Chapter 57: I Need You by My Side

Just as everyone was discussing this, Ling Huanzhen added: “Although it’s an endurance tag-team battle, unfortunately, our Ningchang University team is short-staffed and can’t go for many rounds. Please bear with us, Qincheng University.”

Hearing Ling Huanzhen’s self-deprecating comment, Wang Xiulin in the front row of the audience sneered: “Bullying the few with the many, afraid they won’t win, and now trying to make excuses.”

“Exactly. I checked online; Qincheng University sent their main lineup. What special requirement for endurance tag-team? They’re just treating our basketball team as sparring partners. I don’t know why everyone here is so hyped.”

“Just wait and see. If they lose even after the tag-team strategy, let’s see how arrogant Xia Chiyi and his group can be then.”

The class monitor couldn’t take it anymore and spoke up: “Do you three have to live on a gossip map? Opening your mouths just to be sarcastic?”

The three fell silent temporarily, switching to sarcastic smiles.

---

The first quarter officially began. The Student Union signaled everyone to put away their phones and keep quiet.

Ningchang University sent out Ye Chaoying, Xia Chiyi, Zhou Zhexiao, Du He, and Shuai Bei.

This was Du He’s first time facing a national-level center. His heart pounded during the jump ball. In contrast, Qincheng University’s Meng Ting looked focused and well-adapted to such a scene.

When Jiao Yingfeng tossed the ball high, Du He fiercely slapped it toward Ye Chaoying. Before Ye Chaoying could even start moving, Jiao Yingfeng blew the whistle.

“Orange #8, jump ball violation!”

The whole arena went into an uproar.

Du He raised his hand, and Shuai Bei came over to pat his shoulder.

“Calm down, it’s just a jump ball. What are you nervous about!”

“The opponent was third in the nation last year…” Du He whispered.

Discussions rose and fell in the audience.

“Violation? Why a violation? Didn’t our player touch the ball?”

“Did Du He not jump high enough?”

“Or is he not allowed to slap the ball to Ye Chaoying?”

Wang Xiulin listened to the surrounding discussions and sneered. Even he, someone who didn’t pay much attention to basketball, understood what happened. Yet these people claiming to be basketball team fans didn’t know what a “jump ball violation” was. A bunch of fake fans!

“Because the ball hadn’t reached its highest point yet, and Du He touched it first, so it’s a violation. In layman’s terms, it’s like a false start in running or swimming,” Wang Xiulin said coolly, arms crossed.

“Wow, you even know this?”

“I also know—since our side violated the rules, possession goes to the opponent!” Wang Xiulin sneered. “Giving away possession right at the start, our basketball team really knows hospitality!”

Qincheng University’s Meng Ting threw the inbound ball. Ke Yan quickly dribbled past the center line, pressing straight toward Ningchang University’s half-court.

That starting speed stunned everyone present.

“So fast…”

“Suddenly rushed past! Worthy of Qincheng University!”

“Oh no, Li Shunchuan has already run near the three-point line!”

Ke Yan looked toward Li Shunchuan but passed the ball to Yang Huaiyu, who was following up from behind. Yang Huaiyu, like a heavy punch striking out, broke through the defense of Du He and Shuai Bei, rising up for a dunk.

His jumping momentum was so intense that the front-row audience even leaned back.

But Zhou Zhexiao had already jumped to defend, an icy pressure seeming to plummet straight down from the dome.

Yang Huaiyu’s heartstrings tightened. He folded his body mid-air but didn’t shoot.

Wait a bit longer… the little monster will definitely come out!

Sure enough, Xia Chiyi jumped for an aerial cover. But with a flick of Yang Huaiyu’s wrist, the ball went around Xia Chiyi’s arms, hit the backboard, and fell into the hoop.

“My god… that was too amazing!”

“I thought Xia Chiyi would block that shot!”

“Damn, this Yang Huaiyu is simply professional level!”

Wang Xiulin had to admit that at that moment, his heart was in his throat. He really thought Xia Chiyi could block Yang Huaiyu!

See, the strength of the national third place isn’t something Ningchang University can compare with.

“So what if it’s a double-team defense… didn’t they still score?” Wang Xiulin wiped the sweat from his palms onto his knees.

Yang Huaiyu landed, took a deep breath, and glanced at Xia Chiyi.

