At the postgame press conference, reporters pressed Bryce James with questions.
"Do you think Wang Yi will come back and save the team?"
Bryce lowered his head. After a long silence, he finally spoke slowly.
"I've played ball with Boss since I was little. I know how much he loves basketball."
"I'll wait for him to come back, no matter how long it takes."
After finishing his middle school league game, Wang Shiyu watched the Lakers lose on television and turned to Fan Zhiyi.
"Coach Fan, is my dad really not playing anymore?"
Fan Zhiyi patted him on the shoulder and sighed.
"Your dad isn't done playing. He's just tired."
"But the regrets left on the basketball court were never something rest alone could erase."
Wang Shiyu nodded as if he understood, his father's former dominance on the court appearing in his mind.
That was the figure he had watched growing up, the faith of all China Basketball.
On the island, Wang Yi ultimately could not avoid news about basketball.
That evening, he sat on the terrace, gazing at the distant sea when a text from Aiton popped up on his phone.
"Wang, I know you're tired, but the fans need you, the Los Angeles Lakers need you, and basketball needs you too."
"I've retired. My regrets are over. But you shouldn't leave any behind."
Wang Yi looked at the message, his fingers tightening slightly.
He lowered his head to look at his right foot and gently rotated his ankle. Though he no longer had his old explosive power, he could still feel the thrill basketball gave him.
Baiyin came over carrying a bowl of medicinal cuisine and set it before him.
"Your foot can already handle light training."
"Do whatever you want. Don't wrong yourself."
Wang Yi looked up