aircannonsinc Chapter 86 Public Enemy
Chapter 86 Public Enemy
2009年3月10日，上午10:00。
On a private charter flight from New York to Washington, D.C.
A media storm is brewing around Li Xiangbei.
Li Xiangbei leaned back in his leather seat, holding an iPad in his hand, on which was playing Nike's latest global blockbuster, "King vs Villain."
This team has gone to great lengths to generate hype for the Knicks' upcoming "Game 5" road game against the Cavaliers.
On the left side of the image is LeBron James, clad in golden armor and bathed in holy light, with his arms outstretched like a god judging the world. The caption reads: "To rule is for glory."
On the right side of the screen is a silhouette of Li Xiangbei, rendered in a dark tone. He is hiding in a corner, his eyes greedily staring at the data panel, with the caption being extremely jarring: "Plunder, just for personal desires."
This is a meticulously planned media campaign.
ESPN's commentator was on air, spitting as he spoke: "Look at the stats! Li Xiangbei does score a lot, but he's consuming the team's shot attempts! He's a selfish stat padder! Next time they face off, LeBron will show this New Yorker what real winning is, what leadership is!"
"brush?"
Li Xiangbei turned off the screen, a cold smile curling at the corner of his mouth.
"Since you're so eager to see the brush..."
He looked out the window at Washington, D.C., which was getting closer and closer.
"Alright. Then I'll give you a preview tonight."
……
Before the plane landed, Li Xiangbei received a video call from Scarlett Janssen.
On the other side of the screen, Scarlett was on set in Los Angeles, wearing her tight Black Widow combat suit, still getting her hair and makeup done.
"Hey, darling," Scarlett's voice was a little tired, but her eyes were still bright, "I saw those news reports. Don't listen to that noise. In my eyes, you're way sexier than that tin man in armor."
She made a sleek fighting move in front of the camera, her eyes alluring.
"I have a special reward for you when you come back after you finish fighting the knight. Maybe... we can try that action scene?"
Li Xiangbei smiled, and most of the gloom in his heart dissipated.
After hanging up the phone, Zach Randolph sent a training video.
In the video, Randolph is seen doing simple rehabilitation exercises in the empty Knicks training facility, his injured leg soaked with sweat.
"Boss, you've had a tough time these last few games," Randolph grinned at the camera. "The doctor said I'm recovering great. When I get back, let's see who dares to double-team you! I'm going to rack up stats too!"
This unwavering trust is Li Xiangbei's strongest support amidst the widespread online criticism.
"I'll be waiting for you, Big Black Bear." Li Xiangbei put away his phone, his eyes hardening.
……
7:30 PM.
Verizon Center, Washington.
Knicks vs. Wizards.
With their star player Gilbert Arenas out for the season, the Wizards are now a complete bottom-feeder, relying solely on Antawn Jamison to carry the team.
Although the Knicks lost to the Grizzlies in the last game, that didn't reflect their true strength.
For Li Xiangbei, the current Grizzlies are the best testing ground.
To conserve energy for tomorrow night's back-to-back game against the Cavaliers, Li Xiangbei went all out from the start.
Instead of engaging in physical battles, he used his "guaranteed win" ability to fire from the outside.
"brush!"
"brush!"
第一节，李向北三分球4投4中（必中2+真实2），单节15分。
The Wizards' defense was like paper against him.
Halftime is over.
Knicks 65:45 Wizards.
Leading by 20 points.
Normally, in this kind of game, the key players will slack off in the second half, or even finish playing only three quarters.
But things changed starting in the third quarter.
With such a large point difference, the Wizards players lost all fighting spirit, their defense became loose and sloppy, and they even resorted to half-hearted defense.
Just then, a special notification sound rang in Li Xiangbei's mind.
[System notification: The system has detected that the host's team is leading by more than 20 points, and the opponent's defensive effort has significantly decreased.]
[Buff Activation: Data Brush.]
[Special Effect: In a game where the player has a significant lead, their shooting touch will receive an additional boost (+30%), greatly increasing the accuracy of normal shots and entering a "shooting with ease" Zone state.]
Li Xiangbei was stunned for a moment, then overjoyed. He had had the Data Brush buff for so long, and this was the first time he had activated it.
This system really understands me!
The massacre performance has officially begun.
After activating the buff, Li Xiangbei dribbled to the vicinity of the three-point line, saw that the defender was two meters away from him, and immediately pulled up and shot.
The ball arced incredibly high through the air and swished through the net. Jamison clutched his head, looking like he knew the game was over.
In the next possession, the Knicks launched a fast break.
Li Xiangbei received the ball and surprisingly did a "looking back at the moon" motion, without even looking at the basket, and tossed it over with a reverse hand.
"brush!"
Another one in!
Even when he was fouled, lost his balance, and was about to fall, he casually tossed the ball into the air.
"Beep—swish!"
2+1!
In the commentary booth, the Wizards' home commentator was dumbfounded: "My God! Is this even possible?! He's treating this official game like an All-Star game! Is this the ruthlessness of a 'villain'? Not even letting garbage time go by?!"
Li Xiangbei stood at the free-throw line, shrugged at the camera, and looked helpless.
That expression seemed to say: There's nothing I can do, my shooting was just too good tonight, it was hard to miss even if I wanted to.
……
The whistle blew to end the third quarter.
The numbers on the scoreboard are alarming.
Knicks 102:67 Wizards.
The point difference has reached 35 points.
Li Xiangbei's stats: 48 points (25 points in a single quarter), 10 rebounds.
D'Antoni quickly substituted him to conserve his energy for tomorrow night's back-to-back game.
Li Xiangbei sat on the bench, wrapped in a towel, and hadn't even broken a sweat yet.
Post-match interview.
An ESPN reporter asked with a hint of provocation, "Li, when you were leading by 30 points, you kept taking shots. Was it to pad your scoring title stats? Many people say you lack sportsmanship."
Li Xiangbei tidied his hair and slowly stood up.
He was looking at the camera—but actually at the Nike executives and LeBron James behind the camera.
"Data manipulation?"
Li Xiangbei chuckled softly.
"No, I'm just getting a feel for it."
"After all, my next opponent calls himself 'the King.' I need to bring a sharpened knife to see the King, don't I?"
After saying that, he turned and left.
……
late at night.
Cleveland.
The plane landed at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, where it was raining continuously.
Chandler and Nate were sleeping like logs in the back row, snoring loudly.
Only Li Xiangbei looked out the window with great enthusiasm.
As soon as I stepped out of the cabin, a biting cold wind mixed with raindrops hit my face.
Li Xiangbei tightened the collar of his black trench coat and stepped into the vast night.
The Quicken Loans Arena in the distance was brightly lit, like a castle awaiting challengers.
"LeBron? You've been holding back since the All-Star break, haven't you? Don't think you can make a move easily!!"
Li Xiangbei whispered in the rain.
The Cleveland Cavaliers' locker room.
LeBron smiled slightly as he watched Li Xiangbei's interview on TV, where he said, "I'll bring a knife to meet the king."
"Carrying a knife?"
James stood up.
James turned off the TV and continued doing pull-ups, his back muscles bulging.
He didn't speak, but simply quickened his movements.