She shook her head and refocused her attention on the computer screen.

No way, how could a pheasant be a match for a phoenix?

She kept reading...

2. Stay away from sources of stimulation.

Don’t pay attention to any updates from your ex, don’t check any of his information, and don’t go to places you used to visit together.

“Totally impossible.”

Grace Carter let out a soft sigh and continued scrolling.

3. Find healthy alternatives, such as exercise.

From a neurological perspective, the discomfort after a breakup is because the pleasurable rewards are gone. That’s why many people choose to get drunk or have a one-night stand after a breakup.

Exercise releases happy hormones, which can help reduce anxiety and depression. That’s also why many guys like to vent by playing basketball after a breakup.

Grace Carter's eyes lit up, and she nodded.

4. You can read some philosophy books.

Many people start to doubt themselves after a breakup, questioning the meaning of love or even life itself. When someone is at a low point, it’s often the time they’re most motivated to reflect on life.

Some good philosophy books can help us break free from obsessions over petty love affairs.

Grace Carter finished reading, tapped her right hand with her left, looking as if she had gained a lot, then closed the webpage and opened a shopping site instead.

...

Karaoke practice room.

“Goodbye, long hair”

“For you”

“Love for”

“Always loved short hair”

“The one I gave”

Brian Clark went to the dorm to claim a spot, changed clothes, and then headed to the practice room to rehearse.

Why work so hard?

How can a real man live under others for long, feeling stifled in this world?

He first practiced all the male lyrics of “Free and Easy.” This song was relatively easy to practice, with some “half-line” lyrics.

Let’s see who dares to say next time that I have no lyrics and can only go “oh yeah”?

A half-line is still a lyric!

—Short but I mean it!!!

Brian Clark was about to record the female part of the lyrics to give to Grace Carter for practice when suddenly his phone rang in his pocket.

He took out his phone and saw it was her calling.

“Hello, Gezi.”

“Zhixing, can you come play basketball with me at the stadium?”

Chapter 11: A Fine Bird Chooses a Good Tree to Nest In

Play basketball?

Why did she suddenly want to play basketball?

In Brian Clark’s memory, she didn’t seem to have this hobby. Although he didn’t really want to go, since it was the first time she had invited him on her own initiative, he nodded and agreed.

“Okay, what time?”

“In about twenty minutes, let’s meet at the gym.”

“Alright.”

Brian Clark hung up, checked the time—still enough, cleared his throat, and continued recording.

...

Twenty minutes later, at the stadium.

The stadium prepared by the show crew wasn’t big, with only a basketball court and a badminton court.

When Brian Clark arrived, Grace Carter hadn’t shown up yet. The badminton court was empty, and half of the basketball court was free. On the other half, two boys in Class Three uniforms were playing.

It was obvious they didn’t play often—their dribbling was so stiff it looked like they were dancing.

“Bro, what do you think about combining dance and basketball?”

“Damn, you’re a genius! Why didn’t I think of such a brilliant idea!”

“Should we try it on stage next time?”

“Ahem, keep your voice down, someone’s coming.”

???

Brian Clark looked around—no one behind him. It seemed they were guarding against him, afraid he’d overhear their brilliant idea and steal it.

You guys play so beautifully!

Brian Clark shrugged speechlessly, walked to the side, picked up a basketball, dribbled a few times, aimed at the hoop, gathered his strength, took a step, two steps, jumped up for a layup.

His form was picture-perfect, but with a “bang”...

The ball was blocked by the rim.

Bang, bang, bang...

The basketball bounced a few times and finally lay quietly on the floor.

Brian Clark looked down at his hands, frowned, and, like a character in a soldier-turned-king novel, uttered that classic line:

“Has this body already reached its limit?”

“Zhixing, sorry, I’m late!”

Grace Carter came running over, wearing that emerald green class uniform, her hair tied in a neat high ponytail. On the court, she looked like a real-life Akagi Haruko.

“No rush, I just got here too.”

Brian Clark stroked his chin, looked her up and down, and smiled, raising his eyebrows. “That outfit really suits you! The sporty look is so full of energy!”

“Really?”

Grace Carter glanced at her uniform, a shallow dimple appearing on her oval face.

“Of course!”

Brian Clark picked up the basketball from the ground and asked curiously, “Why did you suddenly want to play? I remember you didn’t have this hobby.”

Grace Carter blinked her almond-shaped eyes and smiled, “I didn’t do well in the competition today, so I thought I’d exercise a bit to lift my mood.”

Brian Clark widened his eyes in surprise, not expecting her to have this realization. He stuffed the basketball into her hands. “That’s right! If you’re in a bad mood, you need to find a way to vent! Come on, I’ll play with you as long as you want tonight.”

“Okay!”