Volume One: I Came, I Saw, I Conquered! Chapter Thirty: Fans
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome aboard United Airlines UA5022, a Star Alliance member, bound for Indianapolis. The cabin doors are now closed. Please switch off your mobile phones and other electronic devices, and fasten your seat belts. We will now play a safety video. Please pay attention. Our entire crew is at your service, and we wish you a pleasant flight. Thank you." A gentle female voice sounded in Zhang Yu and Curry's ears. By then, the plane had climbed into the stratosphere and was flying smoothly. The dazzling sunlight streamed unobstructed through the windows, bathing everything in light.
"Kobe? Not even close." Zhang Yu smiled and shook his head. "Those are superstars with fans all over the world. NCAA stars are only famous in the United States. People overseas don't watch NCAA—for example, hardly anyone in China has even heard of it." Zhang Yu gazed out the window and spoke calmly.
At the last sentence, Zhang Yu smiled.
While Zhang Yu stared into space with the TV on in the background, his phone suddenly rang.
"So I'll go to the NBA too."
The plane began taxiing, gradually picking up speed along the runway. The roar of the engines grew louder until it filled everyone's ears.
It was the second day after Christmas. The two were flying back to Indiana. On December 30, the Bulldogs would play an away game against Milwaukee State, and the team had to train once they got back.
"Boss, this is the first time someone's recognized me outside school!" Curry leaned close to Zhang Yu's ear and whispered with a grin.
"Boss, when are we playing Purdue University again?" Curry asked.
As the two chatted, Zhang Yu noticed a white student in the row ahead repeatedly turning to look at them. He kept opening his mouth, then closing it, as if he wanted to say something.
A little over two hours later, the plane landed at Indianapolis International Airport. Zhang Yu and Curry took a cab back to campus.
The two chatted quietly in their seats, discussing the schedule after Christmas.
The two chatted quietly in their seats, discussing the schedule after Christmas.
He paused and looked out the window. "This is the last darkness before dawn. By next March, or April at the latest, the subprime mortgage market will be in for a shake-up. Then we won't have to keep paying out of pocket."
"Is something the matter?" Zhang Yu asked curiously when the student turned around yet again.
"Hey, Coach Z. Stephen. I... I'm a Butler student too. I noticed you as soon as you got on the plane. Could I get a photo with you? Just one!" The white student stumbled over his words.
Zhang Yu gazed out the window and spoke calmly.
"Boss, when are we playing Purdue University again?" Curry asked.
Afterward, Zhang Yu and Curry took a few photos with him, drawing quite a few curious glances from those around them. But they weren't in Indiana, let alone at Butler, and nobody else recognized Zhang Yu or Curry. After a couple of looks, everyone turned away.
"Hey, Mark. How have you been?" He answered the call.
The plane began taxiing, gradually picking up speed along the runway. The roar of the engines grew louder until it filled everyone's ears.
"Like Kobe and Wade?"
"If you want to become a superstar with the whole world watching, go to the NBA. You'll find the strongest opponents, the most reliable teammates, and the fiercest competition. Stand out there, and you'll become famous around the world. Wherever there's a basketball court, people will be chanting your name."
"We'll see. They're a Big Ten Conference team. If we make March Madness, we might run into them. Otherwise, we'll have to wait until next season." Zhang Yu carefully fastened his seat belt.
By then, the plane had climbed into the stratosphere and was flying smoothly. The dazzling sunlight streamed unobstructed through the windows, bathing everything in light.
As the two chatted, Zhang Yu noticed a white student in the row ahead repeatedly turning to look at them. He kept opening his mouth, then closing it, as if he wanted to say something.
He paused and looked out the window.
Horizon League teams were few in number, so Butler had to play teams from other conferences every season to fill out its schedule.
By then, the plane had climbed into the stratosphere and was flying smoothly. The dazzling sunlight streamed unobstructed through the windows, bathing everything in light.
