I don't know why…
Ever since brushing up the NBA supporting role of Stackhouse alongside Kobe, Su Feng has found the past few days dull and uninspiring.
"Sue, didn't Coach John Lucas say... if we wanted, we could drop by the Sixers' training gym anytime?"
That day, after another round of intense sparring, Bryant looked over and asked Su Feng.
"Sounds familiar. Why?" Su Feng scratched his head, glancing at Kobe.
"How about we challenge Jerry one-on-one?" Bryant proposed enthusiastically.
Su Feng: "..."
Seriously? Come on!
Is Stackhouse just a punching bag in your eyes?
"Never mind. Maybe that's not such a great idea," Bryant muttered, sounding disappointed.
Watching Kobe grow more thoughtful over time, Su Feng couldn't help but smile like a proud dad.
That Black Mamba—he's maturing!
"Hey, Su! Why not hit up Tracy during winter break? Let him know what top-level American high school basketball really looks like!" Kobe said suddenly.
Su Feng: "..."
Classic Kobe—his brain works in mysterious ways.
Come on man, what about McGrady's pride?
Well... okay.
"Sounds good. I've heard Tracy's nearly unbeatable in North Carolina," Su Feng said, intrigued by the idea.
Geez—eat, sleep, and smack McGrady around? Sounds fun.
"So Su… if we challenged Jerry again, what do you think our win rates would be?" Kobe asked, curious.
Su Feng thought for a moment. "Me? Let's say 37%. I beat Jerry last time, but there was a bit of luck. Still, even if he wins, I can hold him to under 30% shooting."
"If you're in top form, Jerry can't beat you, but if you're off, he might stand a chance," Kobe nodded with a smirk.
"Compared to me, though, you're still behind," he teased.
Su Feng: "?????"
Wait—was this all just a setup so you could roast me?
"Man, being unbeatable is kind of lonely," Bryant sighed, unexpectedly gloomy.
"Tell me about it," Su Feng agreed.
Ever since facing Stackhouse, Su Feng and Kobe have been struck by "NBA Syndrome"—that realization they might be ready to take on the pros.
Pennsylvania high schools have practically adopted a non-resistance policy toward Lower Merion.
These two are monsters!
Ever face opponents still giving their all in the third quarter, even though you're up by 40 at halftime?
That's Su Feng and Kobe for you.
Sure, they clock out early, but whenever they play, it's like Game 7 of the Finals.
With the state's best all falling one by one, the remaining teams were left trembling in the corner.
The Su Feng-Kobe combo had effectively removed all difficulty from the high school league.
And so… their "loneliness" grew.
"Another round?" Bryant asked during a break.
"Let's go!"
Thankfully, they still had each other for one-on-one battles.
...
To my dear Xiao Su, by the time you read this letter, I believe the article I wrote about you—
"Exploring the First Chinese Player to Enter the NBA: Su Feng"—has already been published in China Sports News.
You wouldn't believe how much attention you've drawn since we returned to China.
So many peers are curious about your journey in the United States. Even the leadership of the Basketball Association asked Zhang out for tea to learn more about you.
Also, Lao Hu—Hu Weidong—wanted me to ask you about NBA salaries and the cost of living in the States.
By the way, CCTV requested a photo, saying they plan to ask Da Xu and Lao Zhang to prepare a report about you.
In short, your motherland is firmly behind you, Xiao Su. You must keep pushing forward!
When you make it to the NBA, I'll definitely apply to the newspaper to come to the U.S. and be your correspondent.
Ever since the trio disbanded, Su Feng would occasionally receive letters drifting across the sea.
Back in '95, ICQ hadn't even been created, and computers were still rare in China. Su Feng knew that smooth communication wouldn't arrive until the internet wave hit in '96.
Reading this letter from Su Junyang, Su Feng was overcome with emotion.
In that moment, he finally understood why the little giant had knowingly walked into the mountains, despite the tigers.
Su Feng never saw himself as destined for greatness—but if one desires a crown, they must bear its weight.
After all, every gift from destiny has its hidden price tag.
