Capítulo 32: Chapter 32: Hello, Lob City
"I think Chinese cuisine is the best in the world," Nash said. "Last summer's trip to China left a lasting impression. I plan to vacation in China again this summer."
Wade Dong smiled and said, "You're welcome. I'll be your tour guide and introduce you to Chinese cuisine."
"I want to go too!"
"Me too!"
Hearing about the chance to taste Chinese food, Coach Gentry and Hill eagerly expressed their desire to vacation in China this summer.
"Everyone is welcome," Wade Dong said with a smile. "China not only has the best cuisine in the world but also the best culture, history, and scenery."
The four of them chatted casually, but none of them mentioned the night's loss.
After the food was served, Coach Gentry asked the waiter, "What do you have to drink?"
"We have both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages."
Coach Gentry looked at Wade Dong and the others and asked, "How about we have a drink?"
"We have a game tomorrow," Wade Dong reminded them.
"Just a little bit, to taste," Coach Gentry insisted. "It won't affect tomorrow's game."
Nash wasn't surprised. He knew Coach Gentry was thinking the same way he was. Wade Dong had been in the U.S. for several weeks and might be homesick, especially after tonight's loss. A little drink wouldn't hurt.
"Let's each have a little," Nash said to the waiter. "Please bring us a bottle of whiskey."
The waiter looked apologetic. "Mr. Nash, we only have Chinese baijiu, no whiskey."
"Oh?" Wade Dong, who initially didn't want to drink, changed his mind upon hearing they had baijiu. "Then bring us a bottle of Luzhou Laojiao."
"Sure thing!" the waiter agreed.
Before leaving, the waiter winked at Wade Dong. Only a Chinese person would know how to pair Sichuan cuisine with baijiu.
Coach Gentry and Hill weren't skilled with chopsticks, so Wade Dong taught them how to use them.
"Wow, it's so spicy!" After just one bite, Coach Gentry, Nash, and Hill couldn't handle it and started fanning their tongues.
"Hehe..." Wade Dong poured them each a glass of baijiu. "Sichuan cuisine isn't meant to be eaten like this. Take a sip of baijiu, and it won't be as spicy."
"Okay..." Coach Gentry trusted Wade Dong and took a sip of baijiu. He almost jumped up. "Damn! It's even spicier now!"
"Hahaha..." Wade Dong's reaction amused even the waiter.
Wade Dong explained, "Baijiu isn't meant to be sipped like that. Let me teach you the proper way to drink baijiu."
"Raise the glass, drink it down." Wade Dong lifted the glass to his lips and tilted his head back, downing the baijiu in one go. "The alcohol burns like a wild dragon. Chinese baijiu should be drunk the Chinese way."
"Let me try..." Coach Gentry followed suit, but his face contorted in pain as he drank.
"Don't spit it out!" Wade Dong stopped him. "Swallow the baijiu!"
"Ugh..." Coach Gentry swallowed the baijiu, and his expression relaxed. His eyes lit up. "That's refreshing!"
Wade Dong smiled and asked, "Feeling good?"
"Too good!" Coach Gentry praised. "Compared to Chinese baijiu, everything else I've drunk is nothing. I want another glass..."
"Forget it," Wade Dong laughed. "Another glass, and you'll be drunk. We have a game tomorrow, so just one glass! Now try the food again. Is it still as spicy?"
Coach Gentry took a bite of the twice-cooked pork and chewed vigorously. "Wow, it's delicious! It's not as spicy now!"
"Is it really that magical?" Nash and Hill looked amazed and followed Coach Gentry's example. They felt like they had discovered a new world.
The midnight snack was enjoyed at a leisurely pace, and none of them mentioned the night's game. Sometimes, feelings develop in unexpected ways. After this simple meal, Wade Dong's bond with Nash, Hill, and Coach Gentry grew stronger.
Wade Dong paid the bill, and Coach Gentry said, "This summer, I'm definitely going to China. You have to take me to try authentic Sichuan cuisine, and we'll drink until we're drunk."
"Sure," Wade Dong agreed. "But I hope that day comes later."
Coach Gentry looked puzzled. "Why?"
"We have to make it to the Finals first. After the Finals, we'll go to China together."
"Right!" Nash added. "We'll take the O'Brien Trophy with us to China for vacation."
...
The next day, the entire Suns team flew to Los Angeles.
That night, they faced their second back-to-back game against the Western Conference's sixth-place Clippers.
Since Paul joined the team, along with Griffin and Jordan, the Clippers had become known as "Lob City."
The previous night's loss had put the Suns in a tough spot. They couldn't afford to lose another game.
However, there was good news for the Suns. Before the game, it was confirmed that Nash could play.
With Nash back, along with the scoring machine Wade Dong, the Suns had the potential to win the championship.
Wade Dong had already proven his passing skills in the game against the Rockets, but with Nash back, Wade Dong was fully unleashed.
As the game began, Gortat passed the ball to Nash.
Nash dribbled up the court and signaled Wade Dong for a play.
"Lob City, huh?" Wade Dong muttered, activating a "Carter Dunk Skill Package."
It was time to show Griffin what a real alley-oop looked like.
Nash faked out Paul with a crossover and drove to the basket. Hill and Gortat were ready to catch Nash's pass for a shot.
Jordan stood firm in the paint.
As Nash crossed the free-throw line, he saw Wade Dong rushing to the basket and, without hesitation, threw the ball high into the air.
"Is this a pass?"
"Are they trying to alley-oop?"
Jordan had these two thoughts.
Then Jordan noticed a shadow overhead, blocking some of the arena's lights.
Jordan shouted, "Trying to alley-oop in Lob City? You're still too young."
But Wade Dong had already caught the ball, his head above the rim.
"Boom!!!"
Wade Dong dunked the ball over Jordan, slamming it into the basket.
"Hello, Lob City."
After landing, Wade Dong casually wagged his finger, extremely arrogant.
The Clippers hadn't done anything wrong, but this was the NBA. Wade Dong was determined to lead his team to a resounding victory and put the previous night's loss behind them.
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