Chapter 0107: Unconditionally For You

Chen Hui and Xu Mi also bantered with each other, lightening the atmosphere.

In particular, Xu Mi even exposed Chen Hui’s past actions, “Before the Southeast Regional tournament started, Chen Hui didn’t favor our Ningchang University one bit! In all his various pre-game predictions, Ningchang University was ranked very low.”

“Is that so?” Ling Huanzhen looked over with a smile.

Chen Hui didn’t try to hide it: “That’s true. After all, a good player might not necessarily make a good coach. Plus, Coach Ling, back when you played basketball, you were roasted by Jiao Yingfeng for having a very average basketball IQ.”

When it came to Jiao Yingfeng’s roasting, even if Ling Huanzhen choked on it, he still had to swallow it down.

Ling Huanzhen maintained his hearty and open-minded expression: “Then I’m very curious, when did you change your view?”

“After watching the first game of the group stage, Ningchang University versus Fu Province University of Technology, I became a fan of Ningchang University. You had several games where I wasn’t the commentator; I felt very regretful at the time.”

Ling Huanzhen discussed how Ningchang University rebuilt its confidence, specifically touching upon current basketball trends, including the small-ball era on the other side of the ocean.

Xia Chiyi could only sit there blankly, while Zhou Zhexiao had his arms crossed with an expressionless face. Before long, he predictably let out a small yawn.

Doing whatever he wanted, completely indifferent to being seen by the cameras and audience—this level of relaxation was unmatched.

Realizing the two star players were being left out, Xu Mi immediately said a few things to adjust the atmosphere and quickly cued the next segment.

“Any viewer who watched this year’s Southeast Regional tournament knows the level of synergy between Xia Chiyi and Zhou Zhexiao—out of ten passes, nine don’t require eye contact. Especially during the game against Qincheng University, everyone was very curious. Xia Chiyi, how did you know Zhou Zhexiao would definitely be right behind you?”

“That’s very easy to judge.” Xia Chiyi reached out and gestured. “If he’s not within my field of vision, then he must be behind me.”

“Put that way, it makes a lot of sense. However, to test your level of synergy, let’s do a little Q&A. There are ten questions in total. Let’s see how many of your answers match.”

Upon hearing this, Ling Huanzhen revealed a worried expression.

“Coach Ling, what are you worried about?”

“I’m afraid that if their answers don’t match, they might start arguing right on the spot.”

“Have they argued before?”

“When they secretly eat takeout, they definitely argue over who should take the blame,” Ling Huanzhen answered with a smile.

The two hosts and the on-site staff all burst into laughter.

Xia Chiyi and Zhou Zhexiao were each handed a small whiteboard, a marker, and an eraser.

Looking at the card in her hand, Xu Mi began: “For our questions, if you answer wrong, you remain bros; if you answer right, your hearts will race.”

“Huh?” Xia Chiyi looked over.

“Question one: Do you think the other person would keep the middle part of a watermelon for themselves to eat?”

With a bewildered face, Xia Chiyi asked: “Shouldn’t this be related to basketball?”

“If it were related to basketball, your answers would definitely match. Don’t look at me, hurry up and write your answer, student Xia Chiyi,” Xu Mi laughed.

Xia Chiyi immediately wrote a “Yes”, while Zhou Zhexiao’s answer was surprisingly “No”.

“Zhou Zhexiao, when have I ever not saved the best parts for you? I definitely give you the middle of the watermelon!” Xia Chiyi was furious.

Zhou Zhexiao asked in return: “Is that so?”

It was obvious that Zhou Zhexiao didn’t understand the “middle of the watermelon” internet slang.

“Yes!”

“Maybe you should think about it again,” Zhou Zhexiao looked forward expressionlessly.

“What do you mean?”

Zhou Zhexiao replied: “The tip of the strawberry, the middle of the watermelon, and the runny yolk of a fried egg are yours by default. You don’t need to yield them to me.”

When those words “by default” were spoken, the corners of Xu Mi’s mouth were harder to press down than an AK-47, and even the usually serious-faced Chen Hui almost couldn’t maintain his composure.

Are these two partners? Rounding it up, they’re basically a young couple in the passionate honeymoon phase of love.

The director smiled and said: “Who said Zhou Zhexiao has no emotional intelligence? Isn’t he quite good at knowing the right things to say?”

Only Xia Chiyi was desperately trying to keep his face from turning red. After a long while, he finally uttered a sound: “Oh.”

What kind of sick humor does this production team have? One misstep and it’s straight to the crematorium!

“But my milk tea must be ordered with double boba.”

“Fine.”

