The Second Contract

6 Second Contract

As Wang Yi held the 100 US Dollars and turned to leave.

A burst of hurried footsteps sounded, and the Lakers players had already rushed over.

They had thought Wang Yi was blocking the Warriors' locker room door to settle a score with that Afro.

So they all rushed over, partly to stop Wang Yi and prevent things from escalating, and partly because they feared Wang Yi was outnumbered and might be bullied by the Warriors.

Especially their leader, James.

If his teammate was going to confront someone, he naturally had to help support the situation. He couldn't let his teammate be bullied.

But at the same time, he couldn't let the situation spiral out of control. If it did, it would be detrimental not only to the team but also to Wang Yi.

However, at this moment, seeing that Wang Yi was not only unharmed but was also casually swinging 100 US Dollars in his hand, a satisfied smile on his face as he walked towards them.

Everyone was stunned.

"Wang, are you okay?"

"Wang, how did it go?"

James approached and looked Wang Yi up and down. He then glanced at the players by the Warriors' locker room door. It was clear no fight had broken out. He breathed a sigh of relief and asked, "Wang, what happened?"

Seeing so many of his teammates rush over, Wang Yi felt a warmth spread through him. He shook his head and said, "It's nothing, I just accidentally won a bet."

Upon hearing this, everyone else also breathed a sigh of relief.

James said, "Wang, next time something like this happens, you need to tell us clearly. Otherwise, if you win money and we rush in to fight without knowing the situation, we'll be the ones who are wronged."

The other players all burst into laughter. James was like that; he could always make jokes that made everyone happy. Because of this, the relationship among the Lakers players had always been harmonious. You could say his jokes were the glue that held the players together.

When they returned to the locker room door, a staff member was already waiting there. Seeing everyone return, and looking in good spirits, he visibly relaxed. He then said to Wang Yi:

"Wang, General Manager Pelinka is looking for you."

Wang Yi's heart stirred slightly. His 10-day short contract had expired. If the Lakers didn't want to re-sign him, they would have directly notified his agent by phone. It was only if they intended to re-sign him that the General Manager might seek him out to inform him in advance.

James, upon hearing this, was also happy for Wang Yi. He said, "Wang, I told you, maybe tonight is the beginning of your good luck."

Wang Yi nodded, "Thank you."

Afterward, Wang Yi went to General Manager Pelinka's office. Pelinka was a very quiet middle-aged man. He would often stand at the far end of the spectator seats, watching the team's games without saying a word. No one knew what he was thinking.

At this moment, he sat behind his desk and watched Wang Yi enter, remaining silent. It wasn't until Wang Yi spoke, "General Manager, you were looking for me?" that Pelinka finally spoke:

"Wang, your performance tonight has surprised everyone. You know, Schroder hasn't returned from his injury yet, and our guard line is still missing a scoring player. Are you willing to sign another ten-day short contract with us?"

Pelinka spoke with skill. He didn't say, "We are willing to sign a contract with you," but rather, "Are you willing to sign a contract with us?" Although the meaning was similar, the former placed the team in a higher position, while the latter showed more respect to the player.

Wang Yi had already anticipated that his performance would impress the Lakers' management, leading to another 10-day short contract.

However, hearing it directly from the general manager still brought a surge of joy to his heart.

"Thank you, General Manager. I don't think I have any reason to refuse."

Wang Yi felt that signing another 10-day short contract was already great.

As for a guaranteed contract, the Lakers definitely wouldn't give him one for now.

After all, in about a week, the Lakers' starting point guard, Schroder, would be returning.

At that point, the Lakers' backcourt would be too crowded, making it impossible for them to offer him a guaranteed contract.

Unless...

During this second 10-day period, he could put on an exceptionally dazzling performance.

Thinking of this, Wang Yi's mind went back to the sign-in System.

He clenched his fists subtly.

Pelinka continued, "This second 10-day short contract is for $20,000. I hope this meets your satisfaction."

Upon hearing this, Wang Yi nodded and said, "Thank you, I'm very satisfied."

Depending on a player's past performance, 10-day short contracts could range from a few thousand to over ten thousand US Dollars.

Wang Yi's previous contract was only for $8,000.

This time, it increased directly to $20,000, which would alleviate his financial struggles.

As he walked out of the manager's office, point guard Caruso was already waiting for Wang Yi.

Wang Yi was staying at his place, so Caruso would wait for him after every home game.

"Wang, how did it go? Is it a guaranteed contract?"

Caruso asked.

Wang Yi shook his head and replied, "A short contract."

Caruso patted Wang Yi's shoulder and said, "It's okay. As long as you can maintain your performance from tonight, I believe it will definitely convert into a guaranteed contract."

Wang Yi nodded, not saying much more.

Then, he got into Caruso's pickup truck and drove out of the parking lot.

As they passed the main entrance of the Staples Center, under the night sky, seven statues stood tall.

The LOGO man, Jerry West.

Elgin Baylor.

The Skyhook, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Shaquille O'Neal.

Elgin Hayes.

Kobe Bryant...

Every name was thunderous.

Seeing Kobe Bryant's bronze statue, Wang Yi silently thought, Boss...

Back at Caruso's house, after a simple dinner.

Wang Yi returned to his bed in the garage.

Caruso's house wasn't large to begin with, and it was already a bit crowded with his family living there.

After Wang Yi arrived, he could only temporarily settle in the garage.

Lying on a makeshift bed, Wang Yi finally began to carefully study the sign-in System in his mind.

"System, please introduce yourself."

The System's voice quickly responded, still mechanical and cold:

[This System is named the Legendary Superstar System, and it exists to help the host become a legendary superstar.]

[Before each game, the host can sign in. The rewards obtained are temporary experience cards for various skills.]

Upon hearing this, Wang Yi wasn't particularly excited. Instead, he frowned slightly.

Experience cards were, after all, just external aids.

If, one day, the System ceased to exist, wouldn't he revert to being ordinary again?

Even with an external aid, he couldn't become a good-for-nothing who only relied on it.

He asked, "Is there any way to turn these experience cards into my own skills?"

The System's voice came again:

[This System also contains a training system. Completing training missions released by the System can enhance one's various abilities.]

Upon hearing this, Wang Yi couldn't help but feel a surge of joy.

The System had already issued the mission:

[Mission: Make 1000 three-pointers]

[Mission Reward: Three-point shooting percentage increased to 45%]