Standing on either side of the net, Han Xiao said: "Anyone who stands on the other side of the net is your opponent. Brother Zhou Jiang, let's get this over with."
[Host, host, the male lead is watching.] The system excitedly said to Hezekiah.
[I get it. You need to stop dancing before you make me dizzy.] Hezekiah said to the excited System
[The Host is no fun!] The system pouted
…
"Heads," Hezekiah said
Han Xiao holds the penny in his hand: "Tails" he pitches the coin and it falls on Tails.
They started to play.
Han Xiao served first. He made an ace on the first point which took Zhou Jiang by surprise.
[Umpire 1] Service winner. 15-0
A fastball at the beginning of a game.
"That's a good start." One of the middle-aged men said
"Do you think Han Xiao will win?" Another Elder asked
"Han Xiao must have practiced hard, but we can't underestimate that Zhou kid." The middle-aged who spoke first said again.
Tennis isn't a written script that can be predicted.
Han Xiao used the same ace serve on the second one. "Too slow." Zhou Jiang said and returned it and scored a point.
[Umpire] 15-15
"Wow, he used Han Xiao serve to earn a point."
Zhou Jiang returned the second and third serves as well.
And then point 40-15
Han Xiao hit a forehead. The natural stroke movement makes it especially easy to play. It is an effective means to put pressure on the opponent.
Generally, the forehand is the first stroke that beginners learn when they start playing tennis. With the right technique, you not only win a lot of points but also save valuable energy in the match.
"A good forehand is always the key to success" The manager laugh
But then, Zhou Jiang returned the ball! Then score a game point.
"The speed is so fast"
"This guy is skillful"
"He is good indeed"
"He's already there"
On their basketball team, Hezekiah was good at passing so he is normally fast on his feet.
[Umpire 1] game point. 1-0
Hezekiah looked at Han Xiao and apologized: "Sorry, Han Xiao, but I have to win this game. Just see it as a life and death matter. I'm sure next year you will get to be a main player."
Now that the male lead is watching he has to play well in order to get the guy's attention. Besides, first impressions are always important.
Zhou Jiang serves a slice serve which draws Han Xiao out wide to the deuce side, then the rest of the court opens. The ball sits low on the court due to the sidespin.
Then he serves slice serve on the second and third one.
40-0
Zhou Jiang serves the ball high above the net, decreasing the chances of an unforced error. When the ball hits the ground, it spins forward, forcing Han Xiao to the side.
This was a 'kick serve'. The service is a very heavy topspin serve, which gives it its signature kick. This serve has less power and more control, allowing the server to hit specifically to a player's weakness.
Game point!
[Han Xiao] "How could this be?"
"He serves a kick serve? How is that possible?"
"Who is that kid?" The coach asked
"He is a transfer student named Zhou Jiang." The manager answer
"Then why didn't I see him during practice?"
"That's because he's from aboard and only started coming to school yesterday."
The coach nodded in understanding: "This type of service is for more advanced players and takes a lot of practice to master. To think that a freshman was able to do with ease?..."
The game continues. Zhou Jiang won all his serves.
[Umpire 1] End of match. The winner is Zhou Jiang. Match score, 6-0
[All cheer]
Hezekiah and Han Xiao walk to the net and shake hands.
"Wow, Zhou Jiang, you are on a different level." Han Xiao praise
This isn't what Hezekiah expected from a person who just lost a match.
"Han Xiao flattered me." Hezekiah smile slyly
[Congratulations to the Host. The male lead affability increase by 20, current affability level is 20%] The system cheerful voice sounded
Hezekiah's smile became even brighter after hearing the system words.
[It works.]
[What works?]
At the time Zhou Jiang returned Han Xiao second serve in the first round, Chen Guozhi saw that Zhou Jiang could win the game with ease. Although Zhou Jiang knew he could win, he didn't look down on Han Xiao and continue to play seriously. That gained Chen Guozhi's interests.
Just as the saying goes;
A lioness will use all of her strength even when hunting a rabbit.
Chen Guozhi doesn't like players who look down on their opponent.
💮💮💮
"Han Xiao, it was just a game. I hope you won't take it to heart." Hezekiah said after a long silence
"Don't worry about it. I was thinking, ... can we practice together sometimes? After playing you, I feel like I still need more practice." Han Xiao embarrassedly.
He still remembers barking about his three years of professional training. And being very hopeful.
"Sure, why not." Hezekiah laughed