Chapter 062: Zhou Zhexiao: My Taste is Heavier Than Yours

“What the hell! Who does this Xia Chiyi think he is? Daring to claim he’ll solo us for 60 points!”

“He’s just a freshman. He joins the school team and thinks he’s an immortal; plays a few games and thinks he can ascend to heaven!”

“So everyone at Ningchang University loves to run their mouths. Now we finally know where those hundred-plus points against Qincheng University came from—hot air!”

Consequently, during the warm-up for the practice match the next morning, Chujiang University’s captain, Gao Chong, led a few team members over to the sideline where Xia Chiyi was stretching.

“Which one of you is Xia Chiyi?” Gao Chong stood with his hands on his hips, chin tilted up, his gaze sweeping over Ningchang University’s sparse lineup.

“It’s him—”

“It’s him—”

“It’s definitely him—”

Xia Chiyi looked up to find his teammates all pointing their fingers at him. Was this what it felt like to be “condemned by the public”?

Gao Chong chuckled lightly, looking at Xia Chiyi. “So it’s you? The one who claimed he’d solo us for 60 points?”

Only when Xia Chiyi lifted his head did he realize that not only was Gao Chong tall, but the entire Chujiang University team was a legion of giants. He suspected their average height must be around 190cm.

“I… I never said that…” Xia Chiyi shook his head immediately, looking completely bewildered.

Gao Chong smirked, and the teammates behind him laughed along.

“Your voice was so loud when you made the claim, how come you can’t back it up now?”

Gao Chong gripped Xia Chiyi’s shoulder with an imposing pressure, preventing him from standing up. “Forget 60 points, can you even get 6 points against us?”

Not far away, Shuai Bei frowned. He stood up, exactly level with Gao Chong’s height, and grabbed Gao Chong’s wrist, saying coldly, “Hey, how many points he can score on you, won’t we find out in a minute?”

Their eyes met, the tension explosive.

“What? Chujiang University thinks they can’t win at basketball, so you’re switching to fighting? Do you think you have an overwhelming advantage in numbers?” Shuai Bei retorted.

Gao Chong clicked his tongue, released his hand, and led his players away.

“A bunch of guys with no self-awareness. Why don’t you take a piss and look at your own reflection to see what you’re worth?” one of the players threw back as they left.

Originally, Ye Chaoying and the others were just habitually “kicking someone when they’re down” and “schadenfreude,” just watching Xia Chiyi become a joke.

But being talked down to like that was another matter.

Gao Chong slapped that player hard on the back. “Ningchang University doesn’t know manners, do you have to be so tactless too?”

“Oh, sorry. Pissing and all that is too uncivilized. I stand corrected—they should pick up a mirror and look at themselves!”

Ye Chaoying stared wide-eyed at their retreating figures, resting one hand on Xia Chiyi’s shoulder. “I don’t care, I want you to solo them for 60 points!”

Xia Chiyi was helpless. “I can eat KFC with thirty points, I don’t need sixty…”

Shuai Bei also put a hand on Xia Chiyi’s shoulder and squeezed hard. “Leave the rebounds to Du He and me. You just shoot with peace of mind.”

Xia Chiyi widened his eyes at Shuai Bei. “I really never said I wanted to score 60 points!”

Du He tightened his shoelaces, his expression grim. “It’s not about whether you said it or not anymore. It’s about someone rubbing our faces in the dirt.”

Xia Chiyi turned to look at Zhou Zhexiao. “You… you talk to them. Calm them down. We still need to play according to the tactical arrangement!”

Zhou Zhexiao glanced at Xia Chiyi. “You passed the Gaokao with over five hundred points. What is sixty points?”

Xia Chiyi scratched his head. His teammates were crazy. Truly crazy.

Ling Huanzhen and the Chujiang University coach were chatting together. Seeing this scene, Ling Huanzhen felt a tiny bit embarrassed.

Chujiang University’s Coach Chen held his thermos cup and chuckled, speaking in a very tolerant tone, “Your players are ambitious. But whether it’s a formal game or a practice match, there is only one person who can solo Chujiang University for 60 points.”

Ling Huanzhen was curious. “Who?”

“Qingda University’s Liu Suchen.” The Chujiang coach gently tapped Ling Huanzhen’s chest with his thermos, adding meaningfully, “That is the level of the National Youth Team.”

Ling Huanzhen smiled faintly. “Oh, so it’s him. Then does that mean…”

“What?”

