Chương 129: Official Relationship Home Run and All-Star Weekend
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Wang Chong and Jessica Alba first met on Christmas Day, December 25th. It was an accident that led to their initial connection; Wang Chong accidentally hugged Jessica when he rushed off the court to save a ball. Seizing the moment, he obtained her contact information.
In the following month, Wang Chong took every opportunity to ask Jessica out whenever he had free time, never backing down from pursuing her. With his knowledge of Jessica's future, he skillfully found engaging topics to discuss, ensuring their conversations were lively and interesting.
Wang Chong also didn't hold back when it came to spending. With sneaker endorsement deals, his rookie contract, and various other endorsements, he was quickly becoming a star with an annual income in the tens of millions.
After numerous attempts, he finally succeeded in winning Jessica's heart.
Late at night, lying on the luxurious bed of a five-star hotel, sipping high-end red wine worth thousands of dollars, and holding the stunning Jessica Alba in his arms, Wang Chong felt he had reached the pinnacle of his life.
Jessica's face still bore a slight blush from their earlier passion, her eyes hazy, and her sun-kissed skin mostly hidden beneath the sheets. The contours of her exquisite body were still visible through the fabric.
"Congratulations on being selected as an All-Star starter. You've truly become a top star in the NBA," Jessica said to him.
Just the day before, the NBA had announced the final results of the All-Star voting. As expected, Yao Ming was elected the 2005 All-Star with 2.55 million votes, while Shaquille O'Neal from the Eastern Conference followed closely with 2.48 million votes. Thankfully for O'Neal, his move to the Eastern Conference meant Yao wouldn't take his All-Star starting spot this time.
Wang Chong, however, found himself in the spotlight as well. Although he ranked second in the forward position behind Garnett, his popularity was largely due to his Chinese American heritage, which attracted significant support from Chinese fans. He knew that if the voting structure changed and Chinese votes were reduced, he might struggle to maintain his position.
For the Western Conference, the five All-Star starters were center Yao Ming, forwards Wang Chong and Kevin Garnett, and guards Kobe Bryant and Tracy McGrady. The Eastern Conference starters were O'Neal, Vince Carter, Grant Hill, LeBron James, and Allen Iverson.
The selection of both Wang Chong and James, two standout players from the 2003 draft class, as All-Star starters was a remarkable feat in NBA history, especially as they were both second-year players.
However, the significance of having two Asian players, Yao Ming and Wang Chong, selected as All-Star starters simultaneously was even more groundbreaking. While Wang Chong was a Chinese American, both of his parents were Chinese, making his success in the league even more noteworthy.
America, often touted as a land of freedom and equality, was riddled with racial discrimination, and Wang Chong's journey from college to NBA All-Star status was a testament to his resilience and talent.
"Thank you," Wang Chong said, pleased with Jessica's compliment. "But your movie Sin City is about to be released, right? Soon, the whole world will see how charming you are, and they'll know how lucky I am. I might just benefit more from you then."
Jessica smiled, brushing off Wang Chong's words. Despite the film's production scale, she had her doubts about its success. As a comic adaptation, it wasn't considered mainstream in Hollywood, and with multiple stories and directors involved, she wasn't convinced her role would propel her to stardom.
"Is that really the case? I'm afraid you're the only one who thinks so…" she replied hesitantly.
Seeing her doubt, Wang Chong looked down at her, setting his wine glass aside, and smiled mischievously. "Jessica, you underestimate your own charm. You are undoubtedly the most beautiful and sexiest woman in the world."
With that, he lifted the sheets, revealing Jessica's delicate body, and amidst her surprised gasp, a new round of passion ignited between them.
The next day, paparazzi caught Wang Chong driving Jessica Alba to the Fantastic Four film set, confirming their relationship to the public. The revelation stirred excitement in both the basketball and entertainment industries.
With the NBA's rising influence in the U.S. and the increasing incomes of its star players, it wasn't unusual for third-rate actresses to pursue NBA stars for publicity. Jessica, as a second-tier actress with a string of movie credits, didn't need such tactics to boost her fame, but Wang Chong's star power made it clear he wasn't just a stepping stone for her.
Wang Chong's annual income from his team and endorsement contracts was about $15 million, nearing the salaries of Hollywood's top actors, with the tenth-highest salary on the Forbes actor list being slightly above $20 million. He was comparable to Jessica's peers, firmly placing him on a similar level.
Beyond income, Wang Chong's striking appearance—reminiscent of Takeshi Kaneshiro—made him a standout. Together, he and Jessica, America's sweetheart, formed a picture-perfect couple.
While escorting Jessica to the set, Wang Chong took the time to greet the Fantastic Four crew, including Chris Evans, who would later star as Captain America. However, his attention was caught by a man in the corner who appeared slightly out of place.
"Jessica, who's that over there?" he asked, pointing.
"Uh, that seems to be the director's assistant, I think his name is Warren or something," she replied after a moment of thought.
On the inside, Wang Chong couldn't help but chuckle. "So it's you, my ex-husband," he thought.
While it may not have been entirely accurate to call him her ex-husband—Cash Warren married Jessica in 2005—Wang Chong took comfort in the fact that he had met Jessica before they became acquainted, leaving little room for their relationship to grow.
This excursion also served as a way to assert his claim over Jessica during their honeymoon period, ensuring her ex-husband had no chance to re-enter the picture.
