I'm Coming, Duke of Zhou

United Center:

"Ahhhhh!" "Ooooooh!" "Ahhhhh!" "Ooooooh!" "Ahhhhh!" "Ooooooh!"...

The cheers from the arena reached Goodwin's ears one after another.

Goodwin stood in the center of the court, hands on his hips, his face full of frustration as he looked up at the giant screen hanging from the ceiling, which displayed the score: 87 to 107.

This was the final game before the NBA All-Star Weekend, with the Boston Celtics visiting the Chicago Bulls.

With team leader Paul Pierce putting in a lackluster performance, the Boston Celtics suffered a 20-point blowout loss to the Chicago Bulls.

In this game, Paul Pierce shot only 1-of-10 from the field and 4-of-4 from the free-throw line, finishing with a mere 6 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist. Under these circumstances, the Boston Celtics' starters simply couldn't get anything going, trailing from the very start of the game as the deficit continued to widen.

It wasn't until Goodwin came off the bench that the situation stabilized slightly, but the Chicago Bulls reacted quickly, deploying heavy defensive pressure to contain Goodwin and stop his offense.

Goodwin hated that he had so few ways to score!

Even though he ended up with a team-high 17 points, he still couldn't help the team change the outcome.

"Goodwin, thanks for the game, hahahahaha." After the match, Hinrich walked up to Goodwin and said happily.

Hinrich had performed exceptionally well in this game, shooting 7-of-11 for a 63% field goal percentage, racking up a massive double-double of 23 points, 1 rebound, 14 assists, and 2 steals. It was under his orchestration that the Chicago Bulls saw scoring from all over, with 6 players reaching double digits.

"Senior, you guys played great tonight." Goodwin wasn't a sore loser; instead, he complimented his senior.

Compared to their last encounter, the Chicago Bulls had indeed played very well in this game.

"You weren't bad either. Even though we kept double-teaming you, you still managed to get 17 points. Goodwin, you're really getting better and better." Hinrich patted Goodwin on the shoulder with a gratified expression.

Hearing Hinrich's words, Goodwin couldn't help but shake his head: "No, Senior, I didn't play well today. My scoring didn't help the team win."

Hinrich couldn't help but laugh: "Goodwin, you still have a long way to go. Keep working hard, I look forward to our next matchup."

Goodwin nodded.

"By the way, are you heading to Los Angeles tonight or tomorrow?" Hinrich asked.

The 2003-2004 NBA All-Star Weekend was being held in Los Angeles from February 13th to 15th, spanning three days.

Both Goodwin and Hinrich had been selected for the NBA All-Star Rookie Challenge.

In Goodwin's view, this year's Rookie Challenge was truly star-studded, featuring the Sophomores led by Yao Ming and the Rookies led by LeBron James.

Sophomore roster, starters: Jaric, Manu Ginobili, Boozer, Stoudemire, Yao Ming; reserves: Prince, Murray, Caron Butler, Mike Dunleavy, Nene Hilario.

Rookie roster, starters: LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Kaman, Wade, Hinrich; reserves: Wade, Chris Bosh, Josh Howard, Haslem, Goodwin.

Hearing Hinrich's question, Goodwin's disappointment vanished; he would see him—Yao Ming—tomorrow.

Goodwin had previously followed the team to Houston, but he never found an opportunity to chat with Yao Ming.

But this time was different; after all, they would be taking photos and playing in the same game.

"Tonight," Goodwin replied, as he and Paul Pierce had already agreed.

For this All-Star Weekend, only Goodwin and Paul Pierce from the Boston Celtics were participating, though one was for the Rookie Challenge and the other for the main event.

Hinrich waved his hand and said: "That's a pity, I'm leaving tomorrow." Hinrich had wanted to travel with Goodwin, but their schedules didn't align.

"Then we'll see each other in Los Angeles."

After chatting for a few more moments, Goodwin turned and walked toward the player tunnel.

As soon as he opened the locker room door, Paul Pierce said: "Goodwin, hurry up and pack your bags, we're heading straight to the airport."

??

Goodwin looked confused; this wasn't what they had agreed upon.

It wasn't until they were on the road that Goodwin realized why Paul Pierce was in such a rush—he needed to blow off some steam.

Those who know, know; after all, Los Angeles is the city of charm.

Goodwin couldn't help but give Paul Pierce a thumbs up, a solid "6" for that move.

Four hours later, the two arrived in Los Angeles by plane.

"You're really not coming?" Paul Pierce confirmed once more, wanting to take Goodwin out to experience the nightlife and get a taste of the scene.

Goodwin shook his head and said: "No, I'm tired, I'm going back to sleep."

"Goodwin, do you like men? It's okay, I won't discriminate against you. There are plenty of gay people over there, maybe you'll find someone you like." Paul Pierce's imagination ran wild.

Goodwin: "..."

Goodwin's expression turned slightly serious: "Senior Paul, I like women!"

"Then that's settled, right? Come with me."

"NO! I need to sleep, I have training tomorrow."

Critical hit!

Hearing Goodwin's words, Paul Pierce instantly deflated: "Fine, take care of yourself then."

Goodwin nodded, and the two parted ways at the airport entrance. Goodwin took a taxi to the hotel provided by the organizers. For every player participating in the NBA All-Star Weekend, the NBA provided a room; whether they stayed there or not was up to the individual.

For the "penniless" Goodwin, he was definitely going to stay there—it would be a waste not to.

Free stuff is just the best.

Even the airfare for the trip could be reimbursed, though many players were too lazy to bother; after all, that little bit of money didn't really count as money.

Goodwin: It is money, it is money.

Goodwin was actually planning to submit it for reimbursement! He only had a rookie contract, and a dirt-cheap one at that, with no endorsements and no shoe deals, so he had to save every penny he could.

Goodwin couldn't help but think: I might be the poorest person to ever be reborn 〒▽〒

But fortunately, Goodwin knew the developments of the next 20-plus years. Once he had money, he would invest—Apple, Twitter, Bitcoin—and when he retired, he could just kick back and wait for the money to roll in, hahahahaha.

As for starting a business, Goodwin had never really considered it. He was quite laid-back; what is meant to be will be, and what is not meant to be should not be forced. He just needed to play his game well, then marry a beautiful wife, have kids, and live a happy, blissful life.

Goodwin brought his luggage into his room, tossed it aside, and rushed to the bathroom. When he saw the bathtub, a satisfied smile appeared on his face.

He decisively turned on the hot water and soaked in a hot bath.

The fatigue from the game and the travel seemed to be swept away instantly. So refreshing!

"Sleep, time to sleep." Checking the time, Goodwin jumped straight onto the bed, closed his eyes, and thought, Duke of Zhou, here I come.