Chapter 0085: Ace Point Guard

“He’s a former teammate!” Xia Chiyi speechlessly pressed Ye Zhaoying down.

This guy was nothing but a clickbaiter; it was truly a pity he didn’t become a journalist.

“Has Zhao Lingcong returned to the team?” Cheng Qing pushed up his glasses. “In that case, Southeast Mining University will be very difficult to deal with.”

“Brother Cong really is amazing…”

Resting his chin on his chopsticks, Ling Huanzhen observed Xia Chiyi’s expression. “What’s with that show-off expression of yours? He’s just a former teammate!”

“But Brother Cong was already very strong back then. He could always create shooting opportunities for me. Furthermore, he knows my playing style very well. If we go against Mining University and Brother Cong is there… that will truly be a huge obstacle.”

Cheng Qing smiled. “Zhao Lingcong is improving, but you are also leveling up. Besides, our data analysis team has done sufficient research on Zhao Lingcong. Rest assured, tonight I’ll send you Zhao Lingcong’s matches from last year, along with his technical characteristics.”

“That’s good.”

“Don’t think about Zhao Lingcong for now. Playing well in the knockout stage is the key.”

However, what Xia Chiyi didn’t expect was that after finishing the meeting with Ling Huanzhen and returning to the hotel room, Zhou Zhexiao wasn’t using Xia Chiyi’s phone to watch Huaicheng Normal University’s matches. Instead, he was watching last year’s match between Southeast Mining University and Qincheng University—a game where Zhao Lingcong had only played for six minutes in the third quarter.

“Eh? You’re also interested in Brother Cong?” Xia Chiyi leaned over and lay side-by-side with Zhou Zhexiao.

Zhou Zhexiao’s face was calm. He was replaying the under-the-basket confrontation between Zhao Lingcong and Yang Huaiyu.

Zhao Lingcong feigned a layup, but actually bounced the ball off the backboard, intentionally creating an opportunity for Ma Tao to follow up with a putback dunk.

It was truly bold, seeking fortune amidst danger.

No wonder Zhao Lingcong said Ma Tao was his partner; such tacit understanding was truly threatening.

When Zhao Lingcong helped his team’s shooting guard with a pick-and-roll, Xia Chiyi sighed softly.

“Why are you sighing?” Zhou Zhexiao asked.

“It’s just… I have a feeling that things have changed. When I played basketball in high school, I hadn’t received particularly systematic training, like how to create my own shooting space, how to get past people, or how to handle physical confrontation. The fact that I could score was largely because Brother Cong was helping me create opportunities. Even…”

“Even what?”

“Even the fact that I didn’t get injured much was because Brother Cong was protecting me. In my second year, there was a match where the opponents saw I was weak in confrontation and wanted to knock me flying. It was Brother Cong who rushed over to cover me. He ended up getting injured instead…”

Right at this moment, the basketball team’s WeChat group started pinging non-stop.

Xia Chiyi wondered, Could it be some important notice regarding tomorrow’s match against Huaicheng Normal University?

Who knew it was actually everyone frantically discussing Zhao Lingcong.

Ye Zhaoying: [Tsk tsk tsk, according to the bracket, if we make it into the top four of the Southeast Division, our opponent will be Southeast Mining University! Zhao Lingcong, that’s Xia Chiyi’s ex, and I heard he also plays small forward at Mining U! Ex vs. Current, who will win?]

Shuai Bei: [I know Zhao Lingcong. He’s very strong. And since he understands Xia Chiyi quite well, Xia Chiyi might get completely destroyed.]

Chen Chuan: [Tsk tsk tsk, I’m a bit worried Xia Chiyi will get beaten by his ex until he loses his confidence. That’s how it’s always played out in TV dramas; no one can bring themselves to ruthlessly strike down their ‘white moonlight’!]

Zhou Zhexiao furrowed his brows and asked, “Is Zhao Lingcong your white moonlight?”

“My white moonlight is Sheng Xingming!” Xia Chiyi didn’t even think before immediately declaring his stance.

“Facing Zhao Lingcong, can you bring yourself to be ruthless?”

“I can. I will definitely farm points on him until he doubts his own existence.”

Xia Chiyi tried to take his phone back, but Zhou Zhexiao’s fingers gripped it tightly; he couldn’t pull it away.

“Let’s go watch Huaicheng Normal University’s matches instead, shall we?”

“I want to watch Zhao Lingcong.” Zhou Zhexiao’s tone carried a hint of bossiness.

