Basketball System: Rebound of the Underdog

Kai woke up feeling like he'd been run over by a truck.

Every muscle in his body screamed in protest as he changed positions on the bed. He groaned, rolling onto his back and staring at the ceiling. This wasn't the first time his body had felt like it was falling apart after a game, but it was definitely the worst.

Two days had passed since the Global Games, but now the adrenaline had worn off, and he felt the consequence of every play he executed throughout the tournament.

His stomach growled, reminding him that he hadn't eaten since the night before. Well, he didn't really need to since the people shoved food in his mouth as soon as he arrived in Jilin.

However, he was a growing man who still needed a lot of fuel in order to properly function.

Slowly, he swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood, wincing as his knees creaked at the movement.

He shuffled to the bathroom to freshen up, then headed to the kitchen, where the familiar sound of clanging pots greeted him.

Grandma Bingbing was already up, as always.

The smell of garlic and soy sauce wafted through the air, a comforting scent that made him feel at home no matter how far he'd gone. She turned when she heard his footsteps, her face lighting up with a smile.

"Good morning," she greeted, wiping her hands on her apron. "How's it like waking up as a champion?"

Kai grunted, leaning against the doorframe. "Hurts," he admitted, rubbing his shoulder. His grandmother chuckled, shaking her head in amusement.

"Well, you don't look like a champion right now. You look like a beaten-up old man," she teased.

Kai smirked but didn't argue. "Feels the same, though. Like not a lot has changed."

Grandma Bingbing glanced at him, her hands busy as she chopped vegetables. "Maybe this house is too small for you now," she suggested lightly. However, there was an ounce of seriousness in her voice.

Kai quickly shook his head. "Never," he said firmly. "It's never too small."

She smiled at his response, nodding approvingly as she returned to her work.

He sat down at the table, the soreness in his legs making him groan softly as he settled into the chair. Breakfast was already waiting for him—a simple spread of steamed buns, boiled eggs, and a steaming bowl of congee. He dug in, the warmth of the food soothing him in a way that medicine never could.

As he ate, he noticed his grandmother pulling out onions and setting them on the cutting board. He raised an eyebrow, his mouth full of congee.

"You're still going to do all of that?" he asked after swallowing. "I can make a living for us now. You don't have to work so hard anymore."

Grandma Bingbing shook her head, her knife slicing through the onions without even looking at them. "It's tradition at this point," she replied. "I'm used to it, and I can do it. Besides, I'd die early if I didn't do anything."

Kai leaned back in his chair, watching her. Her hands moved steadily, but the marks of her hard work were still there. Cuts, calluses, and the hunch on her back made him purse his lips.

She was a force of nature, and he'd always admired her for it. But something about her words made him think.

"If I were given such a big opportunity," he began slowly, "to the point where you didn't have to work anymore... would you still do it?"

She paused mid-slice, her knife hovering over the cutting board. The question seemed to catch her off guard. She straightened up, her gaze distant as she considered his words.

"I think I would still work," she said before going back to chopping. "But I would do it for fun and to help the people around me. I'm grateful, grandson. By that time, I'll be happy."

Kai's breath hitched, and he looked down at his bowl, his appetite suddenly diminished.

She would be happy, huh?

He pursed his lips, nodding silently as he processed her answer.

Grandma Bingbing noticed his expression and smiled gently. "Don't overthink it, Kai. You're doing well, and I'm proud of you. You don't have to think of achieving something greater when you've already achieved something great.

He nodded again, forcing a small smile onto his face. "Thanks, Grandma."

After breakfast, he stood up and stretched. He grabbed his gym bag and slung it over his shoulder, heading for the door.

"You don't have class today," Grandma Bingbing called after him. "It's still Kai Guo week."

"We have training," he replied, slipping on his sneakers. "I'll be back after lunch!" he exclaimed before running out of the house.

His grandmother shook her head as she watched his figure. "Ah, my grandson is so diligent. No wonder he's considered a world champion now."

Kai walked through the neighborhood, savoring the familiar streets. People greeted him as he passed, their faces lighting up when they recognized him.

"Good morning, Kai!"

"Congratulations again, champ!"

"Kai Guo, our pride and joy!"

He bowed politely to each of them, his cheeks flushing at the attention. Despite everything, he still wasn't used to the spotlight. He wore simple clothes—just a hoodie and sweatpants—but it didn't matter. Everyone seemed to recognize him now.

When he arrived in front of their school gates, he hesitated for a moment. Lina had told him to rest and take it easy for a few days to let his body recover. But how could he rest when his muscles ached like this? Instead of resting, he needed to do something to shake off the stiffness!

With that, he walked to the court, but not without giving the school guard an autograph, of course.

He still felt sore as he walked, but he also felt excited to be able to play on their school court. He finally arrived in front of the gym. It felt brand new with all the renovations.

Pushing the door open, he stepped inside—and stopped in his tracks.

He had expected a semi-empty gym. Perhaps, with only the players inside. They didn't have classes, after all.

So, why was it that the gym bleachers were filled to the brim?