60: Spending a fortune to win a beautiful woman

He picked up the fourth money ball.

Lin Feng's arm muscles formed a smooth line, his movements showing not a hint of hesitation.

The basketball left his hand, spinning as it flew toward the hoop.

Everyone's heart leapt into their throats.

"Clang!"

The ball hit the back rim and bounced high.

An exclamation of shock erupted from the entire arena.

Is it over?

No, not yet!

The ball descended through the air, hit the other side of the rim, and bounced again.

Like a mischievous sprite, it danced atop the iron ring.

One rotation.

Two rotations.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, the basketball finally lost all its energy and, trembling, rolled into the net.

29 points!

He won!

With the final ball still in his hand, Lin Feng had already surpassed Stephen Curry's 27 points!

The Toyota Center completely exploded!

Cheers, screams, and applause converged into a surging wave of sound, nearly blowing the roof off the arena.

At the commentary desk, Kenny Smith stood up in excitement.

"He did it! He withstood the pressure! A virtual game-winner!"

Barkley was speechless, only shaking his head repeatedly, his face filled with disbelief.

In the stands, Stephen Curry was stunned for a moment before breaking into a graceful smile, leading the applause for Lin Feng.

He was thoroughly defeated and accepted it.

Facing such a mountain-shaking celebration, Lin Feng's expression didn't change at all.

It was as if that thrilling shot just now was merely a routine practice.

He calmly picked up the last money ball.

Under the gaze of the entire arena, he didn't even look at the basket.

With a gentle flick of his wrist.

The basketball traced an arc even more perfect than all the previous ones.

"Swish!"

Nothing but net!

31 points!

At the final shooting station, all five money balls—all hits!

With a flawless posture, he brought the final curtain down on this epic three-point duel.

The post-game celebration was somewhat frantic; teammates rushed up to surround Lin Feng.

He didn't immerse himself too much in the joy of victory.

After receiving the championship trophy from David Stern, he simply acknowledged the crowd and casually handed the trophy to his Agent, Jeff, who was standing nearby.

"Keep this safe for me."

"Lin, where are you going? The TNT interview is still waiting for you!" Jeff shouted hurriedly.

"I have a more important date."

Lin Feng left those words behind and, amidst the blockage of countless cameras and reporters, walked straight into the player tunnel, disappearing into the bustling crowd... Half an hour later, at a top-tier private club in Houston that was not open to the public.

An art auction hosted by a top league sponsor was taking place in a low-key yet luxurious manner.

Those who could enter were all celebrities, superstars, and business tycoons.

Lin Feng changed into a well-tailored suit and slowly walked into the venue.

His appearance immediately caused a small commotion.

After all, the title of the newly crowned Three-Point King was still fresh.

Guided by a waiter, he found his seat.

Not far away, a familiar figure raised a wine glass to him.

Scarlett Johansson.

Tonight, she wore a black off-the-shoulder evening gown, her golden curls cascading loosely, her red lips like fire, and her eyes shimmering.

Lin Feng nodded in acknowledgment, but his gaze fell on another man beside her.

Harvey, the Hollywood producer he had humiliated with a glass of wine at the charity gala.

Harvey clearly saw Lin Feng as well; a trace of venom flashed across his face, which then turned into a contemptuous sneer.

The auction proceeded in an orderly fashion.

Lin Feng had no interest in those priceless antiques and famous paintings; he just sat quietly, like an outsider.

Finally, the auctioneer's voice became high-pitched.

"The next item is very special."

"It comes from a rising artist, and the work is titled 'Broken Stars'."

The curtain was drawn, and a massive painting appeared before everyone.

On the canvas were countless shattered stellar fragments that still emitted a brilliant and stubborn light in the deep darkness, forming a bizarre starry sky.

It possessed a sense of broken and poignant power.

A clear look of interest appeared in Scarlett's emerald eyes.

"Starting price, five hundred thousand dollars."

"Five hundred and fifty thousand," Scarlett was the first to raise her paddle, her voice languid.

"Six hundred thousand."

A discordant voice rang out. Harvey raised his paddle, casting a provocative glance at Scarlett before turning his gaze toward Lin Feng.

Scarlett's brow furrowed slightly.

"Seven hundred thousand," she bid again.

"Eight hundred thousand," Harvey immediately followed, his tone full of ostentation.

He seemed determined to outshine Lin Feng in front of this Hollywood goddess.

"Harvey, you're interested in this painting too?" Scarlett's voice was a bit cold.

"Of course, beautiful works of art are always fascinating."

Harvey smiled greasily, but his words were directed at Lin Feng.

"Unlike some athletes who only understand muscle and sweat, even if they could afford this kind of art, they wouldn't understand its beauty at all."

His voice wasn't loud, but it was clear enough for everyone around to hear.

Many people cast looks of anticipation toward Lin Feng.

Lin Feng, however, acted as if he hadn't heard anything, not even lifting an eyelid, just quietly looking at the painting on the stage.

In Harvey's eyes, his silence was a sign of retreat and incompetence.

"One million!" Scarlett seemed provoked and directly raised the price by a tier.

"One million one hundred thousand!" Harvey showed no weakness, his face written with arrogant determination.

"One million two hundred thousand!"

"One million three hundred thousand!"

The price continued to climb between the two, and the atmosphere became somewhat heated.

Finally, after Harvey called out "one million five hundred thousand," Scarlett lowered her paddle and stopped bidding.

Harvey laughed triumphantly, believing he had not only won the painting but also gained face in front of Scarlett while stepping heavily on Lin Feng.

"One million five hundred thousand dollars! Are there any higher bids?" The auctioneer scanned the room.

"One million five hundred thousand, once!"

Harvey adjusted his tie, ready to receive the spotlight of the entire room.

"One million five hundred thousand, twice!"

Just as the auctioneer's gavel was about to fall.

A calm voice rang out in the silent venue.

"Three million."

The entire room went dead silent.

Everyone's gaze focused on the young man who hadn't said a word from beginning to end.

Lin Feng raised his bidding paddle for the first time.

He didn't even look at Harvey's face, which was distorted with shock; he just looked at the auctioneer and repeated himself.

"Three million dollars."

Directly doubled!

This wasn't bidding; this was a crushing defeat.

Harvey's face instantly turned the color of pig liver; he wanted to follow, but found that this price had already far exceeded his psychological expectations.

The auctioneer was also stunned for a full three seconds before reacting, his voice trembling slightly.

"Th-three million dollars! This gentleman bids three million dollars! Is there anyone higher?"

"Three million, once!"

"Three million, twice!"

"Sold!"

The gavel fell, sealing the deal.

Under everyone's complex gazes, Lin Feng calmly completed the payment.

Holding the massive painting, he did not return to his seat under the watchful eyes of the entire room.

Instead, he walked straight to Scarlett Johansson.

He bowed slightly, performing an elegant gentleman's salute.

Miss Johansson.

His voice was clear and resonant, spreading throughout the quiet venue.

"I believe the most suitable home for this 'Broken Stars' is with a collector who truly understands the beauty of brokenness."

"Please allow me to use this as the 'return gift' I am entitled to ask of you after winning the bet—that is, I am gifting it to you."