Chapter 044: Zhou Zhexiao VS Yang Huaiyu

When they returned to the basketball court, the game was indeed over. The score was 98 to 76, a somewhat large gap, especially considering Qincheng University had only fielded three of their main players.

At noon, Coach Ren treated them to a meal in the school cafeteria.

Qincheng University’s basketball team had their own dedicated cafeteria. Because of the guests, the original eight-dish buffet was expanded to fifteen dishes. The chefs went all out, preparing all the local Qincheng specialties.

Xia Chiyi held his tray, mouth slightly agape. “Wow… so lavish… and it’s a buffet…”

Ling Huanzhen walked past and pushed Xia Chiyi’s chin up. “Baby, have a little dignity, will you?”

“Coach Ling, can we suggest this buffet to Principal Feng?”

“Wait until the school team has more than thirty members.” Ling Huanzhen put on a smile and went to sit at the coaches’ table.

He put away his arrogance from the court and humbly asked Coach Ren and Guan Qian for advice, more importantly, to learn about the other powerhouses in the Southeast Division.

Ke Yan clearly liked Xia Chiyi a lot, actively keeping him company and telling him which dishes were good.

“Although this oyster pancake is a Qincheng specialty, many outsiders aren’t used to it. Take a little less.”

Although Xia Chiyi had already experienced it, he was still grateful for Ke Yan’s warmth.

“These fish balls are delicious. They say when making them, the bones have to be picked clean, and the meat beaten and squeezed many times. It’s especially tender.”

Hearing Ke Yan’s introduction, Xia Chiyi scooped a big spoonful.

“This split hibiscus shrimp is our chef’s specialty. The steaming time is just right, the shrimp meat is soft, bouncy, and smooth. He only makes it when guests come.” Ke Yan winked.

Xia Chiyi immediately took a small half-plate.

“Come, come, this crab shell is also delicious. It’s made of crab meat, topped with crab roe, super fresh. If you go to a restaurant, it’s expensive!”

Hearing “expensive,” Xia Chiyi hurriedly took four.

Soon, Xia Chiyi’s tray looked like a small hill.

Ke Yan nodded with a sense of accomplishment and even actively helped Xia Chiyi get a drink.

Although their drinks were just mixed vegetable and fruit juices made from cucumber, tomato, or fruits, the winning point was that they were pure natural with no additives.

Yang Huaiyu rested his chin on his hand and looked at Ke Yan, finally understanding what “Bro Harvester” meant.

When Ke Yan finished attending to the guest and sat opposite Yang Huaiyu with his tray, Yang Huaiyu smiled and said, “You’re especially nice to that boy. Is it because he’s the best-looking and also really supports you?”

“Do you think I’m as shallow as you? Ling Huanzhen only brought two people, both freshmen. Their skill level is definitely high, which means when I’m a junior or senior, I’m very likely to meet them in the Southeast Division. Isn’t Xia Chiyi easier to get information from than that Zhou Zhexiao?” Ke Yan glanced at Yang Huaiyu.

“Ke Yan, you’ve grown up. You’re no longer that little white flower from last year.” Yang Huaiyu put on a melancholy expression.

“Yang Huaiyu, your rebellious phase came quite late. Heard your ‘first love’ is a university student from another school? The whole team is saying ‘Yang Huaiyu also has a day of being dumped.’ Truly, fortune turns around, heaven spares no one.” Ke Yan slowly put a fish ball into his mouth.

“Mn, I originally wanted to remind you to be careful of being dumped too. But seeing you’re moved but still clear-headed, I’m relieved.” Yang Huaiyu said earnestly.

“Were you provoked? Speak properly.”

“Xia Chiyi is that ‘first love’ of mine that ended before it began.”

“Cough cough… cough cough cough…” Ke Yan turned his face away, fist against his lips, taking almost five seconds to digest this explosive news.

“Did the chef not pick the fish bones clean today?” Yang Huaiyu said coolly.

“My guess was right. Now, compared to Shenghai University, I look forward to Ling Huanzhen’s disciples more.” Ke Yan and Yang Huaiyu exchanged a look.

At this time, Xia Chiyi was sharing the food on his plate with Zhou Zhexiao.

“This fish ball is delicious, this split shrimp is delicious, and they say these crab shells will run out quickly if you don’t grab them, so I got two for you.”

