Love Me in Another Universe

Chapter 7. Lang vs. The Three Freaks

November 26, 1993, Friday. The final basketball match of Junior One at Xiaoda Sports Meet was going on, between Class 3 and Class 6. The score was now 60-72. Guan Xuchen, holding the basketball, was surrounded by several players from the opposing team. He jumped high and passed the ball to Gao Xinglang, who was a few meters away. Gao Xinglang caught the basketball and skillfully dribbled it with both hands. The ball bounced smoothly and freely between his hands, as if it had become part of him. With the agility of a deer, he dodged the opposing players, dashed to the three-point line, leaped up, and shot the ball. The basketball soared towards the hoop like a living spirit, then swooped downwards, passed through the net, and bounced back into Gao Xinglang's hands.

Just then, the referee blew the final whistle. After a brief silence, the players from Class 6 and the audience cheered. Gao Xinglang walked up to Guan Xuchen and said excitedly, "Soupy, that was a great pass!" With that, he opened his arms and hugged Guan Xuchen.

Gao Xinglang's body was covered in sweat, but there was also another unique scent that reminded Guan Xuchen of coconut trees on the beach. Guan Xuchen was stunned for a moment, not knowing what to do. As he was about to hug Gao Xinglang back, their teammates approached, congratulating and praising Gao, "Lang, you played amazingly! You scored 45 points alone!" "With Prince Lang here, winning the championship for our class is a breeze!"

Gao Xinglang said smugly, "Of course, I'm not called the 'Little Basketball Prince' for nothing. But you guys also played very well," he added.

Guan Xuchen stood by the side, silently watching the proud Gao Xinglang, with a heartfelt smile on his face.

December 5, 1993, Sunday. Xiaoda Middle School gymnasium. It was Sunday, yet the gymnasium was abuzz with activity. Though not completely packed, the stands were filled with spectators, who had come to watch the tryout for the School's junior boys' basketball team. On the court, Coach Yang (pron.: yang) surveyed the dozen or so boys before him and said in a loud voice, "Welcome to the basketball team tryout! You all showed great potential in basketball at the recent school sports meet, which is why you've been invited here today. We're recruiting five rookies this year. I hope you'll all give it your best shot. Alright, let's start with a roll call." Yu Xiaoming (pron.: yoo hsiao ming), from Class 1, Junior Two."

"Yes, Sir!"

"Rong Jinglian (pron.: rong ching lyen), from Class 2, Junior Two."

"Yes, Sir!"

...

"And Gao Xinglang, from Class 6, Junior One."

"Y--yes, Sir!"

Gao Xinglang couldn't help but feel nervous. All the names called before him were second-year students, and he was the only first-year. His nerves were further frayed when he spotted a few tall boys in basketball uniforms sitting courtside. Among them were the "Three Freaks of the East", who he had previously taught a lesson for bullying Guan Xuchen.

"Are they really on the school basketball team?" Gao Xinglang's heart pounded with anxiety.

He scanned the crowd and spotted Guan Xuchen sitting with a few basketball buddies from Class 6 and some girls. Guan Xuchen smiled and raised his fist in a cheering gesture when he saw Gao Xinglang. Feeling a little more at ease, Gao Xinglang smiled and made the V sign back.

"Alright, let's begin the tryout!" Coach Yang announced loudly. First, he had the dozen or so boys demonstrate basic moves like one-handed stationary shots, three-step layups, jump shots, and floaters.

Each time Gao Xinglang finished a move, his classmates from Class 6 would cheer him on. Of course, the other boys trying out also had their own cheering squads. The school basketball team tryout was as exciting and lively as a celebrity game.