Chapter 358: Jie Ke

Even though everyone tried to act nonchalant, and Arenas even pulled out a short video of himself and his ex‑girlfriend as a precaution.

But when Fan Xi came out of the airport and just arrived at the hotel, he still noticed it.

Because during check‑in, girls kept whispering beside him, and enthusiastic Miami women kept pointing at Fan Xi with a look of eager anticipation.

Although this also happened when he previously came to Miami, there was still some restraint; unlike now, they seemed ready to pounce immediately.

And Fan Xi also heard some vague discussion: "…Taylor is really happy, I really want to try that soul‑stirring experience, like taking a long journey full of blooming flowers."

"Seventy‑five minutes is enough for me to get from here to Disney World… that's a place that makes women happy."

Fan Xi found the pointing and gesturing strange.

When he entered his own room, he saw a report on the TV.

He was stunned at the time.

Then, he opened the website and heard a sound that made his scalp tingle with shame, his spine going numb.

Oh my God.

How could this happen?

Fan Xi is a conservative Eastern man.

He never imagined such a private matter would be recorded and spread on the Internet.

When he saw the whole world circulating the news and debating its content.

His brain crashed.

"Stunned as a wooden chicken" describes his current state; his once sharp mind has stopped turning.

This isn't about excitement; it's something he can't face.

How will my parents at home view me? How will people back in Zhongguo judge me? And when I meet old friends, will it be a social death?

This… Fan Xi went completely numb.

Then, he received a call from his agent Lu Yuan, who said over the phone, "We're handling this matter, don't worry about it."

And Lu Yuan also told Fan Xi, "For now… this hasn't affected our endorsement."

Fan Xi nodded.

Meanwhile, Fan's dad and mom back in Zhongguo also saw the news, but the audio spread domestically wasn't as crazy as abroad; it was only shared privately, while public online it was prohibited.

"What are we going to do? Our son is playing in the finals; he's introverted and conservative, this will be a huge blow to him, those damn snitches…"

Fan's mom paced back and forth, very concerned; she had wanted to call her son for a long time.

But Fan's dad stopped her.

Zhongguo‑style parents don't discuss such things with their children.

Moreover, Fan's dad believes Fan Xi can definitely resolve this. He instead soothed his wife: "What's the big deal? The son isn't the criminal. It's natural, driven by desire."

Then, Fan's mom began blaming Fan's dad, saying his genes are the problem, and that women over in America ruined her son; Fan Xi used to be very honest and conservative, blushing even after saying a couple of words to a girl.

Fan's dad said yes outwardly, but thought inside, "Your son keeps shouting that he wants to fuck someone into the nightstand; not very conservative at all."

Maikelbang came to talk with Fan Xi in the evening. He went from Shakespeare to Freud, from Freud to Plato, and from Plato back to Confucius.

He's someone who can't grasp the point, but his mother‑in‑law and mother often soothe the players, which is why the media label him a "nanny‑type head coach."

Maikelbang hopes Fan Xi can eliminate these distractions; he even boldly suggested that Fan Xi take a break from a game and go to Miami Beach to clear his mind.

To lie low and such.

Fan Xi refused, saying he would resolve the matter.

He will block all interference.

Then he went to sleep; even though he had slept a long time on the plane, he fell asleep quickly again.

Fan Xi is born with a powerful mental regulation ability.

His concentration has been extraordinary since childhood.

So, the next day he calmly appeared in the training facility to train.

Although he didn't speak much.

On the afternoon of the third day, he and the team went to the Meihangzhongxin qiuguan in Miami.

Along the way, as usual, he discussed tactical issues with the coaching staff.

Even though global discussion of that audio had reached its peak.

All basketball commentary believed Fan Xi would be deeply affected, and many media outlets thought he would miss the game. For a 21‑year‑old boy, this was akin to a basketball catastrophe.

Especially since Fan Xi comes from a conservative East.

