No Matter How Hard

Flashback

Zheng had always been the kind of kid who did what he was told. His mother's words echoed in his ears as he headed out of their five-seater family car.

"Take it easy today, okay?" she said with a smile, leaning against the window frame, her eyes soft with motherly concern.

"Yes, mom!" Zheng called out, pulling his duffel bag over his shoulder.

"And don't be too sad if you lose," she added her voice light but with a hint of seriousness.

Zheng turned around, giving her a grin. "Don't worry. I won't."

He waved and jogged down the street toward his home for three weeks—the basketball boot camp.

Summer had arrived, and unlike his typical day in school, he was going to be surrounded by the sport he loved dearly and with young aspirants like him.