There was some truth in Jimmy’s words.
The cracks in the Shizi Dogs’ performance were becoming more obvious as the third quarter went by. Jinping’s fear, Andy’s slump, and Yuze’s injury were all starting to show. It was like watching a dam slowly break under pressure, with the Knights, being the water, pushing harder and harder.
As the third quarter wore on, Ailun made a clean layup, widening the gap to six points.
The scoreboard flashed 64–58. The Shizi Dogs were being pushed to their limits, and it showed in their faces. They needed something, or someone, to turn things around.
"Kai’s calling for a time-out," Gina announced over the commentary. "There are four minutes left in the third quarter, and the Dogs are in a tough spot. Let’s see what the hot newbie has up his sleeve."
David turned to Gina with wide eyes. "You can’t call him hot, Gina. He’s a minor."
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Gina frantically shook her head. "Hot as in fiery! Goodness, David. This is why I need to file a divorce soon."
The whistle blew, and the players jogged back to their respective benches. Kai threw a glance toward Lina, who had been watching intently from the sidelines.
The subtle exchange between them spoke volumes, though most wouldn’t have noticed. Lina, understanding immediately, turned silent and let him take charge.
Kai didn’t waste any time. He strode straight over to where Jinping sat on the bench, his face drawn with frustration. Without a word, Kai smacked the back of Jinping’s head hard enough that the sound echoed slightly through the arena.
"Ouch!" Jinping yelped, rubbing his head as he glared at Kai. The crowd stirred with confusion, unsure what to make of the unusual display. Even the commentators hesitated for a moment, wondering if there had been some sort of falling out between the teammates.
"Damn," Jet muttered. "Looks like Kai really was a troublemaker."
Jinping, now holding the back of his head with a scowl, tried to smack Kai back, but Kai just dodged, shaking his head in disappointment. "What’s wrong with you?" Kai asked, crossing his arms.
"What? You’re not afraid to hit me, but you’re afraid to protect the ball on the court?" he added.
The question struck a chord in Jinping, making him stop mid-swing. He didn’t respond, just stared at the floor like he had been punched in the gut.
"We need you now more than ever," Kai continued. "You’re playing scared. If you’re going to get fouled out, then at least do it coolly."
Jinping’s shoulders sagged a little at that, but a small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.
"I got it, bastard," Jinping muttered. "I was just pretty tired."
Kai then turned on his heel and walked toward Yuze, who was busy adjusting the tape on his ankle. Without warning, Kai flicked his forehead, earning a glare from
Yuze, who rubbed the spot where Kai’s finger had landed.
"Don’t do unnecessary things," Kai simply said. Yuze opened his mouth to argue, but Kai didn’t let him. "I know you want to show off, but this isn’t the time or the place. You have to be efficient."
Yuze narrowed his eyes. He had been trying too hard to compensate for his injury, trying to prove that he could still lead the team, but it had only been making things worse.
"You’re used to doing things on your own, but it isn’t like that anymore," Kai continued, leaning closer so only Yuze could hear him. "We’re your team. We respect that you want to play, but you’ve got to trust us too."
Kai’s gaze softened for a moment.
Then, Kai went closer to Yuze, leaning closer to his ears. Then, he whispered.
"If this is going to be your final game, then we might as well win."
The corner of Yuze’s mouth twitched into a smirk, and he nodded, his hand dropping from his forehead. "Alright," he said.
"Care to share?" Kun asked, but the two ignored him.
Satisfied with Yuze’s response, Kai finally turned to Renren, who was sitting further down the bench. Renren had been quiet this whole time, but Kai could see the doubt behind his eyes. It was the same look Renren got whenever he faced a bigger opponent—like he wasn’t sure he belonged on the same court.
"Don’t feel inferior," Kai told him, his voice leaving no room for argument. Renren blinked, then slowly nodded, scratching the back of his head like a kid who’d just been caught slacking off in class.
"Yeah, yeah, I got it," Renren mumbled.
Before Kai could turn away, Andy shot his hand into the air like a student desperate for attention. "Hey, what about me?" he called out, earning curious looks from the rest of the team. "I want a good scolding too."
A few of the guys laughed, including Yuze, and even Jinping cracked a smile. The tension that had been hanging over them like a dark cloud seemed to break for a moment.
Kai’s lips quirked upward in amusement. He pointed a finger at Andy, narrowing his eyes in mock seriousness. "You," he said, pausing for effect. "You’re an amateur."
More laughter erupted from the team, and Andy put on a mock-offended face, clutching his chest like he’d been personally attacked. "Wow, thanks," he said, rolling his eyes.
Kai allowed the laughter to linger for a moment before continuing. "But," he added, raising his voice just enough to get everyone’s attention again, "if you can’t shoot, then pass it to me."
Andy blinked, his grin faltering slightly. "Huh?"
Jinping, appearing like he had already gained back his usual confidence, shook his head in amusement. "No offense. Actually, I want you to take full offense to this, Kai. You’re not exactly a great long distance shooter. You’re shit at three-pointers."
Andy nodded in agreement, but Kai remained resolute.
"Just do as I say," Kai smirked.
"Besides," he added, turning to Andy. "You’re the one who taught me that—muscle memory."