Afterward, Zhang Yu and Curry took a few photos with him, drawing quite a few curious glances from those around them. But they weren't in Indiana, let alone at Butler, and nobody else recognized Zhang Yu or Curry. After a couple of looks, everyone turned away.
"Ding..."
"Like Kobe and Wade?"
As the two chatted, Zhang Yu noticed a white student in the row ahead repeatedly turning to look at them. He kept opening his mouth, then closing it, as if he wanted to say something.
"Vrrrm—"
"If you want to become a superstar with the whole world watching, go to the NBA. You'll find the strongest opponents, the most reliable teammates, and the fiercest competition. Stand out there, and you'll become famous around the world. Wherever there's a basketball court, people will be chanting your name."
As the two chatted, Zhang Yu noticed a white student in the row ahead repeatedly turning to look at them. He kept opening his mouth, then closing it, as if he wanted to say something.
"Is something the matter?" Zhang Yu asked curiously when the student turned around yet again.
"No. To be honest, I'm bored out of my mind right now."
"Then how about watching an NBA game? I have two tickets."
Horizon League teams were few in number, so Butler had to play teams from other conferences every season to fill out its schedule.
A little over two hours later, the plane landed at Indianapolis International Airport. Zhang Yu and Curry took a cab back to campus.
"But the NCAA isn't well-known in China. Don't you want people back home to know who you are?" Curry asked, puzzled.
The room had gathered a little dust during the three days he'd been away. Zhang Yu gave it a quick clean, then went to the supermarket and stocked the fridge with food. Only then did he finally have time to rest.
He picked it up and saw that Markbaum was calling.
"Hey, Mark. How have you been?" He answered the call.
The white student apparently hadn't expected Zhang Yu to speak to him first. He was so startled that he leaned backward.
Curry leaned close to Zhang Yu's ear and whispered with a grin.
Once they entered campus, they went their separate ways, and Zhang Yu returned to his apartment.
"Kobe? Not even close." Zhang Yu smiled and shook his head. "Those are superstars with fans all over the world. NCAA stars are only famous in the United States. People overseas don't watch NCAA—for example, hardly anyone in China has even heard of it."
"Ladies and gentlemen, the plane is about to take off. Please fasten your seat belts and do not walk in the aisles..." Zhang Yu was about to answer when the gentle female voice came over the speakers again.
"Yeah, I just paid last month's premium to Deutsche Bank a few days ago," Markbaum said.
In 2006, mobile phones still had keypads, and Warcraft was the most popular game. Zhang Yu, who only ever played League of Legends, couldn't get into it. He had no interest in American TV shows either, and a crushing boredom began to set in.
"I promise you, we'll make March Madness!"
"Do you like this feeling?" Zhang Yu asked with a smile.
Curry leaned close to Zhang Yu's ear and whispered with a grin.
As the student spoke, Curry's eyes grew brighter with anticipation.
The plane began taxiing, gradually picking up speed along the runway. The roar of the engines grew louder until it filled everyone's ears.
"Do you like this feeling, Boss?" Curry asked in turn.
Zhang Yu couldn't help laughing. He hadn't expected to run into a fan on a plane, and answered readily.
Curry also turned in his seat, curious to hear what the student would say.
As Zhang Yu sat staring into space with the TV on in the background, his phone suddenly rang.
Once they entered campus, they went their separate ways, and Zhang Yu returned to his apartment.
"Kobe? Not even close." Zhang Yu smiled and shook his head. "Those are superstars with fans all over the world. NCAA stars are only famous in the United States. People overseas don't watch NCAA—for example, hardly anyone in China has even heard of it."
"Boss, when are we playing Purdue University again?" Curry asked.
"Ding..."
"I promise you, we'll make March Madness!"
Afterward, Zhang Yu and Curry took a few photos with him, drawing quite a few curious glances from those around them. But they weren't in Indiana, let alone at Butler, and nobody else recognized Zhang Yu or Curry. After a couple of looks, everyone turned away.
Today was the second day after Christmas. The two were flying back to Indiana. On December 30, the Bulldogs would play an away game against Milwaukee State, and the team had to train once they got back.
