Chapter 186: Off-Court Moments — The Return of the Instant Noodle Brothers!
This year's NBA All-Star Weekend was held in New Orleans, and it carried a deeper meaning than just basketball.
Unlike previous years, the league dedicated the event to supporting the city's ongoing recovery from Hurricane Katrina, which had devastated New Orleans two and a half years earlier. On August 29, 2005, the hurricane destroyed nearly 80% of the city's buildings and displaced hundreds of thousands of residents.
Commissioner David Stern chose New Orleans as the host city not just for the spectacle, but to reignite hope — to show that basketball could help rebuild a city's spirit.
---
On the afternoon of February 15, Chen Yan joined Yao Ming and several NBA stars at Capel Ducey High School, where they volunteered to help with campus reconstruction.
Chen took the project seriously. The rookie phenom, whose popularity was soaring worldwide, wanted to use his influence to give back in a meaningful way.
But he wasn't the only big name there that day.
A familiar face appeared — the world-renowned Jet Li, affectionately known as the "Kung Fu Emperor."
His One Foundation was an official NBA partner for the rebuilding initiative, making him a regular guest at league charity events.
Jet Li greeted Yao Ming first. The two had met on several occasions and shared a warm rapport. Then he turned to Chen Yan with a broad smile and extended his hand.
"Chen Yan! I know you!" Jet Li said enthusiastically. "You've been all over the news lately — my daughters love watching you play!"
Chen grinned. "That's an honor, sir. I grew up watching your movies."
Jet Li laughed, waving it off. "Don't make me sound old. I just started young!"
Yao Ming chuckled. "So all those romance scenes in your films — were they all your idea, or was that just the director's fault?"
"The director's fault, of course," Jet Li replied instantly.
The three burst into laughter, lightening the mood around the work site. Despite his superstar status, Jet Li was humble and easygoing, which made Chen admire him even more.
Together, they laid turf for the school's new playground. The rain started to drizzle halfway through, but that didn't stop them. By the time they finished, they were soaked — but smiling.
Later, the trio joined the press indoors for interviews, signed autographs, and took photos with students and faculty before finally calling it a day.
---
That night, back at the hotel, Chen Yan showered, changed into something comfortable, and opened his laptop for a video call with Taylor Swift.
Taylor told him she'd be attending the Rookie Challenge the next evening — and reminded him that after the game, they'd need to rehearse their duet for their All-Star Game halftime performance.
"Don't stay up too late," she teased.
"I'll try," Chen said, smiling before hanging up.
He needed rest. His schedule for All-Star Weekend was stacked — the Rookie Challenge, the All-Star Game itself, the Three-Point Contest, and several sponsor events in between. For Chen Yan, it was busier than a regular NBA week.
---
February 16 — Rookie Challenge Day.
The arena buzzed with excitement. Before tip-off, the first- and second-year players lined up for media interviews in the tunnel.
"Chen Yan's here!" someone shouted.
Every camera turned toward the tunnel.
Out walked Chen Yan — sleek suit, dark sunglasses, calm expression — exuding the aura of a Hollywood action star. The press instantly mobbed him, flashes going off like fireworks.
The second-year players groaned. Chen had once again stolen the spotlight before the game even started.
Even among All-Star Weekend's rising stars, his popularity eclipsed everyone else's — except maybe LeBron or Kobe.
Only his Suns teammates, J.J. Barea and Kelenna Azubuike, took it in stride, laughing from the sidelines. They were used to their teammate's magnetism by now.
"Chen, what's your goal for tonight's Rookie Game?" a reporter asked.
"To give the fans a good show," Chen said, adjusting his sunglasses with a grin. "And, of course, to win while we're at it."
"Are you aiming for MVP?"
He chuckled. "Nah. I'm just here to have fun. Basketball's about enjoying the moment."
"Will you try to break the Rookie Game scoring record?" another pressed.
Chen shrugged. "Not really. I'll let everyone get their shine tonight. It's a party, not a stat chase."
"This is your first time teaming up with Kevin Durant again since college. How does that feel?"
A genuine smile spread across his face. "Feels great. We've both grown a lot since our NCAA days. It'll be exciting to share the floor again."
---
Minutes later, the crowd inside the Smoothie King Center erupted as two familiar figures emerged from the tunnel — Chen Yan and Kevin Durant, side by side, both holding cups of instant noodles in hand, just like their college days.
The arena roared.
The Instant Noodle Brothers were back.
Cameras flashed, fans stood, and even the players on the bench laughed and clapped.
It was more than just nostalgia — it was a reminder of how far these two young stars had come.
From dorm room meals to NBA All-Stars.
From sharing instant noodles to sharing the spotlight.
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