37: The Queen's New Prey

The day after the derby ended, the Los Angeles sun was still bright.

In Lin Feng's apartment, his phone screen was still lit, staying on the chat interface with Taylor.

"It seems our arts have something in common."

"I hope to have the chance to chat in person."

These two sentences, like a baited fishing line, lay there quietly, waiting for the prey's response.

Lin Feng didn't respond.

He took a shower, changed into comfortable loungewear, and made himself a simple breakfast.

Steak, eggs, milk.

Replenishing the energy consumed during last night's intense confrontation.

He ate slowly and methodically.

As if that message, enough to make any man's heart race, didn't exist at all.

Not until he finished the last sip of milk did he wipe his mouth and pick up his phone again.

An entire morning had already passed.

This deliberate delay was a silent psychological game.

He couldn't act like an eager fan.

He wanted her to understand that although he was a rookie, he also had his own world and rhythm.

Lin Feng's fingers tapped on the screen, replying to the message.

"Basketball isn't performed on the court; it's carved out with sweat and injuries in countless days and nights in the training hall."

"I don't know if this counts as art, but it is indeed my life."

He didn't directly respond to the invitation to meet, but instead pulled the topic back to the discussion of 'art'.

This was a more sophisticated test.

Sent.

Tossing his phone onto the sofa, Lin Feng walked into his small training room and began basic strength recovery training.

He needed to control the rhythm of this relationship.

"Buzz."

The vibration of the phone came from the living room.

This time, Lin Feng didn't wait any longer.

He walked over and picked up the phone.

It was Taylor's reply.

"Carved with sweat and injuries... I like that saying."

"Many of my songs were also written amidst heartbreak and struggle."

"It seems we are both people who build our own kingdoms upon ruins."

Lin Feng looked at the message, the corners of his lips curling up.

It worked.

The other party had been completely attracted by the 'sense of story' he had created.

An oriental genius who came from the bottom of the CBA, amidst everyone's misunderstanding and doubt, to the NBA, and then became an overnight sensation.

For a singer-songwriter diva who excelled at writing emotions and experiences into songs, this story itself was full of fatal attraction.

This was an artist's keen sense for creative material.

Lin Feng continued to reply.

"Maybe, but your kingdom is already radiant, while mine has only just laid its foundation."

In his humility, there was a hint of ambition that could not be underestimated.

Taylor's reply was almost instantaneous.

"Foundations are the most fascinating, aren't they?"

"They're full of infinite possibilities."

I have a 'Red' tour concert at the Staples Center in Los Angeles next weekend."

The message paused for a moment, as if the other party was organizing their words.

A few seconds later, the next message popped up.

"After the concert, I'll be hosting a private after-party at my home in Beverly Hills."

"The attendees are all friends from the industry—composers, producers, directors... a bunch of boring 'artists'."

"Interested in coming to find some new 'inspiration'?"

The true intent was revealed.

This was her true purpose.

A formal, private invitation into her inner circle.

Lin Feng's breathing hitched for a moment.

In his mind, that small line of gray text on the system interface clearly surfaced.

[Aomine Daikis Formless Shot]

[Unlock Condition]: Complete the first deep intimate link with an ss-rank charm target.

Taylor Swift.

Music Diva.

ss-rank charm target.

This party was the key to the door for unlocking the god-tier skill.

He didn't hesitate for a second.

"My pleasure."

Three simple words that were both an acceptance and maintained his stance.

"Then, see you Saturday night, mr. artist."

Taylor sent a playful winking emoji.

"Looking forward to your performance."

Lin Feng replied.

"My concert will be more exciting than your buzzer-beater."

Taylor declared confidently.

Lin Feng smiled, ending this conversation full of verbal sparring and ambiguity.

For the next few days, the Lakers had no games and entered a short break for adjustment.

The team's atmosphere became exceptionally relaxed because of that soul-stirring derby victory.

On the training court, teammates would even joke about Lin Feng's game-winning assist.

"Hey, Lin, next time there's an opportunity like that, remember to look at me. My open threes are also very accurate!"

Nick Young always leaned in with a goofy face and said.

"Come on, Nick, you'll only airball it."

Jordan Hill ruthlessly debunked him from the side.

Lin Feng just smiled, enjoying the atmosphere of integrating into the team.

Part of his mind had already drifted to the party on the weekend.

He didn't need to worry about what to wear; as a rising sports star, several top luxury brands had already sent their latest seasonal clothing, hoping to reach an endorsement deal with him.

He was simply looking forward to it.

Looking forward to the formal meeting with that music diva.

And looking forward to what kind of terrifying dominance he would display on the court after unlocking the new skill.

On Friday afternoon, Lin Feng finished his individual extra training and was preparing to go home to rest.

His phone suddenly rang frantically.

It wasn't a call, but push notifications from various social media and news apps, as dense as a rainstorm.

He opened the screen in confusion.

A push notification from the well-known gossip media TMZ occupied the most prominent position on the screen.

The cover of the push was a high-definition profile photo.

In the photo, Taylor Swift sat in a VIP seat at the Staples Center, her blue eyes focused on the court, with a faint smile on her lips.

The angle of the photo was extremely tricky, just happening to blurrily frame the back of the figure wearing the number 1 Los Angeles Lakers jersey on the court behind her.

And the news headline was even more provocative and full of room for imagination.

[The Diva's New Prey? The Lakers' oriental sharpshooter, Lin Feng!]

Scandal exploded across the entire North American social network in such a simple and crude way.

In an instant, countless fans and basketball enthusiasts flooded the comment section of this news.

"Oh my God! I knew it! I thought the way Taylor looked at him during the live broadcast that day wasn't right!"

"Lin Feng? That rookie who hit the game-winner? How is he worthy!"

"You upstairs, have you seen him play? Have you seen his face? He's worthy of any woman in the world!"

"Is another song about a breakup already on the way? (dog head emoji)"

"Don't get involved! Leave our Emperor Lin alone! He still has to help the Los Angeles Lakers win the championship!"

"A powerful union! One is a music diva, the other is a new basketball king! I declare this CP is locked in!"

Lin Feng's name, for the first time, hit the entertainment headlines in a sweeping manner.

Its popularity even exceeded the sports news traffic brought by his buzzer-beater against the Clippers.

Lin Feng scrolled through his phone expressionlessly, looking at those comments that were either blessings, jealousy, or teasing.

His expression was very calm.

This is Los Angeles.

This is the price of fame.

When you stand under the spotlight, everything about you will be magnified, and your private life will become a public consumer good.

He had long expected this.

This was just the scenery one would inevitably encounter on the road to the peak.

He was just about to turn off his phone and ignore the clamor.

The screen, however, suddenly lit up.

A video call request popped up.

The caller's avatar was a cute cartoon rabbit.

The name marked below was the two words he both missed and felt a hint of complexity towards.

Yoona.