Chapter 80 – Dinner

On December 6th, it was the loser bracket semifinals.

SYG team competed against HT team, who had overcome numerous challenges.

FG and Han Chuan were defeated in the third round of the loser bracket, but it was much better than their one-round elimination in the spring season.

Han Chuan said, “In the worst case, we’ll just go back to K League A next season and play. It’s not a big deal.”

Cheng Che gave him a sideways glance and said, “Focus on winning the winter championship and achieving good results.”

In fact, I remember that this year the league canceled team promotion and relegation, and the two temporary teams would have official spots.

Cheng Che knew he couldn’t say anything.

Han Chuan, goodbye in the winter championship. See you in the next spring season.

…

“Let’s congratulate SYG for securing match point! They have successfully advanced to the loser bracket finals!!!”

[Loser Bracket Semifinals]

SYG: HT

4:1

The next night was the winner bracket finals, where the winner would advance to the grand finals, and the loser would compete in the loser bracket finals.

The winner of the loser bracket finals would advance to the grand finals.

DCT faced their lifelong rivals, TG.

Coincidentally, it was Liang Feng’s birthday that day, and it was snowing heavily.

Everyone was excited and said they would celebrate the coach’s birthday after winning the match. They all rallied with a hundred percent spirit.

Wu You said the classic line, “We can feast again!”

Feasting is an important social activity for the DCT team and their only way of spending money.

DCT: “Poverty makes our vision short-sighted.”

It’s a pre-match taunt, a segment where all players are forced to do business.

Lava: “Your jungle is my home.”

Wu You: “I really want to laugh.”

Cheng Che: “Me, my…uh, is my team afraid of you?”

[“wdlpndm”]

[“Hilarious, my wife is your mom”]

[“Want to marry Che’s kid as my wife”]

[“Dad Star: Bring out my 80-meter big sword”]

Lin Xingling smiled and pinched him hard.

…The brat better not speak nonsense again.

“Phew…”

After finishing the trash talk, Lin Xingling returned to the players’ rest area. He took out a bottle of AD calcium milk from Cheng Che’s small backpack and just as he pressed the straw in, he saw the child staring at him.

Cheng Che said, “You…you stole my AD calcium.”

Tsk…Lin Xingling also took out a pancake, “Not only did I steal your AD calcium, I also stole your pancake.”

“You’re daring.”

“Childish ghost,” Lin Xingling smiled and handed him half of the pancake, “Here, eat.”

That’s about it…Cheng Che took the pancake and complained, “You kept the filling for yourself, and what you gave me is all bread!”

After falling in love, they spoil each other more than before…

I no longer believe in love.

Lin Xingling stuffed the bread into his mouth and mumbled, “It’s still delicious even without the filling. Just eat it.”

Munch munch, it’s so delicious.

Choking, he drank the AD calcium milk in one gulp.

Cheng Che:…

Holding my little backpack tightly.

Coach Liang Feng, the embodiment of justice, said sternly to him, “You’re already an adult, and you’re still snatching food from a child.”

After saying it righteously, he reached out to Cheng Che, “Let me teach him a lesson. Here, have some candy.”

…

After Cheng Che put down the little backpack he was hugging, Liu Ying reached inside and took out an orange, peeling it to eat.

Cheng Che said, “You all only care about snacks.”

Wu You nodded, “I really want to laugh.”

Phantom: “…Let’s focus on ganking the top lane in the first game.”

They have been playing together for over a year, and this is the first time Phantom has actively asked Wu You to help him gank before a match.

Wu You nonchalantly replied, “Sure! Hehe, Sister A Hua is casting tonight, so I have to make some flashy plays.”

Phantom:…

“C is my nickname, thank you,” Cheng Che crossed his arms and smiled.

Wu You said, “You can go AD, the C position belongs to me.”

This verbal battle for the C position was decided by a bet on who would get the most MVPs tonight.

Teammates –

Sharp & Stars & Phantom: Immature.

460: No worldly desires like that.

As they stepped onto the stage, the players sat on their gaming chairs and adjusted their equipment.

Wu You hummed the song “Lemon Tree”.

“…yesterday you told me about the blue, blue sky~and all that I can see is just a yellow lemon tree~”

It is said that this song was written about a young boy waiting for his girlfriend on a Sunday afternoon when it was raining.

Phantom didn’t say anything and took a sip of water with a low mood.

Wu You hoped he would find a girlfriend soon, at least for his own peace and quiet.

Too noisy.

In the first game, DCT was on the red side, and Wu You started by clearing the red jungle and then ganked the top lane.

He got three kills, wiping out the enemy minions.

Cheng Che, who didn’t even manage to last-hit a single minion, said, “Get lost! Get lost like a galloping horse!”

Lane thief!!!

Lin Xingling frowned and commanded, “Xiao Pei, retreat.”

As soon as the words were spoken, the first blood announcement sounded.

The enemy ADC, Mo Luo, secured the first blood.

Phantom narrowed his eyes and, a few seconds later, opened them, controlling Ma Chao to rush to the opposing lane.

“Xiao Pei, you keep farming minions. Wait for me and Little Brother Ying to come over,” Wu You killed a minion in the top lane, securing a kill on an enemy player.

Zhou Yu reached level 4 and coordinated with Zhao Yun to roam to the bottom lane and catch the enemy ADC and support.

Mo Luo and Qi Xi cautiously checked the bushes and came out to pressure Phantom.

Liu Ying and Zhou Yu flashed behind to flank and control the two, Wu You and Zhao Yun initiated with their ultimate abilities, and Phantom’s Ma Chao swiftly ran forward to poke the enemy.

Double kill.

“Today is another day of working hard to assist my dear Pei~” Wu You’s eyes winked involuntarily as he smiled.

The bottom lane duo focused on farming.

Cheng Che controlled Marco Polo, wearing a stern expression while farming.

Lin Xingling’s Dun Shan: “,&-#×!…”

Nonsense.

They became nervous when they saw the enemy jungler, Lava, and mid laner, Lian Rong, increasing their gold by +3 per second on the economy panel. They were not farming or clearing minions; they were waiting to ambush.

“Clear and come back.”

Cheng Che followed the order and retreated, but in an instant, Lin Xingling flashed again and rushed into the brush, surprising Na Ke Lu Lu as she returned.

Na Ke Lu Lu tearfully killed Marco Polo.

Unknown appeared and, together with Shiranui Mai, took down Dun Shan

“Your flash… has some personal grudges attached to it.” Cheng Che laughed helplessly.

Wu You took down the Overlord, saying, “Even if you die,

what does it mean? Kid, you’re just a noob~”

…

These two seem to have an irreconcilable feud.

When they won the first game, the MVP went to Lin Xingling’s Dun Shan… Cheng Che and Wu You had a full-blown fight backstage.

“My… My captain’s MVP is equivalent to mine!” (Che)

“Then he’s also my captain, right?!” (You)

“The captain is… my brother!” (Che)

“He’s my brother too.” (You)

“And the captain is… my husband!” (Che)

“He’s my husband too! …Well, what the hell?” (You)

The more they talked, the more absurd it became.

Lin Xingling intervened, separating the two who were wrestling and swinging their fists, sighing, “Enough… Both of you are the C position, alright.”

“Alright…” Liang Feng gave a thumbs up. “You saying ‘alright’ is really great.”

I would call it the epitome of casual banter.

In the second game, Cheng Che went all-out and secured the victory.

Wu You: “…”

Depressed Xiao You kept isolating himself.

In the third game, Mo Luo led the team to win one round back.

Mo Luo is a marksman cultivated by the TG team’s youth training camp. In the playoffs, his reflexes and judgment are exceptional, but what’s most impressive is his sharp gameplay.

There is a saying now that after Clear, talented marksmen continue to emerge.

Cheng Che’s expression: …

Lin Xingling said, “They are who they are, but you are my talented marksman.”

…

Finally, they won a round, and Gu Xincha breathed a sigh of relief.

Lian Rong patted Mo Luo’s shoulder and gave him a thumbs up, saying, “You’ve made me proud.”

“Clear, you’re strong,” said Mo Luo.

You Peng reached out and ruffled the young man’s soft hair, saying, “You’re amazing too, not inferior to him.”

Qi Xi nodded and said, “In my heart, Xiao Luo is the strongest.”

Respect is more easily earned by the strong.

Even Lava, who is proud and arrogant, had to admit that Mo Luo, this newcomer, is a genius. He can compete on an equal footing with top marksmen like Charity and Clear.

Some people online even compare Mo Luo to a second Clear.

Lava couldn’t sit still and said, “Mo Luo is Mo Luo. He will always be himself.”

The boy who used to look down on others has grown up.

Mo Luo looked at Lava, who was ignoring everyone, and made a “six” gesture at him.

Lava said, “Six.”

Looking at this group of teammates with excellent coordination, Gu Xincha felt momentarily happy.

“Coach T, if possible in the next game… shall we try picking Yu Ji?” he suggested.

Mo Luo smiled and looked at their coach.

Gu Xincha nodded.

DCT locked in Bai Li Shou Yue.

TG locked in Yu Ji.

Cheng Che: …

Honestly, I’m already nauseated.

“Let Liu Ying take Shou Yue,” Lin Xingling smiled, “I’ll play as a tank support, and Xiao Pei can take a mage solo lane.”

Can’t they deal with Yu Ji?

But the fact proved that they really couldn’t.

Mo Luo displayed remarkable skill with Yu Ji’s second skill and ultimate.

Moreover, Qi Xi had Tai Yi Zhen Ren to revive him, making it difficult to take him down.

In the end, TG secured the fourth game in 24 minutes.

“Tied the score.”

…

They couldn’t continue like this.

In the fifth game, Liang Feng brought out his trump card. Phantom used Luna as a solo laner, and Clear paired up with Stars playing Yao.

They won that game comfortably.

In the sixth game, TG played a double lane. You Peng played as Tan Bian Lian Po, while Mo Luo fought in the side lane as Old Master.

Mo Luo kept getting killed.

Mo Luo: …

“I perfectly controlled Di Ren Jie with my ult… ah, I’m dead.”

Phantom elegantly controlled the enemy marksman, only to be mercilessly beaten by the enemy Da Qiao’s skills.

Cheng Che said, “That was close…”

Lin Xingling said, “It’s too dangerous to farm alone. Bring Qiao Qiao with you.”

Cheng Che replied, “…You’re being ridiculous.”

Wu You controlled Pei Qin Hu over to leech off the minion waves and said, “It’s too dangerous to develop alone. Bring Hu Hu with you.”

Liu Ying added, “Bring Ji…”

The player of Zhen Ji couldn’t bring herself to say it.

The sixth game lasted for forty-two minutes, and everyone’s hearts were hanging in suspense.

Both sides had all three high ground towers destroyed and were locked in a stalemate.

On the TG side…

Mo Luo asked, “What should we have for supper tonight?”

On the DCT side…

Clear (protesting stomach): “Growl~~~“

In the end, in a team fight at the Lord Dragon Pit, the momentum on both sides was almost visible to the naked eye.

“We can’t lose!!!”

“I don’t want to play in the peak match!”

…

Commentator A Hua said, “Let’s congratulate the DCT team on winning the winner’s bracket final and successfully advancing to the grand finals!”

DCT prepared to go for a feast.

TG prepared for the loser’s bracket final tomorrow night.

Mo Luo said, “Let’s take it easy…”

At least they still have one more chance to reach the grand finals, and they can have a meal later.

---

Chapter 79 – Daughter-in-law

Compared to Cheng Che’s family, Lin Xingling’s family has a much warmer atmosphere, and his parents are also kind-hearted.

Lin Xingrong is even more enthusiastic, stuffing all kinds of snacks into his hands. In no time, a small mountain of snacks piles up on the coffee table in front of Cheng Che’s sofa.

