Fast Ship VS King

Once Li Chen made his decision, his heart felt much lighter, though it was a bit self-deceptive.

He went to the bathroom to wash up, made himself a simple meal, ate, and then left the house.

After signing the contract, Li Chen never expected there would be an unexpected gain.

[Tip: Congratulations to the host for officially becoming an NBA player. The Functional Store is now open.]

Seeing this prompt, he was momentarily stunned, then clicked on the newly appeared Functional Store icon below the Character Attribute Panel.

Li Chen opened the Functional Store, only to find a single icon, grayed out and showing as unavailable for purchase.

He clicked to view, and a line of information appeared before him.

[Functional Drink]

[Function: Long-term consumption can enhance physical strength, physical talent, speed up injury recovery, and prevent physical exhaustion from affecting physical talent.]

[Tip: Functional Drink can only be consumed once per day.]

[Unlock Condition: Break a pre-existing NBA record.]

Seeing this, Li Chen was speechless. He had been looking forward to this Functional Drink, but now he was completely resigned. A record! How easy was that to break?

Just then, Alvin Gentry walked over and gave Li Chen a firm pat on the shoulder.

Li Chen snapped back to reality and saw the complicated, unreadable look in Alvin Gentry's eyes. He found it a bit baffling—what was this old man up to?

"Coach, what's wrong?" Li Chen asked tentatively.

"I'm fine. Just play well. I believe in you." With that, he withdrew his hand and walked out of the General Manager Office.

Li Chen scratched his head, unsure what was up with Alvin Gentry today.

Then Bill Duffy approached. "Chen, from now on, no matter what happens, you can call me anytime. Anything at all."

After that, Bill Duffy gave Li Chen a knowing look.

Li Chen nodded. "Then I'll be in your care, Mr. Bill Duffy."

"Chen, no need for that. It's all part of my job."

With that, Bill Duffy took his leave.

Then Elgin Baylor walked up to Li Chen, watching Bill Duffy's retreating back, and said:

"Chen, you're a good kid. Bill Duffy told us everything you said."

Li Chen was momentarily dazed, thinking, What did I say?

But then it clicked, and he finally understood why Alvin Gentry had seemed off earlier.

Li Chen was a bit exasperated. That Bill Duffy, really...

Clearly, the words Li Chen had spoken yesterday had boosted his standing with Alvin Gentry.

Li Chen turned to Elgin Baylor and said with a hint of teasing:

"Mr. Elgin Baylor, rest assured, I'll shut up those who always mock you as the eternal runner-up."

With that, Li Chen also walked out of the office.

Hearing Li Chen's words, Elgin Baylor nearly jumped up and cursed.

But the next moment, he broke into a smile. "Kid, I look forward to that day." Elgin Baylor, face beaming, said in a booming voice.

Li Chen raised his right arm and waved, as if to say, Just wait and see, old-timer!

After handling the contract matters, Li Chen returned to the Training Gym to start today's practice.

He planned to raise his Open Three-Pointer to B-rank before the upcoming game against the Kings. The task was heavy, but with some persistence, he should be able to manage it, right?

Li Chen wasn't sure if he could sink 10,000 three-pointers in two days.

Probably not, but he still had to try.

Just then, Elton Brand sidled over. "Hey, Chen! Did you renew the contract?"

Li Chen nodded.

"What's the annual salary?" Elton Brand asked expectantly.

Li Chen glanced at Brand and said flatly, "Four million." Then he turned and walked off to train.

"Huh? What?" Elton Brand was dumbfounded, stunned by the number.

It took him a while to react, and he pointed at Li Chen's back, shouting, "You bastard, you're messing with me!"

Li Chen's lips curled slightly. I didn't lie to you, he thought to himself. I just didn't mention the word "theoretical."

After two days of shooting nonstop, day and night, Li Chen still failed to reach his target.

His experience now stood at 8000/10000.

Sunday, January 19, 2003, at the Staples Center.

Today's game was the Kings visiting the Clippers.

As of today, each team's record was as follows:

San Antonio Spurs (30-13)

Sacramento Kings (28-11)

Dallas Mavericks (28-14)

Minnesota Timberwolves (25-17)

Los Angeles Lakers (24-16)

Portland Trail Blazers (23-17)

Los Angeles Clippers (21-18)

Utah Jazz (20-21)

Houston Rockets (17-23)

Phoenix Suns (15-24)

Memphis Grizzlies (13-28)

Denver Nuggets (13-29)

Seattle SuperSonics (13-29)

Golden State Warriors (12-30)

So far, the Clippers had performed decently, ranking seventh, but the upcoming games were a different story entirely.

At the same time, Li Chen knew that after this season ended, the Kings would finish second, with a win-loss gap of only one game from the Spurs—a truly formidable opponent.

Li Chen thought to himself, Don't embarrass yourself today. Who knows what skill I'll randomly get.

Meanwhile, the Clippers' starting lineup was announced.

Point Guard: Andre Miller

Shooting Guard: Li Chen

Small Forward: Corey Maggette

Power Forward: Elton Brand

Center: Michael Olowokandi

Li Chen's start was largely due to the conversation he'd had with Bill Duffy yesterday, which had played a major role. Alvin Gentry had been deeply moved by it, so he boldly decided to put Li Chen on the floor.

Seeing that Li Chen had actually started, Odom's face twisted with undisguised displeasure. He clenched his right fist. Damn Yellow Monkey.

The Kings' starting lineup was as follows:

Point Guard: Mike Bibby

Shooting Guard: Doug Christie

Small Forward: Stojakovic

Power Forward: Chris Webber

Center: Vladimir Divac

Just then, Li Chen's S-rank Skill for this game was revealed. When he saw it, he was somewhat taken aback, a bitter smile tugging at his lips.

After a moment's thought, he walked over to Coach Alvin Gentry and tentatively asked, "Coach Alvin Gentry, I'd like to try playing the one-spot today. Is that okay?"

Hearing this, the others were a bit surprised. After all, based on Li Chen's performance last game, playing off-ball at the two-spot was clearly his strength. What was he trying to pull now?

Odom sneered inwardly. Coach Alvin Gentry won't agree. Hmph! Yellow Monkey, you're just asking for trouble! You just signed a minimum contract, and now you're getting cocky. Trash. You think you can replace me?

Just as Odom imagined, Alvin Gentry was indeed a little displeased.

But then he remembered Li Chen's words—I don't want to let Coach Alvin Gentry down—and his heart softened.

Besides, in his view, Li Chen wasn't an arrogant or reckless person. If he was doing this, he must have confidence.

With that thought, Alvin Gentry nodded and said, "Then you'll play the one-spot."

He then looked at Andre Miller and said, "Andre, you take the two-spot."

Hearing this, the players were stunned. If Li Chen didn't have an Eastern face, they'd all damn well suspect he was Coach Alvin Gentry's illegitimate son or something.

Odom was dumbfounded too. What the hell? This works? Is the coach spoiling this Yellow Monkey too much? He can play whatever position he wants?

At that moment, a deep sense of fear rose in Odom's heart. He could imagine it—if one day Li Chen wanted to play power forward and take his spot, would Alvin Gentry agree?

Thinking this, Odom's face turned even uglier.