Chapter 416: The Most Valuable Gold Medal

Le Bu Lang Zhang Si worked hard to adjust his breathing; when he appeared on the television screen, his massive chest rose twice, and his nervousness was evident.

All American viewers were watching him closely.

This serve was of extraordinary significance for the match.

For him, it was even more immensely important.

Time seemed to stand still at that moment.

He closed his eyes, clearing Fan Xi's earlier words, then he launched the first shot… Swish!

The feel was very smooth.

He withstood the pressure.

The two sides were tied.

Then Fan Xi walked over and exchanged a few words with Yao Ming.

In fact, Fan Xi was talking about today's weather in London.

This was to put pressure on James.

James, despite trying hard to shake off the pressure, at the moment he released the ball, hearing Fan Xi shout "Rebound," still felt his shooting form change.

Bang!

The ball clanged off the rim; Yao Ming instantly secured his position and, with towering height, easily grabbed the rebound.

Then he passed to Fan Xi.

Zhongguo team did not request a timeout; Yao Ming had already reached out to stop it, telling Li Nan, "Don't call a timeout again."

This was also what Fan Xi wanted.

Fan Xi dribbled slowly toward half‑court.

At that moment, the American fans in the arena began a thunderous chant: "Defense! Defense! Defense!"

They intended to apply maximum pressure on Fan Xi at this crucial moment.

Meanwhile, the Zhongguo team fans also shouted, "Rise up."

When Fan Xi crossed half‑court, a song suddenly rose from some corner of the arena, and immediately all the Zhongguo fans sang in unison: "…Red flag fluttering in the wind, how loud the victory song…"

Thousands of Zhongguo spectators sang together.

The song instantly filled the whole arena, and the American fans' uniform "Defense" chants sounded like they were keeping rhythm for the Zhongguo fans.

The uplifting song was like a blazing, boiling BGM, giving the Zhongguo players tremendous encouragement.

The majestic, powerful chant told every Zhongguo player: you are not fighting alone; behind you are tens of thousands of fans, we are always together.

In the instant the song rang to the heavens, Fan Xi felt a shiver through his body, a surge of boiling blood rushing to his head.

He felt unprecedented encouragement.

This was a game in the United States, a height that the twenty thousand people shouting "MVP" could not reach.

When Fan Xi entered the frontcourt, Le Bu Lang Zhang Si stood across from him.

He spread his arms, his expression utterly resolute.

There was no hesitation or fear left in his eyes.

He stared at Fan Xi with blazing eyes and said, "Jie Ke, I won't let you win again."

Each of his words was filled with his deepest, most stubborn conviction.

He could no longer retreat.

Fan Xi stopped 1.5 meters from the Three-Point Shot line, wasting time; his expression was very calm, as if he intended to consume the full 24 seconds.

James thought the same.

But in the second second after Fan Xi stopped, he suddenly surged, his body rushing toward the three‑point line; at the same time, James caught a glimpse of Yao Ming lifting, and quickly prepared a preemptive defensive maneuver.

Unexpectedly, Fan Xi, who had just taken a step forward, immediately performed a backward step, leapt, and released a Three-Point Shot.

James was caught off guard, lunged up, but it was already too late.

In his estimation, Fan Xi would definitely drive into the paint, but now, Fan Xi did not.

Clearly, Yao Ming had already lifted to set a screen.

Clearly, his earlier touch had been cold.

Why was he still so daring?

How could he be so confident?

James couldn't understand, because he was not Fan Xi.

Kobe Bryant in front of the TV could understand, because he would do the same—snatching a Three‑Point Shot.

Even if it missed, there would still be a buzzer‑beater chance.

Fate played a huge joke on the American team.

Bang! Swish!

Fan Xi's Three-Point Shot surprisingly hit the front of the backboard and went in.

119–116.

Zhongguo team led by three points with 26.7 seconds left in the game.

The American fans in the arena were instantly stunned, as if each had been struck by lightning, frozen like statues.

The singing Zhongguo fans boiled over again.

At the same time, the land of Shen Zhou was filled with joy and excitement.

