Chapter 16: On the Way Home...

Today was the first time Ming Han learned that the girl everyone admired—Chen Li—already had someone she liked. In truth, it wasn’t surprising; everyone was at that age, and it was normal to harbor feelings for someone, as long as things didn’t go too far.

"Hahaha, let’s not talk about that. We have to focus on this week’s opponent—the Seventh Class!"

So they've finally drawn them as their adversaries? Everyone felt a sudden heaviness in their hearts.

Last year, they’d eliminated them from the tournament, crushing them completely. Yu Hang had been so frustrated he didn’t play basketball for a whole week.

"Our main focus should be on their big guy, Qiang."

Lin Mingqiang! Everyone said he was the strongest player among the eighth graders, standing nearly one meter eighty-five, the tallest in the grade.

But what made him truly terrifying was his mid-range jumper—so accurate, no one could block his shot. If he decided to drive to the basket, it was basically time to throw in the towel.

And aside from Lin Mingqiang, their class’s point guard was formidable too—his name was Wu Jianhao. He was explosive, with a powerful drive, though his shooting was less reliable.

Physically, he had a mismatch advantage over all the other point guards in the grade. Yu Hang had played against him and couldn’t contain his attacks—a definite problem.

"We’ll play them this Saturday, and by then Zheng Yuan should be back. We have to double-team Qiang, even if it means letting the others beat us..."

Yuhang’s decision was tinged with resignation; in their grade, no one could really stop Qiang’s scoring. Limiting him was the best they could hope for.

"Don’t overthink it—we can win, I believe in us!" Chen Bao encouraged everyone.

They all raised their glasses. "Let’s toast to our final victory!"

All in all, it was a wonderful evening. Ming Han suddenly found himself enjoying the feeling of making friends.

At last, it was time to part ways.

"Ming Han, walk me home," Chen Li said, her tone commanding.

"Well, you’ve saved me quite a bit of money, so I suppose I can make an exception and escort you just this once," Ming Han replied with mock reluctance.

When Ming Han and Chen Li walked together, it was usually Ming Han doing all the talking about anything and everything, while Chen Li quietly listened.

"Chen Li, you’re so young and already have someone you like. That’s wild—you’re only sixteen!"

Chen Li shot him a look but didn’t retort.

"Actually, Da Xu isn’t bad," Ming Han said, almost to himself.

"I don’t like him." Chen Li finally spoke.

"I always thought girls like you—goddesses—wouldn’t fall for guys so easily," Ming Han glanced at her. "Take Wang Yuan from Class Six—tall, handsome, from a wealthy family. He’s been pursuing you forever and you still won’t say yes. If I were a girl, I’d have married him by now..."

Chen Li rolled her eyes. "Then I wish you two happiness."

"Have a little respect for me, please, Chen Li!"

She gave a little huff. "Ming Han, do you think I’m a goddess too?"

Ming Han noticed a touch of pink on her cheeks as she asked, and thought to himself, "She must be at that age after all."

"I just think you’re really pretty," he answered, not catching the deeper meaning of her question. "Probably the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen."

Chen Li seemed satisfied with this answer. "Alright then, do your best this Saturday!"

Ming Han found her a bit strange tonight but didn’t dare ask more. After all, their friendship mostly existed because he was her free tutor.

"Sometimes it makes me a little sad, Chen Li," he mused. "Everyone in the whole grade thinks I’m basically your errand boy now. Always helping you return things."

He didn’t notice Chen Li softly mumble, "That’s just the way I like it."