"Haha, Su, you're too weak—I've won again!"
In the indoor court of Philadelphia's "Old Winton Basketball Training Camp," Kobe burst into proud laughter after defeating Su Feng once more in a one-on-one match.
You see...
Ever since Su Feng landed a stinging palm strike on Kobe's chest last time, Kobe had made it his mission to relentlessly tease him every chance he got over winter break.
Truly deserving of the nickname—
Kobe "Needle Calculating" Bryant.
"Come on, Su, let's go again! Let's settle this for real!"
Kobe, whose core strength was nothing short of legendary, didn't even pause to rest. After mocking Su Feng, he instantly demanded another round.
Su Feng was left speechless.
Because—seriously—how is he the winner when I'm the one getting wrecked again and again?!
That day, Su Feng silently vowed:
He'd start preparing two hundred million classic spicy trash-talk comebacks.
When the day comes that he can beat Kobe, he'll show him what it means to be a true Iron Man.
Oh, and if Kobe is the steel-hearted honey, then Su Feng is undoubtedly Su "Needle-Sharp" Feng himself.
…
Time passed, and on January 23, 1995, after the intense winter training, Su Feng underwent another evolution.
His vertical leap had reached 61. While it remained unclear whether the system had a dedicated "dunk" stat, Su Feng could now easily soar high enough to slam it down.
Maybe it was the frustration from his past life, but now Su Feng wanted to dunk any time he had the chance.
"You won't be able to look down on me anymore!" Su Feng thought, buzzing with excitement.
Of course... that was until he tried it against Kobe's defense—and couldn't even get off the ground.
Su Feng: ORZ.
On the bright side, all that winter polishing had elevated his "Kobe turn and fadeaway" to a level worthy of an NBA second-round pick.
Not that he had a choice. This move kept ranking up every time Su Feng bricked a shot, and he couldn't just keep tanking games to grind iron points, could he?
Otherwise, what was the point of being made of iron?
So, since getting this system, Su Feng realized he was always either pretending to be in a slump—or actually in one.
What a dilemma.
"Huh? The system updated my height?"
"191.5 cm. I wonder how tall I'll end up being."
"Weight's up by 0.5 kg too… can't we gain some mass a little faster?"
It's worth mentioning: during winter break, Joe Bryant often drank Coke in front of Su Feng and Kobe. Eventually, Kobe caved and bought two bottles of "Coke."
"Just this once! This is the last Coke of my life!" Kobe declared.
Su Feng always thought Kobe had insane self-discipline. But hey, if you're taunted every day... even the best will crack.
That's when Su Feng debuted his new "black tech."
After sneakily adding a bit of nutrient solution to his own Coke…
He realized that even though the effect was diluted, it still worked!
Suddenly, Su Feng saw the light—he'd unlocked a brand new pathway.
So, with an evil glint in his eye, he lured Kobe in with a flying saucer snack, and while he was distracted, Su Feng added a splash of nutrient solution to Kobe's Coke.
After all, Kobe had already brought him so many opportunities. Su Feng wasn't the ungrateful type.
"Hey… why do I feel more energized after drinking this?" Kobe frowned, wondering if his dad tricked him into thinking Coke was bad for athletes.
"Just don't drink too much. You'll be fine," Su Feng deflected.
"Alright. Just a little from now on," Kobe replied.
Of course, cravings make fools of everyone.
But as far as Su Feng was concerned, even if he'd figured out the best way to enjoy Coke…
Basketball was still way more fun.
…
Lower Merion, the school basketball gym.
"Dear coaches and teammates,
In the game against Eli Catholic High School on December 20 of last year, we lost because I let my guard down during a crucial moment.
I am truly sorry.
Coach Gregg has cared for us like a father. Kobe is the best teammate I've ever had, and Su, like an older brother, led us forward with heart.
David and Guy have been my closest brothers-in-arms.
Yet I failed to live up to your expectations.
To me, it doesn't matter if a game is big or small—we should approach every one as if it's our last.
But I let you down.
From this point on, I will take this as a serious lesson. I will reflect on my mindset, remember this moment of shame, and carry the lesson with me.
I'll lift my spirits and give my all in every game ahead.
I hope my teammates and coaches can forgive me and give me another chance.
I promise to repay your trust—with sincerity."
After finishing the heartfelt apology letter, Robbie Swartz cast a cautious glance at Kobe.
Kobe, pleased with Swartz's attitude—and still savoring the special beef burger Su Feng made that morning, along with an ice-cold Coke —decided that grown-ups should know when to let things go. Swartz was forgiven.
Even Su Feng was caught off guard by the letter.
Honestly, the guy had potential!
"Su, thank you for everything last year!" Swartz said as he rushed over to thank Su Feng after earning Kobe's pardon.
"No need, Robbie—but did you actually write that apology yourself?" Su Feng asked, curious.
Swartz scratched his head, sheepishly. "Well… my girlfriend has a Chinese friend. Her friend wrote it. Said she was inspired by a sport from her country or something."
Wait a minute!