Listening to them, the veins on Ling Huanzhen’s forehead throbbed. “Double boba? I’m still sitting right here. Do you guys still care about calorie control?”

“Let us indulge while we still can,” Xia Chiyi said with a thick-skinned expression. “Otherwise, it’s very scary when Zhou Zhexiao gets rebellious.”

Xu Mi rubbed the tip of her nose. She originally thought the first question would be a flop, but now she suddenly found it a bit sweet.

“Then I’ll ask the second question.” Chen Hui opened his card and smiled. “Does Xia Chiyi snore?”

It was easy to snore after intense physical exertion, and the more intense the game, the louder the snores might be.

Xia Chiyi had the clean, fair face of a school grass (campus heartthrob). Many fans still had a filter for him; things like snoring like thunder shouldn’t happen to him.

Xia Chiyi’s answer was “No”, but Zhou Zhexiao wrote “Yes”.

“Eh, the answers are different again,” Chen Hui revealed an expression of schadenfreude.

Ling Huanzhen also rested his chin on his hand, looking like he was ready to watch a good show.

“No one has ever told me I snore!” Xia Chiyi looked suspiciously at Zhou Zhexiao. “Are you deliberately trying to ruin my image?”

“In the dorm room, only I fall asleep later than you,” Zhou Zhexiao responded calmly.

“Then what does Xia Chiyi’s snore sound like?” Xu Mi asked curiously. “Is it a big contrast to his persona? Is it the bold and unrestrained style, or the gentle and graceful style?”

“It sounds like a lion cub blowing snot bubbles.”

If they hadn’t been recording a show, Xia Chiyi probably would have strangled Zhou Zhexiao’s neck by now.

“This guy is best at spouting serious nonsense with a straight face!”

Everyone else on set was laughing; they all felt that this version of Xia Chiyi was incredibly adorable.

Sure enough, the world where only Xia Chiyi felt embarrassed was achieved once again.

However, on the second question, their synergy was zero again.

“Question three: What is Zhou Zhexiao’s biggest dream?”

Xia Chiyi’s eyes lit up. “This question, we should definitely have synergy on this one!”

The two finished writing on their boards, but Zhou Zhexiao seemed to take a bit longer.

“Hey, you took so long to write, are you pulling some stunt again?” Xia Chiyi turned his face and warned the other with his eyes.

“Are you a stunt?” Zhou Zhexiao glanced at him coldly.

Ling Huanzhen patted his chest: “I’m a little worried that if this game continues, the ace duo of our Ningchang University will break up.”

The two turned their whiteboards around at the same time.

Xia Chiyi wrote: The Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy.

This made Chen Hui, Xu Mi, and the on-site staff all applaud.

“Since Sheng Xingming, there really hasn’t been any basketball player who dared to publicly set that as their goal,” Chen Hui sighed with emotion.

And Zhou Zhexiao’s hand was very large. When he moved his fingers away, the applause from the entire audience grew even louder.

Xia Chiyi looked over, and it read: To lift the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy together with Xia Chiyi.

Xia Chiyi didn’t know what the others said; he only knew that his ears were very hot and his heart was pounding.

Ling Huanzhen revealed a relieved smile, “Good, good, it seems they won’t break up.”

“Although the answers aren’t exactly the same, I think there is synergy in this question, so we’ll add one point.”

“Yeah, if we don’t give them points soon, they might end up with a goose egg (zero).”

“Then let’s ask the fourth question: Who is the basketball star Xia Chiyi admires the most?”

The two looked at each other. Ling Huanzhen, who had just been smiling, suddenly fell silent.

This time, they finished writing at almost the exact same time. Xia Chiyi wrote very earnestly, stroke by stroke. When the board was turned around, it read: Sheng Xingming.

Without offering too much commentary, Chen Hui could tell that this name held an extraordinary significance for the three guests present. He only said one sentence: “Let’s applaud the glory and hope that Sheng Xingming brought us.”

At the same time, all the staff solemnly put down what they were doing, and applause continuously echoed in the room.

Looking at Zhou Zhexiao, Xia Chiyi smiled and said: “In this country, in the heart of every boy who plays basketball, there will be a Sheng Xingming.”

Zhou Zhexiao said faintly: “In the future, in the heart of every boy who plays basketball, there will definitely be a Xia Chiyi.”

Xia Chiyi froze for a moment. He clearly hadn’t reached the future yet, but he had already received praise in advance.

And beside the future Xia Chiyi, there would definitely be a Zhou Zhexiao.

“Question five: Do you know each other’s phone lock screen passcodes?”

When this question was asked, Xia Chiyi and Ling Huanzhen suddenly burst out laughing.

