Chapter 89: A Gift Unlike Any Other (Three Updates Today)

"The Orlando fans can celebrate—they’ve just witnessed their team secure back-to-back victories at Amway Arena!"

As the game came to an end, the commentator delivered his concluding remarks. “And tonight, Michael Wu, the Chinese-American rookie selected in the second round of this summer’s draft, delivered a standout performance!”

“Whether it was playing the entire second quarter or stabilizing the game in the latter half of the third, Michael was crucial at every moment.” The commentator leafed through the stats at hand. “He went 9-for-12 from the field, making this the most perfect game of his career so far!”

While the commentators were excitedly discussing his performance, reporters were already rushing courtside to the Magic bench to find Michael Wu for an interview.

“Oh! Michael Wu, our hero!”

“Come on, Michael! Keep on winning!”

Before the reporter could even ask a question, fans who hadn’t yet left their seats were already shouting enthusiastically toward Michael. Their spirits were clearly high.

“Hey Michael, can you hear these cheers? You were fantastic tonight!” Amidst the roar of the crowd, the reporter finally managed to get his question out. “Come on, young man, after the best game of your career, how do you feel?”

“It feels amazing. I’ve never taken so many shots in a single game before.” Michael, a bit embarrassed by the fans’ fervor, scratched his head. “Honestly, when Coach Frank drew up plays for me on the board, I was incredibly nervous.”

“If I had disappointed Coach like I did in Indianapolis, I might have lived in that shadow for the rest of my life.” Michael smiled. “Fortunately, I pulled through and fulfilled his expectations.”

“And we have the best fans in the world!” Michael spoke with growing passion, waving his arm toward the cheering crowd. “This victory belongs to everyone who supports the Orlando Magic!”

“Yeah!”

As Michael waved his arm, the crowd of Magic fans erupted in unison—the Amway Arena belonged to them tonight!

“Michael, our star, you’ve finally come back to us.”

After the interview, Michael had just returned to the locker room when he found his teammates all staring at him, with Biyombo giving him a sly grin. “Orlando’s fans are pretty enthusiastic, aren’t they?”

“Enthusiastic? That’s an understatement.” Michael shot Biyombo a glance and flopped onto his seat. “They’re insanely enthusiastic!”

“Ha!”

At Michael’s response, Biyombo hesitated for a moment, but when Michael threw in a “very” with his answer, the entire locker room burst into laughter and the atmosphere instantly came alive.

“Kid, just wait—a few days from now, your locker will be stuffed with little notes!”

It was the seasoned vet, Ibaka, who spoke up. “And when that happens, remember to take precautions.” As he spoke, Ibaka pulled a small box from his pocket and waved it in front of Michael.

It looked familiar to Michael—something like the gum packaging he used to chew in his past life.

“Oh, come on, Serge, only someone your size would need that extra-large version.” Next to Ibaka, Vucevic looked annoyed. “Bro, the girls leaving those notes will be prepared themselves. Michael just needs to enjoy it!”

“Nikola, don’t underestimate Michael.” Ibaka wasn’t having it. “He’s just about my size!”

“What?”

As soon as Ibaka finished, a wave of shock ran through the locker room and dozens of eyes turned to Michael.

“Uh… your looks are getting a bit weird, guys. I think it’s time we found Coach Frank.” The stares made Michael’s scalp tingle and he quickly tried to change the subject.

But the rookie was no match for the veterans.

DJ Augustin was first to lean in. “Michael, is what Serge said true? Are you really that impressive?”

“Hey, DJ, if you don’t believe me, ask Bismack. He’s the one who told me.” Ibaka pointed at Biyombo. “Right, Bismack?”

“So it was you!”

Michael gave a cold laugh. He had been wondering how Ibaka knew about his “gifts”—turns out it was Biyombo’s doing!

He recalled how, after showering, he’d once come out in just his underwear and Biyombo had seen him by accident—so that’s how it was!

“Bismack, I didn’t expect someone as honest-looking as you to betray me!”

Shaking his head, Michael walked over to Biyombo, who was grinning mischievously. “Is there no basic trust left between people?”

“Alright, Michael, enough!” Though Michael tried to sound self-righteous, Biyombo couldn’t stop smiling. “After tonight’s game, you’ll have plenty of admirers!”

“To prevent any awkwardness from lack of skill, how about we go get some practice tonight?” Biyombo shot him a knowing look. “My treat!”

“Oh, that’s rare!” As soon as Biyombo spoke, the locker room erupted again. “Michael, Biyombo’s famous for being stingy. None of us has ever gotten him to pay for anything. You’ve really hit the jackpot!”

“That’s right, Michael. I think Bismack’s betting you don’t have what it takes to spend his money!”

“Exactly! You should show him your skills—make him regret it!”

Hearing his teammates’ banter, Michael had to admit their ability to rile things up was second to none.

“I have no intention of taking my talents to that kind of place.” No matter how much they joked, Michael stood firm. “I’m exhausted. I think I’ll head home early and rest.”

With that, Michael shot Biyombo a fierce look, gathered his gear, and asked, “By the way, anyone seen Coach Frank?”

“I was just looking for you, Michael.”

No sooner had he spoken than Magic head coach Frank Vogel appeared at the door. “Come with me. Someone wants to see you.”

Someone wants to see me?

Hearing this, Michael rubbed his nose. Besides his teammates, he didn’t know anyone in America. Who could possibly want to see him now?

Not thinking too much, he followed Vogel out to find out.

“Michael really doesn’t know how to have fun. Once you go to a place like that, you’ll definitely want to go again!”

“Don’t worry. If Michael keeps playing like he did today, we’ll drag him there whether he wants to go or not!”

As Michael walked away, the Magic locker room buzzed with ever more ingenious schemes.