Ling Huanzhen rubbed his chin. “If we really have someone here who can solo your distinguished team for 60 points, they would also be at the Youth Team level?”

Coach Chen’s smile faded bit by bit. “Bringing the arrogance of the CBA into college coaching won’t work.”

Ling Huanzhen smiled, walked over to his players with his hands in his pockets, then pressed down on Xia Chiyi’s head, lowering his voice. “You score 60 points on them for me.”

“Coach Ling, how can you be like this too!” Xia Chiyi’s head buzzed; he felt like everyone around him was possessed.

“If you do it, from now on, whether you sneak pizza, fried food, barbecue, or whatever junk, I will absolutely not voluntarily tattle to your master.” Ling Huanzhen raised his palm.

“For real?” Xia Chiyi looked skeptical.

“High-five as an oath. If I violate this pact…”

“You go bald immediately!” Xia Chiyi’s eyes widened.

Ling Huanzhen paused. What a vicious curse, but he had to commit: “If I violate this pact, I go bald immediately!”

“And—”

“And what?” Ling Huanzhen frowned.

“You have to dance a Girl Group dance for me!”

As soon as Xia Chiyi spoke, everyone around them burst out laughing.

“Is this real? If so, I support you 200 percent!” Hearing the words “Girl Group dance,” Ye Chaoying’s heart surged with excitement.

Du He rubbed his fingers together. “Really?”

The smile on Shuai Bei’s face couldn’t be more obvious. “Then this is a team-wide incentive! Coach Ling…”

The next second, Shuai Bei got a slap on the back of his head. Ling Huanzhen’s warning gaze swept across the team. “You dare plot against me? I don’t recall ‘bear heart and leopard gall’ (audacity) being on the training menu recently.”

“Girl Group dance is acceptable,” Zhou Zhexiao’s voice suddenly rang out.

Ling Huanzhen gritted his teeth, thinking: Do you even know what a Girl Group dance looks like, joining in on Xia Chiyi’s nonsense!

He poked Xia Chiyi’s head. “If you dare lead a rebellion again, forget fried chicken, I’ll report you even if you eat a mini cocktail sausage!”

“Okay, okay, save the Girl Group dance for next time!”

Xia Chiyi punched Ling Huanzhen lightly on the chest, then hopped in place.

The game officially began. Du He jumped for the ball against the opposing center.

In the battle with Qincheng University, Du He had left the court due to exhaustion, which remained a sore point for him.

For this jump ball, he let out a roar, pulling up mountains and rivers with his strength. The sound of his hand slapping the ball shocked the whole arena.

Ye Chaoying received the ball and immediately crossed the center line, ready to pass at any moment.

Chujiang’s captain, Gao Chong, specifically marked Xia Chiyi one-on-one. With his long arms spread wide, he stopped Xia Chiyi just as he crossed the center line.

Gao Chong: You want to score? I won’t even let you near the three-point line!

Everyone from Chujiang University, including the coach, thought Ye Chaoying would pass the ball to Zhou Zhexiao. But unexpectedly, Xia Chiyi suddenly sprinted toward Ye Chaoying. Ye Chaoying passed, Shuai Bei screened the pursuing Gao Chong, and Xia Chiyi jumped and shot from his spot—the ball went in!

The Chujiang people were stunned, including Gao Chong.

He was still so far from the three-point line. And how did he shoot immediately upon catching the ball? Didn’t he need to adjust his posture? Didn’t he need to aim?

Aside from Li Shunchuan, was there actually someone else with such a fast release?

Gao Chong tugged at his jersey, unaware that a layer of cold sweat had formed.

“Shooting from that far out…”

“When he shook off Gao Chong, his speed was incredible!”

“With that kind of range, he’s hard to guard!”

However, what their coach was truly worried about wasn’t Xia Chiyi’s range, but his release speed.

If he wasn’t mistaken, from the moment Xia Chiyi stopped abruptly to the moment he released the shot, he wondered if even a second had passed.

“How’s the feeling today?” Ye Chaoying pointed his index finger at Xia Chiyi.

“Don’t know yet!” Xia Chiyi answered honestly.

Ye Chaoying grinned. “Alright, then shoot a few more to get a feel for it!”

Motivated by the goal of soloing the opponent for 60 points, the entire Ningchang University team was unprecedentedly united.

