A Slight Smile Is Very Charming
The afternoon basketball court was bathed in golden-orange sunlight, the rubber floor radiating a warm glow. Xiao Nai wore a simple white jersey with the sleeves loosely rolled up to his forearms, his figure tall and lean. His wrists moved cleanly and decisively as he dribbled, and every jump shot he took was crisp and sharp. At the sideline, Yu Banshan—also known as Yugong—was wiping sweat with the collar of his jersey, shouting for a pass as he ran into position. The rest of the teammates worked together in a back-and-forth of coordinated offense and defense, sweat dripping from the young men's jaws. The thud of the basketball striking the ground mingled with the youths' bright laughter and banter, and the entire court was immersed in a vivid, exuberant youthful energy.