Zhang Chengyi was a member of the school's varsity basketball team, a towering, powerfully built young man. With his exceptional skill on the court, he was a veritable celebrity across the campus. A man like him was all but invincible on the hardwood, and it stood to reason that no one in their right mind would dare step onto the court against him—unless they had a screw loose.
Yet this unwritten rule was shattered abruptly today. A young man named Fang Yu had actually dared to accept Zhang Chengyi's challenge. What's more, the upstart stood at a mere one hundred and seventy-five centimeters, a veritable shrimp next to the basketball star. In an instant, hordes of students flocked toward the indoor gymnasium, eager for a front-row seat to the spectacle, all curious to see which foolhardy soul had dared to kick a steel plate and court certain disaster.
"For heaven's sake, young miss, why on earth did you make me accept his challenge?" Fang Yu pouted, staring at Yan Ting with clear displeasure. "I'd hold my own in an arm wrestle with him any day, but basketball is really not my forte."
Of course, these words were nothing but a show. After all, back in North Africa, he'd spent countless afternoons playing basketball with the local men, and his skills on the court were nothing short of exceptional. But a man had to keep a low profile, didn't he? Otherwise, people would call him an arrogant show-off.
"Hmph, I don't care. I just can't stand that guy's smug face." Yan Ting crossed her arms over her chest and sniffed disdainfully.
"Fang Yu, do this for us, won't you? Help Tingting get rid of that annoying pest." Xiao Qin, standing beside Yan Ting, said with a warm smile.
"And you are?" Fang Yu looked at the beautiful young woman, a sudden urge to strike up a conversation rising within him.
"Wang Siqin, but everyone calls me Xiaoqin." Xiao Qin waved a delicate fist and giggled. "I heard you called me a little puppy?"
"Uh…" A cold sweat broke out across Fang Yu's forehead. He quickly remembered what had happened, and waved his hands frantically. "I'm so sorry, I had no idea at the time. This is all a huge misunderstanding."
"Giggle, you're actually pretty funny. But it's fine! If you beat Zhang Chengyi, I'll forgive you." Xiao Qin smiled, her expression unchanged. Even so, a flicker of doubt crossed her mind: could this guy really stand a chance against Zhang Chengyi?
"Don't you worry, we'll be cheering you on the whole time! You've got to give it your all—I know you've got what it takes." Lin Ruofei snickered at Fang Yu from the side. Though she hadn't seen him fight with her own eyes that night, she had absolute faith in his strength.
"Alright, I'll give it my best shot." Fang Yu nodded, smiling casually, unconcerned by it all.
"Hey, buddy, fancy seeing you again!" Just as Fang Yu and the girls were making their way toward the indoor gymnasium, a voice called out, and a stocky, muscular figure appeared at his side.
"Oh, it's you!" Fang Yu smiled warmly. "Thanks again for showing me the way earlier. I never got your name?"
"No problem at all, just call me Li Qiang. Are you here to watch the big game today too?" The burly Li Qiang grinned broadly.
"That I am." Fang Yu rubbed the bridge of his nose and smiled.
"Heh, I hear it's gonna be a real spectacle. Some no-name kid actually dared to challenge our basketball king Zhang Chengyi. He's practically signing his own death warrant." Li Qiang laughed, his expression guileless.
"Yeah, I wonder how it'll turn out." Fang Yu shook his head with a bitter smile, paying no mind to Li Qiang's words. After all, anyone who heard about the match would think the exact same thing.
"That Fang Yu kid's gonna get crushed, no question about it. No one in this school can hold a candle to Zhang Chengyi and his crew. That guy's throwing an egg against a boulder!" Li Qiang shook his head, a look of pity on his face.
"Oh, by the way, buddy—what's your name?" Li Qiang looked at Fang Yu and asked with a sudden grin.