Volume One: I Came, I Saw, I Conquered!

Volume One: I Came, I Saw, I Conquered! Chapter 29: Christmas

"...three-pointer for Curry, and he got it!" Curry's three-pointer went in! He was on fire today. He'd already hit six three-pointers and scored 28 points, cementing his place as the NCAA's leading scorer.

Bang!

The American Midwest was a vast plain. Every winter, cold air from Greenland swept across the flatlands of Canada and surged southward without obstruction, bringing endless gales and blizzards.

Dale heard Seth and hurried to finish setting up the Christmas tree before coming over.

"We're two minutes from the end, and Butler's up by 15... Oh! Evansville misses the three, and that seals their defeat!"

At the Curry home, Dale and Seth were setting up the Christmas tree in the living room, while Sonya and Siddell cooked in the kitchen. The family was making its final preparations for Christmas Eve.

Julian Becko was chatting and joking with Mike Green, his expressions wildly exaggerated.

Stonehaven Community, however, glowed with lights. Every home rang with laughter, and its warm, festive atmosphere stood in stark contrast to the howling winds and blizzard outside.

Kobe was having an off night. Though he'd averaged 30.5 points per game so far this season, tonight he'd made just four of 17 shots, missing 13, and had relied on free throws to score a mere 16 points. With O'Neal out, Wade had put up 40 points, 11 assists, four rebounds, four steals, and four blocks. He'd been incredibly well-rounded, shooting a remarkable 60 percent and thoroughly outplaying Kobe. The Heat had ultimately crushed the Lakers, 101–85.

After the game, the Bulldogs returned to the locker room with smiles on their faces.

"Woof, woof, woof!"

Just then, the doorbell rang. Dale called for Seth to answer it.

"Let's congratulate Butler on its seventh straight win! Since losing to Purdue University, the Bulldogs haven't lost a game. With a 12–1 record, they're sitting atop the Horizon League!"

"Stephen invited me to spend Christmas with you. Didn't he tell you?" Curry pouted. "Looks like you all want to keep practicing."

Of course, Dale conveniently ignored all the jewelry and designer clothes he'd given Miss Daisy.

"That might not be a bad idea..."

At Hinkle Fieldhouse, Butler University's game against the University of Evansville was drawing to a close.

But they were destined to miss out on the NBA. After college, they'd either give up basketball or play in some low-level overseas league. They didn't need all this attention, and they wouldn't be competing with Curry for it.

"What? Mike and Boss..."

Just then, the doorbell rang. Dale called for Seth to answer it.

Though the fans in the arena couldn't hear the announcer's excited commentary, they all stood up and waved their arms, cheering wildly for the team's victory.

Julian Becko was chatting and joking with Mike Green, his expressions wildly exaggerated.

"We're two minutes from the end, and Butler's up by 15... Oh! Evansville misses the three, and that seals their defeat!"

By then, the snow had stopped. The street outside reflected a faint silver glow beneath the streetlights. Snow piled on the trees, occasionally shaking loose in the gale and swirling beneath the lights like something out of a dream.

"Easy now. Move it a little farther to the left... That's it. All done!"

"You can thank me for that. You couldn't run fast or jump high back then. They inherited all their athletic genes from me!"

Ever since the first game against Indiana State, Zhang Yu had taken Curry along for postgame interviews every time, but the other players had never voiced any complaints.

It was December 22, just two days before Christmas. The Bulldogs had beaten Evansville 74–60 at home, giving their fans the best Christmas present they could ask for.

Charlotte, Stonehaven Community.

"Sorry you and Stephen had to drive back through all that snow."

"Ding—" Zhang Yu set down the backpack he'd been carrying and smiled.

Zhang Yu set down the backpack he'd been carrying and smiled.

Stonehaven Community, however, glowed with lights. Every home rang with laughter, and its warm, festive atmosphere stood in stark contrast to the howling winds and blizzard outside.

At the Curry home, Dale and Seth were setting up the Christmas tree in the living room, while Sonya and Siddell cooked in the kitchen. The family was making its final preparations for Christmas Eve.

