NBA's King of Talking

Chapter 125 I'm Also in New York

Jia Fei did not reject Kemba Walker's offer, because he didn't care where he went if he left the Thunder. As long as a team could offer him a suitable contract and the necessary respect, he would work hard for that team.

Moral blackmail shouldn't exist in a business league like the NBA. On one side is the minimum salary, on the other is the maximum salary. The minimum salary is offered by your original team, hoping you'll stay with one team. Do you think I should stay?

However, Jia Fei was not optimistic about joining the Bobcats, not because he disliked Charlotte as a small city, but because the Bobcats' owner was Jordan.

Michael Jordan's poor judgment in judging players is absolutely unparalleled among the NBA's 50 Greatest Players. He almost always missed the right options; it's truly baffling...

And he has no self-awareness. Don't you know you're a bad judge of character? Just because someone plays basketball well doesn't mean they have good draft picks. Leave professional tasks to professionals. Smoking cigars, hugging beautiful women, driving luxury cars, living in mansions, betting fortunes at the gambling table, lighting cigarettes with US dollars, and having women grovel before you—that's what a boss should be doing. If you decide everything, what's the point of having a general manager? To grovel before you too?

On the morning of the 21st, Jia Fei got up early. He exercised in Kemba Walker's yard.

Kemba Walker then got up and saw that Jia Fei was drenched in sweat. He asked in confusion, "Jia, don't you need to rest after playing in the playoffs?"

“No need!” Jia Fei laughed. “It seems like I just finished the playoffs, but you know, I didn’t play for long and I’m not tired at all.”

That's true. At his age, he seems to have inexhaustible energy. Playing as a substitute for the Thunder and only getting a short time each game isn't enough for him, so naturally he's not tired. It's Durant who's exhausted. Coach Brooks put him through 48 minutes, and his legs were weak by the end. Even Scarlett Johansson didn't have the energy to enjoy himself in front of him, which is a tragedy.

"Where's Art? Is he up yet?" Jia Fei asked.

"Him? Hehehe... He's still drunk! We can't let this guy drink anymore. He'll black out after drinking, and I can't even carry his 200-pound weight by myself!" Kemba Walker said helplessly.

"Ate is quite generous when it comes to drinking!" Jia Fei really likes people who drink generously. He has always felt that drinking habits reflect personality, and people who drink generously are usually straightforward. As long as such people have good character, they are very suitable to be friends.

“They just get drunk easily!” Kemba Walker and Jia Fei exchanged a smile.

Jia Fei and his friends didn't go out to play that day. Art Mayor was hungover, and the two of them couldn't just leave him behind and fly away together!

After having lunch at Kemba Walker's housekeeper's house, Jia Fei received a message from Sharapova.

"Jia Fei, I've arrived in New York. I'm at the Conrad Hotel! You can see a panoramic view of Manhattan from here." Sharapova's information was quite comprehensive; she not only told him she was in New York but also gave him the address.

"Haha, okay, okay!" Jia Fei replied.

"What are you laughing at? Is something making you happy?" Sharapova asked, her interest piqued.

"Do you know where I am?" Jia Fei asked back.

"You're in Oklahoma City! Are you at home?" Sharapova couldn't guess.

"You'll find out soon enough!" Jia Fei replied.

"Okay, fine!" Sharapova said, and didn't ask any more questions.

"Kenba, I have to go out for a bit later. I'll leave Art in your care!" Jia Fei instructed.

“Don’t worry, Art is in my care at my house,” Kemba Walker said.

Jia Fei nodded. That's one of the good things about Americans. They value other people's privacy. Generally, few people will ask about your itinerary or personal matters unless you have a really good relationship with them, but they generally don't ask often.

Regarding his relationship with Sharapova, Jia Fei felt that he didn't want too many people to know about it before they officially became a couple. Sometimes, having too many people know isn't necessarily a good thing.

As Jia Fei left Kemba Walker's house, he suddenly remembered the incident involving his fan, the middle-aged chef, from the previous day. He thought to himself that although he wasn't a big star, he was still a player who had won the Slam Dunk Contest and played in the rotation on a playoff team, making him a public figure and easily recognizable. So, he made a point of wearing a mask and sunglasses.

In this way, he looked like a typical young Chinese man on the streets of New York, except that he was taller. But tall men are not uncommon in the US, and his 201cm height wasn't as exaggerated as Chairman Yao's; he wouldn't stand out in a crowd.

Jia Fei hailed a taxi and went straight to the Conrad Hotel.

Outside the car window stretched the bustling metropolis of New York City. He suddenly recalled the games he used to play in his school days, many of which featured New York as their battleground. This city was a paradise for the rich; with money, you really could do whatever you wanted.

Upon arriving near the Conrad Hotel, Jia Fei got out of the car and sent a message to Sharapova.

“I’m here!” he sent his location.

Sharapova quickly replied: "My God, so the place you were talking about was here. Are you in New York too?"

“Yes, I’m not only in New York, but also near you!” Jia Fei replied.

Sharapova sent three screaming emojis; she really hadn't expected that the two of them would have the opportunity to meet in New York.

“I’m waiting for you in the hotel’s coffee shop!” Jia Fei sent a message.

“Okay, I’ll change my clothes!” Sharapova replied immediately.

Jia Fei entered the hotel and, guided by a waiter, went to the coffee shop on the 15th floor.

Inside the coffee shop, an old-fashioned record player played Elvis Presley's deep, resonant voice, creating a very retro atmosphere.

After Jia Fei sat down, the waiter came and asked him what he wanted.

"An Americano, no ice, please!" Jia Fei ordered the coffee and gave the waiter a $5 tip.

The waiter left happily, and soon the coffee was served.

Jia Fei sipped his coffee, waiting for the beauty to arrive.

About 15 minutes later, Sharapova appeared before him in a light blue dress. Her style was somewhat different from when he last met her in Miami; she had worn light makeup and high heels, making her appear even more radiant.

Jia Fei stood up, and Sharapova blushed slightly when she saw him.

"I'm late, I'm so sorry!" Sharapova apologized.

"No, it was my fault for not informing you beforehand. I was being presumptuous!" Jia Fei said politely.

When their eyes meet, they can see themselves reflected in each other's eyes.

"Please sit down!" Jia Fei pulled out a chair for her in a gentlemanly manner, and Sharapova sat down.

Sharapova is indeed very beautiful. Unlike many girls who appear delicate, she is over 180cm tall. Her years of playing on the court have given her exceptionally healthy-looking skin.