NBA: Northeast China's spectacular dunks sweep the entire league.

The night was fragmented by neon lights, and the glass facade of the Warriors headquarters reflected the lights of the Bay Bridge.

General Manager Mu Lin and Lin Hao sat opposite each other, sipping red wine and discussing the team's plans for the next season.

Lin Hao sat at Gary's desk, his feet propped up on it, twirling the pen he had just signed. A recent player roster lay on the desk, and his fingers unconsciously tapped out the name "Gary Payton."

This top defensive stalwart, known as "The Glove," was just bought out by the Bucks, becoming a big fish in the free agent market.

"Mulin, you said you wanted to sign him, but that old guy is stubborn, I'm afraid it won't be easy to handle him."

"This old guy has always been like this. Back in the day, he was going toe-to-toe with Jordan. If I'm not convinced, I'll beat you up."

"Damn, why do I have to step in and solve this now? Will he even listen to what I'm saying?"

"You're fearless, just like Gary. Jordan kept him in check, and I believe you can too."

"I don't believe you for a second."

Lin Hao muttered something under his breath, picked up the landline phone on the table, and dialed the number he knew by heart.

The phone rang several times before being answered. A hoarse, clearly impatient voice came from the other end: "Who is this?"

The standard Payton-esque opening exudes an air of arrogance, as if to say, "I'm busy, don't bother me."

Lin Hao didn't beat around the bush and said directly in English, "Gary, I'm Lin Hao from the Golden State Warriors."

There was a two-second silence on the other end of the phone, followed by Payton's signature booming voice: "Oh! The Chinese dunking king! What do you want?"

"I want to ask you," Lin Hao said calmly, yet with an undeniable air of authority, "that you've been bought out by the Bucks, are you worried about finding a new team? How about coming to Golden State and winning a championship together?"

"Pfft—" A snicker came from the other end of the phone, as if he had heard the funniest joke. "Go to Golden State? Are you kidding me? You guys didn't even make the playoffs last season."

Lin Hao raised an eyebrow, his temper flaring up instantly. He sat up straight, put his feet off the table, and sneered into the microphone, "Not making the playoffs is last year's story. Gary, don't you even know who's leading the Warriors this year? Let me give you an analogy: last year we were riding bicycles, this year we're driving tanks. Do you want to keep pedaling that crappy bicycle, or come and enjoy the breeze on the tank?"

"Listen, kid." Payton's voice turned cold. "I won't go to a team that can't even make the playoffs. I have my pride."

"Pride?" Lin Hao sneered. "Gary, I'm proud too. But do you know what's more important than pride? It's the championship ring. How many times have you touched a ring? Never, right? No matter how good your defense is, without a ring, your historical status will be diminished."

There was a deathly silence on the phone.

Lin Hao knew he'd hit a nerve. Payton was an unparalleled defender throughout his career, but he was definitely missing a championship ring, a thorn in his side that would never fade.

"Don't fucking talk to me about rings." Payton's voice was a little weak, but he was still trying to hold on. "Even without a ring, I'm still one of the best defenders in the league."

"The best defender?" Lin Hao seized the opportunity and pressed his advantage. "Then let me ask you, who was the hardest guard in the West last season? Kobe? Iverson? Or Kidd? You wouldn't have a problem guarding any of them, but you couldn't guard me. Gary, you know in your heart that last season when we faced off, although you made things difficult for me, I still managed to score. Now it's different. I have Dell Curry teaching me how to shoot, and he even created my own 'Northeast Sniper' tactic. You try guarding me again? I'll make sure you can't even touch the ball."

"You are too arrogant!" Peyton was enraged.

"I'm not being arrogant, I'm just stating the facts." Lin Hao's tone softened, adopting the straightforwardness typical of Northeasterners. "Gary, let's skip the fluff. If you come to the Warriors, I won't make you the leader, nor will I ask you to sacrifice your stats. You'll be our defensive mentor, responsible for teaching those young guys how to guard their opponents. In crucial moments, you'll step in and lock down their star player. I guarantee that as long as you're on the court, the Warriors' defense will be among the top three in the league. As for the offense, leave that to me and Richardson. If we win, you'll get half the credit."

Payton remained silent for a long time on the other end, with only his heavy breathing coming through.

Lin Hao didn't urge him; he knew the old fox was weighing the pros and cons. The allure of the championship was irresistible to any veteran.

"How about the money?" Payton finally relented.

"Base salary," Lin Hao said crisply, "but we have bonuses. And, once you come to Jinzhou, I'll provide you with food and lodging, every meal will be stewed goose in an iron pot, and canned yellow peaches will be plentiful. If you don't believe me, I can send you two boxes to try first."

"Shit..." Payton cursed, but his tone softened considerably. "Let me think about it. Send me the contract first."

"Great! I'll send the contract to your email right away!" Lin Hao was overjoyed, knowing this deal had a chance. "Gary, don't hesitate. Come to the Warriors, and I'll show you what real run-and-gun offense is. Defense wins championships, but offense wins the box office. Let's turn this league upside down together!"

After hanging up the phone, Lin Hao breathed a sigh of relief.

He picked up his phone and sent a voice message to Zhao Dabao: "Dabao, go get two cases of the best canned yellow peaches and beer, and send them to Seattle by express. I'll send you the address in a bit. The recipient should be Gary Payton."

After sending the voice message, he dialed Dell Curry's number.

"Old Dai, there's hope for Payton. When he gets here, you'll be in charge of teaching him shooting tactics, and I'll be in charge of teaching him how to move with us. We two need to make him understand that on the Warriors, defense isn't about standing still; it's about moving around."

Dell Curry laughed and agreed on the other end of the phone: "Don't worry, Lin. A player like Payton, once he's figured things out, is terrifying. If he can come, our defensive system will be truly complete."

Lin Hao walked to the window and looked at the myriad lights outside.