“What’s wrong with this question?”

Xia Chiyi lightly shoved Zhou Zhexiao. “This guy doesn’t use a smartphone… where would he get a lock screen passcode…”

Chen Hui asked curiously: “Really?”

Xu Mi nodded: “That’s actually true. I’ve read the comments from Ningchang University alumni. Someone asked for Zhou Zhexiao’s WeChat, and his standard reply was that he doesn’t have a smartphone.”

“Then how do we answer this question?”

“Let’s change it. Do you know each other’s payment passwords?” Xu Mi asked.

The two lowered their heads and wrote quickly. Their unified answer was: Yes.

Seeing Zhou Zhexiao’s board, Xia Chiyi widened his eyes. “How did you know my password? Did I ever tell you?”

“Mn, when you were swiping for water at the vending machine.” Zhou Zhexiao nodded. “Plus, it’s very easy to guess.”

“How is it easy to guess?”

“A certain someone’s birthday.”

Xia Chiyi fell silent. ‘A certain someone’ referred to Sheng Xingming.

“The answers match, add another point.”

“Please listen carefully to the sixth question: Have you two ever given each other the silent treatment?”

The answers to this question were revealed very quickly—a unified No.

Xu Mi and Chen Hui applauded, but it was Ling Huanzhen who asked Xia Chiyi: “If Zhou Zhexiao really gave you the silent treatment, would you actually be able to notice?”

Chen Hui revealed a thoughtful expression: “Yeah, whether Zhou Zhexiao is happy or unhappy, his expression seems to be exactly the same, right?”

Everyone looked at Xia Chiyi, and Xia Chiyi looked at Zhou Zhexiao. “Um… have you ever given me the silent treatment?”

Zhou Zhexiao’s answer was concise and affirmative: “No.”

“See, I told you.” Xia Chiyi lifted his chin, revealing a slightly proud expression.

“Then I’m very curious. Since Zhou Zhexiao talks so little, if he is provoked or gets upset, can his teammates feel it?” Xu Mi asked.

“You guys are overthinking it. Most people spend a ton of effort trying to provoke him, and Zhou Zhexiao might just pass by indifferently without even feeling it. This guy is incredibly emotionally stable. Even if he went bankrupt, he’d still eat and drink like normal,” Xia Chiyi said with a grin.

“Furthermore, you would know,” Zhou Zhexiao spoke up.

“Hmm?” Xia Chiyi turned his face to look at him.

Looking into Zhou Zhexiao’s eyes, Xia Chiyi immediately understood what the other meant: Every time I am sad or unhappy, you know.

Xia Chiyi smiled, his round, bright eyes curving into crescents.

Even though they hadn’t said anything explicit, there was an unspoken, self-evident joy between them.

“Question seven: Xia Chiyi’s favorite song.”

Xia Chiyi raised an eyebrow at Zhou Zhexiao, meaning: You definitely won’t get this freebie question wrong, right?

For the first time, Zhou Zhexiao revealed a thoughtful expression.

After the two finished writing, they flipped their boards over together.

Xia Chiyi wrote Unconditionally For You, but Zhou Zhexiao wrote Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf.

A soft ripple of laughter spread through the entire venue.

Xia Chiyi’s ears immediately turned red, and his voice went up a pitch. “When have I ever said my favorite song is Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf?”

“You often sing it when you take a shower.”

There was clearly no expression on Zhou Zhexiao’s face, yet it exuded a kind of innocence.

“Yeah, Xia Chiyi… I’ve heard it quite a few times too. I thought it was your exclusive shower anthem.” Ling Huanzhen felt it was time to speak up and do Zhou Zhexiao justice.

“We’ve clearly listened to it together many times. If you play music, it’s The Gingerbread Man; if I play music, it’s Unconditionally For You.”

“Wait, I think I just caught some important information. Do you guys listen to music together often?”

“Yeah, on the way to games or back to school.”

In a rare move, Zhou Zhexiao scratched his chin. “Oh, maybe I fell asleep.”

If there were background music right now, Too Wronged would probably be the voice of Zhou Zhexiao’s heart.

If there were bullet comments, the screen would probably be filled with “Hug Zhou Zhexiao.”

Xia Chiyi couldn’t understand how this guy managed to create an aggrieved atmosphere without changing his expression at all.

“How about we play a snippet of Unconditionally For You to deepen Student Zhou Zhexiao’s impression. Next time, if you say your partner’s favorite song is Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf, you guys might actually break up,” Xu Mi laughed.

When the beginning of the song played, Zhou Zhexiao didn’t have much of a reaction.

