"Oh." Li Fei did not even look up, merely responding faintly as though he were hearing about something that had nothing to do with him.
Dolan froze for a moment, then could not help asking, "You're not surprised at all? Not disappointed?"
Only then did Li Fei put down the blueprints in his hands and look up, a hint of amusement on his face. "Why should I be surprised? I knew from the very beginning that he wouldn't come."
"Why?"
Dolan pressed on in confusion. "I offered him the highest coaching salary in history! I gave him every promise he wanted! He even admitted himself that coaching you is every coach's dream!"
"James," Li Fei said with a smile, "do you think money and power are still the most important things to someone at Phil Jackson's level? What he seeks is historical stature—the reputation of a GOAT-level coach."
"Then wouldn't coming to New York and joining forces with you to build a Dynasty greater than the Bulls be the best choice?"
"Of course it would, but only if he could get past one hurdle." Li Fei's gaze turned profound. "A hurdle called dignity."
He leaned forward slightly, staring into Dolan's eyes as he spoke each word distinctly. "James, have you ever considered what it would be called if someone who has lost to me three times in a row came here to become my head coach?"
Dolan furrowed his brow deeply and fell into thought.
Li Fei continued, "It would be called defecting to the enemy. Not everyone is a future Kevin Durant, capable of pulling that 'if you can't beat them, join them' move. Especially not someone who has already achieved fame and success, who holds six championship rings and is hailed as the Zen Master."
"If he came,