Sweeping the Spurs Again
In the Spurs' bench, a voice rang out. "Tim, Michael, what's wrong with you two? Why were you so careless?"
Popovich rebuked him without any politeness.
Duncan and his partner expressed their frustration, saying, "Duncan's mistake could be considered accidental, but Michael Finley was on guard against Li Chen. What good did it do? In the end, he still got the ball stolen."
Popovich was still somewhat aware of the situation; he knew that at this moment, he couldn't start yelling and cursing, otherwise, it would cause the players' morale to fluctuate, which would be counterproductive.
He then reiterated to his teammates that they must prevent Li Chen from stealing the ball.
On the other side, Li Chen was also very fortunate, because he successfully made both steals, which was a good thing for the Knicks.
"Chen, those two steals were fantastic," Odom said with a grin, putting his arm around Li Chen.
"Absolutely." Li Chen made a gesture of smoothing his hair, and said coolly.
"Shh..." Li Chen's pretentious manner drew a chorus of boos from his teammates.
Even coach Alvin Gentry and the coaching staff were amused by Li Chen.
The atmosphere at the Knicks was relaxed and cheerful.
A short while later, the game resumed, and the Spurs attacked.
But it seemed like God was conspiring against the Spurs today; their shooting percentage was abysmal, and they only scored 4 points in the first five minutes of the second quarter.
However, the Knicks didn't fare much better, scoring only 8 points.
After both teams' starters were all on the court, the Knicks' situation improved slightly.
However, the Spurs' offense remained lackluster.
At halftime, the Knicks led 45-35.
During halftime, Popovich's brow was so furrowed it could have crushed a fly.
He just didn't understand, he really didn't understand, why was that Eastern Kid's defense really that strong? How come he didn't see it?
Well! Actually, the Spurs players on the court thought the same thing, but they just couldn't make the shots. Li Chen's relatively unaggressive defense made them feel uncomfortable every time.
Now that the players can't make shots under the basket, even the resourceful Popovich is at his wit's end, and in the end, they can only shoot three-pointers.
At the start of the third quarter, Ginobili hit two consecutive three-pointers.
This greatly encouraged the Spurs players, proving that the saying "In dire situations, rely on Ginobili" is indeed true.
However, the Knicks, known for their three-point shooting prowess, were not to be outdone, with Wang Zhizhi and Odom each trading a player.
To reiterate, the Knicks have Li Chen's 20% shooting advantage, but the Spurs don't.
Ginobili's primary scoring method is still driving to the basket for layups.
However, with Li Chen as the X-factor under the basket, their offensive efficiency was greatly reduced.
They then tried to improve their defense, but Li Chen become restless as long as he wasn't triple-teamed. Moreover, Li Chen was very lucky today, hitting two consecutive pull-up three-pointers even when double-teamed.
This forced the Spurs to continue using a triple-team.
Moreover, Li Chen was very clever; he pulled the Spurs towards the outside of the key, drawing them away and making it difficult for them to help defend.
As a result, the Spurs found themselves in a predicament: their offense was ineffective, and their defense was also ineffective.
If the Knicks hadn't been playing so poorly tonight, they would have been crushed long ago, but it's probably coming soon anyway.
Spurs fans all looked like they knew it; they shouldn't have had any expectations for the Spurs.
In the fourth quarter, Li Chen stole the ball from the Spurs three times in a row, and the disciplined Spurs finally collapsed.
Li Chen is like someone with three hands; he's impossible to guard against!
Finally, the Knicks swept the Spurs 92-75, winning their third consecutive championship. Li Chen once again made Knicks history, and the oldest team in the Knicks finally established its own dynasty.
Then New York City was plunged into another sleepless night.
The next day, Dolan called Li Chen to his office again.
After chatting for a while Dolan finally revealed his purpose.
"Chen, do you think it's possible to get a three-year contract extension with the Knicks?" Dolan asked expectantly.
Dolan is really going all out for the Knicks. When has James Dolan ever humbled himself like this?
Li Chen rolled his eyes, thinking to himself, "I was hoping to use these three years to build connections."
But just as he was thinking about building connections, Li Chen's eyes suddenly lit up. He had an idea for how to establish a close relationship with NBA owners.
So he tempted him, "Mr. Dolan, do you want to make money? Big money?"
Li Chen's words made Dolan pause for a moment, then he smiled and said, "Oh! Chen, money is a good thing, who wouldn't want to earn it?"
After saying that, Dolan asked in surprise, "You?"
Dolan was genuinely surprised.
Seeing Dolan's disbelief, Li Chen felt a bit self-deprecating.
So he dropped the matter and said, "Well... Mr. Dolan, I'm very sorry, but I can't stay with the Knicks."
He was disappointed by Li Chen's reply, but he was still very interested in Li Chen's money-making projects, though only out of curiosity.