China Central Television commentator roared energetically: "Three‑Point! Three‑Point! This is Fan Xi! He never gives opponents any room; the Dream Team is down three points. They've held on all game, but at the crucial moment they must endure Fan Xi's lethal strike. There's not much time left for the Americans…"

When the commentator said "There's not much time left for the Americans," the fans in front of the TV instantly surged with excitement as if a buff had been applied, and countless bar and late‑night shop big‑shots flung their arms, shouting "I'll foot the bill for tonight's spending!"

Of course, this must be built on the Zhongguo team continuing to win.

Ding!

Coach Lao K called a timeout; he was really stunned.

He never imagined it would be a scene like this.

The Dream Team was driven to such an embarrassing situation; although there were some objective factors, … how could this happen?

He looked around; he didn't even know what to say to these superstars.

Say they aren't working hard? They've already given their all.

Say we didn't do enough, is it that I didn't do enough?

Or say, Jieke Fan is too awesome.

To think they'd dare shoot a three like that, and even dare to make it?

When the players walked back to the bench, he slapped his hands hard: "The game isn't over yet; we can definitely beat them."

Coach Lao K shouted, urging the players.

At this moment, unexpectedly, Du Lante stood up and said to the head coach: "Let me play; as long as I'm on the court, they'll stay wary of me."

When Du Lante said that, everyone looked at him in astonishment.

His ankle was visibly swollen.

But now he actually volunteered to play; remember, his brilliant career has only just begun.

James looked at this up‑and‑coming super‑star who could match him, his gaze tinged with reluctance; he hoped Du Lante wouldn't play, as it wasn't in Du Lante's interest.

But Du Lante's eyes were so resolute.

The Dream Team reached the point where they must give their all to tie the regular period with the Zhongguo team.

…

After the Zhongguo team returned to the bench, all the players were unusually exhilarated. But Coach Mai Ke Bu Lang fell silent; he was bewildered, unwilling to set up any more defense, genuinely fearing that if the Dream Team won, the U. S. media would blame him.

Fan Xi picked up the tactics board and said: "What's clear is they'll go for a three, so we must focus our coverage on the three‑point line. It looks like everyone has a chance to hit, and we can't defend them all. So, I mean… press the ball‑handler quickly into a double‑team, force them off their original plan. Whatever the final result, as long as there's time left, we can seize the advantage."

Fan Xi still set a 3‑2 zone defense.

When he finished the tactic, he looked at Yao Ming standing before him and asked, "Why don't you sit down?"

Yao Ming stared at Fan Xi, and in a voice only the two of them could hear, said in English, "…once I sit down, I won't be able to stand up."

Yao Ming's gaze was so steadfast.

Fan Xi's eyes instantly grew hazy, with tears flickering.

He took a deep breath, holding back the tears.

Fan Xi respected Yao Ming's choice.

His expression also became more resolute.

Ding!

The whistle blew.

The game continued.

The Zhongguo team kept its original lineup.

The U. S. team made adjustments, but not Kevin Du Lante. Du Lante remained on the bench, persuaded by assistant coach Si Ke Te.

The new players were James Ha Deng, Wade, James, Andongni, Le Fu.

All five could seal the game with a three‑pointer.

Le Bu Lang Zhang Si dribbled to the three‑point line.

He didn't choose a fast break; that was the coaching staff's decision, and James carried it out.

Because for the Dream Team, their options were dwindling.

Although James considered a fast break to settle the Zhongguo team in regulation, Coach Lao K thought it was safer.

He trusted his tactical plan.

Fan Xi positioned at the top of the arc, defending James.

He liked this classic duel style.

James also anticipated his arrival.

James burned time; both sides engaged in high‑intensity combat, each shift of balance was masterful.

When the Dream Team had nine seconds left on the offense, James suddenly activated.

This surprised Coach Lao K, because James didn't wait for Kaiwen Lefu to lift.

He drove straight in, catching a fleeting glance from Ding Yuyuhang behind Fan Xi.

Top athletes often see three steps ahead in one.

Their control over the battle's momentum is unparalleled.

James crushed the paint from Fan Xi's left side; his stride was huge, pushing Fan Xi back half a step.

Then James rushed straight at Yao Ming.

At that moment, Kaiwen Lefu was quickly retreating toward the three‑point line.

Yao Ming hesitated not; he set his defensive stance, not chasing Kaiwen Lefu, but holding his ground against James.

At this point, James should have passed.

Or, given James's nature, he would definitely pass.

But this time, James didn't.

