Basketball System: Rebound of the Underdog

The sun was already setting, yet Kai still found himself outside.

To be specific, he was on the side of the street with Officer Huang.

He was still wearing his police uniform, so some people who passed by turned to them while muttering.

Kai scratched the back of his head. People were going to misunderstand!

"You wanted to talk to me, sir?" Kai sheepishly asked.

The awkward atmosphere turned even more awkward as Officer Huang didn't answer his question.

With that, he looked away from him, wondering how he could escape the situation.

After a while, Officer Huang finally spoke.

"Kai," he said, his voice steady. "Congratulations on making it to the Nationals."

"Thanks, Officer Huang," Kai replied, managing a smile. "It was a tough game, but we pulled through."

Officer Huang nodded, though his expression remained unreadable. "Good to see your team's hard work paying off."

Kai felt a flicker of unease. There was something in Officer Huang's tone that made him wonder if this was more than just a congratulatory conversation. "Yeah," Kai said slowly. "Is... is something wrong?"

Officer Huang uncrossed his arms, taking a small step closer. "I wanted to talk to you about something, Kai. Something important."

Kai's heart skipped a beat. "Sure, sir. What is it?"

"I need you to stop what you're doing," Officer Huang said.

Kai blinked, confusion washing over him. "Stop... what do you mean?"

Officer Huang's gaze was sharp, his eyes boring into Kai's. "With Lina," he clarified, his voice firm. "I need you to stop with Lina."

Kai felt his mouth go dry. "I... I'm not sure I understand."

"You do," Officer Huang replied, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "I see the way you look at her. I know you're interested in her."

Kai's mind was spinning, trying to find the right thing to say. "Officer Huang, I..."

But the older man wasn't done. "You're not a bad kid, Kai, but you're not a good one either. Not yet. Lina's everything to me. I've raised her on my own, and I've protected her with everything I have. She grew up without a mother, and I've had to make sure she never lacked anything, especially security."

"I—I like her, sir," he confessed, sighing as he was finally able to say the words stuck in his chest.

Officer Huang's expression didn't soften.

"You like her, but you just sent another young lady home?" he asked with one eyebrow raised.

"There seems to be a misunderstanding, sir. That was just—"

Officer Huang raised his palm. "I don't have time for excuses," he smirked.

"Do you respect me?" he suddenly asked.

Kai pursed his lips before nodding. "Yes, sir."

"If you respect me, then listen to what I'm saying."

"I don't approve of this. You and Lina, it's not something I can allow."

"Focus on basketball. Focus on making something of yourself. You still have a lot to prove, Kai. To yourself, to your team, and to everyone around you."

"That should be your priority."

***

"That was a good meal, Dad," Lina said, about to tidy up the dishes as she pushed her chair to stand. Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire

However, Officer Huang held onto her arm before she could do so.

"Stay for a moment," he said.@@novelbin@@

She turned to see her father with a thoughtful expression.

"Sure, Dad. What's up?"

"But you have to hurry," she added with a chuckle. "I still need to pack my bags."

Officer Huang leaned against the chair, his arms crossed in that familiar way that always meant he had something serious on his mind.

"You're going to another basketball training camp?" he asked.

Lina's face lit up with excitement. "Yes! Our funds exceeded our expected value, so it's going to be in Shanghai, near the beach! It's the perfect location, especially since it's summer."

"With Kai?" Officer Huang asked, his voice measured.

Lina's excitement dimmed slightly as she noticed the tone in her father's voice. "Yes, with the entire team. That includes Kai," she replied.

"Dad, we've talked about this before. Kai isn't as bad as you think he is."

Officer Huang's expression remained unchanged. "It doesn't matter, Lina."

Lina's frustration began to bubble to the surface, but she stayed calm.

She was about to speak more, but Officer Huang beat her to it.

"I've always wanted the best for you," he sighed, massaging the bridge of his nose.

"I know, Dad," she muttered. "But you have to trust me, and I also know what's best for me."

"I like Kai," she muttered with a small smile.

"He makes me feel…nice."

Officer Huang's shoulders sagged slightly, and for a moment, Lina saw a glimpse of the vulnerability he rarely showed. He reached out and took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I know, Lina. I know you're growing up and making your own choices. But as your father, I can't help but worry."

"Don't you trust me, dad?" Lina asked, her voice becoming softer.

"I do trust you, Lina. More than you know. But just this once, can you trust me? Trust that I want what's best for you, even if it doesn't feel that way right now."

"Dad," Lina said, running her fingers through her hair.

Officer Huang sighed and removed his hold from her hand.

"I supported you in everything you've done," he started off.

Lina's heart fell, knowing where the conversation was going. She couldn't hide her emotions as her dad continued speaking.

"I let you do whatever you want because I know that it would make you happy."

"I let you pursue basketball."

"I encourage you to chase your dreams."

"I don't pressure you in your studies."

"I try to give you the best life even if your mom isn't around anymore," he muttered.

Lina's expression softened when he mentioned her mother.

"Dad," she whispered.

Lina felt her heart twist in her chest. She loved her father deeply and knew he only wanted to protect her. However, she couldn't shake away the ache she was feeling.

"For all your life, I let you do what you want."

"But not this," he concluded.

Officer Huang let out a deep breath as he looked into her daughter's eyes.

"Just this once, Lina."

"Just this once."