Live streaming, internet celebrities, and online influencers, trends that would define the future, were still not widely accepted in this era when the internet was not yet fully developed.
They were not particularly well received.
Although live streaming already existed, it was often associated with lowbrow content in the public's perception. In many people's eyes, it was simply a way to grab attention and make money.
Of course, that was just the prevailing opinion for now.
In reality, as live streaming platforms began to emerge, streaming gradually entered the public eye. This real-time, fast-paced format slowly started gaining popularity.
As the internet continued to evolve, with the spread of 2G, 3G, and even 4G networks, this trend would accelerate and become one of the most popular forms of entertainment.
"The live streaming industry will definitely take off. And League of Legends will also explode in popularity, becoming a global esports phenomenon.
Game streaming will quickly become something many people enjoy watching. At the same time, more polished performance-based streams will also attract a large audience.
Right now, Quinnie has gaming skills, great looks, and a beautiful singing voice. That means she has the potential for both gaming streams and performance streams.
Just imagine.
When League of Legends becomes popular and its streaming scene takes off, if a female streamer appears who is skilled at the game, beautiful, and can sing well for her audience...
Her popularity would skyrocket. Quinnie could very well become the top streamer in both the gaming and performance categories, or even the top star on the entire platform.
At that point, she would gain massive popularity, attract more attention, and have a much higher chance of obtaining better opportunities.
Then her acting skills would finally have more chances to shine.
However, to reach that stage, the first step is to bring League of Legends into the domestic market as soon as possible, so that more people can play it and fall in love with it.
Also, for me, things like comment overlay culture, NBA broadcasts, and League of Legends streaming are all areas I can get involved in.
But before that, I need more capital and a solid network. Otherwise, even if I want to get involved, I might not be able to connect with the right people."
With that thought, Blake Su's plans for the future gradually became clearer.
...
The next day, Blake Su took Mia Quinn to New York and finally visited the ice rink they had missed last time. They spent the entire afternoon having fun.
Fully relaxed and free from stress, Mia Quinn left in high spirits.
She told Blake Su that she would definitely land a great script, become an outstanding actress, and rise to fame.
Blake Su encouraged her.
After seeing Mia Quinn off at the airport, he gave her some money under the pretense of a loan to cover her expenses. Only then did he feel at ease.
At the same time, he did not return to Phoenix.
Instead, he flew directly to Los Angeles to meet up with his teammates.
Tonight, the Suns would face the Lakers on the road. This was their third matchup of the season and the second time Blake Su would face the Lakers since joining the Suns.
In their previous meeting, the Suns had beaten the Lakers with a buzzer-beater. Now, as defending champions, the Lakers were determined to get their revenge on their home court.
During the time Blake Su spent with Mia Quinn, the hype around this game had already exploded online.
Soon, night fell, and the highly anticipated revenge game moved through warm-ups. The real battle was about to begin.
At the commentary table, Van Gundy adjusted his posture and straightened his tie.
"Tonight is a revenge game for the Lakers. As defending champions, with Kobe Bryant's competitive nature, he will never allow a team led by a rookie to defeat him twice in a row.
However, the Suns are currently on a nine-game winning streak and are a very strong team. And 'Super Rookie' Blake Su is a truly dominant center.
So tonight is bound to be a tough battle."
"That's right."
Mike Breen nodded.
"It's worth noting that while the Suns have won nine straight, the Lakers are also on an eight-game winning streak.
Whether it's the showdown between the two stars, the 'best in the league' Kobe versus the 'monster rookie' Blake Su, or the overall team matchup, this game is definitely worth watching."
On the court, during warm-ups, Blake Su and Curry were both practicing three-pointers from the logo. Curry hit three out of five, while Blake Su made four out of five.
The shooting ability of the Suns' two stars caused quite a stir.
Seeing this, the highly competitive Kobe stepped up and took five logo threes himself, making two.
The crowd erupted with even louder cheers, and the momentum from the Lakers' side felt even stronger.
With both teams knocking down impressive logo shots, the game was already full of energy before it even began.
Soon, the warm-ups ended.
The game officially began.
"Jump ball!"
Blake Su faced Bynum at center court. Although Bynum had the weight advantage, he was no match for Blake Su in terms of vertical leap.
With a sharp tap, Blake Su won the tip again. He had not lost a single jump ball all season.
Steve Nash secured the ball and pushed it forward, initiating the Suns' first offensive possession.
At the top of the arc, Curry caught the pass. He had already made three logo threes during warm-ups, and it looked like he might shoot again.
But instead, he immediately sent up a high lob.
From the right corner, Blake Su cut toward the basket, took off, and rose into the air. Like a force descending from above, he grabbed the ball with one hand and slammed down a powerful tomahawk alley-oop.
The rim shook violently, letting out a metallic groan as the crowd erupted in cheers.
"The Su-Curry connection opens the game with a tomahawk alley-oop!"
"Even in a revenge game for the Lakers, the Suns are just as hungry for the win!"
Van Gundy was visibly excited.
On the very next possession, Blake Su used an Allen Iverson-style crossover to shake off Artest.
Swish.
A clean mid-range jumper went in.
A tomahawk alley-oop followed by a crossover jumper. Blake Su scored four straight points to start the game, delivering an early statement to the defending champions on their home court.