Of course, Dale conveniently ignored all the jewelry and designer clothes he'd given Miss Daisy.

After the game, the Bulldogs returned to the locker room with smiles on their faces.

"Ronan, thank you. Stephen wouldn't have played this well without you."

Dale sighed to himself, his mind troubled. But he knew there was no point in saying anything; it would only earn him more nagging.

Watching everyone laughing and having a good time, Zhang Yu shook his head with a smile.

Dale heard Seth and hurried to finish setting up the Christmas tree before coming over.

Julian Becko was chatting and joking with Mike Green, his expressions wildly exaggerated.

"Let's congratulate Butler on its seventh straight win! Since losing to Purdue University, the Bulldogs haven't lost a game. With a 12–1 record, they're sitting atop the Horizon League!"

"Why isn't Stephen back yet?" Sonya asked as she put the turkey in the oven, wiping sweat from her forehead.

His words made everyone laugh. Zhang Yu was tempted. "Maybe it's because of the blizzard. He said I didn't need to pick him up." Dale said it casually.

Dale lifted a glass of red wine and toasted Zhang Yu. "Coach, why don't you come spend Christmas at my place?"

Curry suddenly cut in.

"Ding—" He'd been in a good mood all season.

Though the fans in the arena couldn't hear the announcer's excited commentary, they all stood up and waved their arms, cheering wildly for the team's victory.

After the game, the Bulldogs returned to the locker room with smiles on their faces.

"Let's congratulate Butler on its seventh straight win! Since losing to Purdue University, the Bulldogs haven't lost a game. With a 12–1 record, they're sitting atop the Horizon League!"

"Ding—"

He exclaimed when he saw Zhang Yu behind Curry and quickly stepped aside to let them in.

Zhang Yu still hadn't made him a starter, but he often ran a small lineup with one big and four guards.

Sonya gave him a disdainful look.

After dinner, they gathered in the living room to watch TV. TNT was airing the Christmas Day Game, with the Heat facing the Lakers.

"Maybe not," Julian said quickly, waving his hands.

Curry and Zhang Yu didn't enter right away. They stamped their feet at the door to shake off the snow, then went inside and changed into slippers.

The locker room door swung open, and Zhang Yu and Curry came in. They'd just finished giving interviews.

But they were destined to miss out on the NBA. After college, they'd either give up basketball or play in some low-level overseas league. They didn't need all this attention, and they wouldn't be competing with Curry for it.

"My foolish brother, did you get soaked in all this snow? ... Ah, Coach Z! Come on in!"

Julian Becko's playing time had increased significantly from last season, and his role in the team's tactics had grown as well.

He exclaimed when he saw Zhang Yu behind Curry and quickly stepped aside to let them in.

"What else? Turkey, mincemeat pie, ham, pudding, salmon... It's been the same since we were kids."

"Ah! Get your hands off me... I'm sorry, big brother, I'm sorry!" Seth cried, trying to get away. But after months of training, Curry had gotten much stronger, and Seth couldn't break free. He could only hunch his shoulders and beg for mercy.

Julian Becko's playing time had increased significantly from last season, and his role in the team's tactics had grown as well.

Bang!

"Coach, Mike's gay. He said he loves you!"

"Your place?" Zhang Yu asked curiously.

The locker room door swung open, and Zhang Yu and Curry came in. They'd just finished giving interviews.

"Coach, I love you!"

"You never pay enough attention to the kids. You were the same way when you were still playing. I had to take care of everything at home..." Sonya began her usual scolding of Dale.

Ever since the first game against Indiana State, Zhang Yu had taken Curry along for postgame interviews every time, but the other players had never voiced any complaints.

"Coach, Mike's gay. He said he loves you!"

"We're two minutes from the end, and Butler's up by 15... Oh! Evansville misses the three, and that seals their defeat!"

"Stephen! If you're tired of the usual food, how about some oatmeal tonight? Want bread with it?"