Su Feng knew with certainty: if he opened the door to the NBA by himself, then next...
He would become the hope of the entire rabbit clan back in the village.
"Ah, Mount Yali!"
But then again, if he really made it to the NBA, how would the Chinese media hype him up during that time?
On that point—don't ask.
Su Feng, once a keyboard warrior in his past life, was more than intrigued.
…
How will the Chinese media hype up Su Feng?
On December 4th, after China Sports News published a report titled "Exploring the First Chinese Player Likely to Enter the NBA — Su Feng", campuses across China erupted in excitement.
Middle schools, high schools, universities — for students in the 1990s, newspapers were their main source of news.
And sports, especially basketball, were the hot topics among youth.
"NBA? Can Chinese players really make it to the NBA?"
"Look! That's Su Feng, the guy who beat 76ers star Jerry Stackhouse one-on-one!"
"Wow, is that Su Feng in the photo? So handsome!"
"Will he be on TV with Michael Jordan someday?"
"Pfft, do you even have a TV at home?"
"Why not crash someone else's? My neighbor Uncle Wang just bought a new big color TV — he keeps asking me to come watch!"
"No way! When Su Feng gets to the NBA, I'm tagging along to crash his place!"
And if China Sports News wasn't already credible enough…
Just two days later, on Datianchao Sports Channel, commentators Zhang Weiping and Xu Jicheng praised Su Feng once again during a basketball segment.
Unlike the U.S., where basketball prodigies are everywhere, Su Feng's emergence in China was like a hurricane sweeping the nation.
The only regret? Social media didn't exist yet. Otherwise, Su Feng would've dominated the trending charts and inspired a wave of viral essays.
Su Feng, who was busy clanking shots and grinding with Kobe in Philadelphia, had no idea that come springtime…
A wave of Chinese reporters awaiting overseas approval would start landing in Philly one after another.
And Stern — he never imagined the sea bridge he'd dreamed of building… would arrive so soon and slam shut just as quickly.
…
"You little bunny… you really might play in the NBA!"
On that day, Su Feng was feeling a bit awkward — his parents had just called to check in, and…
What?
What's happening?
"I've worked hard my whole life and only been on the news twice!"
"But you — you little bunny — they aired a full hour-long special about you on the sports channel!" Su Weiguo fumed over the phone.
Su Feng: "..."
Wow… Zhang and his crew really work fast.
"Was I handsome on TV?" Su Feng asked, half-joking.
"Of course! Labor capital like me can only produce good-looking results!" Su Weiguo replied proudly.
Su Feng: "..."
Comrade Su Weiguo… can we keep the conversation normal, please?
"By the way, your Uncle Xu is already on his way to Philadelphia. Honestly, when I saw that report by journalist Su, I thought maybe you paid him off. Remember how you used your allowance to bribe classmates to do your homework back in elementary school? I still remember it clearly!"
Su Feng: "..."
Comrade Su Weiguo… that wasn't me, it was "Su Feng" — different timelines!
"Why's Uncle Xu heading to Philly?" Su Feng asked.
"What do you think? He's a basketball fan! I asked him to double-check that the report didn't exaggerate your story too much. Our Su family has always stood for integrity — and I swear, I still haven't dared to show your grandfather the article! What if something's off and it gives him a heart attack?"
Su Feng: "..."
Comrade Su Weiguo… can't we have some trust in one another?
Then again, after piecing together fragments of "Su Feng's" past, Su Feng realized…
Of course Su Weiguo believed the report — it was Su Feng.
Wait…
Just as Su Weiguo mentioned Su Feng's grandfather, Su Feng felt a sudden headache.
Instantly, a flood of blocked memories surged into his brain.
Su Feng: "..."
So that's it.
Now I get it.
"I have to give it everything."
"Otherwise, I'll end up like Ye Xiu — a cautionary tale." Su Feng thought to himself, feeling inspired.
Who would've guessed that a long-distance call home would strengthen his resolve to enter the NBA and become a basketball star?
Destiny works in strange ways.
