Duke of Zhou, Here I Come

United Center:

"Ahhhhhh!" "Awooooo!" "Ahhhhhh!" "Awooooo!" "Ahhhhhh!" "Awooooo!"...

The roar of the crowd reached Goodwin's ears.

Goodwin stood at center court with his hands on his hips, his face full of frustration. He looked up at the giant scoreboard, which showed the score: 87–107.

In the final game before All-Star Weekend, the Boston Celtics visited the Chicago Bulls.

With team leader Paul Pierce having an off night, the Boston Celtics suffered a crushing 20-point defeat to the Chicago Bulls.

Pierce shot just 1-for-10 from the field and made all four of his free throws, finishing with only 6 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist. Under those circumstances, the Boston Celtics' starters simply couldn't get anything going. They had been trailing since the start of the game, and the gap kept growing.

Goodwin managed to steady things a little after coming on, but the Chicago Bulls quickly responded by sending extra defenders to guard him and shut down his offense.

Goodwin couldn't help wishing he had more ways to score!

Even though he finished with a team-high 17 points, he still couldn't change the outcome for his team.

"Goodwin, better luck next time. Hahahahaha!" After the game, Hinrich walked over to Goodwin, grinning.

Hinrich had played exceptionally well, shooting 7-for-11 at a 63% clip and putting up a monster double-double of 23 points, 1 rebound, 14 assists, and 2 steals. Under his direction, the Chicago Bulls had scored from all over the court, with six players reaching double figures.

"Senior, you guys played really well tonight." Goodwin wasn't a sore loser. Instead, he praised his senior.

The Chicago Bulls had indeed played much better than they had in their previous matchup.

"You weren't bad either. Even with us constantly sending help defense your way, you still scored 17 points. Goodwin, you're getting better and better." Hinrich gave Goodwin's shoulder an approving pat.

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

Hinrich smiled. "You've still got a long way to go, Goodwin. Keep working hard. I'm looking forward to our next matchup."

Goodwin nodded.

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

The 2003–04 NBA All-Star Weekend was being held in Los Angeles from February 13 to 15, a three-day event.

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

In Goodwin's eyes, this year's Rookie Challenge was stacked with stars. Yao Ming would lead the sophomores, while LeBron James would lead the rookies.

The sophomore lineup: starters—Jaric, Manu Ginobili, Boozer, Amar'e Stoudemire, and Yao Ming; reserves—Prince, Murray, Caron Butler, Mike Dunleavy, and Nene Hilario.

The rookie lineup: starters—LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Kaman, Wade, and Hinrich; reserves—Wade, Chris Bosh, Josh Howard, Haslem, and Goodwin.

At Hinrich's question, Goodwin's disappointment vanished. He'd get to see him—Yao Ming—tomorrow.

Goodwin had previously traveled with the team to Houston, but he hadn't gotten a chance to talk to Yao.

This time would be different. They'd be taking photos and playing together.

"Tonight," Goodwin replied. He and Paul Pierce had already agreed on that.

Only Goodwin and Paul Pierce were participating in All-Star Weekend for the Boston Celtics, though one would play in the Rookie Challenge and the other in the main event.

Hinrich waved a hand. "What a shame. I'm going tomorrow." He'd hoped to travel with Goodwin, but their schedules didn't line up.

"Then I'll see you in Los Angeles."

After chatting for a few more minutes, Goodwin turned and headed for the players' tunnel.

As soon as he opened the locker room door, Paul Pierce said, "Goodwin, hurry up and pack. We're going straight to the airport."

??

Goodwin looked confused. This wasn't what they'd agreed on.

He didn't find out why Pierce was in such a hurry until they were on the way: Pierce wanted to blow off some steam.

You know how it is. Los Angeles was the City of Angels.

Goodwin gave Paul Pierce a thumbs-up. A solid six.

Four hours later, the two of them landed in Los Angeles.

"You really aren't coming?" Paul Pierce asked again. He wanted to take Goodwin out for a taste of the nightlife and help him get some experience.

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

"Goodwin, are you into men? It's okay, I won't judge you. There are plenty of gay guys around here. Maybe you'll find someone you like," Paul Pierce said, letting his imagination run wild.

Goodwin: "..."

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

"Then what's the problem? Come with me."

"No! I'm going to sleep. I have training tomorrow."

A decisive rejection!

Hearing that, Paul Pierce immediately deflated. "All right. Be careful, then."

Goodwin nodded. They parted at the airport entrance, and Goodwin took a cab to the hotel arranged by the organizers. The NBA provided rooms for all players participating in All-Star Weekend, though whether they stayed there was up to them.

For Goodwin, who was broke, staying there was a no-brainer. He'd be a fool not to.

Free stuff was the best.

Even the flight over could be reimbursed, though many players couldn't be bothered to claim it. It was such a small amount that it barely counted as money to them.

Goodwin: It counts as money to me. It counts!

He was planning to claim it, too! He only had one rookie contract, and it paid peanuts. He had no endorsements and no shoe deal. Every little bit saved was a little bit earned.

Goodwin couldn't help thinking, I might be the poorest person ever to be reborn. 〒▽〒

Fortunately, he knew how things would develop over the next twenty-plus years. Once he had money, he'd invest in Apple, Twitter, Bitcoin—then he could retire, put his feet up, and wait for the money to roll in. Hahahahaha!

As for starting a business, Goodwin hadn't even considered it. He was pretty laid-back: what was meant to be would be, and what wasn't couldn't be forced. He just needed to play well, marry a beautiful wife, have kids, and live happily ever after.

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

He immediately ran a hot bath and sank into it.

The exhaustion from the game and the trip seemed to melt away. This felt amazing!

"Time to sleep, time to sleep." After checking the time, Goodwin leaped onto the bed, closed his eyes, and thought, Duke of Zhou, here I come.