Chapter 122: Expulsion (Combined Chapter)

After posting on Weibo, Lin Feng felt instantly refreshed, the pent-up frustration in his chest swept away.

"Nothing beats 'acting cool under orders'!" Lin Feng thought to himself with satisfaction.

But while he felt great, his post caused an immediate stir across the internet.

"My god, is Lin Feng declaring war on the Basketball Association?"

"They’ve been at war for a long time! But honestly, Lin Feng is a badass; no one has ever dared to challenge the Basketball Association like this!"

"You guys are missing the point! Lin Feng vs. the Basketball Association is old news. The real bombshell is the last part: he passed the tryout for the New York Knicks! He’s actually going to the NBA!"

"If Lin Feng really makes it to the NBA, wouldn't the Basketball Association's faces be swollen from the slap? Fines? Lifetime bans? Hmph, he’s just done playing with you people!"

"Is he really going to the NBA? I’m so excited! Ever since Yao retired, we haven't had a single Chinese player in the NBA."

"..."

The internet was abuzz. Major portals immediately reposted Lin Feng’s update with eye-catching headlines:

"Breaking News! Lin Feng Heads to the NBA!"

"Ignoring the Basketball Association's Ban, Lin Feng Set to Shine in America!"

"Lin Feng vs. the Basketball Association! All-Out War Erupts!"

As major media outlets shared the story, the news of Lin Feng joining the NBA and his "bloody battle" with the Basketball Association spread like wildfire. His post was like a blockbuster bomb in the silent night, jolting awake those who were drowsy or already asleep.

Journalists, in particular, were scrambling. Online media outlets could post updates via their backends, but traditional print media—newspapers and magazines—had to pull all-nighters. Many were forced to scrap their layouts and redo them from scratch; the news value of Lin Feng’s post was simply too great to ignore.

While domestic media vied for coverage, a series of international calls poured into the New York Knicks organization...

...

In a high-end apartment in Beijing, Zhu Deli had been in a good mood for the past two days because he had finally dealt with Lin Feng, the upstart who kept challenging the authority of the Basketball Association.

Because he was in high spirits, Zhu Deli had gone to bed early, only to be jolted awake by a phone call.

"Who is it? Are you sick calling at this hour?" Irritated at having a good sleep interrupted, Zhu Deli complained the moment he picked up.

"Director Zhu, it’s me, Zhao Jian."

"Oh, Little Zhao. Is there something urgent? Calling this late," Zhu Deli asked, rubbing his eyes.

"Director, it’s a disaster. Lin Feng passed the New York Knicks tryout. They say he’s going to the NBA soon," Zhao Jian said urgently over the phone.

"What?! Lin Feng is going to the NBA? How is that possible? Does he even have the skill?" Hearing this, Zhu Deli’s sleepiness vanished instantly.

If Lin Feng actually made it to the NBA, the Basketball Association would become a laughingstock. A player discarded and banned for life by them becoming the only Chinese player in the NBA? That would be impossible to justify.

"Director, Lin Feng just posted it on Weibo himself. And... he also... he said we have no right to impose a lifetime ban on him and that the Basketball Association should be dissolved..."

"What! How dare he!" Before Zhao Jian finished, Zhu Deli exploded. "Check this out for me immediately! See if what Lin Feng says is true. Is that NBA... what’s-it-called team actually signing him?"

"Director, it’s the New York Knicks. Media outlets have already verified it. They say he really passed the tryout and is just waiting to sign the contract," Zhao Jian said.

"It’s actually true?" Zhu Deli couldn't believe it. There hadn't been a domestic player in the NBA for seven or eight years. The three who had gone before were all interior players; not a single perimeter player had ever made it, as the physical attributes of the yellow race were considered vastly inferior to those of Black athletes. Interior players could compensate with height and skill, but for perimeter players, it was too difficult...

"Director, what should we do? If Lin Feng successfully lands in the NBA, the Basketball Association will lose all face..."

"I know that!" Zhu Deli said coldly. "Do everything in your power to stop him!"

"But Lin Feng isn't registered with the Association; he’s not a player within the system. Our control over him is very limited. If he’s determined to go to the NBA, there’s nothing we can really do," Zhao Jian said helplessly.

Zhu Deli was silent for a moment before asking, "If I recall correctly, Lin Feng was borrowed by the Jiangning team last season as a university student, right? That means his personnel file should be at his university?"

"Yes, his file is at the Beijing Sports University," Zhao Jian replied.

"That makes things easier. Alright, that’s all for now."