No wonder that letter felt oddly familiar…
"Oh, right, Su—her friend's from your country too, isn't she?" Swartz added, suddenly remembering.
Su Feng patted him on the shoulder. He didn't say anything, but deep down, it was... a little annoying.
Then again—
Maybe it wasn't so bad.
After all, in this life, he'd get to witness the miracle of '01 again.
And that, in itself, was pretty miraculous.
…
The Pennsylvania High School Basketball Division League was set to restart on February 16. In the days leading up to it, during training, Coach Gregg's worldview was shattered—again—by Su Feng and Kobe's explosive development.
Over winter break, in addition to boosting his vertical, Su Feng had asked Kobe for tips on blocking and stealing.
Up to that point, Su Feng's defense had relied mostly on grit—and the painful wisdom gained from getting schooled by Kobe countless times.
But Su Feng realized something: he and Kobe were about the same height and had similar wingspans. Sure, Kobe had him beat in vertical and strength, but Su's hands were actually bigger than Kobe's...
So how could Kobe be averaging four blocks and four steals per game, while Su Feng's stats barely moved the needle?
This was just high school basketball.
Most of the players that faced off against Su Feng and Kobe were nothing more than pushovers.
Even the tougher ones? Still just slightly spicier versions of mediocrity.
And though Su Feng believed he had solid defensive instincts, he understood all too well: stats—hard numbers—would be key to his NBA dreams.
If he recalled correctly, even Allen Iverson had once been considered the best defensive player in the Eastern Conference during his college days.
That reputation mostly came from his blistering speed—he moved faster than loneliness on Valentine's Day.
But honestly...
Iverson's real defensive value came from heart: relentless hustle and sheer willpower.
Still, many players who went up against Iverson put up strong numbers. His athletic ceiling placed a limit on how much he could contain them.
In Su Feng's previous life, every elite 3&D player had one thing in common: jaw-dropping physical tools.
Some people claimed Klay Thompson wasn't physically special—but the guy led the league in distance run for several seasons.
Not to mention his surprising strength—he could hold his own in the paint when needed.
With talent like that, can you really call it "ordinary"?
"Geez… did they install cheat codes?" Coach Greg muttered, astonished by just how far Su Feng and Kobe had come.
Well...
Su Feng did kind of have a cheat code.
But Kobe?
Sometimes Su Feng seriously wondered if Kobe had a plug-in of his own—one that matched his.
After becoming friends in this life, Su Feng finally understood what it meant to be touched by destiny—Kobe's rate of improvement was downright terrifying.
Su Feng knew that Kobe's learning curve was incredible. Once he hit the league, his game would level up year after year.
Among the four dominant shooting guards of that generation, if Kobe had a ball-control upgrade loaded into his file, maybe only T-Mac—with his "steel ambition"—could compete with him.
Ahem. Anyway... where were we?
…
Time flew by, and suddenly it was February.
Since American high schools typically go on spring break in March, the high school league's schedule was packed tight throughout February.
It's worth noting: during the Chinese New Year, Kobe gave Su Feng a videotape he had cherished for years...
Er—don't get it twisted—it was a game tape of Michael Jordan.
Su Feng couldn't help but laugh. Was Kobe seriously putting the Spring Festival on the same level as Christmas?
Still, being away from home during the New Year tugged at Su Feng's heart. It reminded him of his life before he crossed over.
So, when he received Kobe's gift, Su Feng reached out and gently patted Kobe's head.
Don't worry—this time, that nightmare will never happen!
Su Feng had already decided that once Kobe entered the NBA, he'd nag him every single day about the dangers of helicopters.
Well... technically, helicopters are statistically a safe mode of transport.
But let's be honest—as a top-tier keyboard warrior, if you're not overreacting for dramatic effect, are you even trying?
Su Feng firmly believed that with his relentless ranting, Kobe would definitely stay away from that cursed contraption.
Ahem.
Back to the real story.
During the New Year, Su Feng also made sure to call his parents and let them know he was safe.
He had called them before transferring schools, and although they hadn't quite accepted this "new" version of Su Feng, he could hear the concern in their voices.
When Su Weiguo—Su Feng's father—found out his son had transferred schools to play basketball, he actually sounded happy.
In his mind, playing ball was great. At least it kept his kid active and healthy.
Su Feng was a little weirded out by that attitude. But still, just in case they suddenly heard about their son making waves on the road to the NBA, he figured he should keep them somewhat in the loop.
And so, in February, with the division league reignited, the "low-profile workhorse" of Lower Merion led his two iron-hearted companions on a rampage—closing out the season with a 23–1 record.
It was the best divisional record in the school's history.
Lower Merion then swept through the regional league with eight consecutive victories.
Since their loss to Eli Catholic High School the previous year, they had strung together a 16-game winning streak, setting yet another school record.
By the time they advanced to the final state championship, Lower Merion had even become a low-key favorite among Philadelphia's local fans.
Why?
Well... don't ask.
Let's just say disappointment is a tradition with the 76ers.
