บท 91: Trip to New York
They arrived at Yao Ming's restaurant.
Yao Restaurant specialized more in Shanghai cuisine, known for its sweeter flavors compared to other Chinese eateries, yet it still maintained an authentic touch.
"Have you settled on an agent yet?" Yao Ming asked curiously as they ate.
"No, I'm still unsure. I have some factors to consider. Do you understand that, Brother Yao?" Lian Dao replied.
"I'm not too familiar with that area. My agent is Bill. You might want to check him out," Yao Ming suggested, reaching into his bag, retrieving a business card, and passing it to Lian Dao.
Lian Dao eagerly took the card.
Bill Duffy.
Seeing the name, Lian Dao recognized it. Bill Duffy was known for his integrity and had a strong reputation in the industry. He represented several prominent players, including Yao Ming and Steve Nash.
"Thank you, Brother Yao. I'll definitely consider it," Lian Dao said gratefully.
"I'm just making the introduction. You can decide if he fits what you need," Yao Ming replied with a smile.
Yao Ming's endorsement of his agent spoke volumes about Bill Duffy's credibility and character. Lian Dao nodded, appreciating the recommendation.
In truth, choosing an agent was one of Lian Dao's objectives for visiting New York, besides meeting his mentor. He had someone in mind already, but he wasn't certain if she would agree to represent him.
...
After meeting with Yao Ming, Lian Dao didn't return to Los Angeles. Instead, they flew directly to New York.
Carrying a few belongings, Lian Dao made his way to visit his master, Guo Nianguo.
Walking through Chinatown, he took in the familiar sights of shops adorned with Chinese characters. If not for knowing he was in New York, Lian Dao might have thought he'd returned to China. The bustling streets teemed with people, evoking a lively atmosphere.
Approaching an antique building, Lian Dao arrived at Tianyi Pavilion, his master's traditional Chinese medicine clinic. Guo Nianguo, also the vice president of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, had established the clinic to serve the local community, especially the elderly.
"Third senior brother."
Entering the clinic, Lian Dao spotted his third senior brother busily attending to matters. Upon hearing the familiar greeting, the senior brother turned around.
"Young brother, what brings you here? Come in quickly. Xiao Gu, take over for me," the third senior brother said, motioning for an apprentice to assist outside while ushering Lian Dao into the back hall.
"Is master here?" Lian Dao asked anxiously.
"He's having tea in the backyard. I'll take you to him," the third senior brother replied.
"No need, senior brother. I'll find my way. You're busy. Oh, and I brought a small gift," Lian Dao insisted, familiar with the layout and wanting to ease the workload in the front hall.
"Very well. Thank you for the gift. I'll leave you to it then," the third senior brother nodded, returning to attend to the clinic's affairs.
Proficiently making his way to the back garden, Lian Dao spotted Master Guo Nianguo reclining in a rocking chair, leisurely sipping tea while listening to a traditional tune, completely at ease.
"Master!" Lian Dao hurried over, respectfully greeting Guo Nianguo.
"A Dao, no need for formalities. Get up, get up. You know how much I despise ceremony," Guo Nianguo replied warmly, clearly delighted to see his young apprentice.
It had been nearly two years since Lian Dao's last visit.
"Thank you, master. I've missed you so much! And here, I brought you a gift," Lian Dao said with a smile, handing over a small package to Guo Nianguo.
"If you missed me so much, why wait two years between visits?" Guo Nianguo teased gently, knowing his apprentice well.
"Well, you see, after high school, I had to choose a university, and then I joined the college basketball team and we won the championship," Lian Dao explained eagerly, his excitement palpable.
Despite appearances, Lian Dao's true nature shone through. He only revealed this side to his closest kin — and in his world, Guo Nianguo was family.
"I heard. Your senior sister wanted to attend the finals in person but had to cancel due to last-minute business," Guo Nianguo added, taking a sip of tea before continuing. "You've done well. Show those foreigners what we're made of in basketball. How's your martial arts training coming along?"
With a mix of pride and concern for his apprentice's progress and newfound fame in the U.S., Guo Nianguo shifted the conversation.
"Let's practice together, like old times!" Guo Nianguo suggested cheerfully.
"Master, I'm not dressed for it," Lian Dao replied, hesitating slightly.
"No worries. Your senior sister had a practice suit tailored for you. It's in the next room," Guo Nianguo revealed, blocking any escape route Lian Dao might have considered.
Reluctantly donning the practice clothes, Lian Dao found himself engaged in a friendly but rigorous "martial arts" exchange with Guo Nianguo.
"Ah!"
"Easy on the grip!"
"My back!"
Despite the familiar banter and exercise-induced protests, Lian Dao cherished these moments with his master, a reminder of his roots and the bonds that shaped him.
...
"Young man, if you can't even stand up now, you must have been slacking off lately," Guo Nianguo teased with a hint of reproach after their rigorous practice session.
"No, master, it's just that I haven't been as consistent lately. Before that, I always kept up with my training," Lian Dao replied weakly, feeling the soreness throughout his body.
"Alright, stop playing dead. Get up, sit down, and have some tea with your master," Guo Nianguo instructed kindly.
Struggling to rise like a fish out of water, Lian Dao finally managed to stand. Despite the discomfort from his master's intense training, he couldn't deny the strange sense of relief he felt.
Of course, he wasn't a masochist. It was purely a physical sensation — akin to the afterglow of stretched muscles and relaxed joints.
"Feeling the difference in your body?" Guo Nianguo asked wryly, taking a sip of tea and observing Lian Dao's contemplative expression.
"Yeah, I do, master!" Lian Dao replied eagerly, nodding vigorously like a chicken pecking at feed.
"When you train and compete intensely over a long period, your body remains in a constant state of tension. Your muscles and bones hardly get a chance to fully relax. If this persists for years, it can lead to hidden injuries. I don't need to elaborate on that, do I?" Guo Nianguo explained patiently to his young apprentice.
Lian Dao nodded in understanding. Accumulated hidden injuries could eventually manifest in serious issues, as seen in cases like Derrick Rose and Grant Hill, renowned for their explosive speed and aggressive playing styles. They used their physical gifts to dominate, but over time, the strain led to hidden injuries that haunted them. The intense offseason training only compounded the problem
Yao Ming was another example. And then there were players like James, who invested heavily in physical recovery each season, even buying million-dollar equipment to aid muscle fatigue relief.
"For us, it's about medicinal baths, dietary supplements, acupuncture, and moxibustion. These methods are crucial for mitigating hidden injuries," Guo Nianguo emphasized.
"These treatments, especially the medicinal baths and tonics, require costly medicinal ingredients. It's fortunate that your family can support your martial arts practice," Guo Nianguo remarked, acknowledging Lian Dao's privileged background.
"This is why our ancestors said the poor excel in martial arts — because proper maintenance and recovery are essential investments," Guo Nianguo concluded with a knowing smile.
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