Chapter Two: Perfect Trajectory

Lu faced the live camera. “The club, ball, and every plank were supplied by the organizers. Watch carefully.” He swung. The ball flew so low it almost touched the water, clipped the plank as it tilted upward, and used that force to clear the final three meters. It landed on the green and climbed what looked like an impossible reverse slope. Ten meters. Five. One. In. The live audience jumped from three thousand to 170,000. Comments calling him a fraud stopped for one breath, then four new words flooded the feed: Do it again. Han slapped the prize check into Lu's hand but held on. “Someone added a million for tomorrow night's ultimate round. Three balls. Sink one and you win.” “Who?”