The airport fan reception video not only went viral domestically but was also posted on foreign forums, letting everyone know how popular Tang Long was in China!
While foreign stars marveled at Tang Long's popularity, Scarlett, upon seeing the video sent to the United States, was immediately unsettled because the girl standing next to Tang Long was none other than Swift.
Scarlett quickly called Gail Gadot, and also sent the video of Swift going to China to Gail Gadot.
"Taylor is too cunning," Gail Gadot said vexedly. "We were all tricked, Scarlett. I want to go to China too."
"Have you thought it through?" Scarlett's voice sounded remarkably calm now. "If you go now, the film set will have to stop production because of you."
Gail Gadot became conflicted, which only made her more furious with Swift.
She had always thought Scarlett was her biggest competitor, only to realize now that her true rival was Swift!
"Gail, even though we can't go to China right now, we can make Swift come back."
"That's a good idea." Gail Gadot's eyes lit up. "I knew your mind was sharp. After all, your short stature means blood circulates faster."
Scarlett, on the other end of the phone, rolled her eyes. At a time like this, this woman still managed to put her down.
However, this was no time for them to bicker. They had to unite. Scarlett, suppressing her annoyance, slowly explained her plan to Gail Gadot.
"Scarlett, I knew it. You are indeed more cunning than Taylor. Let's do it this way."
...
"Tang Long, hello, this is head coach Jonas."
"Hello, Coach."
After a warm handshake with Jonas, they exchanged a few pleasantries.
Jonas gathered all the players at the training camp for introductions, and they would officially start practicing together the next day.
"He looks just so-so."
"He looks so different from on TV."
Zhou Peng and Ding Mianhui whispered to each other, and the other players also looked at Tang Long with a strange gaze.
Tang Long also noticed this situation.
After the players had met each other, Guo Qiang took Tang Long to arrange his room, and Tang Long then learned that Jonas had originally planned for him to meet the players immediately after he landed.
Then, they would have a meal together to get acquainted. Who knew that after Tang Long landed, he would be busy taking photos and signing autographs for fans, making everyone wait for the entire afternoon.
Of course, everyone knew Tang Long had to do this, otherwise, in the afternoon, there would surely be subtle mockery.
Tang Long himself felt wronged. He was only supposed to report to the national team tomorrow. But as soon as he settled Swift, Guo Qiang and the coaching staff came to pick him up.
The next morning, Tang Long was woken up early for physical training.
Fortunately, the intensity of training in the NBA was higher than in China, so he didn't find the training difficult.
In the afternoon, after Jonas had assessed Tang Long's physical condition and basic information, he proposed a three-on-three half-court scrimmage.
Tang Long, Zhou Peng, and Ding Mianhui formed one team.
Yao Ming, Yi Jianlian, and Sun Yue formed the other team.
"I say, Tang Long, the hoops used for games are a bit different from the league's. Can you handle it?"
"Brother Yao, we'll see on the court if I can handle it!"
"Still so arrogant." Yao Ming couldn't help but pat Tang Long on the shoulder. "You just landed yesterday, and knowing you'd be jet-lagged, I didn't bother you. Today, after training, we'll have a welcome dinner for you, with some teammates."
"Sure, no problem." Tang Long said, as if remembering something, "Can I bring a friend?"
Swift was alone in China. Although she could speak a few words of Chinese, she was unfamiliar with the place, and Tang Long couldn't just abandon her.
"Of course, you can," Yao Ming said, leaning in and whispering, "Are you planning to make an official announcement?"
"What are you talking about?" Tang Long teased. "Brother Yao, if you say that, my image of you will be shattered!"
"You little brat..."
Yao Ming gave Tang Long an exasperated glare. They were old rivals and understood each other well.
Three-on-three was more favorable to them, especially for Yao Ming, as he wouldn't have to run back and forth, saving at least half his stamina, and he had a greater advantage under the basket.
Moreover, Yao Ming had played against many players before entering the NBA.
After becoming famous in the NBA and being the pillar of the national team, he naturally knew the other players better than Tang Long.
This scrimmage attracted not only the players but also the staff of the training base.
When they heard that Tang Long and Yao Ming were going to play half-court basketball, everyone put down their work and came to the basketball court to watch.
They used to watch on TV, but now they were watching live, and it was a showdown between two NBA centers! How could this not make them excited and eager!
Both teams took their positions, and Guo Qiang blew the whistle to start the game.
The first team to score five points would win, and the loser would do ten push-ups.
Tang Long's team had the first possession.
The ball was passed to Zhou Peng. Facing Sun Yue's defense, Zhou Peng faked multiple times, but Sun Yue's defense was airtight, and he couldn't break through.
At this moment, Tang Long and Ding Mianhui ran to the basket from the left and right, with Yao Ming responsible for guarding Tang Long.
Tang Long positioned himself and directly called for the ball, but Zhou Peng made a pull-up jumper himself.
The shot missed, and Yao Ming grabbed the rebound and passed it to Yi Jianlian. Yi Jianlian turned and shot.
The ball went in.
After the inbound, Yao Ming didn't immediately run to the basket, instead receiving the pass near the free-throw line.
Sun Yue dribbled to the basket, intending to shoot over Tang Long. However, as he jumped, he realized Tang Long's speed was clearly faster. If he shot now, Tang Long would definitely block it!
He passed the ball around to Yao Ming at the free-throw line. Ding Mianhui found it difficult to guard Yao Ming.
Another one!
This time, Tang Long was smarter. He didn't wait under the basket but came out to guard Yao Ming.
Yao Ming, at the free-throw line, bounced the ball and winked at Tang Long. "How is it? Feeling much harder, isn't it?"
"I think it's just so-so. Bring it on."
"Alright!"
Yao Ming inbounded the ball again, and it reached Yi Jianlian. Ding Mianhui was guarding Yi Jianlian. Yi Jianlian was confident against Ding Mianhui's defense. He dribbled forward two steps, then turned and shot.
The ball went in!
Before they had even started, Tang Long's team was already three points behind.
Tang Long was now at a loss. He couldn't possibly be in two places at once, could he?
After another inbound, Tang Long decided to continue guarding Yao Ming, but this time he prepared to provide help defense for Yi Jianlian at any moment. Unexpectedly, after receiving the ball, Yi Jianlian immediately passed it to Sun Yue.
Sun Yue's acceleration was extremely fast. Before the defender could get set, he had already driven to the basket and made an easy layup!
4-0.
Just one more point, and Tang Long would lose his first game back in China.
"Hey, you two, can you give a little more effort?"
"What do you mean by that? How can it be that we're not giving enough effort?" Zhou Peng and Ding Mianhui immediately got angry!