Whenever Philly fans saw Sean Bradley in uniform, they felt the urge to curse—in five different languages.
The final state championship would begin on March 20. Lower Merion's first opponent?
None other than the very same Chester High School that, in Su Feng's previous life, shattered Kobe's dream of winning a high school title in his senior year.
A school that was also known for its "brain-hammering" playstyle.
Eight teams. Single-elimination.
Three games between glory and heartbreak.
But...
After seeing the tournament schedule, Su Feng fell into a silent daze.
He knew history.
And this year, no matter how well Lower Merion performed...
Their fire would only burn so far.
Because—
…
Let's fast-forward a bit...
Chicago.
On February 4, Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson officially met face-to-face.
The Zen Master already sensed it—Jordan was coming back.
So, after some friendly catching up, Phil went straight to the point: "Michael, I think you should return before the end of the season."
Jordan nodded without hesitation. "I can start during the playoffs."
Phil Jackson shook his head instantly. "No—you'll need some games to get back into form. How about 25?"
Jordan spread his hands. "That's too much. Twenty."
Phil smiled—the kind of warm grin you'd expect from Colonel Sanders at the drive-thru. "Then 20 it is!"
Not long after Jordan and Jackson reached an agreement, on March 4...
The Bulls defeated the 76ers on the road. But on the flight back to Chicago, disaster nearly struck.
Due to a sudden loss of cabin pressure, their plane plummeted from 10,000 meters down to just over 3,000.
Trays flew, oxygen masks dropped, and chaos filled the cabin.
According to several Bulls players, their first thought was: This is it. We're going to die.
Fortunately—maybe because destiny still needed this team to build another dynasty—they survived the emergency landing.
To calm the shaken team, Phil Jackson gave everyone the next day off.
And on that day, March 5, Jordan showed up at the Berto Center, seeking out Phil Jackson once more.
To truly assess his condition, Jordan asked to begin training with the team.
Phil agreed.
Around 6 a.m., BJ Armstrong—still recovering from the trauma of the flight—was startled awake by a phone call.
It was Jordan.
BJ got dressed and raced to the Berto Center. There, he witnessed a scene that hit him like a wave of memories:
Michael Jordan, shooting... retrieving his own rebound... shooting again... grabbing the board...
The rhythm, the form—it was like the first Bulls dynasty had never ended.
"BJ, one-on-one. Let's go," Jordan suddenly said.
Armstrong nodded. Part of him was thrilled, but another part needed to know:
Could Jordan still play like he used to?
And he got his answer quickly.
Even wearing casual clothes and sneakers, Jordan made quick work of him.
They kept at it the whole day.
And more than Jordan's form or skill, what struck Armstrong most was something he couldn't quite put into words—
That love for basketball.
That's how he knew: the real Jordan was back.
The very next morning, on March 6, Bulls PR assistant Tom Smithberg unlocked the doors of the training facility—and froze.
The court was packed. Bulls players were locked in, yelling, pushing each other harder than ever.
Then Smithberg spotted a player in street clothes glide up and throw down a smooth dunk.
He looked closer, and his jaw dropped—
It was Michael Jordan.
Years later, in Steve Kerr's recollections, he recalled that when the team learned Jordan was coming back, everyone was stunned.
But just one heartbeat later, a shared thought flooded their minds—
We're title contenders again.
Although Jordan's comeback was a closely guarded secret, rumors had started swirling as more reports leaked from Bulls practices.
Even Kobe—normally laser-focused on his 1v1s with Su Feng and oblivious to the world—had become increasingly hyped...
Su Feng could feel it too.
The kind of tremor only rivaled by the shock of the Rice Master's assassination...
Was about to hit.
…
March 19, 1995 — United States.
Michael Jordan pushed open the window, inhaled the crisp morning air, and slowly stretched out his arms. In that moment, it was as if he were declaring to the world: "Prepare to tremble, mortals!"
Meanwhile, his agent, David Falk, was anxiously tweaking the final version of Jordan's comeback press release. Just moments earlier, he'd wrapped up another round of negotiations with David Stern about how the league would handle the publicity.
Speaking of which...
Stern had been feeling pretty great about the league lately.
Those two Philly kids were turning out nicely.
The NBA–China bridge was under construction.
And now—Michael Jordan was coming back.
Under his watch, Stern was convinced the NBA was on course for a perfectly calm and totally uneventful ride.
"Michael, take a look at the draft," Falk said, positively glowing with pride after an all-nighter.
The 10,000-word press release was a work of art—packed with emotion, gravity, and just the right dash of drama.
"I really am a literary genius," Falk thought smugly, watching Jordan read.
Then, after a long pause, Jordan casually tossed the press release aside and said:
"Delete everything."
Falk: "?????"
Wait... what?
Delete everything?
Was the writing that bad?
Was it not emotional enough?
Didn't he spend half the night buried in a thesaurus?
"Use this instead," Jordan said, grabbing a pen and scribbling on a blank sheet of paper.
Falk stepped forward and took a breath.
He looked down and read the note:
"I'm Back."