Basketball System: Rebound of the Underdog-Chapter 574: The Opening Ceremony Starts

The Global Games was a highly anticipated event not only in China but in the entire world.

Therefore, the opening ceremony had a HUGE budget. The arena was filled with flashing lights and roaring applause as thousands of spectators filled the seats.

The floor was bathed in color—bright reds, golds, blues, and greens, each representing the flags of nations from across the globe.

A massive LED screen at the center displayed the event's logo, shimmering brilliantly as it transitioned to the stage.

The announcers' voices boomed across the stadium, bringing an air of anticipation.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Global Games!"

Cheers erupted, echoing off the high ceiling.

"And to officially start this grand event, please welcome your hosts for the night—David and Gina!"

Spotlights cut through the crowd, settling on the two figures walking confidently onto the stage. David, dressed in a sharp black suit that shined under the lights, raised a hand with an easy smile. Gina, in a flowing red gown embroidered with golden details, waved gracefully to the crowd.

"Welcome, everyone!" David's voice was clear and powerful. "Tonight, we come together to celebrate not just competition but camaraderie, culture, and unity of all countries!

Gina stepped forward. "Athletes from all over the world have gathered here to prove themselves. Their dedication, perseverance, and passion have brought them to this moment. And now, let us celebrate their hard work as we introduce the nations!"

The lights dimmed slightly, and a steady drumbeat began to play, growing louder as the large double doors at the far end of the arena slowly opened.

One by one, countries began to march in.

The athletes walked with pride, their flags held high. Each country's name was flashed on the screen as they entered.

The crowd cheered for every team, some louder than others, of course.

"Australia!"

The Australian team entered, their green and gold uniforms catching the light. The group walked with confidence, some of them even stopping to wave exaggeratedly to the crowd, earning chuckles.

"Bahrain!"

"Bangladesh!"

Teams continued to enter, their flags trailing behind them like proud banners of their nations.

But at the back of the staging area, far from the spotlight, Kai stood calmly with Fernando Ching and the talents of their country.

Mr. Liang, their director, was the exact opposite of calm. The mustached man paced back and forth, his face red with stress as he fiddled anxiously with the ends of his mustache. "This is a disaster. We're doomed. Absolutely doomed!"

Fernando stood nearby with his arms crossed, also showing some signs of anxiety.

Mr. Liang kept pacing. "I don't see how this is going to work. Can we fake the fire somehow? Maybe pretend the ball is lit?"

"Fake the fire?!" Johnny Wang asked, spinning to face him. "How do you fake fire? Please, this has never been done before! Do you know how embarrassing this will be if we fail? We'll be the laughingstock of the entire world!"

Kai, on the other hand, stood apart from the others, his expression completely unbothered as he stretched his shoulders. The stress that seemed to consume them didn't touch him.

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Fernando noticed this and scoffed, looking annoyed more than anxious.

"You're awfully calm, aren't you?" He narrowed his eyes at Kai. "Don't be too confident, kid. This shot isn't guaranteed. It's never worked in practice."

Kai turned to him with a small smile. "It'll work."

Fernando clicked his tongue. "And how do you know that?"

"Because I'm going to shoot differently this time," Kai said simply.

Fernando frowned. "Are you crazy?" he exclaimed. "How can you change it at this very second? We're mere moments away from the torch-lighting ceremony!"

"Just do it like you always do, and I'll do the rest," he added with resolution.

Kai glanced over at Mr. Liang, who was practically pulling his mustache out at this point. Calmly, Kai approached him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Director, we can do this."

Mr. Liang looked up at him, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Do this? Do you even understand what's at stake here, Kai? Everyone will be watching! The pressure—"

"—doesn't matter," Kai interrupted softly. "It's just another shot. Like practice."

Fernando let out an exasperated sigh. "And like I said, it has never worked in practice."

Kai turned to him. "I respect you a lot, Sir Fernando. I really do. But you need to trust me on this. I'm the future for a reason, right?"

"You're the one who should shoot like you always do," he said, placing a hand on Fernando's shoulder.

The room fell quiet. Mr. Liang stared at Kai, searching his face for any trace of doubt. He found none.

Mr. Liang pursed his lips. Why was this 16-year-old so charming and convincing?

***

Meanwhile, back in Jilin, more specifically Lina's house, the Shizi Dogs—old and new members alike—were packed into the living room, squeezed onto couches, stools, and even the floor.

The room was filled with testosterone (much to Lina's dismay), with everyone chattering and arguing over snacks.

"Who ate the last dumpling?!" Jet shouted, glaring accusingly at Andy, who was chewing suspiciously.

"It wasn't me!" Andy replied through a mouthful of food.

Amidst the chaos, Mr. Huang stood in the center of the room like a proud general, ladling out bowls of some terrifyingly red stew. "Eat up, boys!" he declared with a booming laugh. "Only the toughest men survive my dishes!"

Caishen, sitting at the farthest corner of the room, took the challenge, wanting to show he was a tough man!

"Turn on the television!" Jet shouted suddenly.

The room went silent for a second before everyone erupted in agreement.

"Turn it on!"

"Opening ceremony!"

"Go, go, go!"

Shang practically dove for the TV, jabbing the power button as the screen turned on. The sound of the roaring crowd filled the room, the camera panning over the grand stadium.

"Where's Kai?" Jet asked, scrambling closer to the screen.

"Be patient," Lina said with a small sigh, though even she leaned forward slightly.

The Shizi Dogs huddled together, their eyes glued to the screen.

"It's still on the A's! China will be up soon," Jinping deadpanned.