Until the line: “Unconditionally for you, I give up traveling alone; For you, I am strong and not afraid to sacrifice myself. My soul, boiling so fiercely, for the person I love.” Zhou Zhexiao’s fingertips twitched slightly, as if a bubbling, hot current flowed through his heart.

“Sorry, I fell asleep every time you played it.”

Zhou Zhexiao suddenly realized that this song was actually more like Xia Chiyi confessing to him countless times.

But every single time, he had treated it as a song to sleep to, overlooking the soul that boiled unconditionally for him every time.

“Forget it. I don’t know what your favorite song is either, so we’re even.” With a hint of slight tsundere pride, Xia Chiyi turned his head away.

“Then my favorite right now is also this one.”

“Hmm? Isn’t it The Gingerbread Man?” Xia Chiyi asked.

Zhou Zhexiao didn’t say anything. He just looked at Xia Chiyi and said, word by word: “Unconditionally For You.”

Xia Chiyi’s face was about to turn red. Did Zhou Zhexiao know they were recording a show?

He could only raise his hand with a magnanimous expression. “Alright then, We forgive you.”

Xu Mi and Chen Hui both laughed.

“I originally thought that since Zhou Zhexiao had such a powerful aura on the court, it would be his teammates accommodating him. I never expected that he’s actually very good at coaxing people.”

It wasn’t just the two hosts; even Ling Huanzhen was stunned.

Who are you? Are you still the Great Demon King I knew? You actually know how to coax Xia Chiyi?

Did my and Jiao Yingfeng’s years of friendship with you end up feeding the dogs?

Look at how concise and tight-lipped you used to be with the two of us!

Back when we played in the NCAA, my and Jiao Yingfeng’s team was eliminated just as we entered the Sweet Sixteen. When we were hugging our heads, crying a river of tears, what did you say standing next to us?

Just four words: ‘Fight again next year.’

Fuck! Why didn’t you sing ‘Unconditionally For You’ to coax us?

“Everyone, don’t misunderstand. Zhou Zhexiao is actually a very good person with an especially soft heart. Back then, it was Zhou Zhexiao who persuaded Du He to return to the team. When Shuai Bei was practicing rebounds, Zhou Zhexiao stayed by his side as a sparring partner. Even when Yang Huaiyu came over and wanted to learn about our usual training methods, Zhou Zhexiao accompanied him. He holds great respect for those who work hard, and his perspective is very long-term.”

After hearing Xia Chiyi’s evaluation, everyone on set looked at Zhou Zhexiao with eyes full of tenderness and affection.

Ling Huanzhen recalled the help Sheng Xingming had given him and Jiao Yingfeng in their past lives; it truly had been unconditional as well.

Forget it, I won’t hold a grudge. Xia Chiyi is so much younger than us; I, Ling Huanzhen, won’t stoop so low as to compete with a kid for favor!

“Yes, he is indeed a man of few words but a soft heart. No matter who it is, having him as a friend or teammate is a very lucky thing,” Ling Huanzhen said with absolute sincerity.

“Alright, even though the answers for question seven didn’t match, we can feel the acknowledgment and support for Zhou Zhexiao from his teammates and partner. Everyone, round of applause!”

“Then here comes question eight: When is Zhou Zhexiao the most frightening?” Chen Hui’s voice carried an obvious hint of mischief.

Hearing this, Xia Chiyi immediately glanced at Zhou Zhexiao.

Very rarely, Zhou Zhexiao met Xia Chiyi’s gaze with confusion, as if to say: Are there times when I scare you?

Xia Chiyi nodded: Yes, there are.

“Stop, stop, telepathic communication between you two is prohibited.”

Xia Chiyi wiped away the previous question on his whiteboard and quickly began to write his answer.

Zhou Zhexiao could only lower his head. It was obvious he had no idea when he scared Xia Chiyi the most.

Glancing at Zhou Zhexiao’s expression, Ling Huanzhen suddenly felt his heart fill with a sense of accomplishment. Great Demon King, even you have a day like this! You don’t even know when people find you annoying?

Tilting his head, Zhou Zhexiao poked his temple with the back of his pen. Paired with his cold expression, it was inexplicably comical.

Xia Chiyi had already finished writing, and the host had started the countdown. Zhou Zhexiao could only casually write down an answer on his board.

Xia Chiyi’s answer was: When he uses the fascia scraper.

Ling Huanzhen gasped: “Holy crap, this guy used a fascia scraper on you? That’s literal torture! You didn’t pass out and die, you truly have a will of steel!”

Xu Mi and Chen Hui also started chatting.

“A fascia scraper can make grown men shed tears!”

