The Decisive Shot

Jiang Zhe, who had been completely underestimated, could be considered lucky to sink one shot. Three successful shots would be fortunate, but five? That would mean an ancestor’s grave was practically smoking with good fortune.

When he made seven consecutive shots, it instilled a profound sense of absurdity, as if everyone was caught in an unbelievable dream.

As the basketball repeatedly found its mark, the spectators’ initial indifference transformed into shock. Ultimately, they became even more nervous than Jiang Zhe himself, their eyes glued to the ball in his hands, their fists unconsciously clenching as they wondered if the next shot would go in.

“Woooo, when did Jiang Zhe get so good? This is unbelievable!”

“Jiang Zhe has never played basketball at school. It’s too arbitrary to assume he can’t play just because of that. Maybe he just got tired of it long ago!”

“He’s made so many shots already; I think it’s undeniable. Jiang Zhe is truly skilled. No wonder he dared to bet with Cheng Li using free throws!”

“Don’t you all think Jiang Zhe looks incredibly handsome while shooting?”

“Hmph, women are so shallow. What’s so good about that scrawny chicken? He’s thin and weak, like a girl. You all just like sissies.”

“You sour dog, get lost!”

Everyone had initially dismissed Jiang Zhe as a weakling, a bronze-tier player. Who would have thought he’d transform into a king?

This was simply incredible!

Just like the stunned crowd, Cheng Li, who had been prepared to enjoy Jiang Zhe’s expulsion, gaped. Feeling as if he hadn’t woken from a dream, he raised a hand and fiercely pinched his arm, the pain instantly searing through him.

Yet, Cheng Li paid no mind to it. A sudden wave of panic surged through his heart.

‘What if…’

‘No!’

‘Absolutely impossible.’

‘How could Jiang Zhe, who has never played basketball, be better than me?’

‘Seven successful shots must have been pure dumb luck.’

‘There are still three shots left. He definitely won’t make them!’

Cheng Li repeatedly reassured himself with these thoughts. The ten free throws weren’t over yet, and it was too soon to say anything for certain.

He couldn’t scare himself.

As everyone watched intently, the number of successful shots reaching the hoop climbed to nine, catching up to Cheng Li’s score. Only one final shot remained.

At this moment, the gymnasium fell silent. Everyone held their breath, their gaze fixed on Jiang Zhe, awaiting the decisive outcome.

What began as a match no one favored had, through Jiang Zhe’s repeated successful shots, proven his strength—he wasn’t weak at all, but remarkably powerful.

Cheng Li’s nine out of ten shots were built on a solid foundation, but Jiang Zhe was different!

Having been at Fenghua High School for over a year, no one had ever seen Jiang Zhe play basketball. Who would have thought he’d make such a splash in the gymnasium today?

Sinking nine shots from such a distance could no longer be attributed to mere luck!

However, a comeback against all odds, no matter the context, always sparked anticipation.

And it was incredibly thrilling.

With the score now tied, everyone eagerly awaited the result. Who would win, who would lose, and who would slink away from Fenghua in disgrace?

Standing at the front of the crowd, Ning Ran was equally invested in the progress. She had already prepared to bring Jiang Zhe back if he were expelled, unconcerned by any gossip. After all, those people lacked the influence to get someone into Fenghua in the first place.

Yet, she never expected Jiang Zhe to persevere to this point.

One shot would decide it all!

Initially indifferent, Ning Ran was now incredibly nervous. Her beautiful peach blossom eyes watched Jiang Zhe unblinkingly, a slight sheen of sweat on her forehead, her cheeks flushed a delicate red, like a fresh, ripe peach.

Although Jiang Zhe’s victory would mean she lost their bet, at this moment, Ning Ran still hoped he would win!

After all, if Jiang Zhe won, it would directly humiliate Cheng Li, and Lin Moshu, who lurked in the background, wouldn’t escape the same fate.

‘However, if Lin Moshu intends to intervene and send Cheng Li back to Fenghua, he should abandon that unrealistic notion as soon as possible. As long as I, Ning Ran, am at Fenghua, Cheng Li won’t be returning.’

‘To think he could just waltz back in? Fenghua’s discipline isn’t just for show. He shouldn’t be dreaming.’

Ning Ran, known for her blatant double standards, thought silently, her hands secretly clenching in her sleeves, cheering Jiang Zhe on.

Jiang Zhe, now the center of attention, remained unhurried. Before taking his shot, he turned towards Ning Ran’s direction and winked his left eye, completely unconcerned about the outcome of the final throw.

His unrestrained, confident smile dazzled, eliciting silent shouts and screams from the girls. Jiang Zhe then turned back, immediately cradling the basketball with one hand and shooting.

As the ball spun once around the rim of the hoop before smoothly completing the final shot, the previously silent gymnasium instantly erupted into a deafening roar, cheers and screams rising in an endless crescendo.

It went in!!!

Jiang Zhe, whom everyone had deemed destined to lose, had made ten out of ten shots—a perfect victory!

Not only the girls but some of the boys in the arena couldn’t help but clap. Honestly, if they were to shoot from that distance, sinking three or four out of ten would be considered lucky.

Jiang Zhe had made every single one!

Under everyone’s watchful eyes, there was no opportunity for foul play; everything was a testament to Jiang Zhe’s skill.

Ning Ran finally released the tension in her tightly clenched heart. Having lived a rather dull and ordinary life, feeling this anxious because of Jiang Zhe was actually quite interesting.

Now, the troublemaker would have to pay the price.

She glanced at Cheng Li, a mocking curve on her lips, her eyes holding a clear threat that sent shivers down one’s spine.

Cheng Li, finally receiving the goddess’s attention, was pale, but his mood was far from pleasant. Even now, he couldn’t believe he had lost!

Jiang Zhe had beaten him.

‘Does this mean I have to leave Fenghua?’

‘No!’

‘My family put so much effort into getting me into Fenghua. I haven’t even cultivated many connections yet. I absolutely cannot leave Fenghua like this… Wait, this is all because of Lin Moshu!’

With that thought, Cheng Li’s eyes brightened. Knowing that pleading with Jiang Zhe was futile, he immediately shifted his target. As long as Lin Moshu intervened, there would surely be room for maneuver.

Knowing he had to cling to this last straw, Cheng Li ignored the excited crowd. His steps frantic, he pushed past those blocking his way and quickly left the gymnasium.

Aside from eliciting a few curses from those he shoved, no one else remembered Cheng Li. Their gazes were fixed on Jiang Zhe, with some even wanting to challenge him to a basketball game. Since his free throws were so impressive, surely he’d be formidable at playing basketball too.

Jiang Zhe, however, smiled but did not agree. He merely glanced at the physical education teacher, Wang Yi. Though he said nothing, his look clearly conveyed, ‘Aren’t you going to manage the discipline?’ This prompted Wang Yi, who had been enjoying the spectacle and relaxing, to clear his throat and quickly rally the other teachers to restrain the boisterous students.

Nevertheless, due to the students’ heightened emotions, the PE class couldn’t continue. They were simply dismissed for free activity.

Jiang Zhe, who wished to avoid being surrounded, had only one thing on his mind: to claim the fruits of his victory. He subtly pointed outside towards Ning Ran, signaling for her to follow.

The time for negotiation had arrived. The success of his binding mission hinged on this moment!