Compromise

He played all 48 minutes, scoring 36 points with 4 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, and 11 turnovers, but his team still lost to the Toronto Raptors, 104–91.

After their second straight loss, fans immediately unleashed their criticism, especially Su Yi's fans.

"36 points and 11 turnovers? Are you a Raptors plant?"

"You played all 48 minutes just to pad your stats? The team lost by 13, and it's all your fault!"

"Su scored 30+ and won easily. You scored 30+ and led the team to a loss. The difference is huge."

"You hogged the ball for your own stats, and now the team's on a two-game losing streak? You're unbelievably selfish!"

"Su led the team to five straight wins, and you led them to two straight losses. You still have the nerve to act like the boss and hog the ball? Have some shame!"

"Even Mike Brown can't stand it, and you still refuse to change? Do you really think you own the Cavaliers?"

Meanwhile, in the postgame interview, Mike Brown mentioned that he had tried to return to the team's previous tactics. Unfortunately... Mike Brown simply let out a deep sigh and said no more.

That left the reporters plenty of room for speculation.

At that very moment, LeBron James was already in low spirits because of what had happened on the court, and the problems off it were giving him a massive headache too.

To put it plainly, LeBron James was still just a kid.

He hadn't fully matured yet; he was only a player who seemed to have potential.

To capitalists, when your value falls far short of expectations, they'll drop you without a second thought.

The fans were at each other's throats over the situation, and the people with money weren't going to help him. He had to handle it himself.

On top of that, Nike—the biggest player of all—had already been won over by Su Yi. Nike wasn't helping anyone; it was sitting on the sidelines.

That alone was already the biggest help Nike could give Su Yi.

LeBron James immediately called Rich Paul and asked him to invite a few reporters they often dealt with out to dinner.

But those reporters flat-out refused. Some didn't even answer their phones.

LeBron James often treated them to expensive meals, but they preferred having money in their own pockets.

This time, the other side had simply offered too much. Of course they'd take their side.

Rich Paul was once again at a loss!

As time passed, the controversy only grew. Even the Cleveland Cavaliers' official channels were overwhelmed, their phones ringing off the hook. More than a thousand fans were demonstrating outside Quicken Loans Arena, shouting, "We want Su!"

The next morning, the media began piling on. Nearly every outlet covered the story:

<The Selfish King! LeBron Pressures His Coach to Protect His Status as the Cavaliers' Winning Streak Turns into a Losing Streak>

<36 Points, 11 Turnovers! James's "Dictatorial" Style Destroys Team Chemistry>

<Playing 48 Minutes to Pad His Stats? James Refuses to Give Up the Ball and Pays the Price as Cavaliers Fans Cry, "We Want Su!">

<Mike Brown Takes the Fall! One Word from LeBron Turns a Rookie Prodigy into a Benchwarmer>

As more and more people took notice, the mainstream media joined in too.

While fans everywhere were still debating the story, Nike made an official announcement:

"The future is here!

We're signing Su Yi to a seven-year, $90 million deal.

Welcome Su Yi to the Nike family!

From Cavaliers rookie to a shooting sensation, he's proved with five straight 30-point games that his era is only just beginning!"

It was only $3 million more than LeBron James's deal.

Su Yi had done that on purpose.

He could have waited, but an opportunity like this had fallen into his lap. Why not take it?

Su Yi had given up a lot of money and agreed to plenty of tough terms to get the deal.

But what others saw as tough terms seemed as easy as eating or drinking to Su Yi.

After all, he had a cheat code.

Nike's announcement put a definitive end to the "match."

LeBron James decided to stop causing trouble and focus on playing basketball.

A wise man knew when to bend!

But before LeBron James could go talk to Mike Brown, the team's owner, Dan Gilbert, sought him out.

They talked for two and a half hours. No one knew what they discussed.

All anyone knew was that LeBron James didn't look too happy when he came out.

LeBron James then hurried to find Mike Brown. "Coach, I've been reflecting on what's been happening lately. Winning is what matters most.

Your strategy of letting Su run the offense works. From now on, I'll fit into your system.

The media keep trying to stir up conflict between Su and me, but I believe we're both aiming for the same thing: a championship.

A true leader doesn't always have to score. He helps the whole team reach its full potential.

You can make whatever adjustments you need, Coach. I'll set the example."

He certainly knew how to talk.

Hearing LeBron James's words, Mike Brown patted him on the shoulder. "Good. Let's work hard together and keep pushing toward the championship."

LeBron James nodded.

Mike Brown finally smiled with relief. At last, the drama was over and the team could get back on track.

Mike Brown had a lot of confidence in this season's roster!

Mike Brown immediately passed the good news on to Su Yi.

When Su Yi heard, he couldn't stop grinning. He thanked him at once. "Thank you, Coach. I won't let you down."

After chatting a little longer, Su Yi ended the call.

He promptly threw himself into training. He'd had plenty to deal with over the past few days, but he hadn't slacked off. He still trained at least twelve hours a day.

As the saying went, as long as life went on, so did training.

"A Rui, is the money I gave you enough for the media?"

Su Yi had only just thought to ask.

"You've already given me plenty. I used some of the studio's funds too," Xu Rui replied.

Then he couldn't help but sigh. "Yi, this war of public opinion is like a dam bursting. The money's just pouring out."

"True, but it's fine. I'll make that money back many times over in the future," Su Yi replied with a nod.

Then he asked, "But won't the studio's budget fall short?"

"It should just about be enough. Plants vs. Zombies is still selling pretty well," Xu Rui replied.

"Good. Then I'll make a few more mobile games."

Su Yi suddenly remembered that the first iPhone was about to come out. This was the perfect time to make a few mobile games and work with Apple.

"Huh? Mobile games?"

Xu Rui was completely bewildered.

Before Xu Rui could ask anything, Su Yi said, "Take two people from each team and have them come over. I'll check the schedule and see when I have some free time. We'll try to get it done in a few days.

"Once that's finished, I'll leave the rest to you. Apple's about to release a smartphone, so you can negotiate with them."

Xu Rui was utterly stunned by Su Yi's words.

By the time he came to his senses, Su Yi had finished his own meal and was sitting in the living room watching game footage.

Xu Rui looked at Su Yi and shook his head. Why did it feel like he could never keep up with Su Yi? Was this the difference between a genius and an ordinary person?

Still, Xu Rui had never doubted Su Yi's decisions. All he had to do was carry out Su Yi's instructions.