Chapter Summaries

Li Fei led the Knicks past the Philadelphia 76ers, 115–112, with a long three-pointer that put them ahead with 0.8 seconds left. After the final buzzer, he looked across the court toward Iverson as his teammates celebrated.

• Li Fei drove past Hill and passed to Donyell Marshall, who dunked to give the Knicks a 112–110 lead.
• Iverson stopped in front of Sprewell and hit a difficult jumper to tie the game at 112.
• Li Fei made a three-pointer from beyond the arc with 0.8 seconds remaining, putting the Knicks ahead 115–112.
• Li Fei told Sprewell that Iverson's next sneaker slogan would be “Glorious Even in Defeat.”
• The Knicks stopped the Philadelphia 76ers' final play, and the buzzer ended the game before Iverson could shoot.
• The Knicks celebrated their victory as Li Fei looked across the court toward Iverson.

Allen Iverson and Li Fei delivered a spectacular duel, with Li Fei’s Knicks winning after his game-winning shot despite Iverson scoring a career-high 55 points. Iverson accepted the loss with pride at the press conference, where a reporter challenged him about his playing style.

• After the final buzzer, Iverson and Li Fei exchanged a silent salute before Iverson walked back to the tunnel with his head held high.
• The final statistics showed Iverson scored 55 points, while Li Fei recorded 52 points, 18 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 6 blocks in the Knicks’ victory.
• Commentators praised both players and discussed how Iverson’s performance could make Li Fei Brand’s Answer series a hit.
• At the 76ers’ press conference, Iverson said he hated losing, praised Li Fei’s game-winner, and acknowledged that Li had been the winner that night.
• An ESPN reporter asked Iverson whether his exhausting style was the main gap between him and Li Fei and whether he would change how he played.

After the Knicks beat Iverson’s team, Iverson vowed to defeat Li Fei in their next meeting, while Li Fei challenged him to earn revenge in the playoffs. Their duel became a major sports-media story, and the chapter ended with the publication of a commentary titled “A King, a Fighter, and the Reflection of an Era.”

• Iverson acknowledged Li Fei’s physical advantages but defended his own playing style and vowed to keep competing on his own terms.
• Iverson said he would seek to beat Li Fei in their next NBA matchup or on any street court where Li Fei appeared.
• Li Fei praised Iverson’s performance and said he would wait for Iverson’s revenge on the playoff stage.
• Reporters and sports websites publicized the players’ exchange and their dramatic game, fueling widespread attention to their rivalry.
• Robert Lipster published an in-depth commentary titled “A King, a Fighter, and the Reflection of an Era.”

After Li Fei defeated Allen Iverson with a last-second shot, Robert’s article and fans’ reactions celebrated both Li Fei’s dominance and Iverson’s defiant performance. Iverson’s popularity surged overnight, and a long queue formed outside the Li Fei Brand flagship store in Times Square.

• Li Fei hit the game-winning shot with 0.8 seconds left, defeating Iverson despite Iverson scoring 55 points.
• At the postgame press conference, Iverson said he would rather lose playing his own way than win by imitating someone else, and Li Fei invited him to seek revenge in the playoffs.
• Robert published an article portraying Li Fei and Iverson as rival protagonists, and fans across the country debated the game and praised Iverson’s spirit.
• Iverson’s televised performance transformed him from a controversial player into a cultural icon, and fans rushed to buy his sneakers.
• The next morning, Martin Campbell saw a long line outside the Li Fei Brand flagship store in Times Square before it opened.

After Iverson’s defiant game and press conference drove intense demand for The Answer II, the New York flagship store sold through nearly all its stock as customers embraced the shoes as a symbol of his fighting spirit. David Falk reported that stores across major markets were seeing the same frenzy, and the factory began round-the-clock production.

• Martin received Jesse’s forecast showing that The Answer II had sold out online within three hours, then ordered the New York store to prepare for a rush.
• Customers streamed into the flagship store at opening and crowded around The Answer Wall, buying The Answer II in every available colorway and size.
• James explained that Iverson’s shoes were weapons for battle and an example of staying true to oneself, resonating with people around him.
• Martin told David Falk that the New York store expected to sell out its stock before five in the afternoon.
• Falk reported that flagship stores across major markets were also selling out, and the factory prioritized The Answer II with production lines running around the clock.

