Chapter 11 of 100

Chapter 11

11 min read2,833 words

Qi Feng thought for a moment before he understood the logic of this tall and handsome guy: If his basketball skills were not as good as Yan Yufeng's, he could just follow Yan Yufeng to practice and improve his skills, and there would be no need to learn yoga. If Qi Feng's skills were better, then Yan Yufeng would have nothing to say, and Qi Feng could practice yoga without any interference.

It must be said that those who could get into this school were not idiots, even if they had some middle school syndrome. Although Yan Yufeng was clearly driven by hormones and lacked rationality, his logic was quite sound. Qi Feng could only sigh, "You make a lot of sense, I have nothing to say. Let's do it this way."

When it came to one-on-one basketball, Qi Feng was not worried. He was quite confident in his skills. He and his roommates often played three-on-three on the school court, and he could stay on the court for many rounds, making him a strong player in the pickup games. Although Yan Yufeng was much taller, it was not easy to find a shorter opponent on the court in a northern city like the capital (Qi Feng was 175 cm). Dealing with taller players was not difficult. If they had good jumping ability, he could fake them out. If they were strong, he could use their slow footwork to his advantage. If they were both good at jumping and strong, he could use a change of pace to break through. If they were also faster, he could only rely on his shooting luck.

There was an outdoor court right outside the gym. Qi Feng looked out the window and saw that the court was almost full at noon, with several teams waiting to play.

"No spots, how about next time?" Qi Feng was not afraid, but he did not want to argue with this middle school syndrome guy.

"No problem!" Yan Yufeng took out his phone and made a call, instructing, "Clear a court, the one in the middle, I'm going to have a one-on-one."

Qi Feng was sweating. Could you be more clear? A one-on-one is just a one-on-one, not a duel or a one-on-one. People might think you're in a gang. But, could he really call people to clear the court? Was he in a gang?!

After the call, Yan Yufeng arrogantly waved at Qi Feng and went down to the court. Qi Feng reluctantly followed, curious to see how he would clear the court.

The girl with the ponytail wanted to stop him, but seeing Qi Feng agree to Yan Yufeng's proposal, she did not say anything. She then came over and said to Qi Feng, "Don't listen to Yan, he's just like that, a bit stubborn. If you lose, it's just a game, and it has nothing to do with learning yoga. Don't take it to heart."

Qi Feng thought, what's with this girl, predicting I'll lose before the game even starts? And is Yan Yufeng just stubborn? That's clearly middle school syndrome plus jealousy. He decided that if he lost, he would not come back here, as that middle school syndrome guy would drive him crazy. Yoga was not only taught here anyway!

When Qi Feng reached the court, he was surprised. In just two minutes, a court had been cleared, right in the middle. Even more surprisingly, many students who were playing had stopped and gathered around the court. How did a simple one-on-one become so popular?

Qi Feng's hearing was very good, and he could hear clear conversations amidst the noise.

"Yan Yufeng is having a one-on-one! It's going to be good!" Why? Is he famous?

"Who dares to challenge Little Kobe? Is he from our school?" Little Kobe? What a nickname.

"Ha, you don't know, these two are fighting over a girl!" Hey, that's fast gossip.

... The crowd was buzzing with all kinds of talk, but the gossip spread the fastest, and most people did not expect the challenger to do well.

Yan Yufeng had already taken off his jacket, revealing a Lakers No. 8 jersey and a pair of CRAZY8 purple and gold shoes. He stood in the center of the court, hands on his chest, like a king waiting for a challenger. He certainly had a presence!

Qi Feng, who had been playing for years, had a special way of assessing opponents. He looked at the calves, which were thin and round near the ankles, indicating good jumping ability. If the calves were thin but the thighs were thick, the player would have good agility. A thin waist meant good hang time, and broad shoulders with muscle meant good strength. Long arms and large hands made ball control easier. After looking over Yan Yufeng a few times, Qi Feng estimated this might be one of the strongest opponents he had ever faced.

Seeing the crowd, Qi Feng was a bit nervous, but he thought that if he lost, not many people would recognize him, and he could just leave quickly. With renewed courage, he pushed through the crowd and stepped onto the court.

Qi Feng threw his jacket under the basket and wore a tank top. He had on long sports pants, which he could not take off, but it did not matter much. He wore a pair of Air Jordan 6, and his gear was ready for the game.

