if we challenged Jerry again, what do you think are the chances of each of us winning?” asked Kobe suddenly.

Su Feng replied after thinking, “I think 70% for me. After all, there was an element of luck in me winning Jerry last time.

“Of course, even if Jerry is able to beat me, I can lower his accuracy to less than 30%.

“For you, it depends on your condition. If your condition is good, Jerry won’t be able to beat you.

“However, if you are not in the optimal condition, Jerry could defeat you.”

Kobe smiled as he listened to Su Feng’s analysis. “Then, by comparison, you and I are very different.”

Su Feng was confused.

Su Feng did not know whether he should say something.

What the f*ck, you asked me to analyze just to tell me that?

“Sigh, it is really lonely to be undefeatable.” Kobe sighed.

“Indeed.” Su Feng felt the same way.

That was because after beating Stackhouse, Su Feng and Kobe both caught the “Soon-to-be Entering the NBA Syndrome”.

This syndrome basically meant that the match with Stackhouse had prepared the two of them for the NBA.

Especially since every high school in Pennsylvania decided to not defend the team from Lower Merion High School.

Su Feng and Kobe were like demons!

Have you ever heard of someone who continued to play all-out after leading by 40 points in the first half of the match?

Su Feng and Kobe were demons who did.

Although they stopped early sometimes, the crux of the issue was…

As long as they played, they would play as though they were playing the finals.

After every strong player in Pennsylvania was defeated, the remaining “strong teams” could only shiver in a corner.

Therefore, after Su Feng and Kobe combined forces, the high school games were no longer challenging for them.

Therefore, Su Feng and Kobe became more and more “lonely”.

“Another round?” Kobe asked Su Feng after resting.

“Sure!” Thankfully, Su Feng and Kobe could still play one-on-one.

If Kobe’s feelings were to be translated to words, it would be, “The heroes of Pennsylvania are Su Feng and me!”

…

Dear Su, when you receive this letter, I think my report called…

‘Secret Insights on the First Chinese NBA Player — Su Feng’, will already be published on China Sports News.

You don’t know how many colleagues of mine have since gained interest in you after our team returned to China.

Everyone is interested in your experience in the United States. The head of the basketball association even invited Director Zhang over to ask about your situation.

Besides that, Hu Weidong also asked me to enquire about the expenditure and salary of the NBA on his behalf.

Oh right, CCTV[1] also asked me for your photos. They mentioned that they wanted to invite Mr Xu and Director Zhang to do an exclusive feature on you.

The country supports you, Su, work hard and press on!

After you enter the NBA successfully, I will make a request to the news agency to be your journalist in the United States.

After the departure of the reporter trio, Su Feng occasionally received letters from his home country.

In 1995, ICQ was not invented and computers were not widely used yet in China. Su Feng knew that the communication between individuals would only become more convenient after the internet boom in 1996.

Su Feng was overwhelmed with emotions when he saw Su Junyang’s letter.

He suddenly understood the reason why the little giant had decided to embark on the journey despite knowing the danger.

Su Feng never knew that he was fit to be a hero. However, with great power comes great responsibility.

After all, gifts gifted by fate had been priced beforehand…

Su Feng knew that if the NBA opened its doors to him, then he would…

Become the hope of his home country.

“Sigh, I am so stressed!” However, if he really entered the NBA, how would the Chinese media praise him?

Regarding this, Su Feng was actually pretty interested to find out.

…

Let us put this topic aside for now.

On the 4th of December, after the article “Secret Insights on the First Chinese NBA Player — Su Feng” was published in the China Sports News, it made a huge hit in the schools of China.

Students in the 1990s mainly received news from newspapers.

Moreover, sports and basketball were the key interests of young people.

“NBA! Are we really going to see a Chinese player in the NBA?”

“Come, look, Su Feng is mentioned to have defeated Jerry Stackhouse from the Philadelphia 76ers!”

“Wa, is this Su Feng? He is so handsome!”

“Then will he appear on television along with Michael Jordan?”

“Tsk, does your family own a television?”

“Even though my family doesn’t, I can go over to others’ houses to watch! My neighbour just bought a color television and has been asking me to go over.”

“Are you serious? Then I will go over with you after Su Feng enters the NBA.”

If the China Sports News was not credible enough, then two days later…

On the sports channel of the Great Dynasty TV Station, Zhang Weiping and Xu Jicheng praised Su Feng again in one of their basketball shows.

Different from the United States, who never lacked basketball talents, Su Feng’s appearance created an uproar in the entire country.

The only regrettable thing was that there was no social media in that era. If there were, Su Feng would be the most popular person in the online novels.

Su Feng, who was playing against Kobe in Philadelphia, did not expect a group of Chinese reporters to make their way over to Philadelphia soon.

Stern also never expected a “bridge” over the Pacific Ocean to be built so soon.

…

“Brat, are you really able to enter the NBA?!”

Su Feng was stunned after he called his parents…

Huh?

What was happening?

“I… I worked so hard for my entire life and only managed to get on the news twice!

“What about you? The sports channel played your special report for one entire hour!”

Su Weiguo said furiously through the phone.

