"Really? I'd love that," Anthony responded immediately.
"Hey! Don... you promised to swap jerseys with me!"
Just then, Kenyon Martin's voice cut through. After the game, he finished his pleasantries with the players around him and immediately searched for Tang Long.
He was worried Tang Long might have forgotten.
Anthony looked at Tang Long in surprise, clearly unaware of this.
"Swap jerseys? Don, how long have you been playing?"
Anthony knew Kenyon Martin's personality; he was also a player with explosive physical attributes and a fiery temper.
He loved competing with equally strong guys on the court and enjoyed challenging physically gifted players.
But if he could be outplayed by someone, he'd become a devoted fan.
Clearly, in Kenyon Martin's eyes, Tang Long was that player who had outplayed him.
But this was too soon. Tang Long had only played nine games in the NBA!
He had gained a fan so quickly?
And what was this about agreeing to swap jerseys?
Anthony couldn't quite grasp it. He hadn't seen Kenyon Martin and Tang Long interact during the game.
Tang Long chuckled, rubbing his head. "You know, I almost forgot. But this smelly jersey isn't much fun to swap. I'll get you a new one from the locker room."
"By the way, how about we go grab some hot pot?"
Before asking Kenyon Martin, Tang Long signaled Anthony with his eyes. After getting a nod, he extended the invitation.
Even though they were in Cleveland, Anthony had offered to treat, so he had to ask the guest's opinion. Tang Long understood these social courtesies.
Anthony was naturally hospitable, and he had a good impression of Kenyon Martin, so he readily agreed.
"Then it's settled. We'll go get ready in the locker room and meet at the stadium entrance in an hour. I'll bring Allen along too."
Everyone nodded and returned to the locker room.
"Don, what do you think of Carmelo?"
James was untying his shoelaces and asked Tang Long.
"Carmelo? I think he's great! A good brother. He plays seriously on the court, and knows how to have fun and eat off the court."
James laughed; he felt the same way.
Initially, he had worried that Tang Long might mind Anthony's trash talk. Now, he realized he had overthought it.
That's right, this is how it is in the NBA: play is play, and life is life.
Of course, championship titles were still something every player yearned for.
Soon, everyone gathered at the stadium entrance.
Anthony was dressed in casual style, wearing sunglasses, looking very imposing. It was no wonder that later, when he went to New York, he immediately became the king of the city!
Iverson was in typical hip-hop style, his large, long-sleeved shirt covering his body, a shiny necklace around his neck. One wondered if he was cold.
James was a bit more formal, not as casual, but still very handsome.
Kenyon Martin and Tang Long were dressed more ordinarily; they clearly hadn't put much thought into their appearance.
Of course, Tang Long's tall frame, standard Asian complexion, and handsome, angular face were enough to attract attention just standing on the street. He looked very cool!
Anthony and the others were playing in a city, and they knew how to enjoy themselves for a day or two there. Naturally, they knew where to find a hot pot restaurant in Cleveland.
"Don, this hot pot restaurant tastes really good, and it's run by a Chinese person! I've eaten there several times!"
Anthony said with a beaming smile, recommending it to Tang Long.
Although hot pot originated in China, it had been popular in the United States for a long time, so finding a hot pot restaurant wasn't that strange.
Tang Long nodded, a strange warmth flowing through him. China was his homeland, after all, and seeing other Chinese people here always filled him with a sense of kinship.
Upon arrival, Anthony, familiar with the place, requested a private room. The group sat inside, drinking, chatting, and conversing.
"Don's physical abilities are truly impressive. I bumped into him during the game, and man, I almost fell! No wonder Kenyon Martin admires him!"
Anthony squeezed Tang Long's large arm, exclaiming.
"Don't just say that about you; even I can't move him! But you can just be envious! You won't find a center teammate like this!"
"Hey, even if I can't find a center like that, I can still beat you!"
"Who lost today?"
"I was just having an off-shooting day. Wait until we're in Denver next time, and I'll beat you!"
"You can only talk a big game!"
Anthony was quite unconvinced but had lost the game and didn't know how to retort.
He could only turn to Tang Long: "Don, if you have a chance to go to Denver or New York, I'll take you around. I know all the fun places, and I'll make sure you have a blast!"
Just as Tang Long was about to agree, James interjected.
"No, no, no! Don't let him corrupt a good kid! Don, why don't you come to my place and train with me? I've hired a special trainer!"
"He's already in the NBA! How can he still be a kid? Adults should do adult things!"
Seeing the two start bickering like children again, Tang Long quickly spoke up, "We'll go everywhere! Stop arguing, let's eat hot pot!"
Only then did they cease their squabble. A short while later, Anthony said, "Jokes aside, Don, if you encounter any difficulties or get into trouble with anyone, just tell me. There's nothing your big brother can't handle!"
James, uncharacteristically, didn't object and added, "That's right, Carmelo's not wrong about this. If you run into trouble, go to him. He can help you sort it out."
Tang Long smiled and nodded. In his previous life, he had only heard stories of Anthony's influence, and now he saw it was true.
"One street in New York, ask around who's the boss."
It really was Melo!
The five of them ate and drank until midnight before dispersing.
James and Tang Long went their separate ways. As for Melo and the others, they found a star-rated hotel to rest, or perhaps went to a nightclub to continue their nightlife activities; it was uncertain.
The next day at noon, as Tang Long woke up, a news alert popped up on his phone.
[Cleveland Times Captures Melo and Don Visiting Hot Pot Restaurant; Carmelo Really Does What He Says!]
Tang Long clicked on the pictures and saw images of the five of them in front of the hot pot restaurant. He couldn't help but chuckle; these paparazzi had sharp noses!
Below the article was a string of positive comments.
"Carmelo is a true man! He does what he says! Respect!"
"As expected of Melo! Broad-minded! They've become good brothers now!"
"It still takes China Tang's excellent skills to conquer Carmelo with his ability. Otherwise, why would he pay attention to him!"
"Melo gained fame, Tang gained skill. No one lost out!"
"I love Melo's personality! I declare myself a Nuggets fan for twenty years, a fan by default!"