Chapter 142: The Opening (Part I)

Robert Lee was born into a Chinese-American family. His ancestors were "piglets"—laborers deceived and shipped to North America to build the Pacific Railroad during the final years of the Qing Dynasty, a time when that ancient nation was sinking into the most miserable depths of its thousands-year history, long before the Republic was ever established.

That railroad, spanning the North American continent, brought new economic vitality to the burgeoning nation. Yet, beneath every single railway tie lay the soul of a tragic Chinese laborer. After enduring countless hardships, Robert’s ancestors eventually took root in that land, relying on the deep-seated spirit of diligence and perseverance ingrained in their souls. Through generations of struggle, the Lee family had become a prominent titan of the restaurant industry across the entire West Coast.

Although Robert had a Chinese name, Li Ran, he preferred that his friends call him Robert. He held no deep affection for this Eastern "homeland" he barely understood. He spoke fluent American English, listened to rap music filled with urban slang, watched one commercial Hollywood film after another, and enjoyed the greatest "freedom" that capitalism could offer. It could be said that were it not for his yellow skin and the Chinese language his father insisted he learn, Robert Lee would never have considered himself Chinese. In his own mind, he was simply a North American.

Participating in this tournament—which most of his teammates viewed as "low-level"—was a matter of necessity for Robert. Firstly, his father and grandfather demanded his participation, threatening to reduce his future inheritance otherwise. Secondly, Robert, a basketball enthusiast, had gone undrafted in the NBA that year. He couldn't even find a team in the NBA’s developmental league, the NBDL, willing to take him on, despite having been a four-year starter in college. While his university team lacked major achievements, they had never missed the NCAA Tournament’s field of sixty-four, and Robert’s stats had been among the best on the team.

Robert Lee did not want to abandon his basketball career so easily to settle into a life of ease living off his family’s fortune. He wasn't trying to prove anything; he simply loved the game and its passionate intensity. Since he couldn't let it go, he had to find another path to a basketball career. Thus, despite his inherent resistance toward the Republic, he joined the North American Chinese Youth Team.

To many, a Chinese-American harboring such aversion toward his ancestral home might be seen as a traitor. However, one must consider that in the environment where Robert grew up, his home life aside, he was surrounded by constant defamation and discrimination against the East. Growing up in such a climate, Robert could either become a spineless coward or do whatever it took to assimilate into his surroundings. Ultimately, it was precisely his lack of understanding that fueled his resistance toward his "homeland."

Now, having reached the finals against a team from a remote region, Robert was filled with anticipation for the championship. After all, it would be the first honor of his basketball career.

As he reached the center circle, Robert looked at the player of similar height standing before him and felt a sudden sense of relief. It was fortunate that he was facing another short center like himself. It was, in fact, his height that had kept teams from signing him.

The referee tossed the ball high into the air. Robert reacted instantly. His explosive power was far superior to that of his opponent, Hawul, and he won the jump ball without suspense.

Hawul had been quite excited for this game, as it was his first time facing an inside player of his own height. He had hoped to contest the jump ball, but he hadn't expected his opponent's spring speed to be so fast. By the time Hawul prepared to jump, his opponent was already airborne. Hawul gritted his teeth, secretly resolving to lose weight and increase his plyometric training after this.

The North American Youth Team launched an immediate attack. They were a team built on offense, and their starters were known for their speed.

After winning the jump ball, Robert landed and immediately turned to sprint toward the basket to join the offense. Just as he turned, he brushed against the approaching Hawul. A sudden, massive force hit him, and Robert glanced at Hawul in disbelief as the other player ran past. He had not expected a short inside player of the same height to possess such immense raw power.

Stumbling slightly as he continued toward the rim, Robert refocused on the game.

The North American Youth Team's point guard accelerated as soon as he crossed the half-court line, with the somewhat slender Turgun alongside him. The guard slowed slightly and then changed direction, attempting to shake off Turgun, but Turgun seized the chance to stick to him, aiming to disrupt the fast break. By this time, Robert Lee had already charged past the three-point line. His explosive power was immense, and he was significantly faster than Hawul, who was still recovering on defense.

The North American guard didn't bother dribbling further and tossed the ball toward the rim. Turgun, in front of him, attempted to jump and intercept, but he was a split second too late.

Robert Lee, having reached the free-throw line, took one step into the paint and launched himself upward. His body was fully extended in the air, and the ball arrived at its peak just as he reached it. Balancing himself perfectly in mid-air, Robert caught the ball with both hands and slammed it directly into the hoop.

Under the massive force of the dunk, the rim creaked, drawing a roar of cheers from the spectators. The Frontier Youth Team players beneath the basket were left stunned.

Robert Lee’s spectacular alley-oop demonstrated his incredible physical prowess. He was indeed not tall, but his explosive power and body control were astonishing. If not for that, he could never have played as an inside starter in college at under two meters tall.

The Frontier Youth Team players were rattled; they had never encountered an opponent like this before. Such physical ability was extremely rare among domestic players.

On the sidelines, Wang Lei frowned. The strength displayed by the North American Youth Team was truly formidable and differed greatly from domestic youth teams. Compared to the local squads, the Frontier Youth Team was known for its speed, yet that speed seemed merely ordinary when put to the test against the North American Youth Team.

"Come on! Let's get one back! Keep pushing!"

Wang Zhao-hui fulfilled his role as captain on the court. Seeing his teammates momentarily dazed, he immediately encouraged them. The team could not afford to be intimidated by a single play.