Cigars and Champagne Go Better with a Championship

Shaquille O'Neal saw Xiao Hua about to rush in and present the award again, and he froze.

Then he changed what he was about to say. "Please welcome a devoted follower of The Lord of the Rings, Bill Russell, to present the award to Wang Yi."

Wang Yi really disliked Xiao Hua's behavior.

In Chinese tradition, elders were to be respected.

And Bill Russell was a Legendary Superstar.

But as soon as Xiao Hua took office, he'd gone and ignored Bill Russell.

It was only natural that the person whose name was on the trophy should present it. Who the hell did Xiao Hua think he was?

Wang Yi had considered refusing to accept the trophy, but he'd earned it through his own efforts. Why should he turn it down?

But if he accepted it, what would that say about a Legendary Superstar like Bill Russell?

Then, an idea struck Wang Yi.

After taking the trophy, he spoke into the microphone:

"This is the Bill Russell Cup. I think if he touched it himself, it'd be like blessing the trophy. Then everything will go my way, and I'll win FMVP every year."

As he spoke, he carried the Bill Russell Cup over to Bill Russell.

Bill Russell was advanced in age now, his hair white, and he seemed to tremble even as he sat there.

Still, Wang Yi held the trophy out to him. "Sir, would you bless it for me?"

At Wang Yi's words, a smile appeared on Bill Russell's otherwise blank face.

He felt a sudden surge of affection for Wang Yi.

He reached out and gently stroked the trophy with his right hand.

Only then did Wang Yi raise the gleaming FMVP trophy high above his head.

It was the first major individual trophy of his NBA