Chapter 13.
A silver luxury car(GTW-666) slowly entered the campus of Westbridge International University.
Students nearby instinctively turned their heads and looked at the car.
"This GTW-666 this car was sold in. 2.1 million in yesterday's auction."
"Yeah, this looks luxurious."
"This is how rich people enjoy life."
Some students whispered around them and others students were simply watching the person stepping out of the car was none other than Sophia Laurent.
Heiress of Laurent family and next CEO of Laurent Cooperation.
Her long dark hair flowed gently behind her due to wind as she entered through the campus gate.
As always, her expression remained calm and elegant like a noble lady.
Beside her walked her best friend, Emily Hart.
Unlike Sophia's reserved personality, Emily was a cheerful and energetic girl.
She constantly attracted attention wherever she went.
Emily stretched lazily.
"I still can't believe we are studying in University. Time flies very fast, you know."
Sophia glanced at the sky and said in a deep and soft voice.
"You're right and time never stops for anyone."
Emily laughed after hearing then she suddenly linked arms with Sophia.
"You always talk seriously. Today is club recruitment day." She said in a playful voice.
"Have you decided which club you're joining?"
Sophia gave a small nod to her.
"The Business Club."
Emily smiled immediately.
"Do you know, you are serious every time you should enjoy yourself sometimes."
That answer didn't surprise her at all.
Sophia was future CEO of Laurent Cooperation. She has to maintain her noble status in front of these people and do more work in her business skills to prove herself as a perfect heiress in front of shareholders.
Meanwhile, Emily stopped in front of the Music Club registration booth.
"I'll join this one."
Sophia wasn't surprised.
Emily loved music almost as much as she loved talking this also suitable for her cheerful and bold personality.
After two of them completed their registrations in their clubs before continuing their walk around campus.
Then suddenly—
They hear conversations of some students who are going towards the basketball court.
Emily looked curious immediately.
"Who is this fresher? He is really bold enough to challenge Ethan Vale."
Sophia glanced toward the direction of the crowd.
Emily's eyes sparkled.
"Let's go see."
Sophia sighed.
"No."
"Come on!"
"No."
"Please?"
"No."
Emily grabbed Sophia's arm like child.
"We'll only watch for a few minutes."
Before Sophia could refuse again her she was already dragging her toward the basketball court to watch match.
Several minutes later...
The two arrived near the Basketball court.
A large crowd of students had gathered around it.
When they entered the court students gave them a way to set on chair to watch the match.
"Give the way for Young Lady Laurent."
"She looking stunning."
"Her friend also looks beautiful and cute."
After they settled on chair and look at the court.
Sophia immediately noticed something unusual.
This match was not between two teams instead this match a one-on-one basketball game.
The audience wasn't excited for watching match because they know who was going to winner at the end of this game.
At the center of the court stood Ethan Vale.
Sophia recognized him immediately.
After all, Ethan's confession to Claire in end of december at the live stream, he book luxurious island for her and this become the biggest topic on the internet for few years ago because of this so many mans and boys never dear to approach her when they know Ethan Vale keep eye on her.
Then her eyes moved toward Ethan's opponent.
A black-haired freshman.
Ryan Carter.
Sophia's eyes narrowed slightly for some reason his felt familiar to her then she remembered.
The freshman who briefly met her eyes during the first day of university before casually looking away and he also one who bumped to Ethan yesterday.
Emily suddenly looked excited.
"They match was going to one sided and looked like everyone thinks same as me."
Everyone knows how skilled Ethan in basketball. The things that make him better than Ryan is first he was president of basketball Club, second he was rank top 10 in national basketball players in entire country. These things he earn by himself with his hardwork not with money.
Sophia nodded.
"Yes, but still never underestimate your opponent."
Emily gave small nod then she noticed that Sophia look at fresher who standing at the court.
"And who's the freshman?"
"I don't know."
At the center of the court, Ethan bounced the basketball slowly.
Thump.
Thump.
Thump.
The sound echoed across the court and mix with cheering of students.
The referee stepped back and said.
"First possession belongs to Ethan."
Ethan gave a small nod then he looked at Ryan and asked him.
"You ready?"
Ryan took a deep breath because for now this is his life has reached a point where it's do or die.
"Let's do it."
The game officially began.
Ethan moved first without wasting any time his dribbling was smooth and controlled the ball.
Ryan watched Ethan's shoulders. He did not watch the ball. He had learned that lesson before. In another life, he had learned to read people, not objects.
The first step came like a spark. Ethan moved fast. His foot struck hard. Air pushed past him.
Ryan bent his knees. He dropped his weight down. His eyes stayed on Ethan's shoulders. He guessed the line, the angle, the small habit Ethan could not hide.
Ethan cut left. Ryan moved left. Ethan faked, then pushed right. Ryan's hand touched nothing but air. For a second the world slowed. Ethan ran toward the basket.
Bang.
Ryan felt the difference in strength, stamina compared to the his body he's strong.
Much stronger than expected.
But he can't stand here and wait for them to insult him.
Ethan's body had been trained for years.
Ryan managed to stay in front of him, but it wasn't easy to maintain this for long any how he have to take a ball from Ethan
Ethan smiled faintly and asked with funny tone.
"You've played before."
Ryan didn't answer.
Ethan suddenly changed direction.
Left.
Right.
Then left again.
Ryan followed every movement and cover him and not let him do ball inside basket.
The surrounding students became increasingly surprised.
"He kept up?"
"A freshman?"
"Against Ethan?"
Ryan was looking at Ethan after only 5 min of game.
'He can simply do ball basket but every time I feel like he one who dominant this entire court. This feeling is worse and like a chain than slowly tied up me to moved.'
He suddenly stepped backward.
Ryan instinctively moved forward.
At that exact moment—
Ethan jumped for do goal and throw the ball towards the basket.
A perfect jump shot.
The basketball left his fingertips beautifully.
Swish.
The ball passed through the hoop cleanly.
The crowd erupted.
"What a shot!"
"As expected of President Ethan!"
"He was playing with him like when adult play with child."
Ethan landed smoothly.
No celebration and no arrogance on his face just calm confidence.
That was the difference between skilled players and amateurs.
Ryan picked up the ball with hands
Now it was his turn to start game.
The crowd immediately became quiet again.
Most people expected the game to end quickly.