His gaze was like a blade, piercing through Xia Chiyi’s muscles and bones, as if saying—I’ve seen through your second-stage defense.

This was Yang Huaiyu in game mode.

Possession returned to Ningchang University.

Ye Chaoying dribbled to attack the opponent’s camp, encountering Ke Yan’s steal attempt. He calmly tossed the ball to Xia Chiyi.

Li Shunchuan rushed to defend. He thought Xia Chiyi would dribble another step or two since he was still a bit far from the three-point line, but unexpectedly, Xia Chiyi jumped and shot immediately upon receiving the ball!

The crowd exclaimed in surprise. Xia Chiyi shot expressionlessly. The basket area instantly became crowded as power forwards and centers from both sides jostled for position, ready to fight for the rebound.

While the entire audience waited to see who would grab the rebound, Xia Chiyi’s raised right hand clenched into a fist.

With a swish, the ball went in.

At this moment, Li Shunchuan was still two steps away from Xia Chiyi. He looked at Xia Chiyi’s calm expression. That ultra-long three-pointer was smooth and decisive.

“So… so amazing…” Li Shunchuan murmured.

Would I have such boldness?

Ke Yan ran past him and slapped the back of his head: “You need to guard him tighter!”

“Oh, oh!” Li Shunchuan patted his own face, the character “囧” on his face suddenly narrowing.

In the first quarter, the contest between both sides was exceptionally sharp.

Yang Huaiyu went for a layup, and Zhou Zhexiao’s block resonated through the arena, nearly causing the audience to stand up collectively.

Zhou Zhexiao rushed into the paint. Meng Ting and He Zhan formed a wall under the basket. Even with a double clutch, he would face a block from Yang Huaiyu, so he decisively passed to Xia Chiyi.

Just as Xia Chiyi was about to shoot, the ball was stolen by Li Shunchuan!

The audience’s necks, having just turned to one side, had to turn to the other again.

Li Shunchuan passed the ball to Ke Yan, who was then stripped by Ye Chaoying.

Both sides went back and forth, the amount of running was immense.

The professors in the front row clenched their fists, not daring to breathe loudly.

Zhou Zhexiao consistently single-guarded Yang Huaiyu, while Xia Chiyi intentionally hovered near Zhou Zhexiao, drifting in and out.

Yang Huaiyu was wary of Xia Chiyi’s steals and long shots, plus he was being defended by Zhou Zhexiao. These two perfectly recreated the “tripwire” strategy used by Liu Suochen and Geng Lu in last year’s Final Four, forcing Yang Huaiyu into extensive running. Xia Chiyi relied on his drift-in, drift-out help defense to drive Yang Huaiyu into Zhou Zhexiao’s defensive range.

The game was intense and anxious. Every time Yang Huaiyu withstood Zhou Zhexiao to score, Zhou Zhexiao would retaliate in the next round.

At the end of the first quarter, the score was unbelievably close at 19 to 20.

The whistle blew, and waves of exhaled breath came from the audience.

“I’m dying of nervousness…”

“Qincheng University is so strong. Feels completely different from those opponents in the provincial games.”

“Yang Huaiyu is too formidable; his scoring momentum is super strong!”

“But don’t you think Zhou Zhexiao guarding him is also amazing?”

The class monitor patted Wang Xiulin’s shoulder. “What do you think? How did our basketball team play?”

“Hmph, it’s only the first quarter. Being barely evenly matched doesn’t determine the result. Let’s wait until the last quarter to see if they haven’t collapsed yet.”

Wang Xiulin kept his hands in his pockets; his palms were sweaty.

He never expected to be so absorbed in watching.

This was his first time watching a basketball game. His heart felt like that ball—tossed high, fought over.

He expected even less that in a practice match against a powerhouse like Qincheng University, not a single person on the basketball team slacked off. These ten minutes of play didn’t have a single drop of diluted effort.

Both sides came off the court. Yang Huaiyu drank a mouthful of water and whispered: “I need someone to help me.”

The other four were stunned. This was the first time they heard Yang Huaiyu say he needed help.

And it was just in a practice match.

Everyone stopped wiping their sweat and looked at him.

Ke Yan slowly smiled and lifted his chin: “Speak, how to help?”