“Why? What’s there to watch about Zhao Lingcong? He only played these few minutes of matches in total last year!”

“Because if the current one can’t defeat the ex, then it’s very likely going to lead to a ‘rekindled romance’ plotline.”

“…Who said such an outrageous thing?” Xia Chiyi asked.

“Ling Huanzhen.”

“…”

Ultimately, Xia Chiyi nestled back into his own bed to rest and recharge for the next day’s game, leaving Zhou Zhexiao alone there to continue watching the match videos.

---

At 2 PM the next day, it was their match against Huaicheng Normal University.

This could be considered Huaicheng Normal’s home court.

Half of the stadium’s spectator seats were filled with people from Huaicheng Normal University. Flags, banners, and player signs were raised everywhere.

“I have this feeling that if we don’t lose, we’ll be letting the audience down…” Du He looked up at the sound waves from Huaicheng Normal, feeling an inexplicable panic.

Shuai Bei covered Du He’s eyes and turned his head back around. “What nonsense are you spouting? Shouldn’t it be that the louder Huaicheng Normal’s cheering is, the more we need to keep scoring? What doesn’t kill us is destined to make us stronger!”

The usually calm He Bin also exhaled. “The feeling that we are the villains is getting stronger and stronger.”

Ling Huanzhen smiled and waved at them. “You guys, you’ve played so many matches, how come you still can’t weather the storm? This half might belong to Huaicheng Normal, but the other half might be ours!”

Just as Huaicheng University’s cheers paused for breath, a resonant shout erupted from the opposite side.

“Beyond the three-point line—zero-second release—every shot hits—supreme and unrivaled!”

“Mid-air dunks—moonwalking—outstanding figures—Ningchang University!”

“Bam-bam! Bam-bam-bam! Bam-bam! Bam-bam-bam!”

The commentator for this match also couldn’t help but be surprised.

“I’ve been following the Division I League continuously for three years, and this is truly the first time the away team’s vocal support is evenly matched with the home team!”

In the morning, Southeast Mining University had already finished their own match; now the entire team was at the venue watching the game.

Zhao Lingcong and Ma Tao sat in the front row. Right in front of them was the railing. Zhao Lingcong rested his hands on the railing and smiled, “I didn’t expect Ningchang University to be so popular.”

Ma Tao gave a cold “Tch.” “They just have good-looking faces.”

“True, Little Xia was already very handsome in high school. There were always a lot of boys and girls watching him play from the sidelines. Good thing he was oblivious back then, otherwise he’d have gotten involved in puppy love.”

“Stop calling him Little Xia, Little Xia. That’s not a cub you raised, and even if it was, he’s learned bad ways now!” Ma Tao said grumpily.

People gradually filled the seats next to Mining University; unexpectedly, it was Qincheng University.

Yang Huaiyu paused when he saw Zhao Lingcong, then patted the other’s shoulder. “Zhao Lingcong, I thought we wouldn’t see you in this year’s Southeast Division battles. Is your leg fully healed or not? Don’t go faking injuries on the court.”

Zhao Lingcong replied, “I can see it, you were secretly hoping in your heart that I would stay crippled forever.”

“How could I? I was just about to say that expecting Ma Tao alone to stop the duo of Zhou Zhexiao and Xia Chiyi is a fantasy. Good thing you’re back, otherwise the highlights of the Southeast Division’s final four clash would be halved,” Yang Huaiyu said with a smile.

At this moment, Xia Chiyi happened to turn his head and saw Zhao Lingcong.

Zhao Lingcong smiled and lifted his chin at him, while Xia Chiyi pouted and shook his head.

“You know Xia Chiyi? What kind of charades are you playing?” Ke Yan asked curiously.

“Of course I know him; we were high school teammates. What he meant just now was that he isn’t starting, which is a pity.”

Ke Yan was dumbfounded. “You know what he means just from one expression? That’s too magical, isn’t it?”

And at this moment, Ling Huanzhen grabbed the back of Xia Chiyi’s neck and turned his head back around. “Little guy, stop secretly making eyes at your ex.”

Xia Chiyi showed a speechless expression. “Coach Ling, if you don’t know how to use idioms, then don’t use them randomly.”

Whether it was relevant Weibo bloggers or the on-site commentators, they all favored Ningchang University more.

Far away in the principal’s office of Ningchang University, several school leaders were holding thermoses and watching the projection screen.

If they won both of these knockout matches, then Ningchang University would enter the top eight—this would be the best result the Ningchang University school team had ever achieved since the establishment of the Division I League.