Her voice wasn't loud, but Sonya still heard her.

At the Curry home, Dale and Seth were setting up the Christmas tree in the living room, while Sonya and Siddell cooked in the kitchen. The family was making its final preparations for Christmas Eve.

The players all laughed. Evansville was one of those NCAA teams that flew under the radar, with weak defense, so everyone and their dog had put up impressive numbers against them.

After the game, the Bulldogs returned to the locker room with smiles on their faces.

Dale heard Seth and hurried to finish setting up the Christmas tree before coming over.

Julian Becko's playing time had increased significantly from last season, and his role in the team's tactics had grown as well.

The players all laughed. Evansville was one of those NCAA teams that flew under the radar, with weak defense, so everyone and their dog had put up impressive numbers against them.

The players all laughed. Evansville was one of those NCAA teams that flew under the radar, with weak defense, so everyone and their dog had put up impressive numbers against them.

"Maybe not," Julian said quickly, waving his hands.

"You can thank me for that. You couldn't run fast or jump high back then. They inherited all their athletic genes from me!"

This year was no different. On Christmas Eve, Charlotte was buried under heavy snowfall. Flakes drifted down, turning the city into a silver-white world. Leaden clouds hung low in the sky. Though it was only afternoon, few people were out on the streets.

"Coach, we've won seven in a row. Do we get a reward?" Julian Becko asked boldly.

Julian Becko's playing time had increased significantly from last season, and his role in the team's tactics had grown as well.

"Why isn't Stephen back yet?" Sonya asked as she put the turkey in the oven, wiping sweat from her forehead.

Curry looked enviously at Wade being interviewed courtside after the game and murmured, "When will I be able to score 40 against Kobe..."

At the Curry home, Dale and Seth were setting up the Christmas tree in the living room, while Sonya and Siddell cooked in the kitchen. The family was making its final preparations for Christmas Eve.

The players all laughed. Evansville was one of those NCAA teams that flew under the radar, with weak defense, so everyone and their dog had put up impressive numbers against them.

The players all laughed. Evansville was one of those NCAA teams that flew under the radar, with weak defense, so everyone and their dog had put up impressive numbers against them.

"Maybe not," Julian said quickly, waving his hands.

"Your fault, really. You couldn't run fast or jump high back then. They inherited all their athletic genes from me!"

Julian Becko's playing time had increased significantly from last season, and his role in the team's tactics had grown as well.

Julian Becko's playing time had increased significantly from last season, and his role in the team's tactics had grown as well.

After dinner, they gathered in the living room to watch TV. TNT was airing the Christmas Day Game, with the Heat facing the Lakers.

"Why isn't Stephen back yet?" Sonya asked as she put the turkey in the oven, wiping sweat from her forehead.

Just then, the doorbell rang. Dale called for Seth to answer it.

"Coach, we've won seven in a row. Do we get a reward?" Julian Becko asked boldly.

"Sorry you and Stephen had to drive back through all that snow."

"Maybe not," Julian said quickly, waving his hands.

The players all laughed. Evansville was one of those NCAA teams that flew under the radar, with weak defense, so everyone and their dog had put up impressive numbers against them.

"Why isn't Stephen back yet?" Sonya asked as she put the turkey in the oven, wiping sweat from her forehead.

Just then, the doorbell rang. Dale called for Seth to answer it.

"Let's congratulate Butler on its seventh straight win! Since losing to Purdue University, the Bulldogs haven't lost a game. With a 12–1 record, they're sitting atop the Horizon League!"

"Coach, Mike's gay. He said he loves you!"

"Maybe it's the blizzard. He said I didn't need to pick him up." Dale said it casually.

Dale lifted a glass of red wine and toasted Zhang Yu.

"I want to surprise you all."

"Everyone played great today. Drew made the paint a fortress, and AJ's off-ball movement keeps getting smarter. Campbell, I'm curious what other kinds of dunks you've got up your sleeve... And of course, Stephen was the biggest reason we won."

