Getting Started

Beep beep...

"Hey, Old Man, it's me."

"Xiao Xi, how's it going over there? Have you eaten yet? Sleeping well?" The old man who picked up the phone recognized the caller and immediately voiced his concern.

"Old Man, put your heart at ease, I'm doing great. Just got home from training today, and the coaching staff can't stop praising your grandson. You cherish those last days running the shop—soon your grandson'll be pulling in six figures a year and bring you out to Oklahoma for the good life."

"You little brat, pretty big talk. Take care of yourself, don't push too hard. Health is the foundation. If it doesn't work out, come back to Dallas. Your grandpa's got some savings. This shop's yours to inherit, enough to keep you fed."

"Ah, don't worry, I'm not bragging. Forget it, words are cheap. Just wait a bit and watch the games, heh heh."

Chen Xi rubbed his nose.

"Alright, I'll let you go. Haven't eaten yet, just called to say I'm safe. Gonna cook now."

"Good, good, go ahead..."

Beep beep...

Far away in a small restaurant in Dallas, the old man put down his phone and sighed.

"That kid, only shares the good news, never the bad. Just like his father."

He turned to look at the family photo on the table, took off his glasses, and wiped them.

"Xiao Luo, if you two are watching from above, look after this child a bit more. Lost his parents young, suffered so much—should be enough by now. Hope he stays safe and smooth from here on."

Old age makes a man talkative. Staring at the photo, he muttered the same old things over and over.

Ring ring~~

A young Chinese American couple pushed the door open and walked in.

"Hello? Are you still open?"

"Still open. What would you two like?" The old man put his glasses back on.

"Mm—one Stir-fried Eggs with Yellow Chives, Sweet and Sour Pork Ribs, and a Braised Eggplant."

The man glanced at the menu and ordered a few home-style dishes.

"Sir, we were recommended by locals. We want that home-cooked taste, not the kind they make for Americans."

"Alright, alright."

The old man tied on his apron.

"Don't worry, it'll taste just like back home. If the Americans could stomach it, I wouldn't bother making it their way."

Time flew, and soon it was October 4th.

The team arrived in Madrid, Spain, ready for the first pre-season game of the season: Thunder vs. Real Madrid.

Chen Xi followed the team onto the court, warming up eagerly, hoping to complete the system's mission in this game.

Over the past eight days, thanks to his outstanding three-point shooting, Chen Xi had learned from conversations with the coaching staff that they were fairly satisfied with his performance. He was on the active roster for this game, ready to play at any moment.

That was undoubtedly good news.

A mere pre-season game—the team clearly didn't take it too seriously. It was more about giving potential rookies some experience.

But unfortunately, Real Madrid gave the Thunder plenty of trouble. Chen Xi only got subbed in during the third quarter to replace Alex Caruso—Emperor Ka was a 2016 undrafted player signed by the Thunder on September 23rd and cut on October 18th—and, still lacking the team's trust, he played just three minutes before being pulled. In that time, he only hit one open three-pointer off a run.

The game dragged into overtime, and Real Madrid ultimately won 142–137 with a stronger performance.

Luckily, two days later in the second pre-season game, Thunder vs. Barcelona, Chen Xi managed to get playing time in the second quarter. In a limited 13 minutes, he went 4-for-5, scoring 12 points and grabbing 1 rebound, earning his first career win.

Back on the plane, Chen Xi couldn't wait to pull up the system.

"System! Hurry! Open the box, open the box!"

[Drawing Random Badge]

[Congratulations, host has obtained badge: Death Coil (Bronze)]

"Holy shit!!!! Woo-hoo, let's go!!!"

Seeing the badge, Chen Xi pumped his fist excitedly on the spot.

"Jackpot! Jackpot! Now let's see who says I've only got O and no D!"

"Chris, head to the manager's office when we're back. Mr. Presti wants to see you."

A staff member from the front office, Paul Davis, walked over and gave Chen Xi a puzzled look, wondering what he was freaking out about this time.

Then he passed along what might be good news.

"Oh, oh, okay!"

Double happiness—probably a contract signing!

Chen Xi happily put on his headphones, ready to listen to some pre-downloaded Guo Degang crosstalk on the way back.

Perfect bedtime audio~~

Knock knock knock...

"Please come in."

"Sir, Davis said you were looking for me?" Chen Xi walked into the office.

"That's right, young man. I have a contract here—take a look and see if you have any objections." Presti looked at the handsome Chinese American kid in front of him and smiled.

"You don't have an agent yet, do you?"

"No, I haven't found one yet." Chen Xi answered as his eyes swiftly scanned the contract in his hands.

Two years, 1.1 million, with a team option for the second year.

A very real lowball offer, but still acceptable. After all, given his current performance, this was barely even a gamble—though it might just be a harmless little side bet for the Thunder Team.

"It's a fully guaranteed contract for the first year. I believe you won't turn it down, young man. I have high hopes for you." Presti understood Chen Xi's current situation.

"Of course, being favored by you is an honor. No one in the league would question your judgment."

No matter what, this was at least a foothold in the league, the first step into the NBA. Chen Xi had no room to choose.

"Work hard. I'm sure you'll need an agent soon enough." Presti joked with Chen Xi. He often went to the training court to watch the team practice.

In his view, Chen Xi had high emotional intelligence, got along well with his teammates, and was active on the court—even a little desperate. But unfortunately, in competitive sports, strength was everything. He hoped Chen Xi would seize the opportunity and stay with an NBA-level team; it would surely benefit his growth.

Clearly, even Presti didn't have much faith in Chen Xi's future. After all, he was just an ordinary man, without the so-called all-seeing eye. And if he did have one, he wouldn't have let Harden go for just a few million.

"Hey, Chris, come over to my place for dinner tonight!"

Russell Westbrook called out as he saw Chen Xi return to the training court.

"Haha, I'll take you up on that. I didn't know what to eat for dinner anyway."

Chen Xi naturally wouldn't refuse an invitation from the team's Leader.

Besides, Westbrook was known off the court for being easygoing and having a great personality.