“Double-team Zhou Zhexiao? That guy’s cutting ability is too strong, definitely on the same level as Liu Suochen.” Meng Ting took a deep breath. “They really imitate Qing University convincingly…”

“Not marking Zhou Zhexiao… I’m afraid only I can stop him. I need someone to help me cut the connection between him and Xia Chiyi. I don’t know when Xia Chiyi will come to steal, nor when he’ll come to double-team. He’s like the other shoe that refuses to drop; it’s too annoying.” Yang Huaiyu showed a helpless smile and raised his hand.

“I got it. I’ll do it.” Ke Yan raised his hand.

“No, you still need to organize the offense. Also, that Ye Chaoying on their team has strong stealing ability; you need to protect the ball. Xia Chiyi… leave him to me.” Li Shunchuan picked up a towel, wiped his chin, and stared sideways at Xia Chiyi’s back.

Only a shooter understands a shooter best.

“Please.” Yang Huaiyu looked seriously into Li Shunchuan’s eyes.

The 130-second break passed in a flash. All players returned to the court.

Xia Chiyi looked up and met Li Shunchuan’s eyes—cold, revealing an oppressive scrutiny.

Even the corners of his slightly drooping eyes seemed to hide a cold glint.

This guy was assessing whether Xia Chiyi could threaten his status as the number one shooter in the Southeast Division.

“Interesting.” Xia Chiyi tilted his head and gave Li Shunchuan a wink.

Li Shunchuan was stunned and grabbed Ke Yan: “I just provoked Xia Chiyi with my eyes, and that guy actually winked at me!”

“Right, right, right. You provoked him, but he didn’t take it seriously, so you have to beat him until he smokes.” Ke Yan patted Li Shunchuan’s shoulder perfunctorily.

“How can he not take my provocation seriously? Too rude!”

“Right, right, right. Not only rude, but he also shamelessly wants to challenge your status.”

“Too excessive!”

The second quarter began. Ningchang University’s possession. Shuai Bei served from the baseline, and the game instantly entered a white-hot stage.

Qincheng University came aggressively, as if ready to burn themselves out.

Xia Chiyi was constrained by Li Shunchuan. His jab steps and various swaying fakes didn’t work. Li Shunchuan maintained a tight defense throughout. Xia Chiyi’s shots had to be more cautious, which also meant he had no time to help defend for Zhou Zhexiao.

Released from his shackles, Yang Huaiyu was like he had divine help. He could fiercely confront Zhou Zhexiao for layups.

He knew Zhou Zhexiao possessed heaven-defying hang time, so when doing a double-clutch layup, Yang Huaiyu took risks. He was bold enough to wait until his toes were about to touch the ground, watching Zhou Zhexiao descend before tossing the shot.

Not only were the spectators terrified, but even his own teammates broke out in cold sweat.

“Crazy… didn’t expect Yang Huaiyu to be this amazing…”

“I’m afraid we can’t guard him…”

“I really want to cheer, but the Student Union won’t allow it! It’s killing me!”

Wang Xiulin in the stands remained silent. At this time, he should be gloating, making sarcastic remarks. But on the soccer field, he had also experienced such crushing opponents, that heavy, inescapable shackle… enveloped by the opponent’s power…

Yang Huaiyu rushed to the basket again, jumping just past the free-throw line. With a “Bang,” the ball was swatted away by Zhou Zhexiao. The audience let out a breath.

But Jiao Yingfeng blew the whistle, signaling a hacking foul on Zhou Zhexiao.

Gao Jinshu pointed to his eyes, then to Zhou Zhexiao, meaning “I saw it too, you hit his hand.”

Zhou Zhexiao didn’t argue and raised his hand.

Yang Huaiyu made both free throws.

Now, Ningchang University’s morale was even lower.

“What to do? Xia Chiyi is being marked! Our outside scoring point is sealed tight!”

“Once Shuai Bei and Du He get the ball, they get jammed by the opponent’s two big guys…”

“Every time Ye Chaoying wants to steal, he gets marked by Ke Yan. Several times he couldn’t make a move!”

“Zhou Zhexiao, hurry up and score!”

Wang Xiulin pursed his lips and didn’t speak, but in his heart, he thought: Break the game quickly, break it quickly! If this continues, you’ll be like our soccer team, unable to raise your heads!

But facing Zhou Zhexiao, Yang Huaiyu didn’t feel relaxed at all.