Ye Chaoying’s steal broke Chujiang University’s fast break, and the ball was passed to Xia Chiyi’s hands again.

Gao Chong had experienced big tournaments after all; he calmed down immediately: I’ve guarded Li Shunchuan, even Lu Yingnan. Compared to them… you’re still green!

Xia Chiyi executed a smooth crossover. Gao Chong stepped up, but Xia Chiyi used a lateral step-back to create distance and shot lightly.

In again!

Ye Chaoying whistled. He really didn’t expect that in just a few days, Xia Chiyi would have mastered Li Shunchuan’s lateral step-back.

Gao Chong looked sideways at Xia Chiyi. This freshman’s expression was calm; such agile step-backs seemed like a common meal for him.

Not long after, Shuai Bei aggressively grabbed a rebound and passed it to Zhou Zhexiao.

Zhou Zhexiao’s dribble was irresistible, charging straight for the opponent’s basket. Chujiang University’s double-team defense was child’s play in Zhou Zhexiao’s eyes. He clearly could have made an easy floater, but he flicked the ball backward to Xia Chiyi, who was parked at the three-point line.

“It’s that shooter again!”

“Watch him!”

Gao Chong sprinted over. Xia Chiyi used another crossover to evade, hopped sideways, and fired another shot.

Thump—thump—thump—

Gao Chong heard the echo of his own heartbeat in his chest: This guy’s release is truly too fast.

At this moment, even the arrogant Chujiang University could see that this guy who claimed he would score 60 on them really had the skill.

Chujiang’s Coach Chen immediately called a timeout to adjust tactics and the players’ rhythm.

But less than twenty seconds after the game restarted, Zhou Zhexiao and Ye Chaoying ruthlessly broke through. The ball was constantly fed to Xia Chiyi. By the time the first quarter ended, Xia Chiyi had already made 8 shots.

“Is that guy called Xia Chiyi a machine? His release is too fast… What are his stats now?” Gao Chong asked the team’s scorer while panting.

“10 attempts, 8 made. And all were three-pointers.”

The players exhaled sharply.

Someone muttered, “We won’t really get 60 points dropped on us by this guy, right?”

Coach Chen, holding his thermos, changed expression, his voice sinking low. “No matter how accurate a shooter is, even an NBA star, their stamina drops in the middle and late stages of the game, and their shooting form deforms. It is very difficult for anyone to maintain the state of the first quarter.”

Gao Chong looked at the coach and voiced his feeling: “This Xia Chiyi’s release is too fluid. When guarding him alone, I always feel a beat behind.”

And that one beat, no matter what, couldn’t be caught up. The frustration accumulated time after time.

“Gao Chong, don’t be affected by Xia Chiyi’s provocation anymore. You need to focus on watching that Zhou Zhexiao. If my observation is correct, his speed, strength, and technique are top-tier.”

Gao Chong looked across the court. Zhou Zhexiao was sitting on the bench, hands hanging at his sides, head down, resting his eyes.

If it weren’t for this guy, Xia Chiyi wouldn’t get so many shooting opportunities.

“Understood, I’ll go guard him.”

For Gao Chong, being able to temporarily stay away from Xia Chiyi was actually a relief. Continuing to guard him was causing Gao Chong’s own focus to drop.

“And that Ye Chaoying. I admit I underestimated Ningchang University. Just his stealing ability ranks high nationally. Watch the passing lanes. Do not let him intercept.”

The players looked in the direction of Coach Chen’s gaze. Ye Chaoying had his arm around Xia Chiyi’s shoulder, laughing and joking.

Ningchang University’s relaxed atmosphere formed a sharp contrast with Chujiang University facing a formidable enemy.

“Ningchang University’s 110 points against Qincheng University… there probably wasn’t any water (inflation) in that.”

“Which means… that Yang Huaiyu playing the full game was also true…”

The more smug they were before, the lower their morale was now.

“Everyone cheer up! Just treat them as an opponent on Qincheng University’s level; we aren’t that bad either!”

Gao Chong patted the center and power forward of the team, whispering instructions: “Defense under the basket must be strengthened. Xia Chiyi dares to shoot so arrogantly partly because of their rebounding level. As expected of Ling Huanzhen’s disciples, grabbing rebounds is like monkeys picking peaches for them.”

Coach Chen nodded and continued, “The rest is about this Xia Chiyi… Wang Jinjun, Zhang Tie, you two double-team him. Try to sandwich him to death!”

