Chapter Three: The Embers Ignite

Twelve hours before registration closed, the Northport Embers still had only five players. Alongside Chen Ye, Han Zheng, and Su Ji were the two men left from the old roster: forty-two-year-old captain Ma Yan and Zhao Xiaobei, a forward who repaired air conditioners by day. The City Challenge League required eight registered players. Lu posted a single public message: No résumé required. Win the tryout and earn a contract. More than two hundred people stood outside the ruined gym at nine the next morning. Some wanted to play. Others streamed the event, waiting for a retired legend to embarrass himself. Skyvault-friendly media already had a headline: LU CHENZHOU REDUCED TO RECRUITING OFF THE STREET. Lu opened every door.