NBA's King of Talking

Although Jia Fei felt that the intensity of this kind of competition wasn't high and the opponents' strength was limited, so it wouldn't help his technical skills that much, he still thought it was pretty good. At least he could earn money and maintain his condition so that his body wouldn't go out of shape.

Kemba Walker is indeed quite well-known locally, and UConn's title as the newly crowned NCAA Tournament champion carries considerable appeal. So after playing a few games for the pizza company, they received more commercial offers.

The prize money for these commercial competitions isn't high, but if there are many of them, it adds up to a considerable sum. Jia Fei and his team have low expenses, and these competitions usually include meals, which allows them to save some money.

Days passed by, and before we knew it, it was the end of July. The NBA lockout continued, and there was absolutely no news of it ending.

There are even rumors circulating online that superstars like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James are going to play overseas. If the NBA season is really suspended next year, these stars might actually go to play overseas.

Jia Fei had been playing a lot of games lately, and he finally saved up some money. He bought himself a new pair of basketball shoes and treated himself to a Broadway musical. He wasn't a big fan of musicals; he just wanted to experience the atmosphere of Broadway.

As August arrived, Jia Fei and his teammates continued playing matches. By the end of August, Lamb and other registered students at Cornell University needed to return to campus to begin their fall semester.

And so, Lamb, dragging his suitcase, reluctantly said goodbye to Jia Fei and the others.

The night after Lamb left, Jia Fei sat alone in the empty room, and he suddenly missed the time when Lamb was around. Although that kid always stayed up very late, always in front of his laptop with headphones on, browsing tons of pictures, GIFs, and all sorts of movies, it was definitely more lively when he was around!

After Lamb and the others left, Jia Fei and his team were left with only 4 people. Fortunately, they could still play commercial games. There were really a lot of games, big and small, here. With the NBA suspended and the Summer League canceled, there were even more local games like this.

The NBA is still suspended, and Jia Fei and his team have been in New York for almost two months.

Art Mayork complained that the NBA season might not start this year, and Jia Fei comforted him by saying it would start in November, but he obviously didn't believe him.

Kemba Walker hasn't been in a good mood lately. He's not that short of money; he just doesn't want to play in these kinds of commercial games. But what else can he do if he doesn't play? Does he really have to play overseas? He has received offers from overseas, but he doesn't want to go. He only wants to play in the NBA.

These days are indeed very difficult to live, mainly because of anxiety and a lack of hope. Apart from Jia Fei, no one else knows when the NBA lockout will end.

Jia Fei wasn't that anxious; he was just resigned. If it weren't for the lockout, he might be playing in the Summer League with Reggie Jackson for the Thunder right now!

"This is so boring, let's go out for a walk!" Kemba Walker sat on the sofa in Jia Fei's room looking utterly dejected.

Art Mayork and Oriak both nodded. They were completely subservient to Kemba Walker here; this was his territory, and they were only able to stay here because of his help.

"Do you have any good suggestions?" Jia Fei asked.

"What games are available to watch during this time?" Kemba Walker asked.

When Jia Fei opened the app, he checked the information and said, "The US Open is about to start in New York. Do you want to watch tennis?"

“Okay, there are lots of tennis stars too. Alright, let’s go watch some tennis!” Kemba Walker stood up from the sofa, having regained some of his energy.

Art Mayor and the other man naturally had no objections.

2011美国网球公开赛将在2011年的8月29日-9月11日在纽约的法拉盛公园（FlushingMeadowsPark）举办。

The US Open, the fourth and final Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year, offers substantial prize money and attracts top tennis players from around the world.

Jia Fei wasn't an expert in tennis, but he knew the basic rules and recognized some of the players. In his previous life, he would watch tennis on Channel 5 when there were no NBA games.

On August 30, at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Jia Fei and his friends watched the first round match between Russian star Maria Sharapova and 19-year-old British youngster Watson.

"Jia, who do you think will win between these two?" Kemba Walker asked. Unlike Jia Fei, he knew absolutely nothing about tennis.

"I'm optimistic about Sharapova. She's a champion before, so she shouldn't be upset in the first round!" Jia Fei said.

“I have high hopes for the little girl!” Kemba Walker said.

After the match began, 19-year-old Watson, fearless and aggressive, played exceptionally well, while Sharapova lost her serve repeatedly and eventually lost the first set 3-6.

“I told you, Watson is stronger!” Kemba Walker said.

"The match isn't over yet!" Jia Fei stubbornly insisted, determined to support Sharapova, believing that a comeback could still lead to victory.

Sure enough, Sharapova began to fight back in the second game. Her signature baseline topspin, combined with her iconic "shouting," became a unique spectacle in the match.

“Oh my god, Ja, this Russian woman is so loud, who can stand it!” Kemba Walker frowned.

"But I think it's exciting and unique! Hahaha..." Jia Fei laughed.

“Your taste is really unique. Have you been in the same room with Jeremy for so long that you’ve also developed a liking for wild things?” Kemba Walker said.

"Maybe so, I do really like that kind of roar, it's so powerful!" Jia Fei exclaimed.

Whether it was Jia Fei's encouragement that gave Sharapova the strength, she won the next two games in a row, and finally reversed the score to 2-1 against Watson, winning the first round of this year's US Open.

After the match, Sharapova signed autographs for the fans. Jia Fei joined in the fun, and his 2-meter height easily got him to the front. He generously handed her a pen, gesturing for her to sign his T-shirt.

Sharapova found this handsome East Asian boy particularly interesting, readily signed his autograph, and even smiled at him.

On the way back, Kemba Walker asked, "Are you a fan of hers?"

“It wasn’t before, but it is now!” Jia Fei said seriously.

“I think you’re just lustful!” Kemba Walker said meaningfully.

"Do I look like a pervert to you?" Jia Fei asked.

“It looks pretty much like it now!” Kemba Walker said seriously.