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

Volume One: I Came, I Saw, I Conquered! Chapter Nine: Curry Doubts Himself

Curry Arena fell silent. Zhang Yu's words seemed to have a kind of magic, conjuring up images in Curry's mind of himself dominating the court as fans cheered wildly. After the server left, Curry let out a sigh. At Zhang Yu's suggestion, they had come to an Indiana-style barbecue restaurant. Curry was nothing like the superstar he would become—battle-hardened, unshakably confident, and full of conviction. He was just a young man, repeatedly rejected and unsure of what the future held. Zhang Yu had seen countless clips of Curry sinking three-pointers and dominating the court, but now he was seeing the young man's awkward, uncertain side. "Stephen, you don't need to bulk up. At least, not right now," Zhang Yu said seriously.

"He used to hate eating. It was only after so many people called him scrawny that he recently started trying so hard to put on weight," Dell said helplessly.

"..." Curry was at a loss for words. He'd been raised to be humble, and had never met anyone this conceited. That was what he'd dreamed of, what he'd worked toward. Curry gave an embarrassed smile. "Of course. Trust me, I'm a good judge of character. I've seen plenty of cases like yours," Zhang Yu said firmly.

"Of course you'll make it to the NBA. And not only that—you'll become a star!" Zhang Yu sounded absolutely certain.

"Coach, why do you have so much confidence in me?"

"Can I really do it?" Curry murmured to himself.

"You sure have a lot of faith in that baby-faced kid. You even want him to change positions," Stevens said with a scoff.

"No, no. I just thought of something that made me happy." Zhang Yu waved his hands quickly.

"Sure." Zhang Yu smiled.

Why did Coach Ronan look so excited? Ever since I met him, there's been something strange about the way he looks at me...

In Zhang Yu's mind, Curry was no longer an NBA superstar. He was a real, living Stephen Curry—a high schooler about to enter college, troubled by his baby face.

"Coach, can I buy you a cup of coffee?" After being rejected again and again, even the fiercely competitive Curry had begun to doubt himself.

American-style barbecue was popular across the country, but each state had its own distinctive style. Locals loved it, and its shared foundations meant visitors could enjoy it without feeling out of place.

American-style barbecue was popular across the country, but each state had its own distinctive style. Locals loved it, and its shared foundations meant visitors could enjoy it without feeling out of place.

Zhang Yu thought for a moment, then said, "Trust me. You can do it. I wouldn't gamble with the team's results."

"Did you forget your shooting display just now? Matthew was completely won over by your performance," Zhang Yu said.

In truth, Curry had always doubted his future. He'd never imagined he could become a superstar. His biggest dream was simply to make it in the NBA.

"I think so too. As the youngest head coach in the NCAA, I can't exactly call myself a prodigy, but I'm definitely talented," Zhang Yu said.

"I agree to let Stephen join the Bulldogs!"

"Can I really do it?" Curry murmured to himself.

Matthew Graves gave an embarrassed smile.

"Of course. Trust me, I'm a good judge of character. I've seen plenty of cases like yours," Zhang Yu said firmly.

"Of course you'll make it to the NBA. And not only that—you'll become a star!" Zhang Yu sounded absolutely certain.

Dell and Sonya exchanged a look. Their doubts were gone. He said solemnly:

In Zhang Yu's mind, Curry was no longer an NBA superstar. He was a real, living Stephen Curry—a high schooler about to enter college, troubled by his baby face.

"But the NCAA is a lot more intense. Can I really handle it without putting on weight?" Curry was still worried.

Curry Arena fell silent. Zhang Yu's words seemed to have a kind of magic, conjuring up images in Curry's mind of himself dominating the court as fans cheered wildly.

"I agree to let Stephen join the Bulldogs!"

He turned to Curry with a smile. "Stephen, welcome to the Bulldogs!"

He turned to Curry with a smile. "Stephen, welcome to the Bulldogs!"

"I've noticed the way you look at him. It's pretty strange... Ronan, don't do anything stupid."

"I agree to let Stephen join the Bulldogs!"

"Stephen, you eat quite a bit. How come you're still so skinny?"

After dinner, Zhang Yu saw the Curry family off to the hotel they'd booked. Before they parted, Curry suddenly said, "You made the right decision." Zhang Yu took Dell's hand and shook it firmly twice.

"Why?" Curry asked, baffled. "They're right. I really am too skinny."

"You're clearly laughing at me!"

"I agree to let Stephen join the Bulldogs!"

Curry was nothing like the superstar he would become—battle-hardened, unshakably confident, and full of conviction. He was just a young man, repeatedly rejected and unsure of what the future held.

Chinese people had always seemed modest and humble to him. Why didn't his coach seem Chinese at all?

"You made the right decision." Zhang Yu took Dell's hand and shook it firmly twice.

Zhang Yu was lucky that the young Curry was so innocent and didn't read anything untoward into things. If his recruitment had fallen through for some baseless reason, he probably would have been devastated.

"Cute just means handsome in a way people find really endearing..." Zhang Yu earnestly explained.

Curry was stunned by what Zhang Yu said. He didn't even have that much faith in himself. If anyone else had said it to him, he would have thought they were mocking him.

Chinese people had always seemed modest and humble to him. Why didn't his coach seem Chinese at all?

"Cute just means handsome in a way people find really endearing..." Zhang Yu earnestly explained.

He turned to Curry with a smile. "Stephen, welcome to the Bulldogs!"

"That's right."

"I've noticed the way you look at him. It's pretty strange... Ronan, don't do anything stupid."

"But the NCAA is a lot more intense. Can I really handle it without putting on weight?" Curry was still worried.

"I'm honored to play for you, Coach Ronan," Curry replied politely, though he felt a little puzzled.

Curry Arena fell silent. Zhang Yu's words seemed to have a kind of magic, conjuring up images in Curry's mind of himself dominating the court as fans cheered wildly.

"Stephen, don't you think you look handsome and cute like this?"

"Looks like you're short on spending money," Zhang Yu joked.

He set down his coffee and looked at Zhang Yu, caught between hope and anxiety.

"Coach, can I buy you a cup of coffee?"

In truth, Curry had always doubted his future. He'd never imagined he could become a superstar. His biggest dream was simply to make it in the NBA.

His enrollment paperwork was only provisionally completed that afternoon. All that remained were a few formalities, like transferring his records, which could be taken care of once he returned to Charlotte.