Especially serious, many Hao lai wu media started a campaign urging Fan girls to break up with Fan Xi. Some attention‑seeking companies also declared they would never work with Fan Xi, and some women's groups said Jieke Fan doesn't respect women, that he wants to stuff someone into a nightstand and flip her over…

That 75‑minute audio spawned many buzzwords.

The Internet was flooded with it.

Its hype was the highest in Hao lai wu in nearly twenty years.

No one isn't talking about it.

Even Jay‑Z's wife Beyoncé said, "I have a friend who wants to meet Jie Ke."

It's a joke, but it also reflects many hidden emotions circulating among women.

Of course, more people are criticizing Fan Xi.

Chris Paul even thought the league should suspend Fan Xi, because he affects the image of NBA players.

But the NBA clearly won't intervene.

And many NBA players privately also said they hope Paul doesn't meddle, and with Fan Xi's video spreading, most NBA players' market value has been rising, with a secret rumor circulating: professional basketball players are all strong because they shoot countless times every night, having endless explosive power, just like Jie Ke.

…

"No matter what, Kuaisuan is doomed this time. No one expected Jieke Fan to have such a massive news break before the game. Now there are at least a thousand reporters around Meihangzhongxin qiuguan, and many reporters can't get press credentials or afford tickets. I guarantee that once the game starts, Meihangzhongxin qiuguan will be filled with flashbulbs everywhere."

TNT's Charles Barkley said before the game started, "Jie Ke now has to consider how to restore his image; this year's finals may no longer be in his plans."

Kenny Smith shouted from the side, "Why are you saying that? Did Jie Ke do anything wrong? The one who did wrong is the person who stole audio data and sold it to TMZ. Should he apologize for his stamina? Although it does make many male friends feel uncomfortable."

"But this will indeed damage his commercial image. Many brands will not renew contracts or negotiate with him. He is a public figure and must watch his image. Moreover, don't forget, he comes from the East. I heard he might not even be able to represent the national team at the London Olympics."

Errol Johnson, sitting in the middle, said.

"I cannot at all agree with your view; Jie Ke is a victim. Yet you hold him responsible—that's so unfair," Kenny said angrily.

As a fan of Fan Xi, he felt disappointed by the public opinion of the past three days.

Of course, he is not alone; many others share his thoughts.

But the real impact of this incident has not yet fully formed, and nothing has been concluded.

At least, businesses are waiting; Fan Xi has not lost endorsements, but has not gained any either, and some negotiations that were in progress have stalled.

Moreover, there has been no indication from the domestic side; domestic media have not taken part in this frenzy.

It seems everything is waiting for the finals.

…

Before the game, many teammates hoped to chat with Fan Xi; they thought Fan Xi seemed overly calm.

But they found no opportunity.

When the cold‑faced one walked toward the court.

In the players' tunnel, many Heat staff deliberately flirted with Fan Xi, and a Black security guard deliberately modulated his tone and shouted at Fan Xi: "Jie Ke! Jie Ke! Jie Ke! Aaaah! No, stop, oh my God, I see God, he's in the clouds, give me aaaaa!!"

Fan Xi turned a deaf ear and calmly walked onto the court.

At this moment, the arena already displayed many Tai Lei Si Wu Fu Te billboards, and many Heat fans held up Tai Lei Si Wu Fu Te photos, which were being handed out for free by people outside the United Center arena.

When Fan Xi entered the arena, a series of strange shouts erupted around him.

It felt like being inside a brothel.

Arenas said to the team doctor, "Should we prepare a pair of earplugs for Jie Ke?"

But Fan Xi remained calm, as if he heard nothing; he truly blocked everything out.

…

At this point, on the other side of the arena, James said to Wade De, "Jie Ke has sabotaged his own commercial prospects this time. If we eliminate him in this finals, his rapidly rising court influence will abruptly stop, and even scarier, his commercial prospects will be heavily cut, just like Kobe back then."

"My management team told me that many brands originally wanted to work with Jie Ke, but now, because of his image, they are backing out."

James told Wade De, "He will definitely be heavily discounted tonight. His teammates will be uneasy. We are certain to win."

