Chapter 112: Fine Night
Stars from the Eastern Conference and Western Conference were warming up on their respective half-courts. Over on the Eastern Conference side, Howard was performing all sorts of goofy dunks, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade were playing an aerial relay game, and the atmosphere looked relaxed and fun.
The Western Conference half-court was relatively quiet.
Kobe, who loves to show off in these situations, wasn’t playing, so everyone was just practicing on their own. And then there’s Yao Ming, this freak of a man, actually practicing half-court shots for real. It made Xu Ling dizzy just watching.
As for Xu Ling, he was just habitually doing stretches, sprints, and shooting. It seemed like he was the only one at the scene seriously preparing for a game.
As the biggest playboy on the Western Conference All-Star team, Allen Iverson couldn’t help saying to Xu Ling: “Rookie, we’re all here to have fun. Why do you look like you’re going to war?”
“I’m still learning how to play.” Xu Ling replied.
“Just relax.” Iverson said as he started to walk away, but then he suddenly remembered something and turned back with a smile. “Also, keep that damn finger of yours in check.”
Oh my God, Xu swore that if anyone talked about his finger again, he’d kick their ass hard with his Terminator Generation One under his feet!
At that moment, Yao Ming, who had just made several mindless half-court shots, came over to Xu Ling for advice: “Little Xu, is there any trick to half-court shots? No matter how I use my fingers, I can’t aim right!”
Xu Ling just looked down at his own feet and then glanced at Yao Ming’s ass.
“What are you looking at?”
“Nothing. What did you just say?”
Not long after, the referee blew the whistle, and the game officially began. After the tip-off, the pace instantly sped up. Just as everyone expected, the opening phase was pure showtime. Defense was nonexistent, and offense was all flashy individual plays and aerial relays.
Xu Ling joined in, but in a very “Xu Ling” way.
Chris Pau dribbled forward and saw Xu Ling breaking fast. He lobbed a high pass, Xu Ling got the idea, leaped into the air, and completed a clean alley-oop dunk.
After the score, he didn’t roar or clown around; he just simply gave Pau a high-five.
He ignored the cheers from the New Orleans crowd.
This was surprising.
For those who weren’t familiar with him, it was really frustrating because Xu Ling exuded a straightforward “this is just work” vibe, not a “my job is to make you happy” people-pleasing one. He refused to interact with the audience.
The Eastern Conference All-Star team on offense, the ball went through a few passes and ended up in LeBron James’s hands.
At that moment, the one defending him was Xu Ling. This matchup caused the noise in the arena to spike eight degrees instantly, with all cameras focusing in.
James clearly had no intention of playing for real at a time like this either. He dribbled out beyond the three-point line, a relaxed smile on his face, signaling his teammates to clear out as he prepared to shoot an entertaining super-long three-pointer. He calmly adjusted his rhythm and rose up, just as the basketball was about to leave his fingertips.
A figure suddenly burst upward like a ghost!
Xu Ling leaped without warning, right hand extended, swatting at the basketball in James’s hands with thunderous speed.
His bounce speed and leap height were astonishingly scary, and the block attempt looked utterly real.
“This completely caught LeBron off guard, Doug! The All-Star game’s rhythm is relaxed, but Eli’s competitive instinct suddenly kicked in! Look at that bounce speed—he made LeBron hesitate at the last second, completely messing up his shot!”
Legendary commentator Marv Albert captured the moment.
James had no idea Xu Ling would come at him like this at this time. Who defends like that in an All-Star game? The massive mental disruption and sudden scare deformed his shot completely. The release was flat and hard; the ball smashed into the front rim without even touching the rim, creating an embarrassing airball!
The ball hit the floor and bounced a few times.
The entire arena fell silent for a split second, then erupted in a mix of huge gasps and laughter.
Xu Ling landed, no smugness on his face. Instead, he flashed what looked like an “apologetic” smile. Seeing the airball go out of bounds, he turned, bent down to pick it up, and shrugged at James.
“Eli flashed a smile and shrugged. It looks like a prank!”
Albert’s partner Doug Collins grinned: “I don’t think LeBron will take that as a joke.”
James’s smile froze on his face, turning iron-blue instantly. He forced a corner-of-the-mouth tug to feign “I’m fine,” but it looked worse than crying. He felt fire rush to his head—this was blatant mockery! In front of the world’s fans, this bastard Chinese guy had scared him into an airball with a fake defense move? But this was the All-Star game; he couldn’t get mad or show he cared too much, or he’d look petty.
Xu Ling acted like nothing happened, passed the ball to a teammate, and joined the offense.
Moreover, Xu Ling didn’t keep targeting James, as if that really was just a random prank.
