Chapter 12: Pseudo-Friendly Game

As the sun began to set, a crowd of spectators and newcomers gathered at the Yoshido basketball club's streetball court.

Ming You approached Taek Jung to explain his new cunning plan.

"I thought you weren't coming, heh heh," Taek Jung greeted him. "I wonder what madness you've come up with this time, Ming You."

"As you can see, I've brought you players, or more precisely, living profits," Ming You said slyly, pointing with his thumb at the new members of the basketball club.

"I will never cease to be amazed by your shamelessness," Taek Jung laughed. Once he calmed down, he continued, "Alright, let's figure out the rules; how exactly will the game go according to your plan?"

"Isn't it your job to organize the games and distribute them according to plan?" Ming You widened his smile, knowing he would be allowed to set the rules.

"Don't mock me! Even a baby who knows you would understand that you will introduce your own rules. Besides, your plans yield the highest profits, so don't drag it out and tell me, and I'll take care of everything," Taek Jung insisted.

"Well then, let's begin. My main team has a group of five newcomers, just like I do. Therefore, there will be four games. I'll explain the scheme and branches of the games to make it clearer. The first branch is Team Lu Shen against Team Haru Lin. When one of them wins, they will play against the winning team from the opposite branch, which is the branch with Jung Ho and Hun Ren," Ming You explained, crossing his fingers.

"What about your team of newcomers? And why four games instead of five?" Taek Jung asked.

"It's quite simple," Ming You's eyes gleamed with greed, and he continued, "It's about profit. The last team that wins both branches will play against my team, meaning I will play for that team and win the final bet. Thus, all these newcomers will become debtors, even those who played for me." Ming You's gaze turned wild.

"So the bets will only apply in the final against your team?" Taek Jung asked again.

"No, in the final against my team, they will have a chance to reduce their debt by half, but if they lose, which they will, the debt of all teams will quadruple. To make it fairer and to entice the spectators to place more bets, a victory will only count if my team doesn't allow a single point to be scored. We will then split the profits 50-50 and can use these players as we wish, but we cannot use them against each other. They'd better get used to being our pawns, so they will need my help," Ming You finished explaining the rules.

"You know how to maximize profits, but unfortunately, you don't understand reputation and moral principles, heh heh," Taek Jung continued to marvel at Ming You.

"Well, are we agreed? We've kept our spectators waiting, and I'm eager for my profit and team," Ming You extended his hand to Taek Jung.

Taek Jung smirked at first, then shook Ming You's hand, and they made the deal. Ming You went to explain his plan to his main team while Taek Jung began negotiating with the referee and organizing the game branches as Ming You had explained.

"Alright, team, it's time to notify your groups of newcomers and get ready to play. Don't forget to act supportive," Ming You told his main team.

The team nodded and dispersed to their groups to explain the upcoming game branch to the newcomers.

As the captains and newcomers scattered to their basketball hoops, the referee began the announcement:

"The game between Team Lu Shen and Haru Lin is starting! Bets are placed, let's tip-off!" Referee Sun Wo announced the beginning of the game.

The game commenced. Team Haru Lin quickly took the initiative, with player Mei Yu skillfully maneuvering around the tall player from Team Lu Shen, Xiao Li. When stopped, he passed to an open teammate, who scored from near the free-throw line.

"One-nothing in our favor!" shouted Mei Yu, winking at his team.

"Don't relax!" replied Xiao Li, raising his hands. "We just started!"

Team Lu Shen reacted swiftly. Xiao Li, using his speed, rushed the ball down the court, bypassed the defense, and scored from the three-point line.

"Yes!" exclaimed Lu Shen's teammates, raising their fists in the air. "We're in the lead!"

The pace of the game intensified, and soon both teams exchanged baskets, but Team Lu Shen began to take control. Xiao Li skillfully outmaneuvered Mei Yu, made a perfect pass, and the receiving player scored without hesitation.

"We're leading!" shouted Lu, rallying his players. "Let's keep up the momentum!"

"It's not time to celebrate yet!" yelled Haru, gathering his team. "We can turn this around!" Their acting was top-notch.

Despite Haru Lin's "efforts" and his team's genuine attempts, Team Lu Shen won with a score of 12-9. The players, unaware of the stakes, hugged each other in joy.

"Great game!" said Lu Shen, rubbing his hands together. "Now we have the next match."

After a short break on the court, only the teams of Jung Ho and Hun Ren remained, ready to face off.

"Get ready, Jung!" shouted Hun Ren, winking. "I'm going to show you who the real master is!"

"Don't underestimate me," replied Jung Ho with a smile. "I'm not going down without a fight." His smile was overly rehearsed, but no one suspected anything.

The game began with a fierce struggle. Team Hun Ren quickly scored a three-pointer.

"Two-nothing!" shouted the player in glasses, raising his hands in the air.

But Team Jung Ho wasn't ready to give up. They focused on speed and blocking passes to the sharpshooter, intercepting passes meant for him, and one of the tall players scored two baskets in a row.

"Tied score!" he said with a grin, winking at his opponent.

The game continued in a tense atmosphere, but ultimately, Team Jung Ho won with a score of 10-8. He raised his hands in the air, celebrating his victory.

