Chapter 109: Beneath The Mask
Although the All-Star Weekend game doesn’t officially start until tomorrow, most players who arrive in the host city a day early will participate in the Care Day activities.
Despite the fact that most players aren’t very public-conscious, like Xu Ling, they will still follow the brand sponsors’ requests and actively participate in related activities, even if it’s just for show.
Especially in New Orleans, a city that still hasn’t recovered from Hurricane Katrina, it needs NBA millionaires to show some love.
Xu Ling is no exception.
Although his reputation for not being close to fans is well-known far and wide, does that mean he can’t represent the league in charity events even during his vacation? Of course not.
He lives in reality and isn’t one of those characters in 2D anime whose personas are fixed; people are complex. He might not like something today but could change tomorrow. His reputation for being cold to fans mainly comes from two things: not responding to fans’ cheers on the court and rarely representing the team in community activities in Memphis.
But he can explain both of these. The former is focusing on the game, the latter is that Memphis has few Asians, and he has no interest in wasting a lot of time pleasing local fans in the league’s smallest market. He believes that as long as he plays well, fans will come in droves, and the facts prove it.
So, when he learned he was going to do some good deeds today as an active NBA star player, he didn’t refuse.
In a community basketball gym in New Orleans, the noise was almost lifting the roof.
At the NBA Care event site, it was packed with excited kids and their parents.
Colorful balloons, souvenirs printed with the NBA logo, and the tall figures of the players formed a typical charity scene.
Xu Ling wore a simple gray training uniform and stood among a group of seven- or eight-year-old kids. While other stars tried to show affinity in front of the cameras or interacted with the host, Xu Ling seemed a bit absent-minded. His gaze fell on the worn-out hoops and somewhat worn basketballs, as if recalling something.
The activity segment was teaching kids basic dribbling. When it was Xu Ling’s turn, he didn’t use any fancy rhetoric, just simply said: “Watch the ball, feel it, make it part of your body.”
With that, Xu Ling demonstrated a few basic stationary dribbling moves.
When the kids started imitating Xu Ling, he noticed a skinny African-American boy who kept losing the ball while dribbling and looked frustrated.
Xu Ling walked over without saying comforting words like “It’s okay, take it slow,” but instead squatted down and picked up the ball.
“Do you like watching games?” Xu Ling asked the boy. The boy shyly nodded. “Then what’s your favorite move?”
The boy’s eyes lit up: “Crossover step! Like AI!”
Xu Ling smiled: “That’s hard. But I have a cooler move. Want to learn it?”
After saying that, Xu Ling suddenly flicked his wrist, and the basketball seemed stuck to his hand as it quickly shuttled between his legs, behind-the-back crossover dribble, with unpredictable rhythm—a set of extremely fluid trick dribbling presented before the kids’ eyes.
The kids instantly let out “Wow!” exclamations, eyes wide open, even the adults nearby were drawn over.
The frustrated boy stared in awe, his face full of admiration.
After finishing the set, Xu Ling handed the ball back to the boy and patted his head: “Master the basics, and this won’t be hard. Most importantly, it’s fun.”
At that moment, the smile on Xu Ling’s face was pure, without any performative element, just like someone truly immersed in the fun of basketball.
This moment was captured by many reporters on site.
The next day, they would use this story they witnessed firsthand to publicize Xu Ling’s unknown side to the world.
He is a bully in the team, also the villain who doesn’t respect opponents, and the jerk who likes rejecting fans, but at the same time, he is a big boy with enough patience for kids.
Adidas needs Xu Ling to have this image, and the public is willing to accept that a detestable jerk is actually a warm guy, just like a story about Dennis Rodman during his time with the Bulls. At that time, the Bulls general manager and players were at odds like fire and water, Rodman was one of the few who could communicate with him. When Rodman learned that Klaus was depressed over his pet dog’s death, Rodman went to see Klaus, and reportedly the two hugged and cried bitterly.
As soon as the afternoon community care activities ended, Xu Ling began preparing for the party hosted by Adidas that evening.
In this interval, a piece of news quietly came: the Dallas Mavericks hope Kobe Bryant can get league approval to sit out the All-Star Game on Sunday in New Orleans after officially announcing his right pinky ligament tear.
