December 2006 — Columbus, Ohio
Winter had truly arrived, and the cold was unforgiving.
Snow drifted lazily outside, and the temperature had dropped sharply. Pedestrians bundled up, pulling their coats tight as the first real wave of winter swept through the city.
Meanwhile, inside the famed Ohio University gymnasium, a high-stakes basketball game was underway. Players drenched in sweat sprinted across the court, completely lost in the rhythm of the game.
Except for one person on the bench—Yang Yan—who, unlike his teammates, was wrapped up like the people braving the cold outside.
"Yo, Yang," his teammate Johnny nudged him. "You think we'll get a chance to play today?"
Yang rolled his eyes. "Man, don't kid yourself."
Still grumbling, he pulled his collar tighter. Despite the air conditioning, he swore icy air kept sneaking in around his neck.
Johnny sighed as he glanced at the starters, envy written all over his face. Yang, meanwhile, settled deeper into the bench, eyes half-closed, trying to catch a moment of peace.
Elsewhere, across the country...
In a livestream room packed with thousands of viewers, the game was being broadcast live.
"Good evening, dear viewers! Welcome to tonight's NCAA showdown!"
"I'm your host, Xiao Liang, and yes—I'm here once again for this epic college clash."
"Don't let the 'regular season' label fool you. Tonight's matchup? Legendary."
"Ohio State featuring Greg Oden versus the University of Texas with none other than Kevin Durant."
The chat exploded.
"This game's gonna be fire!"
"No doubt, Oden's the No.1 pick this year."
"Nah, Durant's got it. You'll see."
"Oden's got support, Durant's carrying solo—big difference!"
Fans were split, but the buzz was real. With Yao Ming opening the NBA market in China, basketball fever had surged. And for many new fans, NCAA games were the scouting grounds for future legends.
"Wait—isn't Yang Yan at Ohio University?"
"The guy who was all over the Chinese internet earlier this year?"
"Didn't he turn down the CBA and fly solo to chase his NCAA dream?"
"Now he's on the same team as Oden?"
"Crazy! Wonder if he'll play tonight."
Not everyone was optimistic.
"He was a genius? Please."
"He burned his chances before the game even started."
"So much hype, zero discipline."
Seeing the flood of questions, Xiao Liang took a breath.
"Let me explain to the newcomers. Yang Yan was a prodigy, no doubt."
"He turned down multiple offers from the CBA to chase the NCAA dream."
"But since joining Ohio University, things went downhill—coach says he skips training, leaves early, doesn't commit."
"He hasn't played a single NCAA game yet—and honestly, maybe he never will."
The chat went wild.
"Man, that's disappointing."
"Guess talent means nothing without grind."
"Genius or fraud—there's a fine line."
Back in Ohio's gym, Yang Yan felt someone nudge his arm. He opened his eyes to see Johnny signaling nervously.
Their head coach, Thomas Gallagher, was watching with a stern glare. Yang knew instantly—his nap had been busted.
He sat up straight. Johnny chuckled. "Yang, man... sleeping in front of the coach? That takes guts."
But Yang only sighed, tired.
If he had a choice, this wouldn't be happening. It all began the moment he stepped onto campus.
He stared ahead—his vision blurred slightly—as a glowing panel appeared in front of him.
[Invincible Lao Deng System Loading: 99.9%]
[Reminder: Host must sleep at least 10 hours daily for optimal calibration.]
[More rest means faster system load.]
[Failure to meet the quota will trigger penalties.]