“I’ve seen athletes cry for their moms and dads the moment the physiotherapist brings out the fascia scraper!”

Xia Chiyi lifted his chin towards Zhou Zhexiao. “See, I told you the fascia scraper is terrifying. No matter how much I yelled ‘no’ at you, you still forced it on me!”

“But the next day you were perfectly fine. If we didn’t use it, you would’ve been groaning and moaning, unable to move for days.”

“Then what did you write? Let me see if you have a clear understanding of yourself.”

Zhou Zhexiao slowly flipped his board over. On it was written: When he maxes out my card.

Xia Chiyi clutched his stomach and burst out laughing: “Hahaha, hahaha! It’s not just me who’s scared of that; the whole dorm is scared! This guy actually wanted to buy a rowing machine and put it in our dorm room. Does he want us to row boats even in our dreams?”

Zhou Zhexiao remained silent.

Neither Xu Mi nor Chen Hui had expected that Zhou Zhexiao actually had an online shopping addiction.

“Alright, it seems this question didn’t score a point either. But I’m very curious, when Zhou Zhexiao shops online, what does he buy the most?”

“Basketball shoes, ankle braces, wristbands, and sportswear,” Zhou Zhexiao answered.

“That’s quite normal then.”

“No, wait, in such a small dorm room meant for four people, if you’re buying things every day, can you even fit it all?” Ling Huanzhen asked curiously.

Zhou Zhexiao replied: “I am in charge of buying, and Xia Chiyi is in charge of returning.”

Everyone burst into another fit of laughter.

“As expected of partners; one is in charge of spending money like water, while the other is in charge of being thrifty and managing the household.”

“Here comes question nine: To Zhou Zhexiao, what is Xia Chiyi’s biggest flaw?” Chen Hui paused for a moment before adding, “Other than returning the things Zhou Zhexiao buys.”

Xia Chiyi frowned and looked at Zhou Zhexiao. “Do I have a flaw?”

Zhou Zhexiao nodded: “Yes.”

“What? You are so perfect in my heart, yet I actually have a flaw in yours?”

Zhou Zhexiao nodded again: “Yes.”

Xia Chiyi furrowed his brows tighter.

Everyone laughed while waiting in anticipation, not knowing what kind of result this “flaw” would lead to once revealed.

This time, Zhou Zhexiao wrote exceptionally fast, whereas Xia Chiyi was stumped.

I even generously share my phone with you, and you actually say I have a flaw?

Figuring that they were destined not to have matching answers for this question anyway, Xia Chiyi scribbled something down casually. Giving up in despair, he turned his board toward everyone. On it was written: Sleeping in.

Then everyone was very curious about what Zhou Zhexiao had written. Xia Chiyi was too impatient to wait; he snatched the board right out of his hands.

Seeing the neatly written line of words on the board, Xia Chiyi exploded.

“Where do I have that! What the hell did you write!”

On the board was written: Fickle in love (Playboy).

This was an earth-shattering insider scoop.

“Xia Chiyi, with the innocent face of a school grass, is actually a playboy? We can’t let this slide easily. Zhou Zhexiao, you must explain in detail!” Xu Mi was far too curious.

Of course, this ‘playboy’ description definitely had nothing to do with dating girlfriends, because Zhou Zhexiao looked exactly like the type of person who would protect his teammates’ privacy in public.

“This is too miraculous. There’s actually a day when you use this word to describe your teammate?”

Ling Huanzhen still remembered that in his past life, when Sheng Xingming saw gossip about his teammates in magazines, he would just flip past it, turning a blind eye and completely uninterested.

Did he undergo a personality change in this life? Now he cares whether his teammate is fickle in love or not?

“Do you know what the word ‘fickle’ means?” Xia Chiyi looked at him with suspicious eyes.

“You said it yourself, ‘Among all the stars I fall in love with at first sight, Sheng Xingming is the brightest moon’. Since you still love so many other stars, doesn’t that make you fickle?”

“Um…” Xia Chiyi scratched his head. “I did say that.”

“Hahaha.” Ling Huanzhen became extremely joyous.

“May I satisfy my curiosity and ask who are some of the stars our Xia Chiyi has loved?” Xu Mi asked with a smile.

Xia Chiyi lifted his chin at Zhou Zhexiao. “Didn’t you complain that I love too many stars? You say it. Who are they? Let me hear it.”

After speaking, Xia Chiyi even cupped his hand behind his ear and leaned toward Zhou Zhexiao.

Anyone with eyes could see that these two had a very good relationship.

