Courtyard Houses: From Bronze Compasses to Global Reach

Chapter 221 Lin Yan Finds Fun

Coach Holt, watching his former teammates' ever-changing expressions, smirked and pressed his advantage: "Practice makes perfect. How about it, Jason, and the rest of you, anyone interested in playing a few rounds of 11-point 1v1 with this student of mine? Simple rules, goals take turns."

Jason and his teammates exchanged glances. Although the physical test results were alarming, basketball is ultimately about playing. Being completely outmatched in the physical tests by a high school student was a huge blow to their pride. Jason was the first to step forward: "I'll go! Let me see if your performance in a game is as impressive as your test results."

The one-on-one game begins, with Jason in possession of the ball.

He lowered his center of gravity, trying to overpower Lin Yan with his body. He leaned in, exerted force—it felt like hitting a flexible wall, most of his strength inexplicably dissipated. He turned around, about to jump, but the ball in his hand had vanished.

Lin Yan's hands moved with ghostly speed, precisely cutting the ball away the instant he turned around.

The serve changes, and Lin Yan gets the ball.

Facing Jason's tight defense, Lin Yan didn't make any fancy moves. He simply took a step forward with his left foot (the floor made a slight thud), and his explosive power allowed him to easily blow past Jason and score a layup. 1-0.

Jason frowned and took the ball again. This time he was more cautious, using his ball-handling hand to create space and dribbling to find his rhythm. A crossover followed by a step-back, a move he was good at, finally created some space and released a jump shot.

Lin Yan jumped from the spot, arriving first despite being behind, completely dominating in height, and with his long arms outstretched, he snatched the ball directly from Jason's shooting trajectory! Another block!

"Fk!**" Jason couldn't help but swear.

The ball was switched again. Lin Yan received the ball beyond the three-point line, glanced at the basket, and immediately pulled up for a jump shot. Jason tried his best to block, but despairingly discovered that the opponent's release point was ridiculously high, and he couldn't even effectively interfere.

"Swish!" The three-pointer went in cleanly. 3-0.

In the fourth possession, Lin Yan received the ball with his back to the basket, and Jason defended him with all his might. Lin Yan dribbled and leaned in slightly, and Jason felt like he was being pushed along by a slowly moving truck, completely unable to stop him. Lin Yan leaned into the deep post, easily turned and dribbled past him on the baseline, scoring again. 4-0.

Jason's face had turned extremely grim. Speed, strength, jumping ability, defense, shooting... a gap in every aspect.

In the fifth possession, Lin Yan faked a shot, then dribbled to the side, ignoring the other player coming to help defend, and jumped directly. He clearly held his breath in the air, waiting until both defenders began to fall before gently releasing the ball. 5-0.

The rest of the game became a pure teaching (or rather, humiliation) session. Lin Yan drove, shot, or backed down the ball, and Jason was like a complete novice in front of him, unable to defend any of the attacks and unable to score against Lin Yan's defense.

The final score was 11-0.

Jason stood with his hands on his hips, panting heavily, his eyes filled with bewilderment and disbelief. He was a legitimate NBA player! Although the Knicks weren't doing well, he was still a reliable rotation player in the league! And he'd been shaved bald by a high school student?!

"Next!" Coach Holt's voice was filled with undisguised smugness.

Another forward/guard, unwilling to accept defeat, took to the field.

The result was the same. He was blown past, hit a three-pointer over his head, backed down, and cleanly stolen from the body. The score was 11-2, and he only managed two points from a lucky long-range shot that bounced off the rim and from a pointless foul by Lin Yan.

The third player to enter the game was a guard known for his speed and shooting ability.

He tried to shake off Lin Yan with speed and changes of direction. But he desperately discovered that Lin Yan was faster than him, his lateral movements were like a ghost, always managing to block his path. When he managed to get a shot off, Lin Yan's defensive coverage suffocated him. The score was 11-1.

The remaining two looked at each other, showing no further intention of going on stage. The scene was already ugly enough.

A hush fell over the court. Tom and Mike were too excited to speak, communicating only with their frantic gazes. The five professional players, some with their heads down, some looking up at the sky, and some staring at Lin Yan, felt their faces burning with embarrassment.

Coach Holt walked over to Lin Yan, gave him a firm hug on the shoulder, and said loudly to everyone, "Now, does anyone still doubt why I treat him like a treasure?"

Lin Yan pretended to wipe his sweat, looked at the five professional players, and said with a gleam in his eyes, "This is interesting. Shall we play another round?"

All five shook their heads.

Jason stepped forward with a wry smile, extending his hand in sincere admiration: "I'm not fighting anymore... You win, monster. Dinner's on us tonight."

Lin Yan curled his lip in slight boredom and casually twirled the basketball between his fingertips:

"Tsk, you just found some fun, and you're already giving up?"

"Tom, Mike, stop standing there, come here, let's practice our teamwork!"

Tom and Mike suddenly realized what was happening and excitedly ran onto the field, feeling incredibly lucky to have Lin Yan as their teammate.

Lin Yan then walked over to Coach Holt, casually draped his arm over the coach's shoulder, and eagerly asked:

"Coach, I mean," he paused, "if I offered enough money, could I get Wilt Chamberlain to play a few games with me? That would be... really interesting, wouldn't it?"

"..."

Coach Holt's smile froze instantly, and his neck mechanically turned towards Lin Yan.

Please...please invite Wilt Chamberlain? That basketball emperor Wilt Chamberlain? Just for playing a few games? Is he trying to fly as soon as he's learned to walk?

His student's "wealth" and his understanding of "wealth" may be completely different concepts.

Jealousy can cause the human body to break apart...

On a sunny Sunday morning, Lin Yan, dressed in loose-fitting martial arts clothes, slowly practiced Tai Chi on the lawn in the backyard of the villa. His movements were fluid and graceful, and his breath seemed to blend into the surrounding plants and trees.

Charles led Mike and Tom, whose faces were full of anticipation, over.

"Young master, Mr. Mike and Mr. Tom have arrived."

Lin Yan slowly finished his stance, looking at the two with some curiosity: "What are you two doing here so early? Is the game in the afternoon?"

Tom immediately exclaimed, his face filled with astonishment that seemed to say, "Lin! You didn't forget, did you?! You said you'd take us for a drive this weekend! A Cadillac convertible!"

Lin Yan coughed lightly, his right hand clenched into a fist near his mouth: "Uh, well—of course I remember! How could I forget something so important? Right, Charles?"

Charles remained unfazed and bowed slightly. "Of course, the young master specifically instructed me yesterday." He turned to Mike and Tom, gesturing for them to join him. "Gentlemen, please follow me. The cars are all in the garage; you are welcome to choose one."

Just as Charles turned to lead the way, his back to Mike and Tom, Lin Yan quickly gave him a thumbs up.

Although Charles didn't turn around, as if he had eyes in the back of his head, a smile played on his lips as he continued leading the two impatient teenagers toward the garage. Mike and Tom, completely absorbed by the words "choose freely," excitedly began discussing, utterly oblivious to the brief but tacit exchange between master and servant behind them.