The first half ended in this weird yet lively atmosphere.
The score was high, the show was spectacular, but everyone’s talking point seemed to revolve around Xu Ling.
Xu Ling didn’t even need to score a ton to become the protagonist on site.
He stole the spotlight not just from the better-performing Eastern Conference All-Star team, but even the host Chris Pau sighed: “Now I know why you live in the headlines.”
The word “live” was used perfectly.
Xu Ling spread his hands: “That’s because people are too gossipy.”
“Can you let me gossip too?” Pau leaned in and asked. “What’s the deal with you and LeBron?”
“Pass me a few more balls, and I’ll tell you.”
“Easy enough.”
The natural chemistry between Xu Ling and Pau was something rare.
Just right, they had no clear conflicts of interest now. Pau’s personality was restrained enough not to easily cross Xu Ling’s boundaries. They’d chatted well since meeting in the regular season.
But that didn’t stop the Western Conference All-Star team from getting dominated by the Eastern Conference All-Star team starting in the second half.
James seemed to channel all the frustration from being toyed with by Xu Ling in the first half into on-court dominance. Like a full-speed heavy tank, he crushed the Western Conference’s loose defense over and over, either scoring on aggressive attacks or drawing double teams to dish perfect passes to teammates. Dwyane Wade tore through defenses repeatedly with lightning speed.
Chris Pau and Brandon Roy tried hard to carry the Western Conference offense, but the Eastern Conference momentum was already rolling.
Plus, this was ultimately an All-Star game—no one was seriously defending—so if one side got hot, they could just run away with it.
The lead opened up unnoticed. When the game hit the final 5 minutes, the scoreboard showed 138-124, with the Eastern Conference All-Star team up by 14.
The atmosphere in the New Orleans Arena turned subtly awkward. The Eastern Conference bench was relaxed; Dwight Howard was even mimicking trophy presentation moves with teammates.
The Western Conference called timeout. Players headed to the bench; Xu Ling wiped sweat with a towel and looked up at the scoreboard.
There was still some time, but down 14, unless the Eastern Conference All-Star team didn’t want to win, it was hard to come back.
Byron Scott said a few words about not giving up, but before finishing, he just clapped his hands and moved on.
Timeout over, players returned to the court.
Eastern Conference offense, James called for the ball in the right low post. Defending him was Xu Ling.
After receiving the back-to-the-basket pass, James didn’t rush. He solidly backed down Xu Ling and said in a voice only they could hear: “Relax, rookie. Showtime’s almost over.”
As he spoke, James suddenly powered back, using his weight advantage to bump Xu Ling half a step off-balance, then smoothly spun for an nearly uncontested jump shot.
As the ball went in, James backpedaled on defense, shrugging at Xu Ling with a meaningful smile: “See? That simple.”
“Oh, LeBron is trash talking Eli! These two who’ve been in controversy lately—are they going to go at it even on the All-Star stage?”
As soon as Albert said it, Collins beside him chuckled: “Of course. LeBron will never forget Eli’s finger.”
Why does that sound so weird?
Back on the court, Xu Ling wasn’t into the All-Star game anyway. Losing was just losing; he was an absolute Barkley disciple—anyone taking an All-Star game seriously was a fool.
But since James had to poke at him after scoring, Xu Ling figured he’d have to respond with a few plays, whether effective or not—give it right back first.
So Xu Ling said to Pau: “Let me shoot a few threes. If I miss, whatever.”
“You still wanna win?” Pau laughed.
“I just want to give the fans more show.” Xu Ling said flatly.
So damn righteous.
Pau didn’t believe a word but didn’t refuse.
The game continued. Western Conference All-Star team offense—the ball went through passes but found no great opportunities, ending up with Xu Ling at the left 45-degree angle, one step beyond the three-point line.
Defending Xu Ling was a lax Bosh.
Bosh symbolically reached out. In his view, this shot distance wasn’t smart, especially trailing by a lot.
But Xu Ling made no extra adjustments, didn’t even fully jump—just used his toes to quickly push off the floor, leaned back slightly, and softly flicked the ball off his wrist.
The basketball arced extremely high, swishing through the net amid the somewhat noisy crowd!
127-138
At first, no one paid much attention to the three-pointer.
Eastern Conference All-Star team offense; James tried a mid-range response, but it bounced off the rim. Western Conference All-Star team grabbed the rebound; Pau pushed fast and saw Xu Ling quietly positioned two steps beyond the right three-point line.
Pau’s pass was pinpoint.
The instant Xu Ling caught it, switching Wade was already in his face. Wade’s defense was way more serious than Bosh’s—his hand nearly sealed Xu Ling’s face.
