After the first day of All-Star Weekend, the second day was packed with flashy contests. First up was the CJ Skills Challenge. CJ eliminated Dennis Schröder in the group stage but unfortunately lost to Brandon Knight in the second round.
In the end, just like in the original timeline, "Black Dog" Beverley claimed the Skills Challenge title.
Chen Yilun stood on the sidelines, noticing CJ looking a little down. He couldn't help but step forward to comfort him.
"It's just a meaningless contest. No need to feel bad about it."
"Huh?" CJ looked a little surprised that his feelings had been noticed. He nodded awkwardly.
Chen Yilun put his arm around CJ's shoulder. Since they were about the same height, he didn't even need to stretch.
"You've got to remember, our goals are way bigger than a small skills challenge. Don't lose sight of the big picture."
Hearing this, CJ's mood lifted. He nodded firmly. "Yeah!"
The Slam Dunk Contest that followed was completely dominated by LaVine. Every dunk he pulled off was a level above the rest, especially the final one—a behind-the-back, back-to-the-basket, switch-handed windmill dunk with CJ's help—that left the judges so stunned they all stood up together.
LaVine easily took the Slam Dunk Contest title.
...
The real highlight came on the third day: the All-Star Game.
Known as basketball's "Spring Festival Gala," the eyes of fans all over the world were fixed on Madison Square Garden. Socialites and celebrities filled the arena to watch.
Even Chen Yilun had traded in his usual flashy look for an expensive custom suit.
Truth be told, Chen Yilun wasn't the reckless playboy the media portrayed. On the contrary—back when he worked with the Spurs, he was a complete technical nerd, always holed up in his office, rarely leaving without a reason.
That was why hardly anyone in the league had known his name before.
His flamboyant image now was entirely thanks to his mentor's influence.
Gregg Popovich, a titan among coaches, had always been more than just tactics and schemes. He built a persona—sharp-tongued, full of jokes—deliberately shaping the image of a mischievous old man. His banter-filled "love-hate" relationship with "Color Man" Craig Sager was one of the league's classic off-court acts.
Because at its core, the NBA is a business. If you give the media something to chew on in the small details, they'll shift their focus exactly where you want it—leaving you freer to act where it really matters.
As a side note, TNT's most iconic sideline reporter, the great warrior Craig Sager, had already been diagnosed with acute leukemia by then, his life entering its final countdown.
Without Sager's dazzling suits, the NBA lost a splash of vibrant color—a true loss for the league.
Rest in peace, Mr. Sager.
...
Chen Yilun squeezed through the crowd and found his seat.
It was one of the best in the house. Of course, on his salary, there was no way he could afford it. He had shamelessly begged his boss, Ranadive, for the seat.
As soon as he sat down, he noticed his boss already there with his daughter, Anjali.
"Why are you so late?"
Ranadive gave him a quick glance before turning his eyes back to the court.
"Sorry, boss. First time at the All-Star Game—traffic was bad on the way."
Feeling a little embarrassed, Chen Yilun straightened his slightly wrinkled jacket. It was a high-end Italian custom suit he had barely dared to wear before. Seeing the creases made his heart ache.
"You've been doing a good job lately," Ranadive suddenly said. "I have to admit, you've given me quite a few surprises. This season, the team's overall strength and competitiveness have both improved a lot."
"That's all thanks to your leadership, boss. Under your guidance, both the players and the staff are moving forward steadily."
Chen Yilun gave the expected flattery.
Hearing this, a faint smile tugged at Ranadive's usually shadowed face.
"The team's momentum looks good. Do you have the confidence to keep it up after the All-Star break?"
"Of course!" Chen Yilun pounded his chest in assurance.
"The team is on the right path now—nothing can stop us!"
Ranadive nodded. "Good. Then I'll be watching you."
Finally free from his boss's questioning, Chen Yilun let out a quiet breath, only to realize his shirt was already damp with sweat.
Even after living two lives, deep down he was still just an ordinary employee. Every time he talked with his boss, the nerves were unavoidable.
Glancing around, he quickly spotted familiar faces everywhere.
A few seats away sat the legendary Logo Man, Jerry West, chatting with this year's Western Conference All-Star coach, Steve Kerr.
Farther away were Danny Ainge of the Celtics and Rockets head coach Kevin McHale.
And looking even farther, Hollywood stars and Grammy regulars filled the crowd.
If his boss left early, Chen Yilun thought, he would definitely try to strike up a conversation with a couple of actresses and maybe get their numbers.
...
While he was daydreaming, the arena grew even livelier.
One by one, the star-studded players stepped onto the court to warm up.
For Cousins and CJ, both first-time All-Stars, it was easy to blend into the background among so many superstars.
But soon, Chen Yilun noticed a crew hauling equipment to the sidelines, their eyes fixed on Cousins and CJ.
He looked closer and couldn't help but laugh.
It was his old teacher—Wei Ping Bryant! This year, he was working as a sideline reporter for C5!
After tossing up a few shots, the bored Cousins also spotted Wei Ping and his crew.
Since the Kings had a Chinese team leader and an Indian owner, the players made a point of being extra courteous to Asian reporters and fans, just in case they had ties to the front office.
So Cousins pulled CJ along and headed over.
"DeMarcus! CJ! I'm a reporter from China. Today is your All-Star debut—how are you feeling?"
Wei Ping had only planned to interview Cousins, but with CJ joining in, it turned into a two-for-one.
"From China?" CJ's expression immediately softened.
"We know our fans worked really hard to get us into the All-Star Game. Thank you all for your support."
Hearing this, Wei Ping grew excited.
"That's right! Manager Chen Yilun worked tirelessly back home to rally votes for the Kings. The team is almost like China's home team now!"
"Really?!" Cousins' eyes lit up. "I've always wanted to visit China!"
"That's wonderful! We'd love to welcome you both to China!"
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / GhostParser