score maniac

Chapter 36: A Six-Minute Gamble

“What the hell are you playing at?!” Gu Yu let out a furious shout. It happened just as things had quieted down on the court—not only the players but even the fans near the sidelines heard his outburst. “…Greasy-haired guy, what did you say?!” No matter how much Evans feared confronting Gu Yu, it would be completely unacceptable to take such an outburst on the court without firing back. Turning to face Gu Yu, Evans’ eyes blazed with fury as he glared intently at the slender Chinese man, his brow furrowed. “Say that again??” “I said, what the hell are you even playing for???” Gu Yu had long been annoyed by Evans’ lone-wolf style on both ends of the court. Far from backing down, he took a step forward, pointed a finger at the team’s star player, and shouted, “This is basketball—a team sport, not an individual one! What the hell are you even doing playing like this? You’re a ‘solo’ wizard!” “You…!” Evans knew full well that Gu Yu was telling the truth—he really hadn’t been caring about the team’s wins or losses. It was just the Summer League, after all—why take it so seriously? But being rebuked to his face like this by a rookie—especially when he considered himself one of the league’s stars—was a real blow to his pride. Without hesitation, he took a few steps forward, towering over Gu Yu as he glared down at him and snapped, “You’re just a rookie—how dare you criticize me? Who gave you the guts?” “Who gave me the courage?” Gu Yu was taken aback by the question, but then, as if suddenly remembering something, he put his hands on his hips and shouted, “Liang Jingru!” “…Pfft!” On the sidelines, everyone looked completely baffled, having no idea what Gu Yu’s Chinese exclamation meant. Only Yu Chenyi in the media section couldn’t hold it in any longer; she burst out laughing, covering her mouth with one hand and bowing her head as she shook with laughter. “…What on earth is going on here…” Evans was convinced that this Asian shooter must be out of his mind. With a strange look on his face, he waved his hand dismissively and turned back, saying, “Just run your position—don’t bother me!” “Whoa, whoa, whoa—he’s getting angry!” Seeing this scene, the reporters in the press box immediately perked up. One of them quickly raised his camera toward Gu Yu, unable to suppress a chuckle as he said, “It’s about to get physical! It’s about to get physical! That slick-haired guy is definitely going to lose his temper!” “Haha, absolutely!” The other reporters were also getting excited, each pulling out their equipment and setting it up. “That guy has such a hot temper—he definitely won’t be able to hold back!” This… Yu Chenyi started to get a little anxious. She knew Gu Yu’s temperament better than anyone—the reporters were absolutely right; this guy was a natural-born powder keg. It wasn’t hard to tell from their earlier exchange that Gu Yu and Evans must have already had a private conflict. If they exchanged a few more heated words on the court now, they might actually come to blows! “We’re in trouble now…!” On the bench, Jeter and Whiteside were also starting to feel anxious. After all, just like Gu Yu, they were both on the very edge of the roster—players who could be cut by the team at any moment. Although they were competitors, they’d worked hard together, and it would naturally be best if they could all stay on the team. But right now, if Gu Yu lost his temper and actually came to blows with Evans on the court—it’s hard to say who would win or lose in a fight—but Gu Yu, having clashed with the team’s future star, would certainly be cut from the roster. What should he do?? Jeter was frantic with worry, desperate to rush onto the court and stop Gu Yu right then and there. But glancing at the head coach beside him, he saw no sign of panic whatsoever—in fact, the coach had his arms crossed behind his back, leaning back comfortably in his chair, looking as relaxed and at ease as if he were watching a play. “Does my cutting even matter? Can you even pass the damn ball? Huh? Huhhh?!” On the court, Gu Yu was furious, but every word he spoke made perfect sense. “Kid, I’m the point guard. I decide whether to pass the ball and to whom. You stay out of my way!” Evans wouldn’t back down, and the tension was palpable. “…Coach!” Jeter couldn’t stand it anymore. He’d clearly seen Gu Yu’s right hand clench into a tight fist; if Evans hadn’t slyly taken