Chapter 113: The Unremarkable Boy

After the victory over No. 1 Middle School, the school team of Jinhua Junior High reached an unprecedented peak of popularity within the school.

Everyone loved to watch a “revenge” story unfold. For years, they had been overshadowed and suppressed by No. 1 Middle School, enduring countless sneers and ridicule. Now, at last, they could proudly declare online: Jinhua has one of the strongest teams in the entire county.

Coach Black waved his hand at Ming Han and the others. “You’ve already learned most of the tactics. From now on, just make sure to shoot some hoops every day to keep your touch.”

Even machines break down under high stress and heavy operation.

Currently, Ming Han was mostly practicing shooting alone at the community basketball court. There weren’t many people playing in the neighborhood, so Ming Han often spent over two hours by himself honing his skills.

Everyone saw how rapidly Ming Han’s basketball skills improved—his dribbling, shooting, and passing all became his specialties. But few knew the hardship and effort he poured into this progress.

In this world, success is never easy to achieve!

One day, while practicing a turn-around jump shot, a lean, dark-skinned teenager arrived at the court. He wore a tracksuit and had naturally short, curly hair.

“Ming Han, can I practice with you?” the boy asked.

Ming Han was surprised. He didn’t recognize him.

The boy waved his hand, laughing. “Haha, I’m Luo Datai, from the same community as you.”

“You know me?”

Luo Datai smiled, “You’re Ming Han, right? There are videos of you playing basketball and singing all over the internet. Many of the girls at our school are crazy about you.”

Ming Han felt a bit embarrassed. “It’s all just hype, haha… Which school do you go to?”

“Longhua Middle School, Class 3, Grade 9.”

Ming Han was startled. “What a coincidence! If you’re on the school team, we might be facing each other next week!”

Luo Datai smiled faintly. “I am on the school team.”

Ah! So he was the opponent.

Luo Datai continued, “And I play the shooting guard position.”

Ming Han primarily started as a shooting guard too, meaning they would be matched up directly.

“This doesn’t feel right. We’re supposed to be opponents going head-to-head with real intensity, and here we are practicing together so peacefully!” Ming Han joked.

Luo Datai laughed heartily. “A lot of people online say you’re easy to get along with. Looks like it’s true! Ming Han, even though we’re rivals, I’d really like to be friends.”

Ming Han extended his hand. “Welcome!”

They began playing one-on-one.

During their game, Ming Han gradually became familiar with Luo Datai’s style. In many ways, he reminded him of Atai.

Though Luo Datai seemed gentle off the court, once on it, he transformed completely. His defense was not only skillful but fiercely aggressive. Offensively, he relied on a steady pull-up jumper after securing his balance. His ball-handling was average.

Ming Han found himself struggling against his defense, and his shooting accuracy dropped significantly.

“Ming Han, I’m not even using my full strength today!” Luo Datai said after ten shots.

Ming Han gave him a thumbs-up. “Your defensive skills are truly impressive.”

Luo Datai shrugged. “Actually, defense depends more on attitude. Unlike offensive skills, which require both practice and talent, defense is mostly about mindset.”

Ming Han wanted to disagree but realized talent itself is a form of athletic ability—and a crucial one at that.

Look at the NBA’s top ten legends; none of them lacked natural gifts.

Luo Datai spoke somewhat gloomily, “Take our school’s genius, Fan Zenghui. He spends far less time training than I do, yet his individual ability is leagues ahead of mine.”

For junior high basketball circles, Fan Zenghui’s name was synonymous with the pinnacle of skill.

Ming Han asked, “How strong is Fan Zenghui exactly?”

“He’s basically a 1.78-meter Anthony Davis—flawless technically and explosively athletic for a small forward.”

“Oh,” Ming Han responded without much emotion.

“Comprehensive skills, explosive physique.” That’s how people used to describe Lin Wei as well. Has everyone’s vocabulary become so dull nowadays?

“Fan Zenghui was known by everyone who played basketball in the junior high division since seventh grade. For me to get this far, damn, it’s been so tough.” Luo Datai joked bitterly. “Isn’t it sad for someone with such poor basketball talent to fall in love with the game?”

Ming Han looked at Luo Datai firmly. “Maybe it is sad, but it’s also truly joyful, isn’t it? Some joys can only be understood by those who play basketball.”

Luo Datai nodded. “You’re right, Ming Han. When I first joined the team three years ago, I could only buy water for the players to earn a chance to practice with them. But then Fan Zenghui invited me to play in class matches and the Challenge Cup…”

“Sometimes it felt humiliating, but the moment I held the basketball, it all felt worth it.”

“When I first joined the team, my free throw percentage was only 39%. The coach nearly kicked me out. I spent a whole month shooting a thousand free throws every day before I could raise it to about 65%.”

“Ming Han, I’ve used every ounce of my strength just to compete on the same stage as you geniuses. And I know you all progress much faster than I do. Maybe in a year, you’ll be on even higher platforms, while I’m still struggling to move forward.”

Luo Datai spoke at length, tears glistening in his eyes.

Ming Han listened quietly.

The world has never been fair. Background, talent, even appearance, all create divides between people.

“Luo, the moment you joined the school team, it meant you’d already beaten out ninety percent of the basketball players at your school! You’re already amazing.” Ming Han comforted him. “And you guys are the defending champions! Even if you’re unlikely to win this year, you’re still a very strong team.”

At first, Luo Datai was touched, but then he frowned. “Why do you say the chances of winning this year are slim?”

Ming Han pointed to himself. “Because with someone as wise and mighty as me leading Jinhua, Longhua will probably stop right here this year.”

Seeing Ming Han’s regretful expression as if he had already eliminated Longhua, Luo Datai got fired up. “You’re way too arrogant. Come on, let’s continue. I’m going to defend you into oblivion.”

They returned to the court for another round.

They didn’t leave until after seven in the evening. Luo Datai lived in District B, which was a different direction from Ming Han’s.

“Let’s practice again if we get the chance,” Luo Datai said.

Ming Han rolled his eyes. “Hmph! Trash.”

Just then, Ming Han’s phone rang. It was Yuhang.

“Ming Han, come with me to the city hospital this Saturday.”

City hospital? Ming Han was alarmed, fearing something had happened to his grandfather.

“What’s going on?”

Yuhang’s voice was low. “Oh, it’s Tank. A friend told me he has bone cancer.”