RNP Chapter 6 Debut
Chapter 6 Debut
October 29, 2008, Manhattan, New York.
Madison Square Garden.
This is the Mecca of basketball, and also the arena of fame and fortune.
As the arena lights suddenly dimmed, leaving only a spotlight shining on the players' tunnel, the adrenaline of 20,000 New York fans surged. The DJ's roar, seemingly from the depths of hell, ignited the night.
"Let's welcome! From the University of Memphis! 6 feet 3 inches tall! Tonight's starting point guard—Li—Xiang—Bei!!"
When Li Xiangbei ran out of the tunnel wearing his brand-new Knicks #8 jersey, a roar erupted. It was cheers, whistles, and the still-present, skeptical boos from die-hard fans. This mixed sound was New York's unique welcoming ceremony.
Li Xiangbei stood in the center of the court, neither trembling with nervousness nor jumping around excitedly like other rookies. He simply glanced up at the retired jersey belonging to Willie Reed hanging above him, his expression indifferent.
Then, his gaze swept towards the first row on the sidelines.
Countless Hollywood celebrities and Wall Street tycoons were seated there. But in everyone's eyes, there was only one focus at that moment.
Scarlett Janssen.
This currently hottest Hollywood actress didn't wear an evening gown tonight. Instead, she altered a large Knicks #8 jersey into a crop top and mini skirt. Her blonde hair was casually draped over her fair shoulders. Holding a cup of popcorn, she generously blew a kiss to the camera.
She's the sexiest cheerleader tonight. And that number "8" on her uniform is a declaration to the world—who she's here to see.
[System Task Activated: The Vanity Fair Debut]
[Current Status: Scarlett Janssen's Favorability Rating (Curious)]
[Mission Objective: Slay 30+ enemies in front of the goddess and win.]
[Reward Preview: Iron Knee (Significantly reduces the risk of knee injuries and improves combat endurance).]
Li Xiangbei's lips twitched. Good stuff.
"Hey, newbie."
A deep voice interrupted Li Xiangbei's thoughts.
Standing opposite him was Dwyane Wade.
This is Dwyane Wade in the 08-09 season, fresh from his injury and in his "5cm shorter Jordan" form, making him a strong contender for the scoring title that season. He's wearing the Heat's classic black and red jersey, his cheeks puffed out, and his eyes gleaming with the light of a top predator.
"Welcome to the NBA." Wade patted Li Xiangbei's butt in a friendly manner, but the pat wasn't light. "Don't keep staring at Scarlett, or you'll get blinded by the lights. You're going to be busy tonight."
Li Xiangbei adjusted his wristband, turned his head, and looked at this future third-best shooting guard in history.
"Thanks for reminding me, Dwyane."
Li Xiangbei's voice wasn't loud, but it was loud enough for Wade to hear clearly.
"You too. Take care of your knees; you're going to be exhausted tonight. Because I'm not planning on stopping."
Wade paused, then laughed. It was a happy laugh, but also... a dangerous one.
……
"beep--!"
Referee Joe Crawford tossed the basketball up, and the game began.
The Heat win the jump ball. Wade dribbles the ball up the court.
From the outset, Wade didn't test the waters. Facing Li Xiangbei's defense, he immediately unleashed his signature "lightning breakthrough."
That's so fast.
Even with the system's support, Li Xiangbei still felt like a black lightning bolt flashing past him in the face of absolute speed talent.
Get it done in one go!
Wade drove into the paint, and facing Randolph's help defense, executed an extremely difficult layup in mid-air, putting the ball into the basket.
0:2.
"That's a superstar!" exclaimed Mike Breen in the commentary booth. "Li Xiangbei didn't even have time to react! That's the speed of the NBA, welcome to the adult world!"
Knicks on offense.
Li Xiangbei dribbled the ball across half-court. Boos and cheers rose and fell throughout the arena.
Wade stood at the three-point line, giving Li Xiangbei a step's width of space. He was defending against a drive. After all, the scouting report said this kid's first step wasn't quick.
Li Xiangbei stopped near the logo.