"I knew I could do it!" shouted Jung Ho, hugging Hun Ren and sharing the information, "Soon we'll rake in the cash from these suckers, heh heh. Say it was a good game."

"Good game," Hun Ren replied, smiling. "But next time, I'll definitely beat you!" he said hypocritically.

Now came the moment for the penultimate game: Team Jung Ho against Team Lu Shen. Both captains understood they were in for a predictable battle.

"This will be the decisive game," said Xiao Li, looking at Jen Ryu, who had dominated the game against Team Hun Ren. "Good luck, my friend."

"You too," replied Jen Ryu, gripping the ball. "But I'm set on winning."

The game started with a rapid exchange of attacks. Xiao Li scored quickly, making Jen Ryu sweat.

"One-nothing, Jen Ryu!" shouted Xiao Li, rallying his team.

But Jen Ryu wasn't going to give up. He quickly responded, bypassing the defense and scoring a dunk.

"Tied score!" he shouted, leaping off the rim.

The game continued in a tense atmosphere, with intrigue building at every moment. However, in the end, Jen Ryu showcased his best qualities, scoring the decisive basket.

"We won!" he shouted, embracing his teammates.

Although Team Lu Shen lost, they smiled and shook hands with their opponents.

"Great game, you really showed class," said Jen Ryu, looking at Xiao Li. "See you next time!"

"The game was magnificent, Ryu," Xiao Li replied, shaking his opponent's hand.

"Well, great job, everyone. After the break, we'll meet with the teams, Jung Ho," Ming You said with his sly smile.

"I can't wait for our game," Jung Ho played along.

As only two teams remained on the court, something unexpected happened in Ming You's team.

"Hey, guy with the watch, what's your name?" Ming You asked.

"I'm So Ho. Do you have any instructions that can help us win?" he inquired.

"Yes, there is; I'm going on the court, to be precise, I'm replacing you," Ming You ordered indifferently.

"What do you mean replacing? We're playing qualifiers among ourselves, newcomers; why do you need to go on the court?" So Ho was puzzled.

"If I said replacement, it means replacement. Now go rest; I'll handle this," Ming You commanded him authoritatively.

So Ho gritted his teeth and headed toward the bench. Ming You then began giving instructions to his team of newcomers.

"Here's the plan: you pass me the balls, I'll maneuver around everyone and score, while you hold the defense and set screens. Is that clear?" Ming You unemotionally issued orders to his team.

"But how will this help in the qualifiers? We need to test our skills, not just win…" Before one of the players could finish, Ming You sharply interrupted him:

"Do as instructed if you want to stay in this basketball club," Ming You slightly threatened them.

The players complied and took their positions. Meanwhile, on the side of Team Jung Ho's hoop.

"Jung Ho, why is their captain on the court? Isn't our goal to have qualifiers among ourselves?" asked Jen Ryu.

"It's fine; this is the final test for a spot on the main team. If you can beat him, a place on the main team is guaranteed," Jung Ho evaded.

"Great, then let's get started!" Jen Ryu rallied everyone.

"Let the final bet begin! Tip-off!" Sun Wo announced the start of the game.

Ming You allowed Jen Ryu to take the ball, but as soon as Jen Ryu was about to pass him, Ming You knocked the ball from his hands.

"Huh?" Jen Ryu was shocked.

Ming You quickly slipped past the defenders and scored from under the hoop.

Jen Ryu began to use his speed, but Ming You knocked the ball away again and, bypassing the defense, scored once more from under the hoop.

Jen Ryu, not realizing that Ming You's actions were forcing him to ignore his team and act solo against him, lost the ball repeatedly, and Ming You did not allow him to score a single point.

"I will beat you! I'll definitely score at least one point!" Jen Ryu was furious.

"Hey, don't forget about us!" his team shouted.

"Alright, then help me!" Jen Ryu replied to them.

Thus, from a player who respected his opponents and teammates, Jen Ryu transformed into a selfish player due to Ming You's strategy.

Losing balls and the game, it ended with a score of 44-0 in favor of Ming You. However, his team was not pleased with this outcome.

After the game, with night already fallen, Ming You approached Taek Jung for the money.

"You really crushed them; I knew you would win, but to predict the victory of each team is quite a skill, heh heh. Here's your share," Taek Jung smirked, handing the money to Ming You.

"As always, it's a pleasure doing business with you," Ming You bid farewell to Taek Jung.

"Likewise, Ming You. I hope you come back with your crazy ideas," Taek Jung laughed one last time, and Ming You approached his main team.

"Here's your winnings, friends," Ming You dumped a stack of money, and his team divided it up.

"Thanks, I didn't think we could earn anything without doing much, heh heh," Jung Ho and his team chuckled and then triumphantly went their separate ways.

The newcomers were also about to leave when a group of thugs stopped them.

"Hey, kids, where do you think you're going? You're debtors, by the way!" Taek Jung threatened them.

"Why do we owe you anything?" So Ho asked him.

"Because you lost! We'll give you a week to repay if you want to stay safe and sound; for now, you can go," Sung Wo threatened, stepping closer to Taek Jung.

The newcomers were frightened and quickly went home.