His words made everyone laugh. Zhang Yu was tempted.

"Coach, we've won seven in a row. Do we get a reward?" Julian Becko asked boldly.

Zhang Yu still hadn't made him a starter, but he often ran a small lineup with one big and four guards.

Sonya gave him a disdainful look.

"Woof, woof, woof!"

"Why isn't Stephen back yet?" Sonya asked as she put the turkey in the oven, wiping sweat from her forehead.

Curry looked enviously at Wade being interviewed courtside after the game and murmured, "When will I be able to score 40 against Kobe..."

At the Curry home, Dale and Seth were setting up the Christmas tree in the living room, while Sonya and Siddell cooked in the kitchen. The family was making its final preparations for Christmas Eve.

The players all laughed. Evansville was one of those NCAA teams that flew under the radar, with weak defense, so everyone and their dog had put up impressive numbers against them.

The players all laughed. Evansville was one of those NCAA teams that flew under the radar, with weak defense, so everyone and their dog had put up impressive numbers against them.

"Maybe not," Julian said quickly, waving his hands.

"Your fault, really. You couldn't run fast or jump high back then. They inherited all their athletic genes from me!"

"Coach, we've won seven in a row. Do we get a reward?" Julian Becko asked boldly.

"Maybe not," Julian said quickly, waving his hands.

"Sorry you and Stephen had to drive back through all that snow."

This year was no different. On Christmas Eve, Charlotte was buried under heavy snowfall. Flakes drifted down, turning the city into a silver-white world. Leaden clouds hung low in the sky. Though it was only afternoon, few people were out on the streets.

"Coach, we've won seven in a row. Do we get a reward?" Julian Becko asked boldly.

Dale heard Seth and hurried to finish setting up the Christmas tree before coming over.

"We're two minutes from the end, and Butler's up by 15... Oh! Evansville misses the three, and that seals their defeat!"

Of course, Dale conveniently ignored all the jewelry and designer clothes he'd given Miss Daisy.

Zhang Yu gave him a sidelong look.

Charlotte, Stonehaven Community.

It was December 22, just two days before Christmas. The Bulldogs had beaten Evansville 74–60 at home, giving their fans the best Christmas present they could ask for.

Zhang Yu saw them getting more and more carried away, and his expression darkened. He let out a cold laugh.

"Sorry you and Stephen had to drive back through all that snow."

In the middle of all the laughter, time flew by. That evening, Curry and Seth carried dish after dish to the table, and everyone sat down to eat.

Kobe was having an off night. Though he'd averaged 30.5 points per game so far this season, tonight he'd made just four of 17 shots, missing 13, and had relied on free throws to score a mere 16 points. With O'Neal out, Wade had put up 40 points, 11 assists, four rebounds, four steals, and four blocks. He'd been incredibly well-rounded, shooting a remarkable 60 percent and thoroughly outplaying Kobe. The Heat had ultimately crushed the Lakers, 101–85.

Curry looked enviously at Wade being interviewed courtside after the game and murmured, "When will I be able to score 40 against Kobe..."

"Don't even think about it. That's Staples. Forget scoring 40—you'd be lucky not to slip and fall."

Zhang Yu looked at the happy crowd and shook his head, smiling.

"Coach, we've won seven in a row. Do we get a reward?" Julian Becko asked boldly.

"Coach, you've got to come spend Christmas at my place," Curry suddenly cut in.

Kobe was having an off night. Though he'd averaged 30.5 points per game so far this season, tonight he'd made just four of 17 shots, missing 13, and had relied on free throws to score a mere 16 points. With O'Neal out, Wade had put up 40 points, 11 assists, four rebounds, four steals, and four blocks. He'd been incredibly well-rounded, shooting a remarkable 60 percent and thoroughly outplaying Kobe. The Heat had ultimately crushed the Lakers, 101–85.

"Maybe it's the blizzard. He said I didn't need to pick him up." Dale said it casually.

"Ding—"

Stevens was leaning against the wall, looking at his phone. At the sound of that, he didn't even look up. "Come to my place. Tracy won't get jealous."