In 2006, mobile phones still had keypads, and Warcraft was the most popular game. Zhang Yu, who only ever played League of Legends, couldn't get into it. He had no interest in American TV shows either, and a crushing boredom began to set in.
Once they entered campus, they went their separate ways, and Zhang Yu returned to his apartment.
The room had gathered a little dust during the three days he'd been away. Zhang Yu gave it a quick clean, then went to the supermarket and stocked the fridge with food. Only then did he finally have time to rest.
He collapsed onto the sofa and turned on the TV, channel-surfing without any idea what to watch.
Zhang Yu gazed out the window and spoke calmly.
"Boss, when are we playing Purdue University again?" Curry asked.
The room had gathered a little dust during the three days he'd been away. Zhang Yu gave it a quick clean, then went to the supermarket and stocked the fridge with food. Only then did he finally have time to rest.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome aboard United Airlines UA5022, a Star Alliance member, bound for Indianapolis. The cabin doors are now closed. Please switch off your mobile phones and other electronic devices, and fasten your seat belts. We will now play a safety video. Please pay attention. Our entire crew is at your service, and we wish you a pleasant flight. Thank you." A gentle female voice sounded in Zhang Yu and Curry's ears.
By then, the plane had climbed into the stratosphere and was flying smoothly. The dazzling sunlight streamed unobstructed through the windows, bathing everything in light.
Zhang Yu gazed out the window and spoke calmly.
"I promise you, we'll make March Madness!"
"I promise you, we'll make March Madness!"
Zhang Yu paused, then nodded slowly.
The plane began taxiing, gradually picking up speed along the runway. The roar of the engines grew louder until it filled everyone's ears.
He paused and looked out the window.
"Don't worry, I was just afraid you'd get tired of us. Thanks!" The white student waved his hands repeatedly, looking delighted.
Zhang Yu gazed out the window and spoke calmly.
"I promise you, we'll make March Madness!"
Zhang Yu paused, then nodded slowly.
"Then how about watching an NBA game? I have two tickets."
The room had gathered a little dust during the three days he'd been away. Zhang Yu gave it a quick clean, then went to the supermarket and stocked the fridge with food. Only then did he finally have time to rest.
"Boss, when are we playing Purdue University again?" Curry asked.
"Do you like this feeling?" Zhang Yu asked with a smile.
"Like Kobe and Wade?"
"Don't worry, I was just afraid you'd get tired of us. Thanks!" The white student waved his hands repeatedly, looking delighted.
Zhang Yu gazed out the window and spoke calmly.
"I promise you, we'll make March Madness!"
"Then how about watching an NBA game? I have two tickets."
"Boss, when are we playing Purdue University again?" Curry asked.
"I promise you, we'll make March Madness!"
"Like Kobe and Wade?"
A little over two hours later, the plane landed at Indianapolis International Airport. Zhang Yu and Curry took a cab back to campus.
"Ding..."
As the two chatted, Zhang Yu noticed a white student in the row ahead repeatedly turning to look at them. He kept opening his mouth, then closing it, as if he wanted to say something.
"Vrrrm—"
"If you want to become a superstar with the whole world watching, go to the NBA. You'll find the strongest opponents, the most reliable teammates, and the fiercest competition. Stand out there, and you'll become famous around the world. Wherever there's a basketball court, people will be chanting your name."
As the two chatted, Zhang Yu noticed a white student in the row ahead repeatedly turning to look at them. He kept opening his mouth, then closing it, as if he wanted to say something.
"Is something the matter?" Zhang Yu asked curiously when the student turned around yet again.
"No. To be honest, I'm bored out of my mind right now."
"Then how about watching an NBA game? I have two tickets."
Horizon League teams were few in number, so Butler had to play teams from other conferences every season to fill out its schedule.
A little over two hours later, the plane landed at Indianapolis International Airport. Zhang Yu and Curry took a cab back to campus.
"But the NCAA isn't well-known in China. Don't you want people back home to know who you are?" Curry asked, puzzled.
