Check out my new fanfic. A cote x hikigaya crossover.

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***

Most NBA star players tend to overspend after signing large contracts.

Not only do the players themselves desire a luxurious lifestyle, but many also need to support their “partners” around them.

Since everyone is a brother, when money is made, it’s natural to share the good fortune.

When going to nightclubs, good brothers can help set the scene and maintain the star player’s image!

There are also some players who can make money while playing but fail in investments after retirement to maintain a high-quality lifestyle, ultimately leading to bankruptcy.

Perhaps in the eyes of fans, NBA players are all “superheroes” who can fly and escape, but in the eyes of some, these newly rich players who made a lot of money are just wealthy suckers.

Ewing’s remark, “Players make a lot, but they spend even more,” was not an exaggeration.

It is indeed the truth.

Maintaining the prestige of an upper-class individual truly incurs significant expenses.

However, there are exceptions to everything, and Lee is an anomaly among players.

Nike helped him with marketing, and the league was not stingy, even arranging star treatment.

Lee certainly did not enjoy such treatment in his rookie season, but after winning the championship, Lee “maintained his original intention,” almost becoming a second Grant Hill.

After passing the LSAT exam, David Stern also congratulated Clay Lee, and after being admitted to Connecticut Law School, Clay Lee was considered to have completely shed the label of a “rich sucker.”

On the evening of the 20th, on Central Park West, at Jean Georges French restaurant.

This French restaurant, hailed as New York’s best since its opening in 1997, currently only had four people.

After the chef greeted them, the only sounds in the restaurant, besides the music, were lighthearted conversations.

“I used to dislike French cuisine, but this restaurant has changed my impression. We are all young people, and we should try different new things when we have the opportunity.”

The young Bobby Axelrod, dressed in a black suit, raised an eyebrow at Clay Lee across from him after speaking, appearing calm and confident.

With short brown hair, a meticulously groomed face, particularly expressive eyes, and traces of exercise on his body, the founder of Axe Capital left a very good impression on Lee.

Unlike the garbage on Wall Street who recommend bad stocks, Bobby Axelrod acts first and talks later, which is indeed far more reliable than grandstanding about “PPTs.”

Also in a black suit, Lee, however, did not wear a dress shirt, only pairing it with a dark gray T-shirt, which made him look more casual.

“I don’t understand hedge funds, but I like to work with reliable people. At least we have some similarities. It’s not easy to make it from a small place to New York.”

Hearing Clay Lee mention his background, Bobby Axelrod didn’t mind.

He wasn’t from a prestigious school and was very different from the mainstream Wall Street capital.

Without alumni connections, without care from upper-class individuals, and rarely getting inside information, Bobby Axelrod was aware of his disadvantages:

“It is indeed difficult, but we succeeded. We are smarter, while some self-righteous people lost everything.”

“Of course, I’m not referring to the big shots. Many small financial institutions are struggling this year. They were blinded by greed.”

Tech stocks were in disarray, founders cashed out and fled, and the market value of all internet companies was declining.

In less than half a year, some once-promising companies would have to disband and go bankrupt.

While some lost large sums of American dollars, others made huge profits.

Bobby and Clay were both among the latter.

Without concealing his background or bragging about his so-called connections, Bobby Axelrod was simply speaking with facts: he was smarter, nothing more.

The two sides quickly started chatting.

Kim had specially styled her hair for the evening, but she was still wearing a black professional suit.

She had been observing the lady across from her and then suddenly said casually:

“Bobby, why did you choose Wendy as your partner? Your professions seem quite different?”

“Because she helps me understand myself more clearly. My traders also need a psychologist. She is my soulmate!”

Bobby Axelrod showed a look of deep affection, gazing at Wendy, who was wearing a red dress beside him.

She immediately rolled her eyes.

Wendy, with long black hair and a beautiful face, also came from a prestigious school.

Having been swayed by “American dollars,” she had not yet officially joined Axe Capital.

(A/N: Yes, they’re from Billions, an American TV series.)

However, Bobby Axelrod trusted this psychologist greatly.

Wendy then secretly patted her boss under the table before softly responding:

“Bobby thinks I can help the company, and at Axe Capital, I can also realize my self-worth. It’s that simple.”

“Of course, I have a boyfriend. There’s no need to question Bobby’s professionalism. He really is a genius. We have the opportunity to grow together!”

Bobby Axelrod shrugged, then feigned a look of regret and also joked a bit:

“Her boyfriend is far more outstanding than I am. Clay, you should have met Chuck Rhoades. He has a lot of influence in New York.”

“In the future, that guy named Chuck will most likely choose to go into politics, just like our Mayor: prosecutor, Mayor, Governor, President?”

“Anyway, that’s how the old money develops! His father has already prepared everything for his son.”

“I can’t promise much, but I swear, in the future I will make Wendy’s salary at least 5 times that guy’s. Sometimes American dollars also represent status. I hope her boyfriend won’t mind.”

After he finished speaking, all four of them laughed.

After eating dessert, the gathering ended perfectly amidst jokes and casual conversation.

Bobby Axelrod and Wendy watched Clay Lee and Kim Wexler get into the black Lamborghini Diablo SV and wave goodbye as they disappeared into the Manhattan night.

After a moment of silence, Wendy looked at her boss and said seriously:

“He’s not like a 22-year-old, nor is he the dashing young man the New York Media portrays him to be. Most importantly, he doesn’t trust you, even though you’ve made him tens of millions of American dollars.”

“Perhaps I should also consider getting a custom sports car. How about a red one?”

