Basketball System: Rebound of the Underdog

Kai heaved his duffel bag over his shoulder, its weight strangely comforting. Today was the day he would leave Jilin and head to Beijing for training—the start of the Global Games preparation. He was being escorted to the airport using the Mayor's car. Yes, the Mayor pulled through once again. They had met once, and he said that Kai reminded him of his past self—especially his looks and basketball talent. But then again, people around Kai told him not to believe in the Mayor all that much. As they arrived at the airport, he already saw a small crowd forming just right outside. Right up front, he spotted Max, hands in his pockets, grinning as he approached. Kai strolled over, shaking his head with a smirk. "I thought you didn't care enough to come," Kai teased, adjusting the strap of his bag. Max rolled his eyes. "I thought you wouldn't even accept the invitation, to be honest," he shot back. "But here you are. You still haven't replied to our group chat." Kai shrugged nonchalantly. "Can't let you be the only one bringing glory to Jilin, can I?" Max snorted. "Well, it seems like you got cocky now that your Jilin's golden boy," he teased. They laughed, the two of them having an understanding that they would be in this together. They might have been rivals for the past year, but they were going to be teammates soon. Kai glanced around, realizing how many people had shown up. Of course, there was the usual barrage of fans that he had gotten used to since he came back to Jilin. To his right were his teammates, friends, and even his grandma. And, just a few steps back, Lina. He walked over to his teammates first, grinning as they jostled each other to get his attention. "You better not forget us when you're all famous, Kai!" Jet piped up, trying to sound tough but failing miserably as he wiped his eyes with his sleeve. Kai scoffed, rolling his eyes. "Forget you? No way. I'll be back in no time." Jet gave him a sly grin. "Guess I'll have to take over as captain while you're gone, huh? Bet I'll be the greatest Jilin's ever had." "Oh, I can already feel a headache coming in," Jinping said, shaking his head. Kai smirked. "Yeah, good luck with that, Jet. Don't burn the team down while I'm away." Then Andy, looking serious, stepped up. "You'll…you'll come back, right?" His voice was soft and hesitant, and he glanced down, scuffing his shoe against the pavement. Kai patted his shoulder. "Yeah, you're not getting rid of me that easily, Andy. Promise." Satisfied, Andy gave a small nod and stepped back, allowing the rest of them to pat him on the back, crack a few jokes, and make him laugh. But their faces were sincere, and the longer he looked, the harder it became to leave. But his grandma was waiting for him, so with a final clap on Jet's shoulder, he turned and made his way over to her. Grandma Bingbing stood there, arms crossed. As he got closer, he could see the faintest hint of tears in her eyes, though she'd never admit to it. "Going to give me a whole speech, Grandma?" he asked, trying to lighten the mood as he stuffed his hands in his pockets. She raised a brow, unamused. "I don't need to. You know what I'd say anyway," she said, though a smile crept onto her face. But before he could respond, she continued, "Just don't do anything foolish out there. I raised you better than that." He nodded, giving her a small salute. "Aye-aye, Grandma. But…will you come to the game if we make it to the finals?" He tried to sound casual, but his voice softened, a hopeful undertone slipping in. She eyed him for a long moment, then nodded. "I'll be there. Front and center, if you make it that far." Kai smiled, but just as he was about to turn, she reached into her purse, pulling out a small, neatly folded envelope. She held it out to him, her expression serious. "Take this." He took it hesitantly, looking at her in confusion. "What's this for?" "Don't open it now," she said firmly. "Not until after the Global Games are over." He frowned, turning the envelope over in his hands. "Then why give it to me now?" Her gaze softened. "Because… I'm afraid I might not have the courage to give it to you later." Kai blinked, momentarily stunned. He looked down at the envelope, then back up at her. Swallowing the sudden lump in his throat, he nodded and slipped it into his bag. "Alright. I won't open it." She patted his cheek lightly, her hand lingering for just a second longer than usual. "Good boy," she murmured before stepping back, letting him move on. "He really is a dog," Jinping whispered as he watched the interaction. Lastly, he turned to Lina, who stood a little ways off from the others, watching him with a small, shy smile. He walked over to her, trying to act casual, though his heart skipped a beat at the way she looked at him. "Guess this is it, huh?" he said, scratching the back of his head awkwardly. She nodded, her smile widening slightly. "Yeah. Guess so." There was a pause, and then, with a playful glint in her eyes, she added, "So, break a leg out there, Kai." Everyone froze, and for a second, there was nothing but shocked silence. Kai's eyes went wide, and he turned to her with a horrified look. "Lina, don't jinx me like that!" Jet burst out laughing, clapping his hands. "Oh, that's good. Real smooth, Lina. Nothing like telling an athlete to break something!" Lina's face turned red as she realized her blunder, waving her hands defensively. "Oh! I didn't mean it like that! I just…you know…good luck!" "Nah, she definitely told you to get injured," Jet said, adding fuel to the fire. Lina crossed her arms, her face still flushed. "Fine, fine. Forget I said anything!" But despite her embarrassment, she couldn't hide her laughter. Kai sighed, trying to keep a straight face. "Well, let's hope your words don't doom me. I'd rather come back in one piece." "Promise," she said, still smiling, and she reached out to give his arm a reassuring squeeze. "And don't worry. I'll be cheering for you." "Alright, alright, time to go!" Max called from behind him. "Or we're gonna miss our flight."