“Aren’t you getting oysters? I saw some steamed with garlic.” Zhou Zhexiao slowly raised his eyelids and looked at Xia Chiyi.

This undoubtedly reminded Xia Chiyi of the iced Coke last night. He could only look at Zhou Zhexiao with a hopeless expression: “Do you believe that when I sat on the toilet, all I thought about was you?”

After saying this sentence, Xia Chiyi felt like he was struck by lightning.

You’re crazy! Xia Chiyi, what nonsense are you talking about? Zhou Zhexiao will strangle you on the spot!

To create an atmosphere that he was just fighting back and provoking, Xia Chiyi deliberately put away all expressions and looked at the other coldly.

Zhou Zhexiao looked at Xia Chiyi silently, then let out a “heh.” “If you really have such ability, then stay this devoted for a lifetime.”

Damn—your curse is even more vicious than “lovers become siblings.”

At this time, Ke Yan went to the coaches’ table, greeted the three coaches with a smile, and then said, “I see the students Coach Ling brought look quite bored watching on the side. Isn’t Xia Chiyi a guard? How about letting him join the Shenghai team and try playing guard?”

Hearing this, Ling Huanzhen, who was just thinking about how to bring up letting them play, naturally went along with the flow since Ke Yan helped.

He looked at Guan Qian with an earnest face. “Old classmate, the two I brought today are freshmen, they’ve barely been out of the province. They can both play guard. How about letting them join your team to experience the atmosphere of the divisional competition?”

Guan Qian didn’t expect a day when Ling Huanzhen would beg him, and was in a great mood.

Moreover, Shenghai University originally had top-notch guards, but unfortunately, they graduated this year. In this gap period, even sending his own team members wouldn’t show much skill, so he might as well give Ling Huanzhen face.

“Sure, there’s another practice match tomorrow anyway. It’s fine to let the first-years spar a bit this afternoon.”

Once Guan Qian agreed, Ling Huanzhen immediately piled on all kinds of nice words, confusing Guan Qian so much he almost lost his bearings.

Ke Yan walked back to the dining table, flashed an OK sign at Yang Huaiyu, and whispered, “I’m playing this afternoon too.”

“Oh? Didn’t you play this morning?” Yang Huaiyu asked with a smile.

“You blew Xia Chiyi up to be so awesome, I have to verify if you were just drunk and boasting last night.” Ke Yan turned his head and glanced at Xia Chiyi.

Having eaten too much at the buffet, Xia Chiyi’s eyelids were getting heavy.

The afternoon practice match didn’t start until 2:30, so the players all went back to rest.

Xia Chiyi’s hotel room wasn’t far from Qincheng University.

In the elevator, Ling Huanzhen instructed, “When you two get back to the room, hurry up and sleep. Don’t play with your phones, and don’t argue.”

“Got it, we never argue.”

Ling Huanzhen didn’t tell them about playing in the afternoon match, fearing Xia Chiyi would get too excited and be unable to sleep during the noon nap.

But actually, Xia Chiyi was dead tired. Climbing onto the bed, he kicked off his shoes, buried half his face in the pillow, and fell asleep.

Zhou Zhexiao walked over, picked up the phone Xia Chiyi threw on the nightstand, set an alarm. The screen showed a WeChat message from Yang Huaiyu. Zhou Zhexiao didn’t open it, just put the phone back, then pressed a button to close the room curtains. Xia Chiyi’s lengthened breathing became obvious. Zhou Zhexiao looked at the ceiling and slowly closed his eyes.

At this moment, Ke Yan held his phone, scrolling through Xia Chiyi’s Friend Circle, deliberately using a cool tone to say to Yang Huaiyu, “Your Cinderella seems to already have a Prince Charming. It’s been your unrequited love all along.”

Yang Huaiyu, however, rested his chin on his hand, smiling as he slowly looked at that set of blue and white photos. “Still pretty good-looking. How about you and I go take a set someday?”

Ke Yan picked up the tissue box next to him, wanting to throw it at Yang Huaiyu’s face, but it was caught by the other with one hand.

“Who’s like you, idle all day, wandering around outside!”

When the alarm rang, Xia Chiyi woke up with a start from his deep nap, chin raised, eyes still struggling to open.

