American Cable Network has over 40 million subscribers in the United States, a massive number.
Last week, their broadcast of "Son of Akron: An Exclusive Interview with LeBron James" caused a ratings frenzy. This week, people waited in front of their TVs, anticipating an interview with another rising basketball star.
In the final moments of last week's show, the host asked LeBron James: "You might be heading to the NBA soon. Who do you think will be your lifelong rival?"
Although LeBron was only 18, he was very mature. He answered smoothly on television, "That's hard to say. I know a lot of talented players, and it's a blessing to be in the same era as them. So, if you're asking who my lifelong rival is, I don't have an answer."
The term 'lifelong rival' in the United States refers to two people who debut around the same time, are of comparable skill, and compete at a high level for a long time.
The host changed his questioning approach: "Well then, who do you hope we'll interview next week?"
"Carmeron Anthony."
LeBron James clearly stated a single name.
This weekend, viewers tuned in at 8 PM. They saw Carmeron Anthony, and sitting beside him, a young man with an Asian face... He possessed an indescribable charm that made it hard to look away.
Even though everyone knew tonight's main star was Carmeron Anthony.
Su Xi wasn't a loud person; he had no intention of stealing the spotlight. He sat quietly to the side, only giving a wave and a greeting at the beginning.
After that, the interview focused on Carmeron Anthony for a long time.
Antonio talked about his high school career, his experience at the basketball powerhouse Oak Hill High School, and the unforgettable showdown he had with James.
He also spoke about his first college season. He had clearly received media training before the interview; his answers were safe and conventional.
Everyone knew he was a talented player, and everyone knew he was heading to the NBA; he even seemed eager for it.
As a result, the excitement level of the show was low.
That is, until the host turned the topic to Su Xi, whose nickname was, surprisingly, Little Sheep Su Xi.
Oh.
That immediately grabbed the TV audience's attention. It was a cute nickname. Moreover, he had a charming, handsome, and elegant face. In a suit, he exuded a kind of high-class appeal.
Just by sitting there without saying a word, Su Xi was already intensely attractive to the housewives and young girls watching at home.
People are always drawn to beautiful things.
And this was a 'by-product' of Su Xi having been quenched by lightning.
"I'm Su Xi, and my English name is Jack." Su Xi answered the reporter's first question, introducing himself. "I'm Cameron's teammate, a guard for the Syracuse University Orange Team."
"Hello, Jack. We'd like to know, from the perspective of a teammate and a good friend, what kind of player do you think Cameron is? And what draft pick do you think he'll be in the NBA if he declares for this year's draft?" the host asked.
Su Xi composed himself. He showed none of the nervousness or awkwardness of a first-timer in front of the camera. He was natural, possessing an aura of complete control. He was even more relaxed than Antonio, with more of the presence of a 'big shot'. 'After all, Su Xi had never considered himself an ordinary mortal.'
This made Bill Daffy, who was off-camera, a little nervous. He had originally thought Su Xi was just there to be Antonio's foil, posing no threat. But now, it seemed Su Xi was the main character.
"First of all, for Cameron, he won't make any decisions lightly until he's won this year's championship. He has always been a winner, and a winner always appears as a winner."
With his first sentence, Su Xi had already covered a potential pitfall for his friend.
"Cameron is the best player in the NCAA, and in our minds, the best player in NCAA history. What pick he'll be in the NBA draft isn't a question for us to ponder. That's for the team with the first pick to think about."
Su Xi's second statement was just as flawless. He seized the initiative, exuding immense confidence.
Off to the side, Bill Daffy gave a thumbs-up. 'He felt Su Xi could be a spokesman for his agency in the future.'
After Su Xi said this, the viewers at home looked at him with newfound respect.
They were astonished by Su Xi's caliber. 'No wonder he's sitting next to Antonio,' they thought.
The host, however, seized on Su Xi's words and pressed further, "You just said you're going to win the championship?"
Su Xi nodded.
"So certain?" the host asked.
"I'm speaking from a position of strength," Su Xi said, unfastening the top button of his suit jacket. The gesture projected an even greater surge of confidence.
He was handsome, but he contained boundless energy.
The host grew excited. He realized this interviewee was far more interesting than Antonio. So, his questions became a bit more aggressive. "From what I know, you're just a defensive player with a low standing on the team. Do you really think you can decide the outcome of a game..."
"No!"
Su Xi cut the host off. He found the man's tone a bit offensive. "Let me correct you," he said. "I don't *just* play defense, I *enjoy* playing defense. I enjoy facing the strongest opponents."
"Is there a difference?" the host retorted sharply.
Su Xi pulled 100 USD from his pocket. "The difference is... you can say I have 100 USD in my hand right now, but you can't say I *only* have 100 USD. Are you sure I don't have more money in my pocket?"
Su Xi asked the host.
When Su Xi made this gesture, the viewers at home were convinced. It was a very vivid analogy.
They all applauded Su Xi's clear thinking. They had rarely seen such a young kid talk a veteran host into a corner.
At this moment, the host said, "I don't think you have any more money in your pocket."
Then, tens of millions of television viewers across the nation watched as Su Xi pulled a stack of money from his pocket. He began to count it right in front of the camera. "...Besides the initial 100 USD, there's another 1,255 USD. Mr. Host."
The host was a little embarrassed.
'He had a feeling this might be the Waterloo of his hosting career.'
But the director told him to continue through his earpiece. Everyone shrewdly observed that this was turning into a very interesting piece of reality TV.
"So you're saying the abilities you've shown so far are just the 100 USD? And you still have 1,255 USD worth of potential stored up? By that logic, wouldn't that make you even better than Carmeron Anthony?" The host tried to set a trap for Su Xi.
Su Xi put the money back in his pocket. "I like your reasoning."
The host froze, feeling like he'd just punched a wad of cotton.
The image of him struggling to speak, his mouth opening and closing, filled living rooms with laughter.
But at that moment, he had no idea what a strong effect this was having on TV; he just felt suppressed. He had to fight back. He recalled some information he'd seen before filming: "I remember, during your game against Georgetown University last year, you posted on the Georgetown University BBS calling yourself 'Lil-Goat,' claiming you'd become a player like Jordan?"
"I didn't post that. However, when I was leaving Georgetown's home court, people were kissing my shoes, and the entire arena was chanting my name."
Su Xi said with a tone of certainty.
Antonio chimed in appropriately from the side, "That's right."
The host was again left in an awkward position. His expression stiffened. "You're being so high-profile. Aren't you worried that once you enter the tournament, the talented players from all over the United States will launch a ferocious assault on you?"
"If they have the ability, then what are they waiting for?" Su Xi smiled. He stared seriously into the camera and issued a solemn invitation: "Come on, geniuses! Come and strike me down! With your strength, with your explosive power!"
"I can't wait!"
…
…
…