Yan Yufeng looked at Qi Feng's physique and was surprised. "This kid has good muscle definition." He waved to the side, and someone threw a ball over. Yan Yufeng caught it with one hand, dribbled a few times to test the feel, and then threw the ball to Qi Feng, "You're the away team, start the game. A proper duel, 11 points, alternating possession."

Qi Feng caught the ball, walked to the three-point line, and Yan Yufeng moved inside the line, lowering his center of gravity to below Qi Feng's chest, staring at his... waist.

Just from this, Qi Feng knew it would be tough. Defenders who focus on the ball or feet can be easily tricked by good ball handlers. Staring at the eyes is too susceptible to fake moves. Staring at the waist is the most reliable, as it controls the body's movements and is the center of gravity. No matter how many fake moves, the waist cannot be deceived.

Speed is the ultimate weapon in basketball. No matter how good your defense is, being faster can get you past. Qi Feng planned to use this. He dribbled the ball from his left hand to his right and took a quick step, forcing his way past Yan Yufeng's weak side!

Yan Yufeng's pupils dilated! What incredible speed! He even thought he could smell the rubber burning from the friction! He was out of position! He quickly adjusted his stance, pressing against Qi Feng, but he was already half a step behind.

Qi Feng did not expect his first step to be so fast! And he covered more ground than usual! Another dribble, and he was half a step closer to the basket, ready to lay it in. If he added a reverse layup, Yan Yufeng would have no chance.

Qi Feng reached the key and took off. Yan Yufeng tried to block from behind, but he did not expect much, as the opponent was clearly experienced and had several ways to score in this situation.

As expected, Qi Feng flew to the basket, hung in the air, avoided Yan Yufeng's block, and easily made a reverse layup. Qi Feng was delighted by his control in the air.

The crowd held their breath, only the sound of gasps could be heard! No one expected the first play to be so intense, with no holding back!

But, joy turned to sorrow. Qi Feng's sure layup missed the rim completely!

The crowd fell silent again. The dramatic contrast left everyone stunned.

Qi Feng was speechless. He came to learn yoga because he could not control his body, and to learn yoga, he had to pass Yan Yufeng's basketball test, which required controlling his body. It was a vicious cycle! If he could control his body well enough to play normally, why would he need yoga?

Yan Yufeng landed first and saw everything. He looked at Qi Feng with a strange expression, a mix of relief, surprise, and regret. After a long pause, he said, "How long has it been since you last touched a ball?"

Qi Feng could only laugh dryly, "It's been a while. I've been busy. My hands are a bit rusty."

The ball went to Yan Yufeng.

Facing Yan Yufeng's offense, Qi Feng understood why others called him "Little Kobe." He was a die-hard Kobe fan, mimicking every move, from the jab step to the crossover and the fake move. The most terrifying thing was that he could turn fake moves into real ones, a skill beyond Qi Feng's pickup game level. Before practicing the Dragon Elephant Bodhimanda, Qi Feng would have had no chance. Now, he had even less!

On offense, Qi Feng could rely on his strength, but on defense, he had to control his body, which was his weakness. The explosive power made it impossible for him to keep up with the fast pace. He often lost his position due to overexertion. His increased strength also made him lose his touch on offense. Soon, the score was 6-0, with 11 points needed to win.

But, Yan Yufeng was not as relaxed as the score suggested. He was quite speechless about this unknown guy. His skills were decent, but far from his level. However, every move, whether offensive or defensive, seemed to carry a gust of wind. Too fast! And incredibly strong! He had to be fully focused, feeling that any lapse would result in being crushed. How long had it been since he had to be so serious in a one-on-one?

Yan Yufeng dribbled and faked a few times. Qi Feng, who had been too aggressive on defense, did not follow up but took a small step back.

"Planning to defend the drive and let me shoot?" Yan Yufeng immediately faked a left drive, but Qi Feng did not follow, only turning slightly to face him, continuing to close the gap, almost stepping on the key.

Yan Yufeng saw through Qi Feng's plan, "Determined to bet I can't make the shot?" Suddenly, he noticed that Qi Feng, facing him, closed his eyes!

Kobe's personality was stubborn. If you said he couldn't make the shot, he would prove you wrong. Clearly, Yan Yufeng was the same. Without hesitation, he bent his knees, exerted force, extended, and shot!

The beautiful jump shot motion was invisible to Qi Feng, who had his eyes closed, but the friction of the ball in his palm and the sound of it leaving his fingertips were clear in his mind.

I've been waiting for this moment!

---