Why did Coach Ronan look so excited? Ever since I met him, there's been something strange about the way he looks at me...

Zhang Yu noticed unease, confusion, and apprehension flicker across Curry's face. There was only one thing missing: confidence. He couldn't help feeling moved.

"Did the recruitment work?"

"I can't explain it to you. You'll understand why I'm so excited next season." Zhang Yu clasped his hands behind his back and pretended to coach the Bulldogs' ball boys. "Julian, nicely done! Mike, you're doing great—keep it up!"

From that moment on, he finally completed the shift in how he saw himself. He was no longer Curry's fan. He was Curry's head coach.

"Did it work? We've got our starting point guard for next season," Zhang Yu said with an even bigger smile.

"That's right."

Curry was nothing like the superstar he would become—battle-hardened, unshakably confident, and full of conviction. He was just a young man, repeatedly rejected and unsure of what the future held.

"But the NCAA is a lot more intense. Can I really handle it without putting on weight?" Curry was still worried.

Curry Arena fell silent. Zhang Yu's words seemed to have a kind of magic, conjuring up images in Curry's mind of himself dominating the court as fans cheered wildly.

"I agree to let Stephen join the Bulldogs!"

He turned to Curry with a smile. "Stephen, welcome to the Bulldogs!"

He turned to Curry with a smile. "Stephen, welcome to the Bulldogs!"

"I've noticed the way you look at him. It's pretty strange... Ronan, don't do anything stupid."

"I agree to let Stephen join the Bulldogs!"

"Stephen, you eat quite a bit. How come you're still so skinny?"

After dinner, Zhang Yu saw the Curry family off to the hotel they'd booked. Before they parted, Curry suddenly said, "You made the right decision." Zhang Yu took Dell's hand and shook it firmly twice.

"Why?" Curry asked, baffled. "They're right. I really am too skinny."

"You're clearly laughing at me!"

"I agree to let Stephen join the Bulldogs!"

"Can I really do it?" Curry murmured to himself.

Matthew Graves gave an embarrassed smile.

"Of course. Trust me, I'm a good judge of character. I've seen plenty of cases like yours," Zhang Yu said firmly.

"Of course you'll make it to the NBA. And not only that—you'll become a star!" Zhang Yu sounded absolutely certain.

Dell and Sonya exchanged a look. Their doubts were gone. He said solemnly:

Curry was nothing like the superstar he would become—battle-hardened, unshakably confident, and full of conviction. He was just a young man, repeatedly rejected and unsure of what the future held.

"But the NCAA is a lot more intense. Can I really handle it without putting on weight?" Curry was still worried.

Curry Arena fell silent. Zhang Yu's words seemed to have a kind of magic, conjuring up images in Curry's mind of himself dominating the court as fans cheered wildly.

"I agree to let Stephen join the Bulldogs!"

He turned to Curry with a smile. "Stephen, welcome to the Bulldogs!"

He turned to Curry with a smile. "Stephen, welcome to the Bulldogs!"

"I've noticed the way you look at him. It's pretty strange... Ronan, don't do anything stupid."

"I agree to let Stephen join the Bulldogs!"

"Stephen, you eat quite a bit. How come you're still so skinny?"

After dinner, Zhang Yu saw the Curry family off to the hotel they'd booked. Before they parted, Curry suddenly said, "You made the right decision." Zhang Yu took Dell's hand and shook it firmly twice.

"Why?" Curry asked, baffled. "They're right. I really am too skinny."

"You're clearly laughing at me!"

"I agree to let Stephen join the Bulldogs!"

Curry was nothing like the superstar he would become—battle-hardened, unshakably confident, and full of conviction. He was just a young man, repeatedly rejected and unsure of what the future held.

Chinese people had always seemed modest and humble to him. Why didn't his coach seem Chinese at all?

"Cute just means handsome in a way people find really endearing..." Zhang Yu earnestly explained.

Curry was stunned by what Zhang Yu said. He didn't even have that much faith in himself. If anyone else had said it to him, he would have thought they were mocking him.

Chinese people had always seemed modest and humble to him. Why didn't his coach seem Chinese at all?

"Cute just means handsome in a way people find really endearing..." Zhang Yu earnestly explained.

He turned to Curry with a smile. "Stephen, welcome to the Bulldogs!"

"That's right."

"I've noticed the way you look at him. It's pretty strange... Ronan, don't do anything stupid."

"But the NCAA is a lot more intense. Can I really handle it without putting on weight?" Curry was still worried.

He wouldn't tell Curry that, as a Warriors fan in his previous life, he remembered clearly that Curry was 1.91 meters tall.

"Coach Ronan, I'm honored to play for you," Curry replied politely, though he felt a little puzzled.

Curry Arena fell silent. Zhang Yu's words seemed to have a kind of magic, conjuring up images in Curry's mind of himself dominating the court as fans cheered wildly.

"Stephen, don't you think you look handsome and cute like this?"

He set down his coffee and looked at Zhang Yu, caught between hope and anxiety.

"Coach, can I buy you a cup of coffee?"

In truth, Curry had always doubted his future. He'd never imagined he could become a superstar. His biggest dream was simply to make it in the NBA.

After his paperwork had been started that afternoon, only a few formalities remained, such as transferring his records. They could be finished easily once he returned to Charlotte.

"But the NCAA is a lot more intense. Can I really handle it without putting on weight?" Curry was still worried.

Coach Ronan looked so excited. Ever since I met him, there's been something strange about the way he looks at me...

Zhang Yu noticed unease, confusion, and apprehension flicker across Curry's face. There was only one thing missing: confidence. He couldn't help feeling moved.

"Did the recruitment work?"

"I can't explain it to you. You'll understand why I'm so excited next season." Zhang Yu clasped his hands behind his back and pretended to coach the Bulldogs' ball boys. "Julian, nicely done! Mike, you're doing great—keep it up!"

From that moment on, he finally completed the shift in how he saw himself. He was no longer Curry's fan. He was Curry's head coach.

"Did it work? We've got our starting point guard for next season," Zhang Yu said with an even bigger smile.

"Did it work?"

Zhang Yu smiled and shook his head.

"Of course. Trust me, I'm a good judge of character. I've seen plenty of cases like yours," Zhang Yu said firmly.

