Basketball System: Rebound of the Underdog

Kai stood at the doorway of his room—or what used to be his room.

Aiden was already making himself comfortable, lounging on the bed that was now covered with a comforter adorned with pixelated virtual idols. He even forced Kai to buy him such low-quality merch at such a high price just because an e-girl was plastered on it!

Aside from that, the walls, which were once lined with Kai's basketball posters, were now showcasing quotes from Shakespeare scrawled on printouts and taped haphazardly. Kai scowled.

"You haven't read a single Shakespeare book in your life," he deadpanned.

"Who's Shakespeare?" Aiden asked, sitting up on the bed.

Kai pursed his lips. Of course, he didn't even know!

With that, he sighed and shook his head.

"You couldn't wait until I was gone to do this?" he asked, crossing his arms.

Aiden didn't even look up from his tablet.

"I even slept on the couch last night, man. My back feels like a rusted spring. Besides, this place needed a makeover."

He finally glanced up and smirked. "Oh, and buy me a new bed, would you? This one's ancient. Grandma needs a new one, too."

Kai shook his head, half amused. "You're unbelievable."

"Hey, you're the big-shot future FBA star now," Aiden smirked, stretching out on the bed. "Your rookie contract can handle a couple of beds."

Kai sighed but couldn't entirely argue. His recent bonuses and endorsements had padded his account decently, and his move to L.A. was entirely sponsored by Mr. Henderson. He had already ordered new furniture for the house as a parting gift, but of course, Aiden didn't have to know about that yet.

Leaving this house, though... that was the hard part.

The smell of Grandma Bingbing's cooking wafted from the kitchen, pulling Kai away from his thoughts.

"That smell means it's time to eat," Aiden smiled, gesturing for Kai to help him in his wheelchair.

Kai did so without any complaints and wheeled him out of his old room.

However, as they made their way out, Kai froze when he saw Grandma Bingbing. She was standing by the counter, plating the food, but there was a slight sniffle.

Kai's eyes widened. Was she crying?

"Grandma?" he asked tentatively.

She didn't turn around, clicking her tongue instead. "It's the onions," she said before Kai could ask anything. "I'm not crying. Why would I cry? I'm happy you can reach your dream!"

Kai frowned, glancing around. There weren't any onions on the counter. And no telltale onion scent in the air.

He stepped closer, gently wrapping his arms around her shoulders. "Grandma," he said softly, "I'll miss you."

Grandma Bingbing's hands paused. "You'll visit often?" she asked in a soft voice.

"I will. All the time," Kai promised. "And I'll make so much money, I can bring you there to see everything. You'll love it."

Grandma Bingbing huffed, but Kai could hear the tremor in her voice. "Don't forget where you came from, boy. That's the most important thing."

"I won't," Kai said, squeezing her shoulders before stepping back.

"Don't forget about me, either!" Aiden yelled from his wheelchair.

Kai rolled his eyes. "As if I could."

"Good, because when you're even more famous, I'm selling all your old stuff online. Maybe even your sneakers! Imagine the fortune I could make!"

Kai shot him a playful glare, sticking his tongue out. "Sell those, and I'll personally make you regret it."

"Now, now," Grandma Bingbing interrupted. "Let's eat. The food's ready, and Kai's going to have a hard time finding proper Chinese food in America."

They gathered at the table, the spread before them already making Kai feel nostalgic.

It was a meal fit for a celebration—or a farewell. The three of them were mid-laugh, Kai and Aiden bickering about whose turn it was to do the dishes, when a knock on the door interrupted them.

Lina stood there, dressed in casual jeans and a sweater, her smile as radiant as ever. Behind her was Officer Huang, holding a whole cake.

"Hope we're not intruding," Lina said. "We brought dessert!"

"Of course not! Come in, come in!" Grandma Bingbing said, ushering them toward the table.

Mr. Huang gestured toward the car outside. "I'll be driving Kai to the airport later. Figured I'd join the send-off."

With the addition of Lina and Mr. Huang, the table became even livelier.

They laughed, shared stories, and teased Kai about everything from his eating habits to his rookie nerves about joining the L.A. Lions.

Kai, for his part, soaked it all in.

This was his family, his home.

And although the thought of leaving them behind left a pang in his chest, he also felt a deep sense of gratitude. To feel like this meant that he had truly felt loved.

At one point, his eyes landed on a photo of his dad hanging on the wall. They had never met each other before. He didn't even know an ounce of his real personality.

"I wish you could've seen this," Kai still whispered, low enough that no one else heard. He glanced upward, his thoughts drifting to his mom. "You too."

Lina's hand on his arm brought him back to the present. She gave him a knowing smile, appearing like she understood what he felt.

Kai smiled back, his heart feeling full despite the bittersweet moment.

"You okay?" she asked softly.

"Yeah," he replied. "Just thinking about how one small change in the universe, and I might not be here. Might not have all this." He gestured to the table.

Lina's smile grew. "And yet, here you are."

Grandma Bingbing's voice interrupted them. "Kai, eat! I told you! It would be hard finding this food in America."

Kai chuckled, grabbing his chopsticks and shoving a dumpling into his mouth. "Yes, ma'am," he said, his voice muffled.

As breakfast came to an end, Kai glanced around the table one last time. Aiden was engrossed in a debate with Lina about virtual idols versus real ones, Mr. Huang was sipping tea with a satisfied expression, and Grandma Bingbing was humming softly as she cleared plates.

Kai took a deep breath, a small smile appearing on his lips.

They were going to be okay.

And so was he.