Chapter One: After Three Seconds

Su glanced over. “A free agent the old manager rejected today. Slowest sprint test in the squad. He couldn't afford a hotel, so he stayed to help the caretaker.” Luo put down his broom. “I know I'm slow. You don't need to say it again.” Gu drew a back three on the tactics board, then dragged Luo seven meters deeper. “I don't need you to chase anyone. I need you to stand where everyone else will make their mistake and call them back before it happens.” Luo stared at those seven meters as if someone had opened a door no coach had ever shown him. “How long is the contract?” “Eleven months,” Gu said, matching the peak window exactly. “League-minimum salary, triple survival bonus. Signing fee—” The accountant shook his head frantically.