Previously, only three or four clubs were paying attention to Ningchang University, but as of this match, there were already seven to eight club scouts present.

In the first quarter of the game, Huaicheng Normal University played to their advantage—agility and speed.

Not only their guards, but even their forwards had a rather high three-point accuracy rate. In two minutes, they hit eight shots, five of which were three-pointers.

In the stands, Yang Huaiyu propped his chin, glancing at Xia Chiyi’s fluffy back of the head and Zhou Zhexiao’s composed back on the bench. He said in a low voice, “Coach Ling kept both his aces on the bench. This is an insult to Huaicheng Normal University. No wonder they are shooting so fiercely.”

Zhao Lingcong and Yang Huaiyu were sitting very close. The two of them propped their chins, one on the left and one on the right, and started chatting.

Zhao Lingcong spoke, “I can understand. Back when Little Xia and I were teammates, opponents often used three-pointers to provoke us. They probably felt that defeating us using the three-pointers that Little Xia excelled at would be more humiliating…”

“Hahaha… If anyone thinks this ‘Little Xia’ student only knows three-pointers, then they aren’t far from death.” Yang Huaiyu glanced at Zhao Lingcong pointedly.

“I know. He no longer relies so much on pick-and-rolls. His breakthrough ability is strong, and he can even play as a swingman.”

At this time, He Bin cut across the opponent’s territory. His touch was excellent. A fadeaway three-pointer not only surprised the opponents, but even Xia Chiyi on the bench was dumbfounded.

“When did He Bin practice that? A fadeaway three-pointer! So sharp!” Xia Chiyi stared intently at He Bin’s back.

Ling Huanzhen, acting as if he had expected this long ago, said calmly, “You didn’t think you were the only one awesome at shooting, did you? You aren’t the only one improving; your teammates are also working hard. Putting you on the bench isn’t just for you to observe the opponents, but also your teammates.”

Hearing this, Xia Chiyi’s heart felt like it had been struck by a hammer. From the preliminary matches until now, Ningchang University had not tasted defeat. This had caused Xia Chiyi to become somewhat puffed up with pride.

“Xia Chiyi, a so-called dual-threat guard, simply put, is a point guard with scoring ability. Do you know what a true ace point guard is like?” Ling Huanzhen asked.

“An ace point guard…” Xia Chiyi had many, many thoughts in his mind.

Like a coach on the court, the hub of the offense, a super metronome…

Ling Huanzhen’s gaze was fixed on He Bin on the court. At this moment, He Bin returned the favor with a pull-up transition three-pointer, and applause erupted from the audience.

“If you can’t imagine what an ace point guard looks like, then think about the point guard you acknowledge and admire the most.”

Hearing this sentence, Xia Chiyi looked at Zhou Zhexiao beside him.

The other’s back was straight like a taut string, yet his arms rested easily on his legs. This was the so-called “proper balance between tension and relaxation.”

All the matches he had watched before flashed through his mind rapidly like a revolving lantern. Suddenly, a clear image formed in his mind.

“An ace point guard… can make everyone become an ace,” Xia Chiyi spoke.

“Very good. Usually, barring any surprises, you would be on the court from start to finish. But being off the court allows you to observe your teammates more objectively. How are they different from the preliminaries? What are their movement habits? What are their offensive techniques? How do you connect them?”

Carrying these questions, Xia Chiyi was brainstorming every single moment—if he were on the court, what kind of situation would he create?

The first quarter ended with Huaicheng Normal leading Ningchang University by 2 points.

The spectators began to discuss.

“Today He Bin’s shooting is truly fluid and beautiful. He and Xia Chiyi have two different styles, but when this bro shoots, it also gives a feeling of reliability.”

“I’m afraid Xia Chiyi won’t be playing. It’s just that the home team, Huaicheng Normal, is losing a bit of face…”

“If Ningchang University wins this match, they’ll enter the top eight! Against the opponents in the top eight, Xia Chiyi will probably have to play the whole game!”

Listening to the discussions, Yang Huaiyu gently nudged Zhao Lingcong next to him with his elbow.

“Hey, did you see that? Ningchang University’s perimeter shooters aren’t limited to just Xia Chiyi. Imagine if your Mining University were playing against Ningchang University: Ma Tao clashes head-on with Zhou Zhexiao, and you suppress Xia Chiyi on the perimeter. Do you guys still have any defensive masters who can dismantle the pick-and-rolls between He Bin, Du He, and Shuai Bei?”

