Fooling Kobe

Carter watched the scoreboard, which read 50–70, as he listened to the tactical instructions.

After the timeout, Wilkens decided to use a 1-3-1 offensive formation to break the Clippers' 2-3 Zone Defense.

Wilkens hadn't used the 1-3-1 offense to break the Clippers' 2-3 Zone Defense in the first half because the Raptors didn't have a center with good court vision.

But now, Wilkens couldn't afford to worry about that anymore. He had no choice but to go all in.

When the timeout ended, Williams received the ball and dribbled at the top of the arc.

Then he passed the ball to Carter on the left wing.

Carter drove with the ball.

But Li Chen and Corey Maggette doubled him from the left and stopped his drive, so he passed the ball back to Williams.

Williams then passed to Antonio Davis on the right, spreading out the Clippers' defense.

Antonio Davis passed the ball to Jerome near the free-throw line.

As Wang Zhizhi stepped out to help on defense, Li Chen quickly moved into position.

Jerome passed the ball to Morris under the basket.

Just as Morris went up for a jump shot, Li Chen arrived to help on defense.

Morris tried to fake Li Chen into jumping, but Li Chen stayed composed and didn't bite.

Morris gritted his teeth and drove past Li Chen for a layup, only to have his shot blocked.

Carter raced to save the ball before it went out of bounds. As soon as he secured it, Andre Miller and Wang Zhizhi trapped him.

Carter got flustered. He got past Corey Maggette, then tried to shoot over Wang Zhizhi, but missed.

Li Chen boxed out Stoudemire under the basket and grabbed the defensive rebound.

Seeing the Raptors' possession fall apart, Wilkens furrowed his brow and rubbed his forehead without thinking. That Eastern Kid was just too infuriating.

Inside the TNT broadcast room.

"Chen's help defense is incredible. He's not quite an All-Star Player on defense, but he's more than good enough."

"Yeah! The Raptors are in for a tough time now."

As the two commentators discussed the game, Li Chen knocked down another three-pointer.

Then, as possession changed, Li Chen swatted another shot from the Raptors.

"Oh, my God! The Raptors are probably about to fall apart."

Barkley was on fire with his commentary today. Before long, the Clippers had hit the Raptors with another 6–0 run.

Raptors coach Wilkens shook his head helplessly and decided to throw in the towel.

In the end, the Clippers took an 80–101 win at the Air Canada Centre.

Raptors player Carter finished with 25 points, 3 assists, and 1 steal.

None of the other Raptors players scored in double digits.

For the Clippers, Corey Maggette had 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 steal.

Andre Miller had 12 points, 8 assists, 2 steals, and 2 rebounds.

Wang Zhizhi had 10 points, 2 assists, 6 rebounds, 0 steals, and 2 blocks.

Elton Brand had 20 points, 5 assists, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block.

Li Chen had 28 points, 10 assists, 9 rebounds, 1 steal, and 9 blocks.

After the Raptors were blown out in three quarters, Li Chen didn't keep chasing a quadruple-double. If he hadn't needed the skill last time, he wouldn't have chased rebounds in the first place.

At the same time, Li Chen was named Player of the Game again and finally earned the skill "Prohibit Flight."

The next morning, at four.

Li Chen rubbed his chin, wondering if he should call Kobe.

After mulling it over for a moment, Li Chen decided to call him. After all, Kobe was embroiled in a lawsuit this year, and Li Chen was the man who could save his only son's life. Surely it was fair to make him get up early and practice with him?

Li Chen thought it was more than fair. In fact, he didn't think even a year of practice would be enough.

So he called Kobe without a hint of guilt.

Kobe's face turned green when he answered Li Chen's call!

He'd gotten up early and gone to the gym to practice for days, but that jerk Li Chen hadn't shown up. And now, the one day he'd stayed home, that bastard called him.

He was sure Li Chen was messing with him on purpose.

The Little Blacksmith finally snapped. "Fuck! You bastard, are you ever going to quit?"

Li Chen blinked, not knowing why Kobe was suddenly flying off the handle.

Wait, what if the guy stopped coming to the gym? That wouldn't do.

After thinking for a moment, Li Chen came up with a brilliant plan. In a mysterious tone, he said, "I've got some great news for you. Come to the gym, quick."

Kobe paused. Great news?

He wondered if Li Chen wanted to share the good news with him because he considered him a friend now.

Although Kobe was somewhat wary of Li Chen, who kept interrupting his dreams at all hours, he finally said coldly, "What is it? Tell me over the phone. I'm listening."

"That won't do. You have to come to the court."

Kobe was about to hang up, but then he remembered he was already up. Going back to bed might disturb Vanessa and the baby.

With that thought, he fumed, Li Chen, if you're asking for a beating, I'll give you one. He left a note and quietly slipped out of the house.

Half an hour later, Kobe stood in Paravilla Stadium with a dark look on his face, looking ready to beat Li Chen so badly he'd question his existence.

"Chen, I'm going to beat the crap out of you today."

Li Chen waved a hand. "That can wait. I recently learned the I Ching Bagua from my country. Come on, let me tell your fortune."

Kobe stared at him, completely baffled. What the hell? He wanted to play one-on-one, and Li Chen was talking about the I Ching Bagua—and telling fortunes? I'll tell your sister's fortune!

"Sorry, Chen, but I don't believe in fate. I only believe in myself," Kobe said solemnly, composing himself.

Li Chen curled his lip and thought, If you don't believe me, your son will be gone, and you'll end up dead, your limbs scattered everywhere.

Though that was what he thought, he couldn't say it out loud. Otherwise, Kobe would challenge him to a real fight.

After a moment, Li Chen grinned. "If you don't believe in it, just treat it like a game."

Kobe nearly cursed him out.

But after Li Chen's relentless persuasion, Kobe finally agreed to let him read his fortune.

Li Chen was at a loss. I'm trying to save you, and you're making this so difficult. It's like they say: good advice can't save someone determined to die!

As his thoughts wandered, Li Chen pretended to study Kobe's face, then felt his bones.

He put Kobe through the wringer. Just as Kobe was about to explode, Li Chen abruptly turned serious.

Li Chen cleared his throat and said calmly, "You're going to have a son this year."

Kobe paused. First he was pleased, then he said calmly, "Isn't it only natural that I'll have a son? If I don't have one this year, I'll have one next year."

Li Chen rolled his eyes and thought, Oh, give me a break! Could you stop thinking so highly of yourself?

After Li Chen spun his story, Kobe was starting to believe it, but he could still walk. Once Vanessa's pregnancy test results came in, the Little Blacksmith would probably need a cane.

Li Chen knew Kobe was stubborn. If he didn't lay the groundwork first, even if he told him on the morning of his death that he would die that day, Kobe wouldn't believe him.

But with a series of events leading up to it, things would be different.

Li Chen sighed inwardly. I'm really bending over backward for you!