NOVEL NEXT Chapter 23: Ayako’s Surprise: Is He Really a Rich Kid?
As soon as Ryu stepped out of the basketball gym, the system's voice echoed in his mind.
Ding!
[Team Physical Training Completed]
[Rewards: +1 Stamina, +1 Speed, +1 Strength]
Hearing this, Ryu's heart filled with happiness.
"Open status panel!"
He decided to check his stats immediately.
[Host: Ryu Yan]
Height: 180 cm
Weight: 68 kg
Stamina: D+
Speed: C-
Strength: C+
Jumping Ability: B-
Skills: Basic Dribbling, Full-Court Shooting, Super Start, Quick Recovery, Phantom Steal, Precision Passing, "C" Dribble Crossover, Mid-Air Hand Switch Dunk
"Not bad, not bad. One practice game, and I've gained so many skills. If only my stamina were higher, it'd be perfect," Ryu thought to himself.
Looking at his stats, he nodded. While his dribbling skills were decent enough to compete with players like Kogure, they wouldn't hold up against someone like Miyagi if he lost focus. And against top-tier guards like Shinichi Maki, the chances of getting the ball stolen would be much higher.
If his stamina improved, combining it with his three-point shooting would make him an unstoppable scoring machine.
The current training was clearly helping his physique. Even small gains felt satisfying.
He couldn't help but wonder how much stronger he'd become during the upcoming match against Ryonan. Facing off against their ace, Sendo Akira, would be a thrilling challenge.
With his determination reignited, Ryu clenched his fists and shouted:
"Alright! Time for more training!"
Ryu jogged to a nearby bank, pulled out his wallet, and checked his account balance.
The moment he saw it, he felt like he was floating on air.
3 million yen.
"As expected."
"Yosh, time to call Ayako-senpai and treat her to a meal. I owe her that much."
Withdrawing 100,000 yen, Ryu pulled out his phone and dialed Ayako's number.
The two met up at the agreed location.
"Senpai, what do you feel like eating today?" Ryu asked, taking Ayako's bicycle from her and scratching the back of his head.
This time, he was prepared. Whatever Ayako wanted, he was ready to cover it.
"Ha ha ha, you brought money this time, right?" Ayako teased, flashing a crescent-shaped smile.
"Of course! I've got plenty this time," Ryu replied confidently, patting his chest. His boldness made Ayako laugh out loud like a bell ringing.
"Alright, but let me call my parents first to let them know," Ayako said, dialing her phone.
After explaining things to her parents, Ayako ended the call and frowned slightly, thinking about nearby restaurants.
Ryu waited quietly.
"How about ramen? What do you think?" Ayako finally suggested.
"Ramen? Works for me," Ryu said with a nod.
With Ayako leading the way, the two weaved through narrow alleys and arrived at a small ramen shop.
The shop wasn't fancy, with simple décor, but the aroma wafting from inside made it clear this was no ordinary ramen.
"Let's go in. I come here often, so I promise it's not a rip-off," Ayako assured him, standing at the door.
"Ha ha ha, Senpai, let's go. I'm starving!" Ryu said as he parked the bike and headed inside.
He wasn't worried about scams this time—he had money in his pocket, and that was all that mattered.
The two sat by a window and placed their orders.
"Ryu-kun, don't your parents ever check on you?" Ayako asked curiously, her eyes wide.
"Sigh, don't even mention it!" Ryu said, slumping a little.
Ever since he had arrived in this world, he'd barely seen his parents. Forget eating meals together—just meeting them was rare.
Ayako noticed his downcast mood. Her motherly instincts kicked in, and her expression softened.
"Don't worry! From now on, Senpai will keep you company!" she said with a grin, patting his shoulder like a big sister.
Ryu laughed. "That's great! I'd love that!"
Ayako's playful and straightforward nature made her a good friend—someone worth cherishing.
Before long, the ramen arrived: a steaming bowl topped with a generous portion of beef, its aroma filling the air.
"Senpai, I'm digging in!" Ryu said, practically drooling as he looked at the bowl.
After intense training, a big bowl of beef ramen was just what he needed.
Ayako watched him devour the food and couldn't help but chuckle. "Slow down! If you want more, just ask—I know the owner."
"Another bowl!" Ryu shouted after finishing in record time, pushing his bowl forward.
Ayako's eyes widened in disbelief. "Is he really from a rich family?"