Chapter Fourteen: When You're Wrong, Admit It; As for Taking a Beating... That's Absolutely Impossible!

Of course, if they knew that the entire brawl lasted less than two minutes, was one against three, and that the three who got beaten up all ended up in the hospital, they would never think that way.

No matter what, the name Lin Tian had already left a strong first impression in the minds of many within the league.

The next morning, Lin Tian acted as if nothing had happened. He still drove his noisy Corvette to the training facility, ready for the day’s practice.

However, as soon as he stepped out of the car, he ‘just happened’ to run into Phil Jackson, who was passing by.

“Coach, good morning.” Seeing the head coach, Lin Tian slightly toned down his usual demeanor, behaving unusually obediently.

“Just call me Phil, like everyone else,” Jackson said with a sly smile, his expression like a cunning fox. Lin Tian couldn’t help but shiver slightly. This old man was clearly full of mischief.

“Lin, I believe this is the first time we’re having a face-to-face chat?” Jackson continued, “You certainly made quite a stir last night.”

“I hope I didn’t cause too much trouble for everyone. I will accept all punishments without complaint.” Lin Tian’s tone was earnest. In this world, if you’re in it, you own your mistakes. If you get hit, you stand at attention...

Well, unless Tyson showed up, Lin Tian wasn’t going to get beaten.

“Aren’t you worried the team might trade a troublemaker like you?”

Jackson looked at Lin Tian’s attitude with sudden curiosity. This kid had never once considered that the team might trade him.

“If the team were going to trade me, I doubt you’d be the one to tell me personally. So I believe you must have spoken highly of me last night, which is why I’m still here. I promise I’ll play well from now on!” Lin Tian looked up at Jackson sincerely.

“As long as you try your best, that’s what matters. We held a meeting almost until midnight just to keep you.” Jackson squinted, neither denying nor fully confirming that he’d spoken on Lin Tian’s behalf, instead giving a vague reply.

Jackson hoped Lin Tian would feel some gratitude toward him. That would make managing the team easier.

But looking into Lin Tian’s eyes, Jackson suddenly felt a bit uneasy and shook his head. “Talking to guys like you who study psychology is pointless. No secrets at all. But I’ll say this upfront: staying or not, you won’t escape the penalties.”

“I promise to comply,” Lin Tian said.

“First thing, you have to apologize.” Jackson stared at Lin Tian, sensing that evasive tone again, as if Lin Tian was trying to dodge the real issue. He hurried on, “Don’t worry, it’s not to the three guys you beat up. If all goes well, you won’t see them in Chicago again.”

“Claus will trade them before the season starts. You have to apologize to Steve. Why did you take his jersey? Do you know he stood on the court in soaked practice clothes for forty minutes last night, waiting for his family to bring him another shirt?”

“I’ll apologize to Steve.” This time Lin Tian looked genuinely embarrassed. “I thought that locker belonged to Harry. I never intended to embarrass Steve.”

“Harry’s locker was right next to Steve’s, but that’s irrelevant now — that locker’s empty.” Jackson shrugged. “There’s a fine of ten thousand and a three-game suspension. No problem, right?”

“No problem. I accept it all.” The punishment was lighter than Lin Tian had expected; he’d thought he’d at least miss ten games.

After all, he hadn’t held back yesterday.

Besides deliberately avoiding the back of the head, chin, and throat, every punch was thrown with full force, as if he wanted to leave his opponents terrified for life.

Either don’t fight at all, or fight so hard that your enemies never forget it.

That was Lin Tian’s fundamental rule for brawling.

Once assured he wouldn’t be traded, Lin Tian’s mindset as he entered the locker room again was completely different.

Besides feeling more confident himself, his teammates’ expressions toward him had clearly changed.

Except for Kukoc and Wennington, the other players began greeting Lin Tian.

Their attitude toward him was much better than before.

Not only because Lin Tian was truly tough and no one dared provoke him anymore, but also because it was clear to everyone that Lin Tian would not be leaving the team after this incident. Instead, the three who got beaten up would have to find new teams.

This meant Lin Tian’s position in the team was very secure! And chances were he would get plenty of playing time going forward. Even if not much, he would at least be the top enforcer and bodyguard for the veterans.

Players like that — tough, rough, protective — were common in NBA teams of the 80s and 90s.

In places like New York and Detroit, known for their rough crowds, eighty percent of the team might be that kind of player.

Wherever they were, these players who would always stand up for their teammates and be the first to jump into fights earned great respect.

Although no one openly said it, everyone knew that Lin Tian’s status had shot up to just below the Iron Triangle — on par with main players like Langley and Harbaugh.

His future was limitless.

As training camp progressed, more and more people began hanging out with Lin Tian, playing together. Lin Tian was adept at fitting in naturally and was increasingly welcomed by everyone.

As for the three unlucky ones who got beaten, they never appeared in the locker room again. Their lockers were cleaned and organized by team staff.

Within the Bulls, it was as if those three had never existed — completely forgotten.

For Lin Tian, everything was getting better and more comfortable, and he enjoyed it more and more.

The only thing that hadn’t changed was Michael Jordan’s attitude toward him. As if trying to prove to Rodman he wasn’t afraid of Lin Tian, Jordan still targeted Lin Tian fiercely during training, repeatedly going one-on-one with him, landing elbows after elbows brutally, showing no mercy.

In the blink of an eye, the one-month training camp came to an official end. During that month, Lin Tian had made considerable progress. Besides learning to better use his talents and characteristics on the court, his chemistry with teammates grew stronger, and his various skills improved significantly.

On the night before the Bulls were set to begin their preseason journey, Lin Tian lay alone in his room and activated his system, eager to see his current attributes.