Cheng Che leisurely sits beside the coffee table, cracking melon seeds, feeling even more comfortable than being at his own home.

“Da Ling, what does the child like to drink?” Mother Lin, who was watching Lin Haiqing cook in the kitchen, casually asked.

“Snow… Pure milk… Hmm.”

Before Lin Xingling could speak, Cheng Che decisively interrupted.

Is it really him? Lin Xingling looked at him with confusion.

…

Tonight, Cheng Che is different from usual. He doesn’t play with his phone or watch TV. He is particularly proactive during dinner, and even after finishing the meal, he helps Lin Xingling’s mother wash the dishes.

“Do you like cilantro?”

“Not… not particularly.”

“That’s great. I don’t eat it either. Cilantro… let Da Ling eat everything at our home.”

“Uh…”

“…”

“When Da Ling was a child, his big face looked like a bun… hehehe~”

The two of them talk and laugh, getting along very well.

…mainly because Cheng Che cooperates.

“…”

Lin Haiqing stands at the kitchen door with her hands behind her back, watching.

“Are you satisfied?” Lin Xingling pats Cheng Che’s shoulder, chuckling softly. “Let’s talk about the matter at hand. My mother is satisfied.”

His father smiles and furrows his brows, asking, “Is this child… too young?”

Lin Xingling shrugs and says, “He can grow up. It’s good to raise him. It’s not like he won’t grow up.”

Let him grow slowly and live a happier life.

Lin Xingrong comes over, thumbs up, and says, “I agree to this engagement.”

“Ah, as a grandfather, I am destined to be irrelevant…” Lin Haiqing sighs and says, “I also agree, but there is one condition.”

“Speak.” Lin Xingling responds readily.

“Since you’ve made a choice, take responsibility.”

Lin Haiqing looks at him heavily and says, “You’re older, you must protect the person you love and not let them suffer any harm, understand?”

Isn’t that the most basic thing… Lin Xingling nods and solemnly replies, “Yes, I understand.”

“By the way, does the child’s family know?” (Qing)

“…Not yet, we’ll tell them when the time is right.” (Xing)

“When will you tell them?” (Qing)

“When the rice is cooked.” (Xing)

“You scoundrel, you’re never serious.” (Qing)

The two fathers bickered, and Lin Xingrong stood by, holding an apple and watching like a spectator.

After a while, he suddenly asks, “Does the child know?”

Lin Xingling: ???

“Hmm?”

“Does he know that we have agreed on your engagement?” Lin Xingrong sighs, “I see him being too reserved with our mother, like a primary school student standing next to the teacher.”

“Him… he doesn’t know.”

In fact, Lin Xingling had already told his family a long time ago. The parents, who expected the Lin family to end with him, were not surprised at all, and were even proud of it.

Parents: We guessed it right, you’re indeed gay.

Bringing Cheng Che this time was a sudden idea, wanting to let the family meet their future Daughter-in-law… and also to give Cheng Che a surprise.

When Lin Haiqing and Cheng Che come out of the kitchen, Lin Xingrong takes the warm milk from the microwave and hands it to Lin Xingling, saying, “Go on, go on.”

Cheng Che looks over and smiles shyly.

Lin Xingling hesitates for a moment, holding the milk, just about to move… but his father takes the lead, pulling Cheng Che to sit with him and having a long conversation about life ideals.

He listens on the side.

Cheng Che gets sleepy as they talk.

“Oh, let’s add each other as friends.”

“Okay…”

They become friends.

[Love and Harmony, a Family]

[Father Zhuzhu invited DCT-Clear to join the group chat.]

Cheng Che suddenly becomes wide awake.

What’s going on? Why did you add your son’s teammate to the family group chat?!!

“Uncle… Did, did you add me to the wrong group?”

“Oh, oops, my hand slipped.”

Lin Haiqing laughs and kicks Lin Xingling out.

Cheng Che: ???

The child is on the verge of tears. “Uncle… you, you kicked the wrong person…”

“Don’t you want this son?” Lin Xingrong teases.

Father: “We don’t need this son.”

Mother: “Whether we want this son or not, the decision is in the hands of our Daughter-in-law~”

Daughter-in-law???

Cheng Che looks at them in a daze.

Why does he seem a bit slow… Lin Xingling helplessly ruffles his hair and says, “Bring me back.”

Xingrong: “Oops—”

“Child, in the future, when you marry Da Ling, we’ll all stand by your side.”

These words echoed in Cheng Che’s mind like thunder for a long time. After a while, Cheng Che shook his head.

“Don’t… don’t joke like that…”

Marriage… it’s something so far away… Besides… wait! How does his mother know that they will get married in the future?!

“Auntie… you, you said…”

“Call me mom.”

“The child is dumbfounded, hahaha.”

Lin Xingrong pulls him aside and explains, “We have known for a long time that you two are together. Today, my brother brought you back to let us meet… Well, congratulations, kid. The family is very satisfied with you.”

Satisfied… with me?!!

The amount of information in these words is too much. Cheng Che takes a while to understand clearly, “I… I and Xingling… we…”

“This matter doesn’t require our approval, haha. As long as you two like each other.” Lin Haiqing snaps his fingers and takes a picture with a camera he had brought out without Cheng Che noticing.

…When Cheng Che wasn’t paying attention.

Dazed, it’s so cute.

Happiness comes so suddenly. Cheng Che blinks his eyes and says to Lin Xingling, “Pinch… pinch me…”

“Okay.”

Lin Xingling does as told and pinches his waist hard… afraid that it wouldn’t hurt, he uses a lot of force.

“Ouch…”

It’s not a dream.

Even until late at night when they have to go to sleep, Cheng Che still feels light-headed.

Lin Xingling’s parents have no objections, and even if his own family has any, it doesn’t matter.

It’s equivalent to… being able to marry him in the future…

“Captain, can we… can we get married in the future?”

The other party is too sleepy and makes a vague sound.

After a while, he starts snoring.

He doesn’t usually snore much, only when he’s very tired or in a wrong sleeping position.

Cheng Che nudges his head, helping him adjust his posture.

Then he kisses his mouth… trying to imitate him and kiss deeper, but without success.

Lin Xingling, who was awakened by the commotion, grabs the back of Cheng Che’s collar and pulls him aside. “Behave, stop fooling around.”

“Can we… get married or not?”

“That’s a sure thing, what are you worried about?”

Seeing the subtle expression on Cheng Che’s face after hearing his words, Lin Xingling knows that something is not simple. “What’s going on?”

Cheng Che opens his mouth and says, “I want… I want to make it official with you.”

…

“You said this, no crying allowed.”

Busy for nearly half an hour, Lin Xingling wipes the sweat off Cheng Che’s forehead with a towel and asks, “Is there anything else?”

Cheng Che rolls his eyes and takes the nail from Lin Xingling’s hand. “Who do you think you’re looking down on?”

As he speaks, he hammers the nail into the bed leg.

“Done, no more fooling around, let’s go to sleep.”

Lin Xingling picks up the water glass from the small table and takes a sip of water. There’s a water mark running down from the corner of his mouth to his chin, and then it drips onto his neck.

His swan-like neck is slender, and there’s a small pink birthmark below the Adam’s apple… it looks really sexy.

What’s the point of being a person if you’re not a little lustful? How are you doing?

Cheng Che looks at him and swallows his saliva.

“I want to… do…”

…

“Are you… serious? I feel like, you’re too young… only eighteen…”

Feeling conflicted, Cheng Che is pressed down on the bed by Lin Xingling. He gets up and is grabbed by his belt, and Lin Xingling hits his own forehead, sighing, “Don’t be like this, you’ll regret it.”

“But… everyone… everyone agrees with our relationship…”

Cheng Che stared at him intently and said, “I’ve been thinking, thinking…”

“Don’t think anymore, go to sleep,” Lin Xingling touched his hair.

Cheng Che grumbled, “I’m already an adult.”

“In my eyes, you’re still a kid.”

Emmm…

“Xingling, it’s illegal to go against the will of women and children.”

“Then arrest me tomorrow.”

“…”

In the end, unable to resist Cheng Che’s eager gaze, Lin Xingling took care of him in the bathroom, then carried him to the bathtub for a bath when he was exhausted.

“Xingling, um… do you want to use my hand?”

“I have a competition in a few days…”

Lin Xingling handed him the showerhead, guessing what Cheng Che had in mind, and dismissed his thoughts before he could speak, “Legs won’t do either. If I go back tomorrow and Liang Feng finds out, he’ll beat me.”

“Oh.”

Cheng Che said, “You’re pitiful.”

Lin Xingling placed him on the bed and handed him a glass of milk.

Cheng Che turned his face, “I’m pitiful.”

“Drinking some is good for your health. It’ll help you grow taller.”

…

Before he went to the bathroom, Cheng Che called out to him.

Cheng Che said, “I want to see.”

Lin Xingling: ???

“Is that something an eighteen-year-old should say?”

I’m not even eighteen… Cheng Che pursed his lips, had a bright idea, and said, “How about this, I have a perfect solution.”

What devious plan has he come up with again? Lin Xingling thought to himself, then responded, “Tell me.”

“I’ll help you cool down…”

Cheng Che pointed to his own mouth, with a serious expression, and said, “As a… well, mutual assistance. You help me by drinking the milk, okay?”

I see, just go drink your milk in a corner, you little brat.

Lin Xingling ignored him and went to the bathroom, locking the door with a click.

Cheng Che pressed against the glass door from the outside but couldn’t see anything inside.

“Tsk…”

It was really annoying.

When Lin Xingling came out of the bathroom looking neat and tidy, Cheng Che was sitting on the edge of the bed, playing with his phone with his legs crossed.

His left hand still held the open box of milk.

“Time for bed.”

Cheng Che acted as if he didn’t hear and gulped down the milk.

Lin Xingling said, “Hurry up, I’ll count to… Mmm…”

The room’s light was switched off with a snap, and a kiss with a strong milk fragrance landed on his lips.

In the commotion, Lin Xingling bumped into a small table… the glass fell and shattered on the floor, making a loud noise.

Cheng Che was momentarily stunned.

“Hey…”

He turned on the light and grabbed Cheng Che, shoving him under the covers. Lin Xingling locked his legs to prevent him from moving.

He reached for the light switch, perfectly executed.

Goodnight~

Cheng Che started to fidget again.

Lin Xingling held him down.

They tossed and turned, causing the bed to creak. Finally, tired out, they lay together and laughed foolishly.

“I… never thought that one day I would actually… actually sleep in your bedroom, on your bed.”

Cheng Che sighed, “I really want to stay here forever.”

Lin Xingling’s room was very tidy, with neatly arranged books on the shelf and clothes and shoes in the wardrobe. There were no miscellaneous items… everything was meticulous, just like him.

Seemingly without any hobbies.

“If you want to sleep here… I’ll bring you with me when I come back in the future.”

“Okay!!!”

…

The next day, after sending their son and daughter-in-law off to the training base, the Lin family switched to gossip mode.

“Da Ling is really fierce.”

Lin Haiqing looked at his wife with confusion, “What happened?”

“You were fast asleep last night and didn’t know. The kids’ bed was shaking so much that it knocked the water glass off the table and broke it.”

Lin Haiqing:…

[Lovey-dovey family]

[Father Zhuzhu: @Daling, you animal!]

[Da Ling: ???]

[Mother Zhuzhu: [You wicked creature, show your true form · JPG]]

[Xiaorong: LOL]

[Da Ling: You all…]

[Xiaorong: Brother, you’re nothing but a wolf in sheep’s clothing!]

[Mother Zhuzhu: Worse than a beast!]

[Father Zhuzhu: You two… that’s going too far…]

These two people are too much in sync.

Lin Xingling didn’t mind, closed his phone, and ignored them.