Su Feng was speechless.

Erm…

The reporters were so efficient!

“Am I handsome on TV?” asked Su Feng concernedly.

“Nonsense, how can my son not be good-looking?” said Su Weiguo proudly.

Su Feng was speechless.

Mr. Su Weiguo, can you chat like a normal person?

“Oh, right, Uncle Xu is on his way to Philadelphia.

“To be honest, when I first saw the news article from reporter Su, I thought you had bribed them to do a report on you.

“After all, I still cannot forget how you paid your friends to do your homework for you in primary school…” Su Weiguo ranted.

Su Feng was speechless.

Mr. Su Weiguo, that…

That was not done by me, that was done by “Su Feng”!

“Why is Uncle Xu here in Philadelphia?” asked Su Feng curiously.

“Why? Uncle Xu is also a basketball fan.

“I asked him to help me confirm if the news has gone overboard in praising you.

“I don’t even dare to show the article to your grandfather!

“If there are any problems, your grandfather may die of anger,” said Su Weiguo.

Su Feng was speechless.

Mr. Su Weiguo, can you have more trust in others?

Forget it, after understanding some past incidences of “Su Feng” based on the bits and pieces of memory, Su Weiguo knew that it would be strange if Su Weiguo trusted him completely.

Eh…

Erm…

When Su Weiguo mentioned “Su Feng”‘s grandfather, Su Weiguo felt that his head hurt a little.

Then a wave of memories flowed into Su Feng’s mind.

Su Feng was speechless.

So that was it!

He figured it out.

“I will definitely work hard and play well.

“If not, I will end up like Yexiu.”

Su Feng exclaimed.

He did not expect this long-distance phone call to affirm his motivation to enter the NBA and become a basketball star.

Fate was amazing.

…

Two days later, Su Feng bumped into Uncle Xu in Philadelphia.

Uncle Xu’s full name was Xu Guoliang, as for what he did for a living…

It could not be said explicitly.

Of course, it was for their country.

When Su Feng met Xu Guoliang, he also saw a very cute and fair…

Young boy.

Cough cough, do not feel strange, Su Feng thought that such a good looking child should be a girl.

However, he did not expect the six or seven-year-old child to be Xu Guoliang’s son… Xu He.

“Hi, Uncle Xu.” Su Feng was in a good mood when he saw his money tree.

Xu Guoliang patted Su Feng’s shoulder and said, “You didn’t finish spending the $1 million US dollars I gave you, right?

“You should learn to be frugal. After all, your dad and I don’t earn money that easily.”

“I understand,” replied Su Feng obediently.

“Eh, no, when I saw you last time, weren’t you only 1.8 meters?

“You are taller than me now?” Xu Guoliang asked in surprise when he walked with Su Feng.

“I am 1.97 meters, Uncle.” Su Feng smiled.

“These muscles… Wait, you can really enter the NBA? Wow!” said Xu Guoliang excitedly.

Well…

Hmm?

Su Feng felt like he had heard this tone and use of words before.

“If I don’t get into the NBA, what should I do? Uncle, you should know that I cannot even enter university.”

In order to prevent Xu Guoliang from introducing universities to disrupt his plan of “The Path of Talents”, Su Feng could only use “Su Feng” to help him.

From a star student to a bottom-feeder, the change in identity was easy.

“You are right. But… I think I recall saying that if you entered the NBA, I would go…” Xu Guoliang suddenly became alert.

“Yes, Uncle, I have been looking at the dates for you. Streaking in Wall Street in June shouldn’t be cold,” reminded Su Feng.

Xu He laughed when he heard that.

Xu Guoliang immediately slapped him.

Then he looked at Su Feng sternly and said, “Actually, I’ve only seen a few live NBA matches.

“However, I saw the report on CCTV and I know that CCTV would not make any random reports without credible sources.

“S,o Su Feng, let me ask you, what do you think are the chances of you getting into the NBA?”

“I am not very confident.” Su Feng shook his head.

Although the reply was meant to be sad, Xu Guoliang felt that Su Feng’s reply made him feel relaxed.

“I think about 99%!” added Su Feng.

Xu Guoliang was speechless.

Ambulance!

Call the ambulance!

Xu Guoliang suddenly felt that he would die of anger if he continued speaking to Su Feng.

Just as Xu Guoliang needed time to calm down, Xu He tugged on the corner of Su Feng’s shirt and said, “Brother Feng is amazing!”

Su Feng was speechless.

Sss!

Su Feng felt like throwing Xu He into a river.

“Are you being serious?” said Xu Guoliang after regaining his senses.

“Yes, Uncle, you can choose to not believe me, but CCTV reported…

“The local news of Philadelphia reported too. Moreover, you can ask anyone in Philadelphia and they will know Su Feng from Lower Merion,” said Su Feng.

After a while, Xu Guoliang sighed.

“Before arriving, both your father and I knew that you were not lying.

“But… we thought that it was not reliable.

“Child, don’t overthink. I came over to ask you if you need more allowance.

“I heard that you have to attend many training camps in order to get into the NBA, right?

“Like Michael Jordan, doesn’t he have a special coach?” asked Xu Guoliang.