"Stephen, you don't need to bulk up. At least, not right now," Zhang Yu said seriously.

"He used to hate eating. It was only after so many people called him scrawny that he recently started trying so hard to put on weight," Dell said helplessly.

"..." Curry was at a loss for words. He'd been raised to be humble, and had never met anyone this conceited.

"Did it work?"

Zhang Yu smiled and shook his head.

"Of course. Trust me, I'm a good judge of character. I've seen plenty of cases like yours," Zhang Yu said firmly.

"Why?" Curry asked, baffled. "They're right. I really am too skinny."

"Did the recruitment work?"

"I agree to let Stephen join the Bulldogs!"

"Can I really do it?" Curry murmured to himself.

"Stephen, you don't need to bulk up. At least, not right now," Zhang Yu said seriously.

Dell and Sonya exchanged a look. Their doubts were gone. He said solemnly:

"Did the recruitment work?"

He turned to Curry with a smile. "Stephen, welcome to the Bulldogs!"

"Stephen, don't you think you look handsome and cute like this?"

"Stephen, don't you think you look handsome and cute like this?"

"You sure have a lot of faith in that baby-faced kid. You even want him to change positions," Stevens said with a scoff.

"Coach, do you think... I can make it to the NBA?" Curry asked, looking embarrassed.

"Did the recruitment work?"

"You made the right decision." Zhang Yu took Dell's hand and shook it firmly twice.

"I've noticed the way you look at him. It's pretty strange... Ronan, don't do anything stupid."

"I agree to let Stephen join the Bulldogs!"

"Stephen, you eat quite a bit. How come you're still so skinny?"

"Did the recruitment work?"

Curry was nothing like the superstar he would become—battle-hardened, unshakably confident, and full of conviction. He was just a young man, repeatedly rejected and unsure of what the future held.

"Cute just means handsome in a way people find really endearing..." Zhang Yu earnestly explained.

"Coach, can I buy you a cup of coffee?"

"Can I really do it?" Curry murmured to himself.

After his paperwork had been started that afternoon, only a few formalities remained, such as transferring his records. They could be finished easily once he returned to Charlotte.

He turned to Curry with a smile. "Stephen, welcome to the Bulldogs!"

"Stephen, don't you think you look handsome and cute like this?"

"Can I really do it?" Curry murmured to himself.

"Stephen, you don't need to bulk up. At least, not right now," Zhang Yu said seriously.

"He used to hate eating. It was only after so many people called him scrawny that he recently started trying so hard to put on weight," Dell said helplessly.

"..." Curry was at a loss for words. He'd been raised to be humble, and had never met anyone this conceited.

"You'd seen Stephen's game footage too. Point guard is where he belongs," Zhang Yu said.

"That's right."

"Ha, did you succeed?" Zhang Yu asked with a laugh.

After the server left, Curry let out a sigh.

"I think so too. As the youngest head coach in the NCAA, I can't exactly call myself a prodigy, but I'm definitely talented," Zhang Yu said.

"Stephen, you don't need to bulk up. At least, not right now," Zhang Yu said seriously.

"Did the recruitment work?"

Zhang Yu thought for a moment, then said:

"Coach, why do you have so much confidence in me?"

"Did you forget your shooting display just now? Matthew was completely won over by your performance," Zhang Yu said.

"Did it work? We've got our starting point guard for next season," Zhang Yu said with an even bigger smile.

"Did the recruitment work?"

Zhang Yu smiled and shook his head.

"I agree to let Stephen join the Bulldogs!"

"Stephen, you don't need to bulk up. At least, not right now," Zhang Yu said seriously.

He turned to Curry with a smile. "Stephen, welcome to the Bulldogs!"

"Did the recruitment work?"

In Zhang Yu's mind, Curry was no longer an NBA superstar. He was a real, living Stephen Curry—a high schooler about to enter college, troubled by his baby face.

"Did the recruitment work?"

After his paperwork had been started that afternoon, only a few formalities remained, such as transferring his records. They could be finished easily once he returned to Charlotte.

"Looks like you're short on spending money," Zhang Yu joked.

"Did it work?"

"Did it work? We've got our starting point guard for next season," Zhang Yu said with an even bigger smile.

"Why?" Curry asked, baffled. "They're right. I really am too skinny."

American-style barbecue was popular across the country, but each state had its own distinctive style. Locals loved it, and its shared foundations meant visitors could enjoy it without feeling out of place.

"Did it work?"

"Stephen, you eat quite a bit. How come you're still so skinny?"

American-style barbecue was popular across the country, but each state had its own distinctive style. Locals loved it, and its shared foundations meant visitors could enjoy it without feeling out of place.

"Stephen, you think I'm a fool?"

American-style barbecue was popular across the country, but each state had its own distinctive style. Locals loved it, and its shared foundations meant visitors could enjoy it without feeling out of place.

"Give me a latte, with just a little sugar," Zhang Yu said with a smile.

"Did the recruitment work?"

"I think your growth isn't finished yet. Putting on weight requires intense muscle training, which could stunt your growth," Zhang Yu explained.

"Did the recruitment work?"

"He used to hate eating. It was only after so many people called him scrawny that he recently started trying so hard to put on weight," Dell said helplessly.

"..." Curry was at a loss for words. He'd been raised to be humble, and had never met anyone this conceited.

"Coach Ronan, I'm honored to play for you," Curry replied politely, though he felt a little puzzled.

In Zhang Yu's mind, Curry was no longer an NBA superstar. He was a real, living Stephen Curry—a high schooler about to enter college, troubled by his baby face.

"Coach, why do you have so much confidence in me?"

"Did you forget your shooting display just now? Matthew was completely won over by your performance," Zhang Yu said.

"Coach, do you think... I can make it to the NBA?"

"You made the right decision." Zhang Yu took Dell's hand and shook it firmly twice.

"I've noticed the way you look at him. It's pretty strange... Ronan, don't do anything stupid."

"Cute just means handsome in a way people find really endearing..." Zhang Yu earnestly explained.

The server looked at Zhang Yu questioningly.

"You made the right decision." Zhang Yu took Dell's hand and shook it firmly twice.

Before the Curry family left, they stopped by Zhang Yu's office and invited him to dinner. Zhang Yu gladly accepted.

"Stephen, you don't need to bulk up. At least, not right now," Zhang Yu said seriously.

