Chapter 243: Crazy Phoenix Fans!
"Wow! This place is even better than I imagined!"
After the postgame press conference, Chen Yan brought Taylor back to his new villa in Phoenix. It was the first time she'd visited since he moved in.
They had toured the property together before, but the house looked completely different now. Chen had added his own touch — a mix of basketball memorabilia, movie posters, and anime collectibles. Every room had something that reflected his personality.
He led Taylor through the living room, past the trophy shelves and movie wall, before stopping in the bedroom.
"This," he said with a grin, "is the real main court tonight."
Taylor giggled, brushing a strand of her golden-brown hair behind her ear. Her favorite perfume filled the room with a light, fruity scent.
Just as Chen leaned in to kiss her, Taylor teased, "You seem to be getting a lot more female fans lately. I heard some of them yelling after the game that they want to have your baby."
Chen laughed. He hadn't expected Taylor to sound jealous.
"We won big tonight," he said with a smirk. "They're just celebrating. It's nothing serious."
"Oh? So you're not saying no to those girls?" Taylor raised a brow, pretending to pout.
Chen froze — a dangerous question. He looked straight into her eyes and answered carefully, "On the court, the fans are everything to me. But off the court, my life belongs to us. Having kids… that's something only we should talk about."
Taylor couldn't help but burst into laughter at his overly serious tone. "Good answer, Mr. MVP." She pointed at a few unopened boxes near the bed. "Let's deal with those first before you think about anything else."
Chen sighed dramatically. "If I finish all of that, I'll have to retire early."
"Keep working hard," Taylor joked. "You'll get there by next year."
They both laughed, and the night went on with the same easy warmth that made them perfect together.
---
The next morning, the sports world couldn't stop talking about him.
"The Rookie Phenom Dominates His Playoff Debut!"
"One-Man Show — Chen Yan Leaves the Nuggets in Ruins!"
"Youngest Player Ever to Score 40+ in a Playoff Game!"
"Record-Breaking Machine Strikes Again!"
Every major headline featured his name.
When Chen opened his laptop, his browser was filled with praise and highlights. He didn't even click the articles — instead, he went straight to check the other playoff box scores.
As he scrolled, a familiar sleepy voice called from behind him.
"Baby, why are you up so early?" Taylor asked, still half-buried in the blankets.
Chen turned and smiled. "Practice. Gotta keep the momentum going."
He leaned over, kissed her forehead, and grabbed his gym bag. It was already 8:30 — time to hit the facility.
Even after a blowout win, he refused to get complacent. For him, confidence was fine, but overconfidence killed discipline.
---
"Chen, your steps look a little slow today! Tired from last night's game?" shouted the assistant coach during drills.
"Chen was definitely tired last night," Diaw cut in with a grin, "but it probably wasn't from basketball!"
The gym erupted in laughter. Everyone knew about Taylor's visit.
"Coach, maybe skip Chen's shooting drills today," Amar'e Stoudemire joked. "I'm sure he already got plenty of shots up last night!"
The whole team burst out laughing again.
Chen grinned and shot back, "Amar'e, don't you start. I saw that pole dancer you brought home. Be careful — if you pull your back again, I'm not covering for you on the injury report!"
"Hey, that was one time!" Amar'e yelled, laughing so hard he almost dropped the ball.
The practice went on in a relaxed mood, filled with jokes and laughter.
Afterward, Azubuike and Barea stayed behind for extra shooting.
They knew their Game 1 performances hadn't been great. Both were fighting for consistency — and, in truth, for their careers. Barea was on a one-year deal, while Azubuike's second year wasn't guaranteed. Every playoff minute mattered.
Chen, finished with his drills, noticed them and joined in. He rebounded for them, gave tips, and helped correct their footwork.
"You guys tensed up too much in Game 1," Chen said. "Next game, shoot freely. If you miss, it's on me."
Both players smiled and nodded.
He believed in them — and they knew it.
A strong bench could decide a championship.
---
After practice, Chen met Taylor for lunch at a restaurant near the arena. It should've been a quick 15-minute walk.
Instead, it took nearly an hour.
Every few blocks, someone stopped him for a picture, an autograph, or a handshake.
Phoenix had fallen in love with him.
His mix of dominance on the court, humble attitude off it, and his unique appeal as a rising international star had made him a citywide sensation.
"Everyone loves Chen Yan" had literally become a local slogan.
At one point, a young woman got so excited that she jumped out of her car to ask for a selfie—without putting it in park. The car rolled forward and crashed into a low stone wall. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but it caused a small scene that made Chen blush with embarrassment.
By the time he and Taylor finally reached the restaurant, it was past one o'clock.
They hoped for a quiet lunch — but that was wishful thinking.
As soon as they sat down, fans began trickling in. Some asked for photos, others for autographs. Chen greeted them all politely, but soon, the trickle became a flood.
They tried to finish their meal quickly, but the interruptions never stopped.
Three hours later, they finally escaped.
"That might be the longest lunch I've ever had," Taylor groaned, slipping on her sunglasses. "Next time, you're wearing a disguise."
"Sunglasses won't cut it," Chen laughed. "I'll need a hat, a mask, maybe even a new face."
Taylor smirked. "Your fans are getting way too crazy."
Chen shrugged. "That's Phoenix for you. They've always been passionate."
"More like obsessed," she said.
"That's normal," Chen replied with a grin. "We just won a big playoff game. If we win the championship, they'll go completely wild."
He chuckled and gently patted the back of her head.
As the sun began to set, the city lights flickered to life across Phoenix.
April 21st, 7:15 p.m.
The crowd inside America West Arena roared once again.
Game 2: Suns vs. Nuggets — about to begin.
[TL: You can also check out my newly released fanfic, Bleach: Ichigo Takes Over the Soul Society – just visit my profile if you want to read it.]
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