He bent his waist, took a quick step to Yao Ming's side, then leapt explosively, aiming to knock Yao Ming's defense over, drawing a foul and a basket… He was convinced he could pull it off, because Yao Ming's positioning was flawed; Yao Ming was trying to draw a foul, which instead left him passive.

But just as James closed in, Fan Xi suddenly surged out from behind.

James had just exposed the ball, and Fan Xi lunged from behind.

James was very alert; when he realized Fan Xi was flying in, he made a strange adjustment, looking like he was stepping illegally. After Fan Xi was fully exposed, he crashed in and made a move, and Fan Xi held onto his basketball.

But James's strength was too great; he forced his way past Fan Xi's downward pressure and slammed the basketball out… Bang… whoosh!

Backboard hit.

James receives an extra foul.

The Dream Team's deadlock is instantly activated.

London arena boiled over, and the US fans were ecstatic to the extreme.

Meanwhile, the Chinese fans were stunned.

This shot fell straight from heaven into hell.

Dream Team seized the advantage.

They could choose to make the free throw or miss it and fight for the rebound.

The TV replay showed the play; James's timing on the drive was extremely precise. Although he stole a step at the end—technically a traveling violation—his decision still surprised Kobe watching the screen, who muttered, "James has become even stronger."

James finally showed a self‑sacrificing spirit at the crucial moment; he cleared this hurdle, and his on‑court strength will undoubtedly rise to a higher level.

But…

Kobe can't figure out why Fan Xi fouled.

Even if a foul is needed, wouldn't it be better to have Yao Ming commit it?

In Kobe's mind, Fan Xi is never the type to make such a blunder at a crucial moment.

And certainly not what the ESPN commentator said: "Jie Ke was beaten by Le Bu Lang Zhang Si, felt embarrassed, so he selfishly fouled from behind."

Why?

Kobe can't understand.

James, however, figured it out.

No one should question James's intelligence, even though he often appears overly self‑serving.

"You're protecting Yao, and Yao got injured." James whispered as he passed Fan Xi before stepping onto the free‑throw line.

Fan Xi gave no reply.

James stepped onto the line and asked Fan Xi, "You didn't use your final timeout?"

"That only confirms my suspicion."

"Jie Ke, do you think I'll make the free throw or miss it?"

Le Bu Lang Zhang Si turned the question back on Fan Xi.

James now controlled the initiative.

At this point the situation resembled this year's finals, except James held a greater mental edge.

"History won't repeat itself."

James said confidently.

Then he took the referee's ball and prepared for the free throw.

The players under the hoop were already packed together.

Yao Ming and Kevin Love were huddled together, along with Ding Yuyuhang.

Wang Zhizhi was on the other side with Anthony.

From the condition of the two Chinese big men, prospects looked bleak.

Yao didn't know how severe his injury was, and Wang was already exhausted.

But now Fan Xi couldn't move; he couldn't substitute Yi Jianlian.

Because a substitution would make James even more certain.

It's a mind game.

James was also weighing his options.

He took a deep breath before the free throw, then released… whoosh!

He chose to make the free throw.

The teams are tied.

6.8 seconds remain.

China can request a timeout.

But Fan Xi still didn't.

Harden and Wade closed in, sandwiching Fan Xi, preventing him from dribbling.

But after the referee's whistle, Fan Xi spun sharply, pushed aside the limp Harden, and received the ball from Wang Zhizhi.

He then turned and sprinted toward the frontcourt.

Wade and James quickly closed in, employing a surrounding but unbreakable offense.

Fan Xi ran full tilt; just as he was about to reach the three‑point line, Yao Ming burst out from inside, standing like a pillar of the stream… James, retreating, collided with him, and both fell to the floor.

Fan Xi didn't hesitate, drove straight through the defense, surged into the three‑point area, leapt from the free‑throw line, and released… Wade threw himself in a reckless block.

He struck Fan Xi's right hand.

But Fan Xi's ball was thrown with his left hand.

As the ball left his left hand and reached the apex of its arc, the arena's final whistle blew.

The backboard lights lit up.

Meanwhile, everyone in the arena fixed their gaze on the orange‑yellow basketball.

And the peoples of the two great Pacific‑rim nations.

Everyone awaited the judgment of this final shot.

One thought of heaven, one thought of hell.

After Fan Xi lands, he doesn't look back; he walks toward Yao Ming.

