Courtyard Houses: From Bronze Compasses to Global Reach

Chapter 253 One-on-One Challenge Against Chamberlain

Madison Square Garden, afternoon of May 21.

The Philadelphia Warriors' regular season game against the New York Knicks has just ended, with the score settling at 109-87. The Warriors won easily without much effort. As a large number of fans, some still feeling disappointed and others looking somewhat dejected, left, the once bustling arena gradually became empty and quiet, with only staff beginning their routine cleaning.

In a section of the stands near the players' tunnel, Lin Yan, Tom, Mike, and Coach Holt remained seated calmly. Tom and Mike were so excited they could hardly sit still, their hands clenched tightly, their hearts pounding as if trying to burst from their chests. They were about to witness their friend compete alongside a living legend of the basketball world! Coach Holt, on the other hand, seemed somewhat nervous, constantly wringing his hands, a mixture of anticipation and worry.

About half an hour later, a cacophony of footsteps and laughter echoed from the tunnel. Led by Wilt Chamberlain, the Philadelphia Warriors players returned to the court in twos and threes. Most had already showered and changed into comfortable casual clothes. Some wore excited expressions, winking at each other; others seemed less enthusiastic, yawning, as if they just wanted to finish this extra activity quickly and go home to rest.

Among this group of giants with an average height of over two meters, Lin Yan, wearing an ordinary jersey and holding a brand-new basketball, appeared particularly small and inconspicuous.

Without the slightest hesitation, under the almost starry-eyed gazes of Tom and Mike, he picked up the basketball and walked towards the tallest figure in the center of the court—Wilt Chamberlain.

Chamberlain was casually stretching his shoulders when he saw Lin Yan approaching. He stopped, and the shadow cast by his massive body almost completely enveloped Lin Yan.

Lin Yan stood in front of Chamberlain, having to crane his neck to see the man's face. Under the curious gaze of everyone, he made a gesture that instantly silenced the entire room—he calmly raised one hand, palm down, and slowly moved it horizontally from above his head to Chamberlain's chest.

Then, he muttered something softly, almost to himself, but it was unusually clear in the quiet arena:

"Wow, that's really high..."

"puff--"

"Hahaha!"

This naive yet truthful remark instantly ignited a burst of good-natured laughter from the Warriors players watching nearby. Even Chamberlain's lips twitched slightly, finding the young man rather amusing.

Lin Yan seemed oblivious to the surrounding laughter. He lowered his hand, calmly stepped forward, extended his right hand, and met Chamberlain's downward gaze with a composed expression.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Wilt."

Chamberlain looked at his typical Eastern face, his thick eyebrows twitching slightly with a hint of surprise:

"Hmm? An Asian?"

"Yes, I am Chinese," Lin Yan answered confidently, neither humble nor arrogant.

Upon hearing this answer, Chamberlain's initial curiosity about the $50,000 was instantly replaced by a sense of unwarranted contempt. In his understanding and the prevailing notion at the time, the physical attributes of Asians were simply unsuitable for basketball, a sport that emphasizes height, strength, and explosiveness. Besides, this little kid in front of him was as thin as a telephone pole, and in his eyes, he was practically a "shortsman."

He casually extended his hand, giving Lin Yan a perfunctory handshake; his enormous hand seemed capable of completely enveloping Lin Yan's. He spoke with a condescending, mocking tone:

"Kid, let me make this clear beforehand. Even if you're a rookie, a paid customer, I, Wilt Chamberlain, will not let you off easy. The rules are simple: five balls, whoever gets five first wins. Don't go home crying if you lose too badly later."

Faced with this almost humiliating "reminder" and the faint snickers around him, Lin Yan not only didn't get angry, but instead felt an inexplicable excitement. He withdrew his hand, looked up at the "basketball tower," and spoke calmly, but his words stunned everyone present:

"Mr. Wilt, I've already made that clear beforehand."

He paused, then said, word by word:

"I won't let them get away with it either."

"Don't try to cheat if you lose later."

"..."

The entire stadium fell into an eerie silence.

All the Warriors players seemed to have been put on pause, their smiles frozen, staring incredulously at the arrogant young man from the East.

After the deathly silence came bursts of laughter and whistling that nearly lifted the roof off.

The Warriors players were laughing so hard they were doubled over.

"What did he say? He won't let me pass?"

"Oh my God! This is the funniest joke I've heard all year!"

"Wilt, can you hear that? This kid's worried you'll cheat if you lose!"

Chamberlain didn't laugh for long. His massive frame leaned forward slightly, and he squinted as he scrutinized the unusually calm Eastern youth before him. There was no timidity, no bluffing, only a... almost eerie seriousness.

"Interesting..." Chamberlain's deep voice carried a hint of amusement. "It's been a long time since anyone dared to speak to me like that."

Tom and Mike gasped and instinctively covered their mouths.

Coach Holt clutched his forehead in pain, feeling like he was about to have a heart attack.

A feeling of being offended mixed with a great sense of absurdity surged into his heart, but amidst this absurdity, Lin Yan's overly calm attitude aroused a genuine curiosity and competitive spirit.

He waved his hand dismissively: "Come on, kid. Who serves first?"

"When in Rome, do as the Romans do," Lin Yan said, passing the ball to Chamberlain.

Chamberlain received the ball, stood near the top of the key, and looked down at Lin Yan, who was in a defensive stance near the free-throw line.

"You'll pay for your arrogance, kid."