Gao Chong smiled. “True. With Xia Chiyi standing behind Wang Jinjun and Zhang Tie, you can’t even see him. No matter how good his shooting is, can he fly over the Great Wall?”

Hearing this, the players’ confidence gradually rose again.

—Tall trees catch the most wind.

Since this Xia Chiyi’s shooting couldn’t be guarded, then brick him into a cement coffin.

The second quarter began, and Chujiang University launched a fierce counterattack.

Gao Chong drove the ball into the paint, facing the double block of Du He and Shuai Bei, still intending a strong layup. But just as his hand was about to send the ball through the gap between the two, another hand slammed down onto the basketball, swatting it away.

His heart felt like it was splitting open, his brain nerves trembling violently!

Who is it?

Zhou Zhexiao landed. He glanced coldly at Gao Chong. “Want to do a layup? You’re eight hundred years too early.”

Gao Chong was stunned. Where on earth did this guy pop out from? Such strong explosive power!

Gao Chong clenched and unclenched his hand; his palm was still tingling. The last person who gave him this kind of oppressive feeling was Qincheng University’s Yang Huaiyu.

—Is this the strength that made Yang Huaiyu play the full game?

Ye Chaoying took the ball away. The entire Chujiang University team scrambled back on defense. Shuai Bei was already waiting for a pass. Ye Chaoying smiled, corners of his mouth lifting, but passed the ball to Xia Chiyi, who was sandwiched outside the three-point line!

Coach Chen on the sidelines widened his eyes: Why pass to Xia Chiyi? He’s already trapped!

They watched as Xia Chiyi used a jab step followed by a large pull-back. The space seemed to squeeze and bounce open like jelly. Both defenders were fooled. He easily stepped back and shot for points!

Coach Chen leaned back, almost dropping the thermos in his hand.

In the following game, the double-team on Xia Chiyi existed in name only.

He would suddenly sprint, then Zhou Zhexiao and Shuai Bei would set a double screen, and he would score upon catching the ball.

Even the people double-teaming him couldn’t reach out to strip the ball. Xia Chiyi would change direction and break through the moment the opponent lowered their center of gravity, turning around for a jump shot.

What Chujiang University’s coach didn’t expect even more was that Xia Chiyi was fearless facing two big men. He even dribbled directly into contact, darting out with an extremely low center of gravity, and then scoring again…

The bench players of Chujiang University couldn’t bear to watch.

“Ah… gave the ball to him again…”

“Didn’t we double-team? Can’t hold him at all!”

“This guy shakes too much, right? If I were facing him, I’d probably be dizzy…”

Xia Chiyi executed another large fake. After receiving the ball, he faced Gao Chong’s defense. Gao Chong had eaten a weighing weight (was determined) to stop Xia Chiyi. Xia Chiyi looked up at the high rim, ambition and ferocity revealing themselves in his eyes.

Gao Chong suddenly felt something was wrong. He didn’t expect Xia Chiyi to throw the ball out from under his arm.

Zhou Zhexiao caught the ball with one hand and rushed under the basket. Two Chujiang players jumped to defend. Their coach finally lost his calm, shouting loudly: “Watch out for his pass—”

Because Ye Chaoying was right near Zhou Zhexiao.

In contrast, Ling Huanzhen sat with his arms crossed, not shouting a single word, simply saying in his heart: He won’t pass.

Because this was the ball Xia Chiyi gave to Zhou Zhexiao. Zhou Zhexiao wouldn’t let it fall into anyone else’s hands.

His aerial posture was like an agile predator, powerful tension dragging everyone’s line of sight. He switched hands in mid-air, a left-handed hook shot, scoring amidst Chujiang University’s exclamations.

Chujiang University’s coach kept his back rigid. He hadn’t expected Ningchang University to be this strong.

Simply reborn, unstoppable.

Zhou Zhexiao turned around. Sure enough, Xia Chiyi ran over with both hands raised. Zhou Zhexiao high-fived him. Xia Chiyi excitedly bumped him again, but Zhou Zhexiao’s stable core kept him motionless. Xia Chiyi showed a disappointed expression.

Zhou Zhexiao lowered his eyes, mouthing: Confrontation failed.

Ye Chaoying squinted at Zhou Zhexiao’s profile and nudged Shuai Bei with his elbow. “I always feel there’s something fishy between these two. Zhou Zhexiao’s eyes are about to stretch into strings (look sticky/longing).”