Zhu Deli hung up and immediately dialed the number of Yan Weihua, the president of Beijing Sports University.

After a long time, the call was finally answered.

"Old Zhu, why are you calling me so late?" Yan Weihua asked, yawning; he had clearly been asleep.

Zhu Deli chuckled. "Old Yan, I’m truly sorry to disturb you so late, but I have a genuinely urgent matter."

"What could have our Director Zhu so concerned?" Yan Weihua, who had a good personal relationship with Zhu Deli, joked.

"Well, Lin Feng is a student at your university, right?" Zhu Deli asked.

"Yes, he is." Yan Weihua sighed. "Speaking of Lin Feng, I really have to give you a piece of my mind. Old Zhu, that kid is a rare talent. Why did you guys give him a lifetime ban? It’s such a pity! It’s not easy for our university to produce such a top-tier basketball talent!"

"Ahem..." Zhu Deli coughed. "Old Yan, you don't know the full story. Lin Feng's situation is complicated. The ban is non-negotiable. I’m calling you because of him. Even though we banned him for life, the kid refuses to comply. He’s not only appealing but also trying to go to the NBA. Isn't this an open challenge to our Association?"

"Oh? Lin Feng is going to the NBA? That’s good news!" Yan Weihua was both surprised and happy. If a student from Beijing Sports University could make it to the NBA, it would be a huge honor for the school.

"Old Yan, this is not good news. Think about it: if Lin Feng succeeds, what does that make our Basketball Association?" Zhu Deli said sternly. "Old Yan, we’ve been friends for decades. You have to help me this time. Since his personnel file is at your school, you must withhold it and help me stop him from joining the NBA!"

"This...?" Yan Weihua looked troubled. "Old Zhu, it's not that I don't value our friendship, but this puts me in a tough spot. We have no reason to stop him; in fact, we should support him. It brings honor to the school, and besides..."

"I know, if Lin Feng makes it to the NBA, it’s a great achievement for you. But don't worry, Old Yan, I won't let you suffer. My old man still has influence in the sports sector; I can definitely help you get that promotion you're looking for. And I don't need you to openly oppose him. Just delay him for a few days. Once the NBA's final roster deadline passes, he’ll have to wait until next season, and by then, the situation will be entirely different..." To stop Lin Feng, Zhu Deli was sparing no expense, even playing his retired father's card.

"Alright then. For the sake of our years of friendship, I can't just stand by and watch a junior bully you." After weighing the options, Yan Weihua decided to side with Zhu Deli.

"It's a deal. I'll treat you to dinner soon. I’ll call Old Liu and Old Zhang, and we’ll have a proper gathering."

"Sounds good."

...

That night, Lin Feng stayed at Qin Ruolin's villa, though he stayed in the first-floor guest room while she was upstairs. They didn't cross paths.

The next morning, Lin Feng hurried to Beijing Sports University.

Classes wouldn't start for another week, but the faculty and staff were already back. Since he was returning to his alma mater, Lin Feng didn't bother to disguise himself. Walking through the campus, he was quickly recognized by students who had returned early, leading to the inevitable requests for autographs and photos.

Fortunately, there weren't many students on campus yet, and he managed to get away after a while.

Lin Feng went straight to the president's office and knocked gently.

"Come in," Yan Weihua’s voice came from inside.

Lin Feng pushed the door open. Yan Weihua was looking down at some documents.

"President Yan, hello. I’m Lin Feng, a student from the class of 2013." Although he knew the president should recognize him, he introduced himself politely.

"Lin Feng?" Yan Weihua hadn't looked up, but upon hearing the name, he immediately put down his work.

"Ah, student Lin Feng! Please, have a seat." Yan Weihua stood up enthusiastically.

"Thank you." Lin Feng sat down across from him.

"Lin Feng, you’re the pride of our school. Although the Basketball Association’s punishment has been very unfavorable for you, the school still supports you. All the teachers and students at Beijing Sports University stand firmly behind you," Yan Weihua said with a smile.

Lin Feng nodded. "Thank you, President Yan. I’m touched by your words. Actually, I have a small favor to ask."

"Oh? Tell me. The university will definitely support you!" Yan Weihua said solemnly.

"It’s nothing major. I need a slot for an exchange student. A self-funded one is fine," Lin Feng said.

"An exchange student slot?" Yan Weihua feigned ignorance. "What do you need that for? Isn't it fine here at our school?"

