Chapter 617 - 617: Vanity Fair – “Basketball Fighter”

Thursday, November 6, 2008, as the quadrennial political reality show officially ended, the carnival for the black community continued!

"AMERICA BASKS IN Obama'S GLORY."

Most American media almost all focused on "Obama's glory," and such headlines had been appearing frequently since yesterday.

Early in the morning, New York newspapers reported on the grand gathering that took place in Chicago early yesterday morning.

The newspaper content brought tears to people's eyes, as if God had descended:

"Chicago — At the intersection of Michigan Avenue and history, tens of thousands of people left their homes, walking for miles or driving for hours, determined to breathe the air of a new era!"

"This is Obama's era! Long after dark, dawn finally arrived!"

This "grand reality show" set a historical record for spending, and its viewership also reached a new historical high.

In the report provided by Fox News, Obama completely defeated his opponent, crushing him throughout!

Yesterday, at Grant Park, approximately 125,000 people gathered, and Obama held a grand and solemn celebration.

Such a magnificent event filled many with awe.

Everyone chosen to participate in the victory celebration was incredibly excited.

In front of the cameras, supporters cheered heartily, tears flowing freely.

Many politicians, celebrities, and pastors expressed their anticipation for "hope."

Spike Lee and Ron Artest were also fortunate enough to receive invitations, making a big appearance this time.

Basketball games?

Compared to freedom and hope, they were simply not worth mentioning!

School?

Children were cheering for hope, so schools should be on holiday.

Work?

The economy was so bad, and with the savior appearing, bosses had to allow employees to attend the rally.

This was a historical moment.

No one could stop people from witnessing history!

The morning news was filled with children, citizens, and celebrities excitedly cheering at the rally, sharing their experiences of participating in the celebration.

On television, most channels were praising the Donkey Party's victory.

In Manhattan, Harlem had been "buzzing" since the 4th.

On 125th Street, black citizens celebrated the first black president in history.

In a live connection, a 55-year-old black woman shed tears again.

Witnessing history made her extremely emotional:

"When I was a child, when I traveled in the South, I couldn't go to restaurants, restrooms, or sit in certain parts of movie theaters. I thought that was how my life would be."

"Things have gotten a bit better over the years, but we all know that black people still haven't received respect. Now everything has changed. We have a black president."

"For the first time, I feel deeply involved in the political process. I am so excited. This is God's will!"

"…"

On television, a 34-year-old black man also shed tears of excitement.

These days, he had been involved in mobilization activities, and now that everything had settled, he felt all his efforts were worth it:

"Obama inspired us to vote! This is the first time in my life I've watched CNN or Fox News. I feel like we've made a change!"

"…"

Lee was still at home in Manhattan, watching these news reports with great interest early in the morning.

He also felt like he was witnessing history, having seen the changes in New York over the years.

Melinda, with her messy golden hair and sleepy eyes, saw Lee still looking energetic.

She squeezed onto the sofa and began to complain:

"I thought the basketball game would drain some of your energy. It seems the Knicks had no effect on you. These people should be concerned about the city council a few days ago!"

"Many district representatives don't care about real rights and interests. Relying on the White House and Congress is not as good as protesting a few times at the city council."

A few days ago, Melinda, as one of the Upper East Side resident representatives, attended a hearing at City Hall regarding the bill to extend the mayor's term.

A group of people held a four-hour denunciation meeting.

As a well-known lawyer, Melinda, like the older generation in the legal profession, held a critical view.

Ben Harper, an 81-year-old retired lawyer, almost made the mayor lose face:

"Seeking a third term has nothing to do with the economic crisis. It has to do with your inflated ego…"

Lee knew that Melinda had also contributed to the criticism at the meeting.

Now, seeing the Harlem spectators indifferent to their own rights and interests, he probably felt uncomfortable:

"This isn't our job. At least everyone is happy now, and that's enough!"

Embracing the still-sleepy young woman leaning in his arms, Lee turned to see Kim, also in her pajamas, watching television.

He waved and said with a smile:

"For the November 13th hearing, who did the House Oversight Committee finally decide to 'invite'?"

After leaving the Southern District Federal Special Prosecutor's Office, Kim was still very busy, but after returning from New Mexico, her condition had improved a lot, and she was no longer shy after being embraced:

"George Soros, Jim Simons, Philip Falcone, and then Kenneth Griffin and us."

"The content will likely require information on how you operate, and it's very possible that your income will be further disclosed."

Although he had anticipated the general direction of the hearing, Lee still frowned involuntarily when he heard about the income issue.

He had previously been somewhat dissatisfied with Forbes magazine's "show-off."

The well-known industry magazine Alpha had done a good job of hiding Axe Capital and Lee's personal earnings.

When most people lost wealth, the beneficiaries would receive "hatred."

This was an emotional outpouring.

No one would consider the risks involved.

Everyone only knew that you made money, and that money must have come from their pockets!

"It seems a large sum of money will have to be paid. Which congressmen are preparing to attack us?"

