Chapter 424: This Is a Different Price

The Knicks boss just lay quietly on the Kuaisuan boss, which sounds especially absurd.

But it actually happened.

Fan Xi called over two female waitresses and had them whisk him away before Zhan Mu Si Duo Lan could vomit.

Fan Xi harbored no dislike for Zhan Mu Si Duo Lan; frankly, compared with the Brooklyn boss, Fan Xi preferred dealing with this unkempt New York old‑school playboy.

After Zhan Mu Si Duo Lan was helped away, Fan Xi also prepared to leave. He did not see Zhan Ni Fu An Ni Si Dun, and he had no intention of meeting her; this place was not a good setting for a meeting.

At that moment, a stir broke out at the party, and Fan Xi saw Zhan Ni Fu An Ni Si Dun gliding in, wearing a floor‑length evening gown.

She was like the queen of the occasion.

Many men cast admiring glances at her, even though most of the invitees were New York City elites. Still, Jennifer was exceedingly successful—she possessed beauty, intelligence, and a fortune that could rival a nation.

Few men can resist her charm.

So when Jennifer hinted she wanted to have a child, many forward‑looking calls and messages reached her.

But Jennifer clearly had no intention of dealing with the interruptions.

Gracefully, she greeted everyone and looked exceedingly elegant.

She exuded a charisma that commanded the whole room.

Fan Xi had to admit that Jennifer was an exceptionally charming woman. She possessed a mature allure and an aura that made him yearn.

He had felt that way since their first film collaboration, but Fan Xi had restrained himself well. Now, as Jennifer walked in with such striking poise, Fan Xi experienced an indescribable feeling.

Nevertheless, he quickly smiled, stood up, and said to Jennifer, "Hello, nice to see you again."

He extended his hand, but Jennifer walked over and gave him a brief hug; she carried a captivating fragrance that Fan Xi liked… Fan Xi is a picky person, disliking many perfume scents, and the Fan ladies all know her preferences.

"Jie Ke, you don't seem to be enjoying the party's vibe. This is East Coast style," Jennifer said to Fan Xi. "The East Coast differs from the West Coast; the West Coast loves lively music, people swaying on the dance floor. But in New York, everyone holds a glass of wine and discusses refined topics."

Fan Xi knew little about either party culture; he wasn't a person who liked a bustling scene.

"Are we here to sign the equity transfer agreement?" Fan Xi kept his work on his mind.

"Of course not. But don't you want a drink here?" Jennifer reached out, taking a glass of red wine from the intern and handing it to Fan Xi.

Fan Xi waved his hand and said, "I don't like drinking; I'm still in season, and the night after tomorrow I have a game in New York."

Jennifer seemed prepared; she quickly had the intern bring over a glass of milk.

Fan Xi could not refuse; he and Jennifer clinked glasses—Jennifer drank wine, Fan Xi drank milk, and the contrast looked harmonious.

Two streaks of crimson brushed Jennifer's face, like sunset clouds spilling onto her jade‑white skin.

Fan Xi glanced and thought the sunset was intoxicating.

He said, "Let's find a place to sign the contract."

"So eager, Jie Ke?" Jennifer stood up, teasing Fan Xi, then said she'd already prepared it, just downstairs.

Fan Xi followed her toward the elevator.

Along the way, many people stared at them, and many men showed envy and jealousy on their faces: they felt genuinely upset that the playboy Fan Xi was taking away the most eye‑catching lady of the room.

However, they had no way to stop it.

Long legs belong to Jennifer.

Who she wants to walk with, who she wants to open for, is her freedom.

Fan Xi and Jennifer ran into Ka Meilong An Dongni at the elevator, who arrived with his wife.

Fan Xi greeted him; Ka Meilong An Dongni was also enthusiastic, but while hugging Fan Xi he whispered, "Just as I thought, Jie Ke, I had a feeling when I watched the news… you won't let any beauty slip by."

Fan Xi quickly explained, "We're just collaborators; I'm here to sign the contract."

Ka Meilong heard this, was first stunned, then respectfully awed, his eyes full of admiration: "You've already reached this level?"

