Basketball System: Rebound of the Underdog

The sun was already beating down on the school grounds as the Shizi Dogs gathered near the entrance.

"Ah, it's a great day today," Kun said, looking up at the sun. However, he quickly took cover when the sun nearly burnt his eyes.

"I take it back," he exclaimed. "It's way too hot!"

Their week-long break had finally arrived, and they were waiting for their van to come pick them up.

It was one of those early summer days when the heat clung to their skin and made the air feel heavy. Read new adventures at My Virtual Library Empire

They were all dressed in light clothes—shorts, tank tops, and t-shirts—trying to stay cool under the violent sun.

"Did you guys know? The reason for the increased heat index is global warming," Andy started off. "The greenhouse gases in our atmosphere—"

"I'm not interested in that," Jet sighed. "I just want to go to the beach already!"

"I don't think that will help, honestly," Renren said, fanning himself. "We went to a super cold place during the Winter. Now, we're going to a very hot place in summer."

Just then, the second-string team arrived with Bao, all dressed in knitted clothes.

Kun turned to them with a frown. "What are you wearing?" he asked.

"Oh," Dylan chuckled, looking down at their outfits. "We thought that the heat was too much, so we're going to Harbin to cool off!"

The other team members looked at each other with wide eyes.

"Why did you come here then?" Jet asked, already feeling envious of them.

"We just wanted to wish you luck," Bao exclaimed. "We wanted to go to Shanghai with you guys, but the heat got to us."

"Must be nice," Shang muttered. "Sometimes, I wonder if I should have just let myself get demoted to the second-string team."

"Good luck, everyone!" Alen smiled as they went inside their fancy-looking car.

Kai stood a little apart from the group, wiping sweat from his brow as he scanned the group. His eyes caught Lina's from across the way. For a brief moment, their gazes met, and they exchanged small, almost shy smiles.

It was a fleeting moment, but enough to make Kai's heart skip a beat. Then, as if on cue, they both looked away, turning their attention back to the other boys.

Renren and Yuze, who had been talking about something off to the side, caught the exchange and immediately turned to each other with identical expressions of surprise. Their eyebrows shot up, and they shared a look that said everything without needing to speak.

"What's with them?" Renren muttered. "I thought Lina already confessed."

Yuze shrugged. "Let's ask her."

Before either of them could ask, the sound of engines approaching drew everyone's attention.

Two large, sleek vans pulled up to the curb, shining under the bright sun.

The team broke out into murmurs of approval. These vans were a definite upgrade from the old, cramped ones they'd taken on their last training camp. The doors slid open, revealing spacious interiors with plush seats and plenty of room for their gear.

"Nice," Jet exclaimed, his eyes widening at the sight. "Looks like Coach Muchen pulled some strings."

Coach Muchen shook his head in amusement. "It's because of all the merch we've sold. So, you have yourselves to thank."

The boys turned to each other with proud smiles.

As they began to load their bags into the vans, Kai walked over to the back of one of them and started packing his gear.

Lina stayed back, waiting for her turn. When Kai finished, he stepped aside without a word, and Lina moved forward to load her own bags into the second van.

Coach Muchen glanced over at Lina. "I'll be in the other van," he said, his tone casual. "Since Lina's already here."

The others nodded, not thinking much of it. They were all too focused on the trip ahead. The idea of heading to Shanghai, to one of the most popular training camps in the country, had everyone excited.

As they began to board the vans, Renren and Yuze exchanged another quick glance. Without a word, they both headed for Lina's van.

Lina had taken a seat by the window, her head leaning against the glass as she stared out at the school grounds. She didn't notice them approaching until they were right in front of her.

"Nice," Renren muttered. "It's time for the interrogation."

Renren and Yuze slid into the seats beside her while Lina playfully rolled her eyes.

The two third-year players glanced at each other before simultaneously nodding.

With that, Renren tapped Lina's shoulder and spoke in a soft voice.

"So, what's going on with you and Kai?"

Lina's smile faded, and she turned her gaze back out the window, hoping they'd drop the subject.

"Nothing," she said quietly, though she knew that wasn't going to satisfy them.

Renren leaned forward, peering at her with a teasing grin. "Come on. We aren't your love coaches for nothing. Didn't you tell us that he asked you out on a date?"

Lina sighed, trying to keep her emotions in check. "Seriously, guys, there's nothing going on. Can we just leave it at that?"

Yuze crossed his arms, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. "You know we're not going to drop it that easily, right?"

Lina let out a heavier sigh this time, rubbing her temples as her head began to ache.

"Look," Lina said finally, her voice carrying a note of resignation.

"Sometimes... sometimes people are better off as friends."

Renren and Yuze exchanged puzzled glances. It wasn't the answer they had expected, and it left them with even more questions.

Yuze opened his mouth as if to say something more, but Renren nudged him with his elbow, signaling for him to let it go.

"If it makes you feel better, Yuze got rejected by the girl he was interested in," Renren said, causing Lina's eyes to widen in surprise.

"You're interested in someone?" Lina exclaimed.

Yuze clicked his tongue and glared at Renren. "Where the heck did you get that information from? I don't even recall that happening."

Renren sheepishly smiled as Lina turned to him with a questioning gaze.

"You're right," he chuckled.

"Yuze's not interested in anything except basketball."

"I was just trying to lift the mood."