“Just strings, not foaming at the mouth,” Shuai Bei said indifferently.

“Eww, we are playing ball, what nonsense are you talking about.” Ye Chaoying covered his ears.

Shuai Bei was speechless. Weren’t you the one who started talking nonsense first?

At halftime, Chujiang University’s morale was down to the bottom of the valley.

Xia Chiyi had already hit 14 shots, scoring 38 points. The two big players double-teaming him were exhausted mentally and physically.

Gao Chong also failed to stop Zhou Zhexiao.

—Zhou Zhexiao encountered chaotic blocking under the basket but calmly executed a hook shot.

In Gao Chong’s view, this required great courage, but for Zhou Zhexiao, it was as easy as picking up a fish ball with chopsticks.

Ling Huanzhen came to the players and opened his arms: “You guys played really well!”

Ye Chaoying grinned and asked: “Just satisfied? Not relieved (venting anger)?”

“Hahaha, when Xia Chiyi fills up the 60 points, your teacher will be very relieved.” Ling Huanzhen rubbed Xia Chiyi’s head vigorously.

Zhou Zhexiao lowered his head and eyes, looking as if he was asleep. Even when Xia Chiyi mischievously covered his entire face with a towel, he didn’t react.

“Not that tired, right? He didn’t exert much effort!” Xia Chiyi said, puzzled.

“Maybe he finds it boring. Yang Huaiyu raised his expectations to the National Top 8 level, but he found that Chujiang University didn’t have a master like Yang Huaiyu. Expectations fell through.”

Ling Huanzhen smiled and kicked Zhou Zhexiao with his toe, “If you want to see an opponent of Yang Huaiyu’s level, I’m afraid we really have to enter the National Top 8, or even Top 4.”

Zhou Zhexiao remained motionless. This made Xia Chiyi curious. What was this guy’s expression under the towel?

Could he really fall asleep because the game was boring? That would be too arrogant!

He lifted the towel and poked his head in. His shoulders stiffened because he found Zhou Zhexiao wasn’t sleeping at all. A pair of eyes looked straight at him.

Like a patient hunter who had been waiting for a long time.

Xia Chiyi wanted to retreat, but Zhou Zhexiao grabbed the back of his head through the towel.

“What are you doing?” Zhou Zhexiao asked.

“Checking… checking if you were really sleeping…” Xia Chiyi pressed hard against Zhou Zhexiao’s shoulder.

The whole world seemed cut off by this towel.

Light filtered in, allowing Xia Chiyi to clearly see Zhou Zhexiao’s amber eyes.

Ye Chaoying was shouting outside: “Oh oh oh, what obscene actions are you guys doing again!”

Chen Chuan patted Ye Chaoying’s shoulder. “I say, you are all in the same dorm, why do those two stick so close?”

Shuai Bei stood behind Xia Chiyi, speaking in a tone of “I’m tired of seeing this”: “If you want to kiss, go back to the dorm to kiss!”

He Bin followed up with a knife twist: “If discussing tactics, everyone should hear it.”

Xia Chiyi’s face went red. He pushed against Zhou Zhexiao harder, whispering: “Let go of me quickly.”

Zhou Zhexiao suddenly let go, and Xia Chiyi fell backward with the towel over his head.

Before the tragedy of landing on his tailbone occurred, Zhou Zhexiao suddenly reached out, clasped both his wrists, and yanked him up.

Ye Chaoying said coolly: “Not bad, not bad. The veil is on, heaven and earth have been bowed to. Send them to the bridal chamber!”

“Is a white veil unlucky?” Du He asked.

Xia Chiyi yanked the towel off. He didn’t look at Zhou Zhexiao’s face but jumped onto Ye Chaoying’s back, covering Ye Chaoying’s face with the towel.

“Who do you want to send to the bridal chamber? I think you want to go to the Western Heaven (die)!”

Ningchang University’s horseplay brought great psychological pressure to Chujiang University again.

They were thinking about how to break the game, while their opponents were relaxed and calm.

In the following game, Ling Huanzhen left Zhou Zhexiao on the bench and subbed in Chen Chuan for exercise.

Just as Gao Chong and the others breathed a sigh of relief, thinking Ningchang University’s cutting ability under the basket would weaken, Xia Chiyi surprised them greatly again.

