Tang Long couldn't help but recall the difficult opponents of Yao Ming during his time with the Rockets.
The Rockets had two major nemeses.
One was the Utah Jazz.
The other was the Dallas Mavericks.
While the Jazz's pick-and-roll tactics and player matchups seemed to counter the Rockets, the Dallas Mavericks were a different kind of challenge, more like having the "internet cut off."
The Rockets, after finally making it to the playoffs, managed to take a 2-0 lead on the road against the Mavericks.
They were on the verge of winning the third game when a series of controversial calls by the referees led to the Rockets' defeat.
However, it was undeniable that Dirk Nowitzki was the bane of many traditional centers.
He was tall, possessed formidable shooting ability, and his "one-legged fadeaway" jumper was arguably the best in the league.
What's more, he could shoot threes, stretch the floor, drive to the basket, and even fight for rebounds.
How could traditional big men defend such a monstrously overpowered power forward?
There was simply no effective way to counter him!
Adding to that, Mavericks owner Mark Cuban was a passionate basketball fan, and the harmonious atmosphere within the team made them one of the rare well-integrated units in the league.
It was inevitable to encounter such teams in the playoffs, and practicing against them now would be beneficial for the postseason.
As for consecutive wins, after reaching twenty straight victories, Tang Long was no longer as excited as he once was.
While more consecutive wins were good, it wasn't worth the risk if the team played with apprehension and fear due to pressure.
His mind was so occupied with the next game that he spaced out in front of the three beautiful women, a peculiar kind of "calmness" that only piqued their interest in Tang Long further.
Frankly, they didn't know much about Longguo. Their limited knowledge came from movies or books, and Huaqi country certainly wouldn't be praising Longguo on television.
But there was one thing Huaqi country couldn't tarnish:
The men of Longguo!
Once Longguo players became famous, they rarely indulged in the wild lifestyles of their local counterparts, who would even use money to light cigarettes or throw stacks of Huaqi currency in strip clubs, waiting for the heavily made-up dancers to perform impromptu shows.
Smoking marijuana was even more commonplace.
Longguo players like Yao Ming would at most open a restaurant, Yi Jianlian would rarely even dine with teammates, and Tang Long was another story entirely.
Although he might go to bars with players like LeBron James, his behavior was as exemplary as a scholarship student.
All of this had sparked a deep interest in these women for this man from Longguo.
Not to mention, this man now had a massive following, which only made him even more appealing!
"Hi...Tang, we've agreed. We pick the place, and you're not allowed to feel the pinch when the bill comes later," Scarlett was the first to break the silence.
"No problem. It's just a meal, how much can it cost? Even eating gold wouldn't cost that much," Tang Long was indeed nonchalant.
His contract with the Cavaliers was decent, and if he won a championship ring this season, his value would skyrocket.
"Great! That's exactly what I wanted to hear." Scarlett's expression was one of triumph, which piqued Tang Long's curiosity.
What kind of place could make beauties like Scarlett and Gal Gadot so curious and eager?
Soon, Tang Long saw their destination.
It was a private estate.
The exterior looked a bit old, but inside was a villa. Through the two dark iron gates, one could see that the villa's design was very much in line with modern aesthetics.
The dim yet not dark ambiance, coupled with the starry night lights, immediately created a romantic atmosphere.
It was incredibly atmospheric!
With some pre-arranged marketing posts, it would indeed be very attractive to women, making them proud to dine there.
Clearly, the marketing for this place was excellent, as Scarlett, Gal Gadot, and Taylor Swift all wore expressions of eagerness and longing.
The driver parked the car at the entrance. He intended to ask them to open the gate, but after a brief exchange, he returned dejectedly.
"My beautiful ladies, they said all the spots for today are taken. They want us to make a reservation for next time. I asked, and the earliest reservation is at least for next month."
"I'll try!" Scarlett's expression became determined, slightly disbelieving. If they wouldn't give the driver face, surely they'd give hers?
Reservation? The word "reservation" didn't exist in her vocabulary.
Scarlett stormed out of the car, but after a few minutes, she returned dejectedly and slumped back into the business van.
"It seems some people's fame isn't all it's cracked up to be," Gal Gadot remarked, her words further angering Scarlett, who was already annoyed. "You try then. If you can get them to make an exception, I'll do whatever you say from now on."
"You said that, didn't you?" Gal Gadot's eyes lit up, and she was suddenly filled with motivation.
They were all beautiful women, developing their careers in Hollywood, friends yet also rivals.
None of them were willing to concede to the other. If she could make Scarlett genuinely respect her from this day forward, then this outing wouldn't be in vain.
Gal Gadot first examined her outfit, then lowered her neckline a bit further. Before she even fully emerged from the car, her long legs were dazzling.
"Hmph, just because your legs are long, what's so great about that?" Scarlett, not being very tall, hated it when Gal Gadot showed off her long legs. She immediately scoffed dismissively.
At the same time, Gal Gadot was chatting intimately with the gatekeeper, occasionally flaunting her stunning long legs. However, the gatekeeper maintained a cold, distant attitude.
Soon, Gal Gadot also returned, defeated.
"What did I say? Some people are just too confident. Even Obama needs reservations in advance, let alone others. So, how was it, got your face slapped?"
"You're one to talk. You didn't manage it either," Gal Gadot huffed lightly and sat back in the car, crossing her arms and sulking.
Scarlett nudged Taylor Swift. "Don't just stand there. It's your turn to try. Maybe you'll succeed."
"Me?"
In 2007, Taylor Swift still had a hint of youthful innocence. She glanced at the mischievous Scarlett and the angry Gal Gadot, hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
This was no longer about getting a spot.
It was now a test of who had more feminine charm.
Taylor Swift walked over. It was evident that the stern-faced security guard's expression was filled with surprise, clearly not believing that this beautiful young woman was the popular country singer!
However, after a brief conversation, the gatekeeper's surprised expression gradually returned to normal.
Soon, Taylor Swift also returned to the car.
"How was it? Were you rejected too?" Scarlett asked.
Taylor Swift nodded unwillingly and said softly, "The person said that a guest had canceled their reservation for tomorrow, so we can contact the owner and ask to be squeezed in for tomorrow."
She then looked at Tang Long and the other two with her wide, sparkling eyes.