Cheng Che asked, “Is your nickname really Zhuzhu?”

An odd focus of attention.

“Shouldn’t you ask me why I got scolded?” (Xing)

“Oh… then why were you… scolded?” (Che)

“I don’t know either…” (Xing)

Cheng Che: Your answer is pointless.

“Well, about the nickname…”

“Just by looking at the group name tags, you should know that neither I nor Xiaorong is Zhuzhu.” Lin Xingling preemptively denied him without waiting for his response. “You’ll meet Zhuzhu after the winner’s bracket finals.”

---

Chapter 78 – Cut Off

When the child finished everything, Cheng Ming went to pick him up.

With a gentle and fatherly demeanor, he distributed red envelopes to the coach and team members.

It means, “I’ll take the person away first.”

Cheng Che reluctantly glanced at Lin Xingling, his eyes seemingly seeking help.

To speak or not to speak, he himself had no idea.

He wanted to leave the decision to Lin Xingling, but unfortunately, that guy couldn’t grasp his point at all.

Lin Xingling: “Take care, take care.”

“Remember to check your phone messages,” Cheng Che helplessly instructed before getting into his father’s car.

They remained silent throughout the journey.

Until they got off the car and approached the doorstep of their house, Cheng Che suddenly asked about his own sister.

I won’t accept it, but…I should still meet her.

Cheng Ming said, “I promised you, and I haven’t changed my mind.”

His father had promised that he wouldn’t have any other children…and when Cheng Che saw that so-called sister who looked so much like him, he accepted that his father’s words were indeed true.

Because it was just a cat.

A Maine Coon with blue eyes and white fur.

Yes, if he had a sister in this life, then he should have had one in the previous life too; and his information from the previous life always indicated that he was an only child. If he really had a sister, how could she have gone three years without being registered?

The white cat squatted on his lap, rubbing its furry little head against his thigh. It seemed to really like him.

The woman nervously looked at Cheng Che and after a while, she pursed her lips and said softly, “My sister’s name is… Jiao Jiao.”

Cheng Ming added, “Bai Jiao, that’s her nickname.”

…Just like his marriage with the woman, having children was impossible due to his own physical problems.

“Jiao Jiao…” Cheng Che was speechless.

“Yeah… Che Che…”

“…Do you want some juice? I’ll go get it.”

Cheng Ming waved his hand and let her go.

The woman went to the kitchen happily as if she had received a pardon.

Cheng Ming petted the cat, his expression blank.

The cat was well-behaved…the woman didn’t seem to have any ulterior motives as he had suspected. She was like an ordinary and shy housewife, kind and fragile, unsure of what to do in front of her stepson.

It made him feel like the bad person in their lives.

“I watched your competition…you played well.”

Cheng Ming sighed and asked, “If you win the championship this time, will you still continue?”

Bringing someone back was for the purpose of grooming a successor.

“We’ll continue,” Cheng Che gently placed his tender white hand on the cat’s back, looking at the cat’s fur that seemed even softer than white satin.

Grooming a successor could be put on hold.

“Okay…by the way, that captain of your team…”

There were rumors online claiming that his son was in a relationship with the captain, but their team had not been in a hurry to debunk them…Cheng Ming was very concerned about this.

Cheng Che could inherit the family business a little later, but he couldn’t…

If he liked men, then it would be over.

The captain…what else could he ask about the captain?

Weren’t those online rumors both true and false, saying that they were together, saying that they were just friends?

Sooner or later, he would have to let him know, and Cheng Che didn’t beat around the bush: “I’m with him…together.”

“Clang—“

The sound of cups and plates falling to the ground.

The woman panicked and picked up the things on the floor, apologizing repeatedly.

Cheng Ming frowned but refrained from losing his temper out of consideration for his wife’s face.

He just shook his head and said, “You’re young and don’t understand anything. It’s easy to be deceived…there are too many malicious people in this world.”

Malicious? Cheng Che didn’t argue.

If Lin Xingling was still considered malicious, then everyone in the world would be ill-intentioned.

“Please…unfreeze the money my mother left me. I…I’ll handle this myself.”

Cheng Che sent a message to Lin Xingling:

[DCT-Clear: Come pick me up.]

The other party replied instantly:

[DCT-Stars: Actually, I’m already at the entrance of your residential area.]

Idiot…it’s such a cold day…

[DCT-Clear: I’ll try to come over as soon as possible.]

…

“Che Che, be obedient…”

Over the years, the child had suffered a lot because of his willfulness, and as a father, he wanted him to understand it himself, so he didn’t interfere much.

But now he couldn’t just watch him go astray.

Cheng Che shook his head expressionlessly.

“I’ve made up my mind to be with him.”

The relationship between father and son is ordinary, almost devoid of that warm familial bond.

When Cheng Che, at the age of twelve, saw his father with another woman, that sense of closeness disappeared without a trace, replaced by deep disappointment.

Cheng Che is not a saint. At that time, as a child, he simply felt that his father was unfaithful… Now that he has grown up, he no longer thinks that way, but still cannot become close to Cheng Ming.

Even on his eighteenth birthday, he didn’t come back.

… Not even for a glance.

Cheng Ming prepared a house and a car for him, but there was no chance to give them.

…

The atmosphere in the living room dropped to freezing point.

After a long silence, Cheng Ming sighed.

“I can unfreeze the bank card your mother left, but the condition is that you have to think carefully.”

“Think about what?” Cheng Che narrowed his eyes.

The cat in his arms sensed his change in mood and quickly struggled to jump out, landing steadily on the floor.

Cheng Ming said, “I promised you that I wouldn’t have another child, and you promised me…”

His words were interrupted by Cheng Che’s response, “That’s not true.”

“You should think about your future… I’ve checked his background. His family is ordinary, his education is average, and what will he do after retiring from his career… Can he bring you happiness in the future?”

“Not to mention the fact that he’s a man, how much discrimination will you face if you’re together?”

“What if the worst outcome is that he just wants to play around? What will you do after you break up? How will you continue living?”

Cheng Che didn’t look at him and sent a message to Lin Xingling:

[DCT-Clear: Miss you.]

“Cheng Che! You’re only eighteen!”

After saying this, all of Cheng Ming’s mental defenses collapsed. He was so angry that his teeth were chattering, and he clenched his back molars.

The woman hurriedly came over to calm him down, while on the other side, knowing that she had no qualifications but still wanting to offer advice, she said, “Good child, listen to your father.”

“Meow~~~”

The cat stretched and let out a long meow, lazily.

[DCT-Stars: Have a good talk with your dad.]

[DCT-Clear: ?]

[DCT-Stars: Have a good talk with your dad. I’m not in a hurry. There’s a sweet potato stand here, the roasted sweet potatoes are delicious.]

[DCT-Clear: ……]

You’re still thinking about eating roasted sweet potatoes at a time like this, you really have a big heart.

[DCT-Stars: Are you eating?]

[DCT-Clear: Yes.]

In this vast world, eating is the most important thing.

…After a while, Cheng Ming gritted his teeth and asked, “One last time, are you breaking up or not?”

Cheng Che said, “Breaking up.”

If he asks again, the father-son relationship will be severed.

The father didn’t react for a while, but when he did, he was almost infuriated.

“Cheng Che, oh Cheng Che, you really have your own way. Have you ever thought about how sad your mother would be if she knew…”

“You’re not qualified to mention my mother!”

Like a small dragon whose reverse scale was touched, Cheng Che exploded.

“I’m leaving these words here. Unfreeze the bank card. I’ll handle my own affairs. Let’s part ways.”

…

Cheng Ming felt like his world had collapsed.

He had hoped to communicate with his rebellious son, to use love to influence him, but he hadn’t expected to almost give himself high blood pressure from anger.

His son was with another man.

His son wanted to use the bank card his mother had left behind.

His son even wanted to sever their relationship.

Now, the 18th birthday gift wasn’t given to him, but instead, it successfully ignited the child’s hatred.

Toward him and toward his mother’s memory.

“I’m such a failure…”

Cheng Ming pounded the sofa cushion beneath him.

Qin Xiaowan… you gave birth to a good son.

“Don’t be angry, don’t be angry.”

…

The woman’s persuasive words, appealing to emotion and reason, did make some sense, but it was difficult to accept at the moment.

He had to think carefully.

…Even if Cheng Che was with a man, he could still inherit the family business.

Moreover, the child liked him.

Cheng Ming was not an unreasonable and narrow-minded father.

He just…

When Cheng Che went out, Lin Xingling was squatting near the lawn not far from the door, nibbling on a sweet potato.

He didn’t tell him in advance, wanting to see what he was doing outside.

…This result could be anticipated.

Curling up and happily munching on the sweet potato, he suddenly had his coat and hat lifted from behind, covering his head… Lin Xingling looked up in confusion, and burst into laughter.

“I’m back~”

Without saying a word, he stuffed a sweet potato into his hand. “Try it, it’s really sweet.”

How can such a man be called treacherous?

Using a phrase from his fans: “I will be the one to protect Dad Star’s smile!”

Cheng Che silently made up his mind.

“Hmm? Why aren’t you eating? It’s still warm.”

“Alright, alright.”

Just keep eating, my family.

The two of them rode an electric scooter to the cemetery in the chilly breeze of early winter.

It was Cheng Che’s request.

Along the way, Lin Xingling listened as Cheng Che talked about his childhood, feeling particularly sympathetic.

…

In Cheng Che’s memory, his mother’s image was extremely blurry.

The clearest memory was the gentle and pleasant voice of his mother calling him “good cub.”

…Qin Xiaowan had a stutter.

Some people with a stutter can find true love, and some… cannot.

When Qin Xiaowan’s father outright rejected this marriage proposal, Qin Xiaowan resorted to severing ties and married Cheng Ming with a dowry of twenty million.

Since then, the father and daughter had no contact.

Qin Xiaowan inherited her father’s stubbornness. If she decided to ignore someone, she would truly ignore them. Every time her father tried to reconcile, she remained indifferent.

The last time they saw each other was on the second day of the lunar new year in the first year of Cheng Ming and Qin Xiaowan’s marriage. It was the day when the married daughter returned to her parents’ home.

During lunch, Qin Xiaowan and her father got into an argument because of Cheng Ming, and they truly severed their father-daughter relationship.

Her father never visited her until Qin Xiaowan passed away.

A heart of stone, and stubborn…

…

“It’s not common for parents to completely sever ties with their children. Can they really let go…” Lin Xingling frowned.

Cheng Che said, “But I have never seen my grandfather from birth until now.”

“I haven’t seen my mother much either. For six years, my father always restricted my contact with her because she stuttered. The longest time I spent with her was not more than an hour.”

Lin Xingling said, “Maybe… reluctantly speaking, your dad was afraid that you would imitate the stutter. After all, children are very good at imitating.”

“I used to think that too, but it’s not the case.”

Cheng Che gritted his teeth and cursed, “That idiot never loved my mother. He married her for her dowry… He won’t divorce her because he’s afraid of my grandfather’s side. He can’t afford to provoke them.”

As he spoke, he tightened his hold around Lin Xingling’s waist.

This child… Lin Xingling made an abrupt stop at the entrance of the cemetery. “Who did you hear all this from?”

“I figured it out myself.”

Cheng Che didn’t let go, nor did he get off the scooter.

“I see… So you really dislike your dad?” (Star)

“…It’s complicated.” (Che)

“But I can’t accept him marrying someone else. I used to dream about him not finding a woman.” (Che)

Once upon a time–

(Drunk) “D-don’t… don’t marry a woman…”

(Helpless) “Alright, alright, I won’t marry.”

Lin Xingling: I was being presumptuous.

Lin Xingling didn’t want to continue this topic. “Why are you speaking so fluently now?”

