As the weather steadily grew colder, Christmas was finally approaching.
With the Kings' current status, it was no surprise they were scheduled for the Christmas Day game once again. This year, it was another showdown with the Cavaliers.
But Chen Yilun no longer cared much about the team's record. As long as they held a steady spot near the top of the Western Conference, that was enough. So he hadn't put much thought into the Christmas Day matchup.
Tonight, he was at home preparing a big dinner.
"Is it done yet?! I'm starving!"
In the living room of Chen Yilun's apartment, Divac was sprawled across the couch, yelling without the slightest concern for his image.
"Stop yelling! You can't even keep your mouth shut when you eat!"
Sitting beside him, Peja peeled an orange and shoved it straight into Divac's mouth.
"Just one more dish."
Wearing an apron, Chen Yilun stepped out, wiping his hands with a towel.
"I know it's not ideal for you guys, spending Christmas with me every year."
"No big deal."
Peja stood up and walked toward the kitchen.
"For the past few Christmases, it's just been us old brothers hanging out here anyway. This year's great—you were willing to host us, boss. Need a hand?"
"No need!"
Chen Yilun waved him off.
"Just sit out there and behave. Don't get in my way."
Watching Peja return, defeated, Divac let out a satisfied chuckle.
"Told you not to be so eager. That's what happens when you try too hard."
These days, Peja had been running around nonstop, trying desperately to impress Chen Yilun. The main reason, of course, was that ever since Blackstone left, the power vacuum had yet to be filled.
Seeing Peja's anxiety, Divac swallowed the orange in his mouth before speaking.
"Don't be so worked up. You were just promoted this summer. No need to think too far ahead."
"But I am anxious!"
Peja rubbed his knees, frustrated.
"I might be the assistant General Manager, but I barely have any real authority. Before, Blackstone was definitely more capable, and I accepted that. But now he's gone too. Why isn't the role coming to me?
Man, I really want to move up!"
Why? Because you're not capable enough—that's why.
Divac thought it but didn't have the heart to say it aloud.
Just as he was trying to find a way to change the topic, two more people arrived at the door.
"David! Tayshaun! What took you two so long?"
Seeing them walk in, Divac jumped up like he'd found a lifeline.
"What are you guys holding?"
A few steps closer, and Divac frowned at the plastic bags in Prince and West's hands.
"It's our first time coming to the boss's place, so we figured we should bring a gift."
West lifted the items, gesturing proudly.
"You're here! Wash your hands, dinner's almost—wait, what is that?!"
Hearing the commotion, Chen Yilun stepped out to greet them, only to freeze when he saw what they were carrying.
"Gifts!"
West and Prince placed the bags on the dining table.
"I did some asking around," West said proudly.
"These are homemade cheese spreads, and this jar of pickled veggies is from a deli I go to. They told me the two go great together, so I figured I'd bring some."
Staring at the lumpy, vaguely sour-looking pickled vegetables sitting next to the overly soft mound of cheese spread, Chen Yilun felt his entire family lineage tremble.
"Great! Great!"
He immediately grabbed both bags and rushed them into the kitchen. Stuff like that was way too intense—he wasn't about to eat it himself.
A few minutes later, Chen Yilun finished the last dish. The five of them gathered around the table and began eating.
"Boss," Peja finally spoke after a bit of small talk.
"Ever since Blackstone left, a lot of work has been piling up with no one to take over. What should we do now?"
"No rush."
Still chewing a chicken bone, Chen Yilun spoke through his mouthful.
"Divac, you take on his duties for now. Anything involving player contracts, don't touch—leave that for me."
"Alright!"
Divac nodded and continued eating. These days, he had zero motivation for work—his mind was filled with thoughts of that chubby little Jokic.
"By the way, David," Chen Yilun shifted topics. "Ever thought about joining management? You don't seem to have much going on with Malone."
"Management?"
West straightened up immediately.
"I'm fine with it. The coaching staff is already stacked, and I haven't had much to handle recently. Malone's even thinking of assigning me some of Stockton's responsibilities."
"Stockton, huh…"
Chen Yilun paused. The G-League side really did need people.
"You can take that on. But don't neglect your duties here in Sacramento. You came here after retiring to join me—I'm not letting you walk away empty-handed."
His meaning was clear. West might work with the G-League, but he came here for one reason: a championship ring. And earning a ring as an assistant coach was very different from earning one as a G-League staff member.
Hearing the weight behind Chen Yilun's words, West grew emotional.
"As long as I can contribute to the team, I don't mind where I work."
After dinner, everyone lounged on the couch with drinks. Then Chen Yilun spoke again.
"To be honest, I invited you all here today with a bit of personal motive."
These weren't random invitations—he had selected each person carefully.
Divac and Peja were longtime pillars of his inner circle. Peja might've leaked information to Woj before, but as an assistant, he knew exactly where the lines were.
Prince was his professional assistant, and after working together this long, Chen Yilun was ready to officially bring him under his wing.
And West? He was one of the few truly sharp players who understood the value of choosing the right team.
"Would you be willing to join my team? Not Sacramento's team—my personal team.
Chen Yilun's team."
Holding a glass of whiskey, he leaned back into the sofa as he spoke.
"What do you mean?"
West reacted first, frowning.
"Like Popovich's Spurs coaching tree?"
"No."
Chen Yilun waved a finger slowly.
"A team on an even higher level."
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / GhostParser