But Xu Ling didn’t hesitate, rose and fired fluidly like a machine. His shooting rhythm unchanged by the defense, the ball sailed over Wade’s fingertips like a precision-guided missile.
In again!
130-138!
“Oh! Another three! Eli Xu! Down to 8!” Mike Breen’s tone started rising.
The arena noise grew; some fans stood up.
Back-to-back threes introduced a hint of uncertainty to what seemed decided.
Xu Ling showed no celebration, not even a high-five with Pau. He just quickly backpedaled, eyes sharply scanning the Eastern Conference All-Star team’s offense.
James sensed something off. He yelled to teammates: “Watch him! No open looks!”
But the too-relaxed Eastern Conference All-Star team had Wade brick a three.
Western Conference All-Star team pushed back on fast break.
Pau advanced quickly; when Xu Ling got the ball in the frontcourt, James was already back.
James lowered his center of gravity, arms wide, eyes fierce. He was determined to shut this down, extinguish the Western Conference comeback fire, and get revenge for the first half.
The crowd held its breath! All cameras locked on this spotlight midcourt matchup!
At that point, Xu Ling was three meters from the top-of-the-key three-point line—a super-long three distance. James gave a bit of space; he’d regret that decision.
Xu Ling made no fancy dribbles. Just a quick shooting fake move, but James didn’t bite fully. But the instant James shifted his weight up from the jab step, Xu Ling pulled up straight from there.
Right in place, in front of LeBron James! He chose a super-long three shot!
“What is this!”
Someone in the stands gasped out loud.
James’s reaction was maxed out; he leaped full force to block, but Xu Ling’s release point was too high, speed too quick.
The basketball rocketed out like it had boosters, with unbelievable power and arc, toward the distant rim.
Those who knew Xu Ling all recalled his NCAA legend—those super-long threes, those immortal LOGO shots.
Then
Swish!!!!!!!!
A crystal-clear, sky-piercing net sound rang out again!
Down to just 5 points!
Xu Ling looked at the grim-faced James and smiled: “Maybe the show is just starting now.”
“Aaaaaah!!!!”
The New Orleans Arena exploded completely; tsunami-like cheers nearly tore the roof off.
Every spectator, no matter who they supported, involuntarily jumped up, hands on heads, faces full of shocked disbelief.
“Incredible bucket! Eli erupted when the game seemed settled, hitting three straight threes! Each one farther than the last! His performance completely changed the game!”
No smile on Xu Ling’s face; the arena roar didn’t faze him. He high-fived the excited Pau wanting to celebrate: “Keep passing me the ball!”
Pau of course obliged, though a bit helpless—New Orleans was his home court, but now the whole crowd was cheering for Xu Ling.
This damn charmer!
Across the noise, James stood with hands on hips, face dark.
He watched helplessly as Xu Ling hit that unbelievable shot over him—powerless and speechless. It took luck, timing, hot hand—and right then!
James might’ve wanted to win this All-Star game most on the Eastern Conference All-Star team, but regrettably, Xu Ling flipped the script. From those three threes, the Western Conference All-Star team reignited, while the Eastern Conference All-Star team stayed lazy—not good for holding their slim lead.
Soon after, Xu Ling hit his fourth three.
The New Orleans Arena plunged into indescribable madness; the Eastern Conference All-Star team lost the lead with two minutes left, then trailed by 12 at the end.
Final: Western Conference All-Star team 156-144 over Eastern Conference All-Star team.
Dazzling first half, godlike final five minutes of the second—Xu Ling finished with 34 points and 11 rebounds, snatching the AMVP in the most unacceptable way for James from what was nearly the Kings’ pocket.
“You gotta admit, the NBA is where miracles happen!” Marv Albert summed up the final five minutes in his signature voice. “Eli Xu’s sudden frenzy ruled the court just like in the celebrity game the afternoon before. In five minutes, he dismantled LeBron James’s whole night’s work! Luckily, no finger wagging tonight—victory to the Western Conference All-Star team, to every fan here tonight!”
Then it was Xu Ling’s turn for the award speech.
“Some people took the whole game seriously but never expected I’d be the AMVP.” Xu Ling said holding the trophy. “Who’d have thought this outcome?”
Those in the know started laughing.
Because after Xu Ling shook his finger at James and got swarmed by angry LeFans on Twitter, he posted something similar.
Now, the same words again—not naming names, but everyone knew who.
After victory, all that remained was overwhelming noise.
Xu Ling held the trophy, face not overly joyful—more the calm of goal achieved, and a touch of daze from global cameras surrounding him.
Reporters surged like a tide, mics nearly poking his face, questions flying about the final five minutes, LeBron, AMVP.