"I can't explain it to you. You'll understand why I'm so excited next season." Zhang Yu clasped his hands behind his back and pretended to coach the Bulldogs' ball boys. "Julian, nicely done! Mike, you're doing great—keep it up!"

Zhang Yu laughed softly, then louder and louder, until he was roaring with laughter.

Curry glared at Zhang Yu in embarrassment:

Coach Ronan looked so excited. Ever since I met him, there's been something strange about the way he looks at me...

Stevens watched Zhang Yu clapping and cheering as if he meant it. He found it hilarious.

"I think your growth isn't finished yet. Putting on weight requires intense muscle training, which could stunt your growth," Zhang Yu explained.

"Did you forget your shooting display just now? Matthew was completely won over by your performance," Zhang Yu said.

"Looks like this kid's really happy he managed to recruit Stephen Curry..."

At Zhang Yu's suggestion, they went to an Indiana-style barbecue restaurant.

"I've noticed the way you look at him. It's pretty strange... Ronan, don't do anything stupid."

"I agree to let Stephen join the Bulldogs!"

"I think your growth isn't finished yet. Putting on weight requires intense muscle training, which could stunt your growth," Zhang Yu explained.

"Did the recruitment work?"

Curry gave an embarrassed smile.

"Of course you'll make it to the NBA. And not only that—you'll become a star!" Zhang Yu sounded absolutely certain.

"Stephen, you eat quite a bit. How come you're still so skinny?"

"Did you forget your shooting display just now? Matthew was completely won over by your performance," Zhang Yu said.

"Did the recruitment work?"

In Zhang Yu's mind, Curry was no longer an NBA superstar. He was a real, living Stephen Curry—a high schooler about to enter college, troubled by his baby face.

"Stephen, you don't need to bulk up. At least, not right now," Zhang Yu said seriously.

"I think your growth isn't finished yet. Putting on weight requires intense muscle training, which could stunt your growth," Zhang Yu explained.

Curry nodded. He stopped stuffing barbecue into his mouth. Though he'd only met Zhang Yu that day, he already trusted the coach, who wasn't much older than him.

"I think so too. As the youngest head coach in the NCAA, I can't exactly call myself a prodigy, but I'm definitely talented," Zhang Yu said.

Before the Curry family left, they stopped by Zhang Yu's office and invited him to dinner. Zhang Yu gladly accepted.

During the meal, Zhang Yu smiled as he watched Curry devour the barbecue.

"That's right."

Dell and Sonya exchanged a look. Their doubts were gone. He said solemnly:

Matthew Graves gave an embarrassed smile.

At Zhang Yu's suggestion, they went to an Indiana-style barbecue restaurant.

"Stephen, you don't need to bulk up. At least, not right now," Zhang Yu said seriously.

"I think so too. As the youngest head coach in the NCAA, I can't exactly call myself a prodigy, but I'm definitely talented," Zhang Yu said.

Before the Curry family left, they stopped by Zhang Yu's office and invited him to dinner. Zhang Yu gladly accepted.

During the meal, Zhang Yu smiled as he watched Curry devour the barbecue.

"Why?" Curry asked, baffled. "They're right. I really am too skinny."

American-style barbecue was popular across the country, but each state had its own distinctive style. Locals loved it, and its shared foundations meant visitors could enjoy it without feeling out of place.

"Stephen, you think I'm a fool?"

American-style barbecue was popular across the country, but each state had its own distinctive style. Locals loved it, and its shared foundations meant visitors could enjoy it without feeling out of place.

"Stephen, you eat quite a bit. How come you're still so skinny?"

Zhang Yu thought for a moment, then said:

American-style barbecue was popular across the country, but each state had its own distinctive style. Locals loved it, and its shared foundations meant visitors could enjoy it without feeling out of place.

"Give me a latte, with just a little sugar," Zhang Yu said with a smile.

"Did the recruitment work?"

"I think your growth isn't finished yet. Putting on weight requires intense muscle training, which could stunt your growth," Zhang Yu explained.

"Did the recruitment work?"

"I think your growth isn't finished yet. Putting on weight requires intense muscle training, which could stunt your growth," Zhang Yu explained.

"He used to hate eating. It was only after so many people called him scrawny that he recently started trying so hard to put on weight," Dell said helplessly.

"..." Curry was at a loss for words. He'd been raised to be humble, and had never met anyone this conceited.

"You'd seen Stephen's game footage too. Point guard is where he belongs," Zhang Yu said.

"That's right."

"Ha, did you succeed?" Zhang Yu asked with a laugh.

After the server left, Curry let out a sigh.

"I think so too. As the youngest head coach in the NCAA, I can't exactly call myself a prodigy, but I'm definitely talented," Zhang Yu said.

"Stephen, you don't need to bulk up. At least, not right now," Zhang Yu said seriously.

"Did the recruitment work?"

Zhang Yu thought for a moment, then said:

"Coach, why do you have so much confidence in me?"

"Did you forget your shooting display just now? Matthew was completely won over by your performance," Zhang Yu said.

"Did it work? We've got our starting point guard for next season," Zhang Yu said with an even bigger smile.

"Did the recruitment work?"

Zhang Yu smiled and shook his head.

"I agree to let Stephen join the Bulldogs!"

"Stephen, you don't need to bulk up. At least, not right now," Zhang Yu said seriously.

He turned to Curry with a smile. "Stephen, welcome to the Bulldogs!"

"Did the recruitment work?"

In Zhang Yu's mind, Curry was no longer an NBA superstar. He was a real, living Stephen Curry—a high schooler about to enter college, troubled by his baby face.

"Did the recruitment work?"

After his paperwork had been started that afternoon, only a few formalities remained, such as transferring his records. They could be finished easily once he returned to Charlotte.

"Looks like you're short on spending money," Zhang Yu joked.

"Did it work?"

"Did it work? We've got our starting point guard for next season," Zhang Yu said with an even bigger smile.

"Why?" Curry asked, baffled. "They're right. I really am too skinny."

American-style barbecue was popular across the country, but each state had its own distinctive style. Locals loved it, and its shared foundations meant visitors could enjoy it without feeling out of place.

"Did it work?"

"Stephen, you eat quite a bit. How come you're still so skinny?"

American-style barbecue was popular across the country, but each state had its own distinctive style. Locals loved it, and its shared foundations meant visitors could enjoy it without feeling out of place.

