Chapter 434: Shizi Dogs vs. Huolan Guardians (2)

The first quarter ended with the Huolan Guardians leading by ten points, a fact that gnawed at the Shizi Dogs as they huddled around Coach Muchen.

The court murmured about the Guardians' improvement, while Kai couldn't shake the feeling of impending danger. He kept glancing at Yuze, who sat at the edge of the bench. 

"Yuze, I'm swapping you out," Muchen said firmly, looking at his captain's injured leg. "You've done enough. Rest up now."

"No," Yuze cut in before the coach could argue further. He grabbed a water bottle and, in a quick motion, chugged a pain reliever he had tucked inside his sleeve, hiding it from everyone. "I'm staying. We need every bit of momentum we can get, and I'm not giving up yet."

"Are you still not okay?" Kun asked with furrowed eyebrows. 

Yuze shook his head. "I'm fine," he said. "Coach is just overreacting."