…
Two days later, in Philadelphia, Su Feng finally saw Uncle Xu.
Uncle Xu's real name was Xu Guoliang. As for his business… well, let's just say it's the kind of thing the internet calls "404."
But it was, of course, a business that benefited the rabbit family.
What really caught Su Feng's attention was the adorable little jade-like powder doll standing beside Xu.
So small.
Turns out, this six- or seven-year-old child was actually Xu Guoliang's daughter, Xu He.
"Hello, Uncle Xu," Su Feng greeted cheerfully, feeling blessed to see his own lucky charm.
"You didn't burn through that $1 million I gave you, did you?"
"Listen, you've got to save some money. Your father and I didn't get rich by blowing cash around!"
Xu Guoliang clapped Su Feng on the shoulder.
"I understand, I understand," Su Feng responded with mock obedience.
"Last time I saw you, weren't you just 1.8 meters tall?
Why are you taller than me now?"
Walking side-by-side, Xu Guoliang noticed something was off.
"I'm 1.97 meters now, Uncle," Su Feng grinned.
"Those muscles… no kidding, you really might make it to the NBA, Bunny!" said Xu excitedly.
Uh… okay?
Something about that tone felt strangely familiar.
"If I don't play in the NBA, what else would I do? Uncle, I'm the kind of guy who can't even cheat his way into college!"
Su Feng threw "Su Feng's" academic reputation under the bus to stop Uncle Xu from pulling university strings and interfering with his well-planned 'Road to Genius'.
Genius? Nerd? Doesn't matter — switching identities was proving quite handy.
"But wait… didn't I say I'd do something crazy if you made it to the NBA?" Xu squinted in realization.
"Exactly, Uncle. And I already checked — streaking on Wall Street in June shouldn't be too cold."
Beside them, Xu He couldn't stop giggling after watching Su Feng roast his dad.
In response, Xu Guoliang gave him a classic backhand slap to prove paternity.
Then, turning serious, he said, "Honestly, I've seen NBA games live a few times. But I also follow CCTV. And I trust them — they don't throw reports around without facts. So, Su Feng, tell me truthfully: what do you think your actual chances of making the NBA are?"
"Not totally sure," Su Feng shook his head.
It should've sounded uncertain, but to Xu Guoliang, it felt reassuring.
"About 90%!" Su Feng added.
Xu Guoliang: "..."
Someone call an ambulance — this kid is killing me!
Just as Xu Guoliang was trying to recover, Xu He tugged at Su Feng's shirt.
"Feng Ge, you're awesome!"
Su Feng: "..."
Hissss!
If only there were a river nearby — Su Feng was ready to toss this kid into it.
"Are you serious?" Xu asked with narrowed eyes.
"Totally, Uncle. Even if you don't trust me, CCTV reported it. Philly's local media too. Just ask around — who doesn't know that the king of Lower Merion is Su Feng?"
After a long pause, Xu Guoliang sighed.
"Truth is, my dad and I never doubted you. It's just... hard to believe sometimes. Kid, don't overthink it. Actually, I came all the way here to ask if you still need money. I heard that once you enter the NBA, you'll have to attend loads of training camps, right? Like Jordan — doesn't he have his own private trainer?"
At the mention of money, Su Feng perked up immediately.
"Yes! Everything costs money!"
"Still, you seem healthy and upbeat. Maybe you're not short on cash after all."
"Short — super short!"
Who said he wasn't short on money? That's future wealth — right now, he needed startup capital badly.
Su Feng already had his life mapped out: even if becoming a business tycoon wasn't his style, he'd make investments that count.
Forget flashy apps — those things attract FBI water meter checks.
The "freedom and sweetness" of America? Yeah, sure.
That's why Su Feng had decided the path of extra income and calculated risk was the best fit.
After all, in a few years... buying original shares of Google? Now that's tasty.
Everyone knows that NBA player who held 1 million Google shares — rich and reckless!
Stocks, side hustles, passive income — then NBA stardom. That was Su Feng's big dream.
Because basketball?