"Stephen, you think I'm a fool?"

American-style barbecue was popular across the country, but each state had its own distinctive style. Locals loved it, and its shared foundations meant visitors could enjoy it without feeling out of place.

"Give me a latte, with just a little sugar," Zhang Yu said with a smile.

"Did the recruitment work?"

"I think your growth isn't finished yet. Putting on weight requires intense muscle training, which could stunt your growth," Zhang Yu explained.

"Did the recruitment work?"

"He used to hate eating. It was only after so many people called him scrawny that he recently started trying so hard to put on weight," Dell said helplessly.

"..." Curry was at a loss for words. He'd been raised to be humble, and had never met anyone this conceited.

"Coach Ronan, I'm honored to play for you," Curry replied politely, though he felt a little puzzled.

Curry was no longer an NBA superstar in Zhang Yu's mind. He was a real, living Stephen Curry—a high schooler about to enter college, troubled by his baby face.

"Coach, why do you have so much confidence in me?"

"Did you forget your shooting display just now? Matthew was completely won over by your performance," Zhang Yu said.

"Coach, do you think... I can make it to the NBA?"

"You made the right decision." Zhang Yu took Dell's hand and shook it firmly twice.

"I've noticed the way you look at him. It's pretty strange... Ronan, don't do anything stupid."

"Cute just means handsome in a way people find really endearing..." Zhang Yu earnestly explained.

The server looked at Zhang Yu questioningly.

"You made the right decision." Zhang Yu took Dell's hand and shook it firmly twice.

Before the Curry family left, they stopped by Zhang Yu's office and invited him to dinner. Zhang Yu gladly accepted.

"Stephen, you don't need to bulk up. At least, not right now," Zhang Yu said seriously.

"I can't explain it to you. You'll understand why I'm so excited next season." Zhang Yu clasped his hands behind his back and pretended to coach the Bulldogs' ball boys. "Julian, nicely done! Mike, you're doing great—keep it up!"

Zhang Yu laughed softly, then louder and louder, until he was roaring with laughter.

Curry glared at Zhang Yu in embarrassment:

Coach Ronan looked so excited. Ever since I met him, there's been something strange about the way he looks at me...

Stevens watched Zhang Yu clapping and cheering as if he meant it. He found it hilarious.

"I think your growth isn't finished yet. Putting on weight requires intense muscle training, which could stunt your growth," Zhang Yu explained.

"Did you forget your shooting display just now? Matthew was completely won over by your performance," Zhang Yu said.

"Looks like this kid's really happy he managed to recruit Stephen Curry..."

At Zhang Yu's suggestion, they went to an Indiana-style barbecue restaurant.

"I've noticed the way you look at him. It's pretty strange... Ronan, don't do anything stupid."

"I agree to let Stephen join the Bulldogs!"

"Stephen, you eat quite a bit. How come you're still so skinny?"

"Did the recruitment work?"

"Did it work? We've got our starting point guard for next season," Zhang Yu said with an even bigger smile.

"Did it work? We've got our starting point guard for next season," Zhang Yu said with an even bigger smile.

"Did you succeed?" Zhang Yu asked with a laugh.

"Did the recruitment work?"

"Cute just means handsome in a way people find really endearing..." Zhang Yu earnestly explained.

"Stephen, you think I'm a fool?"

"Now it's seven. Be back by nine."

"Give me a mocha, with whipped cream," Curry said helplessly.

"Why?" Curry asked, baffled. "They're right. I really am too skinny."

Curry nodded. He stopped stuffing barbecue into his mouth. Though he'd only met Zhang Yu that day, he already trusted the coach, who wasn't much older than him.

"Did it work? We've got our starting point guard for next season," Zhang Yu said with an even bigger smile.

Curry turned to Sonya, his eyes pleading. Sonya took a hundred-dollar bill from her wallet and handed it to him.

"Coach, do you think... I can make it to the NBA?"

"Stephen, you don't need to bulk up. At least, not right now," Zhang Yu said seriously.

"I think so too. As the youngest head coach in the NCAA, I can't exactly call myself a prodigy, but I'm definitely talented," Zhang Yu said.

Before the Curry family left, they stopped by Zhang Yu's office and invited him to dinner. Zhang Yu gladly accepted.

"Did it work? We've got our starting point guard for next season," Zhang Yu said with an even bigger smile.

From that moment on, he finally completed the shift in how he saw himself. He was no longer Curry's fan. He was Curry's head coach.

That was what he'd dreamed of, what he'd worked toward.

"I won't lie, Stephen. I used to have a dream like that too..."

Curry was stunned by what Zhang Yu said. He didn't even have that much faith in himself. If anyone else had said it to him, he would have thought they were mocking him.

"Coach, do you think... I can make it to the NBA?"

Curry looked at Zhang Yu in embarrassment.

"You sure have a lot of faith in that baby-faced kid. You even want him to change positions," Stevens said with a scoff.

"Coach, do you think... I can make it to the NBA?"

After dinner, Zhang Yu saw the Curry family off to the hotel they'd booked. Before they parted, Curry suddenly said, "You'd made the right decision." Zhang Yu took Dell's hand and shook it firmly twice.

"You'd seen Stephen's game footage too. Point guard is where he belongs," Zhang Yu said.

Dell and Sonya exchanged a look. Their doubts were gone. He said solemnly:

"Did you forget your shooting display just now? Matthew was completely won over by your performance," Zhang Yu said.

"Looks like this kid's really happy he managed to recruit Stephen Curry..."

"Cute just means handsome in a way people find really endearing..." Zhang Yu earnestly explained.

The server looked at Zhang Yu questioningly.

"You made the right decision." Zhang Yu took Dell's hand and shook it firmly twice.

Before the Curry family left, they stopped by Zhang Yu's office and invited him to dinner. Zhang Yu gladly accepted.

"Stephen, you don't need to bulk up. At least, not right now," Zhang Yu said seriously.

"I can't explain it to you. You'll understand why I'm so excited next season." Zhang Yu clasped his hands behind his back and pretended to coach the Bulldogs' ball boys. "Julian, nicely done! Mike, you're doing great—keep it up!"

Zhang Yu laughed softly, then louder and louder, until he was roaring with laughter.

Curry glared at Zhang Yu in embarrassment.

"Stephen, don't you think you look handsome and cute like this?"

