aircannonsinc Chapter 45 Royal Power Is Not Eternal
Chapter 45 Royal Power Is Not Eternal
2009年1月16日，晚8:00。
Li Xiangbei's apartment in Tribeca, Manhattan, New York.
On the eve of the battle, the Manhattan skyline outside the window was still dazzling.
On the other end of the phone came the voice of Kevin Planck, founder of Under Armour.
"Li, the situation is more serious than we anticipated. This isn't just a game; it's a full-scale strangulation launched by Nike."
"I just received inside information. Nike's top management is furious that you stole LeBron's All-Star vote lead. This directly caused a 15% drop in pre-orders for James' latest signature shoe."
Planck took a deep breath.
"Tomorrow night, they're asking LeBron to wear a pair of custom-made all-gold sneakers—the 'LBJ 6 - New York Conqueror.' This is a never-before-released colorway, a symbol of prestige."
"Their intention is clear: to have LeBron step on your 'villain generation' at Madison Square Garden and take a 'poster of the century'—either dunking on you or stepping over you. This poster will become Nike's main global advertising image for the next quarter."
"They bribed all the photographers and promoters so that if LeBron dunks on you, it will be tomorrow's global headline."
"Li, this is a business war. If we let them succeed, the 'villainous aesthetics' we've worked so hard to build will become a joke."
Li Xiangbei listened to the phone call, but his hands didn't stop moving.
"Golden shoes?"
Li Xiangbei chuckled softly.
"Tacky. Only nouveau riche like to wear gold on their feet."
He took a black object from the backpack next to him. It was a specially made mask with a prominent UA logo printed on the breathing valve.
"Kevin, tell Wall Street that after tonight, black will be the color of the year."
"Because after tomorrow night, those so-called 'golden shoes' will become scrap metal. Nike's stock price will drop."
"And this..."
Li Xiangbei toyed with the mask in his hand, his eyes gleaming.
"It will become the most popular accessory in the United States."
……
The match will be held at 10:00 AM. Madison Square Garden, away team training ground.
Cleveland Cavaliers.
Led by LeBron James, this team is sweeping the league with overwhelming force, currently holding the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
At this time, James was only 24 years old. His physical abilities were at the peak of human potential; his tank-like slamming power and agile, leaping abilities made him the most unstoppable force of his era.
After the training session, hundreds of reporters surrounded James. Their cameras and microphones were practically shoving into his face.
"LeBron! The media calls it a 'challenge' that Li Xiangbei out-voted you in the All-Star voting. Are you angry about that?" A reporter from New York asked the most pointed question.
James sat there, not even looking up. He slowly adjusted the headband on his head.
He's not Ron Artest, so he doesn't fly into a rage; nor is he Kevin Garnett, so he doesn't need to use endless trash talk to mask his inner turmoil.
He is the chosen one.
James looked up and stared directly into the camera. His presence instantly silenced the previously noisy interview area.
"Vote count?"
James's lips curled up slightly, revealing a polite yet distant smile.
"That's for the fans' entertainment, and I respect their choice. It shows that the league is becoming more and more popular, which is a good thing."
He paused.
"But governance is a serious matter."
"I came to New York to win, to win the championship. As for everything else..."
James stood up, and the imposing presence of his 2.06-meter height was overwhelming.
"And while we're at it, teach the young people what dominance is."
"In this league, there are only winners and losers, no villains and heroes."
The interview quickly reached the Knicks' locker room. Randolph watched the television screen and couldn't help but swallow hard.
"LeBron wasn't smiling... He's most terrifying when he's not smiling. We need to strengthen our interior defense tonight."
……
7:55 p.m. Madison Square Garden.
The opening ceremony is about to begin.
The lights focused on the technical table in the center of the stadium. The entire stadium of 20,000 spectators held their breath.
LeBron James strode over with an imposing presence, wearing those gleaming, all-gold sneakers.
He walked to the technical table and poured his hands full of white magnesium powder.
This is one of the most iconic moments in NBA history. It's also his special ritual.
James took a deep breath, opened his arms, and looked up at the lights, as if embracing the whole world.
"call--"
The magnesium powder in his hand was forcefully thrown into the air.
Under the spotlight, the white dust, like a bursting cloud, spread out and enveloped James. The scene was sacred and majestic, as if a god had descended.
The entire audience, even the most die-hard Knicks fans, couldn't help but gasp in amazement at that moment.
however.
Before the white mist had dissipated, and while James was still in the pose of spreading his arms and enjoying the cheers,
A dark figure suddenly appeared in the frame.
Li Xiangbei.
He was wearing a black warm-up suit, and on his face... he was wearing a black mask!
He was like a villainous boss who stepped out of Resident Evil, ignoring the so-called "royal power" and striding directly through the cloud of white dust.
As he walked, he waved his hand in front of the mask, making an extremely exaggerated and disgusted gesture.
It's as if it's saying: Wow, what kind of garbage is this?
This scene was instantly broadcast around the world via the large screen at the venue and the cameras that streamed it live across the United States.
The entire audience erupted in uproar!
James withdrew his arms, his expression freezing.
Li Xiangbei walked to the center circle.
He took off his mask and tossed it casually towards the first row on the sidelines.
Scarlett Janssen jumped up excitedly, caught the mask, and hugged it tightly to her chest. This will undoubtedly be another headline tomorrow.
Li Xiangbei turned around and looked at James, who had no expression on his face.
He pointed to the floor beneath his feet, then to James.
Although he didn't speak, everyone understood what he was lip-syncing to:
"Don't litter on my floor."
At that moment, the air seemed to freeze.
A prompt appeared in Li Xiangbei's mind.
[LeBron James (Full Power LeBron)]
[The opponent has extremely strong mental fortitude; the passive skill 'Trash Talk King' buff effect is halved.]
The enemy's fighting spirit has surged to a critical point.
[Host's excitement level increased to 120%]
Li Xiangbei looked at the man, and his smile widened even more.
"That's right."
The referee blew his whistle.
jump ball.
The Cavaliers' Zydrunas Ilgauskas prepares to lob the ball.
LeBron stood at the three-point line in the backcourt, hands on his hips. He ignored the battle for midcourt and kept his eyes locked on Li Xiangbei.
You'll regret it.