He received a pass from Ye Chaoying, rushed into the paint under the protection of Du He and Shuai Bei. Gao Chong jumped high to intercept. He had prepared in his heart for Xia Chiyi to pass, but he didn’t expect Xia Chiyi to do a small double-clutch (lagan), moving the ball around Gao Chong’s arm and sending it into the basket.

“Oh—” Ye Chaoying was extremely excited and hugged Xia Chiyi, “Brat, is your ego inflated or did you grow up? Daring to do a double-clutch in front of Gao Chong!”

Xia Chiyi also didn’t expect it.

Although layup training was included in the 21-point shooting drill, double-clutch was never in Xia Chiyi’s training plan.

It was just that recently he watched many confrontations between Yang Huaiyu and Zhou Zhexiao under the basket, infected by their various powerful and forceful attack methods, and did it subconsciously. Those moments full of explosive power repeated too many times in Xia Chiyi’s mind. Like a baby learning to walk, Xia Chiyi took his first step.

Xia Chiyi took a deep breath. He looked at Zhou Zhexiao on the bench. He thought the other would still look uninterested, but unexpectedly, Zhou Zhexiao sat up straight, watching him continuously. That look was as if seeing Xia Chiyi shoot for the first time.

During this period, Xia Chiyi’s core training had been intensifying. This was the manifestation of the results.

Zhou Zhexiao held out two fingers, closed his eyes, and blew on them.

Xia Chiyi understood. The other meant: Another one.

A bit arrogant, and a bit cool.

Seeing Xia Chiyi full of interest, Ye Chaoying whispered: “You dare try again? Be careful next time Gao Chong blocks the ball into your face!”

“Getting blocked is possible, smashing into my face probably won’t happen.” Xia Chiyi turned and ran back to position, smiling at Ye Chaoying, “Pass to me, okay!”

Excitement gradually flashed in Ye Chaoying’s eyes too. “You lunatic…”

But was he, eager to pass to a lunatic, even crazier?

The game continued. Gao Chong led Chujiang University to chase back more than ten points. Worthy of a strong school, even if temporarily blown out, they could adjust their mindset immediately.

Finally, Ye Chaoying stole the ball successfully and passed it to Xia Chiyi without hesitation.

This was a test for the entire Chujiang University—what would Xia Chiyi do?

Standstill step-back shot? Pass to Chen Chuan assisting nearby? Or cut into Chujiang University’s paint again?

Cold sweat rolled down. Chujiang University’s coach gripped his thermos tightly. Whichever way, he hoped someone could stop Xia Chiyi.

This felt like facing Liu Suchen’s triple threat.

Being pierced by Liu Suchen was inevitable—after all, he was a recognized peak player in college basketball.

But Xia Chiyi… an obscure player rumored to have been rejected by the provincial team. Having the basket pierced by him would make Chujiang University unable to lift their heads in the Southeast Division.

At this moment, Xia Chiyi started sprinting. He dribbled smoothly past two Chujiang guards. Approaching the basket, he faced Gao Chong’s blockade directly. With a butterfly-through-flowers move, he went around Gao Chong and went straight to the hoop.

He put away all childish expressions on his face. Looking up at the basket, it was like paying respects to a god in the void. He raised the ball early, luring the defender to jump early. Gao Chong struggled to help defend. Chujiang University’s basket area became a three-man crowd!

“Block him—”

“Block him—”

Chujiang University’s players shouted in agitation.

They couldn’t stop Xia Chiyi from shooting, could they still allow him to run wild under their basket?

But relying on superior hang time, Xia Chiyi switched hands to avoid the block. His body folding was slightly delayed. This was how Zhou Zhexiao avoided Yang Huaiyu’s block; he remembered…

He remembered to have patience, waiting for the opponent to fall…

When Xia Chiyi’s feet were about to land, he sent the ball out.

The ball hit the backboard. Shuai Bei had already rushed over prepared for a putback. With a bang, this ball dropped safely into the net.

“Oh—”

“Xia Chiyi—Xia Chiyi—”

Cheers came from the Ningchang University side.

Chujiang University’s Coach Chen stood there stunned.

Why… Why was such a player at Ningchang?

This level, from dribbling to shooting, from speed to decisiveness under the basket. Even if he couldn’t compare to Liu Suchen, he was at least a player at the level of Yang Huaiyu or Lu Yingnan.

But why was he here?

Coach Chen looked at Ling Huanzhen on the sideline. He suddenly understood why this premier power forward in the CBA… would come to guide the obscure Ningchang University.