“Really want to sleep for another five hundred years…”

“Coach Ling said, put on your sneakers, tie your shoelaces, bring your water bottle, towel, and change of clothes.” Zhou Zhexiao walked over and pinched Xia Chiyi’s nose upwards.

“Mn? Why…” Xia Chiyi suddenly woke up. “Meaning, we can participate in the practice match this afternoon?”

“Yes. Incorporated into Shenghai University’s team. We have to listen to Coach Guan’s guidance.”

Zhou Zhexiao neatly packed his own things, glanced at Xia Chiyi, then started packing Xia Chiyi’s things.

When Xia Chiyi ran over to look, he found everything that needed to be packed was packed. even the ankle guards he ignored were put in, stacked neatly and clearly. If it were Xia Chiyi packing himself, everything would be rolled together, and then in the locker room, he’d bury his head in and dig hard.

Zhou Zhexiao spoke up: “Yang Huaiyu, who was dumped by you, will also play this afternoon. Be prepared.”

Xia Chiyi was full of question marks: “What preparation?”

“Qincheng University might want to avenge their ace’s broken heart.”

“I didn’t abuse him…”

Everyone gathered again in Qincheng University’s basketball arena. Guan Qian introduced Xia Chiyi and Zhou Zhexiao to his team, then appointed three players to go on court with them.

And these three were also the morning starters.

“Aren’t we supposed to train the second-team players?” Xia Chiyi leaned close to Zhou Zhexiao’s ear and whispered curiously.

Coach Guan Qian heard him and explained, “Student, don’t take it lightly. The opponent is not only fielding Yang Huaiyu, but Ke Yan will also play. These two have great tacit understanding, so we also have to field our best players.”

Hearing this, Xia Chiyi clenched his fists in excitement and exhaled deeply.

Through the gaps in the crowd, Xia Chiyi saw Yang Huaiyu warming up.

He was wearing Qincheng University’s sports vest, his smooth muscle lines fully revealed. He used hair gel to fix his hair back, revealing a high forehead and three-dimensional features. The aggression of a Southeast Division powerhouse was fully displayed.

Feeling Xia Chiyi’s gaze, he looked up and smiled at him, as if the next second he would walk over, pat Xia Chiyi’s head, and ask if he finished his summer homework.

Guan Qian laid out the general tactics and said to the newly joined Xia Chiyi and Zhou Zhexiao, “I know you two might need time to adapt to the new team, but I’ll only give you one quarter. If you can’t coordinate with our Shenghai University players in one quarter, I’ll have to sub you out. Understand?”

“Understood.” Xia Chiyi nodded.

Coach Guan Qian prioritized training his own players and wouldn’t use precious opportunities to give experience to other teams.

Xia Chiyi nudged Zhou Zhexiao with his elbow, and Zhou Zhexiao nodded too.

After ten minutes of warm-up, it was the jump ball for the first quarter.

Guan Qian and Ling Huanzhen stood together, while Coach Ren stood on the other side of the court.

Qincheng University’s players had their arms around each other’s shoulders, seeming to discuss something.

Power forward He Zhan didn’t play; he stood with center Meng Ting, gossiping in low voices.

“Heard that the one called Xia Chiyi is our ace’s ‘first love’.”

“Holy crap… then his ‘first love’ isn’t ending without a start, but crashing vertically and shattering to pieces!” Meng Ting looked ready for a show.

“I’m just wondering, Ke Yan is playing, why do we have to stay on the sidelines?” He Zhan felt a bit unhappy.

“The opponent is a combined team of Shenghai University and Ningchang University; their tacit understanding is zero. We’ve already sent our ace up, paired with the strongest point guard. If we go up too, that’s bullying.” Meng Ting explained.

“Makes sense. And between Yang Huaiyu and Xia Chiyi, it’s a personal grudge. If we go up, it’s like forcing Ningchang University into a rigged deal.”

Players from both teams took their positions. The referee held the basketball between the two centers.

Xia Chiyi prepared himself mentally. The jumping ability of the two centers was evenly matched. If they won, Shenghai University’s center would be more inclined to tap the ball to his familiar teammates. If they lost, there was a high probability the ball would fall into Ke Yan’s hands.

Sure enough, Shenghai University won the jump ball, tapping it towards their small forward!

Just as the small forward turned around, he encountered Ke Yan’s steal.

It was simply like taking something out of a pocket, exceptionally easy.