"You sure have a lot of faith in that baby-faced kid. You even want him to change positions," Stevens said with a scoff.

"Coach, do you think... I can make it to the NBA?"

"Did the recruitment work?"

"You made the right decision." Zhang Yu took Dell's hand and shook it firmly twice.

"I've noticed the way you look at him. It's pretty strange... Ronan, don't do anything stupid."

"Cute just means handsome in a way people find really endearing..." Zhang Yu earnestly explained.

The server looked at Zhang Yu questioningly.

"You made the right decision." Zhang Yu took Dell's hand and shook it firmly twice.

Before the Curry family left, they stopped by Zhang Yu's office and invited him to dinner. Zhang Yu gladly accepted.

"Stephen, you don't need to bulk up. At least, not right now," Zhang Yu said seriously.

"I can't explain it to you. You'll understand why I'm so excited next season." Zhang Yu clasped his hands behind his back and pretended to coach the Bulldogs' ball boys. "Julian, nicely done! Mike, you're doing great—keep it up!"

Zhang Yu laughed softly, then louder and louder, until he was roaring with laughter.

Curry glared at Zhang Yu in embarrassment.

"Stephen, don't you think you look handsome and cute like this?"

Coach Ronan looked so excited. Ever since I met him, there's been something strange about the way he looks at me...

"I think your growth isn't finished yet. Putting on weight requires intense muscle training, which could stunt your growth," Zhang Yu explained.

"Did you forget your shooting display just now? Matthew was completely won over by your performance," Zhang Yu said.

"Looks like this kid's really happy he managed to recruit Stephen Curry..."

"Give me a mocha, with whipped cream," Curry said helplessly.

"Why?" Curry asked, baffled. "They're right. I really am too skinny."

Curry nodded. He stopped stuffing barbecue into his mouth. Though he'd only met Zhang Yu that day, he already trusted the coach, who wasn't much older than him.

"Did it work? We've got our starting point guard for next season," Zhang Yu said with an even bigger smile.

Curry turned to Sonya, his eyes pleading. Sonya took a hundred-dollar bill from her wallet and handed it to him.

"Coach, do you think... I can make it to the NBA?"

"Stephen, you don't need to bulk up. At least, not right now," Zhang Yu said seriously.

"I think so too. As the youngest head coach in the NCAA, I can't exactly call myself a prodigy, but I'm definitely talented," Zhang Yu said.

Before the Curry family left, they stopped by Zhang Yu's office and invited him to dinner. Zhang Yu gladly accepted.

"Did it work? We've got our starting point guard for next season," Zhang Yu said with an even bigger smile.

From that moment on, he finally completed the shift in how he saw himself. He was no longer Curry's fan. He was Curry's head coach.

That was what he'd dreamed of, what he'd worked toward.

"I won't lie, Stephen. I used to have a dream like that too..."

Curry was stunned by what Zhang Yu said. He didn't even have that much faith in himself. If anyone else had said it to him, he would have thought they were mocking him.

"Coach, do you think... I can make it to the NBA?"

Curry looked at Zhang Yu in embarrassment.

"You sure have a lot of faith in that baby-faced kid. You even want him to change positions," Stevens said with a scoff.

"Coach, do you think... I can make it to the NBA?"

After dinner, Zhang Yu saw the Curry family off to the hotel they'd booked. Before they parted, Curry suddenly said, "You made the right decision." Zhang Yu took Dell's hand and shook it firmly twice.

"You'd seen Stephen's game footage too. Point guard is where he belongs," Zhang Yu said.

Dell and Sonya exchanged a look. Their doubts were gone. He said solemnly:

"Did you forget your shooting display just now? Matthew was completely won over by your performance," Zhang Yu said.

"Looks like this kid's really happy he managed to recruit Stephen Curry..."

"Cute just means handsome in a way people find really endearing..." Zhang Yu earnestly explained.

The server looked at Zhang Yu questioningly.

"You made the right decision." Zhang Yu took Dell's hand and shook it firmly twice.

Before the Curry family left, they stopped by Zhang Yu's office and invited him to dinner. Zhang Yu gladly accepted.

"Stephen, you don't need to bulk up. At least, not right now," Zhang Yu said seriously.

"I can't explain it to you. You'll understand why I'm so excited next season." Zhang Yu clasped his hands behind his back and pretended to coach the Bulldogs' ball boys. "Julian, nicely done! Mike, you're doing great—keep it up!"

Zhang Yu laughed softly, then louder and louder, until he was roaring with laughter.

Curry glared at Zhang Yu in embarrassment.

"Stephen, don't you think you look handsome and cute like this?"

"Did you succeed?" Zhang Yu asked with a laugh.

"Stephen, you think I'm a fool?"

"Now it's seven. Be back by nine."

"Sorry, little—sir, what would you like to drink?" The server covered her mouth, laughing.

"Hey, I'm not a little kid! I'm eighteen, and I'm about to start college!" Curry protested.

Curry was nothing like the superstar he would become—battle-hardened, unshakably confident, and full of conviction. He was just a young man, repeatedly rejected and unsure of what the future held.

At Zhang Yu's suggestion, they went to an Indiana-style barbecue restaurant.

"I think your growth isn't finished yet. Putting on weight requires intense muscle training, which could stunt your growth," Zhang Yu explained.

"Cute just means handsome in a way people find really endearing..." Zhang Yu earnestly explained.

Dell and Sonya exchanged a look. Their doubts were gone. He said solemnly:

Curry turned to Sonya, his eyes pleading. Sonya took a hundred-dollar bill from her wallet and handed it to him.

The server looked at Zhang Yu questioningly.

Dell and Sonya exchanged a look. Their doubts were gone. He said solemnly:

Before the Curry family left, they stopped by Zhang Yu's office and invited him to dinner. Zhang Yu gladly accepted.

Curry turned to Sonya, his eyes pleading. Sonya took a hundred-dollar bill from her wallet and handed it to him.

Dell and Sonya exchanged a look. Their doubts were gone. He said solemnly:

"Give me a latte, with just a little sugar," Zhang Yu said with a smile.

Curry was nothing like the superstar he would become—battle-hardened, unshakably confident, and full of conviction. He was just a young man, repeatedly rejected and unsure of what the future held.

After his paperwork had been started that afternoon, only a few formalities remained, such as transferring his records. They could be finished easily once he returned to Charlotte.

