Chapter 8: Head Coach Rick's Demands

Chapter 9: Coach Rick’s Expectations

Coach Rick actually had special training planned for him? Su Feng wondered if perhaps his ears were malfunctioning, if he had misunderstood something. But then, as Coach Rick continued speaking, Su Feng heard every word clearly. The coach said, “Su Feng, to be honest, I have high hopes for you. That’s why I’m strict with you; I trust you don’t have any serious objections, right? Su Feng, let me be sincere — don’t let me down.”

Su Feng was sharp and intelligent; he understood the implication in Coach Rick’s words. Yet there was one thing he couldn’t quite grasp: why did Coach Rick care about him so much?

That was the part Su Feng couldn’t fathom. Still, even as these thoughts swirled in his mind, Su Feng wasn’t foolish enough to voice them aloud to Coach Rick. If he did, wouldn’t that make him seem naive? So Su Feng put on a respectful, candid smile and said, “Mr. Rick, I’ve heard your suggestions and requirements. I’ll get right to it, you can count on me.”

“Su Feng, listen, as your coach, I am responsible for you. I would never harm you, so rest assured…” Coach Rick was interrupted before he could finish by Su Feng, who said, “Mr. Rick, you don’t need to say any more, I understand.”

Though Su Feng had interrupted him, Coach Rick didn’t seem bothered at all. He continued warmly, “Su Feng, I haven’t finished what I wanted to say!”

Hearing this, Su Feng blushed slightly, lowering his voice, “Uh… I’m sorry, Mr. Rick. I shouldn’t have interrupted you. I apologize for that.”

Su Feng’s apology was sincere. Coach Rick smiled and replied, “Su Feng, there’s no need for such formalities between us. I didn’t mind your interruption; otherwise I wouldn’t be here talking with you now.”

Upon hearing this, Su Feng’s eyes lit up and he smiled, “Really? That’s wonderful, Mr. Rick. I was afraid you’d be upset with me, but you’re not. That’s a relief.”

“Alright, enough small talk,” Coach Rick grinned, his expression brimming with expectation. “Su Feng, just focus on practicing your dribbling from now until the next game. I won’t ask anything more of you; just practice your dribbling well. You know how crucial it is for a professional player, right?”

“Mr. Rick, I absolutely understand. In fact, I know how important dribbling is for a basketball player. To be honest, I’ve been secretly training my dribbling skills lately, and I’ve made significant progress. I’m really looking forward to the next game — you’ll see my performance, especially my dribbling.”

Coach Rick chuckled, “Is that so? I’m looking forward to it then. Do your best.”

“I will…” Su Feng nodded, then politely bowed to Coach Rick. “Mr. Rick, I’ll go start my dribbling practice now.”

“Good, go ahead. Truly a polite young man…” Coach Rick was evidently pleased with Su Feng’s attitude and manners, nodding in approval.

Arriving at the training court, Su Feng casually picked up a basketball to begin. Thud… thud… thud…

But he’d barely started when a basketball suddenly flew straight at him, carrying a fierce momentum.

“Who’s there?” Su Feng dodged nimbly, then shouted in the direction the ball had come from.

“Sorry, Su Feng, I didn’t mean it.” The culprit was William Card, a center — tall and burly, but with poor technique. Rumor had it his attitude was no better, and his enthusiasm for training was nonexistent.

Su Feng glanced at William Card’s apology; it was almost laughable. Though he mouthed the words, there was no sincerity, only mockery.

“It’s nothing,” Su Feng replied, refusing to stoop to Card’s level, and resumed his dribbling practice.

“Su Feng, there’s something I’ve wanted to say to you for a while. Now that I have the chance, I’ll say it.” William Card suddenly looked at Su Feng and smiled.

Su Feng knew Card wouldn’t say anything pleasant, but for the sake of team harmony, he maintained a polite smile. “Card, if you have something to say, go ahead. I’m listening.”

A flicker of surprise crossed Card’s eyes. He smiled and said, “Honestly, I’ve always believed that you Chinese aren’t meant for basketball. Whether you agree or not, I, William Card, have always thought so. Where you come from isn’t suited for such a noble sport as basketball. It’s just nonsense! So, my advice is: you’d be better off not playing basketball at all.”

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