Guan Qian covered his eyes, unable to stop roaring: “Protect the ball when you get it! Protect the ball! Told you a million times, not a shred of ball protection awareness!”

Ke Yan dribbled extremely fast, looking like he was about to rush to the opponent’s three-point line, when suddenly he was double-teamed.

It was Zhou Zhexiao and Xia Chiyi!

Guan Qian took a deep breath, thinking: Finally stopped him.

Ke Yan chuckled inwardly. These two freshmen were indeed not to be trifled with, constantly making harassing steal attempts, making it impossible to pass.

Zhou Zhexiao reached out again. Ke Yan wanted to pass while he lifted his hand, but unexpectedly, with a snap, Xia Chiyi knocked the ball away!

Ke Yan sucked in a breath of cold air. Are these two’s brains connected? Zhou Zhexiao harassed, Xia Chiyi stole; simply like meshed gears.

But the Shenghai University players were still a step too slow; the ball was intercepted by Yang Huaiyu!

Xia Chiyi clicked his tongue inwardly. Is this the so-called mantis stalking the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind?

Yang Huaiyu dribbled fast and sharp; Shenghai University couldn’t guard him at all. Just as he rushed past the free-throw line, he leaped into the air. It was a menacing dunk, dragging the entire arena’s gaze towards him.

The conqueror’s aura was fully unleashed. If this dunk landed, it would completely shatter Shenghai University’s confidence.

Guan Qian gritted his teeth, brows furrowed tight. Stop him! Even if you can’t stop him, you must have the courage to try!

A figure rushed to the side of the basket, jumping almost simultaneously with Yang Huaiyu.

With a loud bang, everyone’s liver and gall trembled.

But that wasn’t the sound of a dunk, but the sound of a block.

Yang Huaiyu’s eyes widened. The eyes staring back at him were cold and devoid of warmth.

Powerful force transmitted from the basketball to his wrist, forearm, and even his whole body.

The ball fell. The whole arena was stunned.

Even the experienced Coach Ren slightly opened his lips.

Xia Chiyi had long been waiting there and quickly took the ball away.

A cheer erupted from the crowd. Guan Qian stared blankly sideways at Ling Huanzhen, wanting to know what expression Ling Huanzhen would have seeing his player block Yang Huaiyu.

But Ling Huanzhen’s gaze had long followed Xia Chiyi. He gritted his teeth and whispered, “Careful, careful, Ke Yan is behind you, brat—”

Ke Yan was extremely fast. Just as he was about to intercept Xia Chiyi’s dribble, Xia Chiyi suddenly braked, stepped back, and immediately shot!

“Too risky!” Spectators on the sideline shouted.

But Xia Chiyi released the ball calmly. Ke Yan’s fingertips had no chance to touch the basketball.

Everyone watched the parabola of the ball; only Ke Yan watched Xia Chiyi’s expression.

It was a relaxed expression, certain that this ball would go in.

The sound of the ball swishing into the net brought everyone back to their senses.

Although Yang Huaiyu chased over, he could only sigh looking at the ball. “It really went in.”

As the defender, Ke Yan felt Xia Chiyi’s ability most directly. The stop was extremely sudden, catching him unprepared. And this shot seemed casual but contained strong confidence.

“Amazing, Xia Chiyi. Was your adoration before just playing the pig to eat the tiger?” Ke Yan half-jokingly brushed his bangs.

“I admire you because you are really amazing.”

After speaking, Xia Chiyi turned around without lingering to defend.

Ke Yan looked at Xia Chiyi’s back, frowning. “Seems like not recruiting him to Qincheng University will be a huge trouble in the future.”

Shenghai University’s players were stunned. First Yang Huaiyu’s dunk was blocked by Zhou Zhexiao, then Xia Chiyi scored a jump shot in front of Ke Yan’s defense!

What were the backgrounds of these two!

Guan Qian showed a shocked expression and looked at Ling Huanzhen next to him.

The other just crossed his arms and frowned, as if still unsatisfied with the two’s performance.

Only Ling Huanzhen himself was secretly thrilled to the point of explosion.

Couldn’t schedule practice matches before, looked down on Ningchang University, looked down on me as a coach. Now do you know our power?

Too late!

Qincheng University’s side also exploded.

Center Meng Ting entered a frenzied state. “My god! My god! That guy called Zhou Zhexiao actually blocked Yang Huaiyu? A huge hot pot, almost smashed in his face!”

