"Tang, why is she here?"
Scarlett, who had been happily approaching Tang Long upon seeing him at the farm, immediately frowned when she noticed Gal Gadot trailing behind him.
"Yesterday, Gardo introduced a friend."
Tang Long repeated the investment matter.
Scarlett's expression, much like Bill Duffy's, was one of immediate suspicion that Tang Long had been swindled.
It took Tang Long several explanations to convince Scarlett that he hadn't fallen for Gal Gadot's charms.
However, just as he managed to pacify Scarlett, Gal Gadot became displeased.
"Scarlett, what do you mean? You're not Tang's significant other, so why are you meddling? Besides, why would I lie to Tang?"
"Who knows what your intentions are."
"Alright, less of each of you. This is such a beautiful place, don't ruin the scenery."
Tang Long, too lazy to get involved, simply wandered around the farm on his own.
Before him lay an endless expanse of flat plains.
Blue sky and white clouds.
Cowboys on horseback, shouting and herding thousands of cattle into temporarily constructed corrals, while farmhands branded their livestock with their ranch's mark.
Despite the busyness, the people's faces were filled with a sense of contentment.
"Tang, I didn't expect you to be here so early."
Swift rode up on a brown steed, her riding skills impressive, far surpassing those of delicate ladies.
Tang Long gained a deeper understanding of this place.
"Some people call me a gentleman. How could a gentleman be late for a date?"
*Snicker.*
Swift couldn't help but burst out laughing.
"So, are you interested?"
Swift dismounted and patted her horse's neck, gesturing to Tang Long as if to ask if he wanted to give it a ride.
"Never mind. There are still competitions coming up. If I get injured riding, Coach Mike will surely send me down to the league."
"Tang, you're truly unique."
Swift was amused by Tang Long.
Other men in front of her all projected an image of forced masculinity, claiming invincibility. Only Tang Long could speak of such things with such refreshing elegance.
As they were talking, they saw several cowboys on horseback rushing over from a distance. Shortly after, a few more people emerged from the farm, carrying firearms and quickly mounting their horses.
"What is this?"
Swift's expression changed, a flicker of concern appearing on her face.
"Just a war between ranch owners."
Swift said with disgust. She advocated for peace, but disputes between ranches were constant, especially among the large landowners, where conflicts would often erupt into open hostilities.
Before long, the sound of gunfire echoed from not too far away.
Scarlett and Gal Gadot also ran over, looking nervously at Swift.
Having lived in the city, they knew little about the ways of the ranch. The sound of gunshots instinctively made them afraid.
"Don't worry, it's just men showing off their strength. They're just firing into the air to prove themselves."
Swift had seen such things many times.
However, this time it seemed to have escalated beyond Swift's expectations. Soon, the gunfire resumed.
This time, it was clearly not a game. The gunshots were chaotic and intensified.
"Quick, get inside the house!"
Tang Long was the fastest to react, pushing the three women towards the house. However, despite his speed, a man on horseback carrying a rifle circled around from behind.
"Don't move, hands up!"
The cowboy looked to be in his forties, his face rough and fierce.
"Don't shoot, we're just visiting."
Tang Long feigned fear, which drew mockery from the other man: "What good is yellow skin and height? Spit."
The man spat on the ground and dismounted.
As he was getting off his horse, Tang Long seized the opportunity, grabbed the man, and simultaneously activated his "Fighting Ball" skill. Tang Long lifted the man high above his head and threw him several meters away. Before the man could get up, he landed another kick.
"Kid, you don't watch stand-up comedy, do you? Yellow-skinned people are best not to mess with, because they know kung fu."
"Tang, you're amazing."
Scarlett and Gal Gadot, still shaken, looked at Tang Long with starry eyes.
"We can talk later, let's go inside and hide first."
No matter how skilled one is, a kitchen knife is still a threat.
Tang Long didn't believe he could go toe-to-toe with firearms.
Before long, the gunfire stopped. The farmhands returned on horseback, and faint sounds of pained yells could still be heard, indicating that someone had been injured. However, judging by their expressions, they had won.
"This place is too dangerous. I think we should go back to the city."
Gal Gadot found the ranch experience too perilous and preferred the safety of the city.
Tang Long, however, found it novel and subtly thrilling.
Soon, someone came out to handle the situation.
Tang Long finally met the ranch owner.
An old man in his fifties, wearing a cowboy hat, with slightly graying beard but eyes full of stories.
The ranch owner patted Tang Long's shoulder, clearly aware of what had happened.
"Young man, you performed admirably. From now on, you are a friend of the Dutton family."
...
"Has the selection for the World Cup been finalized?"
"It has. Here is the list of twelve players."
At the basketball association, the roster for the 2008 FIBA World Championship had been finalized.
"Have you contacted Tang Long?"
"Not yet."
"Hurry up. We have a strong team this time and a good chance of achieving glory on the global stage. Moreover, this isn't just the Basketball World Cup. If we can win a medal at the Olympics, it will be a great inspiration to all of us. So, you must contact Tang Long as soon as possible. This time, our basketball team must bring glory to the nation."
"Alright, I'll have you try calling the US again."
...
Tang Long was unaware that he had been selected for the national team. After returning from the ranch, Tang Long was pulled back to the training facility by Mike Brown, who strictly ordered him to maintain a strict routine of home, training, and games until the end of the season.
The owners and coaches were shocked to learn that Tang Long had been involved in a rancher's war in Texas.
He was now a treasure for the Cavaliers, and any injury sustained in such an incident would be a significant loss.
Tang Long also knew that he had been a bit reckless lately. He decided to take this opportunity to focus on training and prepare for the game against the Hornets.
Since moving to New Orleans, the Hornets had shown their ambition. After acquiring Paul in 2005, they had been consistently adding strong players. This season, the Hornets averaged 100.5 points per game.
Clearly, they were also ready to make a run for the championship.