Chapter 82: Star Among Stars, Outshining the Little Emperor

At this moment Fan Xi did not know that Le Bu Lang Zhang Si had already set his sights on him, let alone that a group of superstars in the Eastern were displeased with him.

In Fan Xi's simple worldview, he considered himself merely a rookie just entering the world, not someone worthy of being targeted by a top‑tier emperor‑level superstar like James, not even a heavyweight.

From Fan Xi's perspective, this year's All‑Star might only draw criticism from Chris Paul, because he had taken his cheese and been thrown into the All‑Star starting lineup, snatching his spot.

As for James?

He's a top star of the league.

Fan Xi performed so vigorously because he wanted to blend into the All‑Star game's festive atmosphere; seeing Wade earn thunderous applause that way, he naturally felt compelled to showcase his own signature skill.

The effect was quite good.

After all, Fan Xi had once been a top street‑ball player, and he dribbled the ball into the frontcourt.

He still displayed an exaggerated dribble range, slapping the basketball with an impenetrable rhythm, as colorful as a butterfly fluttering among flowers.

The fans on the sidelines feasted their eyes and shouted loudly in approval.

This made James even more displeased, but… he was helpless. By convention, no one engages in real combat in the first quarter of an All‑Star game; that's precisely the space allotted for All‑Star players to showcase themselves.

What irritated James was… he didn't know those moves. He is the pinnacle of a combat‑oriented player; his astonishing physical condition grants him terrifying lethality, yet it also prevents him from toy­ing with tricks like Fan Xi.

He could only watch Fan Xi's dazzling, eye‑popping performance stir the crowd's cheers, then see Fan Xi land a step‑back long‑range Three-Point Shot from beyond the arc.

The Staples Center erupted in another round of screams.

James shouted to Rosa, "Derek, pass it back."

He passed the ball to the young top scholar.

Derek Rose is ferocious and unmatched in real combat, aggressive like fire, but he truly cannot perform for show. Moreover, in life he is a restrained, low‑key person; both physically and mentally he cannot let loose. After dribbling the ball into the frontcourt, he passed to Wade.

Wade drove into the paint and completed a thunderous dunk.

The Eastern team's first to assume the role was the Flash, Wade.

However, turning back,

Fan Xi pulled off a new trick: when he crossed half‑court, he took his jersey off, moved to the top of the three‑point arc, and at the instant he drove past a defender, he slipped the bouncing basketball into his shirt, spun once… Rosa was left dumbfounded, even reflexively stepping back.

Unexpectedly, Fan Xi halted abruptly, pulled the ball out of his shirt… swoosh!

He hit another three.

Jie Ke… Fan!!!

The on‑site DJ roared energetically, the Staples Center's climax surged again, over twenty‑thousand people stood up, bouncing and shouting in unison: Fan! Fan! Fan!

No one had anticipated this before the game.

Before the game, many said Fan Xi's entry into the All‑Star was sheer luck.

Yet now, with Fan Xi on the court for less than two minutes, he's delivering a genuine climax to the All‑Star, an unprecedented visual feast.

In the past decade, no All‑Star has surpassed Fan Xi in entertaining the public.

Even Sha Ke Ao Ni Er, famed for his clowning.

The seated Ao Ni Er stood up, raising both hands in a reverent, worshipful gesture.

He envied Fan Xi's talent.

"Fan Xi ignited the arena; with his unparalleled talent he conquered the Staples Center's discerning audience. He epitomizes the ultimate showmanship. Other All‑Stars may have more experience or skill, but in this regard Fan Xi is a singular historic figure."

"Zhou Jie Lun, if you're watching this game, I want to tell you that Fan Xi's performance tonight should be the version of yourself you imagine. The real you is nothing like that."

The overseas CCTV commentator praised Fan Xi while also joking about top domestic singers.

This provoked continuous laughter in front of the TV, because Zhou Jie Lun always pretends to be cool when playing basketball, but it actually looks very awkward.

The performance continues.

Bo Bo Wei Qi, though renowned for his sternness, strictly forbids flashy dribbling by his guards when coaching his team, even disallowing Tuo Ni Pa Ke from using behind‑back dribbles, as rigid as an old stubborn man.

However, when he saw Fan Xi's performance incite wave after wave of cheers, he chose to go with the flow.

He kept Fan Xi on the court throughout.

Fan Xi was also very determined; not only did he flamboyantly showcase himself, but he also continuously hit shots from beyond the three‑point line.

Up to the fifth minute.

Fan Xi made the game's fifth three‑point shot.

His stats rose to 15 points, 3 assists, 1 rebound.

This efficiency was simply off the charts.

Cha Er Si Ba Ke Li's mind was drumming; during the commercial break a minute ago, he kept saying, "Why hasn't Bo Bo Wei Qi taken him out yet? He even subbed out Di Mu Deng Ken first. Does he intend to hand the MVP to Jieke Fan?"

Sir Ba Ke Li truly lost his temper.

He was very worried that Fan Xi would claim the All‑Star MVP.

If Fan Xi gets the All‑Star MVP, he would have to confront the bald rears of ten jennies. He doesn't want that!