“After my mother passed away, I tried to stutter when speaking. At first, it was because I missed my mother… then it was to scare my father, but after that… I couldn’t go back.”

Cheng Che rubbed his head against Lin Xingling’s back. “Now… it’s probably a bit better.”

“After all, it’s a relief to get it off your chest.” Lin Xingling eased the situation for him.

“Never mind.”

Cheng Che got off the scooter and held Lin Xingling’s hand, leading him to visit his mother’s grave.

In front of the grave, Lin Xingling silently vowed to himself that he would protect Cheng Che and treat him well for the rest of his life.

Perhaps it was an illusion, but he actually heard the gentle voice that Cheng Che described, as if the wind was brushing against his face.

She said, “Good child, my dear, you must be happy.”

…

They still felt a bit dazed after leaving the cemetery.

“What are you thinking, Xingling?” Cheng Che embraced his arm when he saw him looking worried.

Lin Xingling smiled and said, “I’m thinking about how to turn you into a cute little stutterer.”

After hearing his words, Cheng Che was confused, and the next moment Lin Xingling kissed him.

This time, it wasn’t as gentle as before; it was slightly more passionate.

Cheng Che was kissed to the point of breathlessness, his eyes filled with stars, feeling as if the air was being stolen from him… He barely managed to grab onto Lin Xingling’s sleeve to prevent himself from falling.

“Xingling… mmm…”

His knees weakened from the kiss; it was the first time it had happened.

…

Afterward, Cheng Che sat on the backseat of the scooter, eating a lollipop.

Lin Xingling rode the scooter, taking him back.

They had a slight issue with the direction, possibly because they couldn’t find the way.

Cheng Che kindly reminded him, “We… we’ve taken the wrong way.”

Lin Xingling shook his head and said with a smile, “No, we’re going in the direction of my home.”

“Y-Your home?!”

As if making my dad angry wasn’t enough?… Cheng Che’s head was spinning. “Let’s not go there for now, in case… in case it makes your parents angry too…”

“Hmm? Why would they be angry… Is it your dad who’s angry?”

Lin Xingling was a bit confused.

Oh no… I let it slip.

Cheng Che had no choice but to confess honestly, “Y-Yes, my dad… knows that we’re… together. I admitted it myself…”

“And how did your dad react to that?” That was what Lin Xingling was most concerned about.

“He said… what else could he say? He just mentioned that your family is ordinary, with an average education background, and that you can’t do anything after retiring…”

The retelling was smooth.

Lin Xingling fell silent.

After a while, he said, “Your dad is right.”

He didn’t really have any outstanding abilities… but what he said was a bit… excessive.

“You… you shouldn’t underestimate yourself!” Cheng Che became excited and dropped the lollipop from his hand. Suddenly, his happiness vanished.

“My lollipop…”

“We can buy another one tomorrow.” (Xing)

“What my dad said is wrong.” (Che)

The two of them were not on the same page.

Finally, they reached a consensus: Cheng Ming was wrong, and they would buy another lollipop tomorrow.

Nonsense.

“Let’s go to my home. My parents are very kind… um… we don’t have to rush to come out… we can just pretend to be teammates, good friends.”

“Okay…”

---

Chapter 77 – Wolf Dog

The playoffs are in a BO7 format. Currently, DCT took the lead with a score of 3:1, reaching match point first and putting all the pressure on SYG.

In the fifth game, DCT faced a great challenge. After fifteen minutes, only three high ground towers were left, and they were forced to defend the high ground.

Just like in the third game, SYG faced a similar situation.

[“Fortunes change, the heavenly path reincarnates”]

[“Who said this is the real deal, in every sense [amusing]”]

[“What a rich father he has, why is the son so poor”]

[“The young master of a wealthy family running away to play e-sports, this script is intriguing】

[” Dad Star: Found a treasure”]

Whether Lin Xingling found a treasure or not is unknown, but it’s true that Cheng Ming is wealthy and Cheng Che ran away from home.

It was because of the almost irreconcilable conflicts within the family.

Cheng Ming’s purpose for attending the live match this time was clear, and it was related to that conflict.

After eighteen minutes, both teams engaged in a team fight near the bottom lane high ground of DCT.

First, Stars and Cheng Zhi, the two supports, showcased a flashy play; then, 460 Zhu Ge Liang used his ultimate skill, and Zhi Shi Not-Knowing-Fire Dance rolled into the tower and was killed.

The junglers were counter-killed after attacking the backline, and the top laners evaporated in the team fight.

In the end, only two marksmen were left, facing each other—

Commentator Jiang Li: “This high ground defense is intense!”

[“A feast for the high ground”]

[“It’s a banquet fit for kings; I’m already full”]

[“DCT are all great chefs, and SYG are all great chefs”]

“An intense team fight, with only two marksmen left on the field! Clear and Charity face each other, resurrecting with armor! Charity changes the armor, swaps to the Blade of Names, and secures the kill on Clear!”

“Master of item swapping!”

“Let’s congratulate SYG for winning a game back!”

…

Backstage, Cheng Che said in a dejected tone that if he had the money to swap to the Blade of Names, he could have counter-killed Charity himself.

Lin Xingling patted his shoulder to comfort him.

Wu You was chirping away, talking to Phantom, but seeing Phantom’s impatient expression, it was clear that he wasn’t listening attentively.

Liu Ying couldn’t stay still while walking around, and Liang Feng was contemplating what lineup to use in the next game. Suddenly, he was tapped on the shoulder. “Huh?”

“Um… Coach T is here.”

Liang Feng didn’t treat his words as a joke and earnestly looked up… A beautiful man in a white suit appeared before his eyes.

Indeed, it was Gu Xincha.

“Gu Xun?”

Seeing his reaction, Gu Xincha couldn’t help but smile.

Lin Xingling carefully pulled Cheng Che, Wu You, Liu Ying, and the others away, giving the two of them some privacy.

“What are you here for?”

Liang Feng was preoccupied with the next game and just wanted to leave quickly—at least wait until after winning the match to discuss any matters.

“In the next game… if possible, use Sun Wukong.”

Gu Xincha looked at him with a smile in his eyes.

Sun Wukong… was indeed a good choice.

With his passive ability and timely reactions from teammates, miracles could be created.

Da Ling and Che Che should be able to handle it.

“Okay.” Liang Feng nodded.

Then, Gu Xincha gently held his face and kissed his cheek.

He, who always claimed to be calm and composed, instantly blushed.

He could play rogue, but he couldn’t resist when the other person took the initiative.

A tender and affectionate beauty like Gu Xincha, no one could refuse his when he was proactive.

…

“Wait for good news.”

There was no surveillance in this place. The last shot of Gu Xincha was taken in the stairwell. After three minutes, Gu Xincha came out… paying no attention to anything and headed straight to the front desk.

When he arrived, Wang Yining was sitting with his legs crossed in his seat.

“Where did you go?”

“…bathroom.”

Lian Rong sat beside Wang Yining without any fear, even giving off a feeling that he didn’t take him seriously at all. “I told you he went to the bathroom, don’t you believe me?”

Gu Xincha smiled apologetically, standing beside the big boss.

“God Lian, can you go back by yourself after watching the match? I’ll take Coach Gu to the party to relax,” Wang Yining didn’t mind Lian Rong’s rudeness. On the contrary, he found it interesting.

Relax? Heh… A trace of darkness flashed in Lian Rong’s eyes, but he still spoke calmly, “After narrowly defeating DW yesterday, shouldn’t we observe the opponents of the winner’s bracket final today?”

He was trying his best to defend Gu Xincha.

Gu Xincha lowered his gaze, and her expression was inscrutable.

“Coach Gu is tired. Tonight, let’s go and relax. We’ll talk about it tomorrow if there’s anything…”

Wang Yining stroked his chin and came up with a compromise, “You guys watch the match first. When it’s over… I’ll wait for you outside the venue.”

The handsome man obediently nodded.

…

After the boss left, Lian Rong hammered the table in frustration.

Gu Xincha held his hand to stop him from hammering again, “Xiao Rong… don’t do this, take care of yourself.”

“You can’t just reject him and be done with it?!”

“…”

As soon as those words were spoken, Gu Xincha was stunned.

He also wanted to reject him. If he could, he would have rejected him from the beginning. Why endure until now?

Not to mention the countless videos and photos that Wang Yining had of him, just the fact that he had been touched by a man was enough to ruin his reputation.

With both his parents gone and no relatives to rely on, if he were labeled with such infamy, there wouldn’t be anyone who cared about him.

Except for Liang Feng and Lian Rong… maybe there were others.

After Lian Rong spoke, he immediately thought of this and apologetically lowered his head.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.”

“It’s okay.”

Gu Xincha found a jelly in the snack box on the table, tore open the packaging, and started eating with a spoon.

Just get by and try to be happy.

“But, you know, they probably won’t be attending any formal ball…”

Lian Rong wanted to say more but was interrupted by Gu Xincha raising his hand.

Gu Xincha sighed and said, “Let’s watch the match.”

The fifth game, blue side DCT vs. red side SYG.

Blue side bans and picks first.

After banning some overpowered heroes, DCT picked Sun Shangxiang, and SYG banned Da Qiao, which wasn’t a big loss.

SYG picked the positional confusion hero Lan Ling Wang and the versatile side lane hero Xiahou Dun.

Lu Bu and Marco Polo were already banned, so it didn’t matter.

DCT picked Wang Zhaojun and Su Lie.

SYG picked Diao Chan.

After the second round, DCT locked in Li Xin as the side lane and Sun Wukong as the jungler, while SYG picked marksman Yu Ji and support Zhang Fei.

“4-1, let’s watch closely.”

Gu Xincha pursed his lips and grabbed a piece of chocolate.

…

In this game, DCT played like a loving family.

Wu You’s Monkey King was caught and he exclaimed, “Wow, why are there three people?! Holy crap!”

Phantom sneered and asked, “If you can’t hear the signals clearly, should I carve them on your tombstone?”

Cheng Che smiled and said, “If you don’t look at the map, you deserve to be slaughtered.”

He then dove under the tower and killed the enemy top laner, saying, “Let me help him quickly return to base. I’m truly a compassionate bodhisattva.”

Lin Xingling raised an eyebrow but remained silent.

Wu You: “Namo Amituofo, Gautama Buddha of Gattling.”

The first blood of UU was given to the enemy support, Cheng Zhi, while the first kill of the Northern Ocean team was given to Cheng Che.

Overall, DCT earned a bit more.

The monkey will be in a difficult situation.

“Help me!” (You)

“I’m coming, I have control.” (Ying)

“Go to the top lane, I’ll cover you.” (Pei)

Bottom lane duo: (:△」∠)

Cheng Che: “Push tower, kill people, counter jungle~”

Lin Xingling: “Farm, get money~”

It’s fine in the early game, but the mid to late game is still tough.

Wu You: “Why are you taking my red buff, Brother Che?!”

Liu Ying: “Are you trying to solo my cannon cart, Xiao You?!”

Phantom: “…Can you come up here and take a look?”

For a moment, everyone had friendly exchanges, but the post-match voice recordings were censored like Morse code.

“Family Invaders and Obstacles”

There were losses, but there was still good cooperation.

Clear Gong Sun Li took down three lanterns alone, Phantom Li Xin turned the tables and got a triple kill with low health, and UU Sun Wukong crit-killed Lan Ling Wang with two strikes…

In the late game, Stars Su Lie flashed in and initiated a perfect control, controlling all five.

DCT turned the tide with a team fight and pushed straight to the crystal.

They won the match 4-1 and successfully entered the winner’s bracket finals, preparing to face their lifelong rivals, TG.

The post-match interview was conducted by the Starry Clear team.

The host, Duo Tang, asked a strange question: “Does Clear like kittens or wild cats?”

Cheng Che retorted, “Can’t I like humans?”