Martin Campbell realized that Li Fei Brand sold customers a choice and a belief, while Li Fei spent a quiet evening in New York with Monica Bellucci. The chapter ended with them sharing dinner and discussing the brand’s success and future plans.

• Falk told Martin Campbell that Li had defended signing Iverson by describing him as a fearless challenger who could ignite people’s hearts.
• Martin looked at the Times Square billboard of Li Fei and Iverson and understood that Li Fei Brand was selling a choice and a belief, not just shoes.
• Li Fei relaxed at home while Monica Bellucci prepared risotto and fed him a taste.
• Li Fei praised Monica’s cooking, and the two exchanged affectionate words before sharing dinner on the carpet.
• Li Fei told Monica about The Answer II’s strong sales and David Falk’s excitement, while Monica expressed pride in his business achievements.

Li Fei explained to Monica how Allen Iverson’s rebellious image gave fans permission to be themselves, then shared a romantic evening with her. The next morning, NBA All-Star voting began, and two Temple University students struggled to vote for Iverson before successfully casting their ballots.

• Li Fei told Monica that Iverson’s appeal came from representing people who resisted expectations and wanted to be understood.
• Monica and Li Fei danced to jazz, kissed, and went to the bedroom together.
• The NBA opened fan voting for the 2000 All-Star Game, and Kenny Smith urged viewers to vote for their favorite players.
• Two Temple University students fought through the overloaded NBA website and voted for Allen Iverson.

The first round of 2000 NBA All-Star voting put Li Fei in first place and Allen Iverson in third, confirming Iverson’s rapid rise. Li Fei and David Falk began planning an All-Star Weekend campaign built around “The First Clash Between God and The Answer.”

• Traders and fans in the United States and China voted enthusiastically for Li Fei, Michael Jordan, Iverson, and other players.
• The NBA announced that Li Fei led the first-round results with 1,085,624 votes, followed by Michael Jordan and Allen Iverson.
• Bill Walton and Kevin Harlan highlighted Iverson’s surprising third-place finish and his likely starting spot among Eastern Conference guards.
• Li Fei told David Falk to prepare an All-Star Weekend marketing campaign titled “The First Clash Between God and The Answer.”
• Li Fei instructed Falk to build anticipation through media advertisements emphasizing contrast between the old era and the new.

Li Fei planned a Jordan-versus-Iverson marketing campaign that enraged Michael Jordan. Jordan responded by launching a furious assault on the Orlando Magic, leaving the game in the middle of his opening attack.

• Li Fei instructed Falk to create rival Jordan and Iverson ads, bundle their shoes, stir public debate, and air a dramatic teaser at All-Star Weekend.
• Jordan read a newspaper comparing Iverson to him and angrily condemned the media hype and Li Fei’s scheme.
• Jordan declared that he would show everyone why he was called “God.”
• Jordan opened the Bulls’ game against the Magic by driving past Grant Hill and dunking over the center’s help defense.

Jordan scored 61 points to lead the Bulls over the Magic, while Iverson scored 58 in a narrow 76ers loss, fueling a voting rivalry between the two stars. The NBA announced the All-Star starters, with Li Fei leading all players in votes and Iverson earning an Eastern Conference starting spot just behind Jordan.

• Jordan erupted for 61 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists as the Bulls defeated the Magic 125–101.
• Iverson scored 58 points, added 6 assists and 4 steals, and led the 76ers in a two-point loss to the Timberwolves.
• Li Fei Brand's marketing campaign turned the Jordan–Iverson scoring duel into a national media and fan sensation that shaped the All-Star voting battle.
• Kenny Smith announced the Western Conference starters, led in votes by Shaquille O'Neal, with Kobe Bryant, John Stockton, Tim Duncan, and Kevin Garnett joining him.
• The Eastern Conference starters included Knicks teammates Li Fei, Arvydas Sabonis, and Allan Houston, alongside Michael Jordan and Allen Iverson.
• Li Fei received 3.52 million votes to set a new record, while Jordan earned 2.94 million and Iverson received 2.91 million to secure the final Eastern backcourt spot.

After Allen Iverson narrowly passed Michael Jordan in the second round of All-Star voting, Li Fei urged his team to turn every round into a nationwide event. The third-round results put Iverson ahead of Jordan, sparking a mass movement to defend Jordan.