However, Kobe’s application hasn’t been approved yet, and it’s very likely it won’t be approved in the end.
Despite only two days left until the All-Star Game, the league office hasn’t proactively sought players to replace Bryant’s Western Conference All-Star spot. Outsiders generally believe this reflects the league still expecting Kobe to start, even if just a symbolic appearance for a moment.
But the actual situation is far more complex than it seems. Kobe himself desires rest, his eyes already locked on the playoffs, unwilling to expend energy in the All-Star Game.
Logically, as long as Kobe isn’t completely unable to play, the league would carry him to the site if needed—after all, he is the face of the franchise, the top superstar. For the league urgently needing to revive confidence in the New Orleans market, Kobe’s presence itself is a guarantee of symbolic meaning. As long as he’s there, fans will buy tickets.
However, unexpectedly, Xu Ling has become the league’s hottest player in just half a season. His controversial statements, innate villain aura, ice-cold mentality in key moments, especially the recent finger-shaking incident that shocked the world, all make him an extremely attractive Kobe replacement.
In fact, if only looking at fan votes, Xu Ling almost became the ticket king like Yao Ming in his rookie year, overwhelming Kobe with massive support from Chinese fans, making it no suspense to displace his starting spot.
But the league learned from past lessons; they reached some internal consensus: China’s market is important, but Chinese votes can’t completely dominate the results. Xu Ling may deserve to start, but if left unchecked, then Tai Kong Yi of the Timberwolves, averaging only 11 points and 5 rebounds with 45% shooting, would also enter the All-Star starting lineup.
So, Xu Ling ultimately entered the Western Conference All-Stars as a reserve.
With Kobe’s injury, the league intends for him to start as a reserve in the All-Star Game, but Nike, who has the least say in this matter, firmly opposes it.
They hope Kobe plays normally, even if just walking on the court without taking a shot, anything but letting Xu Ling become an All-Star starter in his rookie season.
That’s why things got complicated.
Adidas chooses to watch and wait, because whether Kobe plays or not, it’s no loss for Xu Ling. Not playing is best; if he does, so what? Xu Ling’s momentum doesn’t need an All-Star starting title to boost it; that’s just gilding the lily.
That evening, Adidas booked a historic private courtyard in New Orleans’ French Quarter for the party. Security was tight; only guests with special invitations could enter.
Outside the tall courtyard gates, paparazzi flashes lit up like daylight; inside was another world—soft jazz music, meticulously crafted cocktails, and the air filled with scents of power and hormones.
Xu Ling’s entrance was grand; he wore a navy blue suit custom-made by Adidas’ chief designer, perfectly tailored to highlight his athletic upright physique while retaining fashion sense.
Moreover, Xu Ling wasn’t alone; flanking him were Adidas’ North America director Mark Hoffman and his agent Leon Rose, escorting him like two guardians.
“Eli, how does it feel? Satisfied with this place?”
Hoffman, this slightly chubby but sharp-eyed director, amiably put his arm around Xu Ling’s shoulder, tone extremely mild.
“Not bad, quieter than I imagined.”
Xu Ling looked around, his gaze sweeping over faces he had only seen on television before.
“Of course, this is a place those riffraff outside can’t enter.” Hoffman lowered his voice, “See over there? Hollywood producer Jerry Bruckheimer; he’s interested in your story. And ESPN’s vice president; they want to make a feature on you. But we can talk when you’re ready.”
They walked along, with people constantly coming up to greet. Hoffman tirelessly introduced to Xu Ling: this is some fashion magazine editor, that is some record company bigwig. Everyone gave Xu Ling their warmest smiles, praising his Cleveland performance as “stunning.” Xu Ling just nodded in acknowledgment, concise; he wasn’t good at or fond of this hypocritical small talk.
There was an vibe here that made Xu Ling uncomfortable.
Besides the superficial flattery, there was jealousy from players.
How could they not be jealous?
Before Xu Ling scored a single point in the NBA, Adidas invested heavily in him—4 years, 60 million US Dollars—betting on his potential to reach All-Star level. This deal not only surpassed Nike’s endorsement contract with James but also all of Adidas’ stars.