Power forward He Zhan also rubbed his eyes. “Is this a dream? Besides Qing University’s Liu Shuchen, this is the first time I’ve seen someone serve Yang Huaiyu a huge hot pot at the start!”

Meng Ting continued his frenzy: “And that Xia Chiyi, holy crap, his dribbling speed is too fast, almost leaving afterimages?”

He Zhan: “Afterimages? Is your dynamic vision that bad? But to be fair, he is indeed fast. Thought Ke Yan caught up, didn’t expect him to just brake and shoot… really comparable to our Li Shunchuan.”

“Comparable my ass. Li Shunchuan that trash is just dumped, like an empty-nest elder in a movie whose pension account was wiped by scammers. Look at that Xia Chiyi, so spirited and energetic, clearly the type to turn grief and indignation into motivation even after a breakup!”

Meng Ting covered his face. “Stop talking…”

The game had entered a very intense stage. Whenever Ke Yan wanted to speed up, he was immediately double-teamed by Zhou Zhexiao and Xia Chiyi, or even blocked at the sideline to waste time.

Ke Yan finally found a chance to pass to Yang Huaiyu. Xia Chiyi intercepted and harassed along the dribbling path, slowing Yang Huaiyu down. Once Yang Huaiyu broke through with a dribble, he had to circle a large loop around the three-point zone. By the time he finally got under the basket, Shenghai University’s center and power forward were already blocking there.

If Yang Huaiyu shot, Zhou Zhexiao would block him.

If Yang Huaiyu passed, Xia Chiyi would steal.

It had been a long time since he felt attacked from both front and back. The corners of Yang Huaiyu’s lips curled up. Only such a practice match… could have practice effect!

Yang Huaiyu pulled back with a large-scale fake, full of tension and deception!

An ordinary person would have been shaken off. Shenghai University, including their head coach Guan Qian, had their hearts tighten, thinking Yang Huaiyu was about to break through successfully. But unexpectedly, neither Zhou Zhexiao in front of him nor Xia Chiyi blocking his passing route fell for it.

On the sideline, Qincheng University’s head coach Ren Xin felt such a sense of crisis in a practice match for the first time.

Ningchang University’s two freshmen were too strong, integrating offense and defense, impeccable.

Ke Yan came to help defend, shouting: “Five seconds are almost up—”

Yang Huaiyu raised an eyebrow, wrist seemingly pushing the ball towards Ke Yan, but suddenly changed direction, passing the ball between Xia Chiyi and Zhou Zhexiao’s arms to another teammate.

Qincheng University’s second-string players were also strong; receiving the ball, he decisively shot and scored.

Guan Qian’s roar made the ceiling lights flicker.

“How did you let him shoot—are you logs? Help defense? Positioning?”

Zhou Zhexiao and Xia Chiyi looked at Guan Qian.

Guan Qian said: “You two are good, perfect, no problem! I’m talking about the other three! What’s wrong with you three? They helped you lock down the trickiest Yang Huaiyu, what were you doing? Taking a walk nearby? Help defense!”

Xia Chiyi was awed by this roar. He hadn’t seen Jiao Yingfeng breathe fire, but he felt Guan Qian was really breathing fire.

The raging fire burned the Shenghai University players into slag.

Compared to Guan Qian, Ling Huanzhen really had a super good temper, super kind.

Xia Chiyi looked at Ling Huanzhen. Ling Huanzhen was amused, mouthing: Kid, just realized how good I am?

Yang Huaiyu smiled. “Don’t be afraid. This is the first time I’ve heard Coach Guan praise someone’s performance as ‘good, perfect.’ Your defense just now was amazing.”

“Didn’t you still pass the ball out?” Xia Chiyi gave him a cold look.

Yang Huaiyu looked at Xia Chiyi’s unwilling expression and revealed a smile.

Ke Yan crossed his arms, observing his teammate sideways. “Hey, do you know what you look like?”

“Like what?”

“Like an elementary schooler who bullies whoever they like.” Ke Yan replied coolly.

Yang Huaiyu laughed. “I’m not bullying him; I’m just making him deeply realize that I’m really amazing.”

Ke Yan gestured at Zhou Zhexiao with his chin. “This one is also amazing, and I can feel his block on you wasn’t a coincidence.”

