Chapter 2 Objective: School Team

He has always enjoyed playing basketball, almost every week, or at most every other week on Sundays, he would go to the park to play basketball with Liam. He even participated in the school competition last semester, although he does not wish to reflect on the outcome of that competition

On that occasion, Li Ao did not wish to recall the two matches, as they represented another shameful chapter in a life filled with unmentionable moments

A dark history that one would never wish to mention again

Weight: 89 kilograms

Seeing these two are about to start their idle chatter again, Dean Teng is driving them away

This was the first idea he thought of when the system appeared, and it will be very popular for a period in the future

Others merely regard the person on the podium as a mere teacher, but how could he not know that he is a business magnate? Teaching is merely a hobby for him; he simply enjoys witnessing the clear yet naive expressions of university students.

If I could compete alongside O'Neal, Duncan, Nowitzki, Kobe, Iverson, and others... it seems I am thinking a bit too far ahead

In twenty years, basketball will indeed enter a dark age, but currently, it is a flourishing era for the sport. Let the people of twenty years from now worry about the matters of that time.

Then you pinch yourself!

Li Ao highly agrees with Vivian's statement. Although the Trojans basketball team is rather unremarkable compared to the great Trojan army, when mentioning the formidable basketball teams of USC, it is usually the women's team, known as the Trojan Women Warriors, that is referred to.

Later, he helped the granddaughter of the neighboring professor repair her computer several times. In gratitude, the retired professor recommended him for studying abroad at the University of Southern California

The two individuals decisively left, Vivian went to work overtime, and Li Ao arrived at the classroom with his backpack for class

Without mentioning anything else, just to say that for the past ten years, the two teams have used the same arena, the Trojans, this college basketball team, sells tickets that are even more expensive than those of the Clippers, this professional basketball team

Throughout the basketball scene in Los Angeles, the Purple and Gold Legion undoubtedly stands as the pride of pride. In the hearts of many, the Brown Bears and the Lakers are not too different, followed thereafter by the Trojans.

To hell with the dream of basketball

Can we try it now

Ah ... ...

Last year, when this scoundrel was shorter than him, his combat power was already off the charts. He has a vivid memory of that famous battle where he fought seven opponents at once

Some matters will become unimportant once graduation is reached and one enters society, even if the relationships within the school are not particularly strong. As long as there are no genuine grievances, one might still be able to leverage the connections with classmates.

Age: 18 years (August 1, 1981)

"Oh, Aunt Vivian, you are a fan of the basketball team," Li Ao remarked, "Aunt, it's one thing to say you like a team, but to actually like the Trojans is quite another."

Director Teng truly believes that a significant reason why Li Ao is easily targeted by the delinquents at school is that this kid talks too much

He wants to hit someone

In the mid-1990s domestically, there were many inconveniences, and he was initially quite unaccustomed to them

However, as time went on, he actually came to enjoy the slow-paced life that was difficult to navigate... This was mainly because his family was relatively well-off in this lifetime

When he first crossed over, he eagerly anticipated the appearance of the system and thought of many ways to activate it, such as learning the transformation incantation of Ultraman, trying all the rings at home to see if there was an old man, running in the rain and thunder, and even using the incantation from the magical girl series "Balala the Fairies"... Without exception, all attempts ended in failure

Originally, I intended to study diligently, to focus on my education during the appropriate age, to find a job or start a business in the future, to seize some opportunities that I remembered, to earn some money, and to live a comfortable life...! ... Unexpectedly, a system suddenly appeared!

The memories left by his past told him that he was hurt by love, as he was forced to break up with his young girlfriend due to the intervention of his parents and teachers, drowning his sorrows in alcohol... The crucial point is that after he was sent to the hospital, he was admitted to pediatrics

He closed his eyes, yet he could still see

If the school team does not qualify, the system cannot be activated; thinking too much about it is futile.

He plays basketball quite well, but only within the department. With a height of nearly 2 meters and decent jumping ability, he can dunk over the predominantly overweight students in the Computer Science department, making him a dominant player.

Height: 197 centimeters, Wingspan: 211 centimeters

However, there were still some who had a good relationship with him. As soon as he entered the classroom, a white youth, behaving like a street punk, approached him and said: "Leo, is everything alright this time?"