Then he added, “If I have to say, I like big wolves.”

[“I knew it, this is ridiculous”]

[“Clear’s performance is still stable today”]

[“Little wolf likes big wolf dogs~”]

[“Help, if the brat likes wolf dogs, does that mean I, Daddy Star, have no chance?”]

“Hehe~” Duo Tang touched her chin and smiled, “It’s not about animals, ‘kitten’ is used to describe girls, ‘milk dog’ or ‘wolf dog’ is used to describe boys.”

Lin Xingling was originally amused on the side, but suddenly realized something was wrong: The brat likes wolf dogs?! Am I wolf enough?

What would Charity say?

Charity: I don’t know if he’s a wolf, but he’s definitely a dog.

Forget it, anyway, Che’er likes it…

If all else fails, he can howl a few times himself.

…

Duo Tang asked what was on Stars’ minds: “So, Clear, what type does he think his teammates are?”

Well… Cheng Che thought for three seconds and said, “The coach is a smart dog, the mid laner is a lackey, the jungler is a dumb dog, the top laner is a cool guy, and The support can only listen to Cool Dog (a music platform) at midnight.”

Without mercy.

[“This evaluation seems to have some personal grievances”]

[“Clear is a master of words”]

[“Che’er will be beaten up right after he leaves the stage. Even Daddy Star can’t stop that kind of [ridiculous]”]

“And what does Clear think about himself…” (Tang)

“I’m a country dog.” (Che)

A decisive blow, leaving the host speechless.

Waiting for the end of the visit to return backstage, Lian Rong suddenly said, “I want to meet that little mid laner, will you accompany me?”

Gu Xincha nodded and handed him a rose.

“Don’t go empty-handed.”

“Where did you get it?” (Lian)

“I found it in the trash can over there.” (Cha)

Seeing their mid laner’s speechless expression, Gu Xincha stopped joking, “I picked it from the flower vase over there. Don’t worry, they agreed.”

…

In the end, Lian Rong didn’t go to meet the little mid laner. He placed the rose at the entrance of the lobby and saw Gu Xincha off.

He personally sent him to the side of the beast.

Helplessly watching, powerless.

It has nothing to do with love, just feeling sorry for a kindred spirit.

When high mountains and flowing water meet a kindred soul, it’s hard to find such a soul mate again. It’s hard to find someone like him in this world.

Like an unopened night-blooming cereus, played with recklessly by someone who doesn’t appreciate its worth, its blooming season is hard to find.

“Little Brother Ying, do you see that rose over there?”

“No, that should be a rose.”

---

Chapter 76 – Treasure

I didn’t expect Cheng Che to announce to everyone the day after his birthday that he and Lin Xingling were indeed together.

“It’s a DR ring, you know. A man can only customize one in his lifetime… Captain, how romantic!” Liu Ying clasped his hands together in front of her chest, genuinely happy for Cheng Che.

Wu You was dumbfounded. “Che… Che…”

Phantom slapped him on the back without saying a word.

Liang Feng was about to faint from anger. “You… You really… The child is only eighteen years old, you…”

“Beast, I know,” Lin Xingling interjected, sighing. “True love has nothing to do with age.”

“But age is related to the law.”

…

Regardless, everyone gave their best wishes.

As Wu You said, “In my heart, he is first and foremost my Brother Che, and then he is Dad Star’s wife.”

Everyone deeply agreed.

It was no different from usual training.

Until Saturday night…

Everyone in the team was excited because they had to play against SYG in the winner’s bracket semifinals on Sunday.

After training was over, Cheng Che was still full of energy and kept pestering Lin Xingling in their room, wanting kisses and cuddles. But Lin Xingling refused, saying there was a match the next day.

Then Cheng Che flipped him over and pinned him down, his restless hands reaching for the zipper on his pants…

“Cheng Che, I warn you, stop it.”

“Just a little… just a little…”

The essence of being a hooligan lies in acting cute afterward, and Cheng Che understood this well.

When Lin Xingling managed to break free and pressed him onto the bed, the child blinked his eyes and started crying out in pain before he could hit back. His eyes were filled with tears, pretending to be wronged.

Lin Xingling hesitated.

Just as he was hesitating whether to hit or not, Cheng Che directly nestled into his arms, rubbing against him and saying he liked him.

He decided not to hit him…

Having a boyfriend who acted like a child was really frustrating.

“Behave and go to sleep.”

Lin Xingling covered him with the blanket, following the coach’s instructions to sleep separately.

Cheng Che was a restless sleeper, always sticking his hands and feet out, feeling cold outside, and then he would push them into Lin Xingling’s blanket.

Two days ago, he kicked him in the leg…

He received quite a beating for that.

Tonight, however, he learned his lesson and only let his feet stick out without trying to squeeze into Lin Xingling’s blanket.

Lin Xingling grabbed his foot and stuffed it back under the blanket.

Cheng Che asked, “D-Do you like my foot?”

“Behave and stop talking nonsense.”

Being close to Clear for a long time, Stars had also learned some Clear quotes.

Especially the phrase ‘you damn horse owing a donkey a roundhouse kick.’

It could be called a classic.

“I can’t sleep… tell me a story,” Cheng Che squinted his eyes and said, “Tell me about… um, your time at SYG.”

Was it because they were going to face SYG in the winner’s bracket tomorrow…

Lin Xingling shook his head and smiled. “There’s nothing much to say. I played jungle in the SYG team, and you weren’t there. I came to DCT to coach, and you weren’t there either…”

“Until one day, I bumped into you on the street.”

Cheng Che listened with a confused expression but nodded.

Lin Xingling said, “Since then, you’ve been a part of my life, and I can’t lose you anymore.”

“Six.”

Every time he listened to him speak, Cheng Che couldn’t help but marvel at how he was a college student while he was… almost illiterate, only capable of saying “I like you” or “I love you” to express his affection.

Especially now, there was only one word he could say, “six.”

“The story is over, let’s go to sleep.” Lin Xingling kissed his forehead.

“Just… tell me a little more.”

Although not a story, it unexpectedly captivated the listener.

Sweet words are always touching.

“Well, tell me another one.”

Lin Xingling improvised, “Cover yourself with the blanket, and I’ll tell you a story. Once upon a time, there was a person who slept with their feet sticking out, and then their feet got chopped off.”

Cheng Che:…

The child reluctantly pulled his feet back.

“Once upon a time, there was a person who only showed their head when sleeping…” (Star).

“That’s enough, right?” (Che)

“…And then their head got chopped off.”

Cheng Che:…

My silence, your trophy.

Lin Xingling reached out and pinched his cheek, smiling, “Behave and hide well, you’re a treasure.”

Treasure or not, it can’t be opened.

Cheng Che was indeed a treasure, in every sense.

The most well-known aspects being his skills and good looks.

On November 25th, the winners’ bracket match scheduled DCT against SYG in Shanghai. Fans of both teams filled the venue, leaving no empty seats.

It was a full house.

To Cheng Che’s surprise, his father also came.

The position of Cheng Group’s chairman was in the commentator’s seat, without his wife and children.

Bringing them along would only mess with their mindset, and Cheng Ming understood that.

SYG took the lead in the first game, and Cheng Che didn’t react much, only saying that fortunes change.

You never know who will win.

Backstage, Lin Xingling was still worried. He asked Cheng Che if losing the first game would leave a bad impression on his father-in-law… and also about his own appearance, if he looked handsome or not.

“Oh god, does your dad think I’m completely useless… I didn’t harm anyone by picking Cai Wenji…”

Annoyed, Cheng Che pushed his bangs aside and pressed him onto the couch, covering his mouth with his hand. “Do you have to go that far? My relationship with him… it’s just, you know, like that… Don’t make him out to be like a father.”

Lin Xingling lowered his gaze. “But he is your father…”

Cheng Che:…

This move was indeed like a set from Hua Mulan—I’ve been silenced.

Due to the loss in the first game, the DCT team played exceptionally fierce in the second game.

Since they had already lost face, they might as well go all out in the second game!

Until the end, SYG’s Nexus was on the brink of destruction.

Wu You: “Dad Star, three seconds left on Wolf Transformation, charge with me!”

Lin Xingling: “Hurry, hurry, AD, keep up!”

Liu Ying: “Brother Che, charge with us!”

The DCT team rushed towards the Nexus with the Wolf Transformation emblem, ready to demolish it without minions.

SYG blocked in front of the Nexus, fiercely defending their base.

Charity: “Be careful, block them for a bit!”

Zhi Shi: “Clear the minions quickly… Ah? They’re…”

Bei Yang: “They’re trying to push hard! Block them with me!”

Zhi Shi: “Delay them.”

“I’ll create a disturbance! Defend the base! Defend!”

Cheng Zhi was released as a distraction, howling loudly.

DCT: Turret, turret, turret, turret, turret, turret, turret!!!

SYG: Base, base, base, base, base, base, base!!!

Little did SYG know that when Lin Xingling led the team, they only touched the Nexus briefly, immediately retreating without engaging in a fight, deceiving SYG’s defense.

“Don’t go for the Nexus, wait for the second wave.”

The second wave happened ten seconds later, and DCT prepared for another assault.

Wu You quietly went to take the Baron.

“Although they say it’s sneaky, it’s actually quite straightforward. After all, SYG’s crystal is in a precarious state. They can’t even control the dragon, let alone push the lanes.

Lin Xingling baited Cheng Zhi’s Zhang Fei’s ultimate ability and called for everyone to retreat when their condition was not good.

Winning this game is just a matter of time. We can’t let SYG counterattack just because we’re impatient. If we get wiped out…SYG turning the tables is a possibility.

In the third wave of attacks, we baited Zhi Shi’s Crescent Moon and Bei Yang’s Pure Azure Sky.

Zhi Shi:…

Bei Yang:…

Charity: “I knew he was sly, but I didn’t expect him to be this cunning.”

The jungle couldn’t split push, so they had to stick together with the five of them, surrounding the naked crystal.

Defending the base…

Lin Xingling: Bait!

Commentator Jiang Li: “This…this strategy is definitely going to attract some hate, haha. Cheng Zhi better download an anti-scam app for himself.”

[“Cheng Zhi: I’ve never been so speechless in my life.”]

[“DCT repeatedly charges.”]

[” Dad Star and the others can’t get in [funny face].”]

[“Suspicions with evidence.”]

At the twenty-fifth minute, DCT and SYG officially engaged in a team fight.

After getting beaten three times, they retreated.

Wu You: “I stole their base, I stole their base!”

Lin Xingling: “Hurry, hit the crystal, hit the crystal!”

[“It’s only when the crystal has a sliver of health that everyone remembers it’s a tower-pushing game.”]

[“With the crystal on the brink of destruction, even five security guards can’t defend it.”]

“Victory!“

Finally, they won the second game.

On their way back to the backstage, Lin Xingling asked if they should meet his father-in-law after the match ended… Cheng Che didn’t respond and just pulled Liu Ying away.

Liang Feng patted his shoulder and said, “What are you in a hurry for? Can he run away?”

“I didn’t mean that…”

…

In the third game, SYG picked Da Qiao and Old Fu Zi’s lineup, and DCT had no choice but to pick Gong Sun Li.

Crazed Gong Sun Li with Flash and Bai Li Shou Yue.

Cheng Che: What the f***, come out, get the f*** out of the tower quickly.

Gong Sun Li’s second skill can block sniper shots, and the first skill can dodge them. She’s quite effective against Bai Li Shou Yue.

Unfortunately, Charity is quite cunning, huddling under the tower and clearing minions.

Stars: And he has the nerve to call me cunning.

…In this game, Lin Xingling played as Lan Ling Wang support.

At the start, he didn’t stick with the marksman. He roamed and set the pace, going wherever he pleased, looking for openings.

