Chapter 108: The Fight

What the future holds is something we can never truly know.

Many say I have become the very thing I once despised most. Yet perhaps that is simply the form best suited for this era.

Ming Han never mentioned that day to Yu Hang...

They began preparing for the second round of the Challenge Cup.

Jinhua High School versus County No. 1 High.

The forums and message boards buzzed with exaggerated metaphors, calling it the "Fated Battle of Hukai," a clash that seemed to shake the heavens.

Many had noticed—Jinhua had truly grown stronger.

Though their match against Overseas Chinese High was fraught with twists, Jinhua maintained a steady grip on the game’s rhythm throughout.

The venue remained the County Sports Hall, but the crowd had swelled considerably. Online, discussions about this game grew even more fervent.

Players entered the court an hour early to warm up; spectators trickled in steadily.

Would Jinhua High break into the final four, achieving their best record in years?

No one knew the outcome. Yet many grumbled about Coach Hei's luck, having drawn top-seeded teams twice in a row. Jinhua had endured a grueling path.

“Coach, if we win today’s game, chances are next round you’ll draw Longhua High,” remarked Hei awkwardly.

“To toughen you up!” he replied with a wry smile.

Longhua High had wrapped up their first-round match in just three quarters, playing with ease and grace—unlike the fierce battle Jinhua was engaged in.

Players continued warm-up drills, maintaining their touch. The hall was alive with energy; the constant shutter clicks of phones capturing moments.

Every onlooker sought the most engaging and debate-worthy footage to share online, craving attention.

Wang Mingkang practiced shots with utmost focus.

“Wang, you really see that star-studded team across as a real threat? If we give it our all, they have no chance. The only team in the county that can challenge us is Longhua,” Ma Jingtao said confidently.

This was Wang’s second Challenge Cup. Having witnessed countless reversals caused by complacency, he knew from experience: no amount of trash talk or self-confidence mattered on the court—you had to give everything.

“You saw the last round too. Jinhua isn’t easy to beat,” Wang reminded.

Ma Jingtao shrugged it off, eager to make a splash today.

...

The game began!

Wang Mingkang seized the first possession.

When Wang leapt, the entire hall fell silent—the height of his jump and the length of his reach were unprecedented among peers.

He contacted the ball nearly a palm’s length ahead of Qiang Ge.

Qiang Ge shook his head helplessly. It was sheer domination by talent and athleticism.

Ma Jingtao controlled the first wave of possession, Yu Hang shadowing him closely.

Today’s defensive strategy: full-court press, forcing turnovers.

Honestly, with a monster like Wang Mingkang on the court, set plays held little advantage. His defense covered the entire floor; the paint was as locked down as a fortress.

As for transitions, several players from County No. 1 were no slouches either, roughly balancing the scales.

Before the match, Hei had stressed, “This game will be won by defense.”

After crossing midcourt, Ma Jingtao used a screen to change direction past Yu Hang, then sprinted straight for the basket.

Hei’s pre-game study had pinpointed Ma Jingtao’s style, advising: single coverage beyond the arc, then trap on any drive.

“His ability to attack the rim is fierce, but his passing vision is his biggest weakness,” Hei explained.

His analysis was spot-on. Once Ma Jingtao drove in, he stopped reading teammates’ movements. Facing two defenders, he executed an exaggerated spin move for the score.

“Unbelievable!” many exclaimed.

It was a masterpiece—no defensive lapse, purely overwhelming individual skill.

Yu Hang’s expression darkened; he’d become little more than a background figure.

“That under-the-basket technique might be the best we’ve ever seen,” someone remarked.

Ma Jingtao basked in the wild applause, pointing a single finger skyward in tune with the crowd’s cheers.

Suddenly, Da Xu grabbed a megaphone, adjusting to a moderate volume, and shouted at Ma Jingtao, “So arrogant! Lose this game and I’ll beat you to a pulp!”

Da Xu’s Jinhua uniform stood out, yet his words sounded oddly supportive of County No. 1.

Ming Han cast Da Xu a glance, shaking his head in exasperation. “That bastard probably bet on County No. 1 again.”

At that moment, Da Xu felt a chill down his spine. Turning around, he found countless girls glaring at him with hostility.

“Girls, he’s a mole! Scratch him!”

Da Xu’s screams echoed through the hall...

Next possession: Yu Hang took control.

Ming Han set a high screen, ready to assist; Qiang Ge immediately followed up the pick.

It was an excellent play—once Ming Han used the screen to penetrate, he could either pass to Qiang Ge cutting through or dish out to shooters beyond the arc.

But today, this tactic faced its greatest obstacle: Wang Mingkang’s long arms.

He was arguably the county’s best defender in middle school, making life difficult even for Qiang Ge, whose inside moves were finely honed.

Sometimes talent simply overwhelms all else.

Qiang Ge’s first five shots yielded only one basket, assisted by Ming Han’s quick pass after Wang’s tight defense.

With two minutes left in the first quarter, the score stood at 10–8, punctuated by a series of missed shots. The defensive pressure was suffocating.

Wang Mingkang took a shot but scored nothing; however, he already had three blocks.

“Such a player is terrifying—he doesn’t care about personal stats. Everything he does serves the team.”

Ma Jingtao was playing his best game yet—7 attempts, 3 made, 6 points. Each basket was celebrated with raised arms and a roar: “No one can stop me.”

Near the quarter’s end, Yu Hang dribbled with his back to the basket, feigning a drive. After a step forward, he faked a shot.

Ma Jingtao lunged, but Yu Hang switched hands mid-move without bringing the ball down.

Ma Jingtao’s footwork faltered; he fell.

Yu Hang smoothly finished the layup.

Glancing at Ma Jingtao, he declared, “There’s no point guard stronger than me here.”

The laughter from the crowd stung Ma Jingtao deeply—it was a humiliation beyond measure.

Yu Hang’s words further provoked him; unable to contain his fury, he jumped up and spat trash talk at Yu Hang.

Neither would back down; their shouting escalated until they began shoving each other.

Seeing them fall, teammates rushed in to separate them.

But as they pulled them apart, tempers flared, voices rose.

Soon, it erupted into a full-blown brawl...

Da Xu leapt from the stands, shouting, “Play ball, everyone! No fighting!”

He seemed earnest, pushing people apart. “Peace is most important! Friendship first, game second.”

Yet many noticed that each time Da Xu passed the fallen Ma Jingtao, he delivered a kick.

The crowd watched in disbelief as Da Xu stomped around, chanting, “Remember, we need friendship, friendship!”