Basketball System: Rebound of the Underdog

Before Kai knew it, he had kept his thoughts to himself once again.

Tomorrow morning, he would be flying out to Beijing for the awarding ceremony. Yet, he still hadn't contacted Ethan Henderson nor had he made his mind regarding his offer.

He sighed as he shoved a piece of omelette in his mouth.

Grandma Bingbing glanced at him and shook her head, knowing something was bothering her grandchild once again.

"Just tell me," she said, snapping Kai out of his daze.

"Huh?" Kai asked, looking up at the old woman. What was she talking about?

Grandma Bingbing crossed her arms in frot of her chest. "This was how you were like when you were given the opportunity to go to the Global Games. You were like this too when Yin Yang high tried to recruit you. I know how you think now, grandson. Something must be boggling your mind."

Kai felt a chill run down his spine since his grandma definitely caught on.

He scratched the back of his neck.

"Is it that obvious?" he asked.

"Yes," Grandma Bingbing said. "That, and Coach Guanyu told me you rejected him again. He made a conclusion that you were offered something bigger after the Global Games, which actually makes a lot of sense."

Kai chuckled, finding it amusing. "It wasn't only him that I rejected, though."

"Oh," Grandma Bingbing muttered. "You were also offered to go to other schools then?"

"Hmm," Kai hummed. "Feng Arts High and Xing Academy. Aside from that, University of Shanghai and the Jilin Jumbos had already contacted me. The mayor really wants me to join our local team."

The old woman's eyes widened. "…and you rejected all of them?"

Kai nodded.

"I see," she said. "Then, you must have already made up your mind, you just can't accept it yet."

Kai froze after his grandma said those words.

I had already made up my mind?

"If you had rejected such big opportunities, then you already have an answer in mind. Is it a pro-team from Beijing?" she asked, appearing innocent.

Kai's heart squeezed at the sight. "No," he shook his head.

"Then, are you planning on staying with the Shizi Dogs?"

Kai pursed his lips. "I don't know," he muttered.

"Then, tell me, Kai," Grandma Bingbing impatiently said.

"I got an offer to play with the L.A. Lions," he finally revealed.

Silence reigned in the small room before Grandma Bingbing dropped her utensils on the floor out of surprise. Kai's eyes widened, and he quickly picked them up, placing them back on the table.

"L.A. as in Los Angeles, California?"

Kai nodded, unable to meet her eyes as he sat back down on his chair. He thought she was going to be sad once he told her. However, much to his surprise, she started jumping in joy.

Kai's eyes widened as the old woman frolicked around the kitchen.

"My grandson is going to be playing in the FBA! Kai is going to be playing in the FBA!" she sang in an unfamilair tune.

"Wait," Kai said with furrowed eyebrows, causing her to halt. "You're not sad about this?"

"Why would I be sad when you have been given such a grand opportunity?"

Kai pursed his lips.

"I knew it," she continued, making her way to Kai and placing her hands on his cheeks. Her hands were rough and smelled slightly like onions, but Kai leaned closer to her touch, finding it strangely comforting.

"You must want to play basketball in that big of a scale, right? I felt it when I watched you play. That kind of court is where you belong," she softly said. "My grandson is so young and he's already preparing to take over the world of basketball. Are you afraid?"

Kai felt his lips tremble. "A little bit," he admitted.

Grandma Bingbing chuckled and encased him in a hug. Her embrace shouldn't have felt so warm because of her frail body, but it did.

"If there's anyone in this world who can do it so young, it would be you. I believe in you, my grandson," she whispered.

"What about you?" Kai asked, pulling back a bit. "Who will take care of you?"

Grandma Bingbing chuckled and ruffled his hair. "You don't have to worry about me! I can still carry two sacks of onions without any problem. Besides, now that Aiden is around, I have another rascal to take care of."

Kai chuckled and shook his head.

"Don't worry about us, Kai," she said in a serious voice. "You are born into this world to live your own life. Of course, we would be thankful if you continue to include us in it. But ultimately, it is your life to live."

"Once we are no longer in this world, you would be left alone. I don't want you to regret the chances you didn't take just for us."

Kai felt his eyes burn, but he pushed it all down. His grandma was right. There was nothing to cry for.

"Have you told Lina?" she asked.

Kai froze once more, causing Grandma Bingbing to shake her head.

"You're leaving tomorrow!" she exclaimed.

"I would still come back," Kai reasoned out.

"Even if," she said, clicking her tongue. "She has the right to know now. If you keep pushing it off for later, then you would continue pushing it off for the rest of your life!"

Kai stood, appearing determined. "I need to tell her."

"Atta boy," Grandma Bingbing said.

With that, Kai brought out his phone to dial Lina's number. However, before he could do that, someone was already calling him!

And it was none other than Lina.

He frowned as he answered the call, placing it in front of his ears.

"Lina," Kai said in an unsure tone.

"Kai," she sighed, her voice sounding defeated. Kai's eyebrow raised with the tone of her voice. It sounded like she had a lot in her mind.

Then, her next words sent a chill down Kai's spine.

"We need to talk."