Xu Ling gave short answers, eyes instinctively seeking an escape route.
Just then, his gaze pierced the crowd and locked with a figure at courtside.
At that moment, his gaze froze.
At the crowd’s edge, in the VIP seats’ shadows, a figure lounged back casually, as if the world’s noise had nothing to do with him.
Michael Jordan hadn’t left; he hadn’t even stood, just sat there, unlit cigar between fingers, deep gaze cutting through the chaos to lock precisely on Xu Ling.
That look wasn’t admiration—more like a top connoisseur eyeing an intriguing artifact, with a hint of amusement, a hint of probing.
As a 00s kid in his past life, Xu Ling had little real feel for Jordan’s GOAT status. In Chinese basketball circles, Jordan often appeared as a tool for fans to bash vice-GOAT Mr. Zhan.
No helping it—James’s peak lasted so long, with enough honors and intimidating stats, giving him an edge in the vice-GOAT race. If talking rings, other vice-GOATs lacked absolute edge over him. If dominance, Kareem, Magic, or Kobe had narrative flaws. Without matching honors, stats became his key separator. Sure, some would dig up Bill Russell’s coffin for rings-above-all, but using the Lord of the Rings’ rings would unseat Big Dan’s GOAT.
So that’s Mr. Zhan’s edge in vice-GOAT—good or bad, that pervasive completeness. Even clicking a random post online questioning why Kishimoto draws brainlessly, like Orochimaru invading Konoha with Jiraiya invisible, you’d still see replies: “That’s because Konoha’s character ninja didn’t step up.”
But now, seeing Jordan seemingly wanting to chat, Xu Ling’s heart stirred.
Come to think of it, back at Texas Tech, he’d first made his name by riding Jordan’s coattails.
By emotion and reason, he should chat a bit.
So after brushing off the reporters, Xu Ling walked over to Jordan.
Jordan didn’t speak right away. He leisurely brought the cigar to his nose for a sniff, as if savoring the mingled scent of victory and defeat in the air.
After a long moment, the GOAT raised his eyelids, voice low and magnetic, like it echoed: “They say you’re a troublemaker kid. Now I see—they were too polite.”
Xu Ling’s brow twitched; he didn’t reply.
Jordan’s gaze swept Xu Ling’s not-exactly-respectful face; a smile tugged his lips: “Ruining someone else’s whole night show in five minutes… that’s not just ‘trouble.'”
“I was just playing ball.” Xu Ling gave the classic athlete non-answer.
“You weren’t that humble with reporters.” Jordan wouldn’t buy it. “Tell me, did you enjoy those final five minutes? Enjoy the world thinking it was over, but you rewriting the ending?”
“Enjoy?”
Truth was, Xu Ling didn’t enjoy it that much. If the Kings hadn’t mouthed off, he’d probably have coasted till time expired. But after their jab, he had to clap back—and overdid it into this result.
“I just did what I should. That’s how a game should be, right?”
But this was an All-Star game, one no one cared about. Jordan believed if James weren’t about to snag AMVP, Xu Ling might not have gone off like that in the last five.
No matter; this kid wouldn’t admit it.
Fine—Jordan didn’t need admission. He’d just caught a familiar scent on this young man after so long, and it excited him.
He couldn’t help imagining, if he were still playing, how he’d beat this guy.
But just a thought.
“Heh.” Jordan let out an ambiguous chuckle, those all-seeing brown eyes seeming to peer into Xu Ling’s soul. “Say what you want—this game tonight was fun.”
Xu Ling didn’t know what to say to this transcendent senior. Uh, glad you liked it?
“Remember this feeling.” Jordan said last. “But watch out—people who love putting knives to others’ throats will one day get a knife pointed back.”
With that, Jordan prepared to leave.
Xu Ling got the GOAT’s meaning: expressing appreciation, with a preemptive warning for the future.
Maybe the GOAT wanted to get to know Xu Ling too.
Xu Ling wasn’t wrong. Back in the locker room, Roderick Craig excitedly told him: “Bro, you know? MJ’s people just gave me their contact—said if you need anything, call MJ anytime!”
“Really?” Xu Ling wasn’t surprised. “I just talked to him.”
“Talked to who? MJ?”
“Yeah.”
“Oh my God!!!”
Xu Ling had long shed any awe toward these superstars. Even Jordan’s goodwill, he just set aside lightly.
Clearly, his bro hadn’t adjusted to speaking to these big shots as equals from a position of strength.
“Be steady.” Xu Ling said. “Stuff like this will happen a lot more.”
“Stuff like this? You mean stealing AMVP from LeBron?”
