Chapter 70: The Tank (First Update)

The school basketball tournament was postponed for a semester, but Ming Han did not find life any easier. His homeroom teacher informed him that he would be participating in the citywide mathematics and physics competitions.

These competitions were, in truth, somewhat pointless. Firstly, the questions were far more difficult than anything on the high school entrance exam. Secondly, even if you performed well, you wouldn’t earn any extra points for that exam.

But earning a good ranking was beneficial for the school. They would hang a giant banner at the school gates congratulating whichever student had won first prize in the city competition.

As a result, Ming Han had to dedicate a great deal of time to practicing Olympiad problems. These problems were nothing like the ones usually taught in class, and Ming Han had to invest significant effort in studying them.

Meanwhile, Fang Hui Jian, who had previously had a grudge with Ming Han, was playing basketball at the community court outside. A younger boy handed him a cigarette. Fang Hui Jian took a deep drag and muttered, “Damn, this is so frustrating!”

He disliked Ming Han, yet Ming Han’s reputation continued to grow. Everyone praised him for his intelligence and bravery, and many girls regarded Ming Han as a sort of idol.

One of his followers tried to comfort him: “Boss, why bother about him? He’s only good at studying. You’re a rich kid—no matter how you look at it, you’re a level above him!”

These words struck a chord with Fang Hui Jian. What’s the use of being good at academics? Eventually, you still have to find a job. As for him, he wasn’t interested in studying and wouldn’t even make it into high school, but he’d join his father in business and make plenty of money.

Fang Hui Jian said, “But seeing Ming Han show off just makes me furious. Should we ambush him outside school and beat him up?”

The suggestion made his followers fall silent. If it were anyone else at school, they would give Fang Hui Jian this respect. But for someone of Ming Han’s academic caliber, if they beat him up and the school found out, they’d likely be expelled.

The others thought to themselves: Fang Hui Jian’s family is wealthy, and he doesn’t plan on attending high school anyway. If they, ordinary kids, were expelled, their parents would punish them severely.

Seeing his followers silent, Fang Hui Jian became even more agitated. “You always say when I treat you, you’re ready to brave any danger for me. What happened now?”

The atmosphere grew awkward.

One follower spoke up, “Boss, using force is the act of a brute! It’s not what civilized people do. We should outsmart him.”

The others looked at him with disdain. Civilized? Last time you beat up another kid, you were more enthusiastic than anyone! Clearly, he just bullies the weak and fears the strong. Birds of a feather.

Fang Hui Jian thought maybe violence wasn’t the best idea after all, since Ming Han had many friends. Especially Zheng Yuan, whose connections were extensive—even Fang Hui Jian was wary of him.

“So, do you have any good ideas?” he asked.

The follower replied, “What Ming Han is most proud of right now isn’t his grades, but the fact that he just won the ninth-grade basketball championship. We could deal a heavy blow to his confidence in that area.”

Fang Hui Jian nodded repeatedly, finally feeling he had a reliable follower. Otherwise, he felt like he was leading a herd of pigs.

The follower continued, “At this basketball court, there’s a legendary figure known as ‘Tank.’ They say his skills are top-notch, and his one-on-one ability surpasses even Lin Wei of our school.”

Fang Hui Jian was himself a basketball player and the star of his class, so he knew well how formidable Lin Wei was in solo matches.

“There’s really someone that strong?”

Yu Hang’s disadvantage against Lin Wei was mainly due to his less powerful build, but Yu Hang’s technique was outstanding—few in the high school department could match him. Combining the two, it was terrifying.

The follower nodded, “I used to watch him play often. He’s absolutely dominant in one-on-one. If we befriend him and ask him to humiliate the group from Class Thirteen, wouldn’t that be satisfying?”

Fang Hui Jian recalled the summer when his class was crushed by Class Thirteen, and their smug expressions. The memory made him determined.

“You’re sure Yu Hang can’t beat him?”

“I swear on my character!” the follower declared, pounding his chest.

The others looked at him with contempt. Character? You have that? Shameless people are multiplying.

“Alright, let’s go make friends with him and ask him to help us defeat the Class Thirteen group,” Fang Hui Jian decided.

According to the follower, Tank usually came to the court at four in the afternoon, so Fang Hui Jian and his crew smoked and sipped drinks, passing the time.

As the weather cooled, more people arrived at the basketball court.

Then, as a boy of about 1.78 meters in height arrived, the court suddenly grew quiet.

He wore a headband beneath his cropped hair, looked strong, his muscles well-defined and aesthetically pleasing. He sported a vest, athletic shorts, and a pair of James Nike basketball shoes.

“That’s Tank! The one-on-one king here. No one’s ever beaten him in a ten-point game.”

“Apparently, several top players from other schools have challenged him.”

...

Many discussed Tank, recounting his legendary feats.

Tank seemed to be alone, without much company.

He put down his shoulder bag and casually asked, “Who wants to play a one-on-one?”

Everyone fell silent. To challenge Tank in front of so many people would be nothing short of humiliating!

Then Fang Hui Jian raised his hand, “Hey man, how about I play you?”

Tank looked at Fang Hui Jian with surprise, then nodded lightly, “Alright.”

When Tank first started coming to this court, he would always ask, “Who wants to play one-on-one?” At first, everyone unfamiliar with him wanted to teach the brash newcomer a lesson. But inevitably, they were all defeated.

Now, fewer and fewer dared to challenge him. Perhaps in a few days, Tank would no longer play here—he’d seek new courts, new challenges.

Tank handed the ball to Fang Hui Jian. “You start.”

Fang Hui Jian missed his first shot, giving Tank possession.

Then came the most despairing moment Fang Hui Jian had ever experienced. Even when he matched up against Yu Hang, he hadn’t felt so powerless.

Playing Yu Hang, he would only think, “Wow, Yu Hang is strong! A technical master!” Playing Tank made him want to quit basketball altogether.

Tank started with a drive, then finished with a jump shot.

He used a variety of techniques: fadeaway jumpers, step-back shots—dazzling and swift.

After ten points, Fang Hui Jian collapsed onto the ground, gasping for breath. “I lost!”

There was not a trace of temper left in him.

Tank showed no sign of delight, only asking calmly, “Anyone else want to play me?”

The court fell silent. No one dared step forward.