After all, he was worth four or five billion US dollars, and he didn't believe that Li Chen could have any money-making projects that would tempt him.
Lost in thought, Dolan asked, "Chen, didn't you just say you had some good money-making projects?"
Li Chen was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said, "Never mind, you don't care about such a small amount of money anyway."
Seeing that Li Chen didn't want to talk about it, Dolan didn't mind.
Just then, Li Chen's phone rang. He saw it was Bill Duffy, then turned to Dolan apologetically and said, "Excuse me, Mr. Dolan, I need to take this call."
Dolan nodded, then made a casual gesture.
Li Chen nodded, then stood up and walked towards the office window.
A moment later, he answered the phone and asked, "Bill, what's up?"
"Oh! My dear Chen, you're amazing! I just sold my shares, and Google Company's stock price dropped."
Hearing Bill Duffy's words, Li Chen was speechless. "Hey, Bill, can you use your brain before you try to flatter me? I've sold so many stocks, do you think it's normal for the stock price not to fall?"
"Uh..." Bill Duffy was slightly taken aback. After thinking about it carefully, he realized that it really made sense, which made him quite embarrassed.
"Hey, hey, hey! You bastard, you don't even give me any face? Don't think that only you Easterners care about face, I care about face too, okay?" Bill Duffy complained.
Li Chen rolled his eyes but didn't respond.
Then Bill Duffy asked, "Any good stocks out there? Let me make one big profit so I can retire."
Bill Duffy is now less interested in being a broker because making money from stocks is too easy.
It's so easy! He invested ten million and quadrupled it in just three years!
Li Chen thought to himself, "With a financial crisis looming, where are the good stocks to be found?!"
Of course, this is just something I think about.
"Wait for my news."
Bill Duffy was waiting for Li Chen to say that; he was genuinely afraid that Li Chen would stop including him in the group.
Dolan heard everything Li Chen said, and he never expected that the way to make money that Li Chen had just mentioned was by playing the stock market.
At that moment, Dolan knew that Li Chen's claim might be true.
When he saw Li Chen put down the phone and walk back, he immediately asked tentatively, "Chen, do you know anything about stocks?"
Li Chen smiled and said, "I'm just playing around and making a little money."
Dolan nodded, saying nothing.
A few days later, the 2007 NBA Draft opened at Madison Square Garden.
First place: Greg Oden, center, Trail Blazers.
Second place: Kevin Durant, small forward, SuperSonics (Oklahoma City Thunder).
Third: Al Horford, Center, Hawks.
Fourth: Mike Conley, point guard, Grizzlies.
Fifth: Jeff Green, Small Forward, SuperSonics.
Sixth: Yi Jianlian, Power Forward, Bucks.
7th: Corey Brewer, Small Forward, Timberwolves.
8th: Brandon Wright, Power Forward, Bobcats.
Ninth: Joakim Noah, Center, Bulls.
10th: Spencer Hawes, Power Forward, Kings.
The Knicks used a second-round pick to select Marc Gasol, the chubby young player.
Marc Gasol witnessed Li Chen's strength on the international stage; his Spain National Team simply couldn't stop him!
He is very happy to be able to play with Li Chen now.
Meanwhile, in mid-July, Li Chen sold off all his stocks, cashing out $20 billion after taxes.
He became the richest man in the country in one fell swoop, and the youngest richest man at that, causing an uproar throughout the country.
At the same time, Li Chen transferred all his money in the United States to Canada. He knew that the US financial crisis was imminent, and he was afraid of being exploited by the US.
On the other hand, when Old Lei learned that Xiaomi could purchase chips at a 10% discount, he was overjoyed.
He never expected that Star Investment Company was so powerful that it could actually force the American company to compromise. With this newfound confidence, Old Lei decided to go all out, which solidified his status as the "King of Rolls".
On the other hand, in the original timeline, Taobao became popular in 2008. That is to say, the online shopping trend started in 2008. Therefore, the gap between Pinduoduo and Taobao is not so huge now. In addition, with some preferential policies from Li Chen, Pinduoduo.
Although Li Chen had no connections or powerful backers, interests were the biggest network of connections, Li Chen managed to build one by spending money.
It's worth mentioning that Jack Ma also launched services like Huabei.
However, the results were not very good because Li Chen's WeChat was not a software designed for profit. Therefore, WeChat did not charge withdrawal fees, just like withdrawing money from a bank.
However, a 5% handling fee will be charged for entertainment services such as game top-ups.
Companies like Tencent Games naturally wouldn't agree, but Li Chen once again displayed his thuggish behavior, giving 4% of the profits to the bank.
Of course, banks wouldn't open bank card recharge channels for game companies if they had the money.
Li Chen had just returned to China in September and checked into the hotel when Li Ruping arrived.