“Mn.” Yang Huaiyu’s expression cooled down.

“One leads to two, two leads to three, three begets all things, endless succession.” Ke Yan said coolly.

“Are you cursing me to be blocked by Zhou Zhexiao every time I dunk?” Yang Huaiyu looked over.

At this moment, Xia Chiyi leaned sideways towards Zhou Zhexiao, and Zhou Zhexiao lowered his head slightly. The two seemed to be whispering, brewing some bad idea.

The afternoon practice match was clearly more watchable than the morning one, and the rhythm was tighter. Not only were the players tense, but the spectators were even more nervous.

Xia Chiyi dribbled into Qincheng University’s territory. Just past the center line, Ke Yan brought a teammate to double-team him. Xia Chiyi immediately accelerated to circle around.

Coach Ren’s lips curled into a smile, thinking this kid’s experience was still a bit lacking; taking a detour wouldn’t work against a strong team like Qincheng University.

“Little friend, where are you trying to circle to?”

But Coach Ren never expected that while moving at high speed, Xia Chiyi would throw the ball backward, which was steadily caught by Zhou Zhexiao.

This pass was incredible.

Ke Yan: Does this kid have eyes in the back of his head? How did he know behind him was a teammate and not an opponent?

Yang Huaiyu: My position was almost parallel to Zhou Zhexiao’s; how could he pass the ball so accurately to Zhou Zhexiao’s forward path?

Zhou Zhexiao caught the ball, broke through quickly, and rushed under the basket.

Shenghai University cheered loudly, as if forgetting Zhou Zhexiao wasn’t their player.

But Zhou Zhexiao didn’t act arbitrarily. Instead, he passed the ball to a Shenghai University player, shouting: “Shoot—”

The opponent caught the ball, heard the shout, and saw Zhou Zhexiao had already rushed under the basket ready to rebound for him.

Zhou Zhexiao’s jumping and explosive power were so strong he could block Yang Huaiyu’s dunk. Even if he missed the shot, Zhou Zhexiao would definitely get the rebound!

This sense of security brought immense confidence. The Shenghai University player shot decisively. The ball hit the rim, circled halfway, and actually went in!

Shenghai University’s players cheered and even ran over to high-five Zhou Zhexiao.

Yang Huaiyu’s lower back was kicked hard by Ke Yan.

“Actually let Shenghai’s second team gain confidence? Yang Huaiyu, are you a fake ace?”

Even He Zhan and Meng Ting on the sideline were giving him the finger and booing.

Yang Huaiyu lowered his eyes and smiled. “Can’t be helped, that freshman pair is just really amazing.”

Next, Ke Yan dribbled through, passing Shenghai players’ defense as if entering an unpeopled land.

When Xia Chiyi rushed to steal, Ke Yan knew he couldn’t confront him head-on. Xia Chiyi would drag down the fast break they had struggled to initiate. His eyes looked at Xia Chiyi, making a motion like a jump shot but passed the ball to Yang Huaiyu!

“Beautiful pass—” Exclamations rose from the sideline.

After receiving the ball, Yang Huaiyu rushed towards Shenghai University’s basket like a sharp blade.

This time, Shenghai University’s center and Zhou Zhexiao jumped to defend simultaneously, extended arms like a continuous city wall. If Yang Huaiyu passed, Xia Chiyi was waiting to steal!

But Yang Huaiyu performed a big double-clutch in the air, taking advantage of the Shenghai center’s descent to send the ball into the hoop.

Upon landing, Yang Huaiyu smiled at Zhou Zhexiao.

Zhou Zhexiao had no expression on his face, but Xia Chiyi beside him had his head half-raised, as if still recalling that big double-clutch in his mind.

Yang Huaiyu turned, saw Xia Chiyi’s look, and smiled. “I fulfilled my promise to you.”

Referring to yesterday evening facing Mining University, if Xia Chiyi could score two consecutive fast shots, he would perform a double-clutch.

“Mn… very important data.” Xia Chiyi nodded. “Next time Zhou Zhexiao and I will block you, definitely make you fail.”

Yang Huaiyu paused. What did Xia Chiyi say? Wanted him to fail?

“I accept your challenge.” Yang Huaiyu still smiled, but a sharp, crushing pressure came head-on.

Xia Chiyi was awed, feeling as if a knife was already at his neck.

