"Tang Long, what did you give me to drink?"
As soon as the game ended, Yao Ming called Tang Long impatiently.
The third quarter was practically his personal performance show. He had blocked Brown's shots multiple times, and his offense was on fire, with his mid-range jumper demoralizing the entire Heat team.
They couldn't defend him! Wasn't this big guy supposed to be out of stamina?
How did he become like a different person in the second half?
The Heat players were frustrated!
Thanks to Yao Ming's outstanding performance, the Rockets defeated the Heat at home 112-100.
All of this was thanks to the little green bottle Tang Long had given him.
After drinking the contents, Yao Ming could clearly feel a burning sensation in his ankle, followed by a fiery heat spreading across his back. But soon after, he felt as if his entire body had become limber. His ankle, which had been causing him sharp pain during breaks, now felt a cool sensation.
"This is a secret recipe from an old Chinese doctor. It's very precious, and I only have one bottle left."
Hearing Tang Long say this, Yao Ming was silent for a moment before slowly saying, "Tang Long, thank you."
As a professional athlete, he knew how precious this bottle of medicine was, especially for a big man like him. This medicine was as valuable as a thousand-year-old ginseng. Yet, Tang Long had given it to him so generously.
"Brother Yao, there's no need to be so formal. I want to see a healthy Brother Yao. When the time comes, we'll team up in the championship and crush these foreigners with our twin centers."
Twin centers?
Yao Ming couldn't help but imagine the championship court, with two tall players standing under the basket. The other competitors would probably weep.
"Okay, it's a deal!" Yao Ming agreed cheerfully. "But that's all for later. For now, I must treat you to a meal to thank you."
"Sure, I don't have any games for the next couple of days. How about you, Brother Yao?"
"I don't have any either."
"Perfect! Let's have a Chinese dinner. I'll invite James, and you bring McGrady. We can have a friendly gathering between our two teams."
"No problem."
Yao Ming agreed readily.
"Then it's settled. We'll let these foreigners taste some authentic Chinese food, so they don't get fooled by those Chinese restaurants. How can Kung Pao Chicken be sweet? That's nonsense."
After ending the call with Yao Ming, Tang Long began to think about what to cook the next day to impress these foreigners.
Oh… right.
Tang Long slapped his forehead. He had to invite Sasha too.
In Cleveland, almost everyone was a fan of James. Sasha had always been asking him to help her get an autographed photo from James, but he had been too busy lately and had forgotten. If this woman saw James in person, she would go crazy with joy.
Yeah… that's the plan.
He would surprise her.
Tang Long decided to invite Sasha to the dinner party tomorrow, but he wouldn't tell her who else would be there yet.
With this thought, Tang Long quickly left his house.
Returning to his previous rented place, Tang Long couldn't help but feel a sense of emotion. Who would have thought that after such a short time, he would be a popular celebrity in Cleveland?
"Sa..."
Seeing the familiar figure, Tang Long was about to call out to her when he saw Sasha walking back, looking dejected. A man and a woman in a car by the roadside seemed to be mocking Sasha.
"What's wrong?"
Sasha, being too angry, didn't notice Tang Long not far away.
Hearing the familiar voice, Sasha thought it was an illusion. She rubbed her eyes and then realized Tang Long was waving at her.
"Tang."
Sasha froze, tears welling up in her eyes.
Tang Long quickly walked a few steps closer and asked with concern, "Don't cry. Did those two scumbags upset you just now?"
Although he had only rented a place there at the time, Sasha's family had been very kind to Tang Long and had taken care of him. Sasha, despite being the type of girl who enjoyed clubbing and daydreaming, was still a kind person.
"They don't believe you ever lived at my place and said I like to lie. They threatened to tell all my friends."
"That's it? I thought something serious happened."
Tang Long breathed a sigh of relief.
"Let them tell. It doesn't prove anything."
"But..."
Sasha clearly didn't want to tarnish her reputation. She looked at Tang Long with teary eyes.
"Alright," Tang Long sighed helplessly. "I'm having a Chinese meal at my place tomorrow. You come and try it. I'll go with you to find your friends tonight."
"Really?"
"Of course, I always keep my word."
"Tang, thank you."
Sasha excitedly rushed towards Tang Long.
"Hold on! I'm a celebrity now. Who knows how many reporters are secretly taking pictures?"
Tang Long stopped Sasha and said grumpily, "Remember, tomorrow night."
Of course, Tang Long kept a crucial piece of information hidden.
That is, besides himself, the dinner party tomorrow night would also include James, Yao Ming, and McGrady. If these people appeared on the street together, the people of Cleveland would probably scream non-stop and clog the streets. If Sasha's friends saw so many stars accompanying her, the scene… tsk tsk…
Thinking of their stunned expressions, Tang Long found it amusing. So he decided to go all out to treat these teammates.
Dumplings.
Not only would it make Brother Yao feel like he was home, but it would also let these foreigners experience traditional Chinese dough products. And two cold appetizers would complete the feast!
Tang Long got up early the next day to get busy. With his growing fame, this kind of relaxed and leisurely life was a rare opportunity for him to find peace.
Around noon, the doorbell rang.
"LeBron, didn't you say you were coming tonight?"
As Tang Long spoke, he noticed someone standing next to James – it was Scarlett.
"Tang, sorry to bother you. I heard you were inviting everyone for a Chinese meal at your place, so I came. You don't mind, do you?"
"Not at all. I should be happy to have a beautiful lady visiting," Tang Long said as he invited Scarlett in, giving James a knowing look.
What's going on? Why is she here too?
James shrugged, indicating that he had only mentioned it casually. How could he have known Scarlett would actually agree?
Tang Long sighed helplessly. Just as he closed the door, the doorbell rang again. This time, it was his agent. However, there were two people next to his agent.
"Tang, let me introduce you. This is Mendes, and the person next to him is Mourinho."
Tang Long was completely stunned. Although the basketball and football worlds were usually distinct, interactions between celebrities were common. Moreover, anyone who followed sports news in his previous life knew that Mourinho was the only coach who could make fans follow him from one club to another. God first, him second! The arrogant "Special One"! This was a legendary figure in the football world!