"Warren, there are already people here."
Outside the basketball court, two boys and a girl stood holding a basketball, watching the scene before them. One of the boys, a bit thin and wearing black-framed glasses, frowned slightly.
He seemed a little unhappy that someone else had taken over the court.
From head to toe, all three of them were decked out in name brands.
"So what if there are people here? It's just taking a court—it's not like we haven't done it before." The boy next to him, Warren Wu, spoke in a gruff, booming voice.
He was tall—about one eighty-five—and wore a white tank top that showed off explosive muscles.
Especially his face: mature and tough beyond his age, with eyes full of wild defiance as he stared at the guys playing basketball.
"Yeah, makes sense. Though it looks like they've got more people." The bespectacled boy reached out and pushed up his glasses.
Just then, another boy rushed over behind them, clutching four freshly bought drinks—three colas and one orange juice—and blurted out, "Allen! Warren! Selina!"
"You guys walk so fast—I almost couldn't catch up!"
"Here, drinks for everyone!"
The boy, dressed in a limited-edition tracksuit, grinned and handed out the drinks.
Selina rolled her eyes. "Didn't I tell you? Stop calling me Selina. We're not that close."
She wore a white T-shirt under a denim shirt, with jeans that showed off her elegant figure. Her looks were the kind that made people want to keep staring.
Her hair was in a single ponytail, and she radiated youthful energy.
"Yeah, yeah, it's just a habit," the boy said with a nervous smile, clearly worried about upsetting the group.
"Jason Jiang, we're about to take the court—want to help out?" Warren Wu took a big swig of cola, let out a breath, and burped.
Allen Ju, still adjusting his glasses, nodded too. "With you, we'd have four people."
Jason Jiang glanced at the guys playing basketball, then said, "No need to fight for the court—I know those guys. I'll talk to them and get them to give it up."
With that, Jason strode over toward the basketball court.
"Hey, guys! Out here playing basketball so early—aren't you tired yet? Mind clearing the court and letting us play for a bit?" Jason Jiang smiled at Hank Chu and the others, but deep in his eyes, there was a hint of disdain.
Jason's dad is the president of Whitewood Real Estate. Over forty percent of the homes in Whitewood County were developed by his family.
In other words, he's got a powerful background and loads of cash.
He got into First High thanks to money, and his friends are all rich kids—not at all in the same circle as Hank Chu's crew.
"Oh, it's Jason. Sorry, we got here first and we're not done yet."
Someone grinned at Jason Jiang, showing a hint of amusement.
Just like Jason couldn't stand these kids from poorer families, they couldn't stand his arrogant attitude either.
Basketball players aren't exactly cowards, and nobody wants to suck up to Jason. Plus, he's got a bad rep—always flirting with pretty girls at First High, which makes people hate him.
So when Jason spoke up, someone immediately stepped forward, full of disdain.
"Looks like your word doesn't carry much weight, Jason." Allen Ju pushed up his glasses and spoke coolly.
Jason forced a smile, his face shifting from pale to flushed as he struggled to stay calm. "How about this, guys? I'll give you two hundred yuan—go chill at the internet café for a while, I'll even cover your drinks. Sound good?"
"Two hundred? Jason, you wish! You really think money solves everything? We got here first. If you want to play, wait till we're done!"
A boy stepped forward, and everyone looked indignant at Jason's offer.
It was straight-up disrespect.
Normally, they'd just curse him out and let it go.
But today was different.
Even Hank Chu and the others glanced past Jason, their eyes landing on the girl standing behind him—Selina Shi.
Selina was only sixteen or seventeen, but her looks, figure, and vibrant energy made the boys' hearts race.
A beautiful girl always catches a gentleman's eye—totally normal.
Jason's whole act was just to show off in front of her and put others down, which made Hank's group dislike him even more.
The atmosphere got a little awkward.
Jason's face stiffened, his eyes darkening.
While Jason was still trying to figure out what to do, Warren Wu strode forward, raising his voice: "Enough talk—let's just take the court!"
"Hey, you guys! Sure, you got here first, but we want to play too. If you won't let us, then let's settle it—three-on-three, winner takes the court!"
First team to score five baskets wins. Deal?
Warren's voice boomed, full of power.
"I'm in," Allen Ju nodded. At about one seventy-two, he stood calmly beside Warren, holding a basketball.
"Me too!" Jason Jiang shouted, as if declaring his allegiance.
He glanced at Selina, but she just sipped her orange juice, looking unconcerned.
"You six can split into two teams, play twice—how about it?" Warren Wu's voice was rough and full of excitement. "If you don't dare, then get lost! Cowards!"
Warren Wu kept cursing under his breath.
With Warren backing him up, Jason Jiang yelled too: "If you don't dare, get lost! Cowards!"
"Yeah, cowards," Allen Ju agreed calmly, nodding.
"Fine, let's play! Who's afraid of you?" One of Hank Chu's boys cursed back.
"Alright, bring it on."
Warren Wu, Allen Ju, and Jason Jiang walked onto the court together.
Allen tossed the basketball to Selina, telling her to dribble on the sidelines.
Selina started dribbling, moved to the side, and glanced at the boy sitting on the stone bench, curiosity in her eyes. "Hey, why aren't you reacting at all?"
Selina looked genuinely curious, while Warren and the others were already on the court.