He personally performed poorly when facing a defender who was a head shorter than him, whether in terms of dribbling or shooting; he either had the ball stolen or was blocked, forcing him to lift the ball to avoid making a mistake

After several attempts, he gave up and accepted reality

Seeing this rich second generation back down, his usual exam results were good, and the professor did not delve deeper, continuing to tell his story

He gained admission by relying on the recommendation letters provided by professors from other schools through the dean. As for Liam Peek, it was straightforward; he ranked first in the entrance examination and is also the son of a board member

It has been 4 years! I have waited a full 4 years!

So he pinched Liam, who was beside him

Liam let out a sigh, then asked Li Ao in a low, irritated voice: "Why are you pinching me?"

Li Ao asked Director Teng: "You only mentioned Saturday morning at 9 o'clock, but did not specify where the training will take place. What if I cannot find the location? Would he use that as an excuse to report me for fighting?"

Liam was about to refute, but the professor arrived for the class, so he could only reluctantly take out his book and listen to the lecture

The way the dean handles matters is not biased at all; there is completely no intention to deal with Li Ao. However, this seems quite normal to Liam

In fact, Liam felt that this fight was somewhat unreasonable. In his understanding, although Li Ao often got into fights, he rarely initiated them; most of the time, it was a case of 'justifiable defense.' Therefore, it was not too troublesome for the dean to handle the situation.

Since I have been given a chance to start over, I should certainly try a different way of life, and playing basketball might be a good attempt

I knew you would be fine! Your background is the dean!

However, this is also one of the reasons why Li Ao has a poor reputation. Although he usually has reasons for fighting and rarely initiates conflict, it is evident that he has connections, as he always comes out unscathed from these altercations. Even a blind person can see that he has backing, and he associates with the wayward son of the school board member, Pique. Birds of a feather flock together, and while his classmates may not openly show him disdain, they certainly avoid him.

It is worth mentioning that he woke up in the hospital, and the reason for his admission was alcohol poisoning

When that assistant came to catch me, you ran faster than a dog. Those who didn't know would think it was a dog-catching team that had arrived

Seeing Li Ao come to class with a backpack like a well-behaved child, as if nothing were wrong, the classmates who were already in the classroom had long since gotten used to it

Li Ao shook his head: "It is merely a trial participation"

One day, four years ago, he woke up and found himself in the 1990s, having become a 14-year-old boy named Li Ao.

However, while playing basketball, he thought of the darkest era in Sino-American basketball more than twenty years later, a future filled with uncertainty...! ... But then he reconsidered, isn't that more than twenty years away? Even if he truly became a professional basketball player, he wouldn't reach that time, would he

Liam has already taken out his phone to send a text message, and Li Ao estimates that this fellow has probably changed his female companion again. It is only when he meets a new female companion that he becomes so proactive in contacting the other party. It is highly likely that the other party's phone was a gift from him, making it convenient for communication

Activate the task: Participate in the school team trial and be selected

If it weren't for the fact that this kid can really fight, he would have been beaten a hundred times already

But he did not ask why; he simply remembered one thing—never say to a Chinese person, 'How are you Japanese people...'

Instead, when Liam heard that the basketball team's head coach had come to see him, his eyes lit up: "Leo, are you going to join the school team?"

He has now confirmed that the system has truly arrived

Do not be deceived by Liam's usual demeanor; he is a genuine second-generation wealthy individual who has received elite education since childhood. His academic workload has been exceedingly heavy throughout his life, which has led him to indulge excessively outside of his studies

Liam patted Li Ao on the back and said, "I have confidence in you! You are the top basketball expert in our entire department!"

Name: Li Ao, English Name: Leo

He repeatedly murmured to himself "open the system" and "close the system". After playing for a while, he still felt somewhat uncertain

Liam nearly broke the tabletop with both hands; if it weren't for the fact that he couldn't defeat that scoundrel, he would have definitely arranged a duel!

