In early June in Boston, the evening breeze already carried the warmth of early summer.
In his detached house with a backyard in the Brookline District, Lin Qi stood before the floor-to-ceiling window in the living room, a cup of coffee that had gone cold in his hand, gazing absently at the night view outside. The Charles River in the distance was tinged with a dark gold by the setting sun, but his thoughts had already flown three thousand miles away to Los Angeles.
With a click, the living room door was pushed open.
Beth Finneran has just finished a five-hour merger negotiation at her downtown law firm. Three months after giving birth to twins in March, the workaholic has not only quickly regained her magazine-cover-worthy figure, but also successfully signed a partnership agreement in May.
At this moment, she was wearing a well-tailored dark gray patterned business suit. She skillfully kicked off the black high heels that had been restricting her all day with her heels, casually tossed her coat onto the sofa, and walked barefoot onto the soft wool carpet, silently walking to Lin Qi's side.
"What's wrong? You look troubled."
Beth took the cold coffee from Lin Qi's hand and placed it casually on the side table. She keenly sensed the man's tension and the oppressive atmosphere in the air. "A 2-0 lead, and the entire Boston media is going crazy, discussing in which game you'll finish off the Lakers. But on your face, I don't see the composure of a victor, but rather..."
She tilted her head slightly, her eyes narrowing as she searched for the right words.
"As if facing a formidable enemy."
Lin Qi smiled helplessly and casually put his arm around Beth's waist.
"The media always like this, watching the spectacle while making flippant remarks." Lin Qi frowned. "Next, we're going to Los Angeles for three away games."
"Is it tough playing away at Staples Center?" Beth leaned on Lin Qi's shoulder and asked softly.
"It's not just about away games and league officiating; I'm not worried about that." Lin Qi's gaze pierced through the window, becoming deep and cold. "What I'm worried about... is that man."
" Michael Jordan?" Beth clearly knew who Lin Qi was wary of.
"Hmm." Lin Qi nodded, his fingers unconsciously stroking Beth's cheek. "In the first two games, we certainly dominated the game. But that's what worries me the most. He's not a player who plays by the rules. The harder you push him, the more terrifying his comeback will be."
Lin Qi looked at Beth and cited several examples already etched in basketball history. "In Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals, he had a fever of 38 degrees Celsius, was severely dehydrated, and could barely stand, yet he still managed to score 38 points and win against the Utah Jazz. And in Game 6 of 1998, Pippen's back injury flared up and he was almost unable to move, but he carried the entire team single-handedly, stealing the Malone at the last moment and making the game-winning shot. These are all illogical, defying the basic logic of competitive sports. As long as the game isn't over, he can always find an incomprehensible way to turn the tide."
Lin Qi sighed, his tone unusually heavy. "Facing a guy who can pull off miracles in dire situations, a two-game lead is far from secure. If we relax even slightly in Los Angeles and let him find his rhythm... that's why I have to go personally and keep an eye on every single detail."
Beth listened quietly. She didn't offer the usual platitudes of a partner, like "You guys are great" or "It'll be fine."
She took a step forward and cupped Lin Qi's face in her hands. The eyes that could instill fear in opponents in court and force them to compromise at the negotiating table had lost all their sharpness, leaving only a bright and trusting light.
"You know what, Lin Qi?" Beth gently stroked his slightly rough cheek, which was rough from staying up late for days, feeling that familiar touch.
"What?" Lin Qi looked into her deep, affectionate eyes, which were so close to his own.
"When you were describing Jordan, you used a lot of words like 'incomprehensible' and 'burst out from the brink of defeat,'" Beth said with a smile. "But have you forgotten how you got to where you are today?"
Lin Qi was slightly taken aback.
"Back in 1994, you were just a young man pushed to the brink by a betting agreement," Beth said softly, yet with a resolute strength. "At that time, everyone thought you would lose the bet and be completely kicked out."
"But in just a few short years... not only did you not fail, you became the owner of this team, and right under the noses of those arrogant white old men, you personally built a three-peat dynasty."
Beth looked at Lin Qi, her gaze focused and captivating. "From having nothing to standing here, you've faced just as many hardships as that man. To others, Michael Jordan was a monster who created miracles on the court. But to me, a man who could turn the impossible into reality in just a few years, and trample all those who looked down on him underfoot, is also a miracle that defies common sense."
Lin Qi couldn't help but laugh, reaching out to place his hand on Beth's. " Beth, aren't you idolizing your fiancé a bit too much?"
"Mythologizing? No, I'm stating an objective fact." Beth winked playfully. "You're the one who always wins in the end."
Looking at Beth's delicate and affectionate face, Lin Qi felt all the stress and exhaustion of the past few days vanish in that instant. He leaned forward, wanting to kiss her.
But Beth suddenly pressed a finger against Lin Qi's lips, her expression turning stern.
"Wait a minute." Beth glared at her, feigning anger. "I suddenly remembered, didn't we agree on three rules? No talking about basketball at home, right?"
Lin Qi was stunned. After thinking for a moment, he realized that there was indeed such a rule.
"Why did you break your vow today?" Beth interrogated her, feigning seriousness, but the smile in her eyes betrayed her.
"Sorry, it's just a habit..." Lin Qi awkwardly touched his nose, then kissed her fingers, smiling as he asked, "So, Ms. Finneran, our new partner, how do you plan to punish me?"
Seeing Lin Qi's unusually embarrassed expression, Beth could no longer hide her amusement. She withdrew her fingers, wrapped her arms around Lin Qi's neck, and leaned forward to give Lin Qi a light peck on the lips.
"Punishment? Come back with the championship trophy, and then... make up for all the time I spent alone these past few days." Beth whispered in Lin Qi's ear in a seductive voice that only the two of them could hear, "Until then, I'll let you off the hook this time. Go pack your bags. Go to Los Angeles and win the game."
Looking at Beth's slightly sly smile, Lin Qi took a deep breath, pulled her into a tight embrace, and felt a sense of fulfillment and peace.
A moment later, he released his grip and stood up straight.
"Wait for me to come back."