Shuai Bei sighed and slapped the back of Xia Chiyi’s head. “Worried for nothing.”

“Worried about what? I won’t smash my own face.” Xia Chiyi clenched both fists, cheering for himself.

“Nonsense.” Shuai Bei rubbed Xia Chiyi’s head hard.

Then he looked in Zhou Zhexiao’s direction. Although the other was leaning back against the chair, looking a bit lazy, there was an obvious smile on his lips.

Ling Huanzhen looked at the scoreboard. “This kid really soloed sixty points.”

Cheng Qing whispered: “Every time he meets a powerful opponent, Xia Chiyi levels up.”

He Bin on the sideline looked at Xia Chiyi with longing eyes. He knew he might never be able to play brilliantly under the basket like Xia Chiyi, but deep inside he was also roused, wanting to see a broader world for himself on this court.

Chujiang University called a timeout. If they didn’t pause, their players’ confidence would collapse completely.

Ling Huanzhen patted He Bin on the shoulder and lowered his voice: “Last quarter, perform well. Let them know we don’t just have one sharpshooter.”

He Bin nodded vigorously. “Received!”

Xia Chiyi returned to the bench and sat with Zhou Zhexiao.

He bumped Zhou Zhexiao with his knee. “Hey, you saw that, right? I can do a double-clutch too, and shake a big guy like Gao Chong.”

“Not the first time.” The corners of Zhou Zhexiao’s mouth couldn’t be pressed down, like an AK (recoil).

“But that’s Chujiang University! I need to tell my Master to get the KFC family bucket ready for me!”

“You need someone holding a fishing rod, hanging bait in front of you, then you will keep advancing, advancing, and advancing again.”

Xia Chiyi frowned. “Why do I feel that’s not a compliment?”

“If today’s performance can be exchanged for a KFC family bucket, then what about the First Division Championship? What else do you want to eat?”

Zhou Zhexiao turned his face to look at Xia Chiyi.

His expression was very soft. Clearly, most of the time he was a stern guy, but he made Xia Chiyi have a desire to get infinitely closer.

“…You…” Xia Chiyi realized something and shut up immediately.

“You want to eat me?” Zhou Zhexiao’s smile seemed even more obvious.

Since he had already said it, he could only brazen it out.

“Look at this body of meat, elasticity must be good. Pan-fry, deep-fry, roast, boil…”

“Pan-fry, deep-fry, roast, boil… I was just about to ask which part you wanted to eat.” Zhou Zhexiao’s gaze turned away, returning to the court.

“Ah?”

“In the end, maybe my taste is heavier than yours.”

As He Bin hit a beautiful baseline three-pointer, Xia Chiyi realized the double meaning belatedly.

Damn… Zhou Zhexiao, you are actually like this!

Finally, the score of the practice match between Ningchang University and Chujiang University was fixed at 108 to 89.

At the end of the game, the entire Chujiang University team was very quiet, gone was the previous arrogance.

Some had towels over their heads; some held water bottles but couldn’t drink a sip.

Gao Chong closed his eyes, still seeing Xia Chiyi’s shots time after time, Zhou Zhexiao’s blocks, Ye Chaoying’s steals, and the rebounds by Du He and Shuai Bei.

Coach Chen patted the seat next to him, letting Gao Chong sit down.

“Actually, this is also my first time encountering a situation like today. The opponent’s performance was entirely beyond expectations, then doubt starts setting in. Actually, it’s likely not that Ningchang University is too strong, but that we put ourselves in the wrong position. It’s lucky, fighting a match with Ningchang University before the divisional games. Otherwise, if we really met them in the official tournament… it would be a total collapse, irretrievable.”

Gao Chong took a deep breath and said muffledly: “Yes.”

At this moment, Ling Huanzhen was walking toward Chujiang University’s Coach Chen. He had to use all his strength to keep a straight face.

Just a minute ago, he took a picture of the final score and sent it to Jiao Yingfeng, followed by a bombardment of various laughing emojis.

At first, Jiao Yingfeng smiled seeing the scoreboard, seeing that Xia Chiyi had completed the scoring task.

Then when the stupid emojis attacked, Jiao Yingfeng skillfully set “Do Not Disturb” for the messages.

Coach Chen didn’t have the airs of a senior veteran this time, but stood up to shake hands with Ling Huanzhen.