Li Ao is very clear about his fundamental purpose for coming to the United States, which is to acquire knowledge and obtain a diploma, and he studies very diligently

Alright, Vivian, you go and resolve Leo's troubles, and Leo, you hurry back to class

I am afraid of pain

At least you still have a bit of conscience

Li Ao assumed a posture of enthusiasm while listening to the story, internally issuing commands, and before him appeared a faint screen that did not obstruct his view yet was clear enough to see distinctly

Yes, he is a time traveler

After putting his mind at ease, Liam began to inquire about how the fight was handled

Although military deterrence spared him from many troubles that international students often encounter, it affected his relationships among classmates

Let's talk after advancing to the school team

Moreover, like other Chinese international students, he possesses a common trait that is generally disliked by his classmates—excellent academic performance, which monopolizes the scholarship opportunities

After that, the most popular are not the Clippers, but rather Inglewood High School and Southern California High School, with the Clippers coming in last.

However, last semester he represented the department team in an intra-school competition, and in the first round, they lost all two matches against the Fine Arts Department, unable to even compete against a group of artists, resulting in their immediate elimination

Henry Bibby angrily left behind a remark, "Trial training at 9 o'clock on Saturday morning"

Li Ao replied irritably: "It's nothing."

The two initially became acquainted due to the formalities of their elders, but later, sharing common interests, particularly their love for gaming, they arranged to meet a few times at the arcade and even got into a fight with some unruly individuals, thus becoming close friends

Vivian responded excitedly, "I know the trial location! I'll take you there on Saturday!"

Liam, not wanting to trouble Li Ao, quickly replied: "No! Of course not! I was just so moved that I couldn't help but make a sound"

After he calmed down, he felt that this road seemed very difficult

However, two or three close friends are sufficient, and he does not care about the opinions of other classmates

Speaking of this, Li Ao felt quite frustrated, his lips twitching as he said: "Our team consists of only 7 people, and two of them are chubby guys who dribble with their palms. The fact that I am the top basketball player in the entire department truly speaks volumes! I must have been out of my mind to let you and Vivian persuade me to represent the team in the college competition, only to be humiliated by the Fine Arts Department. And you, as the point guard, is it really acceptable to break through while dribbling and hit someone's foot?"

God, if I am reported to the old man as your accomplice in the fight, he would surely beat me to death... Moreover, my friend is prepared; in case the dean cannot protect you, even if I get beaten by the old man, I will say that I fought with you, so that he can save you too

The good relationship between the two individuals has been maintained over the long term primarily because it does not involve financial matters, at most I treat you to a meal, and you lend me a newly released game cartridge to play.

He angrily took out his phone and sent a text to someone else, a service worker from the nightclub he often frequents, skilled in various tricks. He wanted to have some fun tonight! Furious!

After he crossed over, he went to the bathroom and looked at the handsome young man in the mirror, whose appearance could rival that of his previous life... He quickly accepted the fact of his crossing over

Until now

Li Ao originally intended to study the newly acquired system, but Liam was too bothersome. With some time left before class, he recounted the process of being 'educated' by the dean.

Li Ao has redirected his attention back to the system

Everyone's gaze was focused on Liam, and the professor seemed to squeeze out the words from between his teeth: "The kid from the Pick family, did I say anything wrong?"

However, stepping on the Clippers is still acceptable

"I am a bit sleepy, afraid I might fall asleep," Li Ao said, switching to an innocent expression.

This young Caucasian man is Li Ao's closest friend in class and the first classmate he met upon arriving at USC, Liam Peek, who is two years his senior

As the saying goes, university classmates may be the most outstanding group of people you encounter in your life; university professors may be the most exceptional individuals from society that you have the opportunity to engage with in your lifetime

After the professor had covered most of the lecture content, he began to share inspirational stories, recounting how difficult it was during the early stages of his entrepreneurship. If it weren't for Li Ao having heard Liam's complaints about the real version, he might have actually believed it.

A year has passed, and this fellow has gained over 20 pounds; he can no longer ascertain the true extent of this creature's combat capability

In the early 1980s, his parents, after the market economy was opened, decisively abandoned their stable jobs to venture into business. With both capability and luck on their side, they have now established a factory. Although the scale is not large, their family is relatively well-off, which has afforded him the opportunity to enjoy a slow-paced life

Both individuals have excellent academic performance, which is one of the reasons they are able to get along well with each other

Li Ao, who was originally both interested and despairing about this system, became excited

Vivian said discontentedly: "What’s wrong with the Trojans? This is our school’s team... At least they are better than the Clippers"

This is indeed...