Lee ignored Melinda, who was bumping into him, and looked down at Kim nestled in his arms.

The latter sat up slightly, shook her head slightly, and sighed while tying up her golden hair:

"Most likely, everyone will stand with the Oversight Committee."

"Isn't anyone from the Republican Party helping? I knew they couldn't be relied on, no wonder they lost so badly."

Even though she understood that buying high-quality CDS would yield considerable profits, Melinda was still somewhat annoyed by this forced buying method.

From a legal perspective, it was simply impossible to resolve.

"It's okay, I believe someone will support us in the future!"

After roughly calculating the potential expenses after the hearing, Lee was in a good mood.

At least investors would still trust them.

On television, reports about the election victory continued, and experts began to analyze the changes brought by the new White House occupant.

The three of them were not interested in this.

After casually letting the two women bare themselves, Lee embraced them and stood up, feeling the fullness and slenderness, and slowly walked towards the bathroom, mentioning the changes in the little ones along the way:

"Wilfred and Willis can both express their feelings clearly now. I plan to teach Alvin to speak English & Spanish."

"Maybe in another two years, it'll be time to find them a teacher."

Kim, who didn't have much time to take care of the little ones, smiled knowingly and offered a kiss.

Wealth had become numbers.

Now they had to consider how to perpetuate that wealth.

Friday, November 7, Ron Artest, who was still participating in the celebration in Chicago, appeared on a show again.

The World Peace Club played an "important" role in this election.

At 4 PM, ABC's local television station broadcast The Oprah Winfrey Show on time.

Ron Artest, dressed in a gray suit, arrived at the Chicago West Side studio with a smile on his face, waving repeatedly.

Amidst the cheers of the atmosphere team, Ron Artest plopped down on the sofa.

The poster behind him showed photos of him participating in events in Harlem and Queens.

Oprah, with her curly hair and wearing a pink dress, also applauded and cheered with the atmosphere team, then faced the camera and said loudly:

"Let's welcome the champion forward, chairman of the World Peace Club, Metta Sandiford-Artest!"

"Oh!"

A somewhat excited Ron Artest stood up and bowed again.

It wasn't easy to get on this show, and this campaign had indeed earned him more respect.

Oprah, leaning back on the sofa, was in a great mood.

In all these years, Clay Lee had only participated in one show, and that was thanks to Michael Jordan's connection.

For a solo interview, he simply didn't give her a chance.

Naturally, Oprah was a bit displeased about this, but fortunately, the opportunity had come again.

Seeing Ron Artest grinning, she also started to laugh happily:

"Sorry, I'm still a bit unaccustomed! But I want to say, 'World Peace' is a great name! Our President will soon bring peace to the world."

Amidst cheers, Oprah smiled and asked,

"Metta, it's said that for this event, you applied for a week's leave from the team. Was this supported? We're all curious, how does Clay Lee view your transformation?"

After playing only two games, Ron Artest threw himself into the election campaign.

This choice received support from Black fans, so he naturally felt no pressure:

"The management quickly approved my leave. Everyone knows I'm fighting for 'hope'!"

"Lee understands my choice. He respects everyone's personal wishes."

"I'm glad my efforts have encouraged more people to participate in voting. In Grant Park, Spike Lee and I both cried. This was a great victory! I believe everyone will be proud of me!"

Amidst the cheers from the atmosphere group, Oprah applauded again, then began to "recall past bitterness and think of present sweetness," digging into Ron Artest's experiences from childhood to adulthood on the show.

One touching family story after another, coupled with Ron Artest's mental and heart conditions, brought the atmosphere group to tears several times.

Recalling his successful experiences, Ron Artest's eyes also reddened.

Oprah was very satisfied with this, and taking advantage of the guest's relaxed state, she subtly changed the topic:

"In recent years, I've seen many Black players receive excessive criticism, and more and more people are being ridiculed!"

"Philadelphia fans attacked Andre Iguodala and his family on social media after the 76ers lost to the New York Knicks."

"There are many such phenomena, especially Kobe Bryant. We've all seen what he's gone through. Do you think Black players in the NBA have lost respect now?"

Andre Iguodala being cyberbullied was mainly the fault of the home commentator.

"The 76ers need someone to step up" is an old trope.

The ridiculed Philadelphia fans vented their dissatisfaction on the core players after the game, which sparked quite a discussion a few days ago.

"It's hard for me to comment on this because it's the fans' freedom. They buy tickets, so they can criticize us!"

"As for respect, I think it still comes down to basketball. If Kobe stops talking big and comes to New York to play quietly, I believe no one will attack him."

"He can't win a championship with Shaq and think he's become a big star. He's just an overrated All-Star, and that's the view of most players in the league."

When asked about Kobe, Ron Artest answered almost without thinking.

Oprah was slightly taken aback, then guided the conversation again:

"As an old rival, how does Lee evaluate Kobe? Has his attitude influenced the fans?"

"Kobe? No, Lee never talks about him. He doesn't consider Kobe a rival at all."