So-called “ticket” Kevin Garnett gets only 4 million US Dollars per year in endorsements; Tim Duncan is low and not high; Gilbert Arenas barely touches the 10 million US Dollars annual threshold; even the highest, Tracy McGrady, was surpassed.
Adidas did this because they believe Xu Ling will produce an effect far exceeding Yao Ming, helping them dominate the sports brand market in China, which is far from fully developed.
To this day, Xu Ling has of course proven himself not only with a vast market background but also truly possessing the potential to be the NBA’s face of the franchise. What he did in Los Angeles, what he did in Cleveland, all indicate he will be the most noteworthy player of this generation.
So, Xu Ling proved his 4-year 60 million US Dollars deal was worth every penny. But so what?
Does that mean others won’t be jealous?
No, those discontented people will only jealousy more intensely.
Xu Ling could smell that vibe.
Then, as Adidas’ face of the franchise star before Xu Ling’s rise, Tracy McGrady came over to say hi: “Hey, Eli, you finally made it. I was just chatting with KG about you shaking fingers at LeBron.”
Due to hearing about “finger shaking” everywhere these days, Xu Ling might have gained the same treatment as Kato Taka in a way he didn’t want.
Mention Kato Taka, and you think of golden fingers; now, Xu Ling hears people talking about his fingers in every corner he passes.
Oh, the code is, they’re not even women.
“I kind of regret doing it.”
Xu someone said piously, though even if it happened a hundred times, he would still do it.
“Don’t regret it.” Tracy McGrady grinned mischievously, “The league needs young guys like you!”
Nearby, Hoffman laughed: “Tracy, don’t encourage him.”
“How is this encouraging? The league needs this kind of tough guy.” Tracy McGrady said to Xu Ling, “I support you, be yourself, don’t mind what the media says!”
Be yourself. This might be the world’s most correct nonsense advice; everyone is being themselves and must be, no matter how much you look like someone else, you are ultimately yourself.
Xu Ling nodded, acknowledging Tracy McGrady’s words.
Chatting with Tracy McGrady relaxed Xu Ling a lot. His gaze unintentionally swept over the noisy crowd but paused slightly the next moment—a lady in a burgundy velvet long dress was sideways talking to a friend, her wheat-colored skin glowing healthily under the lights, the deep V neckline and side slit skirt perfectly showing her fiery curves.
Nearby, Hoffman keenly caught Xu Ling’s gaze. He looked in the direction, then showed an understanding smile and said softly: “Eli, that’s Arianny Celeste, UFC’s hottest ring girl and one of our brand’s collaborators.”
“Is that so?” Xu Ling thought, ring girl?
He didn’t know much about boxing, but due to broad interests, he had seen some Western-made short films of men and women wrestling on the ring, where the loser fulfills all the winner’s demands.
However, that dirty scene only flashed briefly in Xu Ling’s mind before he let it go.
At this point, if he wanted, women wouldn’t be lacking around him. But in the past half season, Memphis’ situation made him focus more on the team and games. Moreover, a place like Memphis lacks opportunities like this high-society gathering; unless he lowered himself to hang out in nightclubs with Darko Milicic, finding a home for his little brother would have to wait until the offseason.
Xu Ling and Tracy McGrady came to the area where star players gathered, temporarily escaping the schmoozing from various bigwigs.
As soon as he saw Xu Ling, Kevin Garnett eyed him up: “You’re the kid who shook fingers at LeBron?”
Xu Ling said helplessly: “Yeah, that’s me.”
“Good kid!” Kevin Garnett said with full appreciation, “The league’s too soft now; it needs guys like you to change the vibe.”
Since the Grizzlies’ last game against the Celtics was during Xu Ling’s injury period, they hadn’t truly faced off, so Xu Ling was a “good kid” in Kevin Garnett’s mouth, but after the teams play, Kevin Garnett might not think so anymore.
However, this didn’t stop Xu Ling from accepting his encouragement.