This question made both Zhao Lingcong and Ma Tao fall into deep thought.

Zhao Lingcong suddenly nudged Ma Tao. “It’s all your fault.”

“Me? What did I do?”

“You’re putting out word every day that you’re going to destroy Little Xia. If you fail to destroy him, you won’t have the face to be a human anymore.”

“Then I’ll just be a ghost, alright?!”

Zhao Lingcong added, “Is being a ghost that easy?”

“Actually, I think… Coach Ling is still very likely to sub Xia Chiyi in for this game,” Ke Yan spoke up.

“Hmm?”

Everyone turned to look at Ke Yan.

“Perhaps as a point guard, my angle of looking at the problem is a bit different from yours. I think Ye Zhaoying’s performance in the first quarter was mediocre,” Ke Yan said.

Ma Tao was surprised. “He got two steals in just one quarter, and you call that mediocre?”

“But he’s a point guard. Getting two steals, at most, stopped the bleeding for Ningchang University by six points. But he only organized effective offenses two or three times in the first quarter. They relied entirely on the tacit understanding between He Bin and Chen Chuan to chase points with three-pointers. Meanwhile, Du He and Shuai Bei’s under-the-basket offensive power hasn’t been utilized… From my perspective, Ningchang University’s offense in the first quarter was too loose.”

Ke Yan’s words awakened everyone present.

“I kept feeling the rhythm wasn’t quite right, but couldn’t find the appropriate words to express it. Worthy of being the number one point guard in the Southeast Division.” Ma Tao gave a thumbs-up in Ke Yan’s direction.

Zhao Lingcong also nodded. “Yeah, when our Mining University faces your Qincheng University, we will definitely assign a specific person to mark you to death.”

Ke Yan let out two cold chuckles and lifted his chin. “Look at Ling Huanzhen, he’s been talking to Ye Zhaoying the whole time. He has also clearly seen where the problem lies.”

As expected of a battlefield veteran; even if he didn’t start out as a guard, he knew the importance of a guard.

Ling Huanzhen looked deeply at Ye Zhaoying. “Little Shadow, you know your organizing rhythm in the first quarter was messy, and you were dragged along by Huaicheng Normal’s fast counterattacks, right?”

Ye Zhaoying, hands on his hips, closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “Mm… I was too anxious to stop their shooting, focusing on steals, and neglected the organization of the offense. By the time I reacted, it was already a mess.”

“Mm, knowing how to reflect is a good thing. Now, clear everything out of your mind. We are changing the rhythm.”

After saying that, Ling Huanzhen started clapping his hands right in front of Ye Zhaoying, clapping faster and faster. Then the other teammates also followed suit and clapped to the beat.

Although the audience behind them didn’t know what Ling Huanzhen was doing, seeing the entire Ningchang University team clapping, they unexpectedly started clapping along too.

And wonderfully enough… it was to the tune of We Will Rock You.

The people from Mining University and Qincheng University looked around. Influenced by such an atmosphere, they clapped their hands along with the audience.

“This isn’t f*cking playing basketball, this is clearly the World Cup!”

“Is Ningchang University about to burst out of Asia and march towards the world?”

The inexplicable battle song freed Ye Zhaoying from Huaicheng Normal’s rhythm. He looked up at the audience stands, his mind full of We Will Rock You.

“I, Ye Zhaoying, have finally returned!”

At the start of the second quarter, Ye Zhaoying unleashed his ultimate move, driving left and cutting right, throwing Huaicheng Normal’s formation into complete chaos.

This time, not only He Bin, but even Shuai Bei started scoring with mid-range jumpers, and Du He farmed six points completely undefended.

Ningchang University’s score began to overtake, and the point gap continuously widened.

On the sidelines, Xia Chiyi’s heart was surging. He had long known Ye Zhaoying’s organizing ability was very strong, but the current him had reached an even higher level than during the preliminaries.

Fluid and smooth, handling everything with ease.

Moreover, the more they watched, the more silent Mining University became.

—The number of players at Ningchang University might be the thinnest in the Southeast Division, but under Ling Huanzhen’s training, every single one of them was an elite soldier and capable general.

Twelve seconds before the end of the second quarter, Ye Zhaoying made an unexpected breakthrough pass. His teammates and the audience applauded wildly, but he was immediately struck in the cheekbone by an opponent’s elbow.

With a Bang—, Ye Zhaoying fell to the ground.

Everything happened without any warning.

Exclamations arose from all sides, and Ling Huanzhen fiercely stood up from his seat.