Bobby Axelrod didn’t respond, instead teasing his friend beside him, which earned him another glare:

“He’s a millionaire. There’s no trust without reason, is there? We’ll cooperate deeply because we’re both smart people!”

“…”

Driving around Central Park, Kim was also discussing the dinner they just had:

“From the data we got from the consulting firm, Bobby Axelrod is indeed an excellent founder!”

Lee, in the passenger seat, looked at Kim, who had completely adapted to New York life, and interrupted him, saying:

“I don’t trust him. He makes too much money. Next year, we’ll have another chance to make a lot of money. If we cooperate, I’ll need to thoroughly investigate his past.”

As if thinking of something, Kim quickly offered her opinion softly:

“He likes that beautiful psychologist. That’s a good starting point!”

After a moment of thought, Lee looked at Kim, who was focused on driving, then suddenly stared at her profile and teased:

“You’re beautiful tonight! Let me think, Old Roth, I think I’ve only met him once. We should go home first and talk about this in detail!”

Kim punched Lee with a laugh, only to find her right hand was held.

Finally, she said, pretending not to care:

“Just this once! You should go find your little vase!”

On June 24th, to celebrate their third consecutive championship, the New York Knicks, in addition to the usual championship parade, also planned to hold a grand celebration party at Madison Square Garden.

Just like the previous two years, the parade route remained unchanged, but there were even more people.

There was no need for the slow-moving bus for the entire journey

The entire team simply walked to the stadium.

Clay Lee, wearing sunglasses and a championship T-shirt, felt that there were even more people on both sides of the street.

Tourists who loved a good spectacle didn’t miss this opportunity either, joining the New York fans in shouting wildly:

“MVP! MVP! MVP!”

A casual wave would make the New York fans cheer happily.

At the very front of the procession, Lee moved forward with the crowd, constantly going to both sides to greet the New York fans warmly and take photos.

MSG broadcast the entire event live.

Ewing and his family were also in the procession.

Gorilla was beaming with joy, maintaining a smile throughout, constantly pumping his fists at the New York fans, and occasionally shouting excitedly.

At the very front, Allan Houston also slowly moved with his family, his arm around his wife, a look of elation on his face.

Larry Johnson and Lee were both alone. “Grandmama” and Oakley puffed on cigars, blowing smoke as they walked, looking particularly arrogant.

As for Ron Artest, he was still shirtless, clutching two trophies tightly.

Empowered by the trophies, Ron Artest was the most popular, with beautiful girls constantly waving, signaling for photos, making Ron Artest even more excited.

Lewis and a few members of the hype squad didn’t get carried away.

They simply wore smiles and followed the main group.

The longer the championship parade, the greater the pressure on New York City Hall.

The possibility of New York fans suddenly starting a wave of “zero-dollar shopping” could happen at any time, so the police had to constantly monitor the movements of the onlookers.

Clay Lee was accompanied by Jimmy Fallon.

After gaining fame on Saturday Night Live, Jimmy’s popularity in New York was also very high, and he was very popular with girls.

Only halfway through the journey, Lee was already drenched in sweat from the heat.

Overly enthusiastic New York fans weren’t good either. After all the back and forth, his jaw ached from smiling.

Jimmy Fallon, however, particularly enjoyed such moments, constantly waving.

Lee put his arm around his friend and teased again:

“Why haven’t I seen your new girlfriend? I remember you two only started dating about 3 months ago?”

When this was brought up, Jimmy Fallon could only laugh awkwardly and forced an explanation:

“You know, I’ve been so busy lately. I’m still trying to write a script. Tina thinks I have a talent for writing. Now that I’ve finally made a name for myself, I have to seize this opportunity!”

“Why did someone tell me you’re addicted to video games?”

“…OK! I’ll be there whenever you call!”

These past two days, Lee had invited everyone out to play, but this person was the least enthusiastic responder.

Women were not as fun as games—this was indeed the case for Jimmy Fallon.

When the parade finally reached Madison Square Garden after nearly two hours, cheers erupted again as the New York Knicks appeared in the center of the stadium.

Six trophies were lined up.

To celebrate the three-peat, James Dolan also invited several New York singers, making it practically a concert.

Ewing and a few others were hyping up with the chanting rappers, while Clay Lee still had to go to the VIP box to greet some City Hall officials.

The atmosphere on site grew increasingly lively.

When Lee, who had been running around, appeared next to General Manager Grunfeld, his face was almost frozen from smiling.

For General Manager Grunfeld, this offseason was incredibly stressful.

The draft was destined to select hype squad members, and re-signing players had become an urgent priority.

The two hadn’t discussed next season’s issues in detail since winning the championship.

At this moment, Grunfeld stood up and simply asked:

“Lee, next season, can we still make it to the Finals?”

In the VIP box, Lee looked at Ewing and several veterans dancing to the music, then turned his head and said with a relaxed expression:

“Of course, provided we get rid of the declining players!”

“Buyouts, trades, acquiring some capable role players—we can still get 60 wins!”

“As for the championship, we need to add some reliable big men.”

“However, New York fans might not like to see a New York Knicks team like that, but I support any trade!”

Seemingly surprised by Lee’s “ruthlessness” Grunfeld paused for a moment, then quickly realized that trades would be difficult to make, and he was destined to be the scapegoat this season.

He nodded nonchalantly on the surface, but inwardly, Grunfeld grumbled:

“The draft picks aren’t worth much, no one will take on the big contracts, buyouts? That’s another way to offend people…”

….

By the way, don’t forget to throw power stones and leave a review to motivate me 🙂

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep