Basketball System: Rebound of the Underdog

Kai was being passed around.

Don't think dirty now! It was just that too many people wanted to speak with him after the game.

Before Kai could even process his emotions, Jimmy approached him with an oddly shy expression. He stopped in front of him.

Then, Jimmy held out something to him—a sleek, black box.

"What's this?" Kai asked, raising an eyebrow.

"It's a pen," Jimmy said plainly, opening the box to reveal a fountain pen that had Kai's name engraved on the side.

Kai blinked. "A pen?"

"Not just any pen," Jimmy corrected. "It's expensive. Keep it."

"Huh?" Kai asked, confused. "Why are you giving me a pen?"

Jimmy shrugged. "You're gonna need it for all those autographs, right? Ah, whatever. Just take it! It was lying around at home."

Kai couldn't help but chuckle. "My name is engraved here, though," he said.

Jimmy pursed his lips. "Are you going to take it or not?"

Kai laughed, shaking his head as he accepted the pen. "Thanks, Jimmy. I'll… uh… treasure it?"

"You better," Jimmy said. "That costs as much as your tuition in Shizi High."

Before Kai could retaliate, the Shizi Dogs ran to where he was, whooping and cheering. Jet and Shang swept Kai off his feet and lifted him into the air as they surrounded him in a group hug.

"Kai Guo! The legend himself!" Andy shouted. "He was the one who recruited me into our team. He saw my potential!" he exclaimed to the onlookers.

Jinping squared his shoulders. "I was the first person he played basketball with—and I won," he boasted.

"He replaced me," Shang proudly said.

"I don't think that's something to be proud of," Mingze pointed out.

"If Yuze, Kun, and Renren were here, it would have been better," Jet sighed. "But hey, are you going to treat us out with your prize money?"

Kai's face flushed at their enthusiasm. The new recruits, whom he had never seen before, looked at him like he was an idol. Kai felt a strange sense of responsibility as he heard their whispers.

"He looks really cool and handsome."

"I can't believe we're nearly the same age as him."

"Alright, alright, put me down!" Kai laughed, though he couldn't help but feel a warmth in his chest.

Once his feet were back on the ground, he turned to find another unfamiliar face nearby. However, this time, he could feel who he was. Well, he was the only person not congratulating him on their podium finish.

"Caishen?" he asked, causing the younger players' eyes to widen.

Before Caishen could speak, though, their school principal had pulled Kai into a hug.

"Kai," he exclaimed, his face red from excitement. "You've made us all so proud!"

Kai straightened up, unsure of how to respond.

"In honor of your performance and everything you've done for this school," the principal continued, "Kai Guo Day will now extend to a Kai Guo Week!"

The teachers clapped, throwing Kai congratulatory words while ruffling his hair.

Kai could only laugh and receive their fondness.

Again, before Kai could thank the principal, Sir Dao stepped forward. His eyes were swollen, and it seemed like he had cried. Kai tilted his head to the side. Why would he, though?

"Kai," Sir Dao began. "I… I want to say sorry. For everything. For underestimating and doubting you. You've proven me wrong in every possible way. Good luck in the future." He extended a hand. "I'll change now. I promise."

The young teachers watched with wide eyes.

"I thought he was Kai's idol?" one muttered.

Kai still remembered how Sir Dao treated him back then. However, he took his hand and gave it a firm shake. "Thank you, sir. I hope you keep your word."

As Sir Dao stepped back, Aiden and Grandma Bingbing appeared, both beaming with pride.

"You were amazing, Kai!" Aiden exclaimed.

"Absolutely brilliant," Grandma Bingbing added, her eyes glistening with tears.

"You didn't even watch like half the game," Aiden deadpanned, but the old woman didn't pay any attention to him.

Kai was giving his grandma a hug when Aiden suddenly dropped a bombshell.

"Oh, by the way, I'm staying with you until I finish high school."

Kai blinked, stepping back. "What?"

Aiden grinned and gave him a thumbs up. "I talked with your principal. He's giving me a scholarship at Shizi High. Then, I'll come back here for college. It won't be a hassle, right? It would be fun living as brothers! Plus, you're gonna be rich now. You'll feed me well, won't you?"

Kai opened his mouth to protest but was cut off by Grandma Bingbing's delighted laugh. "You'll take care of him, Kai. He's family now."

Before Kai could fully process this new development, someone else stepped forward.

It was Lina.

Her eyes met his, and for a moment, the world around them seemed to fade. She wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a tight hug.

"You did it," she said softly.

Kai pulled back slightly. "What exactly did I do?" he softly asked.

"Everything," Lina replied. "It doesn't matter if you win or lose. You're the coolest and the most handsome in my heart."

There was a longing look in her eyes, one that made Kai's heart race. They were so close now. She leaned in slightly, and Kai did, too.

However, someone cleared their throat, breaking the moment.

"Mr. Huang," Kai muttered under his breath, stepping back awkwardly.

Lina smiled softly, her cheeks tinged with pink. "We'll talk later," she promised.

Kai nodded, but before he could respond, a hand clapped down on his shoulder.

His eyes widened when he saw who it was. "Steven?"

"Someone wants to talk to you," Steven smiled.

The rest of them watched, starstruck by Steven's presence. He was a living legend, after all.

Kai glanced back at Lina, who gave him a reassuring nod. "Go," she said.

Following Steven, Kai frowned as they walked through the arena. He realized they were heading toward the opposing team's locker room.

"Why are we going here?" Kai asked.

Steven smirked but didn't answer.

When they arrived, Steven gestured to a figure standing with his back turned.

"He's looking for you," Steven said simply.

Kai's heart pounded as the man turned around.

"Ethan Henderson?"