Philadelphia Evening News, Philadelphia, United States
The chief reporter of the Philadelphia Evening News, Maxson, was revising an article he had just written.
"'Gorgeous transformation'? No, that title won't work.
If I write it like that, wouldn't it contradict my previous evaluation of Su?
After all, Su was already a genius — 'transformation' doesn't quite fit.
Alright...
Seems like I'll have to go with a double-line headline."
As the first basketball journalist to invest in "Su stock," Maxson's recent mood could only be described as euphoric.
Especially after covering Lower Merion four preseason games for the new season, Maxson felt relieved to see Su Feng's increasingly solid elbows.
In the United States, there are countless basketball prodigies who disappoint after just one summer break.
To Maxson, a genius who knows how to be disciplined and is willing to work hard is a true genius.
While Maxson basked in the joy of watching his "Su stock" soar, an intern reporter named Dibeto — whom Maxson had recruited that year — burst into the office.
Maxson's face darkened. "Musa, how many times have I told you? Knock before entering. What if you interrupt my precious flow of inspiration?"
Dibeto nodded apologetically. "I'm sorry, boss. That was careless of me. I'll be more mindful next time."
"Alright, what is it?"
Having been an intern himself once, Maxson didn't press Dibeto too hard after the apology.
"Boss, there are three journalists from China who'd like to speak with you. Here are their press IDs."
Dibeto placed the three press cards on Maxson's desk and stepped aside.
"China?" Maxson said, picking up one of the IDs while sipping his coffee
"Where are they?"
"They're in the reception room," Dibeto replied.
"Let's go!" said Maxson, now alert. As a seasoned reporter, he instantly recognized the organization.
He didn't recognize the person in the photo—
But the Datian Chao News Agency? Of course Maxson knew it.
…
Reception Room of the Philadelphia Evening News
As a newcomer, Su Junyang stood nervously holding his newly equipped camera.
Although Su had previously appeared as a CCTV basketball commentator in 1992, this was his first overseas reporting assignment.
Before leaving China, his college classmates had crowdfunded a suit for him, insisting that now that he was in the EUA he couldn't afford to look unpresentable.
But because everything was arranged so quickly, the suit was obviously a size too large.
"Mr. Xu, you were in Barcelona in 1992," Su asked, searching for a way to ease his nerves. "Do you think we'll return empty-handed this time?"
"We'll only know once we meet this reporter named Maxson," replied Xu Jicheng, dressed in a retro-style T-shirt that screamed 1990s nostalgia.
"By the way, Director Zhang, you've watched the footage — do you think Su Feng is really as good as the Americans say?"
Su turned to Zhang Weiping.
At this point, Director Zhang, though middle-aged, looked youthful thanks to years of consistent training and physical exercise.
With a slight smile, Zhang replied, "Xiao Su, watching video clips alone isn't enough for me to give a definitive answer."
Su nodded thoughtfully. No wonder people call them veterans, he mused. I hope I can be as composed as they are someday.
The team of reporters didn't wait long. Within minutes, they were greeted by Maxson, the chief reporter at the Philadelphia Evening News.
After a brief round of introductions, Maxson quickly understood the team's intentions.
"You're here to interview Su?" Maxson asked.
"Ch-Ch-Yes," stammered Zhang, whose English clearly wasn't as fluent yet.
"Why are you only showing up now?" Maxson asked pointedly.
The group paused.
Fortunately, the well-prepared Xu Jicheng stepped forward with a warm smile. "Mr. Maxson, as you know, China and the United States are quite far apart.
And considering the size of our countries — plus all the procedures involved with overseas reporting — we've only just managed to get here. We hope you'll understand."
Maxson was visibly impressed by Xu's fluent English and friendly demeanor.
"Well," he said, "Tomorrow Lower Merion will play against Eric Catholic High School. I can take you to see the game. After that, you'll have a chance to speak with Su in person."
"Perfect, thank you!" Director Zhang replied, smiling.
"But I suggest you come prepared — especially with earplugs," Maxson added.
"Earplugs?" both Xu and Su looked confused.
"Yes," Maxson said with a knowing nod.
…
The next day, right on schedule, the team of three met Maxson, who pulled up in a Ford sedan outside their hotel.
During the ride, the trio learned that Lower Merion was currently the most popular basketball team in Pennsylvania.
"But doesn't Philadelphia have an NBA team?" asked the curious and youthful Su Junyang.
"Oh please, the 76ers are like a rotten apple—you'll see what I mean soon.
In Chinese, don't you say something like 'seeing is believing'?" Maxson quipped as he drove.
About five or six kilometers from Lower Merion High School, the Ford sedan carrying the four passengers encountered a sight the Chinese journalists would never forget—
The streets were packed with people. Crowds wearing white T-shirts filled every corner, many holding up signs.
"Is this a protest march?" Su exclaimed in surprise.
Maxson chuckled, "No—they're just heading out to cheer for Lower Merion."
Xu Jicheng and Zhang Weiping exchanged glances. "Look at the signs," said Zhang. "They really do say things like 'Go Lower Merion!'"
"I told you," Maxson said proudly. "Lower Merion isn't just popular in Pennsylvania—he's the most popular team."