The referee’s whistle blew, and his teammates’ hearts instantly leapt into their throats.

“Ye Zhaoying!”

Ye Zhaoying’s cheekbone was bruised purple and blue. His left eye was squeezed tightly shut. Everything was spinning. It took several seconds before he slowly sat up.

“I… I didn’t mean to…” The Huaicheng Normal player who crashed into Ye Zhaoying raised his hand.

Ye Zhaoying was in so much pain his ears were buzzing. For a moment, he couldn’t even distinguish whether his nose, his eyes, or his entire face hurt.

Ling Huanzhen and Fu Chenxue helped Ye Zhaoying back together. Passing by Xia Chiyi, Ling Huanzhen said coldly, “Xia Chiyi—you sub in for Ye Zhaoying! Forget all the applause you’ve received these days and how others define you. Let the opponents watching the game know—every single person at Ningchang University is an ace.”

This was the “surprise” Ling Huanzhen had always been worried about.

During the provincial preliminaries, Xia Chiyi had played point guard.

But looking at the Southeast Division, the opponents’ strength had risen to another level. If he wanted to become a dual-threat guard, he needed the baptism of reality to control the rhythm of higher-level matches.

Xia Chiyi nodded very seriously. “Okay.”

When the substitute player’s number was displayed, the audience erupted in excited noise.

Even the commentator’s tone raised: “Ningchang University is subbing in Xia Chiyi for the injured Ye Zhaoying! As a point guard, Ye Zhaoying’s offensive dispatching holds significant importance for Ningchang University. Although Xia Chiyi’s perimeter scoring ability is obvious to all, whether he can mend the rift in Ningchang University’s offensive organization is the test he is about to face.”

Ye Zhaoying held an ice pack with a depressed face. “Why do I feel like the audience is rejoicing that I’m injured and leaving the court?”

Fu Chenxue immediately comforted him, “That’s not true! When you got injured, many people in the stands stood up!”

“Am I disfigured? I feel like my face is swollen like a steamed bun…”

“It’ll be fine in a while, really, it’ll be fine in a while!”

Xia Chiyi came to Ye Zhaoying’s side, squatted down, and looked at his face. “This is truly too lucky.”

“I got smashed and you’re saying I’m lucky?”

“I originally thought you might have to go get your teeth fixed…”

“Then thank you very much!” Ye Zhaoying grabbed Xia Chiyi’s collar, staring intently at him with his other unswollen eye. “You f*cking better play well for me!”

“Of course.” Xia Chiyi nodded.

Zhao Lingcong looked around him, expressing his feelings. “How long has it been? I didn’t expect Little Xia to be so popular.”

“Yeah, A-Cong—you need to reflect on yourself carefully. You’re clearly a handsome guy, how come you have so many fewer fans than your junior?” Ma Tao spoke.

“It’s very normal. I started less in my freshman year, broke my leg in my sophomore year, so I haven’t had the chance to perform.”

Yang Huaiyu looked at Xia Chiyi with a restrained gaze. “I feel… Ling Huanzhen wants to let us, especially the opponents from Mining U, see the other side of Xia Chiyi. I reckon we might not see the dual perimeter shooters anymore. Xia Chiyi’s big-picture view of the game actually far exceeds our imagination.”

Upon hearing this, Zhao Lingcong’s interest grew even higher. “Then I’ll look forward to it.”

Most people pursue the improvement of personal skills, ignoring the importance of basketball IQ.

Not just them, the scouts from major clubs were also paying attention.

Xia Chiyi himself didn’t know how many gazes were gathered upon him.

His long-range shooting ability was obvious to all. This made the people paying attention to him, including Xie Huai, the head coach of the National Youth Team who was watching the live broadcast, want to see higher-level things.

And at this moment, the Jin Province Sports Bureau was holding a meeting.

What Ma Hongming, the head coach of the Jin Province basketball team, didn’t expect was that the bureau leaders didn’t give any speeches. Instead, they calmly said, “The Ningchang University basketball team has already achieved the best result of all universities in Jin Province in the Division I League. Let’s first see if they can go further.”

Hearing this, even if Ma Hongming was stupid, he understood that the leaders were saying there was a problem with his talent selection.

Ye Zhaoying’s excellent dispatching ability in the second quarter had already left a deep impression on the leaders.

“This point guard plays very well. He can steal, he can control the court; he’s enough to make up for the deficiency in initiating the offense. Why didn’t he enter the provincial team?”