Wade De nodded.

His view matched James's; he believed Fan Xi had made a fatal mistake. The massive pre‑game publicity was a huge wound for him and his team, especially since they were already missing three key rotation players.

However, Wade De had no knowledge of Fan Xi's commercial prospects.

Looking at the entire NBA, James and Fan Xi have the most commercial rivalry; if Fan Xi's commercial value is heavily cut, James will get a lot of the cake.

He is the person who most wants Fan Xi to suffer this time.

He not only wants the championship, revenge, a king's return, and to step on Fan Xi's body to ascend his throne. He also wants to take many of Fan Xi's endorsements.

"Give it everything!"

"Aim to give them a crushing blow in the first quarter."

Before the game started, James gave the players an all‑out attack order.

Then, beep!

The whistle sounded; the game began.

This game attracted the attention of viewers worldwide.

This was Fan Xi's first appearance after the audio leak, and many gossip fans who don't follow basketball were also sitting in front of their TVs.

Their strong interest in gossip had them sitting before a basketball game.

Among them were many, many women who were eager to see the man who could make Tai Lei Si Wu Fu Te see God sitting on a cloud eating.

Fan Xi has appeared many times in their dreams over the past two days.

They sat in front of the TV.

When the camera landed on Fan Xi, a cold, handsome black‑haired youth.

He looked so out of place among the other players on the court; all the others were big, bulky, rough and clumsy, while he alone was strikingly handsome and cold‑elegant.

As if born to be the protagonist.

And exceptionally endearing.

No wonder Tai Lei Si Wu Fu Te loves him with such intensity, wanting to be forever attached to him, not only craving the sweet of romance but also its salt.

Tonight's Clippers starting lineup is: Deandre Jordan, Nowitzki, Kawhi Leonard, Vince Carter, Fan Xi.

This is Carter's first start of the season.

Miami's starting lineup is: Marcus Camby, Ke Li Si Bo Shen, Le Bu Lang Zhang Si, Wade De, Mario Chanmoss.

Bang!

Little Jordan grabbed the ball and easily beat Camby.

Fan Xi, carrying the ball at an unhurried pace, arrived at the top of the three‑point arc. Mario Chanmoss watched Fan Xi; when Fan Xi planted his feet, he suddenly gave a wicked smile and, modulating his tone, said to Fan Xi, "Jie Ke, slow down a bit, this is like a centrifugal machine colliding…"

This is a classic audio quote.

And just as Mario Chanmoss spoke, Fan Xi leapt, shot decisively, resolutely… swish!

Hit!

Mario Chanmoss was caught off guard; he didn't expect Fan Xi to shoot so resolutely right before his eyes.

He was still a meter away from the three‑point line.

He devoted all his energy to trash talk.

He thought Fan Xi would be greatly affected.

But Fan Xi calmly drew his gun and shot through their restricted area with one shot.

Just like a cold-blooded killer.

TNT gave a close-up shot, from the shooting motion to the completion of the shot, Fan Xi's cold demeanor appeared on the TV.

The cinematic shot depicted him as a domineering CEO.

This matched that audio clip very well.

Many female gossip fans in front of the TV even felt a strong urge; many slowly typed in the women's community: "Oh my goodness, is this the charm of basketball players? I almost just had an orgasm sitting down."

Oh, Jie Ke, don't shoot the basket, shoot! Me!

Open-minded American women presented themselves in an unprecedented manner, as if they had no acquaintances on the internet.

Unrestrained.

Fan Xi obviously didn't know that at this moment, so many women in front of the TV were paying attention to him.

He simply sealed off his thoughts and focused on the game.

"I feel like the Heat is a bit off tonight; under this stimulation, Fan Xi could either have his spirit scattered or go on a killing spree!"

Errol Johnson slowly said these words on TV.

Kobe Bryant in front of the TV smiled.

He had known all along.

He had also experienced social death before; his problems were even more severe, but did this delay his game?

No!

So, will it delay Jie Ke's game?

Of course not!

Miami overthought it.

…