• ESPN devoted fifteen minutes to the close second-round vote, while Falk told Li Fei that publicity and preorders for the limited-edition sets had surged.
• Li Fei told Falk to increase the publicity and make each remaining round of voting a nationwide carnival.
• Kenny Smith announced that Li Fei led the league with 4.55 million votes and that Allen Iverson had passed Michael Jordan by 30,000 votes in Eastern Conference backcourt voting.
• Analysts and news outlets described Iverson's rise as a historic shift, citing his recent performances and appeal to younger fans.
• Jordan's supporters rallied across the United States, rented Times Square screens to show his highlights, and called on people to vote for him.

The final All-Star voting results showed Li Fei leading the Eastern Conference with 6.02 million votes, while Michael Jordan narrowly kept his starting spot over Allen Iverson. The NBA then announced the complete All-Star rosters, setting the stage for the game in Oakland.

• Michael Jordan ignored the voting controversy and increased his daily shooting practice to fifteen hundred attempts.
• Kenny Smith announced the Western Conference starters, led by Shaquille O'Neal with 3.55 million votes.
• Li Fei topped the Eastern Conference voting with 6.02 million votes, ahead of Michael Jordan's 5.88 million.
• Allen Iverson received 5.85 million votes but finished thirty thousand behind Jordan, who retained his starting spot.
• The NBA announced the complete rosters, including an unusual Eastern Conference starting lineup with three guards.

Grant Hill’s injury withdrawal led David Stern to select Arvydas Sabonis as his replacement, giving the Knicks four All-Stars. A TNT panel then discussed the voting results and Li Fei’s cultural influence before Marv Albert tied Kobe Bryant’s lower vote total to his failed final shot against the Knicks.

• Grant Hill withdrew from the All-Star Weekend after his ankle injury flared up again.
• David Stern selected Arvydas Sabonis to replace Grant Hill, making Li Fei, Allan Houston, Sprewell, and Sabonis the Knicks’ four All-Stars.
• Kevin Harlan, Marv Albert, and Bill Walton discussed Michael Jordan’s narrow vote lead over Allen Iverson and Li Fei’s record-setting popularity.
• The panel reviewed the Western Conference roster, and Kevin Harlan noted Kobe Bryant’s comparatively low vote total.
• Marv Albert argued that Kobe’s forced, missed fadeaway against Li Fei in the Knicks-Lakers game had hurt his popularity.

The All-Star selections celebrated Li Fei, Allen Houston, Latrell Sprewell, and Arvydas Sabonis as signs of the Knicks’ dominance and brought major marketing excitement for David Falk. After congratulating his teammates at practice, Li Fei spoke with Sabonis, leaving their conversation unfinished.

• Bill Walton and Kevin Harlan discussed how Kobe Bryant’s impatient play had weakened his standing with fans compared with Allen Iverson.
• David Falk celebrated that all four athletes represented by his company—Li Fei, Iverson, Kobe Bryant, and Charles Barkley—had made the All-Star team.
• The Knicks celebrated Li Fei, Allan Houston, Latrell Sprewell, and Arvydas Sabonis earning All-Star selections.
• Latrell Sprewell thanked Li Fei for helping him rediscover his joy in basketball, and Li Fei urged him to focus on winning the championship.
• Li Fei congratulated Houston on his selection and praised his reliable jumper and consistency.
• Li Fei crouched beside Sabonis to speak with him.

The Knicks celebrated having four All-Stars before Stephen Jackson took the spotlight in the Rookie Challenge. Jackson dominated the game for the Sophomore Team, which still held a three-point lead with one minute remaining.

• Li Fei celebrated the Knicks’ four All-Stars by booking a private club and inviting teammates, family, and friends.
• Jackson joined the Sophomore Team for the Rookie Challenge, where he was urged by Brian Shaw to teach the rookies a lesson.
• Jackson stole the ball from Lamar Odom and raced downcourt for a powerful dunk.
• Jackson took over with jump shots, drives, and dunks as the Sophomore Team built a narrow lead.
• Jackson stripped the ball from Steve Francis, then passed behind his back to Vince Carter for a 360-degree windmill dunk.