The office director attending the meeting explained, “Ye Zhaoying participated in the provincial team selection, but he didn’t meet Coach Ma’s standards at the time.”

The leader’s smile was very subtle. “Is that so? Times have changed now. Even the professional basketball arena on the other side of the ocean no longer relies solely on strong inside players.”

“Yes, yes. Gold is easy to come by, but a capable general is hard to find.”

When seeing Ye Zhaoying get injured, the leader almost knocked over his teacup. He immediately told the office director to call Ling Huanzhen to confirm the injury and whether it would affect his future performance.

The leader’s attitude was tantamount to slapping Ma Hongming’s face in public.

“Suddenly feeling that Ling Huanzhen is truly amazing. The dead wood brushed off by Coach Ma has unexpectedly bloomed?”

Some people had long been sick of Ma Hongming acting like a local emperor, so naturally, they took the opportunity to mock him.

Ma Hongming thought of the players in his team, especially the students he cultivated himself. In his eyes, they were all guys with excellent physical conditions; how could they be sent back by Xie Huai of the National Youth Team?

Even those sent to the major clubs were mostly sitting on the bench.

“Coach Ma, whether it’s the inside or outside, forward or guard, it doesn’t matter if the cat is black or white; a good cat is one that catches mice.”

“Yes. Sometimes speed and accuracy are more important than power.”

When Xia Chiyi was about to sub in, Ma Hongming told himself to keep his expression calm, but his teeth were already clenched.

He knew that as long as Xia Chiyi rained down three-pointers again, the leaders’ dissatisfaction with him as the head coach would accumulate to its peak.

The halftime break was relatively long. The audience’s chatting and the sponsor’s advertisements were very loud. If the coach wanted to lay out tactics, he basically had to roar.

Ling Huanzhen gave Xia Chiyi a look. Xia Chiyi waved his hand, and the other four teammates gathered around.

“Chen Chuan, with me here, you don’t need to focus too much on screening for He Bin. Huaicheng Normal’s interior is very weak. You need to boldly cut in and score madly,” Xia Chiyi said, looking into Chen Chuan’s eyes.

Chen Chuan nodded.

“He Bin, you continue to maintain your perimeter scoring momentum. I will help you draw away all the enemy firepower. Trust me, you’ll have more open shots than before.”

He Bin’s heart paused slightly. Previously, to get open for a shot, he had to run all over the court off-ball. His physical stamina consumption was truly huge.

Did Xia Chiyi’s words mean he was going to reduce his physical consumption?

“Really?”

“Really.”

After saying that, Xia Chiyi looked at Du He.

Du He swallowed hard. “Then… I will guard the basket well, I will…”

Xia Chiyi’s fingertip flicked Du He’s forehead. “Are you content with just being a blue-collar inside player? You’ve practiced dribbling for so long, get past them!”

Du He’s throat moved, and he still voiced his inner worry. “Um… Huaicheng Normal’s players are all very agile, I’m too clumsy…”

“You are also an agile big guy.” Xia Chiyi’s fist bumped Du He’s chest. “Try crossing one of them, and you’ll find that getting past them is like a morning postman riding a bicycle down the street—completely unobstructed!”

Du He couldn’t imagine that feeling, but he admitted he had been bewitched by Xia Chiyi.

Just as Xia Chiyi was about to say something to Shuai Bei, Shuai Bei raised his hand and said, “I know, I will shoot my mid-range jumpers properly…”

“What do you mean ‘properly’? You clearly need to complete the goal of 10 shots and obediently call me Master.” Xia Chiyi smiled slyly, reminding Shuai Bei of their original agreement.

“Keep being smug.” Shuai Bei rolled his eyes at Xia Chiyi crossly.

Ling Huanzhen’s hand pressed onto the back of Xia Chiyi’s neck. He smiled and said, “With so many grand ambitions of yours, if you want your teammates to believe in you and follow your rhythm, you have to let them feel that accepting your command is like being aided by the gods.”

“Mm.” Xia Chiyi nodded, meeting Zhou Zhexiao’s eyes through the gap between the coach and Shuai Bei.

Zhou Zhexiao was indeed looking at him, his gaze deep and distant.

He didn’t know how the former him had grown up, or what kind of bloodbaths he had experienced on the NCAA battlefield twenty years ago.

Being denied, suspected, benched on the cold seat without a chance to prove himself. He could only simulate opportunities in his mind over and over again, yearning to break out of his cocoon, to grasp that crucial split-second opportunity… to prove himself on a court that no one paid attention to.

Compared to the former him, his current self was truly much luckier.