Sunshine boy Lan Ling Wang, devoted and loyal.

At level 4, he wanted to force Cheng Zhi’s Da Qiao to use her ultimate, so Lin Xingling chased him around the enemy blue area.

He successfully killed Da Qiao and forced out her ultimate.

Unfortunately, he was low on health and had no skills left, so he couldn’t escape.

He only had to wait for the enemy mage Shen Mengxi to come and finish him off.

…

Commentator Jiang Li: “In this move, Stars’ Lan Ling Wang killed Cheng Zhi’s Da Qiao. Oh, the ultimate was forced out…Zhi Shi wants to teleport, and Shen Mengxi can just finish him off.”

Commentator A Hua: “Lan Ling Wang can’t escape, he has no skills.”

“…”

Zhi Shi hadn’t even used his first skill yet and suddenly appeared in the fountain.

The mid laner had a confused expression.

The marksman smirked, “You stepped into his second skill range.”

They originally wanted to secure a kill, but…

Commentator Jiang Li: “Lan Ling Wang has no skills…but Da Qiao does…”

Cheng Zhi’s Da Qiao was truly clueless this game.

She was relentlessly targeted by Lan Ling Wang.

Lan Ling Wang teamed up with Gong Sun Li to target her.

-Anyone who enters the range of his second skill gets pushed out.

Lin Xingling got an MVP with bloodlust in this game.

He was very happy.

“Let’s keep working hard for the next game!”

To perform well in front of his father-in-law.

But he didn’t notice that Cheng Che’s expression was getting increasingly grim.

In the fourth game, the mid laner chose Tian, the Boundless Mage.

Liu Ying’s jungle invade was countered by the enemy’s Dong Huang Tai Yi’s ultimate. After being focused and killed, their teammates traded zero for four, leaving only Charity unable to turn the tide, helplessly watching their own crystal being destroyed.

Liu Ying: “Am I hindering your damage by being alive?”

---

Chapter 75 – Astringency !!

Seeing this, Lin Xingling carried him to the shower.

“I already told you that you can’t… tsk, you just don’t listen.”

Clearly, he was enabling and supporting this behavior, yet he criticized others as if he were righteous.

Cheng Che had no strength to argue and obediently wrapped his arms around Lin Xingling’s neck.

“How come I remember… um, you’ve bathed me before… right?”

“Yes, I have.”

“Doesn’t Lin Xingling… have any… thoughts about me?”

“Old Husband?”

“Captain?”

“Lin Xingling, say something.”

“… You’re still young, I’ll wait for you to grow up.”

“Tsk~”

…

After showering, Lin Xingling carried Cheng Che to Room 508 and wrapped him in a blanket. Lin Xingling kissed his forehead and said, “I’ll tidy up the other room.”

Cheng Che’s arms were as weak as noodles, and he weakly held onto Lin Xingling’s arm, not letting him go.

He muttered, “I feel dizzy and uncomfortable…”

“You’ll feel better when Captain Hubby holds you.”

“Be good, I’ll be back soon.”

Lin Xingling touched his hair.

“Take my phone with you. Um… the password is your birthday, and there are… my photos in the album.”

Cheng Che understood him well.

“Tsk…”

…

Unlocking the phone, Lin Xingling burst into laughter as soon as he saw the first photo.

Text: “Se-se-Dahmie”

The picture was a serious-looking Cheng Che in his professional headshot.

In the headshot, Cheng Che wore a loose team uniform, hugging his own arms… with a serious expression on his face.

This was the side of him that Lin Xingling loved…

As for the bed sheets, they were wet and needed to be cleaned.

Mainly because they couldn’t be washed at the team base, and they couldn’t be sent to a dry cleaner…

Annoyed, Lin Xingling buttoned up a few shirt buttons. As he reached the fourth button, he realized he had buttoned it in the wrong hole. The top button was fastened to the second buttonhole.

“…Sigh.”

He decided not to button it and returned with his clothes in disarray.

As he walked out, he coincidentally ran into Wu You, who was also leaving.

Wu You: “…”

Lin Xingling: “…”

Neither of them spoke, one went to Room 508 next door, and the other went to Room 504 across the hall.

After entering the room, Lin Xingling suddenly felt confused.

How did Xiao You come out of Xiao Pei’s room???

Wu You was even more confused… Why was Dad Star half-naked, and wasn’t that Brother Che’s room for sleeping?!

He immediately messaged Cheng Che: “Brother Cheng, are you okay?”

Lin Xingling’s phone buzzed, and he opened it to read the reply: “Your Brother Cheng is fine. What about you?”

[Xiao Pei, I’m level two: ?]

[DCT-Clear: Why did you go to Xiao Pei’s room?]

[Xiao Pei, I’m level two: To support the jungle in the bottom lane. [Funny]]

[Xiao Pei, I’m level two: Understood.]

…

After the exchange, Lin Xingling quietly approached the bed, preparing to lie down. Suddenly, Cheng Che turned his body and gently stared at him.

“You’re not asleep yet…”

Cheng Che nodded and hoarsely spoke.

“I… I don’t have the energy…”

Lin Xingling crawled into the bed and kissed his mouth, saying, “Just sleep, and you’ll feel better.”

In fact, it wasn’t that he couldn’t sleep, but he just wanted to wait for Lin Xingling to come back before sleeping, feeling at ease.

“It’s getting late, go to sleep. You haven’t even had a chance to open the gifts prepared by Xiao You and the others. Make sure to open them tomorrow.”

“Okay…”

Feeling weak and numb all over, Cheng Che nestled into Lin Xingling’s embrace and fell asleep, feeling at peace.

As expected, the child slept until the afternoon of the next day.

No matter how Lin Xingling explained, Liang Feng, the coach, didn’t believe it until Wu You came out and testified that Cheng Che had been afraid and went to Lin Xingling’s room on his own.

Coach Liang Feng’s face darkened. “I’ll reluctantly believe it.”

Lin Xingling breathed a sigh of relief but was suddenly pointed at.

Liang Feng said, “I believe Xiao You, not you.”

Lin Xingling: What about the camaraderie we’ve had on the same team for so many years…

Then Cheng Che got out of bed, and his legs were weak like noodles, needing support to walk…

Fortunately, he followed his husband’s advice and, when asked, said it was leg cramps.

“You’ll grow taller…” Lin Xingling added.

Liang Feng: I believe in you, my foot.

“…”

Seeing Cheng Che like that, Liu Ying, the mid-lane player, couldn’t contain his curiosity.

“Is it done?”

Cheng Che shook his head.

Liu Ying: “Tsk…”

“Hey, what’s with the ‘tsk,’ Liu Ying?”

Not wanting Cheng Che to get angry, Liu Ying immediately changed the subject, “Brother Che, did you see the gift I prepared for you?”

Hearing this, Wu You also came over and asked, “And the special gift from me and Xiao Pei? You have to take a look.”

Because he was sent by the coach to sleep in room 506 last night, he didn’t get to see the gift originally placed in room 508. But it’s not too late to open it now.

Cheng Che was the first to open the gift prepared by Liu Ying, which was a painting.

It was a portrait of himself painted by Liu Ying, with thick layers of paint. Cheng Che was depicted wearing the white outfit he wore when Liu Ying first saw him, but in the painting, it was changed to long sleeves, and a blue jacket was added on top. He had the competition headphones hanging around his neck, and he stood with his arms crossed, looking very proud and gazing outside the painting. Those eyes… had a special charm.

Cheng Che really liked this gift. Lin Xingling liked it even more.

“It looks so good… Hehe… It’s beautiful…”

Cheng Che: …

Captain Xingling, please don’t show that charming smile of yours, it’s really enticing, you know?!

“Liu Ying, have you studied painting?” Cheng Che was curious. “It looks really, really good! Especially good!”

“I was a fine arts student before I started competing,” Liu Ying tilted his head and said, “Well, it’s because Cheng-ge looks good, so I painted well…”

“Just sweet talk from you!”

Just as Cheng Che finished saying this, Lin Xingling suddenly leaned in close to his ear and whispered, “Your words are sweet too.”

What… What vulgar words did you just say?!

Cheng Che’s face instantly turned red.

Indeed, he was still a child, pretending to be playful on the surface but still innocent at heart… Lin Xingling shrugged.

How should I put it, even though he was just as much of a troublemaker, at least he was more composed than the child.

“Brother Che, look at the gift from Xiao Pei and me!” Wu You brought the gift box over to him.

Cheng Che opened it, and inside was the keyboard he had always wanted but was already out of production.

“I’m going, I’m going, I’m going, I’m going!!!” Wu You held Phantom’s arm proudly and said, “It’s great, right? We searched on many platforms to find a seller who still had it in stock.”

“Thank you both so much, it’s amazing! Really great!”

Cheng Che happily opened the gift prepared by Liang Feng, which was a wristwatch. “Nice!”

“Our little boy will definitely make good use of it when he starts dating,” Liang Feng said with special confidence.

Lin Xingling secretly rolled his eyes.

You might as well give him a box of c******, to make it convenient for him to start dating… Ah, no, I mean, to protect himself…

“Thank you, Coach!”

“What gift did your captain prepare for you?” Liang Feng asked.

Cheng Che raised an eyebrow and extended his left hand. “Here.”

Oh no… Lin Xingling facepalmed.

Everyone: “A ring?!”

Liang Feng smiled and looked at Lin Xingling. “Shall we talk?”

---

Chapter 74 – Open Meat !!

Sharp is really good at dealing with people. He said that he would forcefully separate the marksman and support and make them sleep in different rooms…

After the livestream ended, the coach directly grabbed Cheng Che and threw him into room 506, locking the door.

Lin Xingling looked at him with longing eyes.

Liang Feng chose to ignore it. “Xiao Pei, Xiao You, Liu Ying, the three of you go back to your rooms and sleep.”

Wu You scratched his head and asked, “Why are you all acting strange… What happened to Brother Che? Hey, hey, hey, Xiao Pei, I can go by myself… Hey…”

He was dragged back into the room by Phantom.

Liu Ying obediently listened and immediately reported the current situation to Cheng Che upon returning to the room.

[Don’t have 460: the coach locked the door, but don’t worry, I have a spare key.]

[DCT-Clear: Where did you get it?]

[Don’t have 460: Xiao Nuo gave it to me when he was here.]

[DCT-Clear: That’s good.”

[Don’t have 460: Room 506 is soundproofed. Brother Che, happy birthday. Don’t make yourself too uncomfortable.]

[DCT-Clear: …]

Your Brother Che’s response to what you said is speechless.

…

“We really have nothing between us. Why don’t you believe it?”

“Am I that kind of despicable person?”

“Tsk, believe it or not, I’m going back to sleep.”

…The hamster ball deflated as it came out of room 509 and walked to its own room. A key was hanging on the doorknob.

The door to room 505 was open, and Liu Ying blinked and waited for him to look over, pointing to room 506, where Cheng Che was.

Lin Xingling gestured okay while holding the key.

…Liu Ying, are you a little angel sent by Yue Laothe Chinese deity in charge of love and marriage?!!

Liu Ying: As the only person who knows that Clear and Stars are together, I have an obligation to support their relationship.

Chen Enci: Ahem…

It’s not surprising that these two know about their relationship… After all, Clear’s best friend is 460, and Stars’ best friend is Charity.

Good friends keep secrets.

“Click—“

Hearing the sound of the key opening the door outside, Cheng Che ran to the door like a little cat waiting for its owner to come home.

Lin Xingling came in with a bottle of white wine, carefully closed the door, and kissed Cheng Che’s face.

Such a good boy…

“It’s your 18th birthday today, and you’re almost grown up. Tonight, I’m going to do some things that adults should do with you.”

Putting the wine bottle on the table, Lin Xingling magically took out a bag of peanuts from his pocket.

