Chapter 129: I Am a Newcomer

I have given it my all, yet I still couldn't score... Is this the end of the line? Geng Haoshi stared blankly at the arena ceiling, his mind drifting back to a WeChat video call he’d had with Yang Mimi the day before yesterday. "Second Brother, is the tournament going well?" "Yeah, we’ve won eight games in a row!" "That’s amazing! I really wish I could be there to see you play." "Mimi, once I make it to the States, I’ll treat you to an NBA game every single day!" "Really? I’d actually rather see you playing in one." "Understood! Consider it done!" "Alright, that’s a promise."

Although Geng Haoshi had projected optimism and confidence during the video call, the thought of Mimi being so far away in America filled him with a constant, nagging fear that someone else might "snatch" her away first.

9527: Master, the game has just begun. Don't be discouraged.

Geng Haoshi 20: I’ve already stepped up, and I still couldn't score. How can I not be discouraged?

9527: Don't rub salt in the wound. Why can't you learn from Geng Haoshi 30? He’s also out there.

Geng Haoshi 20: He’s never said a word. He’s probably a mute.

9527: You all share the same body. If he’s a mute, doesn't that make you one too? You idiot!

Geng Haoshi 20: Oh, you dare call your master an idiot! That’s rebellion!

9527: My only master is Geng Haoshi. You lot are nothing but backups!

...

As Geng Haoshi 20 and 9527 bickered in his mind, Geng Haoshi remained fixed on the ceiling.

"Xiao Er, you alright?" Zhu Di walked over and pulled him to his feet.

"I'm fine," Geng Haoshi said dismissively. Then, looking at Zhu Di with a firm gaze, he added, "Brother Zhu, keep an eye out and throw me the ball when the time is right."

Zhu Di understood immediately; Geng Haoshi intended to score via an alley-oop. Since the previous ball had been swatted out of bounds by Peng Shuai, possession remained with Tiancheng Institute of Technology.

Sun Peng inbounded the ball, and Zhou Xiaoshan began to organize the attack. Near the three-point line in Beijing Sky University’s half, Zhu Di signaled for the ball. After receiving it, he didn't rush toward the paint but stood still, holding the ball.

"What is he doing?" Han Feng wondered. He glanced toward the restricted area and saw Geng Haoshi charging straight for the basket.

"Watch out!" Han Feng signaled his teammates to track Geng Haoshi’s movement. As Geng Haoshi approached the rim, he leaped into the air.

"Catch!"

Seeing Geng Haoshi jump, Zhu Di tossed the ball high above him. Training together for so long had paid off; Zhu Di could now throw the ball with relative precision to a spot directly above Geng Haoshi from near the three-point line. After all, hitting a three-pointer wasn't easy, but an alley-oop—combined with Geng Haoshi’s leap and finish—greatly increased their odds.

At the apex of his jump, Geng Haoshi caught the ball. He palmed it with his right hand and slammed it toward the rim with all his might!

"Whack!"

A pair of large hands once again forcefully swatted the ball from his grasp. It was Peng Shuai, the starting center for Beijing Sky University. This was the second time he had rejected Geng Haoshi’s dunk.

On the sidelines, a few scouts began to chat.

"For someone so short, attempting alley-oops and dunks—that’s impressive."

"What good is it if he keeps getting blocked by their center?"

"His vertical and explosive power are great. It’s just a pity he’s so reckless."

"But it shows he has a strong desire to win. Given his raw talent, I think he’s worth developing. If you lot think he’s a bust, then don't fight me for him!"

"Old Zhao was the one who said he was useless, not me. I’m planning to make a move."

"Are you all so sure he hasn't already accepted an offer from another club?"

"I heard he’s a newcomer to the Tiancheng basketball team. He shouldn't be on anyone’s radar yet, right?"

"Hard to say. We’ve been following Beijing Sky’s schedule, but maybe scouts from other clubs have been following Tiancheng’s."

"In that case, as soon as this game ends, I’m making an offer!"

After the block, a voice echoed in Geng Haoshi’s mind. "You’re too impatient! That’s not how you play the game!"

9527: Who are you?

"Hello everyone, I’m the new guy."

9527: ...What the hell?

"I’m the new guy, not a ghost. ...And, are you an idiot?"

9527: ...

Geng Haoshi 20: Hahaha! Even you, you damn alien system, have met your match.

9527: ...Does this mean you’re another one of Geng Haoshi’s multiple personalities?

"That’s right. So, I’m the new guy, please take care of me."

Geng Haoshi 20: That makes you Geng Haoshi 40.

"Technically, I should be Geng Haoshi 50. Someone else got here before me."

Geng Haoshi 20: There’s another one? ...Hey, come out and say something.

Geng Haoshi 40: Don't bother me. I’m contemplating the meaning of life.

Geng Haoshi 20: ...

9527: ...

Geng Haoshi 50: Haha... don't mind him, his dream is to be a philosopher.

9527: How do you know that so well?

Geng Haoshi 50: Well, he and I were originally one.

9527: One?

Geng Haoshi 50: Yes, we shared the same personality. But as our ways of thinking diverged, we eventually split into two distinct entities over time.

9527: I’ve seen it all now! In over three thousand years, this is the first time I’ve heard of a personality having a mental breakdown!

Geng Haoshi 50: Haha, you’ll get used to it. ...Anyway, I’m here for business. Geng Haoshi, if you want to win, listen to my instructions for the rest of the game.

Because the efficiency of mental communication was far superior to that of the real world, the exchange between 9527, Geng Haoshi 20, 40, and 50 had taken only about three seconds in reality.

"Xiao Er, don't just stand there!" Zhu Di shouted, seeing Geng Haoshi still dazed under the Beijing Sky basket.

"You’re saying I should listen to you?" Geng Haoshi asked Geng Haoshi 50 as he sprinted back to his own half.

Right now, Geng Haoshi only cared about winning.