Zhang Yu saw them getting more and more carried away, and his expression darkened. He let out a cold laugh.

"Coach, you've got to come spend Christmas at my place," Curry suddenly cut in.

But they were destined to miss out on the NBA. After college, they'd either give up basketball or play in some low-level overseas league. They didn't need all this attention, and they wouldn't be competing with Curry for it.

"Maybe it's the blizzard. He said I didn't need to pick him up." Dale said it casually.

"Maybe not," Julian said quickly, waving his hands.

"Ha ha ha!"

"Easy now. Move it a little farther to the left... That's it. All done!"

"Ronan, thank you. Stephen wouldn't have played this well without you."

His mind conjured up the image of a gentle woman: a young assistant assigned to Dale by the sports department at a Charlotte TV station. They had a lot in common and would sometimes have deep, soul-stirring conversations.

"Coach, you've got to come spend Christmas at my place," Curry suddenly cut in.

"Coach, we've won seven in a row. Do we get a reward?" Julian Becko asked boldly.

"Maybe it's the blizzard. He said I didn't need to pick him up." Dale said it casually.

"Ha ha ha!"

"Maybe not," Julian said quickly, waving his hands.

"Coach, you've got to come spend Christmas at my place," Curry suddenly cut in.

Kobe was having an off night. Though he'd averaged 30.5 points per game so far this season, tonight he'd made just four of 17 shots, missing 13, and had relied on free throws to score a mere 16 points. With O'Neal out, Wade had put up 40 points, 11 assists, four rebounds, four steals, and four blocks. He'd been incredibly well-rounded, shooting a remarkable 60 percent and thoroughly outplaying Kobe. The Heat had ultimately crushed the Lakers, 101–85.

"You guys, I've got this. I've decided: tomorrow's practice is canceled. You get an extra day off and can enjoy Christmas."

"Stephen! If you're tired of the usual food, how about some oatmeal tonight? Want bread with it?" Her voice wasn't loud, but Sonya still heard her.

"Ding—"

Stevens was leaning against the wall, looking at his phone. At the sound of that, he didn't even look up.

Julian Becko's playing time had increased significantly from last season, and his role in the team's tactics had grown as well.

Julian Becko's playing time had increased significantly from last season, and his role in the team's tactics had grown as well.

After dinner, they gathered in the living room to watch TV. TNT was airing the Christmas Day Game, with the Heat facing the Lakers.

"Why isn't Stephen back yet?" Sonya asked as she put the turkey in the oven, wiping sweat from her forehead.

"You guys, I've got this. I've decided: tomorrow's practice is canceled. You get an extra day off and can enjoy Christmas."

Tap!

He'd been in a good mood all season.

"Ronan, thank you. Stephen wouldn't have played this well without you."

"...three-pointer for Curry, and he got it!" Curry's three-pointer went in! He was on fire today. He'd already hit six three-pointers and scored 28 points, cementing his place as the NCAA's leading scorer.

"Stephen! If you're tired of the usual food, how about some oatmeal tonight? Want bread with it?" Her voice wasn't loud, but Sonya still heard her.

Curry and Zhang Yu still hadn't gone inside. They stamped their feet at the door to shake off the snow, then went in and changed into slippers.

"We're two minutes from the end, and Butler's up by 15... Oh! Evansville misses the three, and that seals their defeat!"

Of course, Dale conveniently ignored all the jewelry and designer clothes he'd given Miss Daisy.

Zhang Yu gave him a sidelong look.

Charlotte, Stonehaven Community.

It was December 22, just two days before Christmas. The Bulldogs had beaten Evansville 74–60 at home, giving their fans the best Christmas present they could ask for.

Zhang Yu saw them getting more and more carried away, and his expression darkened. He let out a cold laugh.

"Sorry you and Stephen had to drive back through all that snow."

In the middle of all the laughter, time flew by. That evening, Curry and Seth carried dish after dish to the table, and everyone sat down to eat.

