Chapter Sixty-Seven: Calling Out Kobe

Until the party ended, He Xinghui still hadn’t come up with a good idea. As he watched Charlize preparing to leave, he threw caution to the wind and resorted to the most clichéd move a man could make.

“Charli, when are you free? Let me take you out for dinner, shopping, a movie. I could even teach you basketball—I’m really good at it,” He Xinghui extended his invitation.

Connolly, watching from the side, continued to snicker. He Xinghui’s persistence was almost endearing. Du Haming, meanwhile, slapped his forehead; having a friend this dense was honestly embarrassing.

“If I wanted to learn basketball, why wouldn’t I ask Kobe? I know him pretty well, too, and his skills are way better than yours,” Theron retorted, both amused and exasperated.

Ask Kobe? Goddess, just how blind are you? With Kobe’s looks, how could he possibly deserve you? Besides, he’s an infamous flirt. Sure, I’m a flirt myself, but at least I’m a handsome one, He Xinghui grumbled inwardly.

He replied, “Kobe isn’t as handsome as I am. Besides, his skills aren’t necessarily better than mine.”

“Kobe’s leading the scoring charts right now,” Theron countered, leaving He Xinghui speechless.

He couldn’t very well claim Kobe’s high scores were just a result of taking more shots; Theron, a casual fan, probably didn’t even know what true shooting percentage meant.

In a moment of desperation, He Xinghui said, “That’s only because I haven’t gone all out yet. Since you think he’s better, let’s make a bet. In the game on the 7th, if I score more points than him, you’ll have to agree to a date with me. How about it?”

“Charli, say yes! Say yes! Say yes!” Connolly egged her on.

“OK. But if you don’t outscore Kobe, you’ll have to make a cameo in my film—and no kissing scenes,” Theron replied.

“That’s your promise, then. A lady’s word can’t be broken. Everyone, bear witness; it’s settled!” He Xinghui excitedly called Du Haming, Connolly, and the others to witness the bet.

His eagerness to ensure Charlize Theron wouldn’t back out amused Connolly and the others yet again.

He wasn’t completely confident of victory, but at least he had a chance. Where there’s a chance, you have to fight for it—you can’t let it slip away.

“Hahaha…” Du Haming and the others laughed as they agreed to act as witnesses.

…

On the way home, Connolly continued teasing Theron. “Charli, it’s obvious—He really likes you, he’s practically losing his mind for you.”

A string of imaginary black lines seemed to float above Theron’s head as she replied, “I think that’s just his nature. Don’t you find him a bit… slow? It’s hard to believe he was behind the Pepsi commercial—probably his team did most of the work.”

“Well, what’s wrong with being a little naïve? Makes him easier to manage. Besides, he’s a bit handsome, and his fame, status, and income are all worthy of you,” Connolly said.

“Enough.” Theron wasn’t so easily convinced; she wasn’t short of admirers. And among those pursuing her, who wasn’t a standout? Excellence was merely the minimum requirement to chase her.

She took out her phone and dialed Kobe’s number.

“Hey, Kobe.”

“Hey, Charli, what made you call me?” Kobe asked curiously.

Though they were friends, they weren’t close enough to chat often.

“I need your help with something…” Theron briefly explained the bet with He Xinghui, hoping Kobe would give his all and help her defeat him.

Even though Theron believed Kobe was stronger, she feared an upset and made sure to emphasize her request.

“Hahaha…” On the other end, Kobe was nearly doubled over with laughter.

In all his years, he’d never encountered something so amusing. In the monotony of life, a bit of unexpected fun was certainly welcome.

“OK, Charli, I’ll make sure to teach this guy a lesson.”

He Xinghui’s recent surge had already annoyed Kobe. He’d been waiting for this game to settle the score, and now he had the perfect excuse—to help Charlize Theron and shatter He Xinghui’s dreams. It was truly killing two birds with one stone.

“Thanks, I’ll treat you to dinner next time.”

With that, Theron hung up.

“I almost feel sorry for He. He asks you out and you refuse, but you’re the one inviting Kobe to dinner. Isn’t that kind of cheating?” Connolly commented.

“So what? If he wants to date me, he has to overcome these obstacles. If he can’t, why should I take him seriously?” Theron gave a proud smile, suddenly finding it rather amusing to tease He Xinghui like this.

“But He’s still a rookie,” Connolly said, feeling this was far too unfair for He Xinghui.

…

Elsewhere, Vanessa probed Kobe about the phone call.

This time, Kobe could answer calmly and truthfully—he was innocent.

“So He likes Charli? Kobe, I think you should help him; let him win and create a romantic story,” Vanessa hinted, hoping Kobe would go easy. Women always enjoyed these seemingly romantic tales.

“No, no, no, I’m a very professional athlete. Besides, if he wants true love, he should work for it,” Kobe replied seriously.

No way he’d throw the game; he’d waited too long for this opportunity. If anything, he’d give it his absolute all.

Should I let him score ten points, or keep him from reaching double digits? Kobe mused, his lips curling into a grin.

Vanessa could only shake her head in defeat.

That night, He Xinghui posted his first update on ICQ.

At that time, Facebook was just starting out, Twitter hadn’t appeared yet, and ICQ dominated instant messaging and social interaction.

The platform had too many features and was cumbersome to use. Mark had helped He Xinghui set up an account, but he’d never used it until now.

Tonight, feeling a surge of bravado, he called out Kobe on ICQ.

“Kobe, January 7th, you’re finished. I’m going to crush you.”

Kobe quickly replied.

“He, you’re dreaming. This time, I’ll turn your fantasy to dust. You have only yourself to blame for choosing the wrong opponent.”

Their public exchange instantly drew countless eyes.

Everyone was curious—had Kobe smashed He Xinghui’s window, or had He Xinghui flirted with Vanessa?

Otherwise, what could explain such animosity, with both men exchanging heated words before the game even began?

Whatever the reason, it didn’t matter. Their pre-game trash talk was a delight for fans, and anticipation for the match soared.

Meanwhile, the truth soon surfaced. Whether it was Connolly or Du Haming who leaked the news, on January 4th, the newspapers published the story of He Xinghui’s bet with Charlize Theron.

Only then did fans learn the real reason.

But after learning the truth, they were left speechless.