“Coach Chen, the cafeteria has prepared meals, many Ningchang specialties. Let’s go eat together. It just so happens I have many things to ask Coach Chen for advice on.”

“Too polite. You haven’t been coaching for long, yet Ningchang University’s strength is like a rocket launching. I should be asking you for advice.”

The two coaches walked toward the tunnel together.

Coach Chen still couldn’t help asking: “I heard Xia Chiyi was rejected by the Jin Provincial Team, is this true?”

“Not just Xia Chiyi. In our team, Zhou Zhexiao and Ye Chaoying were both rejected by the provincial team.” Ling Huanzhen answered.

Coach Chen squeezed the thermos in his hand, sighing: “Seems Jin Province is full of talent. If the provincial team disdains players like this, Coach Ma Hongming must have many fierce generals in his hands.”

Trash Ma Hongming, fierce generals my ass.

Thinking this in his heart, Ling Huanzhen still said with a low-key and humble expression: “Coach Ma’s selection criteria, it’s inconvenient for me to comment. After all, Jiao Yingfeng and I only went to the US to play NCAA burning our bridges after being rejected by him.”

Put this way, Coach Chen suddenly remembered that almost none of the players sent by Jin Province to the National Youth Team recently seemed to have been kept.

“Ah, Shanghai University’s Coach Guan made an appointment with me the other day. When Jin Province’s selection is over this year, we’ll go pick up the scraps together.” Ling Huanzhen raised his eyebrows, as if saying “Wanna join?”

Coach Chen opened his mouth, not knowing what to comment for a moment.

About five or six seconds later, Coach Chen nodded. “Mm, together.”

Fu Chenxue and the others couldn’t wait to take pictures of the scoreboard and post to Moments. The news of Ningchang University winning the practice match again spread throughout the school.

Including Xia Chiyi’s fan group.

[Won again! Won again and again! Won again and again and again!]

[Heard Cub Chiyi really soloed 60 points! Mama loves him to death! Calling a truck of chicken legs for him right now!]

[Didn’t Chujiang University say they came to Ningchang to admire the Gobi sunset? Wonder what their thoughts are now?]

…

Ling Huanzhen still gave Coach Chen face and didn’t advertise the score of this match everywhere.

But the match result quickly reached the ears of other coaches.

Xiangnan University of Technology couldn’t hold back. Their coach asked in the group: [Wonder if the brothers from Ningchang University can come over this week? We can organize a training camp, learn from each other. Just playing a weekend practice match is too rushed.]

Ling Huanzhen smiled. Xiangnan University was quite inflated before, now they feel a weekend practice match is too rushed?

[Really sorry. After all, having just finished the practice match with Chujiang University, if I don’t let them relax a bit, they’ll throw a tantrum at me. Also, Wednesday is Ningchang University’s anniversary, really inconvenient to get away.]

Hearing this, Xiangnan University of Technology turned to ask: [Then schedule the training camp for next week, how about it?]

As soon as this was said, the coaches of Capital Electric Power University and Changcheng University of Science and Technology quickly objected.

[We have already scheduled the time! If you drag Ningchang University to train with you for a week, they’ll be exhausted by the time they get to our Capital!]

[Don’t break the lineup! If one practice match isn’t enough, can schedule a second, a third one!]

Seeing the objections from other coaches, Xiangnan University of Technology had to give up.

As for that Southeast Division prediction ranking that Ling Huanzhen brooded over, that Weibo post received many questioning comments.

[Ningchang University ranked 18th in Southeast Division? Which year’s old almanac is this?]

[If tying Qincheng University was a coincidence, defeating Chujiang University is no rumor!]

[The Qing Dynasty has fallen, yet the blogger’s brain is still bound (like foot-binding). Do some investigation before ranking, okay? Anyone can talk nonsense!]

[Don’t mislead other teams in the Southeast Division. If they see the blogger’s ranking and don’t start their main lineup when PK-ing Ningchang University, how will the blogger compensate?]

…

After receiving these comments, the blogger secretly edited the Weibo post, changing Ningchang University’s ranking to 12th, but continued to be scolded.

Meanwhile, the practice match between Qincheng University and Qingda had not yet ended, entering the final tense 2 minutes.

__

【Author’s Note】
Zhou Zhexiao: He is indifferent to my hints.
Xia Chiyi: I… I’m still a cub…
Zhou Zhexiao: On Green River (JJWXC), eighteen-year-olds can fall in love.