A black-haired woman sat at the dining table. Hoping to make a good impression, Kai Yi's mother had chosen a white dress for the occasion. Even though the dress was cheap, she wore it with dignity.
"Good morning, Mr. Harpy. I prepared breakfast for you. You came so early—I'm sure you haven't eaten yet," she said warmly, rising and walking into the kitchen. Just as Kai Yi had told him, she brought out a few slices of toast and a glass of milk.
"Thank you, ma'am," Harpy said, accepting the food politely. The warm milk was a welcome comfort after several sleepless nights.
"I came this time to discuss—"
"We're willing, sir! My son is willing to go to Butler University for the trial!" Kai Yi's mother interrupted, her voice trembling with excitement. "He's a good boy. His father used to be a professional basketball player. He won't disappoint you!"
To her, this opportunity meant everything. She didn't expect Kai Yi to repay their debts with the scholarship. She just hoped her son could finally walk the right path.
"Your father was a professional player?" Harpy asked, surprised. Kai Yi only nodded slightly.
No wonder, Harpy thought. That explains why this kid, with barely any formal training, was so talented. Basketball was in his blood.
Harpy pulled out the documents and explained the details of the upcoming trial.
Once they arrived in Indianapolis, all of Kai Yi's travel and lodging expenses would be covered by Butler University. The school would even hire tutors to ensure he didn't fall behind academically.
But talent alone wasn't enough. To stay at Butler, Kai Yi would also need to meet the academic standards for university admission. It was a double challenge—both on the court and in the classroom.
If he succeeded in both, Butler University would offer him a full basketball scholarship. Not only would his education be free, but he'd also receive extra financial support.
Everyone was satisfied with the arrangement. Kai Yi's mother even smiled—a rare sight. Harpy, equally thrilled, told Kai Yi to pack for Indianapolis. He could hardly wait to see what the boy could achieve.
----
On both sides of the White River in central Indiana lies a city both old and bustling—Indianapolis, the fourth-largest state capital in the U.S. Known as a hotbed for basketball.
When people talk college basketball here, Indiana University usually comes to mind. But in recent years, another school—just an hour away—had been quietly rising: Butler University.
With the brilliant coach Brad Stevens and a rising star named Gordon Hayward, Butler was gaining recognition. And now, joining them was a tall, long-armed, sturdy guard brought in by Harpy who could hopefully take them to another level.
Kai Yi showed no excitement when he arrived in Indianapolis. Most kids Harpy brought would marvel at the new city, soaking in every sight. But after stepping off the plane, Kai Yi said only one thing: "Let's go to the basketball court."
Butler University was just a 25-minute drive from the airport. As they passed through wooded hills, Kai Yi saw the vast, green campus sprawled across three hills.
He stood at the university gates, suitcase in hand, mouth slightly open. Harpy smiled—finally, the expression of a kid his age.
Since Kai Yi wasn't an enrolled student yet, the school didn't have any dorm ready. For now, he'd be staying in Coach Stevens' office. So, dressed in casual clothes, suitcase in hand, he stepped into the Bulldogs' home court.
It was the holidays, and the court was empty. But a young man in a suit was waiting with open arms—Coach Brad Stevens.
"Kai Yi! We've been waiting for you!" Stevens said enthusiastically.
Spotlights, polished wooden floors, towering stands, digital screens, professional hoops… to Kai Yi, it felt like paradise. He had eyes only for the court. Stevens had to turn and hug Harpy instead.
Kai Yi had been a starter on his high school team, but Bayless High's gym couldn't compare to this. For a kid raised on street courts and worn-down gyms, playing here felt like a dream.
He crouched and ran his fingers over the gleaming hardwood. He was overwhelmed.
"I'm going to play here one day," he vowed silently.
"Kai!" Harpy's voice snapped him out of his trance. "This is Coach Brad Stevens."
"So what now? There's no one here—how are you going to test me?"
"No one's playing today. You'll be going up against yourself," Stevens said, clapping Kai Yi's shoulder. The kid looked even more impressive than in the footage.
"Against myself?"
"We need your physical measurements first. Game footage can be misleading, but numbers don't lie. Head to the locker room to change—we're looking forward to being impressed," Stevens said firmly.
Kai Yi didn't argue. He headed straight to the locker room. Watching him go, Stevens grinned. "You know what, Harpy? I like this kid."
[Height: Barefoot 1.88 meters (6'2"), With shoes, 1.91 (6'3")]
[Weight: 82 kilograms (180.7 lb)]
"Hmm... lean. But strong," Stevens noted mentally.
"Wingspan... 2.07 meters (6'9.5")!"
Even the staff paused in disbelief.
"Excellent," Stevens said with a wide smile.
[100-meter dash: 10.33 seconds]
[¾ court sprint: 3.34 seconds]
After his run, Kai Yi looked to Stevens. The coach was stunned.
He's still in high school, Stevens thought. Imagine what he'll become after a few years of college training. His speed is nearly at the level of John Wall!
John Wall—America's number one high school player. A future NBA top pick. No wonder Kai Yi could break through Wall in an instant.
Next was the vertical leap test.
"See that little tab on the machine? Jump and try to touch it," Stevens instructed, hands trembling with anticipation.
Kai Yi crouched, then exploded upward like a spring.
"Standing vertical: 84 cm (33 in)!"
"Unbelievable," Harpy whispered. "This kind of athleticism is elite among student players."
"No, Harpy. With the right training... he could be elite in the NBA," Stevens said.
Harpy stared at him. "The NBA? Are you serious?"
"Max vertical with a run-up: 96 cm (37 in)!" the staff announced before they could respond.
Kai Yi landed and looked at Stevens. "So when do I start playing basketball? This is getting boring."
Stevens snapped to attention. "Tomorrow at four. Don't be late."
He had a serious expression now. Kai Yi might be even more dangerous than he thought.
Maybe the NCAA wouldn't be his final stop. Maybe... he could follow in his father's footsteps and become a professional player. A professional who could thrive in the NBA.
Kai Yi just rolled his eyes and walked toward the locker room.
Stevens, still watching him, wiped the sweat from his forehead.
A monster. Without realizing it, he had just discovered a monster.