Chapter 102: Yizhong

Teams advanced one after another, and the results of the first round were already out. On the school strength rankings, the top four positions—aside from Jin Hua—faced only weak opponents. Their victories had been absolute and without challenge.

"The stronger you push forward, the stronger the teams you will encounter," Black Man warned, hoping they would not grow complacent after a single win.

Everyone nodded in agreement. They had once believed their lineup to be overwhelmingly dominant and destined for a sweeping victory. Yet now it seemed nothing was as simple as it appeared.

They were all the elite talents from their respective schools. No one would readily yield to another.

Chen Li descended from the stands and handed Ming Han a thermos. It was water Chen Li had specially prepared from home.

This gesture stirred envy and jealousy among the other men.

They, too, craved such care for the spirit and soul.

They emerged from the gymnasium where Da Xu sat dejectedly with a megaphone.

"Why did Ming Han win? We've lost everything now."

Someone had secretly placed bets on the game, with odds close to even. After careful consideration, Da Xu had wagered on Huaqiao to triumph.

"I lost a hundred bucks!" Da Xu wailed there, unaware that Ming Han had approached unnoticed from behind.

Ming Han felt guilty that Da Xu had stood up for the team and been expelled. He had intended to offer a word of comfort, but instead heard Da Xu's lament.

"Ah, my heart aches so much. I can't complain to Ming Han about the loss, or that petty man will surely beat me to death." Da Xu resolved to feign wild joy when he spotted Ming Han exiting.

He turned around and found Ming Han and the others glaring at him with sullen expressions.

"Explosion!"

"Brothers, I heard you won, and I'm over the moon."

Da Xu's demeanor shifted swiftly.

Lin Wei added directly, "Brothers, teach him a lesson."

Da Xu's pained cries echoed through the space for a long time.

Everyone waited for Black Man, who was drawing the next round's opponents.

"I only hope the coach has one moment of moral clarity and doesn't draw a strong team every time," Ming Han said.

Ten minutes later, Black Man appeared.

His face still carried that familiar mask of regret.

Ming Han slapped his own forehead. "Brothers, it's gone up in flames."

Everyone nodded. Black Man was incapable of concealing his emotions. The expression told them plainly: Your coach has drawn another formidable opponent.

"Coach, which strong team did you draw this time?"

Black Man offered a gentle smile. "Actually, it's manageable—a destiny matchup. Haha, your opponents this time are from Yizhong."

"Oh..." they gasped.

According to their plan, they should have faced Yizhong only in the semifinals. Now they would meet them in the quarterfinals.

"Is it the team with Wang Mingkang?" Lin Shan inquired.

Lin Wei patted his brother's shoulder helplessly and nodded.

"Brother Qiang, how does Wang Mingkang compare to you?" Lin Shan remarked. Among their peers, few centers could match Brother Qiang's skill.

"If my template represents Xiaoniur's peak, then he is Garnett," Brother Qiang said with bitterness.

They all knew the NBA. Xiaoniur had been a true superstar at his height, yet Garnett stood as an MVP and one of the game's greatest defenders.

"Really that formidable?" Lin Shan doubted it, for he knew Brother Qiang's abilities well.

"Send troops to meet the general and cover the earth with water. If we advance further, we will surely face opponents stronger than Yizhong."

They fell silent. Focus on the game; no need for distractions.

"The next round will take place in two weeks," Black Man announced. "Prepare yourselves. This year, we have the strength to defeat Yizhong."

Yizhong had long been a powerhouse. Since sports became a key metric for school evaluation, they had invested heavily in their athletic programs.

For several consecutive years, they had reached the semifinals and even claimed the championship. Yizhong's basketball culture had always inspired admiration among students.

At that moment, a group of students emerged from the gymnasium. Their uniforms marked them as Yizhong's team.

Wang Mingkang's towering presence drew all eyes. He spotted Ming Han and smiled.

"Brothers, I never imagined we would clash so soon. That last defeat still stings." Wang Mingkang said.

"Have you already faced each other?" Lin Shan asked.

Ming Han nodded.

"Then this fellow isn't all that impressive? Even you couldn't beat him, and you're the weakest among us."

Lin Shan spoke with such excitement, like an overexcited puppy, leaving Ming Han speechless. Had the game been scored by plus-minus, Wang Mingkang would have held the positive edge. Their ragtag squad had lost, yet Wang Mingkang had prevailed.

Wang Mingkang paid no heed to Lin Shan's taunts. Instead, he turned to Brother Qiang. "I truly want to face you."

In the center position, among their peers, genuine rivals were scarce. A worthy opponent would ignite excitement in any player.

Brother Qiang replied, "I feel the same."

Before the whistle even blew, their eyes blazed with fierce determination.

They hungered to crush their opponents and humble them. This was basketball.

Beside Wang Mingkang, a buzz-cut youth stepped forward and addressed Yu Hang in a mocking tone. "The number one point guard in the entire county's junior high division?"

His voice dripped with sarcasm and disdain. He cared little for the internet nickname bestowed upon Yu Hang. Honors demanded proof through competition. He believed himself capable of defeating Yu Hang.

His name was Ma Jingt ao, known as the "Lonely Wolf." His style echoed that of certain CBA guards—adept at breaking through defenses and distributing the ball, though his intense ball-handling sometimes disrupted team flow.

Yu Hang detected the contempt in his words and responded coolly, "Who is this Ren Ge? What number point guard does he claim in the county?"

His standing was naturally high—third in the county. Yet his question subtly asserted: The recognized leader, your abilities fall short of mine.

"Ma Jingt ao."

"Oh!" Yu Hang murmured thoughtfully. "Never heard of him."

Ming Han let out a soft laugh. Yu Hang was utterly ruthless.

"Empty words hold no value now. I hope the match disappoints me no longer," Ma Jingt ao said bitterly.

After the groups dispersed, Lin Shan seethed with indignation. "Do you really think Jin Hua is easy prey? This time, I swear we won't hold back."

Da Xu nodded eagerly beside him, like a chick pecking grain. "Brother Shan speaks wisely. I bet Jin Hua wins this time."

Lin Shan asked, "What's the betting line between our school and Yizhong?"

"One to three. One yuan to win three."

Lin Shan exploded. "Such a wretched odds. This time, the casino will go broke."

Lin Shan grabbed Da Xu by the collar. "Come, let's place the bet together."

After walking a short distance, Da Xu whispered, "Brothers, though I love Jin Hua as much as you, I advise betting on Yizhong. Steady profit, no loss."

Lin Shan beat Da Xu once more.