As Wang Chong mingled with the crew, he also reflected on the future of Hollywood. Seeing Chris Evans, he couldn't shake the thought of the upcoming Marvel films that would dominate the box office and create numerous stars in the years to come.
He pondered the potential for investing in films, particularly with early projects like Iron Man. If only he had a clearer memory of future events; he might have been able to capitalize on opportunities to make substantial profits.
Despite his incomplete recollections, Wang Chong noted the success of Iron Man—a $140 million investment that garnered $585 million at the box office. He resolved to save as much as he could in the next two years, setting himself up for possible investments once the movie's production began in 2007.
Sadly, Wang Chong's fragmented memories meant he couldn't foresee major events like the outcomes of future sports tournaments. Otherwise, with a simple bet, he could secure far more significant returns than mere movie investments.
With all of this as mere background noise, Wang Chong redirected his focus back to the main event: the NBA season.
After losing to the SuperSonics on January 25 and ending their winning streak, the Lakers defeated the Clippers, Nets, and Bobcats in their final three games of January, clinching another winning streak.
This resulted in a record of 12 wins and 3 losses over 15 games in January, even better than their performance in December. Notably, after Kobe's injury, the Lakers lost only one game under Wang Chong's leadership, finishing with an impressive 8-1 record.
While the opponents they faced weren't the strongest, such a winning percentage still raised eyebrows around the league.
In January, Wang Chong averaged 29.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of 51%. Leading the team to a successful record, he earned his first Western Conference Player of the Month award.
On the flip side, the Eastern Conference Player of the Month was LeBron James, who averaged 26.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 8.5 assists, leading his team to an 8-4 record.
The success of both Wang Chong and James in their second year astounded the entire league.
"Wang Chong and James, who were recently selected for the All-Star Game, have both been honored as the Player of the Month for January. It's only the second year of their careers!" exclaimed one commentator. "It's hard to imagine how dominant they will be as they fully develop."
Although the praise for Wang Chong was overwhelming, it was evident that the Lakers' impressive record stemmed largely from facing weaker opponents.
As February rolled in, the strength of their opponents increased significantly, and the Lakers began to experience defeats.
On February 3, they lost to the San Antonio Spurs, 91-103.
On February 6, the Lakers fell to the Houston Rockets, 95-101, on the road.
And on February 10, they lost again to the Detroit Pistons.
In the six games of early February, the Lakers achieved only a 50% winning rate with 3 wins and 3 losses.
However, there was good news on the horizon.
Kobe's recovery had progressed smoothly, and he returned to the lineup on February 13, scoring 40 points in his first game back against the Jazz, helping the Lakers win 102-95.
The reunion of the Kobe-Wang duo instantly elevated the team's performance, leading to a victory over the Celtics and securing two consecutive wins.
After only two games together before the All-Star Weekend, the Lakers were determined to capitalize on their momentum. Wang Chong and Kobe needed to show the league what they were made of as they prepared to face the Phoenix Suns.
The night before the All-Star Game, the NBA hosted its annual All-Star Weekend at the Los Angeles Convention Center, featuring several exciting events.
Wang Chong and Kobe Bryant entered the venue, garnering attention with their close friendship. They engaged in playful banter with other players and participated in various events, including the three-point contest and the slam dunk contest.
Amid the excitement, Wang Chong recognized the importance of keeping his performance levels up. He sought guidance from legendary players like Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson. Wang Chong was eager to absorb their wisdom and absorb insights that could propel his career.
As Wang Chong shared his thoughts with his friends, they agreed that basketball wasn't merely a game; it was a way of life. Winning wasn't just about talent; it also required dedication, hard work, and the right mindset.
As the All-Star Game approached, Wang Chong felt the weight of expectations. He wanted to prove himself as a valuable asset to the Lakers and show that he was worthy of being an All-Star starter.
Determined to put on a show, Wang Chong prepared himself mentally and physically, eager to showcase his skills on the grand stage.
Back at the hotel, after the night's events, Wang Chong and Jessica retired to their luxurious suite.
"Tonight was amazing, right?" Jessica asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"It was incredible," Wang Chong replied, smiling. "I just wish I could have won the dunk contest."
Jessica nudged him playfully. "You'll have your chance next year! Besides, you've got the All-Star Game tomorrow!"
"True," Wang Chong said, a sense of anticipation washing over him.
As they lounged on the plush couch, Jessica rested her head on his shoulder, savoring the moment. Wang Chong reveled in the happiness of having her by his side, ready to tackle the challenges ahead.
With the All-Star Game just hours away, Wang Chong was more determined than ever to make a lasting impression—not just for himself but also for Jessica, who had become a significant part of his life.
As the dawn broke on the day of the All-Star Game, Wang Chong found himself filled with excitement and a touch of nerves. The anticipation of stepping onto the court alongside the league's best players was exhilarating.
The atmosphere in Los Angeles was electric as fans flooded the arena, eager to witness the showdown. Amidst the hype, Wang Chong couldn't help but think of how far he had come. From a young kid dreaming of playing in the NBA to standing on the precipice of greatness, he was ready to embrace the moment.
With Jessica in attendance, cheering him on from the sidelines, Wang Chong felt a surge of confidence. He was determined to showcase his talent, prove his worth as an All-Star, and create a lasting memory that they could share forever.
With the game just moments away, Wang Chong took a deep breath, ready to step into the spotlight and make history.
End of this chapter
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