"Looks like you're short on spending money," Zhang Yu joked.

"Now it's seven. Be back by nine."

"Sorry, little—sir, what would you like to drink?" The server covered her mouth, laughing.

Curry turned to Sonya, his eyes pleading. Sonya took a hundred-dollar bill from her wallet and handed it to him.

"I think your growth isn't finished yet. Putting on weight requires intense muscle training, which could stunt your growth," Zhang Yu explained.

"Mom was very strict with Seth and me. Seth's my younger brother; he's in high school now. When we were little, we were both skinny, but we didn't have any allowance, so we'd go to a supplement store and stay there for ages. We thought the air in the store was full of protein and that breathing it would help us build muscle."

"Looks like you're short on spending money," Zhang Yu joked.

"But you're already eighteen, right?"

"Coach, do you think... I can make it to the NBA?"

"Sorry, little—sir, what would you like to drink?" The server covered her mouth, laughing.

Curry had watched as Zhang Yu seemed to know all along that he'd be able to recruit him. "Coach, I didn't realize you were like them!"

"I won't lie, Stephen. I used to have a dream like that too..."

"You're clearly laughing at me!"

"Now it's seven. Be back by nine."

Dell and Sonya exchanged a look. Their doubts were gone. He said solemnly:

Curry turned to Sonya, his eyes pleading. Sonya took a hundred-dollar bill from her wallet and handed it to him.

"Of course you're not." Curry shook his head.

"Mom was very strict with Seth and me. Seth's my younger brother; he's in high school now. When we were little, we were both skinny, but we didn't have any allowance, so we'd go to a supplement store and stay there for ages. We thought the air in the store was full of protein and that breathing it would help us build muscle."

"I agree to let Stephen join the Bulldogs!"

"Stephen, don't you think you look handsome and cute like this?"

"Did you succeed?" Zhang Yu asked with a laugh.

Curry was nothing like the superstar he would become—battle-hardened, unshakably confident, and full of conviction. He was just a young man, repeatedly rejected and unsure of what the future held.

At Zhang Yu's suggestion, they went to an Indiana-style barbecue restaurant.

"Of course not. Otherwise, I'd be as strong as Dwight Howard by now." Curry flexed his arm and tried to show off his biceps, but his T-shirt barely stretched.

Curry turned to Sonya, his eyes pleading. Sonya took a hundred-dollar bill from her wallet and handed it to him.

Curry was nothing like the superstar he would become—battle-hardened, unshakably confident, and full of conviction. He was just a young man, repeatedly rejected and unsure of what the future held.

After his paperwork had been started that afternoon, only a few formalities remained, such as transferring his records. They could be finished easily once he returned to Charlotte.

"Looks like you're short on spending money," Zhang Yu joked.

"But you're already eighteen, right?"

Curry had watched as Zhang Yu seemed to know all along that he'd be able to recruit him. "Coach, I didn't realize you were like them!"

"Mom was very strict with Seth and me. Seth's my younger brother; he's in high school now. When we were little, we were both skinny, but we didn't have any allowance, so we'd go to a supplement store and stay there for ages. We thought the air in the store was full of protein and that breathing it would help us build muscle."

"Of course not. Otherwise, I'd be as strong as Dwight Howard by now." Curry flexed his arm and tried to show off his biceps, but his T-shirt barely stretched.

"I think your growth isn't finished yet. Putting on weight requires intense muscle training, which could stunt your growth," Zhang Yu explained.

"Sorry, little—sir, what would you like to drink?" The server covered her mouth, laughing.

He wouldn't tell Curry that, as a Warriors fan in his previous life, he remembered clearly that Curry was 1.91 meters tall.

"I think your growth isn't finished yet. Putting on weight requires intense muscle training, which could stunt your growth," Zhang Yu explained.

"Sorry, little—sir, what would you like to drink?" The server covered her mouth, laughing.

Curry was stunned by what Zhang Yu said. He didn't even have that much faith in himself. If anyone else had said it to him, he would have thought they were mocking him.

"Don't tell me you're short on spending money," Zhang Yu joked.

Curry turned to Sonya, his eyes pleading. Sonya took a hundred-dollar bill from her wallet and handed it to him.

"Coach, do you think... I can make it to the NBA?"

Curry looked at Zhang Yu in embarrassment.

"Stephen, you don't need to bulk up. At least, not right now," Zhang Yu said seriously.

"Did you succeed?" Zhang Yu asked with a laugh.

Curry was nothing like the superstar he would become—battle-hardened, unshakably confident, and full of conviction. He was just a young man, repeatedly rejected and unsure of what the future held.

"I think your growth isn't finished yet. Putting on weight requires intense muscle training, which could stunt your growth," Zhang Yu explained.

Curry nodded. He stopped stuffing barbecue into his mouth. Though he'd only met Zhang Yu that day, he already trusted the coach, who wasn't much older than him.

"You're clearly laughing at me!"

"Did you succeed?" Zhang Yu asked with a laugh.

"Sorry, little—sir, what would you like to drink?" The server covered her mouth, laughing.

Curry looked at Zhang Yu in embarrassment.

"Stephen, don't you think you look handsome and cute like this?"

"Cute means handsome in a way people find really endearing..." Zhang Yu earnestly explained.

Dell and Sonya exchanged a look. Their doubts were gone. He said solemnly:

Curry turned to Sonya, his eyes pleading. Sonya took a hundred-dollar bill from her wallet and handed it to him.

"Stephen, don't you think you look handsome and cute like this?"

"I agree to let Stephen join the Bulldogs!"

"Ha, did you succeed?" Zhang Yu asked with a laugh.

Curry was nothing like the superstar he would become—battle-hardened, unshakably confident, and full of conviction. He was just a young man, repeatedly rejected and unsure of what the future held.

At Zhang Yu's suggestion, they went to an Indiana-style barbecue restaurant.

"Of course not. Otherwise, I'd be as strong as Dwight Howard by now." Curry flexed his arm and tried to show off his biceps, but his T-shirt barely stretched.

"Looks like you're short on spending money," Zhang Yu joked.

"But you're already eighteen, right?"

Curry looked at Zhang Yu in embarrassment.

"Sorry, little—sir, what would you like to drink?" The server covered her mouth, laughing.

Curry was nothing like the superstar he would become—battle-hardened, unshakably confident, and full of conviction. He was just a young man, repeatedly rejected and unsure of what the future held.