He knew Zhou Zhexiao was still simulating Liu Suochen’s strategy, staying at tempo one.

This guy could be faster, fiercer, even more arrogant!

Yang Huaiyu told himself he must play harder. Before the end of the second quarter, force the real Zhou Zhexiao out.

The professors in the audience were anxious.

“Coach Ling, what should we do in this situation?”

“Do you want to shout a few words to the players?”

Ling Huanzhen shook his head, looking sage-like: “Qincheng University’s coach didn’t come. For fairness, I won’t give any guidance.”

He knew Zhou Zhexiao hadn’t entered the harvesting phase yet; he was patiently consuming Yang Huaiyu’s stamina.

Most importantly…

Ling Huanzhen’s gaze fell on Xia Chiyi.

Usually, the ones practicing shooting with Xia Chiyi were Jiao Yingfeng and Zhou Zhexiao.

Li Shunchuan’s tight defense was indeed formidable, but with Xia Chiyi’s breakthrough and sudden stopping ability, he could shake him off.

Unless…

Ling Huanzhen’s brow furrowed, his hand covering his mouth while supporting his chin, hiding a grin that stretched to his ears.

Thought Xia Chiyi was the most obedient baby on the team; maybe he’s the one with the most wicked heart.

At this moment, Li Shunchuan’s nerves were taut. To shake him off, Xia Chiyi kept running full court. Li Shunchuan dared not relax for a moment, following closely.

Minutes passed. Yang Huaiyu and Zhou Zhexiao continued back and forth, fighting inextricably.

Two professors in the audience discussed with each other.

“Although Xia Chiyi isn’t scoring anymore, the opponent’s amazing shooter isn’t scoring either!”

“Yeah, earlier he hit two consecutive three-pointers, making my hair stand on end. But from the second quarter until now, he hasn’t even received the ball!”

Hearing their chat, Ling Huanzhen smiled until wrinkles appeared at the corners of his eyes.

Exactly, this is Xia Chiyi’s true intention.

As a fellow shooter, Xia Chiyi knew very well that once a scoring guard like Li Shunchuan received the ball, going from a sudden stop to a shot would take less than a second. Rather than wasting energy on interception, better to leave him no time to shoot.

—So Xia Chiyi led Li Shunchuan running all over the court.

Whoever’s stamina emptied first, their shooting percentage would drop first.

Li Shunchuan adjusted his breathing. He found that Xia Chiyi’s off-ball running speed hadn’t diminished in the slightest. This guy was looking for every gap to receive the ball, while Li Shunchuan felt like a bug stuck in a web, dragged all over the court by Xia Chiyi.

Damn, he received a pass again!

Xia Chiyi faced Li Shunchuan, corners of his mouth rising high.

This guy is going for a step-back again… Li Shunchuan moved to intercept based on instinct.

Not just him, Ke Yan also rushed to the other side. The two were about to double-team Xia Chiyi.

But Xia Chiyi suddenly lowered his center of gravity and darted out from under Li Shunchuan’s arm like a bolt of lightning, rushing into the paint.

“Crap—”

Li Shunchuan and Ke Yan sprinted after him, but Xia Chiyi passed the ball to Shuai Bei under the basket. Everyone thought Shuai Bei would rush for a dunk, but he turned and made a beautiful jump shot!

The breath held by the whole arena was finally released. Several students couldn’t help but shout, “Nice shot—”

Including Wang Xiulin.

Feeling gazes from his neighbors, Wang Xiulin immediately put away all expressions, thinking: Anyway, it was Shuai Bei who scored.

The second quarter ended. The score difference was still small, 48 to 49. Ningchang University was even leading by one point.

There was a ten-minute halftime break. The watching students had held their bladders for too long, and suddenly there was a long line for the restroom.

Even the public restrooms outside the basketball hall were crowded.

“The game is too exciting; I need quick-acting heart pills.”

“Yeah, Zhou Zhexiao’s aura is super strong. When he blocked Yang Huaiyu, my hair stood on end!”

“Yang Huaiyu is also amazing. Whenever he kills his way into our paint, I’m anticipating how he’ll score. Feel especially sorry for our basketball team!”

…

On Qincheng University’s side, Yang Huaiyu had a towel over his head, panting: “We fell into a trap.”

“Huh? What trap?”

