Basketball System: Rebound of the Underdog

"We shall make you into a starting player right away," Coach Yixing said, appealing to Kai even more.

"You will be training with the top players in the city," Coach Ben countered. "The Xing Stars will make you into a soldier. Would you like that?"

Coach Yixing clicked his tongue.

"The Xing Stars has the reputation of very disciplined players. The Feng Foxes are known to be chronic foulers—especially their reserves. You don't want to be grouped into such a team."

Coach Ben shook his head. "Fouls are allowed in basketball for a reason. They're a strategic part of the game."

Coach Yixing was about to argue when Kai held out his hand.

"Thank you so much for your appealing offers," Kai said, scratching the back of his head.

He still couldn't believe that the coach of the Xing Stars and the Feng Foxes—both very prominent teams in their city—was actually recruiting him.

Kai placed the calling cards in the pocket of his backpack—where Justin's letter was also hidden.

"I can't make a decision right now," he said, making the two coaches straighten their spines.

"Of course," Coach Ben said. "I don't expect you to answer right away. This is just a short orientation of what you can expect when you decide to join our team."

Coach Yixing nodded in agreement. "It's a huge decision. But I just want to let you know that our school offers full scholarships for athletes, too," he winked.

Coach Ben shook his head. "The same is true with ours."

Kai chuckled. "Thanks again. I best be going now, though. I have to buy some new school supplies before the school year starts."

The two coaches nodded despite not wanting to let Kai go.

With that, the tall player of Shizi High walked away from them, the coaches' hearts filled with hope that he would join their respective teams.

Then, when he was gone, Coach Ben faced Yixing.

"Do you want to recruit him because he has the potential to become a better player...or are you afraid that you will be facing a strong opponent in the future?"

Coach Yixing chuckled before shaking his head.

"Naturally...isn't it both?"

***

Kai pursed his lips as he looked at the calling cards in his hands.

He was currently packing his bag for tomorrow's training when he came across the offers he had gotten in the past day.

He was holding onto four calling cards.

Yes—four.

First was Justin Liang—the star player of the Shizi Snakes. Kai didn't even bother looking at it since it was a sport he wasn't interested in.

Then the other two were from Xing Stars and the Feng Foxes.

Afterward, on his way home, he met Coach P of the Daxue Dolphins. He also decided to give Kai his calling card, which Kai didn't even need to think about since the Daxue Dolphins were far worse than the Shizi Dogs, in his opinion.

He knew he should have thrown it away, especially since he had improved well with the Shizi Dogs.

However, a part of him also wanted to experience what it was like being with a bigger school with better resources.

As much as the Shizi Dogs had improved in the Winter Cup, it still couldn't be denied that they lacked a lot compared to the bigger teams in their cities.

"Kai! Let's eat dinner!" Grandma Bingbing called from the kitchen, causing him to sigh.

He gathered all the cards and stuffed them inside his basketball jersey shorts before stuffing that one into his bag.

With that, he zipped it close and went to the dining room to join his grandma for dinner.

He couldn't help but smile when he smelled the delicious aroma of beef.

"We actually have meat," he exclaimed as he sat on the table.

Grandma Bingbing clicked her tongue as he placed down a bowl of beef and radish soup in front of Kai.

"I feed you meat a lot, boy," he scolded. "Why are you acting as if I don't?"

Kai scratched the back of his head.

"Because beef is expensive," he said. "You shouldn't have splurged on me."

Grandma clicked his tongue. "As long as I'm peeling onions, we will have enough money to put food on the table."

After saying that statement, Grandma Bingbing had a coughing fit, causing Kai's eyebrows to furrow.

He was about to stand when the old woman held out her hand and went to her seat.

"I'm fine," she said, clearing her throat. "It's just cold, so it's normal to feel sick."

"You're old, so you need to be more careful," Kai chimed.

Grandma Bingbing slapped the back of his head, causing Kai's eyes to widen in surprise.

"I'm not old enough to be weak, aren't I?" she asked.
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Kai stared blankly at the wall.

Well, it was clear that his strength didn't just come from nowhere. He definitely inherited some from Grandma Bingbing.

"Anyway," she continued, coughing once more. "Take some money so you can pay for your school supplies."

"I already did," Kai proudly said. "I didn't use up all the money you gave me during our training camp."

"Still, get some," the old woman said. "I know you always want extra money."

Kai scratched the back of his head.

"You should just use the money to go to the hospital."

The old woman shook her head.

"For what? This is just a normal flu. You've already gone to the hospital this year, so we don't want to go there anymore," she muttered.

Kai pursed his lips, suddenly feeling guilty.

With that, he decided to change the topic.

"What are we going to have for the new-years?" he asked.

Grandma Bingbing looked at him with raised eyebrows.

"The new-years? You're planning on celebrating it with me?"

"Yeah," Kai nonchalantly said. "Where else would I celebrate it?"

"I don't know," Grandma Bingbing shrugged. "You've been celebrating it outside ever since your father died."

"Oh," Kai muttered. "Right."

"But, if you want to celebrate it this year, I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to prepare as much. Just some rice cakes and traditional food."

"That's fine with me," Kai said. "Then, you should really keep the money that you're planning on giving me."

Grandma Bingbing looked at him suspiciously.

"You're acting strange. You'd usually grab the chance to get more money."

Kai smirked and shook his head.

"Your grandson has changed a lot now."

"If the time comes, you won't even have the peel onions anymore," he said with determination.

The old woman rolled her eyes. However, deep inside, she was also happy.

"I'll become the greatest basketball player in the world and make enough money for the two of us!"

"Did you watch that movie?" Grandma Bingbing asked. "How To Make A Grandma, was it?"

Kai clicked his tongue. "We watched it in the training camp."

"And it's How To Make A Million Grandmas," Kai corrected.

"Oh, was it?" she muttered.

"Anyway, I heard it was great. Are you planning on making millions before I die, too?"

Kai shook his head. "Can't you just appreciate my comment?"

Grandma smirked and ruffled his hair.

"Thanks, grandson."

"But between you and me, I can probably peel a million more onions just so you could continue pursuing your dreams."