When he saw Li Ruping, he asked, "Sister Ping, why are you in such a hurry? Is something wrong?"
Li Ruping whispered, "You're quite the celebrity now; several top bank presidents all want to talk to you."
Li Chen was taken aback at first, then curled his lip and said, "These guys are after my money, aren't they!"
That's right, it's all about the money. You have to understand, $20 billion is no small sum. If that money were deposited in their banks, the profits it would generate... hehe!! How could they not be tempted?
Seeing Li Chen's disdainful expression, Li Ruping knew the Answer. "Fine, I'll tell them you're busy..."
As she spoke, Li Ruping took out her phone to notify them, but at that moment Li Chen placed his large hand on Li Ruping's delicate, lotus-root-like hands and said, "Wait, don't rush, I didn't say I wouldn't see them." Li Chen revealed a sly smile.
"Li Chen, what are you doing?"
Li Chen Li Ruping was somewhat surprised by Li Chen's expression, as it was the first time she had ever seen such a cunning look on her face.
"What can I do? Make money!"
Making money from the bank? Li Ruping really had no idea what Li Chen was up to.
"Let's not talk about that now, Sister Ping, let's call them first."
"All right!"
A moment later, Li Ruping looked at Li Chen with some surprise and said, "They all said they'd be here soon, but these guys actually all came to Shanghai. They must have planned this all along!"
Li Chen smiled. Actually, this was quite good; sitting together allowed them to discuss the issues thoroughly.
Half an hour later, the presidents of the six major domestic banks arrived at the scene, which made them somewhat embarrassed.
"Gentlemen, I have gathered here today to discuss something with you all," Li Chen said eloquently.
Some people, thinking that even a share of $300 million in deposits would be a lot, politely said, "Please go ahead."
Li Chen nodded and then explained his thoughts.
The bank president was somewhat surprised after hearing Li Chen's words.
Well! Li Ruping was also surprised; she never expected that Li Chen also wanted to get into real estate.
The six bank presidents thought for a moment, and the ICBC, ICBC, said, "You mean you want a loan?"
Li Chen nodded, then shook his head.
This left the six people completely baffled.
At this moment, Li Chen said confidently, "Don't worry, you won't be treated unfairly. You can pay the highest interest rate."
This made their eyes light up; they knew that the key phrase was "we won't treat you unfairly," but no one spoke.
"However, I want to be the biggest real estate developer."
"Mr. Li, what do you mean?"
"Simply put, what I mean is to lend as little money as possible to other real estate developers."
"Sorry, we cannot agree to this," all six shook their heads in unison.
Li Chen knew, of course, that this would be the outcome.
Then...
After watching the six people leave, Li Chen gave a self-deprecating smile.
"Li Chen, your smile is so sly!" Li Ruping complained.
"Sister Ping, now I've come to understand a very cruel reality."
"What?" Li Ruping asked.
"There's no problem in this world that money can't solve, just like these six high and mighty guys."
"Li Chen, don't go out next time, it's too dangerous. Leave it to me from now on," Li Ruping said worriedly.
Li Chen was slightly stunned, then stared intently at Li Ruping's worried eyes. He felt a surge of warmth amidst his anger.
After a short while, he slowly stepped forward and gently hugged Li Ruping, saying, "Sister Ping, you are truly my good sister, or..."
"What?" Li Ruping asked in a barely audible voice.
"Let's become sworn brothers!"
Upon hearing this, Li Ruping immediately sobered up, then pushed Li Chen away with a disdainful expression and said coquettishly, "Dream on."
Li Chen, somewhat embarrassed, rubbed his nose and said with dissatisfaction, "Hey, hey, hey! Isn't a younger brother like me good enough? Young and promising, he can even play basketball, he's the pride of the country."
"Tch, narcissist," Li Ruping said disdainfully.
Li Chen: "..."
Li Chen's reason for getting involved in real estate was that he could still have some conscience while developing real estate, but the others were truly inhumane!
Meanwhile, the crisis in the United States arrived as expected, and Li Chen returned to the United States immediately.
Li Chen's sale of a large number of Google shares, although not in a continuous manner, still had an impact on the company.
Therefore, Google's stock price is significantly lower than it appeared on the timeline, and it has now dropped to $70.
Li Chen immediately bought a large amount of Google stock, which caused Google's stock to rebound very quickly.
At the same time, Li Chen received an unexpected phone call from Dolan, which surprised Li Chen, yet was not entirely unexpected.
It turns out that Dolan had been cautious when Bill Duffy called Li Chen.
After Li Chen left, he called Bill Duffy.
Then Bill Duffy told Dolan, in an exaggerated manner, about Li Chen's talent in stocks.
At first Dolan was somewhat skeptical, but when he saw news reports that Li Chen had suddenly become a billionaire, he believed it.
And so this scene unfolded.