"I’m planning to join the New York Knicks in the NBA. As you know about the Basketball Association, I can't use official channels and have to find my own way. So, I hope you can make an exception..." Lin Feng spoke honestly, as the news was already out.

"I see. I saw the reports. I didn't think it was actually true," Yan Weihua said with a smile. "Lin Feng, you truly are the pride of our school! Going to the NBA—that’s great news! The school will definitely support you!"

"Thank you, President Yan. Time is tight, so I hope the school can process the paperwork immediately." Lin Feng was secretly pleased that the president was so forthcoming.

However, he didn't expect the previously agreeable Yan Weihua to suddenly look troubled. "Lin Feng, the school would love to support you, but all the exchange slots for this year have already been filled. I’m afraid the school is powerless in this matter."

"Filled?" Lin Feng was stunned. "I only need one self-funded slot."

"There aren't even any self-funded ones left. The desire for students to study abroad this year is very high, so they were all allocated long ago," Yan Weihua shook his head.

Lin Feng frowned. When he and his agent were researching how to bypass the Basketball Association to join the Knicks, he had checked that in this era, domestic universities placed great importance on exchange programs. Self-funded slots were usually plentiful. Why were they all gone now?

"President Yan, could you please find a way? My contract with the Knicks is already settled; it’s just this last step," Lin Feng said.

Yan Weihua shook his head again. "It's not that I don't want to help, but there are truly no slots left. Let’s look at next year; I’ll definitely save one for you."

"By next year, the opportunity will have long passed!" Lin Feng thought, feeling frustrated. He pressed on: "Could you contact the students who have signed up but haven't left yet? See if any of them are willing to give up their spot, or I could pay to buy one."

"Lin Feng, I have to criticize you for that. You can't force others to give up their spots just because of your needs. Everyone wants to study abroad," Yan Weihua said sternly.

"President Yan, this slot is really important to me," Lin Feng emphasized.

"These slots are just as important to the other students!" Yan Weihua said with a sullen face.

Lin Feng frowned. Although Yan Weihua had been polite, he felt something was off.

Just as they were at a stalemate, there was a knock at the door, and Yan Weihua’s assistant, Guo Lingling, walked in.

"Oh, isn't that Lin Feng!" Seeing him, Guo Lingling’s eyes lit up. She was a huge fan.

"Hello," Lin Feng smiled at her.

"Hello! Lin Feng, I knew you were a student here, but I didn't expect to see you today. Can I get an autograph? A photo would be even better!" Guo Lingling said, beaming.

"No problem." Lin Feng shrugged.

"Great! Come on, sign right..." She looked around, but only had a document in her hand, and grew anxious.

Just then, Yan Weihua coughed. "Little Guo, mind your image. It’s office hours."

"Oh, sorry President Yan. I... I was just too excited," she quickly suppressed her smile.

"Lin Feng, I have work to do, so..." Yan Weihua’s implication was clear.

"I won't disturb you any further. I'll find another way." Lin Feng sighed, frustrated, and walked toward the door.

"Lin Feng, can you wait for me a moment? I’ll finish reporting my work and come out," Guo Lingling said urgently.

"Sure, I’ll wait for you outside."

Guo Lingling began her report: "President Yan, the exchange student slots for the new semester have just been approved by the Education Commission: 22 public-funded and 150 self-funded..."

"Huh?"

Hearing this, Lin Feng stopped in his tracks. Yan Weihua’s expression changed drastically, his face sagging.

"President Yan, what’s wrong?" Guo Lingling was startled by the sudden change.

"Shut up!" Yan Weihua glared at her.

Lin Feng turned back into the office, sneering at Yan Weihua: "President Yan, didn't you just say there were no slots left?"

"This..." Yan Weihua said with a dark face. "As you heard, the slots were just approved by the Commission."

"Is that so?" Lin Feng scoffed. He wasn't a fool. Yan Weihua had told him all the slots for the year were gone; how could a president not know about the new semester's quota?

"President Yan, since there are slots now, can you give me one?" Lin Feng pressed.

Yan Weihua’s eyes darted around. Two answers fought in his mind. If he gave Lin Feng a slot now, their relationship could be repaired. If he didn't, he would be completely at odds with him. Choosing not to give it meant choosing Zhu Deli.

"Those slots have already been reserved, so I still can't help you!" After a moment of thought, Yan Weihua had his answer. Zhu Deli held high power and had a deep background; compared to the fledgling Lin Feng, he chose Zhu Deli.

"Fine! In that case, I quit!"

Lin Feng said, walking out of the president's office without looking back.