Chapter 307: All of This Is Jenny Bass's Conspiracy

Fan Xi doesn't take the knife.

In garbage time, he made two three‑pointers, plus one steal and one assist.

He led the team to a 136–113 victory, beating the Lakers by a huge margin of 23.

Fan Xi himself posted a super stat line of 31 points, 25 assists, 7 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 blocks.

30+20.

Kuaisuan's first in history.

It is also the first time in Lakers history that an opponent has recorded such numbers.

Two season victories over the Lakers.

When Fan Xi raised his arms to greet the roar of twenty thousand fans, who else but the Staples Center guardian stood there?

A photographer for Sports Illustrated captured a perfectly composed shot: Fan Xi standing on the scorer's table, arms raised, soaking in the fans' roar, while in the opposite corner Kobe Bryant walked out of the players' tunnel with his head down.

The picture vividly illustrates the winner and the loser of the game.

It also metaphorically hints at another fact: the sovereignty of Angel City is being transferred, and the trend is obvious.

The king of Los Angeles has been Kobe Bryant since 2004.

Eight years.

Can the new king, Fan Xi, ascend the throne smoothly?

…

"Happy New Year!"

Fan Xi flashed a radiant smile on TV, gesturing a New Year greeting to the CCTV camera in a satellite link: "Fans, viewers, fellow countrymen, Happy New Year!"

Fan Xi's New Year wishes were warm and heartfelt.

The viewers in front of their TVs were delighted to receive the blessings after the big win.

Then a reporter asked Fan Xi: "Before the game, many said Kuaisuan couldn't win, that the Lakers were fully prepared this time, leaving no room for luck. Yet you firmly said we would win tonight, and you did. Can you tell me what gave you that confidence?"

"It's you. I know many are watching my game on the first day of the Dragon Year, and I don't want to disappoint anyone. The world knows that a year's plan starts with spring, so I must give everyone a good start. Here, I wish you health, all the best, and great luck in the Year of the Dragon."

Fan Xi said earnestly to everyone.

These are his heartfelt words.

Of course, this is only part of his inner thoughts.

For example, when facing the American media, he said confidently: "Shouldn't we be the ones winning? Why were there such erroneous predictions before the game? The Lakers only look strong."

Fan Xi's confidence soars to the heavens.

When asked about his feeling after posting a 30+20, he calmly replied: "It's nothing remarkable. It's like asking someone who can bench 300 lb how it feels to bench 250 lb." He would shrug and say, "It's just normal."

Fan Xi's words made the tnt reporter laugh heartily; she liked the analogy.

Of course, if she knew what 250 meant in Chinese, she might not be able to laugh, or perhaps laugh even more.

Fan Xi returned to the locker room and celebrated wildly with his teammates.

Nowitzki tallied 39 points tonight, his highest since joining Kuaisuan. Given he played less than three quarters, his efficiency was jaw‑dropping—16 of 25 shooting, a terrifying performance.

As Stokton said, Fan Xi and Nowitzki can still contend for the championship without running pick‑and‑roll.

With both superstars on the floor, at least one of them will have an easy offensive spot. If ball handling is proper and role players cooperate, reaching the finals is challenging but possible.

Tonight proved that.

Fan Xi didn't employ pick‑and‑roll, though he used some moves to make the team's flow smoother. More importantly, Kuaisuan players gave their all tonight, each performing at an exceptional level.

Although such an all‑out performance can't happen every night, Fan Xi remains confident, because he still has a trump move he hasn't unleashed.

Stokton's passing is silky. No wonder he's the all‑time leader in assists; his passes look unremarkable, yet teammates' shooting percentages are several points higher than those from an ordinary point guard.

Such a low‑key monster is truly terrifying.

It's definitely top‑tier talent.

Although it doesn't look like soaring dunks, lightning‑fast crossovers, or unstoppable drives, its impact on the game is no less.

Fan Xi feels fortunate to have this talent… he believes it's a gift, not a skill.

Skills can be practiced; talent is innate.

After the joyous locker‑room celebration, Nowitzki suddenly approached Fan Xi, a bit embarrassed but resolute. He told Fan Xi he wanted a minor surgery: a small bone spur on his left foot that he wishes to remove.

It's not a big deal, but it could affect the schedule.

Back when he was in Dallas, he carried the team alone, usually enduring such minor pain.

But now he wants a once‑and‑for‑all fix.

Because he wants a longer professional career.

He doesn't want pain to trouble him any longer.

The game against the Lakers gave him hope; he realized he could still win many championships and shouldn't jeopardize his future prospects just to boost regular‑season records.

After speaking, he looked at Fan Xi anxiously.

Because Fan Xi is both the team's leader and its owner.

Fan Xi smiled and said, "Of course, we don't need to be exhausted in the regular season; you can even rest more, and return in the playoffs without delay."

Nowitzki was grateful.

He didn't expect Fan Xi to agree so easily.

Fan Xi is truly easygoing.

So he embraced Fan Xi and told him, "When I return, I'll be even stronger, I promise."

"Of course. That's why we invited you to Los Angeles."

Fan Xi smiled and patted Nowitzki's shoulder.

Nowitzki's decision to have surgery didn't affect Fan Xi's subsequent plans; he already intended to refine the roster in the latter half of the season, aiming to elevate the young forwards.

Wanting to win the championship, relying on just one or two superstars is still not reliable.

What Fan Xi wants is a hundred schools contending.

…

In the aftermath of this match, which Zhongguo Media described as a great game, Fan Xi and three legendary duchess ladies appeared in a Western restaurant, they swaggered openly, with no concealment, although they knew there was at least a reinforced company of paparazzi behind them.

Because the purpose of this outing was nothing else, just to have a meal.

Last night, Fan Xi had already given her all; they too could not endure the physical strain.

Such open behavior deepened the media's misunderstanding; they all wondered: what exactly is their relationship? Why do they dare to come out for dinner so openly, without fear of misunderstanding?

And why, after eating, did they each go their separate ways, with two of them even accompanying each other to the airport, flying overnight to other parts of the United States?

Could it be… that they are truly just ordinary friends?

We have been misunderstanding Jie Ke all along; is he truly a genuine gentleman?

Even the entertainment media, who fear that the world will not be chaotic, have begun to reflect.

At this moment, Los Angeles Media broke a big story: all of this is Jean Bas's conspiracy!

The finger of blame points directly at Jean Bas.

For a time, it caused a great uproar.

…