NBA: The Dynasty Crasher

"My name is Zhao Dong, what's yours? Please, go ahead and order first," Zhao Dong said, handing the menu to "Akagi Haruko." The girl was fair and beautiful, with a captivating presence. Her figure was also striking, and she was only slightly shorter than him, standing at around 175 centimeters. He thought she was a perfect match for him.

"Thank you. My surname is Lin, and my name is Lin Min," she replied softly, taking the menu from him.

The girl next to Zhao Dong smiled and said, "Senior Zhao Dong, you're right next to her. Why not give Minmin the menu first?"

"Then I'll pass it to you," Lin Min said, blushing as she handed the menu to the girl.

"What does it mean?" Zhao Dong smiled and explained, "I think she's pretty, and I'd like to talk to her."

"Wow, Senior Zhao Dong, we've heard of your reputation at school! The Big Bad Wolf, or the Wolf King, who devours people without spitting out the bones."

"That's right, Minmin, watch out, or the Big Bad Wolf might eat you up," the other girls giggled.

Lin Min's face turned even redder, and she lowered her head in silence. Zhao Dong quickly added, "Don't mind what people from Stony Brook University say. I'm very serious. Actually, I just went through a breakup, and I'm in need of some comfort... Lin Min, do you have a phone? What's your dormitory number? How about I invite you to watch the football game tomorrow?"

In the afternoon, Zhao Dong returned to the training base and started his shooting practice. Having completed fourteen days of training, he had sixteen days left. He calculated that by around December 12th, he should be able to finish his shooting training. At that point, his shooting skill would reach level 93, and with the accumulation of four skill points, he could increase it to level 95, achieving a super-class level. With a shooting skill of 95, even if his other offensive skills couldn't improve immediately, his offensive strength would still see a significant boost.

As the second most media-covered player in New York after Ewing, news of Zhao Dong's breakup with Alice spread like wildfire. It was all over New York by the afternoon, and then across North America. Zhao Dong's phone was bombarded with calls from reporters, forcing him to accept a telephone interview.

"Zhao Dong, how many girlfriends have you had in total?"

"I'm not very good with numbers," he replied.

"But aren't you a computer major?" the reporter asked.

"I picked the wrong major," Zhao Dong answered casually.

"Okay, Zhao Dong, it's said that you were dumped this time?"

"Yes, it happens every time. I don't mind. I'm a very dedicated person."

"Uh, Zhao Dong, your explanation doesn't quite align with your reputation at Shixi. From what I know, your reputation there is terrible. In two years, you've dated no less than 50 girlfriends," the reporter remarked.

"The rumors aren't reliable, and they can't fool someone as wise as you," Zhao Dong replied.

"Well, Zhao Dong, you sure know how to talk," the reporter said, laughing, as he ended the interview with Zhao Dong's help.

That evening, Zhao Dong browsed the news on his computer. When he grew bored, his thoughts turned to "Akagi Haruko" Lin Min, and he couldn't help but sigh, "I've been single for so long, it's getting lonely. Maybe it's time to start a new relationship."

The next day, after the team's training, Ewing approached Zhao Dong and whispered, "Zhao Dong, I know the media reported your breakup. Don't worry; I'll take you to a great place to cheer you up. I don't tell ordinary people about it."

"What are we doing?" Zhao Dong asked, eyeing Ewing with a frown.

Ewing shrugged and replied in a low voice, "There's a fantastic spot in Atlanta with top-notch service. We'll fly there tonight and stay for two days before coming back."

"Golden Gold Club?" Zhao Dong blurted out without thinking.

"Shh! Keep your voice down," Ewing whispered urgently.

"What the hell!" Zhao Dong cursed inwardly. In his previous life, he had heard of Ewing's activities. That club was newly established, and he knew it'd only bring trouble. "Do you know that place?" Ewing asked, surprised.

"I've heard of it, but I haven't been there," Zhao Dong explained.

"Are you coming? Larry's going too. You're one of us, come with us," Ewing invited in a low voice.

"I won't go. I'm a rookie. I have to train every day. How could I have time to play?" Zhao Dong quickly refused.

Zhao Dong knew that when the club was eventually shut down, it would be associated with a group of superstars and celebrities, including Bill Gates and Michael Jordan, even the King of Switzerland. He didn't want to risk getting involved. As a Chinese, trouble in that kind of place could mean the end of his career. Besides, why spend so much money on something when he could just find a girl like Alice who didn't require it?

"You don't have to go, but don't spread what you just said," Ewing urged.

"Of course, I'm not Russell..." Zhao Dong almost slipped up, then quickly corrected himself, "I mean, I'm not a big mouth."

Ewing looked at him suspiciously, muttering to himself as he walked away.

Zhao Dong scratched his head, realizing he had to be more careful with his words in the future. The "Russell" he mentioned referred to D'Angelo Russell, a future Lakers player who had a close relationship with Nick Young. Russell had once exposed Young's private affairs online, leading to Young's broken engagement and eventual fallout with the Lakers. Russell was subsequently rejected by everyone and couldn't stay in the team.

For the next two days, Ewing and Larry Johnson took time off to go to Atlanta. Zhao Dong was amazed by Ewing. At nearly 35, Ewing still didn't have a ring, and he spent his days out in the world. Zhao Dong couldn't understand why Ewing wasn't in a hurry to settle down.

In the past two days, Zhao Dong visited Shixi University every day, hoping to encounter Lin Min. However, due to his bad reputation at Shixi, no one paid him much attention, which left him feeling disappointed.

On November 11th, the Knicks defeated the Kings, bringing their record to 30 wins and 11 losses, second in the Eastern Conference. Zhao Dong did not receive a specific task for the game, but he and Ewing combined for 51 points. Zhao Dong contributed 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 blocks, marking his first game with a 20+10+5 stat line. He didn't take many shots, focusing on low-post attacks. He made 8 of 12 field goals and 7 of 9 free throws, showcasing his lethal low-post game for the first time. His low-post effectiveness had now surpassed even the veteran Ewing, who was known for his jump shots. This performance caught the attention of Knicks management and fans.

As December arrived, on the 12th, the league announced the rookie rankings, which Zhao Dong had been following closely. Iverson took the top spot, followed by Raheem, with Zhao Dong securing third place. He accepted the ranking, acknowledging that while he had a slightly higher score, Raheem's superior assists warranted his higher position. There was no longer any media criticism of his contract; instead, the Knicks were praised for signing him as a potential rookie without even using a second-round pick. His improving speed and growing potential were now recognized by the management, coaching staff, and the media. Initially, Van Gundy had doubts about Zhao Dong's potential, but now those doubts had disappeared.

On the same day, the league also announced the Player of the Month for November. The honor was no longer split between the Eastern and Western Conferences; there was only one winner. Michael Jordan of the Bulls was named the best player of November. In the previous month, Jordan played an average of 35.9 minutes per game, scoring 31.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.6 blocks, 1.5 turnovers, and 2 fouls. His overall shooting percentage was 50.3%, with a 37.7% three-point shooting rate. The Bulls had a record of 14 wins and 2 losses, ranking first in the league. At 33 years old, Jordan's performance still impressed Zhao Dong, who couldn't help but acknowledge his greatness.

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