Chen Yilun spent the entire Celebrity Game struggling to hold back his laughter. His grin was so bright that nearby spectators couldn't stop glancing his way.
What's with this Asian guy, Chen? Why's he smiling so mischievously the whole time?
After the Celebrity Game came the Rising Stars Challenge. With Chen Yilun's encouragement, Booker went all out, dropping 42 points to claim MVP. At least the Kings didn't leave empty-handed this year.
And just like that, the first day of All-Star Weekend came to an end.
"Who?!"
Back at the hotel, resting after the event, Chen Yilun's eyes went wide at Booker's words.
"That 'electric eel' invited you to the club?"
"Yeah." Booker looked at him innocently with big eyes. "He said he wanted to exchange contacts with you during today's event, but you left too early. So after the Rookie Challenge, he came to me instead."
"Isn't he from your hometown? Why are you avoiding him?"
Who'd dare hang out with him?!
Chen Yilun was speechless. Who would dare get involved with the future king of entertainment scandals?
"We're not even from the same place," Chen Yilun said, sinking back more comfortably into the sofa. "I'm from China, he's from Canada. How does that make us hometown buddies?"
"Alright, alright." Booker shrugged it off. "So, boss, you going tonight?"
"No way!"
Chen Yilun shook his head rapidly. He wanted nothing to do with that guy.
But when he noticed Booker's eager look, Chen Yilun understood. His young teammate was clearly itching to go—he'd always been a little nightclub prince.
"If you want to go, then go. I don't like those places. Just represent me tonight."
Hearing that, Booker lit up with relief.
"Got it, boss! I'll just have some fun and be back soon." He scampered off to his room, excited to get ready for the party.
Watching Booker bound away like an eager puppy, Chen Yilun smiled like a proud father and was just about to turn back to the TV when a furtive head popped up at his door.
"Zach? What are you doing here?"
Seeing who it was, Chen Yilun stood up in surprise.
Zach LaVine walked in, looking a bit uneasy.
"Uh… I heard you guys were staying here too, so I thought I'd come by and say hi."
"Come in, sit down!" Chen Yilun greeted him warmly. "So, how's your confidence for tomorrow's Slam Dunk Contest?"
"Of course I'm confident." LaVine instantly lit up when it came to his specialty.
"You know me, boss. When it comes to dunking, I've never backed down to anyone. This year I'm taking the crown again!"
Seeing LaVine's determination, Chen Yilun smiled approvingly. "Good. You came out of the Kings' system, so make sure you make us proud."
LaVine trembled slightly at those words.
"Am I… still a King?" he asked quietly, almost like a nervous puppy.
"Tsk, what nonsense!"
Chen Yilun put on a stern face. "We raised you ourselves. As long as I'm still with the Kings, the Kings will always have your back. Business is business, friendship is friendship. Sacramento will always welcome you home."
"Alright!" LaVine nodded firmly.
"Boss! Boss, where are you?! Oh—Zach, you're here too?"
Just as Chen Yilun was about to continue his pep talk, Cousins' booming voice rang out from the doorway.
"Perfect, Zach, you're here. Saves me from having to track you down later. Let's go party! Rudy's treating tonight—we're gonna bleed him dry!"
Watching Cousins' excitement, Chen Yilun chuckled helplessly. "Fine! Nothing else going on anyway. Tonight, we're not leaving until we're drunk!"
...
"Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the 2015–2016 All-Star Slam Dunk Contest!"
The Toronto DJ worked hard to pump up the crowd.
But as the saying goes, casual fans watch for fun while insiders watch the craft. Ever since Vince Carter's legendary "UFO" dunk back in 2000, the contest had been on a steady decline. Each year, the buzz grew weaker.
Despite his earlier words, Chen Yilun sat courtside rubbing his hands in anticipation.
"What's the big deal? This dunk contest is just for the fans. What are we even doing here?"
Next to him sat Popovich's top assistant, Ime Udoka, whom Chen Yilun had dragged along.
"Ime~ just come over here."
Chen Yilun was already scheming to poach another of his mentor's assistants.
"I wouldn't dare."
Udoka shook his head rapidly.
"The last time you poached Uncle Chip, you nearly gave the old man a heart attack. And you dare try again? Aren't you afraid he'll kick you out of the family for good?"
The seniority between Udoka and Chen Yilun was complicated.
By years of service, Udoka had been with Popovich far longer, technically making him Yilun's senior. But according to Popovich's rules, seniority only applied to those who had left for other teams. Since Udoka had never left, he never earned an official rank in the hierarchy.
"But I really do want you to come help me," Chen Yilun said sincerely. "Think about it—you work with me for a few years, I'll back you to become a head coach. Then the two of us, side by side, can give the Master something big."
"Hahaha, unbelievable!"
Udoka was stunned by Chen Yilun's twisted logic. He clapped his hands, laughing hard.
"No wonder the others say you're spoiled, Yilun, acting all arrogant just because you're young. You're killing me here."
While they bantered, the Dunk Contest officially began.
"Ime, get the camera ready. You're about to witness history."
Chen Yilun grabbed Udoka's hand, shaking it excitedly.
"A lame dunk contest, what's there to see? I'm telling you—Holy crap!"
Udoka froze as Gordon suddenly took off from a standstill and threw down a between-the-legs dunk. His eyes bulged.
"This Gordon kid is something else!"
Before he could even recover, LaVine took the stage. He launched into a behind-the-back switch dunk, sending Udoka leaping from his seat.
"He—he—how did he jump like that? Whoosh, he just flew up! Damn!"
As the contest went on, Udoka's jaw practically never closed.
When Gordon leapt over the mascot for a between-the-legs dunk, Udoka was so stunned he completely short-circuited.
"A miracle! This is a miracle!"
"After tonight, these two young men have truly made their names overnight!"
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / GhostParser