Chapter One: After the Final Buzzer

Her right knee had crossed the danger threshold before the playoffs, but the team doctor's warning had been deleted. General manager Luo Qingchuan needed her to play hurt. He also needed his favored player, Zhou Yan, to receive important possessions so she could secure a lucrative offseason deal. The last-second change in Game Seven had never been designed to win. Cold light from the screen washed over Xinglan's face. Rain hammered the window like the abuse that had once rained down on her. She did not cry. She thought only: If I could choose again— Thunder cracked. Xinglan's eyes flew open. The smell of disinfectant filled her nose.