"New York, we're finally back!" When the charter flight carrying the entire Yankees team landed at JFK International Airport, many players gazed at the familiar scenery outside the window and exclaimed this sentiment.

This time, however, the players' faces were not tired from continuous away games but were filled with excitement and thrill—the reason being simple: After securing two 1-0 victories in Houston, the New York Yankees have extended the total score of this American League Championship Series to 2:0. They only need to win any 2 of the next 3 home games to obtain tickets to the 2017 World Series.

The "World Series" is a stage that most people on this young team could only see on TV or experience in their dreams; however, the outline of this once seemingly unattainable dream is becoming increasingly vivid.

"Ahem, before getting off the plane, I want to announce something..." At the very front of the cabin, Girardi stood up from his seat and spoke, "During the two games in Houston, everyone's performance was outstanding, and we achieved the desired results, so..."

"Today, the team has no arrangements; all the time belongs to you—eat, sleep, recover, accompany family... as long as it doesn't affect tomorrow night's game, do whatever you want to do!"

"And then..." Girardi paused here and then roared at his players with more enthusiasm: "Starting tomorrow, on our own turf, let's kick the cheating Texans out and end this series!"

"Ohhhhh—!!!" He was met with the players' deafening cheers and screams, and the atmosphere in the cabin reached a new climax.

Before getting off the plane, the team's accompanying general manager Brian Cashman specifically sought out Lin Guanglai, "Lin, regarding the Astros' cheating incident, the team's analysis team has already started collecting data, but it will take some time, and I hope you can understand."

For the Yankees and Cashman now, Lin Guanglai's significance has surpassed that of a typical star player: Besides providing great support on the competitive level, he's also a cash cow for the Yankees in the East Asian region; and as his performance in Major League Baseball continues to excel, this influence is gradually spreading worldwide.

No matter the reason, binding the New York Yankees' brand and Lin Guanglai personally is something Cashman must do.

For this, he specifically promised Lin Guanglai: "If this matter proves to be true, then you can rest assured, we will deploy all our strength to ensure the Astros pay the appropriate price!" He spoke with a face full of decisive expression.

With Cashman's assurance on behalf of the entire team, Lin Guanglai naturally agreed: After all, for the Yankees and himself personally, the tough Texas away games were already over, and two victories have been secured; in the upcoming games, no matter what kind of means the Astros might have, it's absolutely impossible for them to cheat at the Yankees' home ground.

That evening in New York time, the two-century-old establishment Delmonico's located on Wall Street welcomed a group of special guests:

Under Lin Guanglai's instigation, Sabathia finally chose tonight to fulfill the bet he lost, spending big to book the restaurant for the entire evening and inviting all players to dine here.

As the party involved in the bet, Lin Guanglai wasn't at all reserved with Sabathia: As one of the best left-handed pitchers in Major League history of this century, not counting off-field sponsorships, Sabathia has earned nearly $300 million solely from contracts; at least compared to Lin Guanglai who is still earning a minor-league contract, he is undoubtedly a "wealthy tycoon".

If Lin Guanglai weren't abstaining from alcohol during the season, Sabathia would have spent even more; nevertheless, this meal still cost him close to a hundred thousand US Dollars in the end, undoubtedly an expensive affair.

After eating and drinking to satisfaction, as the Yankees' top locker room leader, a slightly tipsy Sabathia clapped his hands and beckoned his teammates to look in his direction:

"Even though it's been almost 10 years, I still remember the night of November 4, 2009—Matsui driving in 4 runs in a single game, Mariano closing successfully, we won the World Series championship—that was one of the happiest nights of my life."

"The past few years haven't been easy for the Yankees: Jorge (Posada), Mariano, Derek all retired one after another, then A-Rod and Mark... The veterans on the team were down to just me and Brett—truth be told, I once thought I wouldn't have another chance to return to the World Series before I retired."

"But luckily I encountered you guys—thanks to Lin, thanks to Aaron, Gary, Didi, Greg, and Starlin... you young guys have changed this team and changed my mind!"

Upon saying this, Sabathia also didn't forget to glance in Lin Guanglai's direction, his emotions becoming more passionate:

"Whether it's the Astros now or the Dodgers or Cubs in the future, let these guys go to hell!" Raising his wine glass, Sabathia downed it in front of everyone, "Young people, let them witness the true strength of the new generation 'Evil Empire'—"