The sound of the basketball pounding against the floor rang out once more inside Paravilla Stadium. A battle between two unevenly matched opponents began in silence.
A short while later, the battle was over.
Li Chen still wasn't Kobe's match.
Still, Li Chen was happy, because he felt he'd taken another step closer to Kobe.
He gave a cold snort. Little Blacksmith, enjoy your moment of triumph. Just you wait. It won't be long before I get my revenge.
But he couldn't let Kobe off the hook now, either.
So Li Chen shouted at Kobe's retreating back, "Kobe, I heard you lost your last game."
At those words, Kobe's steps faltered slightly. He was sensitive enough to immediately catch the implication behind Li Chen's words.
Kobe gritted his teeth. He realized this jerk really was irritating—always finding a way to ruin his good mood.
After steadying his frazzled nerves, Kobe said calmly, "But you still can't beat me."
With that, Kobe strode away. He was afraid Li Chen would say something else to get under his skin and that he'd lose control and challenge Li Chen to a real fight.
But as soon as he left Paravilla Stadium, Kobe's expression turned grave. That kid Li Chen had gotten a little stronger since their last encounter. How long had it even been? Wasn't he improving a little too fast?
On Wednesday, February 5, the Clippers faced the Knicks on the road.
Li Chen played 46 minutes in the game, scoring 28 points, dishing out 4 assists, grabbing 6 rebounds, making 1 steal, and blocking 1 shot.
His teammates didn't play well, and the team lost, 105–92.
On Thursday, February 6, the Clippers faced the Pistons on the road in the second game of a back-to-back.
Although the Bad Boys era was long over, the Pistons were still one of the league's top defensive teams.
With Li Chen held in check, the Clippers' offense was hard to watch.
In the end, the Clippers, unable to recover from their previous game, suffered their second straight loss.
Li Chen played 47 minutes, scoring 21 points, dishing out 6 assists, grabbing 6 rebounds, making 1 steal, and blocking 2 shots.
Aside from Elton Brand, none of the Clippers managed to score in double figures.
Thursday, February 7.
There were no games during the All-Star break, so Li Chen planned to spend the time improving his abilities.
After grinding for experience nonstop, he finally upgraded several C-rank skills to B-rank on February 9.
Li Chen opened his personal status panel.
[Team: Los Angeles Clippers (Active Player)] [Position: Shooting Guard, Point Guard] [Height: 200 cm] [Weight: 93.3 kg] [Wingspan: 212 cm] [Age: 21, Birthday: August 28, 1982] [Skills: Tenacity (S-rank Passive Talent Skill)] Open Three-Pointer A-rank. Assist Master B-rank Miracle Shot D-rank Flopper C-rank Rebounding Monster B-rank Prince of Floaters B-rank Clutch Shot D-rank. Prohibit Flight D-rank [Rating: 80]
Li Chen was delighted to see his rating had gone up by two points.
Then he opened his attribute panel again.
[Shooting: 83] [Passing Ability: 79] [Rebounding Ability: 79] [Defensive Ability: 70] [Speed Ability: 80] [Strength Ability: 79] [Basketball IQ: 86] [Physical Attributes: 99]
Just as Li Chen was happily closing the attribute panel, his phone rang.
He picked it up and saw that the caller was Little Blacksmith. He was a little surprised.
As soon as Li Chen answered, Kobe's cool voice came through the phone.
"I'm having someone bring you a ticket. You'd better come," Kobe said, leaving no room for argument.
A short while later, Li Chen pursed his lips and muttered, "Kobe really holds a grudge. I only provoked him a couple of days ago. Is he looking for a chance to prove himself today?"
Li Chen pursed his lips, thinking that if he hadn't joined the Clippers so late, the huge fan base back home would've made him a shoo-in for an NBA All-Star reserve spot.
If he could get his hands on a powerful S-rank offensive skill, he might even steal the All-Star MVP from Garnett.
Then a thought struck him, and an unmistakable smile curled his lips. Little Blacksmith, you've practically brought your face over here for me to slap.
It'd be a shame not to grant your wish.
After all, even though Kobe had been the All-Star vote leader, he hadn't become the NBA All-Star Game MVP. That was why Li Chen said Kobe was setting himself up to be humiliated.
A short while later, a middle-aged man drove to Paravilla Stadium and announced why he was there.
Li Chen got into his car, and the man drove him to the airport.
Li Chen was speechless. He didn't know what Kobe was thinking. He'd arranged a ticket and even sent someone to pick him up. Was getting even really worth all that?
At nine that evening, Li Chen arrived at Philips Arena in Atlanta.
Kobe had gone to great lengths to let Li Chen see him shine in the All-Star Game. He'd even prepared a front-row ticket for him.
Before long, several successful people took their seats near Li Chen.
A few of them even nodded and greeted him. Li Chen didn't know who they were, but he smiled and returned their greetings.
Just then, a blonde beauty wearing smoky eye makeup and another woman sat down beside him.
Li Chen found the blonde familiar, but couldn't remember who she was.
The woman glanced at him, then politely nodded.
Li Chen smiled and nodded back.
Suddenly, the dark-haired woman sitting beside the blonde beauty with smoky eye makeup exclaimed, "Oh my God!"
"Li Chen, I'm a fan of yours! My name is Kelly Clarkson."
Li Chen stood up and extended his hand, greeting her politely. "Hello, Ms. Clarkson."
The two chatted for a while, and Kelly Clarkson asked him for an autograph.
Meanwhile, the blonde woman with smoky eye makeup was a little surprised. This man from the East was an NBA player—and one of her partner's idols, too.
The game began.
The starters and reserves for the Eastern and Western Conferences in this year's All-Star Game were:
Eastern Conference
Allen Iverson, Tracy McGrady, Michael Jordan, Jermaine O'Neal, Ben Wallace
Western Conference
Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, Steve Francis, Tim Duncan, Yao Ming
Western Conference
Shaquille O'Neal, Dirk Nowitzki, Shawn Marion, Gary Payton, Peja Stojakovic, Stephon Marbury, Steve Nash
Eastern Conference
Jason Kidd, Jamal Mashburn, Vince Carter, Paul Pierce, Antoine Walker, Brad Miller, Zydrunas Ilgauskas
Before the game, the introverted Yao Ming was a little nervous. Kobe thought for a moment, then walked over and smiled reassuringly. "Yao, relax. Don't be nervous. Just treat it like any other game." As he spoke, he gave Yao's shoulders a squeeze to help his muscles relax.
Yao Ming was grateful. "Thank you, Mr. Bryant."
Hearing Yao's thanks made Kobe feel good. Sure enough, people from the East were polite—unlike that annoying jerk Li Chen.
Hmph! I'll show you today. I, Kobe Bryant, am the best. I'm going to take home the MVP.
The game began.
Yao Ming tipped the ball to Kobe in return for his kindness.
Kobe was eager to attack that day. He drove to the basket and threw down a one-handed dunk.
The crowd erupted in cheers.
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