Ken Ni Shi Mi Si kept bombarding him with all sorts of remarks: "…If Jieke Fan grabs the All‑Star MVP, he'll be the first rookie ever to win All‑Star MVP in his very first All‑Star appearance, and he's also an undrafted player who started as a starter. He'll create countless pieces of history."

"For example, he'll be the first player ever to win awards on all three days of an All‑Star weekend, and also the first to take home two MVP trophies in the same All‑Star weekend…"

Ken Ni Shi Mi Si's remarks set Cha Er Si Ba Ke Li's nerves ablaze, like ants on a hot pan: "Enough! Ken, you know this is impossible, you're deliberately provoking me. When the game reaches the second half and the All‑Stars start real play, he won't even make the roster; his ability can't get him onto the final ten‑man list."

Ba Ke Li was running out of arguments.

However, he was speaking truthfully. Fan Xi's flashy displays may dazzle the eyes and keep the crowd cheering, but when it comes to the crucial moments, his standing and ability are unlikely to make the final list.

Ken kept goading him: "But tonight Jie Ke's touch—what if he lands a dozen Three‑Point Shots? Or what if the game's suspense ends in the first half?"

Ba Ke Li, hearing that, was so angry he didn't want to speak.

At this moment, Le Bu Lang Zhang Si launched a fierce attack on the court.

He suddenly powerfully shoved aside the Western team's newly inserted forward Bu Lei Ke Ge Li Fen, surged into the paint and, atop Zha Ke Lan Duo Fu's head, executed a stunning dunk.

Heaven's Chosen Son was caught off‑guard by the real hit.

Zha Ke Lan Duo Fu was utterly overwhelmed by the dunk; he hadn't expected James to be so ruthless, leaving him somewhat frustrated, especially amid the roaring crowd.

At this moment, the Western team's starters were down to Fan Xi and Ke Bi; the interior was switched to Zha Ke Lan Duo Fu and Bu Lei Ke Ge Li Fen, Ke Bi moved to the small forward position, and Wei Si Bu Lu Ke and Fan Xi played as dual point guards.

This substitution made Chris Paul very displeased.

Paul, whether in terms of court status or team status, even his All‑Star votes are higher than those of Wei Si Bu Lu Ke, who entered the league in 2008 and is now the Thunder's second leader.

However, the first player Bo Bo Wei Qi put into the game was Wei Si Bu Lu Ke.

It is unclear whether it was a momentary lapse in thinking or a deliberate act.

After James completed a dunk, he let out a roar.

It displayed his kingly dominance.

Wei Si Bu Lu Ke stood beside Fan Xi, and with an admiring expression said, "A true man should be like this."

Wei Si Bu Lu Ke is a miniature version of Le Bu Lang Zhang Si.

So, he said to Fan Xi, "Jie Ke, next you pass me a dunk, okay?"

Fan Xi received a pass from Zha Ke Lan Duo Fu and said to Wei Si Bu Lu Ke, "Next round. This round, soothe Lan Duo Fu's wounded spirit."

Wei Si Bu Lu Ke was not stubborn.

He was, however, very curious how Fan Xi would soothe Zha.

Zha Ke Lan Duo Fu is a player with an extremely bizarre career; he differs from most players here, who typically become team pillars after achieving fame at a young age and enjoying a smooth rise.

Lan Duo Fu was not like that; when he first entered the league, he was drafted by the Bo Te Lan Kai Tuo Zhe, which at that time was in utter chaos, populated by a gang of rogue 'villains' and 'troublemakers', even the police once stormed their training facility for a urine test. Hence they were called the Bo Te Lan Prison Team.

Zha Ke Lan Duo Fu grew up in such an environment, inevitably picking up many vices. Yet his talent propelled him to rise quickly, becoming the league's fastest improving player and swiftly the core of Bo Te Lan's rebuild. However, at that point his vices resurfaced after securing a big contract. He drove cars at excessive speeds, was found with contraband, and absurdly, the habitual liar even claimed his aunt had died so he could attend a funeral for a night out, only to be caught on camera at a nightclub. Thus the infamous 'Nightclub Aunt Funeral' joke was born.

As the Bo Te Lan Kai Tuo Zhe selected Bu Lan Deng Luo Yi in 2006, Luo Yi's meteoric rise made the intolerant franchise sell Lan Duo Fu without hesitation to another chaotic city, the New York run by Yi Sai Ya Tuo Ma Si.

The New York Knicks under Yi Sai Ya Tuo Ma Si were no less chaotic than the Kai Tuo Zhe. Although Thomas was a legendary player, after becoming general manager he became known as the "Charitable Boy", signing the most junk contracts in the league, giving many worthless players multimillion or even max salaries, and he also fell out with team leader Ma Bu Li, leaving the locker room in disarray; Zha Ke Lan Duo Fu was also despised by everyone in the Knicks.

Eventually, amid the chaos, he was traded to Kuaisuan and then sent to the Grizzlies.

Just when everyone thought Lan Duo Fu's career was over and that he would end his ridiculous professional life, the guy suddenly erupted; he settled into a stable life in Memphis, forming with Ma Ke Jia Suo Er a fearsome black‑white double‑bear duo that terrified the league's paint. His all‑around skills even made the slimmed‑down Tim Deng Ken look awkward.

