Basketball System: Rebound of the Underdog

"Oh goodness. What happened to you in those five days? Why are all your clothes wet?" Grandma Bingbing asked as she brought Kai's laundry out of his bag.

Kai clicked his tongue in embarrassment.

"Leave it there, Grandma," he groaned. "I'll wash it later after I sleep."

"Answer my question," the old woman firmly said.

Kai scratched the back of his head. "We trained in the snow most of the time. I didn't get to wash it because we were busy. I stacked it inside the plastic bag and forgot to let it air out."

Grandma shook her head and brought out another wet piece of clothing—Kai's underwear.

Kai's cheeks reddened as he grabbed the piece of briefs from his grandma's hand.

"Privacy, please!" he exclaimed like a little kid.

Grandma clicked her tongue. "You're acting as if I didn't bathe you when you were younger. It's just shocking that even your underwear is wet."

"Just leave it be," Kai muttered, still embarrassed. "I'll wash it later."

"And what? Let these rot? I'll wash it right now, boy. You should go and rest."

Kai pursed his lips and watched as his grandma separated the blacks, colors, and whites.

"Are you sure?" he asked, feeling tiredness hit him.

"Yes," she grumbled. "I'm your grandma. I can do this for you. I know how much you're working hard."

Hearing such a statement made Kai's heart feel warm.

"Thanks, Grandma," he muttered.

She smiled and shook her head.

"Just go to sleep."

***

It was their day off, and Kai decided to do just what was entailed from a day off—to rest.

He had been working nonstop since the break, and before the new-years hit, he wanted to explore the city without thinking about basketball.

It was nearly impossible for someone like Kai. However, he was determined.

He had saved some money from all the free food they received from Shenyang's training facility and wanted to buy some things before the new school year hit.

"Let's not think about basketball today," he said, wanting to have a fresh mind.

His first stop was at the park.

There was temptation right off the bat when he saw what seemed to be people around his age playing basketball.

In fact, they seemed like a real high school team!

"Nope," Kai muttered, about to leave when he suddenly felt someone hold onto his shoulder.

Out of instinct, Kai held onto the man's hand and twisted it over his shoulders, causing the stranger to groan in pain.

His eyes brightened after pulling off that move. He didn't even think he could do something as cool as that!

"Aww! That hurt! Why the heck are you so strong?"

Kai paused when he realized that the voice was familiar. He let go of the stranger's wrist and turned around, only to be met by Coach Yixing of the Xing Stars.

"Oh," Kai muttered. "Coach Yixing," he said, taking a bow. "I didn't realize it was you."

"Clearly," Coach Yixing muttered, shaking his sore wrist and inspecting if it was broken.

"However, that strength could actually take you to places," he quickly added with determination in his eyes.

Kai frowned in confusion.

"Sorry?" Kai asked.

"I knew it was you the moment I saw your hair and height," Coach Yixing said, seemingly talking to himself.

"Who knew we would meet on this very day? I was actually planning on going to your school," he added.

Kai's eyebrows raised in surprise. "You were?"

"Yes," he said. "I doubt that you had your training, so I came here to chill for a while. However, you came, and it just strengthened my decision to have you on our team."

Kai's eyes began showing recognition.

"It's recruitment week," he muttered, remembering what Lina had told the team in the van.

"What was that?" Coach Yixing asked.

Kai quickly shook his head. "Nothing," he smiled. "You were saying something?"

"Right," Coach Yixing said, bringing out something from his pocket—a calling card.

"I have been watching your team ever since we played against each other during the Winter Cup, and I must say that the Shizi Dogs has a lot of potential."

"However, it's not nearly enough to overtake ours—the Xing Stars," he smirked, feeling proud of himself.

"You, kid, have a lot of potential," he said, pointing at Kai. "I don't know if you've realized it, but you jive well with one of my players, Zedong. He's very by the book while you're unpredictable. With your guys' combination, we would be invincible!" he exclaimed, feeling breathless afterward.

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He was about to say something more when Kai heard yet another familiar voice.

"Yixing? You said you weren't going to come here today, you imbecile!"

Kai turned around and was met with none other than Coach Ben of the Feng Foxes.

The small coach's eyes widened when he saw that it was Kai Yixing was talking about.

Coach Ben's eyes narrowed, and he hastened his steps to get to where they were.

"I knew you were desperate, but I didn't think you'd call him personally to a park," Coach Ben remarked as he stood next to Yixing.

"You have it all wrong—"

Before Coach Yixing could even finish his statement, Coach Ben spoke, coldly interrupting him.

Coach Ben placed a thick yet small piece of paper on Kai's palm—another calling card.

"I would start with my introductions, but I'm sure you already know who I am. We've met plenty of times, am I right?"

Kai nodded, looking at the two calling cards in his hands.

"We've also played plenty of times," Coach Yixing exclaimed. "We've played in both the winner's and loser's bracket."

"We played a practice match together," Coach Ben said. "Besides, my players have actually spoken with Kai, and I believe that they also see his potential."

"I, your coach, not only believe in your potential but am also skilled in developing it," Coach Yixing quickly butt in. "This guy right here can't play basketball at all. He's just a team manager."n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Coach Ben smirked in disbelief. "I'll have you know that I was also a varsity player when I was younger. Besides, our team makes it further into the league more than the Xing Stars."

"That's not true. We beat you at times."

"So, with that...," Coach Yixing began.

"With that...," Coach Ben said in a louder voice.

"Are you interested in joining our team?"