The room had gathered a little dust during the three days he'd been away. Zhang Yu gave it a quick clean, then went to the supermarket and stocked the fridge with food. Only then did he finally have time to rest.
He picked it up and saw that Markbaum was calling.
"Hey, Mark. How have you been?" He answered the call.
The white student apparently hadn't expected Zhang Yu to speak to him first. He was so startled that he leaned backward.
Curry also turned in his seat, curious to hear what the student would say.
As Zhang Yu sat staring into space with the TV on in the background, his phone suddenly rang.
Once they entered campus, they went their separate ways, and Zhang Yu returned to his apartment.
"Kobe? Not even close." Zhang Yu smiled and shook his head. "Those are superstars with fans all over the world. NCAA stars are only famous in the United States. People overseas don't watch NCAA—for example, hardly anyone in China has even heard of it."
"Boss, when are we playing Purdue University again?" Curry asked.
The room had gathered a little dust during the three days he'd been away. Zhang Yu gave it a quick clean, then went to the supermarket and stocked the fridge with food. Only then did he finally have time to rest.
Zhang Yu paused, then nodded slowly.
"Hey, Coach Z. Stephen. I... I'm a Butler student too. I noticed you as soon as you got on the plane. Could I get a photo with you? Just one!" The white student stumbled over his words.
He paused and looked out the window.
"Then how about watching an NBA game? I have two tickets."
The room had gathered a little dust during the three days he'd been away. Zhang Yu gave it a quick clean, then went to the supermarket and stocked the fridge with food. Only then did he finally have time to rest.
Zhang Yu paused, then nodded slowly.
"Hey, Coach Z. Stephen. I... I'm a Butler student too. I noticed you as soon as you got on the plane. Could I get a photo with you? Just one!" The white student stumbled over his words.
He collapsed onto the sofa and turned on the TV, channel-surfing without any idea what to watch.
As the student spoke, Curry's eyes grew brighter with anticipation.
The plane began taxiing, gradually picking up speed along the runway. The roar of the engines grew louder until it filled everyone's ears.
"Like Kobe and Wade?"
"I promise you, we'll make March Madness!"
Afterward, Zhang Yu and Curry took a few photos with him, drawing quite a few curious glances from those around them. But they weren't in Indiana, let alone at Butler, and nobody else recognized Zhang Yu or Curry. After a couple of looks, everyone turned away.
Today was the second day after Christmas. The two were flying back to Indiana. On December 30, the Bulldogs would play an away game against Milwaukee State, and the team had to train once they got back.
In 2006, mobile phones still had keypads, and Warcraft was the most popular game. Zhang Yu, who only ever played League of Legends, couldn't get into it. He had no interest in American TV shows either, and a crushing boredom began to set in.
Once they entered campus, they went their separate ways, and Zhang Yu returned to his apartment.
The room had gathered a little dust during the three days he'd been away. Zhang Yu gave it a quick clean, then went to the supermarket and stocked the fridge with food. Only then did he finally have time to rest.
He collapsed onto the sofa and turned on the TV, channel-surfing without any idea what to watch.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome aboard United Airlines UA5022, a Star Alliance member, bound for Indianapolis. The cabin doors are now closed. Please switch off your mobile phones and other electronic devices, and fasten your seat belts. We will now play a safety video. Please pay attention. Our entire crew is at your service, and we wish you a pleasant flight. Thank you." A gentle female voice sounded in Zhang Yu and Curry's ears.
By then, the plane had climbed into the stratosphere and was flying smoothly. The dazzling sunlight streamed unobstructed through the windows, bathing everything in light.
The plane began taxiing, gradually picking up speed along the runway. The roar of the engines grew louder until it filled everyone's ears.
"Hey, Mark. How have you been?" He answered the call.
"Yeah, I just paid last month's premium to Deutsche Bank a few days ago," Markbaum said.
"Those are all things I expected. I was prepared for this... Are you free tomorrow?" Markbaum asked casually.
Before you continue