第164章 第164章

**Chapter 164: The Deal**

Lin Feng's smile grew wider, undeterred by Wu Shaohua's skepticism. "Because you're a top-tier talent, and I'm willing to wager that you have the potential to become a legend on the court. But I'm not just looking for a one-way investment. I'm willing to make a deal with you."

Wu Shaohua raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "A deal? What kind of deal?"

Lin Feng leaned forward, his eyes burning with intensity. "I'll give you a chance to prove yourself, to show the world what you're capable of. And in return, you'll have to agree to work under my guidance, to let me help you refine your skills and push you to your limits."

Wu Shaohua snorted, a mix of amusement and disdain on his face. "You think you're qualified to coach me? You're just a...a wayward basketball player from a small high school. What do you know about the CBA, let alone the NBA?"

Lin Feng's smile never wavered. "I know more than you think, Wu Shaohua. I've got the benefit of hindsight, and I've seen things that nobody else has. I can help you avoid the mistakes I made, help you capitalize on your strengths and overcome your weaknesses."

Wu Shaohua's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with the possibilities. He could feel Lin Feng's conviction, his passion for the game, and it was infectious. A part of him wanted to believe that Lin Feng was telling the truth, that he had some kind of magic formula that could elevate his game to new heights.

But another part of him was screaming to be cautious, to remember that Lin Feng was a mysterious figure with unclear motives. What did he really want from Wu Shaohua? Was he just trying to use him to further his own interests, or did he genuinely care about his development as a player?

"Tell me more," Wu Shaohua said finally, his voice measured. "What kind of deal are we talking about?"

Lin Feng's eyes gleamed with excitement. "I'll give you a chance to play for the Shanghai Sharks, one of the top teams in the CBA. And if you perform well, if you show me that you have what it takes to be a top-tier player, I'll work with you to get you into the NBA. But you have to trust me, Wu Shaohua. You have to trust that I know what I'm doing."

Wu Shaohua's gaze locked onto Lin Feng's, a silent understanding passing between them. The stakes were high, the risks were real, but the potential rewards were enormous. He could feel the adrenaline pulsing through his veins, the thrill of the unknown calling to him like a siren's song.

And then, without warning, the lights in the room flickered and went out, plunging them into darkness.

"What's going on?" Wu Shaohua's voice was laced with concern.

Lin Feng's voice was calm, confident. "Don't worry about it. It's just a minor power outage. We'll get to the bottom of it soon."

But as they stood there in the darkness, Wu Shaohua couldn't shake the feeling that something was off, that the universe was conspiring against them. Or was it just his imagination playing tricks on him?

As the darkness lingered on, the tension between them grew thicker, the air thick with anticipation. What would happen next? Would Wu Shaohua take the deal, or would he walk away? Only time would tell.