From the final outcome, He Xi Meng was, as expected, utterly defeated. Leaving the Lakers with dignity was already the best possible ending for He Xi Meng. The Logo Man didn't push He Xi Meng to the brink, nor did he squeeze every last drop of value from him. Allowing He Xi Meng to leave the Lakers as a free agent and join his preferred Spurs team was, in a way, preserving a sliver of goodwill between them.
This was why He Xi Meng told Da Zhi that his relationship with Jerry West was much more cordial than the public believed. The current rumors circulating painted He Xi Meng and Jerry West's relationship as one of utter animosity.
Some said Jerry West was jealous of talent, imperious, and couldn't tolerate anyone challenging his authority. Others claimed He Xi Meng never willingly wanted to leave the Lakers, but was forced out by Jerry West's tyranny and fled to San Antonio because he couldn't stay any longer.
In short, all sorts of versions existed. But the focal point of the controversy was the criticism that Jerry West's control over the Lakers club had reached dictatorial levels.
He Xi Meng knew that these criticisms were all aimed at the Logo Man himself. He couldn't control it, nor did he have the right to. He could only privately wish the Logo Man good luck and offer him a Chinese proverb: "A step back, and you'll find the sea and the sky widen..."
Whether Jerry West listened or not, He Xi Meng couldn't control, nor did he want to.
After catching up, He Xi Meng, wearing his newly acquired championship ring, didn't return to the Spurs team. Instead, he headed straight for the courtside VIP seats!
The Christmas Day game in Los Angeles always attracted countless Hollywood stars to watch. This year, Keira had no filming schedule, so how could she not be there to cheer for He Xi Meng?
The director on duty had been keeping an eye on He Xi Meng and immediately realized He Xi Meng was up to something! He quickly notified the live DJ to focus the audience's attention on He Xi Meng, then instructed the cameraman to aim the close-up shot at He Xi Meng, and had the lighting technicians prepare the spotlight.
One had to admit, the director at the Lakers' venue really understood He Xi Meng's style!
Before He Xi Meng could even speak after reaching the courtside, Scarlett, sitting next to Keira, began her taunting: "Are you going to use that old, cliché trick of relying on luck again?"
He Xi Meng stated resolutely, "How could I? This time it's definitely a fresh trick..."
As he was speaking, the lights on the court suddenly dimmed, and a spotlight precisely enveloped He Xi Meng and Keira in its center.
Scarlett quietly moved a little closer to Keira, at least ensuring her delicate face and proud cleavage were within the spotlight's reach. Whether her back and derrière were in the darkness, Scarlett no longer cared.
To join in the excitement, Scarlett was truly giving it her all.
He Xi Meng paid no attention to Scarlett's subtle movements. Instead, he cooperated perfectly with the director's rhythm. Only after the spotlight was in place did he slowly kneel on one knee and remove the recently acquired championship ring from his finger.
Keira immediately realized what He Xi Meng was about to do and gasped, covering her delicate lips in surprise.
Scarlett also interjected with mock surprise, "Proposing already? Isn't that a bit early?"
He Xi Meng chuckled, "It's not a proposal! Proposing like this would be too crude..."
"It's not crude... I heard this Lakers championship ring is worth $500,000..." Scarlett murmured from the side.
"Keira, this championship ring is the first championship ring of my career. I am giving it to you now as a token of our commitment. I hope you will keep it safe for me. As for a wedding ring, I believe this big, clunky championship ring is far from qualified. One day in the future, I will propose to you with a ring at least ten times more precious than this."
"I hope that day doesn't come too soon..." Bathed in the spotlight, Keira's tender face looked even more bashful.
"Say yes! Say yes! Say yes..." The Lakers fans in the arena all thought He Xi Meng was proposing to Keira and started cheering collectively, eager to be enthusiastic onlookers.
Keira, being a celebrity accustomed to large crowds, showed a little reserve, playing up the atmosphere for a moment before extending her right hand, allowing He Xi Meng to place the championship ring on her finger.
"Wow~" The fans in the arena thought their cheers had helped He Xi Meng's proposal succeed, and the atmosphere instantly escalated to a new level. Then, another helpful fan loudly shouted, "Kiss her! Kiss her! Kiss her..."
He Xi Meng naturally didn't hesitate and planted a passionate kiss on Keira's fiery red lips.
Even before this Christmas Day game kicked off, the Lakers' fans in the arena had already reached a frenzy once.
Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal, and other Lakers players by the sidelines, along with the fans, cheered and praised He Xi Meng for his flair.
First the award ceremony, then greetings between players and coaches, and finally the transfer of the newly acquired championship ring to his girlfriend Keira. The focus of this Christmas Day game instantly revolved entirely around He Xi Meng!
By the time He Xi Meng rejoined the Spurs, Duncan couldn't help but tease him, "I thought you weren't coming back... You're so popular with the Lakers... Both players and fans miss you dearly..."
"After all, I played for the Lakers for three years. If I didn't have merit, I certainly had effort."
"By the way, are you going to go easy on them in today's game?"
He Xi Meng glanced at Duncan, knowing full well he was playing his psychological tricks and trying to provoke him. He Xi Meng had no choice but to swallow the bait, as in a way, Duncan was also helping him.
Because all indications before the game suggested He Xi Meng was more like a Lakers player than a Spurs player.
The Christmas Day game was about to begin, and He Xi Meng needed to show his firm stance in front of all the Spurs teammates.
This game was not a pledge of allegiance, but it was better than one!
"Don't worry, not only will I not go easy, but I'll go all out! That's the only way to express my respect for the Lakers... You just wait to collect rebounds for me!"
"Great! I can be lazy in this game then..." Duncan showed a rare, slightly flippant expression.
With their back-and-forth banter, they casually erased He Xi Meng's identity as a former Lakers player. He Xi Meng was, and solely was, a member of the Silver and Gray Legion. He was the Spurs' number 4, the point guard of San Antonio, the most reliable shooter beside the twin towers.
The referee's whistle blew, and the Christmas Day game that the fans had eagerly awaited officially began!