[Guaranteed winning amount: 1/5]
[Distance: 9 meters]
Interference: None
There were no feints, no pre-emptive movements. Li Xiangbei simply raised his hand and flicked his wrist, just like he was training.
Wade even thought he was directing his teammates' movements until he saw the ball fly out and realized something was wrong.
"What?"
The basketball traced a very high parabola in the air, flying over half the court.
"Bang!"
Mike Brin's signature roar echoed throughout Madison Square Garden!
"Bang! Xiang Bei from downtown! First shot! He fired right from the logo area! Is he showing off to Wade?!"
3:2.
Li Xiangbei did not celebrate after scoring. He passed the first row on the sidelines as he retreated to defend.
Scarlett covered her mouth, genuinely surprised.
Li Xiangbei didn't look at her, but simply raised his right hand and gently blew on his index finger, as if extinguishing the gunpowder smoke from the muzzle of a gun.
This close-up of his profile was captured simultaneously by hundreds of cameras on the sidelines.
"Damn, this kid's really good at pretending." Wade clenched his jaw even tighter as he watched this.
……
The rest of the match turned into a contest between offense and defense.
Wade demonstrated what it means to be "undefendable." His stealth footwork, his pull-up jumper, his alley-oop dunks. By halftime, Wade had already scored 20 points.
While Li Xiangbei couldn't stop Wade's scoring, he was like a tireless leech. Every time Wade broke through, he had to pay a huge physical price. Every time he shot, Li Xiangbei's hand would end up in his face.
More importantly, Li Xiangbei is equally efficient on the offensive end.
He used all five of his guaranteed-make attempts in the first half: three long-range three-pointers, two contested shots, and a few open layups, bringing his halftime total to 19 points.
Halftime score: Knicks 48: 53 Heat.
In the locker room.
D'Antoni was drawing on the tactics board, spitting as he spoke.
Li Xiangbei sat in the corner, checking the system panel.
[Guaranteed winning amount: 0/5]
Without the cheat code, how will they play in the second half? Wade is a monster who gets stronger as the game goes on.
No.
Li Xiangbei looked at his stamina bar—still green and at MAX.
Meanwhile, in the Heat's locker room, Wade was sitting on an ice bucket, with thick ice packs on his knees, panting heavily.
"Is that kid a robot?" Wade wiped the sweat from his brow. "He chased me for a full 24 minutes, and he didn't even lose his breathing?"
……
There are 5 minutes and 12 seconds left in the fourth quarter.
Knicks 88: 96 Heat. Down by 8 points.
The situation is critical.
Wade just hit a difficult fadeaway jumper, a truly devastating shot.
Li Xiangbei advanced with the ball.
At that moment, a crisp notification sound suddenly rang in his mind.
[Host detected to be in a critical moment.]
Zone (Overload Mode) is now activated.
Duration: 3 minutes.
[All attributes upgraded to the top tier in the alliance (S+).]
Li Xiangbei's pupils changed.
The world has slowed down.
The surrounding shouts turned into a low hum. Wade's previously lightning-fast defensive movements began to appear frame-by-frame in his eyes. The trail of sweat sliding down Wade's forehead was clearly visible.
"Dwayne," Li Xiangbei suddenly spoke, his voice icy, "your cheeks are trembling. Are you tired?"
Wade was taken aback: "What...?"
The moment Wade spoke, Li Xiangbei moved.
This time, it's not about guaranteed hits, but about absolute speed!
A very low crossover dribble, followed immediately by a behind-the-back dribble!
Wade's center of gravity shifted, and a sharp pain shot through his knee—a sign of declining physical condition.
[The player was successfully knocked down!]
Li Xiangbei swept past Wade like a gust of wind and charged straight into the paint.
Heat captain Haslem came over to help defend, trying to draw an offensive foul.
However, Li Xiangbei, who has activated the [Zone], currently has an S+ jumping ability.
Instead of dodging, he pushed off the ground with both legs and leaped into the air!
He grabbed the ball with one hand over Haslem and slammed it hard into the basket!
"boom--!!"
A tomahawk dunk!
Haslem was knocked backward.
The entire venue was deathly silent for a second, and then erupted into the loudest roar of the night!