The other four focused their gazes on Yang Huaiyu.

“Xia Chiyi deliberately dragged Li Shunchuan running all over the court just to consume his stamina.”

“Huh?” Li Shunchuan looked confused. “But his running volume is greater than mine. Isn’t this killing a thousand enemies but losing ten thousand of his own?”

“No no no, you don’t understand Xia Chiyi’s stamina,” Meng Ting said with hands on hips.

“He can play double-team with you for an hour.” He Zhan had deep experience with this.

“And his practice volume is huge.” Yang Huaiyu still remembered Xia Chiyi’s 21-point shooting drill; it was practically perverted.

“So… what now?”

Everyone looked at Yang Huaiyu again.

Yang Huaiyu lowered his head in thought.

“We can’t lose Li Shunchuan’s outside scoring ability. Ke Yan, focus on assisting Li Shunchuan to score. Meng Ting, He Zhan, defend the basket to grab rebounds, let Li Shunchuan shoot with peace of mind.”

Meng Ting: “No problem.”

He Zhan: “Roger.”

“If in the next quarter, Xia Chiyi starts exerting force, Meng Ting, He Zhan, double-team him. Leave the basket… to me. And…” Yang Huaiyu hesitated.

“And what? Say it all at once.” Ke Yan kicked Yang Huaiyu.

“Zhou Zhexiao’s ability is not inferior to Liu Suochen. If he suddenly starts harvesting points, you must stay calm no matter what.” Yang Huaiyu said.

Everyone fell silent.

Yang Huaiyu looked up and smiled: “I won’t let him get his way.”

Ke Yan drank some water and laughed muffledly.

“What are you laughing at?” Yang Huaiyu asked.

“My son has finally grown up and knows the responsibility of being an ace.”

The next second, Ke Yan’s head was pressed down hard by Yang Huaiyu.

---

On Ningchang University’s side, Xia Chiyi was sucking on jelly in his chair. He said muffledly, “I think Yang Huaiyu saw through me. Li Shunchuan probably won’t follow me all over the court next quarter. He’s going to go full throttle and pierce our basket.”

The team fell silent.

Du He was panting heavily. After all, Meng Ting was a power center. Their battle for position under the basket consumed a lot of energy.

Xia Chiyi nudged Zhou Zhexiao with his arm. “Are you unleashing your ult? The kind where the Reaper descends, scythe against their throats.”

Zhou Zhexiao turned his face and glanced at Xia Chiyi.

“Are you playing dual guard?”

Xia Chiyi looked into Zhou Zhexiao’s eyes, very deep, like a black hole of desire, drawing out all hidden longings in a person’s heart.

“I… I want to play.” Xia Chiyi nodded.

As a dual guard, he must overlook the entire court, predict everyone’s movements, attract fire for Zhou Zhexiao, open paths for him, and seize every opportunity to score.

His heart beat “Thump—thump—thump.”

Xia Chiyi had a towel over his head, hands gripping both ends. Just as he exhaled, Zhou Zhexiao suddenly pulled the top edge of his towel, dragging him toward himself. Seeing the other’s face getting closer and closer, about to hit his nose bridge, Ye Chaoying instinctively stood up, blocking in front of them, shielding them from the audience’s view.

“Hey hey hey, don’t have a conflict in front of so many students!” Ye Chaoying reminded worriedly.

“You don’t look very determined.” Zhou Zhexiao’s forehead rested against Xia Chiyi’s, his eyes looking at him coldly.

The air seemed to freeze. What Xia Chiyi saw when he looked up were Zhou Zhexiao’s thick, upturned eyelashes, seemingly brushing against his eyeballs. In those clear amber eyes was Xia Chiyi’s reflection.

At that moment, Xia Chiyi seemed to return to the basketball camp many years ago, the moment Sheng Xingming lifted him over his head.

Sheng Xingming said: Don’t lower your head. I lift you over my head so you can see the basket.

“I want to play dual guard. I can organize the offense well, and I can score myself.” Xia Chiyi answered.

The next second, Zhou Zhexiao’s palm clasped the back of Xia Chiyi’s head, pressing him into his embrace.

“Very good, just like that.”

At that moment, Xia Chiyi heard Zhou Zhexiao’s breathing. It was a very familiar, steady sound, like wind blowing through a valley, surging toward a broad sea level.

