As the system prompt echoed in his mind, Su Feng, who had always been composed, felt a spark ignite...
I'm back again.
"Since the return of King Michael Jordan, he has gradually become the 'God of Basketball' in the eyes of the fans.
As a passionate and ambitious young player, you are determined to go head-to-head with Michael Jordan.
Task 1: After entering the NBA, score 20 points or more in any regular-season game against the Chicago Bulls.
Mission completion reward: Will be revealed after completing either [Stability Is the Wise Choice] or [Road of Genius].
Once this task is completed, it will automatically trigger Phase 2 of the [Challenge Michael Jordan] mission.
Note: If the host is drafted by the Chicago Bulls and not traded, this mission will expire automatically.
Additionally, there is no penalty for failing this task."
After reviewing the latest task released by the system, Su Feng let out a deep sigh of relief.
Fortunately...
As expected from a logical and reliable system — you see, Su Feng had almost believed...
Huh?
Wait!
Reading the task prompt again, Su Feng realized that after completing Mission 1, there appears to be a Mission 2?
Hiss~!
"So... this might be my opportunity?
And the reward becomes visible only after completing the [Road of Talent] mission.
That means this reward could be tied to my next system upgrade."
As for scoring 20 points in a regular-season game against the Chicago Bulls...
As the saying goes, for Su Feng, this task feels either difficult or... moderately challenging.
After all, he doesn't even know which team will draft him.
So there's no use overthinking it right now.
Moreover, if Su Feng ends up getting picked by the Bulls and isn't traded, wouldn't this task be automatically canceled?
"I must fight to score points! I have to be chosen!"
For the sake of that divine injury immunity!
To realize his long-awaited showdown with Jordan!
In that moment, Su Feng felt the loneliness in his heart being replaced by a surge of emotion known as Shang Shang.
…
Time flies. After witnessing Starkhouse's public annihilation firsthand, Su Feng and Kobe became even more ferocious in training.
In February, as the school semester began, the players at Lower Merion once again felt the full force of the madness—
Double happiness!
Under Kobe's death glare and Su Feng's blazing eyes...
Driven by the "go hard or go home" spirit of being a full-on 250, life for the Lower Merion squad was painfully joyful—and oddly blissful.
In February's Division and Regional Leagues, Lower Merion launched a fierce campaign and advanced to the quarterfinals of the State Championships with an impressive 31 wins.
The Philadelphia media were left stunned. If Lower Merion actually clinched the championship, they'd set the best record in Pennsylvania High School Basketball League history.
Though winning a high school basketball championship in the U.S. isn't unprecedented.
Take Avery Johnson, nicknamed "Little General," for example.
Back in high school, his demands on teammates bordered on merciless.
In the end, thanks to his "high standards and strict discipline," Johnson shaped a squad that ran like a military unit and led them to a historic title.
Years later, Johnson's former teammates would describe him in interviews as:
"That guy's not just a little general—he's a complete tyrant. Scarier than any coach."
Of course, Su Feng and Kobe aren't anything like Johnson. They're fierce competitors, sure, but they're also charismatic and down-to-earth.
And the team atmosphere at Lower Merion? Absolutely electric.
To the people of Philadelphia, Lower Merion isn't a "little bull" anymore.
They're the Bulls of Philly.
Like the iconic 1995–96 Chicago Bulls, they're changing the game and breaking expectations.
Okay, sure…
One is a high school squad, the other plays in the NBA.
But who cares?
What really matters is a recent showdown in the Regional League, where Su Feng and Kobe delivered a performance for the ages.
In that game, Su Feng went full beast mode—18 of 35 from the field, 10 of 14 from three, 4-for-4 at the line. He racked up 50 points and shattered the Pennsylvania High School three-point record.
And Kobe? Nearly posted a quadruple-double.
Bryant went 8 of 11, with 1 of 4 from deep and 2 of 4 free throws. He tallied 19 points, 12 rebounds, 14 assists, 9 steals, and 4 blocks.
Oh, and the team that got steamrolled 90–55? That was Ridley High School.
Apparently, they'd won six straight Pennsylvania titles before that.
"They're absolute monsters! Even in the NCAA, these two would be stars."
Ridley's coach, Fernandez, said tearfully after the defeat.
What can you say?
Every team played out of their minds against Lower Merion.
But if you can't even find a weakness in your opponent… what are you supposed to do?
Basketball has always been a sport where raw talent crushes even the best tactics.
A simple example: take the future Warriors dynasty. Everyone argued about their game plans.
But in the clutch? It was always about Steph and KD's raw firepower.
So honestly, the rest of Pennsylvania's high schools are just counting down the days…
Because these two monsters are about to graduate.
Liberation is near!
…
On March 4, during the Lantern Festival, Su Feng once again reported his situation to Comrade Su Weiguo.
Due to the unusually late New Year holiday this year, Su Feng had practically forgotten the season altogether...
On the phone, Comrade Su Weiguo asked about Su Feng's current circumstances.
