Basketball System: Rebound of the Underdog

If there was one thing the girls discovered that day—it wasn't their hostility toward each other.

That was already a given the moment the two of them decided to like the same guy.

No—it was that Kai had become popular.

Extremely popular.

And no, it wasn't Jilin popular. He was already Beijing popular!

As soon as they entered the cafe, the owner instantly recognized him.

"These are all for free," she said with bright eyes.

Kai's eyebrows raised in surprise as he looked at the array of dishes in front of him. Then, he scratched the back of his head.

"Is it really okay?" he asked.

"Yes!" the owner exclaimed. "If you want, you can even order more from the menu with your girl…"

"Friends," Suzy and Lina said at the same time. "We're his friends."

The owner's eyes lit up even more.

"Ah, friends! That's good. You're a very popular young man. I believe a lot of your fans are going to be disappointed if they learn you already have a girlfriend."

Suzy's and Lina's eyes widened in surprise. Meanwhile, Kai placed his hand under his chin.

"Is that so?" he asked. "I don't think that's the case. I'm not that popular."

The owner frantically shook her head. "Oh, dear. I don't think you realize your popularity! You were already popular with the locals after your game with the Dragons. Now, you're becoming even more popular because all of the games are being broadcast on live television!"

"Even my relatives from Shanghai want to meet you. I told them it would be impossible since Beijing is really big; however, here you are! Can I take a photo with you, by the way?"

Kai glanced at Lina and Suzy, who still had shocked looks on their faces, before nodding. The owner already gave them free food. The least he could do was take a photo with her!

"Sure," he muttered and stood from his seat while the two ladies could do nothing but watch.

However, Kai's agreement with the photo led to a downward spiral effect. Since it was a fairly popular cafe, more people came up to him. And since Kai couldn't refuse things like this for his life, he agreed to them after much hesitation.

Suzy and Lina sighed and began eating the spread in front of them. Then, as the two of them realized their situation, they couldn't help but burst into chuckles.

"Why are you laughing?" Lina asked with a wide smile on her face.

"I could say the same thing to you," Suzy said.

Lina shook her head and wiped the smile off her face. Then, she sighed while glancing at Kai, who appeared cute while taking a photo with an old man. The same old man proceeded to tell him about his life story, prolonging Kai's time with him.
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"It's just funny how things could change so drastically in a year."

"I know," Suzy muttered. "I used to hate his guts. I thought he was a creep with a really weird beard. But look at me now. I'm the one running after him."

"Yeah, the patchy beard was pretty weird. However, I never really focused much on that. For me, it's amazing how much he has grown as a player."

"Of course," Suzy chuckled. "The two of you love basketball very much. That's the thing I'm jealous of the most, you know? The two of you share something you really love. I wish I could have that, too."

"Look for a cheerleader boy, then," Lina teased.

Suzy shook her head. "Nah, my heart is already with Kai."

They turned to Kai once more, and his cheeks were now being squeezed by a group of old ladies. He glanced at Lina and Suzy with apologetic eyes, but the two girls just waved him off.

"It's actually pretty cool, though," Suzy pointed out. "The two of us could talk casually like this without feeling too awkward."

Lina tilted her head to the side before nodding. "Yeah," she muttered. "Somehow, I know your feelings are genuine for him, so I can't be mad at you."

"Same here," Suzy said. "If there's a person I can lose Kai to, then it's you."

Lina's eyes brightened in joy. "Well, why don't you do that right now?"

Suzy shook her head. "You're still under your dad's orders. You won't even act on your feelings. I still have a fighting chance!"

Lina pouted. "You're right," she muttered. She still wasn't brave enough to go against her father's words.

"It's scary, though," Lina suddenly said. "Kai is becoming more popular, and with the semi-finals starting soon, I believe he's going to become even more popular."

"What if someone catches his eye in the process?" she asked.

Suzy shook her head. "I don't think that's happening soon. There are already a lot of girls approaching Kai after games, but he never spared them a glance."

Lina's eyes narrowed at Suzy. "You were one of those girls. Now, look at you."

Suzy shrugged. "That's because I'm persistent."

"Anyway," Suzy continued while shoving a piece of cake into her mouth. "Like I said, I don't see that happening any time soon. Unless someone who's as pretty as us, as persistent as me, and as interested in basketball as you shows up, then Kai is stuck with just the two of us."

"Oh, plus points if she's rich and has connections within the basketball world. Kai definitely needs a boost. That guy's dream is to become a basketball star," she chuckled, adding it as a joke.

However, it seemed like the universe didn't take it as a joke.

Just then, someone burst through the doors, taking the two of them surprised.

A tall, familiar player was shoved inside, and he had a profound frown on his face.

"Jimmy Wang?" Lina muttered as soon as he entered.

"What are we doing here?" Jimmy asked, sounding annoyed. "We're supposed to meet up with Dad in the restaurant next door!"

"Dad can wait!"

Just then, a very beautiful girl appeared behind Jimmy, her eyes searching the cafe.

Suzy and Lina were surprised since she looked just like a princess.

"I heard Kai's here," she said with bright eyes, making the two even more surprised.

"Kai?" Jimmy asked with furrowed eyebrows.

The girls' smiles brightened even more.

"Yeah, Kai Guo! The guy I like."