Fan Xi knew Anthony was definitely thinking lewdly.

But he didn't want to explain further; fairness lies in people's hearts, and his conscience was clear.

Fan Xi and Jennifer entered a private elevator and headed straight to the 22nd floor below.

While descending the stairs, Fan Xi felt oddly weightless; Jennifer leaned in at that moment and asked Jie Ke, "Are you thinking about the recent media rumors about me?"

Fan Xi hadn't been thinking about it, but Jennifer's remark made him consider it. He said, "Whatever the media says, as long as our conscience is clear, that's fine."

Fan Xi appeared very composed.

Jennifer's mouth curved in a smile; Fan Xi looked a bit mysterious, and he began to find Jennifer's lip color increasingly alluring.

They arrived at the 22nd floor quickly.

It was not what Fan Xi imagined; it wasn't a conference room. They entered a suite.

Then Jennifer's female assistant produced two pre‑prepared contracts, each already notarized by a lawyer; in fact both teams had discussed all details. Fan Xi even thought that Lu Yuan could simply stamp his private seal to complete the deal.

But Jennifer insisted on handwritten signatures.

Fan Xi took up his pen and signed his name, then Jennifer also signed. The contracts, each held by the female assistant, were taken away as she left the room early.

Fan Xi felt a bit odd at that moment.

But out of courtesy he shook Jennifer's hand and said, "Glad to collaborate with you a second time; welcome to the Kuaisuan family."

Family?

Jennifer laughed, teasing Fan Xi, "Are you now eager to give me a family?"

Fan Xi shook his head; he felt a bit weary.

"I have to leave now, Jennifer," Fan Xi said as he prepared to go.

"No, Jie Ke!"

Jennifer turned, pressed Fan Xi against the wall, and said, "Jie Ke, you're tired now; you need to rest."

Jennifer's voice was like a gentle breeze in his ear, making Fan Xi's scalp tingle, an uncontrollable feeling as dopamine flooded with pleasure.

Fan Xi's adrenaline surged rapidly.

But at the same time, Fan Xi felt his consciousness blurring.

He really seems to need a nap.

I've been really exhausted lately.

…

When Fan Xi woke up the next day, there was a $150 million contract on the bedside table.

He looked at the chaotic room and already understood what was going on.

Nothing falls from the sky.

Why this $150 million appeared is now crystal clear.

Fan Xi had long thought a $3 billion valuation was absurd; now, finally, the truth has emerged.

It turned out it even included an additional amount.

Phew!

Fan Xi took a deep breath, trying his best to accept the fact.

After he washed off the mud and turned on the TV, he saw his name headline again.

The headline featured a picture of Zhan Mu Si Duo Lan and Fan Xi embracing, and a photo of Fan Xi toasting with Jennifer… There are no airtight walls in the world; even the most upscale venues have someone pulling out a phone.

Entertainment media, as usual, were reveling; they even calculated that yesterday was Jennifer's ovulation period, and on TV they solemnly debated the probability that Fan Xi and Jennifer, having shared a room last night, would become pregnant.

Sports media, however, were criticizing—criticizing Fan Xi for disrespecting basketball, denouncing him for leaving a game unfinished, for mingling drinks with the Knicks' owner, and also attacking his rumored affair with Jennifer.

In an instant, Fan Xi became a basketball pariah, constantly besieged by verbal and written attacks.

They seemed to forget that last night Kuaisuan secured a thrilling victory in Brooklyn.

Before Fan Xi turned off the TV, he also saw the Nets' owner on the screen angrily stating: "I have ample reason to suspect that Jie Ke and Zhan Mu Si Duo Lan are discussing next season's signing. The league should stop this from happening. Or, Jieke Fan's next‑season destination should be decided by a lottery."

The Russian owner offered a unique idea.

Even though the season hasn't ended, he has already started discussing next season.

He is so impatient.

However, the even more absurd thing is that ESPN is actually discussing what he said. They all think this is the fairest: Jieke Fan should be treated as a draft pick. The team with the lowest win rate gets the highest chance, and the other twenty‑nine teams obtain Jieke Fan via a lottery.