Just as Xia Chiyi wanted to distinguish who this breathing sounded like, Zhou Zhexiao released him.

Ye Chaoying, who was blocking the view for them, took a long breath. “I beg you not to do this kind of idol drama encouragement scene next time. We can high-five, hug shoulders, even kick each other. But don’t suddenly get so close; I thought you were going to kiss!”

Shuai Bei hugged Du He facing the other way, looking like “We didn’t see anything.”

“Alright, Ye Chaoying, rest for one quarter. Last quarter, you guard Li Shunchuan, make him misfire.” Zhou Zhexiao said.

“No problem. So who are you subbing in?” Ye Chaoying asked.

“He Bin, you’re up. If Li Shunchuan wants to shoot, let him shoot. He shoots one, you return one.” Zhou Zhexiao turned his head to look at He Bin, who was handing out towels behind them.

He Bin opened his mouth. He wanted to say that’s Li Shunchuan, the number one shooter in the Southeast Division. How can I compare to Li Shunchuan?

But when Xia Chiyi and Zhou Zhexiao looked over together, He Bin suddenly felt—being with these two, maybe he really could contend with Li Shunchuan!

---

When the third quarter arrived, Qincheng University was surprised to see the newly substituted He Bin on the opposite side.

Ke Yan frowned, tilting his head: “Ye Chaoying is so good at stealing, yet he was subbed out? Who’s playing point guard? And this new guy… looks like a model student… is he good?”

“Don’t know.” Yang Huaiyu frowned slightly. “I’ve been training with Xia Chiyi and Zhou Zhexiao these two days, didn’t pay much attention to the others on their team.”

After He Bin went on court, his gaze met Ji Bo, the assistant referee.

Ji Bo’s face was calm, not even a slight nod of encouragement.

But He Bin knew he must be calm and steady, must display everything Ji Bo taught him… Before the divisional tournament, he might never encounter an opponent stronger than Qincheng University again.

At the start, Li Shunchuan received the ball and shot immediately, hitting a three-pointer.

He Bin, guarding him, took a deep breath. Such shooting speed was restricted by Xia Chiyi for a whole quarter; it showed Xia Chiyi’s defensive ability was also improving by leaps and bounds.

But soon, relying on baseline running, He Bin also scored a shooting point for Ningchang University.

As the game passed second by second, Ke Yan felt immense pressure because Xia Chiyi displayed powerful coordination and dribbling skills. It was as if he suddenly opened his panoramic vision, weaving through the court.

Xia Chiyi could connect with Du He and Shuai Bei under the basket to form a triangle, or choose to point out He Bin near the three-point line. He would use himself as bait to distract Yang Huaiyu, letting Zhou Zhexiao go straight for the basket.

But Ke Yan was a famous point guard; he wouldn’t let Xia Chiyi run rampant. A battle for court control unfolded between them.

One moment Ke Yan cut off Ningchang University’s offense; the next, Xia Chiyi launched a fast break.

The perimeter players of both teams also began a firepower clash. Li Shunchuan was in excellent form, firing cold arrows from time to time.

Meanwhile, He Bin was elusive, always managing to catch the ball and score during Qincheng University’s brief moments of relaxation.

The game was so tense that the audience curled their toes. The two professors clutched their thermoses, never opening them for a sip.

The game between Zhou Zhexiao and Yang Huaiyu was even more adrenaline-pumping.

Zhou Zhexiao blocked Yang Huaiyu under the basket; Yang Huaiyu returned the favor with an extreme steal.

Yang Huaiyu confronted Zhou Zhexiao with a floater in the paint, provoking gasps.

After landing, Yang Huaiyu made a throat-slitting gesture, eyes and brows boiling with fighting spirit.

Zhou Zhexiao gave Xia Chiyi a look and turned to run forward.

Xia Chiyi’s heart seemed to synchronize with the other. He passed a ball so fast it could crack open the back of a skull.

“Crazy—”

“What kind of ghost pass is that—”

Zhou Zhexiao actually caught it mid-sprint. Just past the free-throw line, he jumped abruptly, as if leaping over a cliff. With an ultra-high difficulty switch-hand shot, he feinted past Meng Ting and He Zhan under the basket, and finally avoided Yang Huaiyu’s block, sending the ball into the hoop.