“Yang Huaiyu, Liu Suchen, Lu Yingnan, Zhao Lingcong…”

Seeing that Zhou Zhexiao was about to read off all the famous players in the Division I league, Xia Chiyi hurriedly covered his mouth. “Alright, alright! If anyone’s name isn’t called, they’ll send me WeChat messages asking if I look down on them!”

Like Ma Tao, he’ll definitely throw a fit again.

Ling Huanzhen pondered for a moment on the sidelines. Enjoying the drama without fearing it getting out of hand, he said: “These players all have a common trait.”

“What is it?”

“They are all handsome. So, Xia Chiyi, are you actually attracted to their skills, or their looks?” Ling Huanzhen asked.

“I’m not answering your trap question!”

Xia Chiyi felt extremely wronged; he clearly wasn’t fickle at all.

The sky is so vast, the night is so deep; of course, when you look up, it’s a sky full of stars.

“However, I am very happy to be able to play basketball with Xia Chiyi, and to be born in this era full of stars,” Zhou Zhexiao said.

Indeed, whether it was Yang Huaiyu, Liu Suchen, or the other players Xia Chiyi was “attracted to,” in the coming years they were very likely to become supernovas in professional basketball, perhaps even future pillars of the sport.

“I also look forward to Xia Chiyi becoming even more ‘fickle’ in the future,” Ling Huanzhen said with a smile.

This could be considered a “blessing” for the basketball world.

“Tenth and final question: What place do you predict you will achieve in the Nationals?”

Xia Chiyi’s eyes lit up, and he chuckled inwardly. This question was very easy to answer, and their answers would definitely match.

Zhou Zhexiao also lowered his head, wiped off his previous words, and wrote a single stroke.

Before the hosts even opened their mouths, the two flipped their boards over together. Both said: First.

Ling Huanzhen clutched his heart, calmed himself down a bit, and spoke to the camera: “This is the ideal in their hearts. Newborn calves are not afraid of tigers; if they don’t even dare to dream of first place, then naturally, they will achieve nothing.”

Hunching his shoulders, Xia Chiyi chuckled, “Coach Ling, are you chickening out? Or do you feel you can’t win one-on-one against Coach Li?”

“Which Coach Li?” For a moment, Chen Hui didn’t react.

Xu Mi, however, was very clear about the grievances and emotional entanglements of that generation of basketball players, and laughed: “It should be Coach Li Xiaoran of Qing University.”

“Li Xiaoran? I would be afraid of Li Xiaoran? If it’s one-on-one, then bring it on!” With his arms crossed, Ling Huanzhen looked like his nostrils were about to spew fire.

Zhou Zhexiao let out a sigh.

Xia Chiyi leaned in and asked, “Everything is fine, why are you sighing?”

“If Li Xiaoran watches this show, he’ll probably say, ‘Ling Huanzhen has grown in age, but his mental maturity is still in kindergarten’.”

Everyone burst into laughter again.

After the segments meant to lighten the mood ended, they asked some professional basketball questions, including tactics and evaluations of other opponents.

As they chatted, Xu Mi brought up the information Xia Chiyi had revealed earlier: “Zhou Zhexiao actually practiced with Yang Huaiyu? I could tell that the relationship between Qincheng University and Ningchang University is very good. Since the start of the Southeast Regional tournament, Yang Huaiyu and his team have been particularly protective of you guys. There doesn’t seem to be a life-or-death, narrow-path rivalry between your two schools?”

Ling Huanzhen opened his mouth: “Actually, in my early coaching career, I am very grateful to two coaches. One is the head coach of Shenghai University, my middle school classmate Guan Qian. When I couldn’t secure practice games anywhere, it was Coach Guan who introduced us to Qincheng University. The other is Coach Ren Xin of Qincheng University; he also introduced a lot of resources to us. Although we are opponents, we cherish each other.”

“That’s right. Besides, today we are opponents, but maybe tomorrow on a higher-level court, we’ll be teammates!” Xia Chiyi said.

Zhou Zhexiao had no reaction. Only after Xia Chiyi tugged at him did he slowly nod.

This delayed, poke-to-move reaction made the staff on set laugh once again.

At the end of the program, after Ling Huanzhen asked everyone to pay attention to the upcoming Northeast and Southwest Regional tournaments, the recording wrapped up smoothly.

Many staff members finally seized the opportunity to surround Ling Huanzhen and ask for his autograph.

This left Ling Huanzhen feeling flattered but overwhelmed, “I’ve already retired! Does my autograph still have any meaning?”

“You’re a gold-medal coach now!”

People came asking for autographs on behalf of their classmates, fathers, and uncles. It would probably take Ling Huanzhen quite a while to finish signing all of them.