Talking about things he was familiar with, Ron Artest's speech became more fluent without needing to read a script, even carrying a hint of joy:

"Lee has too many honors. Even if we don't compare championships, just compare the number of MVPs, and you should understand the gap between them."

"Kobe has never been the best player on the Lakers. Aside from the coach assigning defensive tasks, Lee never pays attention to him."

Amidst laughter, Oprah frowned slightly.

She really hadn't expected that Lee didn't care about his "mortal enemy" at all, having no "dirt" on him, and simply treated the other party as if he were air.

Soon, the show turned into Ron Artest's bragging session.

No matter how Oprah tried to guide him, she never got any "information" about Lee disparaging other players.

This episode had high ratings, after all, Obama liked basketball, and hearing Ron Artest's little stories about playing with the President made the gossipers happy.

Only Oprah sighed secretly.

She couldn't find a "boomerang."

She had intended to use the opportunity to attack Lee, who was "in cahoots" with the Republican Party, but couldn't find an opening.

On sunday, November 9th, Ron Artest, who had appeared on multiple shows, became incredibly popular:

"Mr. World Peace is the fighter of the basketball world!"

Not only did Chicago media follow up with reports, but the Washington Post also joined in the excitement.

Years of championship experience made Ron Artest a household name.

In terms of facial recognition, many minor celebrities couldn't compare to him.

Years of NBA Finals were a kind of advertisement.

Similarly, campaigning, LeBron James still had to rely on his Good Brother Jay-Z's support.

Without going through the Finals, the The Chosen One's influence was limited.

That day, the NBA announced the Player of the Week again.

Clay Lee led his team to a 3-0 record this week, averaging 42.3 points with a 61.4% field goal percentage, once again winning this minor award.

The Western Conference winner was Amare Stoudemire.

The Phoenix Suns also had a 3-0 record.

Although the Lakers remained undefeated, they only played one game this week.

Staples Center was still packed that night.

As the game began, fans noticed Kobe's dark expression, seemingly playing with anger.

After trailing 28:16 by 12 points in the first quarter, with the help of his Good Brother Tracy McGrady, Kobe successfully led his team to a comeback victory!

The Lakers scored 39 points in the 4th quarter, completely igniting the Staples Center atmosphere.

Kobe, who completed the comeback, high-fived Duncan after the game and repeatedly pumped his fists at the fans.

In this nationally televised game, Tracy McGrady, who played 32 minutes, was 1-for-11 from the field, 1-for-3 from three-point range, with only one field goal for the entire game, contributing 3 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 turnover.

After the game, die-hard fans would feel for their "Brother," recalling his "13 points in 35 seconds," "Second Best," "Most Beautiful Calves," "White Horse, Silver Spear," and many other accolades, while the haters celebrated!

ABC reporters interviewed Kobe, who scored a game-high 23 points (10-for-17 from the field).

Tonight, the Mamba blew up the Houston Rockets' perimeter. Duncan had 20 points, 15 rebounds, and quietly dished out 7 assists.

"MVP!"

The scattered shouts made Kobe feel better, but the reporter beside him was tactless, asking a truly infuriating question:

"Congratulations to the Lakers for remaining undefeated, Kobe, what are your thoughts on Lee never considering you a rival? Do you think he lacks respect for you?"

"I don't pay attention to these things. I only play for championships. Other people's opinions don't matter."

Kobe stared at the reporter, his tone not good as he spoke these words.

To him, it was a direct slap in the face.

Noticing that the reporter still wanted to ask, he simply added:

"God has witnessed my efforts. I have never relaxed my demands on myself. Every season I am constantly honing my basketball skills!"

"I have won championships. In this league, I don't need anyone's respect."

"…"

At the post-game press conference, Duncan also had no grand pronouncements, calmly stating that the team was getting better, completely ignoring the reporters' lame questions.

Back in the locker room, Kobe still had a long face.

Oprah's show had hurt him quite a bit.

Without a "sympathetic sworn enemy," everything seemed to be his own delusion.

The white-haired, white-bearded Phil Jackson clapped his hands in front of the players, interrupting Derek Fisher and Barnes' laughter.

The Kentucky Fried Chicken Old Man seemed to sense the core players' troubles and slowly said,

"When I was an assistant coach, I saw Pat Riley constantly promoting his books on shows, and I knew that Lakers team was about to become a thing of the past."

"Every championship team eventually collapses from within, just as you know, the Chicago Bulls faced the same dilemma in '98."

"Championships can make people lose their way. Perhaps those reporters are still fantasizing about New York's 8 consecutive championships, but I have already seen the ending!"

"They are about to go to defeat, their era is over!"

These words completely silenced the locker room.

Phil Jackson's words seemed well-reasoned.

Rodman had lost his way back then, and now Ron Artest was experiencing the same situation.

Considering that both were tough guys, this similar scene seemed to foreshadow something.

Kobe looked up at the coach, who gave him an affirming smile:

"Our era is about to begin."

....

By the way, don't forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me :)