Stephen Jackson won Rookie Challenge MVP as the Sophomore Team beat the Rookie Team, and Li Fei watched proudly. At the 2000 NBA All-Star Game, the starters were introduced and Li Fei made a grand entrance as the record-setting vote leader.

• Stephen Jackson led the Sophomore Team to a 135–126 victory, scoring 28 points, and received the Rookie Challenge MVP trophy.
• Li Fei watched Jackson’s win with his teammates and praised his performance.
• The 2000 NBA All-Star Game began at Oakland Arena with the conference reserves introduced, including Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley.
• The Western and Eastern Conference starters entered the arena, with Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, Allen Iverson, and Vince Carter among them.
• Li Fei was announced as the All-Star vote king and walked calmly into the arena to a deafening ovation.

The All-Star Game unfolded as Li Fei facilitated the Western Conference while Kobe and Iverson competed to prove themselves as the league’s next great stars. During halftime, Gary Payton won the first Skills Challenge, Jeff Hornacek defended his Three-Point Contest title, and Vince Carter claimed the Slam Dunk Contest with a historic performance before the players returned for the second half.

• O'Neal won the opening tip, and Jason Kidd’s long pass set up Kobe for a reverse alley-oop before Iverson answered with an Up and Under layup.
• Li Fei assisted Sabonis, Houston, and Carter while Kobe and Iverson scored aggressively, and the Western Conference led 82–78 at halftime.
• Gary Payton defeated Jason Kidd to win the first Skills Challenge, and Jeff Hornacek beat Nowitzki to defend his Three-Point Contest crown.
• Vince Carter stunned the crowd with a series of spectacular dunks, including an elbow dunk, and won the Slam Dunk Contest.
• The players returned to the court as the All-Star Game’s second half was about to begin.

Li Fei and Kobe Bryant turned the All-Star Game into a fierce one-on-one duel after halftime. Li Fei overpowered Kobe to score, and the chapter ended with Kobe attempting a difficult leaning jumper against him.

• Kobe Bryant intensified his defense and focused on challenging Li Fei after the second half began.
• Li Fei evaded Kobe's pressure and passed to Vince Carter, who finished with a Tomahawk Dunk.
• Kobe used Shaquille O'Neal's screen to drive past Allan Houston and dunk over Alonzo Mourning, then challenged Li Fei with his stare.
• Li Fei spun past Kobe's physical defense and made a jump shot, drawing a huge reaction from the crowd.
• Kobe tried to answer with a one-on-one drive against Li Fei, then stopped and released a leaning jumper.

Li Fei blocked Kobe Bryant and dominated their third-quarter duel before sitting out the rest of the All-Star Game. The Eastern Conference won, Allen Iverson earned MVP, and Kobe left determined to surpass Li Fei someday.

• Li Fei blocked Kobe's shot, then scored and defended effectively as the two stars traded attacks in a one-on-one duel.
• Li Fei drew a foul on Kobe, made both free throws, and asked to leave the game with the Eastern Conference ahead by double digits.
• Li Fei stayed on the bench in the fourth quarter while Allen Iverson and Kobe led the closing action, and the Eastern Conference won 155–145.
• Li Fei finished with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists in 20 minutes, while Iverson scored 26 points and Kobe led all scorers with 31.
• David Stern awarded Allen Iverson the All-Star Game MVP, and Iverson thanked Li Fei for giving him the spotlight.
• Kobe acknowledged Li Fei's strength but resolved to close the gap and eventually stand atop the league.

Allen Iverson discussed winning the All-Star Game MVP, credited Li Fei for trusting him, and declared the Philadelphia 76ers would reach the playoffs. After the game, Kobe Bryant trained alone aboard his plane while replaying his duel with Li Fei and remembering Li Fei’s words that the future was his.

• Allen Iverson said Li Fei’s trust helped him score 15 fourth-quarter points and win the All-Star MVP.
• Iverson credited Li Fei with helping him earn the trophy, while insisting he had fought for it himself.
• Iverson praised Michael Jordan and promoted the Answer shoes and Li Fei brand, then vowed the 76ers would reach the playoffs and hoped to face Li Fei there.
• Kobe Bryant boarded his plane alone and practiced basketball in its training area during the flight.
• Kobe replayed his duel with Li Fei in his mind and remembered Li Fei telling him, “The future is yours.”