Chapter 229: Chapter 43: The Rapidly Advancing Pacers

Just as Artest had said, there were cameras all over the All-Star arena—not just by the court, but in the corners of the player tunnels too.

Even though it was 2003, the security cameras here were surprisingly clear.

And it was the very same Time Warner Network that Su Xi had warned not to engage in baseless speculation that leaked the videotape.

Time Warner was one of the world’s leading media conglomerates; TNT was one of the networks under its banner.

So, the moment it was leaked, the story caused a global media frenzy.

The videotape showed Scarlett Johansson and Su Xi kissing. Just as Su Xi was turning around, Scarlett suddenly grabbed him. Then, showing off some impressive moves, she pinned him against the wall.

She then leaped onto Su Xi and began kissing him wildly.

From the footage, it was clear that Su Xi was completely caught off guard at first.

But he quickly got into the swing of things. It wasn’t until Scarlett started trying to take off his clothes that he finally stopped her.

"Scarlett was clearly the aggressor! She wants to have Little Sheep Su Xi for herself!"

"She was even willing to go for broke with Su Xi in such a public place."

"The audacity of a Hollywood starlet is always so palpable."

"This will be a heartbreaking night for Jessica’s supporters."

"..."

The commentators on TV chattered on.

Su Xi was lying in Jessica’s bed as they soaked up the morning sun in Beverly Hills. His two MVP trophies sat on the nightstand, silent witnesses to the previous night’s madness.

Jessica, though somewhat drained, was still furious. "That woman has gone too far," she fumed. "She knows perfectly well that you’re my boyfriend."

Su Xi remained silent.

"I have to teach her a lesson. We need to leak something of our own to hit back." Jessica scrambled over, yanking open the nightstand drawer to grab the camera inside for a selfie.

Su Xi quickly stopped her. "No, Jessica. I’m Chinese. We Chinese don’t like to air our private lives like this."

"It’s part of our culture."

Su Xi gazed at Jessica Alba earnestly.

Alba looked puzzled. "But didn’t you grow up in the United States?"

"But I have Chinese blood in my veins. It’s in my genes." Su Xi gently took the camera from her and set it down.

He prayed for the news segment on TV to end.

But the show showed no signs of ending. They even brought on several relationship experts to analyze whether Su Xi was a better match for Jessica or Scarlett.

"...On the court, Little Sheep Su Xi has a very aggressive personality; he’s not afraid to challenge anyone in a position of power. That’s why many in the NBA world don’t care for this arrogant, domineering young man and are always quick to criticize him. However, in his personal life, away from basketball, Little Sheep Su Xi is a completely different person. He’s very low-key, reserved, even a little shy. So, I would venture to guess that he has a passive personality. Therefore, I’m on Team Scarlett. They seem like a perfect match."

This comment infuriated Jessica, who writhed around on the bed in frustration.

At that moment, Su Xi’s phone rang. He answered; it was Coach Carlisle. They arranged to fly back to Indiana together later. All-Star Weekend had been a massive victory for Su Xi. He had won two MVP awards, silencing the critics who said he had undeservedly made the All-Star starting lineup. On top of that, he had also upgraded his super explosiveness and gained the talent of Magic Johnson’s superior court vision.

If Su Xi’s overall skill before the All-Star Game was considered above elite but on the cusp of All-Star level, then now, he was definitively an All-Star-caliber player, a guaranteed top-50 in the league. And in the right tactical system, his impact could be even greater.

After finishing the call, Su Xi got dressed.

He said goodbye to Jessica Alba.

After a passionate kiss, Su Xi left the room.

Jessica chased after him and asked a critical question, "Jack, are you going to see Scarlett again? I mean, for me, can you just..."

Before Jessica Alba could finish, Su Xi cut her off.

Su Xi wasn’t proactive when it came to matters of the heart, but he was direct.

He liked to solve problems decisively. He told Jessica, "Yes, I will see Scarlett again."

After saying this, Su Xi felt it might have been too harsh, so he added gently, "You’ll have to get used to it."

Then, he walked over, kissed her on the forehead, and said, "Remember to eat breakfast."

Su Xi waved to her and left.

Jessica stood frozen in place, as if she had been struck by lightning.

In that moment, her world spun.

When Su Xi said he would see Scarlett again, it felt like her world had come crashing down.

It wasn’t until he said, "Remember to eat breakfast," that she snapped out of it... ’He’s so irresponsible, but he’s so gentle. He would definitely never say something like that to Scarlett.’

’It must be that wicked woman, Scarlett. She’s the one who seduced Jack! Jack is good. Jack loves me. I have to defeat Scarlett!’

Jessica Alba swore to herself.

It never once crossed her mind to leave Su Xi; she couldn’t live without him now. All she could think about was defeating Scarlett and having his affection all to herself.

On the way to the airport, Su Xi received a text from Jessica. It read: "You remember to eat breakfast, too. Don’t go on an empty stomach."

Su Xi’s heart gradually settled.

He thought to himself: ’Sure enough, honesty is the best weapon. When it comes to women, as long as you tell them the truth, they’ll accept anything.’