The All-Star weekend neared, and the trade deadline loomed, but the Knicks hadn't solved their weak interior. Trade proposals sent to other teams were rejected. Elite big men were scarce, and those available were core players, closely guarded. This wasn't 2022; the league still believed insiders won championships, a mindset unchanged until three-point shooting redefined success.
Players like Nowitzki, Bosh, Duncan, Pau Gasol, and Mehmet Okur were team starters, treasured by their franchises. Younger bigs like Al Horford and Serge Ibaka were being groomed as future cornerstones, making trades unlikely. Some teams were open to deals, but they demanded Lian Dao or Holiday plus Gallinari and future draft picks. Offers for Lian Dao were instantly dismissed—Knicks management wouldn't trade him for anyone, not even Kobe. Trading Holiday and Gallinari was also off the table, especially for D'Antoni. Losing them would heap pressure on Lian Dao's shoulders and weaken the bench. Gallinari, the Knicks' top sixth man, was vital to their second unit.
On February 5, the Knick s hosted the Milwaukee Bucks. Andrew Bogut, fresh off injury, stayed quiet, avoiding pre-game boasts. Brandon Jennings' stats had dipped as teams cracked his offensive habits, targeting his left-side breakthroughs. The Knicks followed suit, with Holiday guarding Jennings. Holiday's athleticism let him handle most guards and wings, though his defensive experience was raw, often drawing fouls from savvy stars. Experience came from games and failures, not just practice. The Knicks gave Holiday room to grow, with teammates supporting him through mistakes, allowing him to learn without fear.
Lian Dao saw Holiday's potential to become a perimeter defensive gatekeeper, recalling his later ability to guard LeBron James effectively at small forward. In this game, Holiday showcased his defensive prowess, stifling Jennings' scoring efficiency. With Jennings contained, Lian Dao attacked the paint, seeking contact with Bogut to draw fouls. Bogut, wary after past clashes, avoided dirty tactics. Though frustrated by Lian Dao's foul-drawing, he stayed silent, not daring to retaliate.
Lian Dao knew many American players backed off when faced with aggression. Weakness invited bullying, but fierceness earned respect. Yao Ming's humility, praised by peers, hid the grievances he endured, even with Francis' protection as a rookie. Lian Dao's creed was different: blood for blood, tooth for tooth.
By the fourth quarter, Bogut fouled out with six, and the Knicks' third-quarter surge widened the gap. They won 109:93, securing their second straight home victory.
The next day, Lian Dao and Guo Yuwei visited Master Guo Nianguo's home for his birthday. The entrance buzzed with businessmen and politicians offering congratulations, their luxury cars resembling an auto show. Lian Dao's Jeep Wrangler paled beside them. Jeep had sent him two SUVs, but he preferred his red Wrangler, parking the others. They required him to drive only Jeep models, a rule he followed.
Lian Dao brought a gift: a Ming-Qing Dynasty purple sand pot crafted by a renowned master. Entering, he saw Master Guo Nianguo on a grand chair, flanked by senior brothers. After wishing his master a happy birthday, Lian Dao greeted his seniors, who warmly praised his rising fame. Though not the most accomplished among them, he was the most celebrated.
The birthday felt like a family banquet, attended by the master, his wife, and the senior brothers and sisters. Guo Yuwei was whisked away by the mistress, their whispers leaving Guo Yuwei blushing. Lian Dao glanced away, guilty, sensing the mistress knew about their relationship.
After the meal, the mistress summoned Lian Dao and Guo Yuwei to a side room. Lian Dao's scalp tingled, nerves akin to meeting a mother-in-law. Before she spoke, he blurted, "Mistress, I'll treat my little senior sister well. I really like her, I promise."
Stunned, the mistress laughed. Guo Yuwei beamed, shy but happy. The mistress nodded, satisfied. Having watched them grow, she trusted Lian Dao's character. Their near-childhood-sweetheart bond was no secret, and she approved. Her call wasn't to scold but to advise. Noticing Guo Yuwei's changes at dinner, she'd urged her to use protection if not ready for a child. She planned to tell Lian Dao the same, treating him like a godson.
"When are you getting engaged?" the mistress asked.
Lian Dao clasped Guo Yuwei's hand, gazing at her lovingly. "I have her for the rest of my life, as long as my little senior sister wants to."
"Mom, Xiao Mili just turned 20. We're still young, no rush," Guo Yuwei cooed, shaking the mistress's arm.
"Fine, you young people decide," the mistress relented, waving them off as she left.
Lian Dao held Guo Yuwei close, inhaling her unique fragrance. "After this season, let's get engaged," he vowed, wanting to commit. Though she downplayed it, he knew she prioritized his feelings, and he refused to play dumb.
"Okay," Guo Yuwei replied, her eyes meeting his, a charming smile curving her lips.
On February 6, the Knicks lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers on the road. The Cavaliers dictated the pace, giving no openings. Shaquille O'Neal overwhelmed Millsap and David Lee. Though aged, the Shark remained dominant. The backup bigs were crushed by Zydrunas Ilgauskas. Lian Dao struggled, outplayed by Cleveland's defense. The Knicks had beaten them before, but this time, they were stifled throughout.
The Cavaliers' strength was undeniable, yet they'd fall to the Celtics in the playoffs. Lian Dao wondered how formidable Boston's true power must be.