Meanwhile, Su Feng also filed a formal complaint with Wang Yuanyuan—his mother and Comrade Su Weiguo's wife.
The complaint? "I've grown up now. Can you please stop talking about things I did as a kid?"
"Did your dad tease you again? By the way, your dad and I had a nice chat, and once things settle down, we're heading to the United States. Are you going to take part in that draft thing? Why does it sound like the Miss Hong Kong Pageant?" Wang Yuanyuan chuckled.
Su Feng: "..."
Alright, maybe that's just a generational gap.
"Okay," Su Feng replied obediently, resisting the urge to groan.
"Take care of yourself, though. Is it cold in Philadelphia these days?" Wang Yuanyuan asked with concern.
"I'm good. Strong as ever," Su Feng replied.
"If you're short on cash and your dad refuses to send you money, you can just tell me. Us Wangs aren't stingy like the Su family!" Wang Yuanyuan laughed.
Su Feng: "..."
"Well, bunny, don't listen to your mother. When have I ever been stingy? Just the other day, I even asked Lao Xu…"
"Lao Xu, Lao Xu! Why don't you move in with him already? Do I even matter anymore?!"
"My love, please don't misunderstand. It's just more convenient to talk to Lao Xu…"
"Oh sure, like the ghost knows what shady business you and Lao Xu are up to."
"I, Su Weiguo, swear to the heavens that my relationship with Lao Xu is a pure revolutionary friendship!"
"Revolutionary friendship? Lao Su, I heard last time when Lao Xu was investing in a film, he brought a few gorgeous actresses to dine with you…"
"I—I swear, dear wife, there's nothing between me and them!"
Su Feng never expected that during Lantern Festival, he'd become part of the peanut gallery—watching his own parents bicker like a sitcom.
"So... is this what family feels like?" Su Feng mused quietly.
Feeling a little blue after the call, Su Feng rang up Kobe.
"Today's the Lantern Festival in China. I cooked a ton of food—want to come over?"
Beep. Beep. Beep.
Ten minutes later, Kobe—drenched in sweat—kicked down Su Feng's front door.
"Thank goodness I skipped dinner! Damn, why didn't you call me earlier?! If I'd known, I would've skipped lunch too…" Kobe said, eyes wide at the feast spread across the table.
"Humans… definitely social creatures," Su Feng sighed, watching Kobe wolf down the food like it was the first meal of his life.
That night, Su Feng once again silently thanked whatever mysterious force had brought these connections into his life.
Kobe, his parents, the hope of the rabbit family...
Su Feng carried it all.
Wearing this crown—proudly.
As for whatever burdens come next… bring them on.
…
On March 14, just after spring break, the newly assembled Lower Merion team departed for Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania.
"This is the last three games of our high school career," Bryant said, glancing at Su Feng on the bus.
"Yeah. Let's win them all," Su Feng replied, clenching his fists.
"When we meet in the NBA, don't expect me to go easy on you," Bryant smiled and patted Su Feng's shoulder.
"Same here. I'll beat you so bad your dad won't recognize you," Su Feng quipped.
"Oh? Hope you've got the skills for that." Bryant raised his eyebrows with pride.
"NBA, here we come!"
…
On March 18, in the quarterfinals of the Pennsylvania High School State Championships, Lower Merion crushed longtime powerhouse Chester High School 81–56 to reach the Final Four.
In that game, Su Feng and Kobe Bryant combined for 58 points, 26 rebounds, 14 assists, 8 steals, and 9 blocks.
On March 23, during the semifinals, Lower Merion triumphed over Tubel High School 77–45, punching their ticket to the championship game.
Su Feng and Bryant once again dominated, tallying 60 points, 24 rebounds, 12 assists, 7 steals, and 8 blocks.
March 25, the final showdown—against their old rivals from last year, Eric Catholic High School.
Under the watchful eyes of Pennsylvania fans, NBA scouts, and NCAA recruiters, the Philadelphia Twins lit up the court once again.
In the first quarter, Kobe's pinpoint assists helped Su Feng explode for 15 points.
In the second, Su Feng cooled off, but Kobe unleashed his brilliance and crushed high school defenses—posting 10 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, and 3 steals in a single quarter.
By the third quarter, the game had completely lost its suspense.
At Harrisburg's Capital Gymnasium, the entire state erupted in celebration—cheering Lower Merion with every ounce of pride.
Final score: 96–63. Lower Merion had defended their title.
They climbed to the summit of Pennsylvania once again.
…
After the win, Kobe accepted his second Pennsylvania High School Basketball League MVP trophy—but it was his announcement that shook the state.
In the stands, the NCAA scouts—previously plotting how to recruit the Philadelphia Twins—were left dumbfounded.
"Who am I? Where am I? Why did I even come here?"
Meanwhile, the NBA scouts—used to casually reporting back on the high school finals—were electrified.
"I have something important to share," Kobe said.
"Today's win fills us with joy. And after long consideration, Su and I have decided—
We're skipping college.
We're taking our talents straight to the NBA!"