Don't Think About It-Just Go Train

The next day, Goodwin got up and trained as usual.

Even during All-Star Weekend, he couldn't let up.

A great man once said, "Where there is genius, I'm using the time other people spend drinking coffee to write!"

He arrived at the hotel gym early. It was empty, and the corners of Goodwin's mouth curled up slightly. In a rather chuuni tone, he said, "I've got this gym all to myself."

Once his "episode" was over, he immediately warmed up.

After finishing his warm-up, Goodwin stepped onto a treadmill and started running at a steady pace.

After an unknown amount of time, he heard a noise from the gym entrance.

He didn't need to turn around to know someone had come in. Goodwin didn't care who it was, though. It was a hotel, after all, and anyone staying there could use the gym.

The two newcomers were a little surprised to find someone there before them. They were fitness enthusiasts who had come to Los Angeles on a business trip and were also planning to attend NBA All-Star Weekend.

After exchanging glances, they each started working out. One of them went straight to the treadmill beside Goodwin. She had chosen to run, too.

As she ran, she happened to glance at Goodwin and froze.

This, this, this... That familiar face left her absolutely thrilled.

"OMG! You're Goodwin!" She hit the pause button and called out excitedly.

Hearing his name, Goodwin had no choice but to turn and look. His eyes fell on a woman with jet-black hair, a high, sharp nose, and a pair of captivating big eyes. Her features were sharply defined, and she wore a tight-fitting workout outfit that showed off her long, slender figure. Goodwin couldn't help taking a second look.

Goodwin nodded in greeting. "Hello." She was probably a female fan of his.

"I can't believe I ran into you here! I'm a fan of yours, Goodwin," the woman said excitedly.

"Thanks for being a fan. If you don't mind me asking, are you a fan of my skills or my looks?" Goodwin asked, curious.

The woman turned shy all at once. She hadn't expected Goodwin to ask her that out of the blue. Her breathing quickened, and she bit her lip. "Your looks."

"Hahaha, I knew it!" Goodwin laughed. It was exactly what he'd guessed.

At his words, the woman was so embarrassed she could've dug a whole apartment complex with her toes.

Just then, Goodwin added, "Thanks for being a fan. But I hope you'll come to like my skills, too."

The woman looked up and hurried to explain, "I will! My friend and I came to Los Angeles these past few days to cheer you on at All-Star Weekend."

Seeing how flustered she was, Goodwin found her kind of cute for some reason.

Goodwin blurted out, "By the way, I don't know your name yet."

The woman rubbed her head. "I'm Ashley Greene."

Ashley Greene? That name sounded familiar.

"Ashley, it's nice to meet you."

They chatted as they ran, talking about everything from basketball to life. Ashley Greene's friend could only look on helplessly. What a guy—ditching your friend for a pretty face.

"Goodbye, Ashley. I really enjoyed talking with you," Goodwin said before turning and heading to his room.

He wanted to keep talking with Ashley Greene, but he didn't have time. He still had plenty of training left to do.

Maybe we'll meet again, Ashley!

Goodwin soon put Ashley Greene out of his mind. He returned to his room, showered and changed, then went to the hotel restaurant for a hearty breakfast.

After eating and drinking his fill, Goodwin had just walked out of the restaurant when someone coming toward him grabbed him in a hug.

???

Goodwin was completely bewildered. Who was this?

This would cost extra. Goodwin was just about to push the person away.

The newcomer exclaimed excitedly, "Goodwin! Long time no see."

Goodwin took a closer look and realized it was his "Rival for Life," Carmelo Anthony.

"Anthony, long time no see. To be honest, I kind of don't want to see you right now." The moment Goodwin saw Carmelo Anthony, he remembered losing to the Denver Nuggets last time and having three attribute points deducted. Three days of training had gone to waste. It had been absolutely devastating.

Carmelo Anthony was covered in question marks.

"Whenever I see you, I remember the Celtics losing to the Nuggets last time."

"Hahahahaha." Goodwin's words made Carmelo Anthony burst out laughing.

Then Carmelo Anthony waved a hand. "That game doesn't count. You didn't even play. The next time we meet, I'll beat you again, and then you can say that. Hahahaha." Just thinking about it made Carmelo Anthony excited—he'd get to take down his sworn enemy!

Goodwin: "..."

Damn! Who says something like that?

Goodwin raised his fist and punched Carmelo Anthony in the chest.

Carmelo Anthony immediately played along. "Ow, that hurts!"

"Quit pretending. I didn't even hit you that hard."

"Hahaha, Goodwin, seeing you has already made my day."

While the two of them were "flirting," LeBron James and Wade interrupted them. "Anthony, aren't you going to introduce us?"

LeBron James and Wade knew who Goodwin was, of course. They just weren't familiar with him—not even enough to call him a friend.

Only after they spoke did Goodwin realize the two of them were there, too.

They were just one Chris Paul short of completing the Banana Boat Crew!

(Chris Paul: I'm still in the NCAA!)

Carmelo Anthony introduced them to each other.

"Hello, LeBron and Wade!"

"Hello, Goodwin!" "Hello, Goodwin!"

The three greeted each other warmly.

"Goodwin, we're going to get breakfast. Want to join us?" Carmelo Anthony invited him.

"Sorry, Anthony. I just ate," Goodwin said apologetically.

"All right, then. See you this afternoon," Carmelo Anthony said, a little disappointed.

That afternoon was the rookies' orientation. Calling it orientation was a bit much; it was really just a chance for the players to meet each other.

"See you this afternoon." Goodwin said goodbye to LeBron James and Wade as well, then left.

Watching Goodwin's back, LeBron James said, "He's even more popular than I am!" He'd heard it from his agent.

"How's that possible?" Wade replied, a little surprised. Among this year's rookies, who could be more popular than the number-one pick, LeBron James? Even Carmelo Anthony fell a little short.

LeBron James shrugged. "That's what my agent told me."

"Oh? Goodwin's already that impressive? Looks like I'll have to work twice as hard," Carmelo Anthony said, full of fighting spirit.

"Come on, let's get breakfast."

After eating his fill, Goodwin decided to watch some Sacramento Kings game footage. The Kings would be the Celtics' first opponent after All-Star Weekend.

Half an hour later, Goodwin frowned. The Sacramento Kings were strong!

Their odds of winning the game might be only one percent.

Forget it. Better to go train.

Goodwin shook his head, turned off the video, and left his room to go train.