“Uncle, if you want to talk about money, then I am very eager to entertain you…”

Su Feng nodded. “Yes that’s right, everything needs money!”

“But I must be overthinking, you are so lively, I don’t think you lack money.” Xu Guoliang smiled.

“I lack money!”

Who said he did not lack money? He would only not lack money in the future. Su Feng needed a starting fund now.

It was not because he wanted to start up a company, become an entrepreneur, or start developing Facebook…

That was because it was not suitable for him. As for Facebook, wake up. If he did a social media software like that, the FBI would find him eventually.

Was the United States really a free and democratic society?

Therefore, Su Feng figured out that the most suitable method was to invest and make some pocket money.

Wouldn’t it be perfect if he invested in Google’s stocks a few years from now?

In the future, there would be a fatty who had one million original shares of Google. That was an insane amount.

Su Feng’s dream was to buy stocks and invest to earn pocket money, before diverting most of his energy into getting into the NBA and becoming a basketball superstar!

Without him…

He loved basketball.

Su Feng might get tired of a girlfriend, but basketball…

He could play basketball until the end of his life.

Xu Guoliang smiled when he saw Su Feng getting anxious. “You want some pocket money? Hmm, then who was the one who said he would bring me to see… who was that?”

Su Feng touched his heart and swore, “Uncle, I promise, I have forgotten that completely.”

“Serious?”

“Yes!”

Xu He, who saw Xu Guoliang’s 180-degree change in attitude, felt confused.

“The world of adults is too complicated!”

…

Xu Guoliang did not stay too long in Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, after bidding farewell to his God of Wealth, Su Feng and Kobe continued to thrash the other basketball teams in the Pennsylvania high school basketball league…

Before the Christmas holidays, Lower Merion ended the first half of the regionals by winning 18 consecutive matches.

Su Feng contributed an average of 32.5 points every match and was crowned the top scorer in Pennsylvania.

Kobe was able to get 28+10+10+4+4 points.

Kobe’s average score in year four was slightly lower than what Su Feng remembered. However, Kobe’s assist points were four more times than what Su Feng remembered. He had managed to accomplish triple-doubles every round and had become another Splinter.

Just like the previous year, Su Feng spent his Christmas in Kobe’s house.

Besides that, Joe Bryant measured Su Feng’s arm span on Christmas Eve and realized that his arm span was 218.5 cm.

“Perfect. Looking at your figure, Kobe cannot even match up to you,” Joe Bryant exclaimed.

Why was Joe so surprised by Su Feng’s figure?

Let us give a simple example. Someone who had a height and arm span like Su Feng would look awkward due to the proportions.

However, Su Feng was different. He was more like Michael Jordan.

Because Michael Jordan’s shoulder width and body figure were proportional and you would not feel awkward looking at him.

In order to encourage the two of them to continue working hard for the next half of the high school basketball league, Joe Bryant said to them, “Oh right, Su and Kobe, I’ll tell you guys a secret, but you cannot leak it.”

“Erm?” Both Kobe and Su Feng looked at Joe Bryant curiously.

“Without any mishaps, you guys should receive invitations to McDonald’s All-American Game.” Joe Bryant smiled.

“Oh!” However, to Joe Bryant’s surprise, Su Feng and Kobe were not interested in that at all.

“Do you know this is the dream of… most young people?” asked Joe Bryant.

“Yes!” replied Kobe and Su Feng.

Boring…

It was not an NBA match!

Both Kobe and Su Feng had already lost interest in the things normal teenagers were interested in.

To put it frankly…

Kobe was lonely initially.

However, affected by Kobe, Su Feng realized that he had become lonely too.

The main thing was how Kobe kept cancelling the additional training in the afternoon recently. Su Feng could only…

Train by himself.

Eh, but…

As a walking “Human Kobe Encyclopedia”, Su Feng suddenly remembered something.

Did Brandy Norwood, the R&B singer, who was Kobe’s first love, appear?

Su Feng remembered in his past life, Kobe had invited Brandy to his prom.

Then, after entering the Lakers, Kobe’s relationship with Brandy was commented upon by some nosy Los Angeles fans.

“No wonder… I was wondering why Kobe looked at me as though he was showing off.”

Su Feng was happy…

Kobe was finally attached!

However, Su Feng wanted to rant about something regarding this relationship.

Kobe most probably did not “succeed” in this relationship.

That was because Kobe was triggered by Ray Allen in the future during the physical test with the rookies.

Translated to Mandarin, it meant, “As a virgin, why are you excited?”

Kobe was frustrated.

Although Ray Allen’s comment was mean, Su Feng knew that any male who was not a virgin would not get frustrated over this.

Moreover, if Su Feng remembered correctly, after entering the Lakers, Kobe was training insanely every day.

Therefore, he had no idea how Vanessa had “conquered” someone like Kobe.

As for Kobe’s first love, Su Feng did not want to comment much as he knew that they were not suitable for each other.

“Hmm… The second half of the match, should we get Kobe to score a quadruple-double? If not, he seems unmotivated!”

Su Feng was deep in thought as he looked at Kobe…

…

[1] China Central Television Program