But was this kind of luck a breeding ground for complacency, or a source of strength?

He didn’t know if it was an illusion, but Zhou Zhexiao smiled very faintly at Xia Chiyi.

Ah, that’s right.

You are my shortcut.

The experience you gained after experiencing countless failures, attempts, and break-ins, you have handed over to me without reservation.

Allowing me to stand at a much higher starting point than you initially did.

Xia Chiyi walked in front of Zhou Zhexiao and reached out a hand to him.

Everyone thought Xia Chiyi was going to high-five Zhou Zhexiao, but unexpectedly, Zhou Zhexiao grabbed Xia Chiyi’s hand and slid his own wristband onto Xia Chiyi’s wrist, like passing the torch.

Xia Chiyi pointed to Zhou Zhexiao’s eyes, then pointed to himself, meaning: You better watch me closely.

Zhou Zhexiao raised his hand, originally intending to press down on Xia Chiyi’s head. Xia Chiyi had already frowned in advance and was about to complain, but unexpectedly, Zhou Zhexiao gently brushed his knuckles against Xia Chiyi’s bangs.

Zhou Zhexiao’s eyes were very deep, brewing profound emotions that could not be described in words.

A very wondrous image suddenly surfaced in Xia Chiyi’s mind. Once, in a dim room, he had gotten infinitely close to the other. With improper intentions, he had touched his nose against the other’s high nose bridge, rubbed along his jawline, and kissed the undulation of his throat.

Those seemed to be the desires and hallucinations hidden deep within his heart.

As if he were burned, Xia Chiyi almost retreated backward. But, resting his hands on his knees, with his heart pounding, he became bolder.

He raised his chin, sending the tip of his nose right into Zhou Zhexiao’s palm.

The other smiled rarely, taking the opportunity to press his face and pinch his cheek into a pufferfish with one hand.

“Hmph.” Xia Chiyi turned his head away.

He didn’t know why he would have such an imagination, but he truly proved time and time again that Zhou Zhexiao didn’t resent his approach.

If what the scouts on the scene were observing and evaluating was Xia Chiyi’s scoring ability, then what the National Youth Team’s head coach Xie Huai and assistant coach Xu Run truly wanted to see was Xia Chiyi’s significance to a team.

—With or without Xia Chiyi, what exactly was the difference for Ningchang University?

Originally in the audience stands, Zhao Lingcong and Yang Huaiyu were still chatting, but as soon as they glimpsed Xia Chiyi walking toward the court, they both stopped.

At the start of the third quarter, Huaicheng Normal’s apprehension towards Xia Chiyi could be seen clearly even by people who didn’t understand basketball.

Commentator: “Xia Chiyi dribbles quickly—attempting to break through Huaicheng Normal’s double team—Huaicheng Normal keeps pressing him toward the sideline, but Xia Chiyi’s dribbling is too flexible! And he doesn’t fear confrontation, clashing head-on! He’s passed them—Xia Chiyi passes the ball to Chen Chuan! Xia Chiyi and Chen Chuan charge side by side straight under Huaicheng Normal’s basket! He Bin has already come up to assist—who exactly is going to score this ball?”

Is it Chen Chuan forcing a layup?

Is it Xia Chiyi receiving the ball for a quick shot?

Or is it He Bin’s three-pointer?

Chen Chuan originally thought he would face a double block from the opponents, but he didn’t expect Xia Chiyi to make a sudden stop fake move. In the moment the opposing center and small forward hesitated, Chen Chuan dunked and scored without hesitation.

In the following possession, Shuai Bei clashed head-on with the opposing center under the basket. Xia Chiyi provided help defense and interference, causing the opposing center to lose the ball.

“Beautiful steal—” The commentator grew excited.

Xia Chiyi advanced the ball into Huaicheng Normal’s territory, prompting the opposing cheerleaders to urgently yell “Fall back on defense—”. Two opponents intercepted in front of Xia Chiyi. He was seen making another sudden stop. Just as the audience was expecting his deadly accurate shot, he made a powerful no-look bounce pass. It could be said to be daring in the extreme!

Because the bounce point of this ball was right in front of the Huaicheng Normal small forward’s toes, but after it bounced up, it was caught by He Bin who was following closely behind.

By the time the small forward realized something and turned around, He Bin had already shot from the three-point line!

Xia Chiyi patted his own chest, then pointed at He Bin.

The ball went in, and at that time, He Bin was indeed completely unguarded!