Scarlett Janssen jumped up from her seat, spilling her popcorn all over the floor. She covered her head with her hands, her expression of disbelief more real than any movie.
"My God!! Is that Li Xiangbei?! He just dunked on Haslem?! Who said he was a softie who could only shoot?!" Mike Breen was insane.
90:96.
But this is only the beginning.
In the next possession, Wade forced his way through, but his legs buckled at the jump. Li Xiangbei burst in from the side and delivered a thunderous block!
Counterattack!
Li Xiangbei dribbled wildly, with Wade chasing desperately behind him.
Once outside the three-point line, Li Xiangbei suddenly stopped.
Wade couldn't stop and sped off.
Li Xiangbei stood beyond the three-point line, adjusting his breathing, looking at the empty basket. At this moment, his score was 29 points.
Jump and shoot.
It felt scorching hot, like it was on fire.
"brush!"
93:96.
32 points! Mission accomplished!
The next two minutes became Li Xiangbei's personal performance.
He assisted David Lee for a layup, stole the ball from Chalmers, drew a foul, and made both free throws.
The last 10 seconds.
Knicks 105: 103 Heat
Heat possession. Game-winning opportunity.
Everyone knows who the ball will go to.
Wade receives the ball. The court opens up.
Li Xiangbei stood opposite him, his gaze terrifyingly focused.
Wade changed direction, took a step back, and jumped. It was the rhythm he knew best for a game-winning shot.
But the moment he made his move, a gigantic hand blocked out the sky.
Li Xiangbei anticipated his retreat!
Although he didn't block the ball, he severely obstructed Wade's view.
"when!"
The basketball bounced high off the back of the rim.
The red light is on.
The match is over!
"They won!! The Knicks won!!"
Madison Square Garden was completely transformed into a sea of joy. Confetti rained down.
Li Xiangbei stood in the center of the field, his hands supporting his knees, panting heavily.
Wade walked over; although he had lost, his eyes were full of respect.
"You're a tough one, rookie." Wade hugged Li Xiangbei. "I'll get my revenge next time in Miami."
"I'm available anytime." Li Xiangbei smiled.
……
The post-match interviews took place on the sidelines.
An ESPN reporter squeezed through the crowd and handed the microphone to Li Xiangbei's mouth.
"Lee! 32 points in your debut! You beat Dwyane Wade! That last dunk was insane! How are you feeling now?"
Li Xiangbei wiped non-existent sweat from his forehead and was about to speak.
Suddenly, a fragrant breeze wafted over.
The crowd on the sidelines automatically parted to make way.
Scarlett Jansen walked over. She looked at Li Xiangbei, her deep blue eyes sparkling with undisguised admiration—or rather, the fervor of being conquered.
Under the watchful eyes of 20,000 people, and amidst the flashes of countless cameras.
The Hollywood sex symbol stood on tiptoe and generously cupped Li Xiangbei's face, leaving a deep red lip print on his left cheek.
"Pop~"
The cheers from the crowd instantly reached their peak!
"This is the heart-pounding competition you promised me," Scarlett whispered seductively in Li Xiangbei's ear. "I'm very satisfied, my villainous husband."
After saying that, she blinked, turned around and left, leaving behind a dashing silhouette.
Li Xiangbei paused for a second, then touched the burning lip print on his cheek.
He turned his head and gave the petrified reporter an extremely irritating smile.
"You just asked me how I was feeling?"
Li Xiangbei pointed to his red lips.
"Hmm... this feels a little better than winning."
He paused, then held up his finger and made that famous gesture.
"But only a little bit."
In the dressing room, Li Xiangbei looked at the lipstick mark in the mirror when a system notification sounded.
[Task complete.]
[Reward Distributed: Iron Knee (Distributed)]
[Hidden achievement triggered: Black Widow's Prey.]
Meanwhile, on the other side of the ocean.
A handsome young man (Durant) who was about to go to sleep came across this scene on Twitter.
He silently put down his phone and stared at the ceiling.
"I want to drink the bathwater too... Why is nobody paying attention to me?"
As LeBron James watches the news, his next opponent is the Cleveland Cavaliers.
"The new king of New York? Interesting. Let me go and weigh him up."