Basketball System: Rebound of the Underdog

Flashback.

"Have you done my homework?" Rui asked, plopping on Kaiden's worn mattress. It was something his aunt had picked up from the side of the road. However, it was much better than sleeping on the cold, hard floor.

Kaiden sighed and gave him his workbook. "Yes, here," he muttered.

Rui smirked, grabbing the book from him. "Really, it's amazing that you're good at this. But then again, the world is pretty fair. You can't walk but you're pretty smart."

Kaiden shook his head and continued reading the book that he bought with his own allowance.

"What is that?" Rui asked, taking the book from him.

Kaiden pursed his lips and held out his hand. "I'm reading it," he said.

Rui ignored Kai and read the contents of the book. "Physics? Who reads things like this at our age?"

Kaiden sighed and grabbed it away from him. "It's interesting," he muttered.

"Well, it's going to be much more interesting when Mom finds out that you're using your allowance for these things. If you have money to buy a book, then that means your allowance is too much."

Kaiden pursed his lips. Now, that was a lie. He had to save up for a month to be able to buy the book. His aunt barely gave him any allowance even though he helped with the chicken place more often than her son.

"Anyway, are you reading this because the entrance exams are near? Where are you planning to study?" he asked.

Kaiden didn't respond. However, with Rui digging his nails into his shoulder, Kaiden had no choice but to respond.

"Huolan," he muttered, sounding a bit ashamed.

It took a while for Rui to internalize what Kaiden had said.

"Huolan? The Huolan High?" he exclaimed in disbelief.

Then, he burst into full-blown laughter. Kaiden cast his eyes on his lap.

"You want to study there? Goodness, you're more thick-faced than I realized. Do you really believe you would be able to do it?" Discover exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire

Kaiden took the courage to lift his head and nod. "Yes," he muttered. "I think I can."

Rui smirked, placing his heavy hand on Kaiden's shoulder.

"Keep on dreaming, Kaiden," he smirked. "We both know you wouldn't be able to get in."

However, Kaiden did—and as soon as that happened, his life became more of a living hell.

End of flashback.

***

Kai felt his chest burn as he gazed at his cousin. There was no mistaking. It was really Rui. He gained a little bit of weight—it must be because he ate the servings that were supposed to be for 'Kaiden' now.

However, aside from that, Kai found it weird how he managed to get into Huolan High. It definitely wasn't because of their money, nor was it because of a scholarship. Aside from his cockiness, Rui had nothing going on for him.

"Ah, there you are, Rui," Jackson said. "Did you bring our beverages?"

Rui nodded with a wide smile, giving the players what they had ordered.

That made Kai frown even deeper.

Errand boy?

No—water boy?

Did Rui actually become their water boy?

Kai couldn't believe it. His cousin took his spot in the team? Not that he was complaining, but did they know he was one of the people who witnessed Kaiden's death?

Just then, Kai snapped back to reality when he felt someone nudge his shoulder.

"Yo, you're Kai Guo, right?"

Kai faced the person and frowned. It was the guy who called his name out loud during their first day here. That captured the attention of the other players, and before Kai knew it, all gazes were on him.

There was a mixture of expressions among the Huolan Guardians. Jackson had a profound glare—almost as if he didn't like Kai. The younger-looking players behind the guy who called his name appeared intrigued by his presence.

"He's amazing," Tingtai muttered.

"Yeah, the game with the Giants was awesome."

Meanwhile, Henry appeared like he couldn't care less about Kai.

And Fang? He snapped back to his nonchalant self, leaving Kai wondering what was going on inside his mind.

"Yeah," Kai answered after a while.

"I see," Jade muttered. "You're…better-looking than I realized."

Kai scoffed and shook his head while some of his teammates burst into laughter.

Meanwhile, Kai kept Rui in his peripheral vision. There was a huge smile on his face as the other players complimented him for a job well done on their orders. He had never seen his cousin this courteous before, so it was a shocking sight.

Kai subtly shook his head. He was acting as if he was an angel. When in reality, he made Kaiden's life a living hell.

Coach Muchen cleared his throat. "Well, we better go," he said. "The ice cream shop will probably close soon."

That snapped the Shizi Dogs back to reality, and they quickly agreed with their coach.@@novelbin@@

Yuze nodded despite the ache in his ankle. "Alright, let's go."

He bowed at the Huolan Guardians, to which they responded with hostile nods.

Kai kept his gaze on them, especially on Rui, who appeared to be watching him, too. However, it wasn't the disdainful eyes that he used to look at him with.

Instead, Kai made it out to be of envy.

A small smirk made its way to its lips.

Ever since, Rui had instilled his superiority over Kaiden. It must be because of their obvious physical difference. Rui was someone who projected his flaws to other people, and he found joy in picking on those whom he deemed weaker.

However, now, Rui couldn't even look Kai in the eyes without feeling inferior.

The tables had turned.

Yet, Kai still wasn't satisfied.

Then, he glanced at their game schedule once more. Their team names were right next to each other. Kai's face showed his determination as his team left the hotel.

If back then, he was the laughing stock, the inferior water boy of the Huolan Guardians, now, he would give the Guardians a run for their money.

He smirked and crossed his arms in front of his chest.

He couldn't wait for their game with the Guardians.