If once was a coincidence, then when Xia Chiyi mobilized the defense a second and third time, leaving an empty city for He Bin to march straight into, He Bin realized that Xia Chiyi truly lived up to his words.

“Heh, this guy has gotten even stronger again.” He Bin lifted his collar to wipe the sweat off his chin.

Only three minutes into the quarter, Huaicheng Normal called a timeout.

The movement and coordination just now were simply too brilliant; it was even more gripping than the rain of three-pointers they had expected.

In the audience stands, Zhao Lingcong was very silent. He propped his chin, his fingers covering his lips, hiding his tight lip line from view.

“Hey, how do you feel?” Ma Tao nudged Zhao Lingcong with his elbow.

“It feels very complicated… Last year he was still a little rabbit jumping three feet high, making people constantly worry whether he would fall into a trap, have his ears pulled off, or his legs broken by bad guys. I didn’t expect that in just a year, he has already become a hunter who sets traps for opponents.” Zhao Lingcong let out a soft breath.

“So, look at the stupid thing you did! Isn’t that the cub you raised? When you entered Mining University, you should have told the coach!” Ma Tao couldn’t hide the anger in his eyes.

“Are you talking about that tyrant from last year? I didn’t get along with him, how could I dare drag my junior down into the mud?”

Speaking of last year’s coach, Ma Tao couldn’t help but shut his mouth as well.

Even he had almost failed to make the starting lineup. Even if Zhao Lingcong had recommended Xia Chiyi, the other party would have ignored it.

“However, this year’s Ningchang University is truly very strong. If I had known earlier, I would have chosen Ningchang University too… Having Ling Huanzhen as a coach, and being able to continue partnering with Little Xia…”

Before he could finish speaking, Zhao Lingcong was put in a headlock by Ma Tao.

“Say that again if you dare!”

Zhao Lingcong patted the back of Ma Tao’s hand. “Executing a general right before battle, it’s unlucky, bro, it’s unlucky…”

Ma Tao looked at the Qincheng University camp beside them. They were all full of anticipation, as if saying Fight! Hurry up and fight!

“Damn it.” Ma Tao let go of Zhao Lingcong at once.

The timeout ended, and the game restarted.

Huaicheng Normal strengthened their blockade against He Bin. Xia Chiyi smiled meaningfully at He Bin.

Even without words, He Bin inexplicably ‘got’ Xia Chiyi’s subtext: You’ve been tired out for two quarters; you can adjust your rhythm and just intimidate them at the three-point line.

He Bin made an OK gesture toward Xia Chiyi.

The remaining five minutes of the third quarter could be called Shuai Bei’s showtime.

Xia Chiyi cut to the basket multiple times, used Chen Chuan as a decoy, and passed the ball to Shuai Bei. Shuai Bei basically shot immediately after receiving the ball, as if proving to Huaicheng Normal that Ningchang University’s mid-to-long-range scoring points weren’t just He Bin and Xia Chiyi.

Even if his shot failed, there were Du He and Chen Chuan together to grab the rebound.

Xie Huai and Xu Run, who were watching the live broadcast, looked at each other and smiled.

“Coach Xie, this Xia Chiyi really has some skills. Huaicheng Normal originally relied on the mobility between players to advance their offense, but he cut off this link, constantly guiding the opponents to make the judgments he wants.”

“He possesses almost all the merits we want.” Xie Huai pushed up his glasses.

“Almost… is there anything he still lacks?” Xu Run asked curiously.

“A big heart that can survive and thrive in adversity,” Xie Huai spoke.

“Adversity… indeed, Ningchang University’s configuration this year is too high. The level of both their offensive and defensive ends are top-tier. They place equal importance on the inside and outside, and they have a coach like Ling Huanzhen. It can be called a King’s configuration. Along their journey, they’ve been crushing their opponents. Even when facing Fusheng Industrial University, they didn’t have that life-hanging-by-a-thread thrill…”

“But what happens when they face the Kings of the major divisions? After breaking out of the Southeast Division, they will be walking on thin ice. Yet Xia Chiyi has not tasted defeat. Does this child know what it’s like to fight like a cornered beast? Has he ever felt despair? And… how to find himself after losing himself?”

Hearing this, Xu Run fell silent.

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[Author’s Note]
Zhou Zhexiao: I didn’t play, nor did I score. I didn’t get any of the dividends of Xia Chiyi playing point guard.
Xia Chiyi: I kissed you, isn’t that a dividend? If you don’t want this dividend, then get on the court!
Zhou Zhexiao: I choose to sit on the bench.