This is fairest to the other twenty‑nine teams and also eliminates insider deals.

When ESPN started the discussion, other teams naturally responded wildly, especially the weak teams from small markets—who wouldn't want Jieke Fan?

Any team acquiring Jieke Fan would be a cause for celebration; a small‑market team would instantly become a global focus, with both performance and market value soaring.

No owner would refuse such a proposal.

Fundamentally, Fan Xi has no opinion on this practice; after all, he's an active player and already has his own team. In a sense, he's beyond the rules. So it's reasonable for other teams to demand compensation.

Still, this idea was proposed by the Nets' owner, which makes him uneasy.

Moreover, he finds the lottery‑blind‑box thing rather capricious; what if he ends up with the Lakers or the Heat, what then?

However, the matter hasn't been discussed in a meeting, and Fan Xi won't speak lightly.

…

When Fan Xi returned to the team's hotel, Milichiqi deliberately sought him out and asked, "Jie Ke, did you really go out to help people for fun last night?"

Fan Xi was stunned.

"I heard Jennifer spent $150 million to heavily solicit a child from you…"

When Milichiqi said that, Fan Xi's murderous gaze locked onto him.

He couldn't help but shiver.

"I don't mean anything else, Jie Ke. I just want to say, ask Jennifer—if she still has such affluent lady friends, I… I… I could as well. I don't want to strive any longer," Milichiqi said earnestly.

The Serbian man was full of weakness.

Fan Xi stared at him and told him a life lesson: "Dako, I never deny your handsomeness nor your physical qualities. But I must tell you a truth. Only by not focusing on women can you obtain women. Only by making yourself shine can you attract others. Do you know what the best shortcut in life is?"

Milichiqi shook his head.

"Take the hardest path," Fan Xi said.

Then, patting Milichiqi's shoulder, he said, "Go seek enlightenment."

Fan Xi said as he returned to his room; still a bit tired, he covered his head and fell asleep again.

While Fan Xi was sleeping, Jennifer issued a statement, sternly condemning the media's speculation. She said that last night she was only engaged in official business with Fan Xi, that the two were in a cooperative relationship. She also posted the transfer of equity contract with Fan Xi.

Her righteous tone silenced many, but many also thought the $150 million price was outrageous; Jennifer must have paid extra.

One cannot block others' mouths.

Jennifer doesn't need to convince everyone; it's enough that she silences most.

Zhan Mu Si Duo Lan even made a rare on‑camera denial of any private dealings with Fan Xi. Unlike Jennifer, he owns a TV station, and his father was once a media mogul.

This spendthrift, though he squanders money, never invests carelessly, so his wealth keeps growing.

Rich families usually pick heirs this way: the ones who indulge the most, fearing those with their own ideas who want to make a career.

"Jie Ke and I haven't discussed any issues; I simply admire him. Of course, if he wants to join New York, I'm very welcoming. As for whatever others say, I agree. A lottery, after all, is fair and just."

"Moreover, I think the Knicks are already very strong. This season we can win the championship."

Zhan Mu Si Duo Lan's words were clearly unconvincing.

Knicks fans hardly believed him; after all, the Wolves have been around for years, and whenever a new season starts the Knicks aren't championship favorites, but once the regular season reaches halfway they get a harsh reality check…

Nevertheless, the Knicks' roster this year is truly eye‑catching.

Their All‑Star players include Cameron Anthony and Stade Meyer, as well as Tyson Chandler, Stephen Nash, JR Smith, Jason Kidd… and a host of elite warriors.

After waking, Fan Xi looked at the Knicks' lineup, then at the two games they'd played this season; they had won both, and by offense.

Phil Jackson, though the general manager, must have meddled with the coaching staff; otherwise the Knicks wouldn't be so smooth.

The Zen master couldn't travel for away games due to health, but with him stationed at home, playing the Knicks is indeed somewhat difficult.

Fan Xi now feels a gut of frustration; he doesn't want to lose this victory.

…