UA also learned from their last experience, and this time, they didn’t publicize their itinerary in advance.
But when they arrived at the Panda Base, everyone was stunned, including Hansen.
In the outdoor activity area, there weren’t just one, two, or even three... but more than seven giant pandas roaming around!
The Memphis Zoo, with just two pandas, had climbed the ranks among zoos in the United States. Here, it seemed like there were giant pandas everywhere.
The Sovereign Country really was imposing!
Ajalee never put down her camera once she picked it up.
With the arrangements made by the base, they also saw the feeding segment done by the keepers.
It turned out watching giant pandas munching on bamboo shoots live was even more appetizing than eating your own meal, and you could watch it all day on-site.
This was simply unbeatable.
Even later, accompanied by the keepers, they went in for a photo op with the giant pandas.
This wasn’t part of the planned itinerary, but it thrilled them nonetheless.
The trip was more than worth it.
It was right after Hansen finished taking photos that someone from the base began explaining to him.
As early as twenty years ago, taking a photo with a panda was like taking a photo with an elephant; it was a paid activity.
It seemed Hansen was born too late in his previous life; otherwise, he would have made sure to visit Chengdu.
After leaving the Panda Base, they participated in some fan events and then made their way to Jiuzhaigou Valley.
In his last life, there were two things he longed to do: one was to visit Chengdu to see the pandas, and the other was to see the waters of Jiuzhaigou Valley.
Unfortunately, due to the fierce competition in his previous world, he never found the time before his sudden death.
Now, fortunately, he had accomplished both wishes at once.
There’s a saying that goes "Returning from Jiuzhaigou, one does not bother looking at other waters," reflecting just how beautiful the waters of Jiuzhaigou are.
Hansen had mentally prepared himself, but once he truly entered the scenic area, especially upon reaching the Five-Flower Lake, and saw the water mixed with minerals, algae, and submerged trees creating such breathtaking scenery, he felt the saying was spot-on.
Ordinary water—even with a filter—couldn’t replicate such stunning effects.
It was hard to describe the feeling, but when you see water in shades of sapphire, navy, and dark green all present in one lake, it truly made it difficult to take a step away.
Curry got so excited that he couldn’t help but let out a squeal reminiscent of a schoolchild.
The United States has its fair share of beautiful landscapes, but they were incomparable to this, seemingly second-rate.
It was at this moment that Hansen decided, once he retired, the first thing he would do was to travel around his home country, a land he never got a chance to explore fully in his past life.
Upon returning to the United States after their tour to East University, Hansen and Curry were sitting together.
This trip to East University hadn’t left them feeling exhausted, but rather exhilarated.
They even talked about the upcoming season. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡⁂𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚⁂𝙣𝙚𝙩
Curry wasn’t previously aware of Nike’s so-called strategy, but after hearing Hansen’s analysis, he realized the mission he carried on his shoulders.
"I will defeat all of them." Unexpectedly, Curry exuded tremendous confidence, whereas Hansen had thought he might need to encourage him.
"In our country, there’s a book called ’Romance of the Three Kingdoms,’ with a line that goes, ’Zhou Lang’s brilliant schemes pacified the world, but he lost his wife and troops too.’"
"What does that mean?"
"However well you’ve laid out your plans, when you encounter a stronger opponent, you end up completely defeated in the end."
"I’ll read it carefully," said Curry, now intent on reading the book.
Not long after Hansen returned to Cleveland, the Cavaliers’ new season training camp was about to start.
On the first day of training camp, all team members were present, and Hansen even met the team’s lead assistant coach.
At a glance, he recognized it was Coach Lue.
Malone had the level to coach, but his ability in terms of motivational speaking was average; the coaching staff had clearly brought in Tyronn Lue to fill that gap.
Before the camp began, Lue fully demonstrated his capability by delivering an impassioned speech.
To summarize, it was about what a great opportunity they were in, how meaningful it would be to win a championship for a city that had never been successful in any of the four major sports leagues.
Hansen had played in the NBA for five years and had heard plenty of motivational talks.
Yet, after listening to Lue’s speech, he still felt an uncontrollable surge of enthusiasm.
It had to be said, Lue outdid his mentor, Doug Rivers, by coming out on top.
Moreover, before training began, when Lue was getting friendly with Hansen, he said something Hansen would remember for a long time.
"I’m actually half an East University person."
Hansen was confused, as it was clear Lue’s appearance was that of an African-American of mixed heritage.
But Lue’s following remark made him laugh.
"Because my last name is Lue, too."
Speaking of which, the salary the Cavaliers offered Lue was 4 years at 6.5 million dollars, the highest assistant coach salary in NBA history, not much less than what Malone, the head coach, was making.
But now it seemed money well spent, as Lue’s interpersonal skills were a great adhesive for a team entering a new season with many rookies.
The first day of training camp only involved some basic drills without the ball, like defense and shooting practice.
The players had just come back from the offseason, so the main focus was getting back into the groove.
After training concluded, Hansen called the others to start playing one-on-one American style.
Basketball can be complex, but it’s actually quite simple as well.
Joining a new team, to have others sincerely respect you, it does little good to boast about seniority, how you’ve been in the league for twenty years, or that you’re a Scoring King.