Xia Chiyi stood up, raised his arms, and stretched lazily. His shoulders and back stretched out in smooth, long, and powerful lines. Xu Mi, who was organizing her script nearby, accidentally caught a glimpse of him, and her gaze froze.

The hem of his sportswear had ridden high up, exposing a small section of firm waist muscles.

Still sitting in his original spot, Zhou Zhexiao silently raised his hand. He had originally intended to pull down Xia Chiyi’s hem, but unexpectedly, Xia Chiyi lowered his arms right then. The hem dropped back down, covering the back of Zhou Zhexiao’s hand, while his palm was directly pressed against the line of Xia Chiyi’s waist.

Xia Chiyi froze for a second, but with an expression as if nothing had happened, he lowered his arms, moved closer to Zhou Zhexiao, and let the other’s palm press flush against him. Acting completely natural, he asked: “Do we want to order midnight snacks tonight! I want to eat those fish ball noodles!”

“Mn,” Zhou Zhexiao answered very softly.

Xia Chiyi’s indulgence caused his hand to press a little harder, feeling the lines of his muscles.

“Hey, you’re pinching me, it tickles,” Xia Chiyi lowered his head and whispered.

Silently, Zhou Zhexiao withdrew his hand.

Smiling, Xu Mi reminded Xia Chiyi: “Don’t forget the short video you promised me for tomorrow!”

“No problem. You’ve always been a friend to our Ningchang University, we’ll definitely support your work!”

“Mn… then let me share a piece of news with you… though maybe you aren’t that interested in it.”

“What news?”

“Do you remember Coach Ma Hongming from Jin Province?”

“Tai Sui Ma…” (T/N: ‘Tai Sui’ refers to a deity of misfortune/tyrant, used here to mean he’s an overbearing despot).

Wait, calling Ma Hongming by his nickname in public probably wasn’t a good idea.

Xu Mi smiled slightly. “Yes, Tai Sui Ma. Very soon, this news will spread—he’s about to retire. His contract expires early next year, and it probably won’t be renewed. Jin Province has decided to restructure the men’s basketball coaching staff, break the inherent obsolete rules, and update to modern basketball concepts. Especially Ningchang University’s performance in the Southeast Region, which has already become a key research subject for them.”

Lowering his eyes, Xia Chiyi smiled. “This news should have been told to Coach Ling earlier. He would be even happier than we are.”

After all, he and Jiao Yingfeng had once been delayed by Ma Hongming.

A victory in the Southeast Region had brought about a silent revolution.

Xia Chiyi didn’t know that at this very moment, strong teams in all four major regions were analyzing their games.

Even Xie Huai took the game footage back to his team to study Ningchang University’s inside-out coordination with his entire coaching staff.

When Head Coach Du Luan of the Fu Province Aviation Manufacturing Club played the game footage for his team, the players were initially very dismissive, feeling there was nothing worth watching in a college game. But in less than ten minutes, the high-level offensive and defensive coordination, and the intense tug-of-war between the inside and outside lines left them speechless.

And that very night, Yuan Tingxuan sought out the head coach of the Shenghai Tianyuan Pharmaceutical Men’s Basketball team, giving them a strong recommendation. He only hoped that when Xia Chiyi and Zhou Zhexiao entered the CBA draft, their Shenghai Tianyuan would definitely secure this twin-star duo.

However, compared to whether they could successfully snatch them, a greater concern was that Xia Chiyi and Zhou Zhexiao were still young, and whether they would even enter the draft was still unknown.

---

It wasn’t until past ten o’clock at night that Ling Huanzhen successfully extricated himself and brought Xia Chiyi and Zhou Zhexiao back to the hotel.

Sitting in the car ride back, Ling Huanzhen discovered several missed calls on his phone. Surprisingly, they were from the Jin Province basketball team.

“Ah? What? Ma Hongming is retiring? I thought he had retired ages ago. Coach Ma is truly vigorous in his old age! With him around, ‘one man can hold the pass against ten thousand enemies’. Just look at the outstanding talents in our Jin Province; people with Zhao Lingcong’s skill level couldn’t even make it in, which was a cheap bargain for Southeast Mining! And if our Xia Chiyi and Zhou Zhexiao had also been selected for the provincial team, our Ningchang University would have had nothing to do with this year’s tournament!”

Holy crap, this wave of passive-aggressiveness is top-tier.

Southeast Mining was this year’s second runner-up in the Southeast Region, and Ningchang University was the freshly-minted champion. The aces of these two teams were both overlooked by Ma Hongming.

Yet the Jin Province men’s basketball team he led hadn’t been able to make it out of the group stages in the National Games and various championships for many years!