The applause was thunderous; the students nearly went mad.

“Holy crap… Xia Chiyi dares to pass, and Zhou Zhexiao dares to fly!”

This shot left Xia Chiyi dumbfounded.

He rushed past the half-court line, sprinting toward Zhou Zhexiao. “You were explosively handsome—”

He was like a little lion running on the grassland, soft fur rising in the wind. All Zhou Zhexiao could see were those eyes full of expectation. He bent down slightly, already planning to pick Xia Chiyi up and praise him with a “nice pass,” but…

Xia Chiyi stopped in front of him, raised both hands—he just wanted a high-five.

The air suddenly became awkward.

“Hahahaha… hahaha…” Ye Chaoying on the bench laughed unceremoniously.

Following that, waves of laughter came from the audience.

Ling Huanzhen covered his eyes, whispering: “Chemistry… chemistry needs improvement…”

Ke Yan exhaled, exchanging a look with Yang Huaiyu. “Good thing our team only has high-fives, never the option of hugging.”

Li Shunchuan showed an envious expression: “But… I want to be hugged too…”

He turned around, only to see Meng Ting and He Zhan hugging themselves with crossed arms, looking like “Absolutely won’t hug you.”

The third quarter ended. The score was still tight, 78 to 75, Qincheng University temporarily leading.

At the end, the duel between Zhou Zhexiao and Yang Huaiyu earned a full minute of applause from the audience.

Although it wasn’t their home court, Yang Huaiyu and his team felt Ningchang University’s respect. No one shouted slogans belittling the opponent; they even applauded vigorously when Qincheng University made spectacular scores.

He Bin walked off the court, swapping with Ye Chaoying.

With a towel over his shoulder, He Bin subconsciously glanced at Ji Bo.

Ji Bo was chatting with Gao Jinshu. Seeming to feel He Bin’s gaze, he looked back, a smile spilling onto his lips, mouthing: Played very well.

He Bin’s eyes instantly heated up.

“Captain, thank you.”

Xia Chiyi’s voice came from behind He Bin.

He Bin flicked his forehead. “Don’t you call me Captain? Can’t the Captain do even this much?”

“Captain is the best!” Xia Chiyi raised both thumbs, making He Bin laugh.

On the bench, Yang Huaiyu closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He knew… he was about to face Zhou Zhexiao’s tempo two.

At this time, Li Shunchuan showed some fatigue. Yang Huaiyu patted his shoulder and whispered in his ear: “Seems Xia Chiyi’s dragging tactic worked on you?”

Li Shunchuan clearly had a face full of depression, but his brow raised sharply. “I know he’s a newborn calf unafraid of tigers, daring to try any messy tactic. But… ginger is still spicier when old.”

“Hahaha, I’m looking forward to it.” Yang Huaiyu laughed while vigorously rubbing the top of Li Shunchuan’s head.

Ke Yan raised his hand, expression determined: “I’ll watch Ye Chaoying, try my best not to let him link up with Zhou Zhexiao and become your stumbling block.”

Last year, everyone only saw Yang Huaiyu being dragged down by Liu Suochen, but no one knew he was fighting a lone battle.

This year, Ke Yan wouldn’t let that happen again.

Meng Ting adjusted his breathing while analyzing the situation under the basket: “Opposite’s Du He, his stamina shouldn’t be as good as the first two quarters. Should be able to leave the basket to He Zhan. When necessary, Ke Yan and I… double-team Xia Chiyi.”

“I thought so too.” Ke Yan high-fived Meng Ting.

Yang Huaiyu looked silently across the court.

Du He had a towel over his head, panting heavily. Battling for position with Meng Ting under the basket, plus fighting for rebounds, had consumed immense energy.

Shuai Bei patted his shoulder. “Let Chen Chuan go on.”

“No need, I’m still okay…”

“You have to give Chen Chuan a chance too, let him feel the pressure of Qincheng University under the basket.” Shuai Bei looked at Chen Chuan.

“Right now, I have the most stamina among the forwards. Let me try!” Chen Chuan watched three quarters of the game, of course knowing how terrifying Qincheng University was.

That precise coordination, powerful individual ability—any one of them pulled out could be an ace in major universities in Jin Province.

But if he chose to escape out of fear, he might never be able to get on the court in his life.

Du He raised his hand, and Chen Chuan immediately high-fived him.

