Chapter Three: Whose Script?

The Harbor Storm led 41–39 at halftime. Shen Xinglan had scored only six points but recorded nine assists. Tang Li had made three triples, and Zhou Yan had eight points on cuts. Everyone seemed to benefit. Luo Qingchuan looked unhappier than when they had trailed. In the locker room, a staff member handed Coach Du a note. He read it and frowned. “Xinglan, you sit to start the half.” Qiao Man reacted immediately. “Why?” “Medical says she's close to her workload limit.” It was almost elegant in its absurdity. That morning, Xinglan had used workload data to prevent damaging practice. Now Luo was using the same idea to remove her from the game. “Whose assessment?” she asked. Du did not answer.