When he takes his second step... swoosh!

The basketball goes through the hoop.

The whole arena erupts.

Fan Xi sees James Harden's head falling from beyond the three‑point line.

There's no need for overtime.

121–119.

Fan Xi's left hand delivers the game‑winning kill against the Dream Team.

All the Dream Team players on the court are stunned like wooden chickens, and all the United States fans are silent as cicadas, unable to believe it.

Meanwhile, all the Zhongguo players on the court have already boiled over; they leap up, achieving an unprecedented record, winning a gold medal they never even dared to dream of.

They stand atop the world!

"Great Fan Xi! Great MVP! Great jump shot! Great game‑winner! Great Zhongguo basketball! Great divine left hand!!!"

The CCTV commentator is already shouting hoarsely on the television, and in front of the TV, passion roars uncontrollably; across the land of Zhongguo, excited, soaring sounds fill everywhere.

Fan Xi created the greatest miracle in this year's Olympic Games history.

The Zhongguo men's basketball team secured the most unexpected gold medal for the Olympic delegation!

Before the Olympics began, everyone's highest expectation was just a medal, but now the Zhongguo team has taken down the Dream Team, taken down the arrogant United States that thought itself invincible, snatching the gold medal they believed was theirs.

"We are champions!!!"

The Zhongguo men's basketball team now stands at the pinnacle of history.

At the same time, the giant of the Zhongguo men's basketball team falls to the ground; he can finally stop enduring the massive pain in his knee, yet his face bears an unprecedented smile—he is in pain, but the pain is joyful.

Fan Xi immediately summons the team doctor; when the doctor arrives to examine, his complexion darkens instantly, and he can hardly believe how Yao Ming moved on the court.

"We are champions, Fan Xi!" Yao Ming tightly embraces Fan Xi: "Dream fulfilled! Dream fulfilled!"

This pillar of the Zhongguo men's basketball team for the past ten years is now sobbing uncontrollably.

The dream finally becomes reality.

Things once only dared to imagine secretly in dreams have become reality.

Fan Xi pats his shoulder: "Thank you."

His eyes also turn red.

All the Zhongguo players have red eyes at this moment.

On the other side of the camera, the Dream Team hangs their heads, walking toward the edge of the court; their faces show desolation, disappointment, disbelief, humiliation, and glistening tears...

This defeat hurts them more than any previous one.

Their fans still clutch their heads, unable to believe this is the final outcome.

But they must accept this ultimate ending.

They are losers; they lost to Fan Xi, they lost the gold medal, and they took second place under the name Dream Team.

Although a silver medal is a coveted prize for many nations, for United States basketball it is a disgrace.

ESPN switches the live feed; they don't even say goodbye to the viewers in front of the TV, they refuse to watch the upcoming award ceremony, unable to accept the Dream Team standing to the left of the Zhongguo team while Fan Xi stands at the highest point of the podium.

This championship means that Fan Xi has become a true Eastern monarch.

He has become a king of the court capable of delivering a fatal blow to United States basketball.

…

The award ceremony arrives quickly, and the podium is moved to the center of the court.

Lithuania wins a bronze medal; they are delighted, smiling like children during the award.

The United States takes a bronze medal; each of them looks ashen, and Carmelo Anthony even removes the medal from his neck after receiving it, clutching it tightly in his hand... this is his disgrace.

Meanwhile, the Zhongguo team stands at the highest spot; the red flag and national anthem rise, and all the Zhongguo fans and players burst into song.

In this moment, passion surges.

In this moment, countless people in front of the TV are awash with hot tears.

During the photo session after the award ceremony.

The Zhongguo team, led by Fan Xi, hangs all the gold medals around Yao Ming's neck to honor Yao's outstanding contributions to the national team over the past decade.

It is a highly ceremonial act.

After the award ceremony, the Zhongguo team's total gold medals increase by one.

It makes the whole nation boil, being the most unexpected, most meaningful, and most important gold medal for the Zhongguo delegation at this year's Olympic Games.

It is a great victory that will be recorded in history.

Ten years later, twenty years later, thirty years later, people will still remember Fan Xi's left‑hand game‑winner on this day, recalling the national team's brave fearlessness.

"We are champions; we defeated the invincible United States Dream Team!"

This is the beginning of a new era.

…