"No," Chu Ci replied curtly.
Lu Xing's curiosity only grew. "Where did you learn to play basketball?"
"From a friend."
"And how did you develop such incredible jumping ability?"
"Exercise."
Chu Ci's answers were brief and to the point, her words sparse but clear.
Her cold demeanor didn't discourage Lu Xing.
"Chu Ci," he pressed on, "Would you consider being a special coach for our basketball team?"
If their team could harness Chu Ci's skills, Huayue High School would have a strong chance at winning the Jiangzhou High School Boys' basketball championship this year.
"No," Chu Ci refused immediately.
Undeterred, Lu Xing continued. "We have enough funding. We can pay you a salary if you join us."
Thanks to Lin Nuo, Lu Xing knew a little about Chu Ci's difficult financial situation. He hoped an offer of money might sway her.
But Chu Ci remained indifferent, her expression calm, eyes cool, and tone lazy.
At that moment, Lin Nuo approached and asked, "Want to play 1-on-1?"
Basketball 1-on-1, or bullfighting, is a game where one side attacks and the other defends.
Lu Xing's eyes widened in disbelief. Lin Nuo was stepping onto the basketball court?
Lin Nuo was not just a casual player; he was skilled. Yet, despite many attempts, Lu Xing had never been able to persuade Lin Nuo to join the school basketball team, and Lin Nuo had never played basketball through high school.
"No," Chu Ci declined flatly.
She was only interested in earning merit points from Lin Nuo; other activities held no appeal.
Lu Xing was stunned. Wasn't Chu Ci Lin Nuo's biggest fan? Lin Nuo invited her personally, yet she refused?
Logically, this was a perfect opportunity to get closer to Lin Nuo. She shouldn't miss it.
After her response, Chu Ci left the gym and headed to the equipment room to catch up on sleep.
"Lin Nuo," Lu Xing teased, "Has your little fangirl switched her attention? Did your indifference pushed her away?"
There was a subtle trace of regret in Lu Xing's voice.
He hadn't cared much for Chu Ci before, but her basketball skills had just amazed him.
Of course, his interest was purely technical — nothing to do with gender.
Lin Nuo didn't respond. Instead, he walked to the base of the blue backboard and grabbed the basketball Chu Ci had just used.
With a powerful leap, he dunked the ball perfectly.
Lu Xing watched enviously, awestruck by the flawless dunk and impressive jumping ability.
But he could only envy, unable to replicate such athleticism.
"How's my jumping ability?" Lin Nuo suddenly asked.
"Great, really good!" Lu Xing admitted, jealousy clear in his voice.
"Chu Ci is shorter than me," Lin Nuo added thoughtfully.
Taking height into account, Chu Ci's jumping ability was even more remarkable than his own.
This wasn't something ordinary people could achieve. How had she done it?
"I'm curious too," Lu Xing said, "But unfortunately, she doesn't pay much attention to me. Maybe you should try asking her where she learned those amazing jumping and dunking skills."
Even if jumping ability was natural, basketball skills had to be learned, right?
Chu Ci was incredibly strong – who was her mentor? Surely someone powerful.
Lin Nuo didn't answer. He turned and walked away.