Kobe was having an off night. Though he'd averaged 30.5 points per game so far this season, tonight he'd made just four of 17 shots, missing 13, and had relied on free throws to score a mere 16 points. With O'Neal out, Wade had put up 40 points, 11 assists, four rebounds, four steals, and four blocks. He'd been incredibly well-rounded, shooting a remarkable 60 percent and thoroughly outplaying Kobe. The Heat had ultimately crushed the Lakers, 101–85.

"Coach, you've got to come spend Christmas at my place," Curry suddenly cut in.

"You guys, I've got this. I've decided: tomorrow's practice is canceled. You get an extra day off and can enjoy Christmas."

"Maybe it's the blizzard. He said I didn't need to pick him up." Dale said it casually.

"...three-pointer for Curry, and he got it!" Curry's three-pointer went in! He was on fire today. He'd already hit six three-pointers and scored 28 points, cementing his place as the NCAA's leading scorer.

Seth opened the door and teased him.

Curry pouted. "Stephen invited me to spend Christmas with you. Didn't he tell you?"

"Your fault, really. You couldn't run fast or jump high back then. They inherited all their athletic genes from me!"

Bang!

Although the fans in the arena couldn't hear the announcer's excited commentary, they all stood up and waved their arms, cheering wildly for the team's victory.

At Hinkle Fieldhouse, Butler University's game against the University of Evansville was drawing to a close.

"We've won seven in a row. Do we get a reward?" Julian Becko asked boldly.

"Come to my place. Tracy won't get jealous."

"Coach, we've won seven in a row. Do we get a reward?" Julian Becko asked boldly.

Zhang Yu still hadn't made him a starter, but he often ran a small lineup with one big and four guards.

"Come on, you can trust my genes. Besides Stephen, Seth will be a sharpshooter too." Zhang Yu raised his glass with a smile.

Although the fans in the arena couldn't hear the announcer's excited commentary, they all stood up and waved their arms, cheering wildly for the team's victory.

At Hinkle Fieldhouse, Butler University's game against the University of Evansville was drawing to a close.

"Ah! Get your hands off me... I'm sorry, big brother, I'm sorry!" Seth cried, trying to get away. But after months of training, Curry had gotten much stronger, and Seth couldn't break free. He could only hunch his shoulders and beg for mercy.

Seth opened the door and teased him.

Curry pouted. "Stephen invited me to spend Christmas with you. Didn't he tell you?"

"In my mind, I can see a gentle woman..." Wait—his mind conjured up a gentle woman: a young assistant assigned to Dale by the sports department at a Charlotte TV station. They had a lot in common and would sometimes have deep, soul-stirring conversations.

"Come on, you can trust my genes. Besides Stephen, Seth will be a sharpshooter too." Zhang Yu raised his glass with a smile.

Although the fans in the arena couldn't hear the announcer's excited commentary, they all stood up and waved their arms, cheering wildly for the team's victory.

"Coach, you've got to come spend Christmas at my place," Curry suddenly cut in.

"What?" Curry looked baffled. He couldn't understand what his coach meant.

"Sorry, you and Stephen had to drive back through all that snow."

Tap!

"Maybe you're right. It is Staples. Forget scoring 40—you'd be lucky not to slip and fall."

"You guys, I've got this. I've decided: tomorrow's practice is canceled. You get an extra day off and can enjoy Christmas."

"Ha ha ha!"

"Why isn't Stephen back yet?" Sonya asked as she put the turkey in the oven, wiping sweat from her forehead.

His mind conjured up the image of a gentle woman: a young assistant assigned to Dale by the sports department at a Charlotte TV station. They had a lot in common and would sometimes have deep, soul-stirring conversations.

"Stephen invited me to spend Christmas with you. Didn't he tell you?"

"Ronan, thank you. Stephen wouldn't have played this well without you."

His mind conjured up the image of a gentle woman: a young assistant assigned to Dale by the sports department at a Charlotte TV station. They had a lot in common and would sometimes have deep, soul-stirring conversations.