Suddenly, his hair whorl was gently ruffled. Xia Chiyi looked up and saw Zhou Zhexiao.

This guy was always super arrogant; didn’t seem angry being scored on by Yang Huaiyu’s double-clutch?

“Hey, hey!” Xia Chiyi tugged at Zhou Zhexiao’s jersey. Zhou Zhexiao immediately leaned sideways, putting his ear next to his.

“What is it?”

“I think, to stop Yang Huaiyu’s double-clutch, we need to play the time difference.”

Zhou Zhexiao’s lip line curved slightly. “I thought so too.”

Xia Chiyi was stunned. It was the first time he saw Zhou Zhexiao smile from so close. Even though his heart should be tense from the clash of weapons, it was inexplicably sweet like spun sugar.

Xia Chiyi scratched the back of his head and whispered, “I… didn’t eat oysters today…”

Many people from Shenghai University on the sideline saw Yang Huaiyu’s double-clutch layup with their own eyes for the first time and marveled endlessly.

“That double-clutch range was huge!”

“But not forced at all, even very elegant!”

“With Yang Huaiyu’s level, if he cuts to the basket, it’s unsolvable, right!”

On Qincheng University’s side, it was a different style of discussion.

“Holy crap—this guy actually does double-clutch in a practice match?” Meng Ting on the sideline showed a shocked face.

He Zhan crossed his arms, frowning. “This shows he’s pushed to get serious by that freshman pair.”

“What the hell, those freshmen are amazing. Can he win without being serious? Thought pies were falling from the sky?” Meng Ting moved his wrist. “I really want to play too, I really want to play! Can’t we play a match against that freshman pair?”

“Put away your fist, we are playing ball, not fighting.”

Among the three coaches, Ling Huanzhen probably had the best mindset. Seeing Yang Huaiyu’s double-clutch layup, he applauded and cheered without hesitation.

He was originally worried that the Great Demon King, having seen so many high-level competitions, would find the intensity of the domestic University League too boring, affecting Zhou Zhexiao’s ambition and preventing him from enjoying the joy of defeating strong enemies.

Now it was good. Ling Huanzhen felt he had underestimated the University League; at least the level of the national third place was still very high!

If Yang Huaiyu had this level, then Lu Yingnan and Liu Shuchen, who were equally famous, must also be very strong.

Ling Huanzhen looked at Zhou Zhexiao again. Sure enough, this guy’s foul face looked much better.

Based on his understanding of his old friend, this guy would definitely retaliate tooth for tooth, doubling the payback.

Guan Qian was a little nervous, afraid the confidence of the second-team members would be shattered, so he hurriedly encouraged: “Our defense for this ball was in place! Everyone did well! Zhou Zhexiao also did great! Everyone should learn from Zhou Zhexiao!”

Ling Huanzhen patted Guan Qian’s back and whispered, “Don’t be nervous, it’s okay Old Guan. If he had to use a double-clutch, it means he was determined to score.”

“Huh?” Guan Qian looked at Ling Huanzhen suspiciously.

“Just… if it were me, doing a double-clutch under the basket and missing would be mortifying. Rather just do an honest three-step layup than some flashy double-clutch. Being able to double-clutch means dodging defense.”

Guan Qian looked at him and answered after two seconds: “I wasn’t comforted by you.”

The game continued. Xia Chiyi dribbled to break through. He stopped and started abruptly several times. Ke Yan was almost brought down by inertia, his heart nearly squeezed out of his throat—Is this kid human? Stopping whenever he wants? Accelerating whenever he wants!

Where had the other Qincheng University players seen such dribbling? They were defeated one after another. Seeing Xia Chiyi about to face Yang Huaiyu, he suddenly jumped. Yang Huaiyu thought he was going to shoot, but unexpectedly he passed to Zhou Zhexiao.

Zhou Zhexiao cut diagonally to the basket, smooth as a knife through butter. Coach Ren on the sideline shouted for the first time: “Defense under the basket—defense!”

Instantly, the area under the basket became crowded.

Yang Huaiyu and a teammate returned to defend urgently, jumping together. Zhou Zhexiao faced not only them but also Ke Yan coming from behind.

It could be said he was surrounded front and back; no way to layup, passing blocked.

Coach Guan Qian had to lament Qincheng University’s return speed and tight defense, but Ling Huanzhen beside him smiled: “It’ll go in.”

