Chapter Seventy: The Madman Buckley

Whether it was Kobe scoring high points or He Xinghui sparring with reporters after the game, these were nothing more than appetizers before the main course. While some people discussed these events, the majority of fans were still eagerly anticipating tomorrow’s game: the Clippers’ home clash against the Lakers.

With the hype around this matchup reaching a fever pitch, the shameless Sterling drastically raised ticket prices. What used to be a $20 seat in the nosebleeds was now going for $40. Seats in the back rows and center sections had also doubled. Yet, the most shocking jump belonged to the courtside seats: once available for several thousand to ten thousand dollars, they were now being sold for fifty thousand.

For minor celebrities, this was already a considerable expense. Bear in mind, Charlize Theron's current film fee was only ten million dollars—and that was before taxes. In all of Hollywood, there were fewer than five actresses who could stand shoulder to shoulder with Theron. Fifty thousand dollars, if spent on leisure, was an extravagant sum. But as a business expense, it seemed a bargain. This was a game broadcast live across America, a game broadcast live in China, a game that would reach tens of millions of viewers. To appear courtside, become a familiar face, and perhaps sit next to Charlize and be caught by the cameras a few extra times—those fifty thousand dollars could be well worth it.

After Sterling’s maneuver, the average ticket price for this game soared to $120 per seat. At that time, the league’s average ticket price was only $47—and that was with the Knicks and Lakers propping up the numbers. Excluding those two, other teams’ average ticket prices would have fallen below $40.

Sterling’s tactics only further tarnished his already notorious reputation. But though people cursed him, anyone eager to be part of the spectacle still had to grit their teeth and pay up. Soon enough, some fans would discover that even with money, there was no guarantee of getting a ticket. They were already sold out—only scalpers still had tickets in circulation.

Upon hearing this news, Stern, Silver, and the rest were all smiles. For fans, the NBA was about passionate competition; for Stern and his colleagues, the NBA was a money-making business. They endlessly hyped up the Shaq-Kobe feud, the Four Shooting Guards, the Little Emperor, the Battle of Los Angeles, and so on—all in the hopes of creating buzz and drawing in more viewers.

But now, without any effort on their part, He Xinghui had created a sensation all on his own. If every player in the league were as savvy as He Xinghui, Stern and his crew could simply sit back and count the money.

“Remind the referees: the stars of this game are He Xinghui and Kobe,” Stern specifically instructed Silver, who instantly understood. With this hint, the referees wouldn’t be quick to blow the whistle on either of them. After all, they couldn't trick the fans into tuning in only to serve up an ugly game.

“I just worry He’s not strong enough and will be dominated by Kobe,” Silver expressed concern that the gap in skill might make the showdown less exciting.

“I think you’re overthinking it. Even if He sometimes says foolish things off the court, on the court he’s always been smart. Since he’s stirred up so much hype, there must be something he’s confident about,” Stern replied.

On the evening of the 7th, on TNT, Barkley and Smith were chatting before the game.

“Come on, Kenny, just think how much fun it would be,” Barkley coaxed Smith, trying to persuade him to bet on who would score more points: Kobe or He Xinghui, with the loser having to wear women’s clothing next time.

Unfortunately, Smith wasn’t biting. Though he played the role of a He fan on air, deep down he still doubted He Xinghui could win this bet. Historically, Kobe was just too convincing.

“My tastes aren’t as exotic as yours. Why don’t you ask He himself? Didn’t he say in an interview that he enjoys betting with you? I’m sure he wouldn’t refuse,” Smith said, cleverly passing the trouble to He Xinghui.

At this, Barkley’s eyes lit up and a mischievous grin spread across his face. Getting He Xinghui to cross-dress would be far more entertaining than Smith. Without hesitation, he pulled out his phone and dialed He Xinghui.

“Charles, are you addicted to cross-dressing now?” He Xinghui couldn’t help but tease after hearing Barkley’s suggestion. In his previous life, he’d never heard of Barkley being into this sort of thing. Maybe last time had opened up a whole new world for Barkley, and now he couldn’t stop.

“Cut the crap. If you’re a man, accept my bet,” Barkley challenged.

He Xinghui was struck speechless. So if he didn’t join Barkley in this self-inflicted torment, he wasn’t a man?

“All right, since you like it so much, I’ll ask my teammates what they want to see you wear,” He Xinghui chuckled. One big mouth on the show was entertaining enough; if he could give Barkley the persona of a cross-dressing king, that would be even more fun. For that, He Xinghui was happy to help.

“Hey guys, Barkley wants to make another cross-dressing bet with me. What would you like to see him wear—a nurse’s outfit or a business suit?” He called out to his teammates.

Laughter erupted. Kaman and Cassell quickly chimed in.

“A wedding dress!”

“A maid outfit!”

Mobley raised the stakes: “How about a bikini?”

At that, everyone gasped, then the locker room filled with cheerful voices. He Xinghui imagined Barkley in a bikini and quickly shook his head, trying to banish the horrifying image.

“A maid outfit, Charles,” He decided, for the sake of America’s ophthalmologists, not to go too wild. A bikini would be indecent.

“Okay, it’s a deal! I’m live right now, so don’t think about backing out,” Barkley laughed heartily, thrilled to finally have the upper hand.

“Charles, aren’t you celebrating a bit too soon?” Smith couldn’t help but quip.

“No, this time I absolutely won’t lose again,” Barkley declared with confidence, though Smith couldn’t shake a feeling of déjà vu. He remembered Barkley being just as sure of himself when he’d claimed Yao Ming couldn’t score nineteen points.

Would a miracle happen again? Smith was eager to find out.

Fans watching the TNT broadcast were just as excited. This time, the stakes were higher: a maid outfit was even bolder than a dress. Plus, there was a good chance they’d see He Xinghui in a maid outfit. Compared to Barkley, who had already dressed up once, fans were actually more curious to see He Xinghui in costume—even some of He’s own supporters couldn’t suppress their curiosity.

Let the game begin! We can’t wait any longer, the fans shouted in their hearts.