a few steps back, Gu Yu would probably have already thrown a punch. “Huh?” Westphal remained calm and composed. Hearing Jeter’s shout, he turned his head slightly and looked at his star player with a puzzled expression, asking, “What’s going on?” “Call a timeout right away!” Jeter urged. “If this keeps up, they’re really going to come to blows!” “…Oh?” But to everyone’s surprise, Westphal still looked as if it had nothing to do with him. He glanced blankly at the court, surveyed the area, and finally shook his head. “Nothing’s going on. Why are you so anxious?” “Damn it @##￥%&*……” Jeter was completely stumped by the old coach’s remark and suddenly didn’t know what to say. Just as he was about to gather his thoughts and try persuading him again, Whiteside tapped him on the shoulder. “Jeter, don’t say anything more.” The usually calm “Big White” stared intently at the court and whispered to Jeter, “We’re worried because we consider Gu a friend, a brother. But what about the coach? What reason does he have to call a timeout specifically for a bench player?” “Well…” Jeter was completely speechless. That’s right! For us, and for Gu, every Summer League game is important, and every possession is crucial. Whether we can perform well, showcase our strengths, and stay on the team is a matter of life and death. But for Evans, his starting spot is secure. So what if he came out on the losing end of a face-off with Gu Yu? Once the Summer League is over, Gu Yu might be gone anyway! Evans is the prestigious Rookie of the Year—why on earth would he really be afraid of a mere nobody like Gu Yu? As for Westphal, no matter how important a shooter is, could he really be more important than the team’s future? Jeter asked himself: If he were the head coach, would he side with Gu Yu or with Evans at this moment? Siding with either one seemed like a bad move. In that case, it would be better to do nothing, let things play out, and then have a reason to get rid of one of the two who were at odds with each other. As for who would be cut—any random passerby on the street would know the answer. “Sigh…!” Having sorted everything out, Jeter shook his head vigorously and sighed. What a pity—the days of training hard alongside Gu were likely coming to an end… “Crack!” “Beep beep! Kings No. 2, offensive foul!” Just as everyone was lost in their own thoughts, Gu Yu, out on the court, made a move that caught everyone by surprise. “…What?!” Everyone had been waiting for the show to begin, but Gu Yu instead… “Substitute me, Coach! I can’t go on anymore. Let me sit out for a bit!” Gu Yu had deliberately committed a foul to force a dead ball and asked to be subbed out! “Has… has that slick-haired guy lost his mind?!!” Even more surprising than Gu Yu actually throwing a punch, this scene left everyone speechless. “…Very good!” “What?!!” What surprised Jeter and the others even more was that Westphal actually nodded approvingly with a satisfied air, waved his hand, and made a lineup change! This, this, this…! In full view of everyone, Gu Yu—seething with rage—actually turned around and walked toward the bench, plopping down in a chair, his head turned to one side, not uttering a single word. What on earth is going on…?! “Jett, go in and fill in for a bit!” “Uh… yes!” Hearing the old coach’s command, Jett hurriedly got to his feet and ran toward the court. As he passed by Gu Yu, Jett slowed his pace slightly. Just as he turned his head, he saw Gu Yu reaching out his hand toward him. “…That guy’s a jerk. Calm down—don’t hit him!” Gu Yu said angrily. “…Like I’d ever beat him up!” Jett was at a loss for words—he gave Gu Yu a hard high-five and headed onto the court. No way?! The players and fans who witnessed this scene were left speechless—Gu Yu, the “powder keg,” was actually warning his teammate not to act impulsively? This world has gone mad—it’s like a mouse serving as a bridesmaid for a cat! “Coach.” Gu Yu paid no attention to any of this. He kept his head tilted to one side in a defiant manner, refusing to look at the old coach—clearly still seething inside—but his tone remained calm as he said, “We agreed on a six-minute bet. You’d better keep your word…!” “…Ha.” A smile of approval finally appeared on Westphal’s face. Watching Gu Yu’s haughty demeanor, he nodded emphatically and said, “A gentleman’s word is as good as a horse’s hoof—it can’t be taken back…!” Weekend—the early bird catches the worm :d