DeMar DeRozan

Li Chen nodded, "This endorsement is very good."

Bill Duffy said, "Then let's go today and sign the contract!"

Li Chen shook his head and smiled, "No, I still need to have a good talk with Mr. Robert Greenberg of Sketchers."

Hearing this, Bill Duffy was stunned for a moment, then his mouth widened.

"Oh! God! Chen, you don't mean..."

"Mr. Bill Duffy, I'm a bit stubborn and like a challenge."

Bill Duffy wanted to persuade him, but he opened his mouth and didn't say anything. Finally, he said, "Alright!"

Then Li Chen, riding with Bill Duffy, arrived at the Sketchers headquarters in Manhattan Beach, California.

Li Chen's plan was: since you look down on me and think I can't do it, I'll make an outrageous demand and make you bleed.

So, after meeting Sketchers founder Robert Greenberg, Li Chen made an outrageous demand for 10% of Sketchers' shares.

Li Chen's demand surprised Robert Greenberg and the others, who thought to themselves that Li Chen was overestimating himself.

But as the founder of a small company, Robert Greenberg was cautious. Although he believed Li Chen couldn't do it, out of business caution, Robert Greenberg discussed it with the shareholders and decided to give Li Chen a maximum of 2% of the shares.

Finally, after a war of words between Li Chen and Robert Greenberg, Sketchers finally compromised and gave him 3% of the shares.

After reaching a consensus and signing the contract, Robert Greenberg even teased Li Chen, saying he shouldn't play basketball but should be a businessman.

Li Chen smiled noncommittally.

At the same time, Sketchers paid Li Chen his endorsement fee for the year in advance to express their sincerity.

They also finalized Li Chen's signature shoe series.

Li Chen's first shoe series was named "Miracle."

Li Chen really liked this name.

By the time all related matters were resolved, it was already four or five in the afternoon.

When Li Chen returned to Paravilla Stadium, James Harden arrived shortly after.

Clearly, the kid had been nearby. "Sorry, I was busy with something today and was late. Don't worry, I'll still pay you your wages for today."

James Harden didn't seem happy. He hesitated for a moment, then thought, "Sir, your performance yesterday was amazing..."

Li Chen gave the little fatty a strange look. Wasn't this kid a Kobe fan? Why was he praising him today? As the saying goes, unsolicited kindness hints at treachery.

Thinking of this, he interrupted, "James, speak your mind. I don't like beating around the bush."

James Harden's chubby little face blushed, feeling the embarrassment of having his thoughts exposed.

However, he still said, "Sir, do you still need an assistant here? The two of us can do it for just $150 a day."

Li Chen was slightly taken aback. He really felt that James Harden alone was a bit overwhelmed, and he had just received some money, so he could afford $200 a day.

After some thought, he nodded and said, "Yes, have him come over tomorrow!"

"No need, he's right outside. I'll go get him." With that, he ran out like the wind.

A moment later, a teenager with a head similar to Harden's followed James Harden.

"Sir, his name is DeMar, DeMar DeRozan."

Hearing this, Li Chen blinked. He hadn't expected James Harden's friend to be him.

Then Li Chen looked at DeMar DeRozan.

DeRozan was a bit reserved at the moment.

"DeMar, Mr. Li is a very nice person, you don't need to be so reserved."

James Harden patted his shoulder, guiding his good friend like a little adult.

Li Chen found it somewhat amusing, and then the three of them started training.

The three of them were indeed faster than two. Li Chen was very focused on his shots, even forgetting the time, and the two young guys were also busy and forgot the time.

When Li Chen stopped, he realized it was very late.

Li Chen looked at the dark night sky, knowing that this country wasn't very safe at night.

So he stopped training, took the two teenagers to a Chinese restaurant for dinner, and then sent them home.

"Sir, you're a bit late today!" said a waitress named Xiao Wan with a smile.

"Yeah! I overdid it in training today and lost track of time," Li Chen said. "Xiao Wan, bring out all the dishes here and let these two kids try our oriental specialties."

Xiao Wan's beautiful eyes glanced at James Harden and DeMar DeRozan, her big eyes curved into crescent shapes as she sweetly said, "Okay, sir."

James Harden and DeMar DeRozan kept looking around at the somewhat retro decor and curiously asked, "Sir, is everything in the East like this?"

"No."

"Oh!" James Harden nodded, then changed the subject, "Sir, how did you manage to get the referees to favor you?"

Hearing this, Li Chen's mouth twitched slightly. He muttered to himself, What's going on?

Could James Harden's Foul Baiting skill be inspired by himself?

After some thought, Li Chen felt he shouldn't mislead them, so he said, "In basketball, skill is what truly matters. Understand?"

Li Chen looked at James Harden and DeMar DeRozan and cautioned them.

DeMar DeRozan nodded vigorously, as if he had taken it to heart, but Harden seemed lost in thought, wondering what he was thinking about.

Seeing this, Li Chen sighed inwardly. It seemed Harden was still fond of Foul Baiting!

A short while later, various dishes they had never seen before were continuously placed on the dining table.

Neither of their families was well-off, so they couldn't have eaten Chinese food. With Li Chen's permission, they ate to their hearts' content, their mouths slick with oil.

An hour later, as Li Chen was paying and about to leave, DeMar DeRozan suddenly asked, "Sir, may I take these leftovers with me?"

Seeing the hopeful look in DeMar DeRozan's eyes, Li Chen was slightly taken aback. Then, he thought of something and ordered a few more dishes, letting DeMar DeRozan and Harden take them back.

A short while later, Li Chen hailed a taxi and sent the two home.

Then, after getting back into the taxi himself, he said, "Sir, please take me to Paravilla Stadium."

Li Chen decided to practice a bit longer because he wanted to level up.

"Certainly, sir. You are truly a kind Easterner," the driver said sincerely.

Li Chen smiled and said nothing.

After practicing for another hour, he finally upgraded his Open Three-Pointer to A-rank.

At four in the morning the next day, what Kobe feared still happened; he was bothered again.

So, after Kobe angrily taught Li Chen a lesson, his anger gradually subsided.

He really wanted to say, "Don't call me anymore," but he couldn't bring himself to say it.

However, Kobe was astonished to find that Li Chen had improved significantly compared to last time.

He couldn't help but curse inwardly, "Fuck, how the hell did this bastard train?"

"No, I have to work harder too. If one day I get completely dominated by this bastard..." The thought sent a shiver down Kobe's spine.