…
Guided by Maxson, the trio arrived at Lower Merion High School.
As they drove, the festive atmosphere spilling into the streets caught Su Junyang's attention. After snapping a few photos, he asked, "But with so many fans... even a football stadium couldn't fit them all, could it?"
Maxson nodded. "Of course it couldn't. But who cares?"
He smirked before adding, "Who wouldn't want to witness the brilliance of the Philadelphia Gemini right here in Philly?"
After hearing Maxson's comment, the team's curiosity about Su Feng only grew stronger.
At the very least, they could now confirm that Su Feng was a real phenomenon in Philadelphia.
And clearly, a popular one too.
Upon arriving at the basketball hall, Maxson escorted them to the press-exclusive VIP seats — positioned right behind the hoop.
Although the game hadn't started yet, the atmosphere inside the school gym was already electric.
"This atmosphere is incredible... for high school basketball to have energy like this — truly deserving of the title 'basketball nation,'" Su Junyang said, visibly moved.
Bang, Bang, Bang!
On the court, the game still hadn't begun, but under the lead of cheerleader Tarvia Lucas, Lower Merion iconic battle dance kicked off.
"Our name is Zhenbin, we charge ahead!
We run forward — we are defending champions!
Lower Merion, rush, rush, rush!"
As the trio quietly absorbed the fiery cheer, Maxson — ever the veteran — calmly inserted his earplugs.
Because moments later—
"Their names echo across Pennsylvania's skies!
Lake Erie boils at their presence — they're wilder than the Asbury bucks!
They are Philadelphia's pride! Ladies and gentlemen, raise your voices and chant their names together—"
"Kobe Bryant—Bryant—!!!"
"Su—Feng—!!!"
From the players' tunnel emerged a striking young Black athlete, catching the team's eyes instantly.
Just behind him, a handsome Chinese player — Su Feng.
Xu Jicheng, Zhang Weiping, and Su Junyang instantly regretted not bringing earplugs.
As the thunderous cheers reverberated across the gym, they felt their eardrums nearly burst.
But just as the auditory shock hit, the crowd went silent for a moment—
From deep inside the tunnel, Su Feng launched a three-pointer.
Swish—!
"Well... today's a lucky day. No need to rack up iron stats — let's turn up the heat." Testing his luck, Su Feng casually stepped onto the court.
Just then, Kobe gave him a playful wink.
Su smiled, jogged in, picked up a basketball, and passed it to Kobe, who was already at midcourt.
Accelerate. Sprint. Elevate into the sky—!
A spontaneous windmill dunk from Kobe Bryant!
Boom—!
"Feel like dunking one?" Kobe asked, glancing at Su after landing.
Su shrugged. "Keep the height reasonable. I'm not you."
Kobe grinned. "Don't worry. Just make sure the fans see what you've got."
Su nodded and sprinted toward the basket alongside Kobe.
As Su approached the paint, Kobe lobbed the ball.
Su's vertical leap and hang-time couldn't match Kobe's supernatural athleticism...
But his wingspan was impressive.
With grace, he caught the ball in mid-air.
Was it Durant's trademark 1440-degree windmill? Wait — can Durant even spin 1440?
ahem...
What mattered was that Su Feng was flying today — and he was going full throttle!
Boom—!
"Kobe—!!! Kobe—!!! Kobe—!!!"
"Su—!!! Su—!!! Su—!!!"
The gym went wild.
Especially the female students — their eyes now cartoonishly heart-shaped.
"Good grief, A-Wei would pass out from this!"
This dramatic warm-up performance was Su Feng's idea.
He knew that if he wanted to skip college and head straight to the NBA, he had to rally public support.
And in this era, the American public's voice mattered more than ever — Su was adapting to the local vibe.
Kobe wasn't a fan of this approach. After all, what 17-year-old doesn't want to be the center of attention?
Yet, after Su's slam, he suddenly froze.
Was his vision failing?
Wait — wasn't that warm and affable man Coach Zhang?
And that ill-fitting suit... wasn't that Mr. Su Junyang?
Good heavens — that tall, middle-aged man... wasn't that Xu?
Su Feng rubbed his eyes, making sure he wasn't hallucinating.
Sure enough, behind the hoop, Su Junyang tugged on Zhang Weiping's sleeve excitedly. "Director Zhang! Did you see that? Did you see it?!"
Zhang nodded. "I saw. I saw..."
Xu shook his head slowly. "What kind of sorcery is this?"
All three were familiar with dunks — especially Xu, who'd even covered the NBA All-Star Game.
But when 17-year-olds Su Feng and Kobe unleashed their talents with no restraint, they hadn't considered how emotionally stunned the visiting team might feel.
Before leaving China, Zhang had met with leaders of the basketball association.
They'd cited Ma Jian as an example, insisting the level of American high schoolers might not be so high — and urged Zhang to use his own judgment.
Now, Zhang felt his "judgment" had just been shattered.
If Su Feng and Kobe weren't geniuses...
Then who was?
Odom, who lost to Kobe?
McGrady, who was outplayed by Su?
Philadelphia's duo weren't just stars — they were Pennsylvania's Beatles.
"These kids... are they really just 17?" Zhang whispered, stunned.