On the morning of June 8th.
With the first two games of the NBA Finals concluded in Boston, the media in Los Angeles has completely exploded.
In the Celtics ' president's office, Lin Qi sat behind his desk, flipping through clippings from California media that had just been delivered by the public relations department.
At the very top was the front-page headline of the Los Angeles Times sports section. They used very aggressive, bold black font.
The Price of Arrogance: How Phil Jackson Ruined the Lakers?
In several Los Angeles tabloids, Jason Kidd's significantly lower shooting percentage in the second half was singled out.
The accompanying title was scathingly jarring: "The Soft-Legged Commander".
In this world of fame and fortune, where the spotlight is relentless and failure is intolerable, being down 0-2 is enough for the Los Angeles media to tear off their mask of sentimentality and eagerly begin searching for a scapegoat.
Lin Qi glanced at the clippings casually and then tossed them aside.
The harsh criticism from the Los Angeles media couldn't change the course of the series. He picked up the landline on the table and dialed a local Boston number.
The phone was answered after three rings. The sound of turning pages came from the other end of the line, along with Beth Finneran's signature voice, which was slightly hoarse and capable.
"Mr. Lin Qi, if you're here to check up on things, then I have to report that I'm currently buried in a two-foot-high pile of City Hall documents." Beth's voice sounded a little tired, but still had that defiant sharpness, and she even emphasized the word "report."
"It sounds like the Brighton land deal is proving more complicated than expected?" Lin Qi leaned back in his chair, a slight smile playing on his lips.
"You think signing the land transfer agreement is the end of it?" Beth's helpless chuckle came through the receiver. "This is just the beginning. Changing the use of a piece of land is a bureaucratic nightmare."
Beth rubbed her temples and explained rapidly, " Jim Davis of New Balance may have lost the bid, but he hasn't stopped. They're secretly funding several so-called 'community environmental NGOs,' relentlessly submitting protests to the city council over construction noise and the Charles River's water quality assessment report. For the past two weeks, I've practically worn down the threshold of the Boston City Hall just dealing with the Environmental Protection Agency's hearings and the city hall's building permit requests."
Lin Qi nodded in deep agreement. In the United States commercial real estate development industry, what's truly frightening isn't fierce bidding, but this kind of endless "legal harassment" that uses legal procedures and environmental clauses.
"You've worked hard, Beth. You're fighting a battle for me that's no easier than the NBA Finals," Lin Qi said sincerely.
"You know that's good. You should think more about how to make it up to me." Beth picked up her coffee and took a sip to perk herself up.
Before Lin Qi could answer, she changed the subject, her tone slightly mocking. "This morning I passed a newsstand and saw that the Boston Globe was practically planning your championship parade route in advance. And I see that in Los Angeles, the California media has already started putting Phil Jackson and Jason Kidd on the hot seat?"
"The media are like weather vanes. Whether they're creating or destroying a legend, they only care about the current score." Lin Qi smiled, but his tone remained absolutely clear-headed. " The Boston media are overly optimistic. It's only 2-0, not 3-0. The next three away games at Staples Center are the real hell."
Lin Qi looked out the window, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Pushing the Lakers, who have Shaquille O'Neal O'Neal, to the brink is no cause for celebration. Nobody knows what kind of retaliation that enraged beast will launch on its own turf."
"No wonder you've gotten this far. The entire Boston fanbase is in an uproar, yet you, the owner, are frighteningly calm." Beth chuckled softly. "So, what do you need me for before heading to that 'hell'? Seeking pre-game psychological counseling?"
"My flight's this afternoon. Before I head to Los Angeles, I wanted to invite you to a game," Lin Qi said, revealing his purpose directly, "To relax your overloaded brain."
There was a two-second silence on the other end of the phone, followed by Beth's sigh.
" Lin Qi, if I could, I'd definitely go. But right now, I really can't." Beth's voice held a rare hint of weakness. "Right now, my mind is full of land planning laws and those old fogies in the city council. I simply don't have the energy to go to a noisy 20,000-seat arena and scream along with the fans."
"I understand." Lin Qi changed the subject. "Then let's make a deal. The next three games are in Los Angeles. If the Lakers are lucky enough to drag the series back to Boston for a Game 6... you'll come watch the games with me."
"Do I really have to go?" Beth asked back.
"I won't take you to the regular stands. I'll reserve the VIP box with the best view in the New Garden, the one reserved exclusively for the boss, for you." Lin Qi gave her a reason she couldn't refuse. "The soundproofing there is excellent; you won't be disturbed by any fan noise. You can bring your case files, and your favorite vintage of Bordeaux."
Lin Qi paused, his tone becoming deep and sharp. "More importantly, if the series really goes back to home court, the mayor of Boston, several key city councilors, and those who were trying to sabotage your Brighton project will all be watching from the VIP boxes next door."
The sound of turning pages on the other end of the phone stopped. Beth, being such a clever woman, instantly understood what Lin Qi meant.
"You, as my private VIP, sitting in the most central box, are sending a clear signal to the entire political and business world of Boston. You're not just a lawyer; you represent the will of the Celtics ' owner," Lin Qi's voice was deep and persuasive. "In this basketball-obsessed city, the Celtics are the best political bargaining chip. Believe me, this will not only save you a lot of unnecessary words at the upcoming City Hall hearing, but with this endorsement, you'll also face far fewer unseen obstacles when handling other difficult cases in Boston."
Beth's soft chuckle came through the receiver.
"You really know how to persuade a lawyer."
"So you agree?" Lin Qi asked with a smile.
"If... we could go back to Boston," Beth's tone became languid and alluring again, "But if you guys sweep the Lakers 4-0 in Los Angeles, my wine and VIP box are out of the question."
"Then I'll personally bring you some red wine and pick you up from get off work at the city hall."
"Make a deal."
The voice on the other end of the phone was crisp and decisive. "Have fun in Hollywood."
After hanging up the phone, Lin Qi looked out the window at the early summer sunshine in Boston and downed his black coffee in one gulp.