This season, he finally was selected as the coveted All‑Star.

But in the first round, Le Bu Lang Zhang Si rushed in and delivered a violent block.

He was, of course, very displeased.

Especially, Le Bu Lang Zhang Si shouted at him, turned away, and muttered, "A rookie who popped out of nowhere…."

He took that as James targeting him… because he was a rookie All‑Star.

Lan Duo Fu was furious.

At that moment, he saw Fan Xi give him a subtle glance and make a signal that prompted him to retreat.

Lan Duo Fu immediately understood.

He bore no ill will toward Fan Xi; unlike those long‑time superstars who think Fan Xi's sudden rise stole their spotlight, he even thought Fan Xi was a decent kid, unpretentious, humble, and especially good at flirting with girls.

A boy who can flirt with girls usually doesn't act maliciously behind their backs.

This is Lan Duo Fu's life philosophy.

So, he trusted Fan Xi a lot.

Fan Xi advanced with the ball to the frontcourt, and his defender switched from Derek Rose to Deron Williams.

Deron Williams immediately intensified his defense.

Deron harbored hostility toward Fan Xi; as a senior point guard, he could not accept an undrafted rookie soaring above him.

So, he stepped onto the court and ramped up his defensive pressure.

Fan Xi felt the defensive intensity and quickly adjusted.

It was a conditioned reflex.

Fan Xi's ball‑handling became very steady, but after he made two directional feints back and forth, he suddenly performed an upward lift… Deron Williams instantly leapt, as Fan Xi had already sunk five three‑pointers, casting a psychological shadow over him.

However, at the moment he jumped… Boom!

Fan Xi swiftly crouched and dribbled.

Bow!

Bow on the spot!

The venue erupted in screams.

This time Deron Williams' serious defense produced a huge comedic effect; it was the flashiest move closest to real combat on the street, and the bow is an extremely deceptive maneuver—no one expected the superstar Deron Williams to fall for it.

When Deron landed, he was very depressed.

Amid the cheers, he turned away in anger.

His fiery eyes, however, saw Fan Xi in the paint area executing a sudden stop against Kevin Garnett's defense, then quickly turning his back; as Garnett closed in… the guy seemed to have eyes on the back of his head, he forcefully slammed the basketball backward, sending it rebounding in a very high arc.

It looked especially exaggerated.

Just as Deron thought this would be an accident,

The plump Zha Ke Lan Duo Fu sprinted from the baseline corner, leapt… clearly an airborne flying pig.

Both hands seized the rebounding ball… Boom!

Lan Duo Fu violently attacked the rim.

The entire Staples Center was engulfed in an unquenchable fervor, everyone's vocal cords producing unbelievable shouts.

So cool!

Fan Xi bow‑ed past Deron Williams.

Fan Xi used a sudden stop and back‑turn to deceive the paint's strongest help‑defender forward, Kevin Garnett.

Moreover, he caused the fox‑like Garnett to lose his rear defense, delivering an exaggerated bounce pass that was stunning and unexpected; Zha Ke Lan Duo Fu recreated the airborne flying pig, and his dunk turned Fan Xi's brushstrokes into a world‑famous masterpiece!

The Staples Center boiled over.

"Unbelievable! I can't believe it!"

The DJ at the venue shouted loudly.

In the TV live broadcast room, Ken Ni clutched his head; like every viewer in front of the TV, his mind was shattered by this imaginative coordination, and he kept repeating, "God! God! My God!"

"Jie Ke is literally an elf; he plays basketball in the muscle jungle with a unique style. In his own way he makes those basketball superstars look dim, and Zha Ke Lan Duo Fu should thank him—Lan Duo Fu's shot will become a historic NBA moment!!"

Ken Ni came to his senses and, with his excited voice, praised Fan Xi.

At that moment, Lan Duo Fu on the venue turned, let out a roar at James, then rushed forward, jumped, and collided his back with Fan Xi.

Fan Xi was knocked by him and almost fell.

It was still Westbrook, sharp‑eyed and quick‑handed, who steadied Fan Xi: "Jie Ke, awesome. This pass—next time we meet, you also have to give me one like this."

Fan Xi smiled.

At this time, because of the TV signal delay, viewers in Zhongguo had just seen Fan Xi's astonishingly brilliant breakthrough and pass.

They quickly boiled over.

And the CCTV commentator shouted, "Heaven! Heaven! Heaven! Is this Fan Xi's breakthrough? Is this a genius pass? Fan Xi actually made the dead fat man Lan Duo Fu take off—how is that any different from a sow climbing a tree?"

"I unilaterally declare this the best shot of the night!!"

The more excited the CCTV commentator was, the more the hundreds of millions of viewers across the land of Shenzhou boiled.

Fan Xi spent the whole night violently rubbing Zhongguo fans' excitement points, making them thrilled.

One wave higher than the previous.

Before the game, who could have thought that the rookie Fan Xi would become the star among stars of this All‑Star main event?

Even the little emperor's hype was eclipsed by him.

…