Autographs and Antics

The crowd's energy directly impacted the University of Connecticut players' morale. Kemba Walker remained on the court to salvage some points, hoping to make the final statistics more respectable. However, with UConn fans losing hope and turning their backs, it felt like the last straw for the team.

UConn's substitutes were overwhelmed by USC's bench throughout the game. As the final whistle blew, the score was set at 109:79.

Post-game statistics revealed that six USC players scored in double figures, showcasing the team's depth and strength. The final buzzer sparked a celebration among Southern California fans, who rushed onto the court to take photos and get autographs from Lian Dao.

During the NCAA semifinals, fans in the front row of the winning team are allowed to celebrate with the players to a certain extent. After about ten minutes, security organized the fans back to their seats to allow for the post-game handshake between USC and UConn.

Despite their disappointment, the UConn players completed the handshake line with good sportsmanship. When Lian Dao and Hasheem Thabeet shook hands, Hasheem said seriously, "Sickle, you're strong, but next time in the NBA, I'll beat you!"

Lian Dao responded with a smile, "OK, buddy, but you'll need to step up your game first." His words were meant as friendly advice, not trash talk. Lian Dao respected Hasheem and knew of his future in China with the Fujian team.

Hasheem, misunderstanding the intent, replied, "Hmph! It won't be so easy next time!"

Lian Dao just shrugged, deciding not to explain further.

After the handshake ceremony, Lian Dao was interviewed by Su Qun and other media outlets on the sidelines. Su Qun, visibly excited, couldn't believe that a Chinese player had achieved a quadruple-double in the NCAA semifinals—a feat not yet accomplished by any American.

Lian Dao's performance was full of highlight moments, and Su Qun knew that writing about it would be a hit. After the interview, they chatted about various topics, and Su Qun asked for Lian Dao's body measurements, likely for upcoming publicity.

Lian Dao shared his barefoot height of 204 cm, 206 cm with shoes, and a weight of about 105 kg. In the United States, reported heights usually include shoes, unless players aiming to avoid playing inside report their heights lower.

At the end of the interview, as he was heading back to the locker room, Lian Dao suddenly heard a familiar voice calling out to him.

"Hey Sickle, is that how you treat fans who like you?"

Lian Dao turned his head and saw a beautiful figure standing at the entrance of the player tunnel.

It was the same pretty and lovely face, paired with a figure that belied her cuteness.

It was Abby Hornacek.

He hadn't provoked her, except for the accidental touch on her chest earlier.

"You haven't finished signing for me yet." Seeing Lian Dao's puzzled look, Abby stepped forward, took out a marker, and handed it to him.

At the same time, she straightened her already prominent chest, pretending it was unintentional.

Lian Dao felt a bit embarrassed and had a headache now, but he still took the marker and finished the last letter of his autograph.

He just wanted to complete it quickly and leave this mischievous girl behind.

After filling in the last letter, Lian Dao handed her the marker and turned to leave.

But she stopped him again.

"Sickle, there's something on your face," Abby Hornacek said, pointing to Lian Dao's left cheek with a serious expression.

Lian Dao wiped the spot she indicated, feeling a bit puzzled.

"Not yet, it's still there. Lower your head a bit, and I'll point it out for you," Abby insisted, noticing that Lian Dao hadn't cleared the mark. She tried to gesture with her hand but realized she wasn't tall enough to reach comfortably. Anxiously, she asked Lian Dao to lower his head further.

Lian Dao, feeling unsure why Abby was so insistent, complied and lowered his head a little more.

However, Lian Dao felt they were already close to being face-to-face, but in response to Abby's request, he lowered his head a bit more.

Suddenly, Lian Dao caught a delicate fragrance, followed by a sensation of wetness on his face.

Damn, she's coming on strong!

I just got kissed by a girl!

Lian Dao's mind went blank, his thoughts consumed by the unexpected kiss.

Seeing Lian Dao's stunned expression, Abby couldn't help but laugh.

"Hehehe, what a cute big boy. Next time, don't let the girls take the lead!" Abby teased as she ran off towards the player's tunnel, her laughter ringing out like silver bells.

"What a trickster!" Lian Dao touched his kissed left cheek, feeling a mix of emotions.

Moreover, Abby's figure and personality did not fit Lian Dao's perception of a typical 15-year-old girl.

Lian Dao made his way slowly to the locker room, pushing the door open to find everyone staring at him. Gibson seemed ready to baptize him with an ice bucket, but froze mid-action, staring at Lian Dao with disbelief.

Everyone's intense gaze startled Lian Dao, leaving him flustered.

"What in the world... Karma, having fun already?" Gibson's disbelieving tone added to Lian Dao's confusion.

Huh?

What's going on?

Lian Dao was bewildered by Gibson's words. Suddenly, it dawned on him—Abby had just kissed him.

Oh no, there are lipstick marks on my face, and I forgot to wipe them off!

"No, no, it was just a passionate female fan," Lian Dao quickly wiped the lipstick marks away with his hands, mindful of avoiding media attention.

Could stir up unnecessary trouble.

"A female fan, huh? Is she cute?" The topic swiftly shifted from the lipstick marks.

Although there had been an increase in female fans at USC, most were undoubtedly there for Lian Dao, identifiable by his number 1 jersey on the court.

Yet, boys will always find the topic of women intriguing.

"Um... she was... beautiful!" Lian Dao struggled to find the right words; he had only met Abby twice, making it difficult to describe her.

"It's that beautiful fan from the last game. Why can't I have a fan like that!" DeMar's eyes lit up as he recalled seeing a female fan interacting with Lian Dao.

But then he wondered why the female fans seemed to favor someone else.

This young man, DeMar, was sharp since childhood!

The players' gossip fires were ignited, all bombarding DeMar with questions.

As for why they didn't ask Lian Dao directly, it was because he had locked himself in the bathroom.

Listening to DeMar's animated and cheeky explanation, the players' faces were a mix of amusement and curiosity.

"No wonder Sickle doesn't pay attention to notes from the cheerleading goddess Shirina; he's got his own admirers." Simmons's wry smile hinted at his mischievous thoughts.