"Bro Mu, what's your plan for today's game?"

On the playground, Jie Wu asked while stretching.

Xiao Mu nodded. "I need you guys to cover for me. My body can't handle intense sports for long right now—so you're the main player."

"Me? I'm probably not up to it..." After seeing Xiao Mu's skills, Jie Wu had lost all confidence.

It felt like a 150cm guy facing a 190cm giant.

"Believe in yourself," Xiao Mu said, patting his shoulder with a smile. "If it gets tough, I've got your back. And everyone else does too."

"Exactly! I'll support you full force!" Feisheng Wang declared, punching Jie Wu's chest lightly.

Li Yan sighed regretfully. "If only I could play basketball too—I'd join you on court!"

"Don't worry. I'll teach you later," Xiao Mu comforted him.

"Count me in," Jie Wu laughed heartily. "I'm no Bro Mu, but I can still teach you."

"More people, more fun. Let me help too," Feisheng Wang said, tossing the ball to Xiao Mu.

Xiao Mu caught it, grinning brightly. "Great. We'll teach Li Yan together when we can. Now—let's crush this game!"

"Bro Mu, we'll definitely win!"

"No reason to lose."

"Boss, it'd be unjust if you don't win!"

The four boys laughed under the sun, their bonds tightening without words.

...

The first match today was Class 4 vs Class 7.

The stands were packed. To Xiao Mu's disappointment, Night Glass was nowhere in sight.

She must be... hiding somewhere, silently watching him.

What was she thinking? If he won first place, would Little Glass really stop keeping her distance?

Xiao Mu's heart fluttered. He took deep breaths to calm down.

No time for distractions. Class 7 was far stronger than Class 4. Losing focus would make victory impossible.

"Boss, you okay?" Li Yan asked, noticing Xiao Mu's pale face.

"I'm fine," Xiao Mu shook his head. "Just a little dizzy."

"If you're unwell, skip the first round. Let Jie Wu's team play," Li Yan urged.

Warmth spread through Xiao Mu. "Relax. It's nothing serious."

"Alright..." Li Yan nodded reluctantly.

Soon after, the game began.

Xiao Mu took guard position. Class 7's ace, Zhang Lilin, locked eyes on him, burning with battle spirit.

A basketball fanatic—he'd played city-level matches. In Huazhong, only Class 1's Gao Zhi surpassed him slightly.

Their gazes clashed, sparks flying silently.

Zhang Lilin smirked. Xiao Mu smiled back.

"Senior 3 Class 2 vs Senior 3 Class 7! Positions, now!" the referee barked. Players snapped into place.

"Game on!"

The whistle blew. The playground erupted.

Zhang Lilin snatched the first ball. He charged fiercely into Class 2's defense.

Jie Wu chased desperately but failed to stop him. Feisheng Wang and the others fared no better.

"Is this Zhang Lilin's true strength? Insane!"

"He held back against Class 5 yesterday!"

"Is he trying to solo like Xiao Mu?"

"Impossible! Xiao Mu hasn't even moved yet!"

"Right! The real duel starts now!"

...

Sideline chatter buzzed. They'd witnessed Xiao Mu's power yesterday. No one knew who'd dominate Zhang Lilin.

This was a duel to anticipate.