He opened it, put it on a plate, and considered it as a simple snack to go with the wine.

Cheng Che: Excited.jpg

We’ll take turns drinking. Lin Xingling waved his hand gently and said tenderly, “Come, let’s have a few drinks together.”

Cheng Che obediently sat next to him, first kissed him on the face, then on the lips, and finally on the neck… the collar of his shirt.

He wiped off all the lipstick on the collar.

“Don’t play around.”

Lin Xingling pinched the wine cup and smiled.

“Xingling… Mmm…” Cheng Che skillfully held the wine cup and held Lin Xingling’s arm, saying, “Let’s, let’s drink to each other.”

The emotions of young people are passionate and generous.

After drinking this cup, their hearts and minds belonged to each other.

But Lin Xingling had no intention of making a move after finishing his drink. He still poured a glass for himself and gestured to continue drinking.

“Take your time and savor it.”

“Okay.”

…

“Che-er, you have a good alcohol tolerance…”

After three rounds of drinking, when Cheng Che’s eyes were slightly intoxicated, Lin Xingling asked him to stop. He couldn’t drink anymore.

“Green ants make new wine, red mud forms a small stove; when the evening comes, snow is in the air, let’s have a drink together.”

He tilted his head and finished the newly poured drink, smacked his lips, and praised it as good wine.

It sounded very romantic.

It was a feeling that Cheng Che had never experienced before.

Lin Xingling was very romantic, and very teasing… It seemed impossible no matter how he thought about it.

But tonight, it was indeed the case.

…The first special night.

Taking a shower–

Lin Xingling said that he shouldn’t shower after drinking, but Cheng Che didn’t want to listen… He wanted to be clean.

Unable to resist his determined husband, Lin Xingling could only wait by the door.

“Just take a quick shower, not too long.”

…To prevent Lin Xingling from waiting impatiently, Cheng Che quickly turned on the showerhead and started washing after forming bubbles.

The alcohol in his body evaporated as it met the hot water, and his head felt a little dizzy.

In a daze, he wiped the mist off the mirror with his palm, revealing his flushed face… Cheng Che raised his hand and wiped it again from top to bottom, staring at his own body intently.

This place… he was about to see it soon… tsk, he would touch here…

Cheng Che held the water pipe and started rinsing himself when suddenly he felt embarrassed: even this part…

Just as he was thinking about it, he accidentally poked himself too deep.

“Mmm…”

A low and soft groan came from inside, and Lin Xingling, worried that he was in danger, opened the door and went in directly.

“Che’er?”

Seeing the child sitting with wobbly legs against the wall, Lin Xingling went over with a mixture of concern and amusement, supporting him and casually taking out the water pipe.

The flowing water was clear and clean.

“Good boy, let’s talk in the bedroom.”

Cheng Che clung to Lin Xingling’s neck like a spoiled child, and Lin Xingling coaxed him gently in a soft voice. Then, he took a towel from the shelf and helped him dry off the water from his body.

Afterward, he carried the obedient little guy, who was completely limp, to the bed in a princess carry.

The heating was sufficient, and it made them feel like their bones were emitting sparks. But Lin Xingling still tucked him in with the blanket.

Cheng Che squinted at him and said, “Captain…”

Please don’t call me that… Lin Xingling massaged his forehead; he couldn’t stand it when the child called him “captain”.

He quickly changed the subject.

“There’s actually another birthday gift, but it’s on pre-sale and hasn’t been released yet. I’ll send it to you when it becomes available.”

“Okay, good.”

So Lin Xingling took a quick shower and came out in comfortable pajamas.

He had something bulging in his pocket.

He said, “It’s a little gift for you.”

Cheng Che thought it might be lubricant, or at worst, a Durex.

But to his surprise, Lin Xingling took out a small bottle and said that he came up with the idea of making bubble water for him while he was taking a bath.

He dipped the straw into it, and bubbles really came out.

Why does my husband look so clueless…

“You, you take this… as a, as compensation for your wife?”

After saying this, Cheng Che wrapped himself tightly in his little blanket.

---

Chapter 73 – Sign

After finishing the livestream and having a meal, it was already afternoon.

Everyone had nothing to do, so they went out with the coach to buy ingredients for the evening. As for Lin Xingling, he wanted to stay and watch TV with Cheng Che.

On TV, a French romance movie was playing, and it ended with the main characters embracing and sharing a passionate kiss. Cheng Che saw it and looked at his boyfriend with a somewhat resentful expression.

Lin Xingling gently kissed him on the face.

“Kissing…kissing means you like me a little, right?”

Cheng Che closed his eyes, waiting for the kiss.

“I already like you a lot,” Lin Xingling rubbed his hair, smoothing it out, “You’ll grow up after your birthday, so be a good boy.”

Cheng Che pouted.

Lin Xingling was clearly treating him like a child.

He dared not speak up.

Looking at the sad expression on the child’s face as he looked at the ring on his left hand, Lin Xingling found him adorable. “Che’er, be good, and in the future, I’ll buy you ten rings.”

“You’re lying to a child…”

Cheng Che got up with a pillow in his arms and said, “I’m going to the training room for a while to practice.”

He swiftly entered the room and closed the door, clearly not allowing Lin Xingling to follow.

“You can only kiss me and not let me be angry.”

Lin Xingling was left outside, feeling like crying without tears.

He opened Weibo, and Cheng Che had just updated his status: “After today, will you love me?”

Underneath were various speculations about whether they were in a relationship:

[Che’er, do you have someone you like?]

[I love you, but Daddy Star won’t let me love you [funny]]

[Don’t fall in love too early!!!]

Lin Xingling commented with a hugging emoticon… after some thought, he changed his own bio.

…

[“The influencer you follow, @DCT-Stars, has updated their personal signature~]

Cheng Che clicked on it.

[DCT-Stars]: Love Completely

Both sides were being sentimental, and the fans were collectively confused.

Some even turned into Sherlock Holmes:

[TG-Lian Rong: Love Completely Little Brother?]

[SYG-Charity: Say a few more words, don’t act dumb~ [teasing cat]]

[Commentator A Hua: Stars, this is definitely a case of ‘officials are allowed to set fires, but the common people are not allowed to light lamps!’ [pounding the table]]

Cheng Che immediately changed his signature:

[DCT-Clear]: Bits and Pieces of Joy

[Damn you two!!!]

[Is it Clearstars or Xingchen Chengche, let’s bet]

Now he shouldn’t be angry anymore…

Lin Xingling thought for a moment and sent him a message: “What are you doing now?”

The other person replied, “Like I said, practicing to supplement the troops.”

Lin Xingling, in an unprecedented act of coquetry, said, “It’s too dangerous to supplement the troops. Bring Yao Yao along!”

Unfortunately, the other person was immune to this coquetry: “No.”

Lin Xingling:…

Help, he’s still angry.

… Quickly send a message to Xiao Cui from the cake shop to make amends.

【Cake Shop Xiao Cui】

[DCT-Stars: Please add another new card to the cake box, with a note on it, ‘I was wrong.’]

[Xiao Cui: How were you wrong?]

[DCT-Stars: Just write three words on the cake card, ‘I was wrong!’]

[Xiao Cui: You’re not wrong, it’s all my fault.]

Lin Xingling sent a panda head emoticon: [DCT-Stars: I’m going crazy with you · JPG]

…

And then, when the cake arrived, Cheng Che received a card with the words “I’m going crazy with you” written on it.

Everyone looked at each other, and Cheng Che looked at Lin Xingling while holding the card.

“I really should keep my mouth shut…”

Lin Xingling sighed.

Liang Feng: “Keep quiet and endure it.”

Wu You: “Isn’t it ‘endure one bite at a time’?”

Liu Ying: “Keeping quiet and enduring it, it must be delicious, right?!”

Phantom: …

Keeping the lively atmosphere no matter how hard everyone tried, Cheng Che continued to gaze at Lin Xingling with a faint expression.

“Don’t be angry anymore, I was wrong. I’ll make it up to you tonight,” Lin Xingling whispered in his ear, and he felt somewhat happy again.

Liang Feng furrowed his eyebrows as he looked at the two of them. He felt that something was off, but he couldn’t pinpoint what exactly.

“Alright, alright, it’s the child’s birthday.”

…

Cheng Che received a bunch of gifts, and after cutting the cake and having dinner, he spent two hours on a livestream to unbox them.

Rank 2: [“Che Che, does the lipstick I sent look good?”]

Rank 2: [“Damn, I forgot to switch accounts!”]

After rummaging through the pile of gifts for a while, Cheng Che and the others finally found the lipstick. The sender displayed on it was the official flagship store.

There was no information about the sender.

Cheng Che asked, “Rank 2, who…who are you?”

Rank 2: [“Mwah~”]

I still haven’t dared to look at Ruhua’s ID, their profile picture is a small flower.

[“I want to see Brother Ruhua’s reaction”]

[“Brother Ruhua is awesome”]

[“The white stockings last time were also a gift from Brother Ruhua, Brother Ruhua is really brave”]

It was impossible for Ruhua to reveal his true identity. Judging from Rank 2’s comment about forgetting to switch accounts, he must be familiar with Cheng Che and part of the competitive circle.

There were too many possibilities, making it difficult to narrow down.

Cheng Che never thought of exposing their secret identity. He was only pondering over one thing: why was the lipstick color a Barbie pink?

Liu Ying opened the lipstick cap and tried the color on the back of her hand, saying, “Brother Che, I can apply it for you.”

[“I also want to help Brother Che apply it”]

[“Not only do I want to apply it, I also want to kiss-kiss [wry smile]”]

[“Little Brother Ying, my wife, I want to apply lipstick for you!!!”]

Cheng Che firmly refused.

Liu Ying & Wu You: Resistance is futile.

One held his arm while the other swiftly finished the task.

When Cheng Che appeared on the camera, feeling helpless, his blue eyes and cute pouty lips made him look like a princess from a fairy tale.

Barbie pink made him appear darker, but it couldn’t surpass Cheng Che’s fair and beautiful complexion.

He had it all under control.

[“Damn”]

[“Clear looks so good when he doesn’t speak”]

[“Pick up my three glow sticks: Che-ze! Che-ze! Mommy loves you!”]

After a while, Lin Xingling came over with fruits. Cheng Che immediately turned his head to look at him as if telepathically sensing his presence.

Lin Xingling: …

Lin Xingling asked, “Whose fairy tale book didn’t close properly and let the princess escape?”

Cheng Che was very pleased.

Liang Feng looked disgusted but nodded, indicating that Cheng Che could proceed with the plan.

Plan: Confess to Lin Xingling and see his reaction.

It was like a game of truth or dare…

It was a small surprise for his birthday, and the coach wanted to use this unexpected confession to test Lin Xingling’s thoughts about children.

Little did they know that the two of them were already together.

Holding the script, Cheng Che couldn’t help but want to laugh, but he still read it to Lin Xingling word by word without missing a beat.

“I yearn for a distant journey, finding joy in your unexplained melancholy. Contented enough to rest while longing for the faraway, your image lingers in my mind like a fleeting breeze… Lin Xingling, I, I like you.”

He waved his hands and danced, reading it in an exaggerated manner.

“Do we need to make it public now?” Lin Xingling asked timidly, “Is it true?”

At that moment, Liang Feng asked, “What do you mean?”

Liu Ying facepalmed.

Wu You & Phantom watched as bystanders.

[“I suddenly thought of Charity.”]

[“Stars: Bullshit, you’ll make me collapse with laughter [emoticon]”]

[“Lian God: I have a bad feeling about this”]

[“SYG-Charity: Let’s unfollow each other, Stars!”]

Lin Xingling bit his lip and asked, “Xiao Che, what did the coach mean?”

Liang Feng replied, “I’m asking what you mean.”

