Nie Chuan watched Larvin’s back, feeling a bit melancholic. Amidst the applause from the audience, DK remained silent. AZU’s strength made everyone aware that the first match of the finals would be a tough battle.
Sethston slowly approached Larvin, without any arrogance from victory, and extended his hand: “That was an exciting game.”
Larvin looked up, smirking: “Don’t underestimate DK.”
“AZU got this far because we never underestimate any opponent. See you next year, Larvin.”
As the game ended and teams exited, Nie Chuan and the others stood up.
“Reese, I’m going to say hi to Larvin.”
Before Nie Chuan could turn, Carlo grabbed him: “You’re close with Larvin?”
“Haha, we played several games together over Christmas break.”
Reese didn’t object and followed him to UFR’s locker room.
Nie Chuan went in, while Reese leaned against the wall outside, waiting.
The team wasn’t downcast; everyone was talking, but Nie Chuan could still sense their regret.
When Nie Chuan entered, all eyes turned to him.
“It’s DK’s point guard, Nie Chuan.”
“What’s he doing here?”
Nie Chuan spotted Larvin sitting with a towel over his head, shoulders heaving with breath, not fully recovered.
Nie Chuan sat beside him, pressing a can of cola to Larvin’s face: “Want a drink?”
Larvin’s lips curved: “What did you think of today’s game?”
“I thought you were cool,” Nie Chuan laughed.
“I meant about Sethston Lind,” Larvin raised his hand, intending to push Nie Chuan’s head, but lacked the strength.
This made Nie Chuan realize Sethston’s strength even more.
“He’s incredible. Watching AZU’s games before, I knew he was strong. But now I see AZU as an unconquerable mountain. Probably because your UFR was their toughest opponent, otherwise, I wouldn’t have seen AZU’s full strength,” Nie Chuan replied seriously.
Whenever he closed his eyes, his mind replayed Sethston’s brilliant passes and scores. Imagining himself as an opponent, Nie Chuan realized he might not have Larvin’s reflexes.
“Did you see clearly?” Larvin asked, “His dribbling, rhythm, scoring techniques, and his coordination with Ben Robbins?”
Nie Chuan paused. This game was a classic example of facing AZU. Though UFR lost, it offered DK much to learn from.
“Thank you,” Nie Chuan said, patting Larvin’s shoulder. “I won’t let what you showed me go to waste.”
Larvin chuckled, “Don’t flatter yourself. I’d rather beat AZU and face you in the finals than be your stepping stone.”
Nie Chuan laughed too.
“Now, you’re the only point guard in the league who can rival Sethston,” Larvin said, leaving Nie Chuan stunned.
“Hey, don’t exaggerate. I’m not that great,” Nie Chuan replied.
Just then, another teammate walked by, patting Nie Chuan’s shoulder: “He’s right. We didn’t believe Larvin when he said you were good. But seeing you against Raven Harvey and Owen Whishaw, we knew Larvin wasn’t exaggerating.”
Nie Chuan looked at Larvin, surprised by his high praise.
“Where’s Reese?” Larvin asked softly.
“Outside.”
Larvin chuckled, “Maybe only you two together can challenge Sethston Lind and Ben Robbins. I worked hard to show you Sethston Lind’s true strength. Don’t waste my effort.”
“I know,” Nie Chuan said, clenching his fist.
Leaving the locker room, Nie Chuan and Reese walked side by side towards the exit. As they passed AZU’s locker room, their players came out.
Ben, talking to Sethston, accidentally bumped into Nie Chuan’s shoulder.
“Hey! It’s you!” Ben exclaimed happily. “Thanks for cheering for me today! I played exceptionally well!”
It was Nie Chuan’s first close encounter with Ben Robbins. He had delicate features, a slender but not weak build. Even under his sportswear, Nie Chuan could see his well-defined muscles.
“Uh, you were amazing today…” Nie Chuan nodded.
Amazing enough to shake Ewin’s confidence.
Sethston came out, playfully flicking Ben’s head: “Don’t be silly. He was clearly cheering for Larvin. But sorry, your finals opponent is AZU, not UFR.”
“It doesn’t matter who it is.”
Reese was about to turn away when Sethston suddenly grabbed Nie Chuan’s shoulder, pulling him close and wrapping an arm around his neck.
It happened so fast that Nie Chuan didn’t react. Sethston’s grip didn’t choke him, but it gave him an unprecedented sense of pressure, like a fragile gazelle caught by a lion.
“Let him go,” Reese turned back, his icy gaze and sharp, raised eyebrows clearly showing his anger.
Sethston’s expression remained relaxed.
“Why so tense? Even if I wanted to kill him, it wouldn’t be here, but on the basketball court.”
With that, Sethston released him. As soon as Nie Chuan was free, Reese pulled him into his arms.
“You’ll regret provoking me today.”
Reese glanced at Sethston before leading Nie Chuan away.
“Why do you always act annoying to provoke Reese?” Ben shook his head helplessly.
“I am annoying. Do I need to act?” Sethston replied with a laugh.
“You actually like Nie Chuan, don’t you?”
“Why would you think I like Nie Chuan?” Sethston asked, amused.
“Because I saw you watching the UDK vs. KSU video on your phone. Reese didn’t play due to injury, and the highlight was Nie Chuan against Raven Harvey. You were so focused on that game, your research target couldn’t have been the defeated KSU, but Nie Chuan, right?” Ben said, wearing a knowing expression.
“Reese Reddington is more suited for solo play than teamwork. Anyone who can make him cooperate must have something special. Nie Chuan’s growth is rapid. From the regular season to the finals, he’s like a different person. In the regular season, he was just an outstanding point guard, but in the finals, especially against Raven Harvey, he proved himself worthy.”
“Hey, Sethston, do you know why I’m willing to partner with someone as annoying as you?”
“Why?”
“Because despite your arrogance, you always acknowledge your opponents,” Ben said seriously.
“So my annoying trait is arrogance?”
Ben shook his head, walking a few steps ahead before answering, “Because aside from your skills and looks, you’re annoying everywhere else!”
With that, fearing Sethston’s retaliation, Ben ran off.
Sethston chuckled, hands in pockets: “If I really wanted to hit you, could you escape with those few steps?”
Meanwhile, Nie Chuan and Reese were already in the car.
Nie Chuan closed his eyes, leaning back against the seat.
“What are you thinking?” Reese asked calmly.
“I realize my memory’s getting better. The game scenes replay in my mind like slow-motion. How Larvin broke through Sethston, how Sethston stole from Larvin, their body movements, footwork, all so clear…”
“That’s because your reaction time is faster now, so your brain retains those images.”
“Sethston’s too fast. I’m afraid I can’t keep up.”
“Admitting the gap is good, but don’t underestimate yourself. You never thought you could match Raven Harvey or score against Owen Whishaw. So now, even if you think you can’t catch Sethston, when the game starts, you might just block him.”
Reese’s voice was calm, as if stating a fact.
Nie Chuan smiled, pressing his lips together.
With a few days until the finals, Nie Chuan decided to adjust his state well.
That night, lying in bed, leaning against Reese, scrolling through his feed while Reese read a book, Nie Chuan suddenly received a message from Larvin, almost making his eyes pop out.
“Oh my gosh! Larvin’s coming to see me tomorrow!”
“To seek comfort?” Reese asked indifferently.
“No, he’s coming with Owen!” Nie Chuan sat up. “For a two-on-two with us!”
“That’s good.”
“Huh?”
“Larvin’s studied Sethston deeply, and Owen is the shooting guard closest to Ben Robbins in accuracy. They can simulate Sethston and Ben’s coordination for us.”