Basketball was pure bliss.
Girlfriends might be exhausting. But basketball?
Basketball — he could chase that to the ends of the earth.
Watching Su Feng's urgent expression, Xu Guoliang laughed.
"Need pocket money, huh? People say I had it easy... if only they knew!"
Su Feng placed a hand on his chest like he was swearing an oath.
"Uncle, I swear to you — I forgot about all that stuff ages ago."
"Really?"
"Really!"
As Xu Guoliang bounced between frustration and fondness, scolding Su Feng one moment and reminiscing the next, young Xu He couldn't help but feel:
"The adult world is just way too complicated."
…
Xu Guoliang didn't stay in Philadelphia for long. After bidding farewell to his "God of Wealth," Su Feng and Kobe—the big devil—continued wreaking havoc in the Pennsylvania High School Basketball League.
Before the Christmas break (which comes before the winter holiday), Lower Merion wrapped up the first half of the league season with an impressive 18-game winning streak.
Su Feng averaged 32.5 points per game, making him the current top scorer in the league.
Kobe, meanwhile, posted averages of 28 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, 4 steals, and 4 blocks per game.
His scoring was slightly below what Su Feng remembered from his previous life, but his assist numbers were four times higher—and he was registering triple-doubles nearly every game.
Just like the previous year, Su Feng spent Christmas at Kobe's house.
On Christmas Eve, Joe Bryant measured Su Feng's wingspan, which turned out to be 218.5 cm.
"Perfect. Just looking at your physique, even Kobe can't compare," Joe Bryant said in awe.
Why was Joe so impressed?
Typically, people with extremely long arms appear disproportionate or awkward.
But Su Feng was different—his build was more like Michael Jordan's: broad shoulders, balanced proportions, and no visual awkwardness.
"Yes, Su. Kobe. I'll let you in on a little secret—but you can't tell anyone," Joe said, trying to motivate the boys for the second half of the season.
"Huh?" Kobe and Su Feng perked up.
"If all goes well, you'll both receive invites to the McDonald's High School All-Star Game," Joe smiled.
"Oh." To his surprise, neither Su Feng nor Kobe showed the slightest enthusiasm.
"You do realize this is the dream of countless young players, right?" Joe asked.
"We know," they replied in unison.
Yawn...
It's not the NBA All-Star Game, after all.
Su Feng and Kobe had long outgrown the thrill of dominating their peers.
To be honest...
Kobe started out as a lonely figure.
But after spending time with him, Su Feng found himself becoming just as solitary.
More importantly, Kobe had recently stopped joining him for afternoon training, leaving Su Feng to grind it out solo—at 1 a.m. and again at 1 p.m.
Oh, right…
As a walking "Kobe Bryant Encyclopedia," Su Feng suddenly remembered something.
Wasn't Kobe's first girlfriend the R&B singer Brandy Norwood?
Su Feng recalled that in his previous life, Kobe had invited Brandy to his graduation party.
Later, after joining the Lakers, their rumored romance became gossip fodder for Los Angeles fans.
"I get it now… That blank look Kobe gives me all the time," Su Feng laughed.
So, this is love—huh?
About that relationship, Su Feng had his reservations…
It's very likely Kobe never took things far with Brandy.
During rookie physical evaluations, Ray Allen famously roasted Kobe with a line that roughly translated to: "You're a virgin—what are you even excited about?"
Kobe was totally wrecked by that.
And even though Ray Allen's words were harsh, Su Feng figured: if you'd truly had that kind of experience, you wouldn't be offended by such taunts.
Plus, if he remembered right, Kobe spent his first summer with the Lakers completely absorbed in training.
So, yeah... this iron-willed guy probably had no clue how Vanessa eventually seduced him.
As for his first love, Su Feng wasn't about to give advice—he knew Kobe and Brandy weren't really a match.
"Well… In the second half, maybe we should let Ricky rack up a few double-doubles? He's kinda lost his sense of purpose lately and isn't feeling too motivated."
Looking at Kobe, Su Feng drifted into deep thought...