Of course, Li Feng is still young, and his playing career has just begun.
As he grows step by step, he will undoubtedly become the most sought-after superstar in China's men's basketball and the NBA league, without a doubt!
Before this dinner, Da Yao specifically asked Li Feng in private.
This was because Li Feng had been living abroad for many years, and his taste was different from that of domestic players.
It also showed Da Yao's genuine care for Li Feng, which made Li Feng feel very warm.
"Brother Yao, I don't have any dietary restrictions. I'll eat whatever everyone else eats!"
Yao Ming knew that Li Feng was very emotionally intelligent and had no airs, so he nodded and said, "Okay, then let's go eat Shandong cuisine, how about that?"
"Sure, I'll listen to you, Brother Yao."
After deciding, the Chinese men's basketball team, including the delegation leader, headed to Beijing's most prosperous area.
There was a Shandong cuisine restaurant here that was of state banquet level, and Da Yao thought it was a good choice.
Since the next match was not important and there were still 6 days before the knockout stage, Da Yao took the initiative to suggest everyone drink some red wine.
Li Feng raised his hand in support.
Although it was best for players not to drink alcohol, occasional small amounts were fine as long as they didn't get drunk.
Moreover, the team had been winning consecutively, and everyone was in good spirits, so drinking a little wine was normal.
Da Yao ordered six bottles of French red wine costing over ten thousand yuan, and then asked his teammates to order dishes.
Actually, Yao Ming rarely drank. As a very disciplined professional basketball player, the last time he drank was when he was playing in China's CBA and the Shanghai Sharks won the championship.
However, his alcohol tolerance was very poor. After a few drinks, he passed out under the table, becoming a memorable moment for his former teammates.
Li Feng's alcohol tolerance was actually quite good, but he hardly drank because he wanted to maintain a clear mind at all times.
Before the meal, Da Yao asked Li Feng to say a few words to everyone first.
It was clear that Da Yao considered Li Feng as a leader of the team.
Li Feng hesitated for a moment, then stood up with his wine glass.
His teammates were all impressed by Li Feng and jokingly called out, "Li Feng, say a few words! This time, you must lead us to win a medal!"
Li Feng nodded vigorously and said, "I'm young, so I'll call you all big brothers. I'm honored to be teammates with everyone in the national team, and I cherish this opportunity."
"I won't say much else. I promise you, this Olympics, being held in our country, we will at least win one medal!"
Although his words were few, Li Feng expressed his stance.
Da Yao waved his hand and shouted excitedly, "Well said! We must win a medal this time and dedicate it to the country!"
"Yes! A medal for the country!"
The atmosphere reached its peak, and the Chinese players drank their wine in one gulp!
Then, Li Feng raised his glass again and said to Zhu Fangyu, "Brother Zhu, your loyalty touched me deeply, causing you to be suspended. I'll toast you!"
The other teammates also admired Zhu Fangyu. The team needed such a tough guy, as basketball is a fierce team sport.
Sometimes, a preemptive strike is better than facing many blows!
When other teams know you're not to be trifled with, they won't dare to make excessive moves.
For example, in the previous match against Greece, if Li Feng hadn't taught Bruton a lesson, that kid might have resorted to some despicable tactics.
Zhu Fangyu had a good alcohol tolerance. Seeing Li Feng's sincerity, he said loudly, "To be honest with you all, I can't stand the arrogant attitude of some foreigners. If they provoke us, we must fight them!"
"Yes, well said! We must fight them!"
"Fight them!"
"Fight them!"
...
These hearty voices of the players echoed in the private room.
These players would form the strongest Chinese men's basketball team and break through in world competitions!
As Li Feng was the best-performing player in these few matches, the Chinese players all came to toast him.
As a result, Li Feng inevitably drank too much.
Suddenly, the system's voice sounded again.
[Ding, the system grants the host the "Never Drunk" skill!]
Haha, Li Feng was overjoyed. The system was truly thoughtful!
So, Li Feng began to clink glasses with his teammates frequently, shouting and laughing, having a great time.
However, Yao Ming didn't know that Li Feng had the "Never Drunk" skill and worried that Li Feng would be harmed if he drank too much.
Therefore, Da Yao intended to help Li Feng by taking a couple of drinks.
Li Feng put his arm around Da Yao's shoulder and smiled, "Brother Yao, don't worry, I'm fine."
He was fine, but Zhu Fangyu was in a sorry state.
Because Zhu Fangyu had a generous personality, he also drank quite a bit. After several consecutive drinks, he started to sway.
Da Yao, after a few drinks, became a bit tipsy. He seemed to recall something, and his eyes became a little moist.
He put his arm around Li Feng's neck and said emotionally, "Li Feng, your appearance is truly timely. To be honest with you, I've been feeling increasingly unable to cope after so many years in the national team."
Li Feng understood Da Yao's feelings.
Basketball is a team sport. While Da Yao's abilities in the Chinese team were outstanding, the guard line was too weak.
When Chen Jianghua first emerged, fans said he would become Yao Ming's best partner.
But later, fans also saw that Chen Jianghua was still far from being a top guard.
Perhaps Chen Jianghua's individual offensive ability was quite good, but his chemistry with Yao Ming was not tacit.
So, Da Yao felt bitter!
Furthermore, the Chinese Basketball Association's usage of Da Yao was also problematic, making him travel back and forth between the US and China, which also greatly drained him.
If he didn't achieve results in these few years, Da Yao might have regrets.
At this critical juncture, Li Feng appeared, and Da Yao's inner feelings were not just surprise but elation.
"Li Feng, you must stay healthy, and let's win more honors for China together!"
"Don't worry, Brother Yao, I will do my best! Also, I will speak up for the unfair treatment you've received with the Rockets!"
Mentioning the Rockets, Da Yao had even more heartache.
"Li Feng, listen to me. In the future, when you enter the NBA, you must consider yourself more. You must pick a generous team owner."
The owner of the Rockets was indeed too stingy, and extremely frugal. Da Yao didn't even have a reliable substitute in the early stages.
Also, other teammates were very poor.
Although Da Yao never complained about his teammates, fans in the forums were not blind and were all speaking up for Da Yao.
So, after so many years with the Rockets, Da Yao worked tirelessly, but the results were unsatisfactory.
Fans discussed the stingy Alexander, Carroll Dawson, who personally built the "Aerospace City retirement home," and that idiot fat guy Morey.
Furthermore, due to coach Jeff Van Gundy's incorrect guidance, which caused Yao Ming to gain weight mindlessly, the chance of Da Yao getting injured also greatly increased.
With Da Yao's weight and physique, every additional kilogram would increase the load on his knees at an exponential rate.
Therefore, Da Yao's injuries gradually increased in the latter half of his career.