"Maybe not," Julian said quickly, waving his hands.

"Ha ha ha!"

"Maybe it's the blizzard. He said I didn't need to pick him up." Dale said it casually.

"Come on, you can trust my genes. Besides Stephen, Seth will be a sharpshooter too." Zhang Yu raised his glass with a smile.

"Coach, you've got to come spend Christmas at my place," Curry suddenly cut in.

Kobe was having an off night. Though he'd averaged 30.5 points per game so far this season, tonight he'd made just four of 17 shots, missing 13, and had relied on free throws to score a mere 16 points. With O'Neal out, Wade had put up 40 points, 11 assists, four rebounds, four steals, and four blocks. He'd been incredibly well-rounded, shooting a remarkable 60 percent and thoroughly outplaying Kobe. The Heat had ultimately crushed the Lakers, 101–85.

"Maybe it's the blizzard. He said I didn't need to pick him up." Dale said it casually.

"Ha ha ha!"

"Ha ha ha!"

"Why isn't Stephen back yet?" Sonya asked as she put the turkey in the oven, wiping sweat from her forehead.

"Coach, you've got to come spend Christmas at my place," Curry suddenly cut in.

"Maybe not," Julian said quickly, waving his hands.

"Don't even think about it. That's Staples. Forget scoring 40—you'd be lucky not to slip and fall."

"Don't even think about it. That's Staples. Forget scoring 40—you'd be lucky not to slip and fall."

"Maybe it's the blizzard. He said I didn't need to pick him up." Dale said it casually.

"Ha ha ha!"

"Ha ha ha!"

"You guys, I've got this. I've decided: tomorrow's practice is canceled. You get an extra day off and can enjoy Christmas."

"Tap!"

He'd been in a good mood all season.

"Ronan, thank you. Stephen wouldn't have played this well without you."

"...three-pointer for Curry, and he got it!" Curry's three-pointer went in! He was on fire today. He'd already hit six three-pointers and scored 28 points, cementing his place as the NCAA's leading scorer.

Seth opened the door and teased him.

Curry pouted. "Stephen invited me to spend Christmas with you. Didn't he tell you?"

"Ah! Get your hands off me... I'm sorry, big brother, I'm sorry!" Seth cried, trying to get away. But after months of training, Curry had gotten much stronger, and Seth couldn't break free. He could only hunch his shoulders and beg for mercy.

"Why isn't Stephen back yet?" Sonya asked as she put the turkey in the oven, wiping sweat from her forehead.

"Maybe it's the blizzard. He said I didn't need to pick him up." Dale said it casually.

"Coach, we've won seven in a row. Do we get a reward?" Julian Becko asked boldly.

"Come on, you can trust my genes. Besides Stephen, Seth will be a sharpshooter too." Zhang Yu raised his glass with a smile.

"Stephen! If you're tired of the usual food, how about some oatmeal tonight? Want bread with it?" Her voice wasn't loud, but Sonya still heard her.

Curry and Zhang Yu still hadn't gone inside. They stamped their feet at the door to shake off the snow, then went in and changed into slippers.

"Coach, we've won seven in a row. Do we get a reward?" Julian Becko asked boldly.

"Ronan, thank you. Stephen wouldn't have played this well without you."

His mind conjured up the image of a gentle woman: a young assistant assigned to Dale by the sports department at a Charlotte TV station. They had a lot in common and would sometimes have deep, soul-stirring conversations.

"You guys, I've got this. I've decided: tomorrow's practice is canceled. You get an extra day off and can enjoy Christmas."

"Ha ha ha!"

"Ha ha ha!"

"Come on, you can trust my genes. Besides Stephen, Seth will be a sharpshooter too." Zhang Yu raised his glass with a smile.

"Why isn't Stephen back yet?" Sonya asked as she put the turkey in the oven, wiping sweat from her forehead.

"Coach, you've got to come spend Christmas at my place," Curry suddenly cut in.

"Ha ha ha!"

"Ding—"