Chapter 68: Is This the Decisive Strike? (Part Four)

Lin Wei’s ball-handling and isolation skills were the strongest in their grade. Qiang’s dribbling wasn’t as good, and Yuhang’s physical strength couldn’t compare. That’s why Class Thirteen didn’t believe the game was already over; many even felt Lin Wei had a high chance of making the final shot.

The commentator was visibly excited, the game surpassing his expectations. “It’s said that Class Two’s Lin Wei is the best one-on-one player in the grade. So, can Class Thirteen defend this shot that will decide their fate?”

Many of the girls in Class Thirteen nervously closed their eyes, even though their team still held a one-point lead.

In truth, Minghan and his teammates were just as nervous! The feeling of helplessness, when the outcome was out of their control, was truly awful!

“Brothers, this is it—do or die!”

Everyone clenched their fists.

On court, Lin Shan inbounded the ball.

Lin Wei circled around a screen, running out on the right to receive the pass. Daxu was a step behind; Lin Wei broke through instantly.

Class Thirteen’s defense collapsed, everyone swarming to cut off Lin Wei’s drive. Lin Wei was known for playing solo—they were sure he wouldn’t pass.

But as the defenders converged inside, Lin Wei suddenly sent a sharp pass to Lin Shan, who was lurking beyond the right three-point line.

Lin Shan faked a shot—Yuhang flew at him.

Lin Shan didn’t shoot. He pulled the ball back and drove inside.

The whistle sounded as the ball went in—game over!

They’d lost?

Yuhang stood rooted, panting, utterly dejected.

Minghan’s face was dark, lost for words.

Class Two surrounded Lin Shan, cheering wildly.

The referee’s whistle blew again. The tall black referee announced coldly, “Drive was out of bounds. The two points don’t count. Class Thirteen wins!”

Everyone froze, including the commentator.

The commentator had just been praising, “Lin Wei and Lin Shan truly live up to their reputations, securing back-to-back championships.”

But would the referee slander Class Two? Obviously not. He had no reason to. He’d been right there, with the clearest view of all.

Daxu pinched Yuhang’s cheek, “Bro, we won.”

The commentator, unruffled, declared, “Class Thirteen finally claims their first championship in their junior high careers—ending this chapter with a perfect mark.”

Lin Wei and Lin Shan looked crestfallen, but still went over to congratulate Minghan and Yuhang.

“Let’s have drinks tonight!”

The Class Thirteen base erupted, people jumping up in excitement.

Minghan could no longer hold back his emotions; his eyes reddened instantly.

Daxu threw his arms around him. “Bro, I know it wasn’t easy for you—playing through heartbreak to finish this match with us. You’re amazing.”

Minghan snapped, “Can’t you comfort people without being such a jerk?”

After finishing up the stats, the referee walked over. “Great job, Minghan!”

“Thank you, Coach!”

“The overall championship award ceremony will be held at the school assembly next Monday. Judging by your stats, you’re a strong candidate for MVP this year.”

The coach handed over a stat sheet: four games—18 points, 8 rebounds, 4.5 assists per game. Incredibly well-rounded!

Daxu punched Minghan lightly, “You stole the honor Yuhang wanted most?”

Yuhang, having played one less game, had averages of 22.1 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 6.7 assists—a close contest.

Many came over to offer congratulations, some girls even mustering the courage to ask their names.

Two girls asked Daxu for his QQ number. Daxu grinned from ear to ear. “Haha! I let my teammates shine today. I’m nothing special, really.”

“No, no, you were amazing in the second quarter! So cool!”

“Haha, really?” Daxu laughed heartily.

Ying Huanhuan also came to congratulate him. “Congratulations, champion!”

Seeing Ying Huanhuan had a good impression of him, Daxu seized the moment. “Come hang out with us players tonight! I’ll walk you back to the dorm after.”

Ying Huanhuan didn’t refuse; she could really hold her liquor, something Minghan rarely saw in a girl.

Minghan was also surrounded by girls for the first time, basking in the feeling of being the center of attention.

“Senior, were you the one who sang ‘The Most Romantic Thing’ in the school singing contest?”

Minghan nodded.

“Senior, you’re really good-looking!”

He smiled awkwardly.

“Senior, I want to ask you out tonight.”

The tone was mocking, but the voice was familiar—Lin Jingjing.

The other girls had no idea, only thinking Lin Jingjing was bold to the point of shamelessness.

Minghan shot her a glare but didn’t retort.

Lin Jingjing pulled him aside. “Minghan, after all this, I bet you’ll be as famous as Qingqing from now on.”

Boys love pretty girls, and girls love good-looking boys too—especially those who sing well, play great basketball, and excel in academics. He was like a character straight out of a novel.

“We’re having a gathering tonight. Want to come?” Although Minghan hadn’t accepted Lin Jingjing’s feelings, they remained close friends. Last time Minghan was at his lowest, she’d stayed by his side.

“You’re inviting me? That’s a first!” Lin Jingjing was delighted.

Minghan didn’t argue. He was exhausted and just wanted to go shower and sit for a while.

Yuhang came over and hugged him. “Thank you, bro!”

Minghan patted his back. “You’re disgusting—smelly all over. Save the bromance for tonight, okay?”

At that moment, an unfamiliar number flashed across his phone, with “United States of America +” as the prefix.

Minghan stared at it for a long time before finally hanging up.

Yuhang saw and asked, “Why didn’t you answer? She just wanted to congratulate you.”

“It’s not like I won the NBA championship. What’s there to congratulate?” Minghan pretended not to care, but inside, an ache gnawed at him.

Far away in America, Chen Li looked at her phone, deeply saddened.

“Minghan, are you really never going to talk to me again?” It had taken all her courage to call that familiar number.

…

That night, they partied hard with the Class Two players.

Yuhang reported, “Coach just told me—the school basketball tournament is postponed to next semester. Apparently, the county sports bureau is building a big new basketball arena, but it’s not finished yet.”

Which meant that next semester, Grade Nine would represent Jinhua Middle School in the tournament—giving them several more months to train.

Lin Wei laughed heartily. “With our current lineup, we can beat any school, easy.”

Minghan savored this life—drinking, chatting, bragging with his group of goofballs.

His junior high days were nearly over—just a little over half a year left. He felt he’d made the most of it. In elementary school, he’d only buried his head in books. In junior high, he’d made some great friends and learned to play basketball.

Especially Yuhang, that lovable idiot. He’d once said seriously, “Minghan, I think we’ll keep playing basketball together for a long time, so you have to get stronger and stronger!”

Yeah.

It’s just that, on this journey, he’d accidentally lost a very important girl.