“Just… just these ten minutes… hold on even if you can’t…”

Zhou Zhexiao was checking his shoelaces. Xia Chiyi leaned over and said seriously: “You look like you’re about to sprint.”

In other provincial games, didn’t see you checking shoelaces so seriously.

“Yes, I’m going to sprint. Are you following?” Zhou Zhexiao asked in a calm tone.

As if his invitation was just to go out and buy milk tea.

Xia Chiyi nodded vigorously. “I’m following. You can sprint a bit faster; I’ll be right behind you.”

“I don’t need you behind me.” Zhou Zhexiao bent down, clasped Xia Chiyi’s ankle, lifted it onto his own knee, tightened Xia Chiyi’s shoelaces, then put it down and switched to the other foot.

Xia Chiyi stared dazedly at Zhou Zhexiao’s profile. Sweat slid from his temple down his cheek, refracting in the light like traces left by a blade.

“I need you by my side.” Zhou Zhexiao looked at him, the ocean in his eyes surging out. It was a temperature like lava, making Xia Chiyi’s heart boil along with it.

“Okay.” Xia Chiyi replied with an equally firm and passionate gaze.

Ye Chaoying stretched his legs nearby. After standing up, he leaned on Xia Chiyi and Zhou Zhexiao’s shoulders. “I guess, last quarter, we’re going tempo two?”

Xia Chiyi tilted his head back to look at Ye Chaoying: “Then I’ll trouble you to drive the rhythm.”

“Sure, I’ll be Ningchang University’s fastest man for once.”

Finally, the last ten minutes were about to begin.

Du He could only stand up and watch his teammates leave.

He Bin patted Du He’s shoulder, whispering: “Sometimes we have to accept that in some super blockbusters, we can’t be the protagonist. But even as Passerby A, B, C, or D, we are part of the scene.”

Du He took a deep breath. “This is my first time… unable to finish a full game due to stamina…”

He Bin opened a can of energy drink for him: “This is also your first time understanding what you lack.”

Du He lowered his head, shoulders trembling. He Bin knew he was crying; he didn’t continue speaking but accompanied him in silence.

He Bin looked at Xia Chiyi’s back, smiling helplessly.

Actually, in the first intramural game He Bin saw Xia Chiyi, he realized his own ceiling.

He knew Xia Chiyi’s future would definitely be a radiant sun. He was jealous; he even wanted to wear sunglasses.

But now he knew, he could choose to be the moon or stars. When the sun’s brilliance faded, he could also light the way for his teammates.

Just like the ten minutes earlier, he experienced the nervous thrill of gunning against the top shooter in the Southeast Division.

So, go for it, my teammates.

Halfway up the mountain is too crowded; the summit suits us better.

Chen Chuan served from the baseline. Ye Chaoying was like an antelope, jumping to catch the ball, then suddenly turning into a cheetah, rushing out.

Ningchang University’s fast break was like floodwater released from a gate, surging forward, destroying everything in its path, breaking through Ke Yan and Li Shunchuan’s perimeter defense.

But these two old veterans immediately turned to follow.

Ye Chaoying showed no intention of passing. Could he be going for a layup?!

The whole arena stretched their necks for this.

Ye Chaoying leaped into the air. Du He stood up and shouted “Go—”

But in front of him were Meng Ting and He Zhan, completely blocking the basket!

This was an outcome he had long anticipated. He passed the ball sideways to Zhou Zhexiao.

Zhou Zhexiao dribbled and immediately faced off with Yang Huaiyu. The flames of war filled the space between them. Yang Huaiyu’s harassing steal attempt was extremely decisive, but Zhou Zhexiao smoothly passed to Xia Chiyi beside him.

Xia Chiyi wove through the double-team of Ke Yan and Li Shunchuan like an arrow flying close to the ground. The audience exclaimed in surprise. Even the most disdainful Wang Xiulin in the stands couldn’t help but shout “Good!”

That’s it! Our Ningchang University school team should be like this!

But under the basket, Meng Ting followed up. A fierce confrontation occurred between the two. Even teammates familiar with Xia Chiyi were stunned!

Meng Ting felt like he hit a wall. The moment they separated, Xia Chiyi took a lateral step to create offensive space, feinted past the helping He Zhan, and decisively scored with a floater.