It’ll go in?

Like this, how will it go in?

After jumping into the air, Zhou Zhexiao switched the ball from his right hand to his left, avoiding Ke Yan’s steal. At the same time, his muscles tensed, folding his body. When he extended, the defensive players were already descending. Zhou Zhexiao lightly tossed with his left hand, banking the shot into the basket.

This was truly astonishing.

Yang Huaiyu looked at Zhou Zhexiao. The last person who dared to do this was Qing University’s Liu Shuchen.

But even for Liu Shuchen, it was a forced effort.

The Zhou Zhexiao in front of him was different. His balance in the air, powerful hang time, and control of timing were perfect.

Was this really a freshman who had never participated in the First Division League?

The moment Zhou Zhexiao landed, the whole arena sucked in a breath.

On Qincheng University’s side, center Meng Ting couldn’t hold back anymore. “Let me play! Let me play! If I were there, I would definitely stop that kid!”

He Zhan restrained his teammate from behind. “Can’t stop him, can’t stop him! He plays the time difference. No matter how high you jump, you have to come down!”

Ke Yan turned to look at Yang Huaiyu. Aside from the national quarterfinals, he hadn’t seen Yang Huaiyu show such an expression in a long time.

Eyes cold, face expressionless, like a dagger in its sheath eager to drink blood.

And Ke Yan understood very well that for Zhou Zhexiao to rush under the basket, Xia Chiyi’s contribution was immense.

United, these two could pose a threat at the three-point line from afar, and forcibly score by breaking into the basket up close.

“How was it?” Zhou Zhexiao turned around and looked at Xia Chiyi.

Xia Chiyi stood there, unresponsive.

Zhou Zhexiao tilted his face. Xia Chiyi suddenly snapped out of it, rushed over, jumped onto Zhou Zhexiao, grabbed his hair, and shook his head wildly. “Ow ow ow! Too amazing! That ball was too dope! It ranks TOP 2 in my favorite double-clutch layups!”

His hair was messed up by Xia Chiyi, and Xia Chiyi shook so hard, yet Zhou Zhexiao didn’t sway at all; his core strength was evident.

“Which is TOP 1?” Zhou Zhexiao’s brows furrowed, faintly dissatisfied.

“You’ve seen it! Sheng Xingming’s drifting double-clutch under the basket in the finals!”

Zhou Zhexiao’s eyebrow raised. “Fine, if it’s that ball, I forgive your fickleness.”

Ke Yan came to Yang Huaiyu’s side and extended his fist. “Yang Huaiyu, we were crushed by freshmen.”

“Ah, yeah. Feels bad.” Yang Huaiyu adjusted his wristband to below his elbow and bumped fists with Ke Yan.

He Zhan and Meng Ting shouted loudly from the sideline.

“Yang Huaiyu, if you don’t get fierce, your ‘first love’ will forget your name!”

“If you can’t capture his heart, don’t blame him for being fickle!”

Other Qincheng University players followed with “Ula Ula” boos, as if they were happy to see Yang Huaiyu suffer.

Is this guy really the team’s ace?

Xia Chiyi looked back at Yang Huaiyu, feeling that He Zhan and Meng Ting’s shouts meant something.

Yang Huaiyu had looked ready to kill just now, but meeting Xia Chiyi’s gaze, he immediately became gentle.

“Ignore them. They don’t have fans cheering for them during games, just envious, jealous, and hateful.”

Xia Chiyi nodded, thinking: You’re actually quite nice.

This time, Yang Huaiyu and Ke Yan really got fierce, going full speed. Qincheng University came out in full force. The oppressive feeling of full-court press forced Xia Chiyi to handle passes carefully. Xia Chiyi was forced near the sideline by Ke Yan and another player. He found a gap to pass the ball. The Shenghai player received the ball and wanted to pass to Zhou Zhexiao, but it was intercepted.

Yang Huaiyu caught the ball and headed straight for Shenghai University’s basket.

His gaze was cold. This time he would pass Zhou Zhexiao.

Yang Huaiyu drove for a layup. Zhou Zhexiao jumped to defend. Yang Huaiyu used a powerful double-clutch to send the ball out past Zhou Zhexiao’s arm.

But at that moment, he saw the smile on the corner of Zhou Zhexiao’s mouth.