Chapter Three: The Golden Bait

Zhou opened the lane. North City’s guard charged inside, but Lu arrived from the weak side without jumping and drew an offensive foul. On the next possession, he intercepted a bounce pass and threw long to Zhou for a dunk. The Thunder defense tightened as if connected by an invisible cord. Eleven points became three. During the timeout, Zhou handed Lu a bottle. “That last one was yours.” It was the first time he truly acknowledged him. With ten seconds left, the score was tied at 101. North City trapped Zhou. For the first time with a game at stake, the ball reached Lu at the free-throw line. No defender stood within ten feet. For three years, coaches had frowned whenever he shot. Now the system offered no shooting gift.