Xia Chiyi and Zhou Zhexiao were both sitting in the back seat. The night wind howled as it blew in. The driver was playing a song called Good Luck Comes, which, accompanied by Ling Huanzhen’s loud voice, felt truly festive.

“Asking if I want to be a coach? I’ll pass for now. I’m naturally wild, unrestrained, and love freedom. If I really joined the provincial team, it’d be complete chaos with chickens flying and dogs jumping. Taking college students to play basketball suits me better.”

Hearing this, the heart Xia Chiyi had been holding up finally settled back down.

“Hmm? A seminar? When is the seminar? Next month? That’s not convenient. I have to take the kids to study the strong teams in other regions. Our principal has already booked us tickets for the Southwest Regional finals!”

No one expected there would be a day when Ling Huanzhen could act so smug and put on airs.

When he hung up the phone, Xia Chiyi leaned forward from the back seat. “Tai Sui Ma’s dynasty is over?”

“Yeah. Nowadays, everyone wants results and dazzling performances. Originally, many people felt that avoiding trouble was better than asking for it, and Ma Hongming had the means to ensure they got their benefits, so they never cared. But Jin Province’s basketball plummeted. In the past, they could use the excuse that Jin Province is a desert for the sport of basketball. When Ma Hongming eliminated me and Jiao Yingfeng, he could also explain that our later achievements were forged in the NCAA. But what about you and Zhou Zhexiao? I bet several clubs will go ask why he eliminated you two. How is Ma Hongming supposed to explain that?”

“He can explain it by saying Ling Huanzhen is just better at teaching than me,” Xia Chiyi said with a smile.

“You brat, instead of learning good things, you’ve learned how to flatter!” Ling Huanzhen grinned and laughed again. Although it was flattery, it struck right at Ling Huanzhen’s heart.

“This time, the province deciding to fire Ma Hongming is also because someone reported him for buying and selling spots on the provincial team, which is currently under investigation. I heard from some old friends in the provincial team that Ma Hongming definitely won’t resign himself to retiring just like that; he’ll definitely stir up some trouble.”

“It’s too late. The development of Jin Province’s basketball has been delayed by him for nearly twenty years,” Zhou Zhexiao spoke up.

Before they had even gotten out of the car, Ling Huanzhen’s phone rang again.

“Hello? Manager Huang from Zhengfeng Sports? It’s so late, and you still haven’t slept?”

Yeah, it was so late, it was past the time Zhou Zhexiao got sleepy.

Sure enough, Xia Chiyi turned his face and saw Zhou Zhexiao’s eyes drooping, his head nodding down rhythmically.

Xia Chiyi leaned over and placed Zhou Zhexiao’s head onto his own shoulder.

Having found support, Zhou Zhexiao nuzzled his cheek against it and safely fell asleep.

So well-behaved. Let’s give him a pet.

Ling Huanzhen chatted with Manager Huang for quite a while. Unsurprisingly, it was about hoping Ningchang University could wear basketball shoes sponsored by Zhengfeng Sports during the Nationals.

Xia Chiyi looked at the little koi fish shoes on his feet; he truly couldn’t bear to change them.

Laughing it off, Ling Huanzhen dodged the issue regarding the shoes.

Xia Chiyi asked nervously: “Why did Zhengfeng Sports call you? Is it really that important whether our team wears their basketball shoes or not?”

Ling Huanzhen turned around and looked at Xia Chiyi with an amused expression. “Do you want to see the sales figures for the ‘Boiling Point’ shoes? They broke a thousand. For a brand like ‘Boiling Point,’ this is like a miracle. If you and Zhou Zhexiao become basketball stars in the future, you’ll be the type with huge market appeal. How could Zhengfeng Sports possibly let that slip by?”

Xia Chiyi opened his phone. The photos posted on the official Weibo of Boiling Point were truly shocking.

The explosive power shown when Zhou Zhexiao executed a tomahawk dunk made one’s heart surge, and paired with that handsome face, its lethality was far too strong.

His legs were slightly raised due to momentum, perfectly revealing the logo on his basketball shoes.

Echoing Zhou Zhexiao was the image of Xia Chiyi dribbling to attack Yang Huaiyu’s top foot. The high-speed crossover gave his body a dynamic contour. His hair was dragged backward, revealing his forehead and determined gaze, and even the tip of his nose seemed to be adorned with light.

Because his center of gravity was pressed very low, he looked like he was about to fly out sticking close to the ground, making the basketball shoes on his feet very conspicuous as well.

The caption from Boiling Point was also very resonant: [Dedicated to you, who never underestimates yourself.]