Chapter Three: The Last-Place Club's Secret Adviser

The predicted home run vanished. Pain stabbed Cheng's temple, followed by a revised call: “Han guesses wrong three times and strikes out on an inside changeup!” “Reverse it again, then go normal on the third pitch,” Cheng said. The coach stared. “How do you know?” “Because a man stealing answers won't believe the exam has changed.” Han missed the second pitch. On the third, Gao signaled the changeup honestly. Han expected another reversal and waited for a fastball. The changeup fell beneath his bat. Strike three. Twelve thousand spectators rose as one. Du pounded his chest, as if knocking a year of injuries out of his body. No one asked why a translator was calling pitches anymore.