Chapter 114: A Chance Encounter

After ending the call with his father, Lin Changdong, Lin Feng immediately returned Walker’s call to inform him that he accepted the invitation for the trial and would be flying to New York the next day.

Upon hearing that Lin Feng was heading to New York for the trial, Lin Wen insisted on accompanying him, claiming she would serve as his translator. Qin Han, ever the tagalong, declared he would go along as Lin Feng’s guide.

As a result, Lin Feng had no choice but to book three plane tickets to New York. Fortunately, after Lin Feng announced his intention to sue the Basketball Association, the Jiangning Jaguars Club, eager to distance themselves from him, promptly refunded the 600,000 yuan they owed him. Otherwise, Lin Feng wouldn’t even have been able to afford the airfare.

The next day.

On the flight to New York, Qin Han brazenly sat with Lin Wen, forcing Lin Feng to take a seat behind them.

“Excuse me, sir, my seat is further inside,” came a pleasant voice suddenly at his ear.

Lin Feng instinctively opened his eyes in surprise. The woman speaking to him was none other than Shen Mengfei, general manager of the Jiangzhou Southern Airlines Basketball Club, who had previously discussed the "poaching" issue with him.

“General Manager Shen, what a coincidence,” Lin Feng stood up from his seat and greeted her.

“Who are you?” Shen Mengfei eyed him suspiciously. Due to his recent rise in fame, Lin Feng had been traveling fully disguised, so she failed to recognize him at first.

“Please, have a seat first. Let’s talk,” Lin Feng gestured, inviting her to sit. Once seated, he removed his sunglasses and mask with a smile. “So, do you recognize me now?”

“Lin Feng!” Shen Mengfei’s face lit up with delight. “What a coincidence! You’re going to New York too?”

“Yes,” Lin Feng nodded with a smile.

“We really are fated to meet. This trip won’t be lonely at all,” Shen Mengfei laughed softly.

“Brother-in-law, who is she?” Qin Han turned around from the front row, watching Shen Mengfei with suspicion. Judging by his demeanor, he was clearly keeping an eye on the woman for his sister.

“General Manager Shen, this is Qin Han. Qin Han, this is Shen Mengfei, general manager of Jiangzhou Southern Airlines Basketball Club,” Lin Feng introduced them.

“Oh, I know him. He’s Qin Ruolin’s brother,” Shen Mengfei said graciously, extending her hand to Qin Han. “I’m Shen Mengfei. Nice to meet you.”

Qin Han nodded slightly but did not shake her hand. It seemed he remained wary of this woman, whose looks rivaled his own sister’s.

“Wenwen, this is General Manager Shen. General Manager Shen, this is my sister, Lin Wen.”

Lin Feng introduced Shen Mengfei and Lin Wen to each other.

“Wenwen, I really enjoy your song ‘Encounter,’” Shen Mengfei smiled warmly at Lin Wen.

“Thank you. Actually, my brother deserves the credit for the good music,” Lin Wen replied softly.

“I think it sounds better when you sing,” Shen Mengfei said with a smile. “Wenwen, are you guys traveling to New York?”

“No, we...” Lin Wen hesitated, glancing at Lin Feng for guidance.

“I’m here for an NBA trial. They’re accompanying me,” Lin Feng took over the explanation, not bothering to hide it from Shen Mengfei. After all, the news about his trial with the New York Knicks would break sooner or later.

“You’re really going to the NBA?” Shen Mengfei frowned, disappointed. “I was hoping you’d join Southern Airlines.”

“General Manager Shen, don’t joke. I don’t even qualify to play in the CBA now. Why would Southern Airlines want me?” Lin Feng shrugged.

“As long as you agree to join Southern Airlines, we can sign the contract immediately,” Shen Mengfei said earnestly.

“General Manager Shen, you’re serious?” Lin Feng was surprised by her attitude. At this point, he was like a pariah in the basketball world; everyone was avoiding him, even his home club Jiangning Jaguars was eager to cut ties.

“I’m serious! The Basketball Association can suspend you for a year, two years, three years—I don’t believe they can ban you for life. As soon as you’re unbanned, even if you only play one season for us, signing you is worth it,” Shen Mengfei insisted.

“Dream Sister, you really have an eye for talent. I agree—any club signing my brother now would be getting a steal,” Lin Wen said in full agreement.

“So, Lin Feng, how about considering Southern Airlines? An annual salary of three million yuan, plus bonuses. Even if you don’t play a single game all season, you’d still receive your salary and bonuses,” Shen Mengfei offered.

Lin Feng smiled. “I appreciate your kindness, General Manager Shen, but I’m not planning to sign with any domestic clubs for now. If I do in the future, Southern Airlines will definitely be my top choice.”

“You said that—don’t go back on your word,” Shen Mengfei warned.

“Don’t worry. I’m the kind of person who keeps his promises,” Lin Feng chuckled. “By the way, General Manager Shen, what brings you to New York? Vacation?”

“I don’t have the luxury to vacation,” Shen Mengfei sighed. “Our team performed terribly last season. Strengthening the roster is our off-season priority. You were my first choice, but since you’re unwilling to come, I had to target others. The national team is training in New York now, so I’m here to meet some national players. But the main reason is to scout foreign players.”

“General Manager Shen really is dedicated to the club,” Lin Feng remarked.

“No choice—I’m the general manager after all,” Shen Mengfei stretched and yawned. “I’m so tired. Mind if I rest on your shoulder for a bit?”

She tilted her head, clearly intending to lean on Lin Feng’s shoulder.

“Of course I mind!” Lin Feng exclaimed.

Before he could say more, Qin Han turned around again, glaring at Shen Mengfei before saying to Lin Feng, “Brother-in-law, let’s switch seats. I think it’s better if you sit with Wenwen.”

Lin Feng frowned, fully aware of Qin Han’s motives. The kid was obviously afraid Lin Feng and Shen Mengfei might be up to something.

“Fine,” Lin Feng relented and swapped seats with Qin Han.

“General Manager Shen, you can rest now. My shoulder’s all yours,” Qin Han said cheerfully after switching.

“Forget it,” Shen Mengfei rolled her eyes at Qin Han and leaned her head against the window.

The plane.

After several hours of turbulence, the group arrived at New York airport.

“Lin Feng, have you found a hotel yet?” Shen Mengfei asked after passing security.

“Not yet. We’ll look for one later,” Lin Feng replied.

“In that case, why don’t you stay at my place? I have a big house in New York. I live alone and it’s a bit lonely. You’re all welcome to come over—it’ll be livelier,” Shen Mengfei offered warmly.

“Uh, that might not be appropriate,” Lin Feng scratched his head awkwardly.

“Not at all inappropriate. We’re all friends, right, Wenwen?” Shen Mengfei chatted happily with Lin Wen during the journey, and the two had grown quite close.

“Brother, let’s just stay at Dream Sister’s place. It’s a hassle to find a hotel now, and staying with her will save us the hotel costs,” Lin Wen smiled, teasingly asking Shen Mengfei, “Dream Sister, you’re not going to charge us rent, are you?”

“What a joke! I’d be thrilled to have you all here,” Shen Mengfei said, pulling Lin Wen’s arm enthusiastically. “Wenwen, let’s go. I still have so many entertainment gossip stories to tell you...”

“Really? Then tell me more about the famous actress Zhang Ziyi and that other person...” Lin Wen said eagerly.

...