Chương 89: Trip to Houston
The next day, the USC team flew back to Los Angeles on a charter flight.
When they arrived at Los Angeles Airport, Lian Dao was greeted by a large crowd of University of Southern California fans. The atmosphere was festive, with the sounds of gongs and drums filling the air.
It was a new experience for Lian Dao. Despite Los Angeles being a city known for its basketball achievements, from the Lakers to top college teams, the reception was exceptional.
In the eyes of American fans, winning the NCAA championship often means more than winning the NBA championship. For USC, a university not historically known for basketball success, reaching the finals and winning was incredibly exciting.
The thrill of overcoming challenges and achieving success against the odds is universally appealing. In a country that values individual achievement, these victories are especially meaningful.
Lian Dao and his teammates sat on the bus back to campus, watching the enthusiastic fans outside the windows. The excitement that had settled earlier in the morning surged back.
Lian Dao couldn't help but imagine what winning an NBA championship might feel like, likely similar to this moment.
The celebratory atmosphere continued all the way back to USC. Upon arriving at the campus, they found it transformed with celebratory signs everywhere. The university spared no expense in celebrating their victory, hosting dances and parties in the evening.
At the party, the USC basketball players, including Lian Dao and his teammates, became the center of attention, surrounded by admiring female fans.
Southern California may lack some things, but certainly not beautiful girls.
As part of the Southern California Trident, Lian Dao found himself in a situation akin to Tang Monk encountering the Pansi Cave meat.
With his striking looks, towering height, and promising future as a potential NBA star earning millions, Lian Dao was a magnet for USC girls.
He embodied the quintessential "tall, rich, and handsome" archetype, and a high-quality one at that.
Despite the flattering attention, Lian Dao started feeling uneasy under the gaze of so many admirers. The intense scrutiny made him uncomfortable, prompting him to tactfully make his exit under the guise of needing to use the restroom.
Although he had experienced moments of luxury in his previous life, he felt that staying amidst the crowd tonight might turn him into a mummy under their overwhelming attention.
Lian Dao stepped outside to catch a breath of air and spotted a familiar figure—Abby.
Every time he saw her, he couldn't help but think American girls mature early. At 15, Abby appeared anything but immature. Her graceful figure, lovely face, standing close to 175cm in height, and dressed in an elegant white evening gown, exuded both allure and innocence.
Abby, holding a glass of juice, turned around upon hearing Lian Dao's voice and greeted him with a hint of mischief in her smile.
"Enjoying being surrounded by beauties, I bet?" Abby teased, catching Lian Dao off guard.
"Uh, not really. I'm not quite comfortable in this kind of environment. What brings you to USC's celebration party?" Lian Dao replied, mentally adding, "At least not in this life," silently to himself.
For some reason, Lian Dao felt compelled to explain, but he sensed the conversation might take a turn he wasn't ready for, so he quickly changed the subject.
"Yeah, um, so... how's it going?" Lian Dao awkwardly shifted gears, prompting a giggle from Abby.
"Sorry, I couldn't help it," she said playfully, clearly enjoying Lian Dao's discomfort.
"Well, I'm planning to study at USC in the future, so I thought I'd do a little preview." Abby casually sipped her drink, chin resting on her hand, delivering her line with a straight face.
Lian Dao didn't quite buy it, knowing Abby's future plans, but as a high school sophomore, he found her antics amusingly unpredictable.
"Heh," Lian Dao chuckled, playing along with her playful charade.
"So, why are you out here alone? Looking for your girlfriend?" Abby asked, her eyes fixed on Lian Dao with a feigned casualness.
"Girlfriend? Oh, I'm still single," Lian Dao replied honestly.
Abby smiled knowingly, as if confirming something she already suspected.
"Alright, I should go. Could you please take this cup back for me? Thanks, see you next time!" Abby waved towards Lian Dao mischievously, then walked off towards a Mercedes-Benz SUV that flashed its lights twice in acknowledgment.
Lian Dao nodded, watching Abby disappear into the distance.
Reflecting on his feelings for Abby, Lian Dao found it difficult to define. He couldn't deny a certain fondness for her, yet dating a 15-year-old seemed inconceivable to him. Besides, there was someone else in his heart—a woman with deep Oriental charm.
Despite being in the U.S. for some time and attending high school there, Lian Dao's upbringing and cultural values had shaped his perspective on relationships. While American high schools were open about dating, his traditional upbringing had kept him focused differently. Initially, he had regarded Abby simply as an enthusiastic fan.
Shaking off his introspection, Lian Dao chided himself inwardly, "I'm being narcissistic. I shouldn't assume what others think—maybe she's just a genuine admirer."
...
After the celebration, Lian Dao laid out his next plans. One was to travel to Houston, and the other was to visit his mentor in New York.
On April 11, Lian Dao boarded a flight to Houston. Yao Ming had arranged to meet at the Toyota Center, a place well-known among Rockets fans.
Entering the Toyota Center, Lian Dao found Yao Ming deep in shooting practice, beads of sweat indicating he'd been at it for a while.
Seeing Yao Ming, Lian Dao felt a rush of emotions. Yao Ming noticed him and set the ball aside, approaching Lian Dao with enthusiasm.
Perhaps due to their shared nationality, they greeted each other like old friends, embracing warmly as if they hadn't seen each other in ages.
"How's it going? You asked me for those inside footwork videos. How's your progress? If there's anything you're unsure about, let me know and I'll try to help," Yao Ming said after they sat down. Earlier, Lian Dao had sought guidance on inside post footwork techniques from Yao Ming.
During their conversation, Lian Dao also sought Yao Ming's advice on footwork adjustments, feints, and shot selection.
Yao Ming attentively listened and offered solutions to Lian Dao's uncertainties.
"Let's practice together. I'll be your training partner," Yao Ming proposed.
Lian Dao agreed readily, changing into the training gear he had brought along.
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