Chapter 118: Wounds and Illness

From that moment on, Longhua’s coach fully understood the strategy behind the Black player’s approach.

In defense, the greatest fear is a sudden eruption from a player. Basketball is a game deeply tied to rhythm and touch; when a skilled player catches fire, they can singlehandedly shift the course of the game.

After half a quarter of relentless double-teaming on Fan Zenghui, Jinhua switched tactics, assigning Lin Shan to guard Fan one-on-one.

Firstly, Lin Shan was the most versatile defensive starter on the team. Secondly, half a quarter was enough time to cool down Fan’s hot streak.

Even though Jinhua was still trailing by more than ten points, the Black player wasn’t worried.

Every tactical move carries both risks and opportunities.

Sure enough, for over half a quarter, Fan didn’t score. His outside shots clanged off the rim twice in succession.

Seizing these chances, Jinhua clawed back five points.

One particularly thrilling moment came when Ming Han grabbed a rebound and launched a fast break. As he drove to the basket, he stylishly back-passed to Yu Hang, who nailed a three-pointer, sparking waves of cheers.

It was through these attacks that Jinhua gradually discovered the play style that best countered Longhua.

“The run-and-gun offense!”

In recent years, there was a coach named D’Antoni in the league who built a highly competitive team—the Suns—around the run-and-gun strategy.

Longhua maintained a very disciplined defensive system; every player’s position and movement were meticulously arranged by the coach.

Their defensive strength shone brightest in half-court battles. They had studied opponents’ set plays, pick-and-rolls, and screens in great detail.

During a timeout, the Black player altered the game plan, instructing his team to run an all-out fast-paced offense.

Ming Han knew this wasn’t the Black player’s usual style. He preferred to control the ball patiently and execute each play carefully.

But the run-and-gun demanded rapidly crossing midcourt and shooting before the defense could set.

“Lin Wei, fast breaks are your specialty,” the Black player said.

Lin Wei nodded; more than anyone, he wanted to prove himself now.

Back on the court, Jinhua began deploying four ball handlers in their offense. Except for Qiang Ge, whoever grabbed the rebound pushed the ball straight up the court.

This disrupted Longhua’s defensive scheme. Several players exchanged bewildered glances.

Longhua’s coach watched Jinhua’s tactical shift with keen interest and remarked, “No wonder the Black player spotted our weakness so quickly.”

Riding this momentum, Jinhua kept the score within single digits.

By the end of the second quarter, Fan Zenghui had scored six points in that period.

His total was nearly twenty points by halftime—an impressive feat.

“He’s aiming for the professional stage in the future. I’m already pleased with how you limited him this quarter,” the Black player said. “Keep this up, and we’ll get a good result.”

Ten minutes of rest wasn’t short.

The crowd was especially enthusiastic today, likely because the atmosphere between Jinhua and Longhua wasn’t tense. Students from different schools mingled amicably in the stands, enjoying friendly conversations.

“Haha! Your school’s senior Fan Zenghui is really amazing.”

“Eh, nothing special. Your senior Ming Han’s pretty handsome too.”

Ming Han froze for a moment upon hearing this, touching his face and thinking, “My charm isn’t just about looks, you know?”

Somebody suddenly shouted, “Senior Ming Han, sing for us!”

The entire arena erupted in a roar: “Sing… sing…”

Ming Han was baffled. This was a basketball game, not a concert. Could they be serious?

The referee, unable to resist the crowd’s enthusiasm, turned to Ming Han: “How about singing a few lines? Something like ‘Sister, you sit at the bow while your brother walks on shore.’ I like that song too.”

Ming Han was speechless.

“Ref, there’s a huge generation gap between us!”

He walked to center court, took the microphone, and said, “I’ll sing ‘Snail’ a cappella.”

Cheers erupted.

Ming Han’s singing videos were popular online with high views. Hearing it live was a treat for everyone.

“Should I put down this heavy shell?

And find where the blue sky lies?

With the gentle breeze softly drifting by,

The pain I’ve suffered no longer stings.

Step by step I climb up high,

Waiting quietly for sunlight’s face.

A small sky holds mighty dreams,

A heavy shell wrapped in gentle hope.

Step by step I climb so high,

Riding leaves at the highest peak,

A small sky holds tears and sweat,

Someday the sky will belong to me…”

Ming Han’s voice was truly beautiful; many were captivated.

No accompaniment, just pure a cappella—it carried a unique charm.

When the song ended, thunderous applause filled the arena.

Playfully, Ming Han said, “That was my guest appearance as a singer. Now, time for my basketball style.”

The third quarter began.

The outcome was still uncertain. Regardless of the final result, Jinhua had played well enough today.

But no one expected what came two minutes into the third quarter.

At that moment, Luo Datai used a teammate’s screen to move along the baseline.

He misstepped; his foot landed awkwardly on the ground with a crack.

Luo Datai fell heavily to the floor.

“Ah…” His anguished cries were heart-wrenching.

His ankle and foot were twisted unnaturally in a straight line. He lay prone, pounding the ground with his fists.

Ming Han could feel the intense pain he was enduring.

Referees and coaches quickly surrounded him.

The Black player examined the injury with a grave expression. “It might be a fracture.”

So serious!

Fan Zenghui crouched beside Luo Datai, gripping his right hand tightly, whispering reassurance, “It’s okay, brother, it’s okay…”

Luo Datai didn’t cry but looked dazed. After regaining composure, he asked Fan, “Am I done playing basketball forever?”

“No way, it’s just a minor injury. Brother, we’ll play together again in high school.”

Ming Han came over and gently patted Luo’s back. “It’ll be fine.”

Medical staff soon arrived and carried him off on a stretcher.

Luo Datai released Fan’s hand. “Win this game.”

Fan nodded solemnly.

Then Luo looked at Ming Han. “Beat my big boss!”

Ming Han smiled. “You’re such a fence-sitter. Wait till you’re back, then we’ll have a showdown.”

The sudden accident shocked many girls in the crowd.

Yet, the game had to go on. Longhua’s coach substituted in a backup shooting guard.

Ming Han’s heart was still pounding. He had been injured playing basketball too, but never to this extent.

The Black player watched Luo Datai leave, then sighed to his teammates, “If he doesn’t recover well, he might never play again.”

His words were heavy with sorrow, his eyes full of memories. “Injuries are a cruel curse—they can alter your entire life path, rendering all previous efforts meaningless.”

Ming Han looked at the Black player, sensing a deeper understanding dawning within him…