Kevin Garnett is one of the few here who won’t jealousy him, because he sees Xu Ling as past himself: similarly attention-grabbing yet on a seemingly hopeless team. Though management is capable and traded him capable helpers, the Grizzlies’ harsh reality as a small market is they basically can’t expect big-name players to join in the offseason, so Xu Ling’s rookie contract dividends are hard to maximize.
Once Kidd and Howard and that crew weaken or decline due to injury, the team can only wait to die.
Because Xu Ling matured early like Kevin Garnett back then, and Xu Ling’s precociousness far exceeds Kevin Garnett’s—Kevin Garnett even got a helper like Marbury drafted, while Xu Ling has to lead the team to the playoffs in his rookie season.
The Grizzlies simply don’t have enough time to accumulate a talent pool.
So, Kevin Garnett’s advice to Xu Ling is purely veteran experience: “Eli, I heard you’re doing well; that’s good. Cherish those veterans on your team.”
However, Xu Ling’s attention was drawn to a relatively quiet corner; the Arianny Celeste who had slightly stirred his heart earlier seemed to be in some trouble—she was being pestered, and Xu Ling recognized the guy as the Pistons’ starting point guard, the Eastern Conference All-Star starter Chauncey Billups.
Billups is also under Adidas, but his fame and status obviously don’t match established superstars like Tracy McGrady and Kevin Garnett; even with a championship and FMVP, that hasn’t changed.
In terms of commercial value, Billups is even far below Gilbert Arenas; to Adidas, he is a chicken-rib star player—not very marketable, but better than nothing.
Billups’ endorsement contract with Adidas is about to end; he is seeking a long-term deal.
But the contract can be negotiated slowly; he decided to pick his female companion for tonight at this moment.
It had to be Arianny, she clearly didn’t appreciate Billups much, Billups was a bit pushy, and upright Xu someone happened to see it.
Billups’ body language seemed oppressive. He leaned in very close, face with a seemingly casual but actually extremely sleazy smile, saying something to Arianny.
Arianny maintained a polite smile, but her body leaned back slightly, fingers unconsciously gripping her clutch tight, eyes showing clear annoyance and desire to escape.
“Chauncey’s got his old habit. Thinks he’s infinitely charming, doesn’t check the occasion.” Kevin Garnett smiled, “You know? He got sued for rape early on, just like Kobe’s thing.”
Really the same?
At that moment, Billups seemed to want to go further, reaching to touch Arianny’s arm. Arianny cleverly sidestepped, but her smile was about to falter.
Xu Ling didn’t think more, said “Excuse me” to the crowd, and walked straight to that corner.
Kevin Garnett and others wore expressions of watching a show.
Xu Ling’s pace wasn’t fast but carried an undeniable presence; passing waiters subconsciously slowed down.
“Annie,” Xu Ling approached without raising his voice loudly but perfectly broke the awkward atmosphere between Billups and Arianny, “The person we agreed to meet is here, over there.”
Arianny was stunned; she never imagined Eli Xu would come to help her escape this strong guy’s harassment.
After saying that, Xu Ling turned to Billups as if just noticing him, with some “surprise”: “Chauncey, what are you doing here?”
Billups was completely unprepared, his smile frozen.
Xu Ling’s appearance and demeanor directly disrupted his rhythm.
Arianny reacted quickly and played along: “Oh right, sorry, I almost forgot. Truly sorry, Mr. Billups, Eli and I had plans earlier; I might have to excuse myself first.”
Billups looked at the two standing side by side, his expression changing several times.
He dared pester a lone lady but absolutely didn’t want to clash publicly with the hot Xu Ling.
Xu Ling said no more, just made a “please” gesture to Arianny, then turned and left with her, without even glancing at Billups again.
When Billups saw Xu Ling just took Arianny to another corner instead of meeting some VIP, he of course knew he was played.
But what could he do? Not far away, Kevin Garnett, Tracy McGrady and others were smiling at him, as if mocking from afar.
And Billups could only accept this outcome; this is Xu Ling’s status at the party.
He can meet who he wants, say what he wants, not care about anything, and of course directly take the woman you selected right from your hands.
That’s how Billups saw it.
PS: Cut a large segment later, no time to revise or add, so this chapter ends abruptly.