At Zhang Yu's suggestion, they went to an Indiana-style barbecue restaurant.

"Of course not. Otherwise, I'd be as strong as Dwight Howard by now." Curry flexed his arm and tried to show off his biceps, but his T-shirt barely stretched.

Curry turned to Sonya, his eyes pleading. Sonya took a hundred-dollar bill from her wallet and handed it to him.

"Looks like you're short on spending money," Zhang Yu joked.

"But you're already eighteen, right?"

"Coach, do you think... I can make it to the NBA?"

"Sorry, little—sir, what would you like to drink?" The server covered her mouth, laughing.

He wouldn't tell Curry that, as a Warriors fan in his previous life, he remembered clearly that Curry was 1.91 meters tall.

"Of course not. Otherwise, I'd be as strong as Dwight Howard by now." Curry flexed his arm and tried to show off his biceps, but his T-shirt barely stretched.

"Your mom was very strict with Seth and you. Seth's your younger brother; he's in high school now. When you were little, you were both skinny, but you didn't have any allowance, so you'd go to a supplement store and stay there for ages. You thought the air in the store was full of protein and that breathing it would help you build muscle."

"Cute means handsome in a way people find really endearing..." Zhang Yu earnestly explained.

Dell and Sonya exchanged a look. Their doubts were gone. He said solemnly:

Curry turned to Sonya, his eyes pleading. Sonya took a hundred-dollar bill from her wallet and handed it to him.

Dell and Sonya exchanged a look. Their doubts were gone. He said solemnly:

"Give me a latte, with just a little sugar," Zhang Yu said with a smile.

Curry was nothing like the superstar he would become—battle-hardened, unshakably confident, and full of conviction. He was just a young man, repeatedly rejected and unsure of what the future held.

After his paperwork had been started that afternoon, only a few formalities remained, such as transferring his records. They could be finished easily once he returned to Charlotte.

"Looks like you're short on spending money," Zhang Yu joked.

"But you're already eighteen, right?"

"Coach, do you think... I can make it to the NBA?"

"Sorry, little—sir, what would you like to drink?" The server covered her mouth, laughing.

Curry turned to Sonya, his eyes pleading. Sonya took a hundred-dollar bill from her wallet and handed it to him.

Dell and Sonya exchanged a look. Their doubts were gone. He said solemnly:

"Give me a latte, with just a little sugar," Zhang Yu said with a smile.

Curry was nothing like the superstar he would become—battle-hardened, unshakably confident, and full of conviction. He was just a young man, repeatedly rejected and unsure of what the future held.

After his paperwork had been started that afternoon, only a few formalities remained, such as transferring his records. They could be finished easily once he returned to Charlotte.

"Looks like you're short on spending money," Zhang Yu joked.

"But you're already eighteen, right?"

"Coach, do you think... I can make it to the NBA?"

"Sorry, little—sir, what would you like to drink?" The server covered her mouth, laughing.

Curry turned to Sonya, his eyes pleading. Sonya took a hundred-dollar bill from her wallet and handed it to him.

"Of course not. Otherwise, I'd be as strong as Dwight Howard by now." Curry flexed his arm and tried to show off his biceps, but his T-shirt barely stretched.

"Looks like you're short on spending money," Zhang Yu joked.

Curry was stunned by what Zhang Yu said. He didn't even have that much faith in himself. If anyone else had said it to him, he would have thought they were mocking him.

"No, no. I just thought of something that made me happy." Zhang Yu waved his hands quickly.

"Hey, I'm not a little kid! I'm eighteen, and I'm about to start college!" Curry protested.

Curry was nothing like the superstar he would become—battle-hardened, unshakably confident, and full of conviction. He was just a young man, repeatedly rejected and unsure of what the future held.

"Sorry, little—sir, what would you like to drink?" The server covered her mouth, laughing.

He wouldn't tell Curry that, as a Warriors fan in his previous life, he remembered clearly that Curry was 1.91 meters tall.

"Now it's seven. Be back by nine."

"Sorry, little—sir, what would you like to drink?" The server covered her mouth, laughing.

Curry turned to Sonya, his eyes pleading. Sonya took a hundred-dollar bill from her wallet and handed it to him.

"Cute means handsome in a way people find really endearing..." Zhang Yu earnestly explained.

Curry turned to Sonya, his eyes pleading. Sonya took a hundred-dollar bill from her wallet and handed it to him.

Curry was nothing like the superstar he would become—battle-hardened, unshakably confident, and full of conviction. He was just a young man, repeatedly rejected and unsure of what the future held.

"Looks like you're short on spending money," Zhang Yu joked.

"Of course not. Otherwise, I'd be as strong as Dwight Howard by now." Curry flexed his arm and tried to show off his biceps, but his T-shirt barely stretched.

"Stephen, you don't need to bulk up. At least, not right now," Zhang Yu said seriously.

"Mom was very strict with Seth and me. Seth's my younger brother; he's in high school now. When we were little, we were both skinny, but we didn't have any allowance, so we'd go to a supplement store and stay there for ages. We thought the air in the store was full of protein and that breathing it would help us build muscle."

"Cute means handsome in a way people find really endearing..." Zhang Yu earnestly explained.

"Stephen, I agree to let you join the Bulldogs!"

"Did you succeed?" Zhang Yu asked with a laugh.

"Stephen, don't you think you look handsome and cute like this?"

"Can I really do it?" Curry murmured to himself.

"Sorry, little—sir, what would you like to drink?" The server covered her mouth, laughing.

"Looks like you're short on spending money," Zhang Yu joked.

Curry was stunned by what Zhang Yu said. He didn't even have that much faith in himself. If anyone else had said it to him, he would have thought they were mocking him.

"No, no. I just thought of something that made me happy." Zhang Yu waved his hands quickly.

Curry was nothing like the superstar he would become—battle-hardened, unshakably confident, and full of conviction. He was just a young man, repeatedly rejected and unsure of what the future held.

"Cute means handsome in a way people find really endearing..." Zhang Yu earnestly explained.

Dell and Sonya exchanged a look. Their doubts were gone. He said solemnly:

"I'm honored to play for you, Coach Ronan," Curry replied politely, though he felt a little puzzled.

At Zhang Yu's suggestion, they went to an Indiana-style barbecue restaurant.