Chapter Thirty-Four: Discovery on the Court

Lin’s parents were certainly not lacking in social awareness, so they tactfully changed the subject. However, in their eyes, Xiao Xiao’s image had undoubtedly become even more imposing and mysterious. Given Xiao Xiao’s age, they were more inclined to believe he was the disciple of some reclusive master. After all, aren’t those so-called "experts" known for their preference for keeping a low profile? Furthermore, they were so deeply grateful to Xiao Xiao for saving Lin Zhenzhen that they could never have been "aggressive" toward him. If they offended such an expert, they wouldn’t even have a place to cry. Since Xiao Xiao didn’t want to talk about it, they naturally wouldn’t ask. After a lighthearted conversation filled with tacit mutual understanding, Xiao Xiao happily took his leave.

For the next few days, aside from attending classes, Xiao Xiao spent all his time bonding with his bed; he even had his roommates bring his meals. If it hadn’t been for the fact that Xiao Xiao’s complexion was indeed poor, Zhang Bo and the others would have dragged him out for some photosynthesis by force. On this day, seeing that the paleness of Xiao Xiao’s face had finally returned to a healthier hue, Zhang Bo felt relieved but couldn’t help but tease him.

"Old Third, are you Lady Lin? You caught a cold at night, and it took you this many days to recover?"

To this, Xiao Xiao could only suffer in silence. He wasn’t naturally frail, so how could a simple cold keep him down for so long? But he couldn’t explain the real reason, so he had to grit his teeth and accept this baseless accusation.

"Glad you’re better," Zhuge Yun waved his hand. "You’ve made it so I haven’t been able to play games freely these past few days for fear of disturbing your rest. What a sacrifice."

"But, Old Third, your timing is perfect."

"Oh?" After a moment of confusion, Xiao Xiao quickly realized. "Is something happening?"

"Our school has a basketball game against the University of Science and Technology tomorrow," Zhao Luzheng explained.

"The Boss will be playing too," Zhuge Yun winked. "Even if it’s just as a substitute."

The next day, while the sky was still dim, Zhang Bo had already finished washing up and headed to the basketball arena. Xiao Xiao and the others were in no rush, as the game didn't start until nine. Besides, with the Boss saving them seats, they strolled in right on time. The outside was still dark, so when they stepped into the arena, the brilliant floodlights almost blinded them.

Xiao Xiao and the others blinked as the sound of roaring crowds washed over them. The arena was already a scene of intense fervor; it felt as if the very air was scorching.

"Wow, there are so many people." There was no need to look closely; everywhere they turned, there was a sea of heads.

"Well, it makes sense. I heard our school’s basketball team has a long-standing feud with the University of Science and Technology."

"A feud?"

"I don't know the specifics; it happened several years ago, but the grudge has persisted."

"Yeah, they say the players from the University of Science and Technology had poor sportsmanship. When they saw they were about to lose, they used dirty tactics, causing one of our school’s players to suffer a serious injury."

"Of course, our team lost that game too."

"The worst part is that those people from the University of Science and Technology refused to admit their fault, claiming it was just an accident on the court. They accused our team of being sore losers and trying to frame them. It was clearly their fault, yet they turned the tables and acted incredibly arrogant."

"Wasn't it investigated?"

"That’s the hateful part. They did it discreetly, refused to admit anything, and there was no third party to provide proof. In the end, it just fizzled out."

"I heard one of their players has some powerful family connections..."

"Anyway, the matter was buried. But since then, the two teams have been bitter rivals."

Zhuge Yun and Zhao Luzheng took turns explaining the situation to Xiao Xiao. Their "Boss" had told them about it over the past few days, but since Xiao Xiao had been resting, he had missed it.

"So, over the years, we've played countless games against them. We’ve won some and lost some. Both sides want nothing more than to crush the other, but neither has gained an absolute advantage."

"Whenever they come to play, the stands are always packed. After all, the past incident isn't a secret, and it hasn't been that many years. Everyone’s resentment is still deep, and everyone is dying to see those grandsons from the University of Science and Technology get beaten to a pulp."

Xiao Xiao and his friends walked to the front of the stands and greeted their "Boss" when they saw him. The Boss ran over to take them to their seats before leaving. The game was about to start, and even as a substitute, he had plenty to do.

They were truly in the front-row seats; the view was excellent, and the court and players below were clearly visible.

"I heard the University of Science and Technology has a very impressive freshman this year?" Zhao Luzheng said with some concern.

"Look, that’s him," Zhuge Yun pointed to the only person sitting on the opponent's bench. The player’s legs were stretched out, exuding a sense of laziness. Even while sitting, his tall, sturdy build was evident. He had his head tilted back, cast in the shadow of the stands above, making it impossible to see his face clearly.

"He’s at least six feet tall, right? He looks really formidable," Zhao Luzheng said, feeling even more worried as he observed the person who possessed a powerful presence even while sitting still.

"Six feet? He’s over six-foot-three. The official stats say six-foot-four."

"And it’s not just that he looks formidable; he’s actually very good."

"I heard a professional team scouted him when he was in high school, but he refused, saying basketball was just his hobby."

"That good?" Zhao Luzheng was stunned. "Then..."

"Forget it. Our team isn't a pushover either. It’ll be fine," Zhuge Yun waved his arms vigorously, full of confidence. Deep down, however, he was also worried. *Damn it, why do they have such a strong freshman? Are we going to lose? Ugh, stop being a jinx.*

*How can I lower our morale and boost theirs? What "strongest newcomer"? The title sounds impressive, but who knows about his actual skill?*

"Hey, Old Third, don't worry. Who knows if he’s just living off a reputation? Besides, no matter how famous he is, he’s just a freshman. He can’t turn the world upside down." Seeing Xiao Xiao staring at the player, Zhuge Yun assumed he was worried about the game, so he patted Xiao Xiao on the shoulder to comfort him.

"Hmm? Oh, right." Xiao Xiao was startled back to reality, not having heard a word Zhuge Yun said, and just gave a vague response.

His gaze, however, remained fixed on the space just above the newcomer’s shoulder. There was a giant creature there, resembling an eagle. Even though half of its body was hidden in the darkness, Xiao Xiao’s increasingly keen senses allowed him to see the creature in its entirety, including the ferocious horns atop its head.