He’s only eighteen, you really have a way with words…

Cheng Che lowered his gaze and said, “I was just joking with you.”

Lin Xingling shrugged and looked at Liang Feng, “I didn’t mean anything, it was just a joke.”

The bot lane couple cooperated seamlessly.

“It’s like this…”

Liang Feng glanced at them skeptically and didn’t say anything more.

Wu You said, “What harm can a joke do… Come on, Xiao Pei, I love you!”

Phantom replied, “Get lost.”

The mid lane CP played their part.

Liu Ying sighed.

Clueless in the mid lane.

[“Xingchen Chengche will stay up all night tonight [emoticon]”]

[“The one who confesses first is the seme! Clearstars!!!”]

[“God Pei and Xiao You forever!”]

[“Then I’ll take Liu Ying away, okay~”]

The viewers were eager to create chaos.

Anyway, Coach’s concerns weren’t dispelled, but the fans’ enthusiasm for playing along with the joke rose.

Because this wasn’t the first time Lin Xingling had been “confessed to” on someone else’s birthday.

This was the second time.

The first time was in 2017 when they were in SYG. It was Chen Enci’s birthday, and it was arranged by the team to have Chen Enci hold a love letter and prank Lin Xingling.

Chen Enci read it with great emotion.

Lin Xingling: “Bullshit, you’ll make me collapse with laughter.”

Lian Rong, who was hiding behind eating cake, laughed until his face twisted.

[Charity: Emotionally read·JPG]

[Stars: Bullshit, you’ll make me collapse with laughter·JPG]

[Lian Rong: Laughing until distorted·JPG]

These three reaction images were all the rage at the time.

And now.

[KPL commentator A Hua]:

I don’t understand [dog face]

Charity, emotionally read: I like you. Stars: Bullshit, you’ll make me collapse with laughter!

Clear: I like you. Stars: Really?

[Lian Rong: Laughing until distorted·JPG]

The comments section was filled with the Lian Rong reaction image.

Lian Rong: Sitting at home, dealing with everything at once.

Chen Enci mentioned Lin Xingling in the SYG group chat and sent a long string of upside-down thumbs-up emojis.

Then he sent the Lian Rong reaction image.

[Stars: Death awaits.]

[Lian Rong: Death awaits.]

[Charity: I’ll be waiting.]

The first generation iron triangle of KPL started an internal war.

…

The second generation iron triangle of KPL—

Wu You: “Brother Che said he didn’t want it either, but Daddy Star’s favoritism is just too much.”

Cheng Che: ” You **.”

[“Hua Guoshan Telegraph”]

[“Clear, these terrible words, hahaha”]

[“The withered vine, old tree, and gloomy crow, Che-Che is a jerk in one second”]

Liu Ying: “The captain really loves Brother Che so much~”

Rank 2: [“I feel like you have something to say between the lines”]

[“I feel the same way”]

[“I agree”]

…In the end, it was Liang Feng who announced the team’s regulations simultaneously on the livestream and official account.

The third rule: No dating allowed.

When it says no, it means no.

“Xiao Pei and Xiao You are not allowed to be lovey-dovey in the future.”

“Cheng Che, starting tonight, you will sleep in a separate room from the captain. Room 506 has been prepared for you.”

“For Liu Ying, you figure it out yourself.”

---

Chapter 72 – First Punch

In Lin Xingling’s heart, Cheng Che was just a child who knew nothing about that aspect but was curious and wanted to taste the forbidden fruit.

He was afraid that he would get hurt.

However, after a rough examination, he discovered that the kid’s knowledge of physiology was surprisingly good, especially in terms of cleanliness and expansion, which were done with great skill.

Most likely, it was Hua Xin’s idea.

“Tsk…”

Cheng Che wanted to do it wholeheartedly, and Lin Xingling could only guide him.

People have different tolerance levels, and he knew very well that his dear child belonged to the sensitive and pain-averse type.

It needed to be done gradually, not all at once.

If the first time happened without preparation, if by any chance the child was hurt, it was uncertain whether it would leave a psychological shadow. At least it would be detrimental to their future life.

In order to protect Cheng Che and prevent him from getting hurt, Lin Xingling would stick to his bottom line even if he was tempted to the point of losing control.

I really want to press Che’er down on the ground and make him cry…

In the days following Cheng Che’s confession, his psychological defenses were on the verge of collapse.

He couldn’t touch him, he could only repeatedly tell himself in his mind: Take it slow, don’t rush.

…

In his sleep, Cheng Che sensed a touch on his body and unconsciously moved away, turning to the side… This immediately posed a dilemma for Lin Xingling, who wanted to put pants on him.

Taking off clothes is easy, but putting them on is difficult.

There was no choice but to let the child sleep naked.

When he woke up and asked, they could say that he might have sleepwalked and undressed himself.

Sleeping naked may be comfortable, but it is a torment for the person next to them.

“Mmm…”

Cheng Che leaned back and snuggled against Lin Xingling’s chest, sleeping deeply, making small gurgling sounds in his throat.

As Lin Xingling moved back, he followed suit.

Finally, they reached the edge of the bed and couldn’t retreat any further.

In his sleep, Cheng Che leaned contentedly in Lin Xingling’s embrace, rubbing against him.

Like acting spoiled.

…As the slippery thigh accidentally brushed against the hot spot, which felt like a hard lump and seemed to be getting bigger… The child paused and turned around with difficulty, reaching out to touch it.

What’s this…

At this moment, Cheng Che, who was still groggy, didn’t realize that this was the happiness of his life.

The fingertips with a soft warmth lightly brushed over that place through the fabric, and suddenly, rationality in Lin Xingling’s mind exploded like fireworks.

The only thing in his mind was: Damn!

Suppressing the impulse to take immediate action, Lin Xingling sat up, looking particularly alert.

The air conditioning in the room was still too hot.

Afraid that Cheng Che would catch a cold, he didn’t lower the temperature.

…

Everything was settled. Lin Xingling helped the dazed Cheng Che sit up and placed a pillow behind his back, leaning him against the corner of the wall. Lin Xingling knelt beside him.

He held Cheng Che’s hand and put it on, touching gently.

Worried that the child couldn’t handle it, he couldn’t touch him for the time being. So he used Cheng Che’s hand instead. It should be fine… Consider it as prepaying for his future physical training.

…As soon as his hand was caught by the warm and cool touch, the circle grew larger.

More promising.

Spread it out, grip it, just like twisting the cap of a soda bottle.

“Ouch…”

Cheng Che unconsciously hummed.

After fifteen minutes, the fire didn’t go away; instead, it became even stronger.

…Lin Xingling continued to hold Cheng Che’s hand until the child couldn’t grip it anymore and started sobbing softly, unable to endure the friction.

This was unbearable. How could he dare…

“Be good, endure a little longer.”

…

Finally, before Cheng Che’s palm was rubbed raw, Lin Xingling let go of him and embraced his waist, pressing him down on the bed and rubbing his legs.

He couldn’t handle it too roughly; there was a competition on Sunday.

Lin Xingling’s tenderness is like the feeling of using chopsticks to pick up soft tofu, and he does indeed treat Cheng Che as tender tofu, protecting him with care.

Occasionally poking and prodding with chopsticks, harmless playfulness.

Just thinking about the pleasure of poking through the tofu…

A pink hue appeared at the corners of Lin Xingling’s eyes, tainted with affection… Clearly, he was the one teasing, but he looked more like the one being teased.

Being excessively beautiful was also a great tragedy.

“Mmm…”

In his dream, Cheng Che unconsciously tightened his legs.

Such a good boy.

…

A blush spread across the cheeks, and the area around the eyes gradually moistened with tears, even the breathing became rapid.

The body momentarily stiffened before trembling and releasing.

Lin Xingling was perplexed for quite a while.

He threw the crumpled paper into the trash can and gently wiped Cheng Che’s legs.

The fair and tender thighs had already turned red from the friction, and the little thing still hung softly.

Lin Xingling gazed with a gloomy expression, thinking that after his birthday, he must treat him to something more indulgent.

…Considering his recent “brave” behavior.

He helped Cheng Che put on pajamas and sleep pants and tucked him into bed, embracing him as they slept.

Young people tend to be hot-tempered, and Cheng Che in his arms was as warm as a little stove, making it comfortable for him.

In the latter part of the night, almost dawn, as the effects of the medicine wore off, Cheng Che groggily opened his eyes.

“Ah…”

His head hurt, his mouth hurt, and he felt uncomfortable all over, unable to muster any strength.

“Xingling… Mmm… Captain, husband…”

Trying to call out, but his voice unexpectedly turned hoarse.

Lin Xingling held him tightly without opening his eyes.

Just sleep a little longer.

Wu You couldn’t help but say, “Brother Che, wake up!”

Liu Ying added, “Happy birthday, Brother Che!”

Both of them together: “Brother Che, Brother Che! Brother Che, Brother Che!”

Cheng Che:…

This world is truly forgiving, giving two silly dogs such subtly named Wu You and Liu Ying.

The two of them were making a fuss outside the door, and even the person inside couldn’t fall back asleep no matter how tired they were.

Lin Xingling got up and saw Cheng Che struggling to put on clothes, and he asked knowingly, “What’s wrong?”

Cheng Che said, “My leg hurts…”

Lin Xingling gave an explanation, “It must be because of your sleeping position, didn’t sleep well.”

Cheng Che believed it and opened his palm to show him, “It hurts.”

Lin Xingling pulled him closer and kissed him, “The pain will fly away.”

Cheng Che:…

Lin Xingling: “Happy birthday, my good little one~”

Children are just children, a few words and a kiss can dismiss their concerns.

Cheng Che obediently didn’t mention anything about the two of them being together to everyone else, and Lin Xingling didn’t ask.

He watched as Cheng Che, with his turned-in toes, awkwardly walked out to play with his little friends.

Little friends: Idiot—

Wu You: “Brother Che, what happened to your leg? You’re not walking properly…”

Liu Ying: “Uh…”

Both of them in unison: “So girly!”

Cheng Che raised his fist, “Say it again.”

Passing by, Liang Feng coughed, “Let them say what they want, today is the birthday boy’s day.”

Wu You & Liu Ying:…

“Brother Che is so girly!!!”

After saying that, they ran off in a flash.

Unbeknownst to the coach, he remained speechless about the situation.

Before he could even have a conversation with the birthday boy, he went back to the room to find Lin Xingling, holding onto his arm, saying he didn’t want to play with those two silly dogs.

Lin Xingling: “You can’t scold them, okay?”

Taking another look, it was strange… Liang Feng shook his head, “You two, hurry up and get ready. We’re going to do a live stream for the fans later.”

“Oh…”

The content of the live stream was filled with joy.

First, they had Cheng Che put on Sun Shangxiang’s steady force cosplay outfit and dance the victory dance for everyone.

Cheng Che danced reluctantly and half-heartedly, showing extreme indifference.

Cheng Che tentatively asked Lin Xingling, “Is it good-looking?”

Lin Xingling shook his head and said, “Not good-looking.”

He couldn’t understand why so many people wanted to see a child dressed in girls’ clothes.

On the other hand, Wu You whistled cheerfully, saying, “Cheng Che, six-six-six! Next time, play Guan Yu and get a pentakill! And then play Jia Luo!”

Liu Yan sighed, “To be honest, I really want to see Cheng Che in Bai Li Shou Yue’s cosplay outfit. It would definitely be handsome.”

Phantom: …

Fans watching the live stream:

[“No problem, as long as Cub Che gets ten pentakills in one match】

[“I really want to see Clear in Ah Li’s clothes”]

[“No problem”]

[“Miss, my wife, Clear, my wife, double the wives, double the happiness!”]

After Cheng Che finished dancing, he quickly left the screen to find Lin Xingling.

“Captain…”

Lin Xingling took him back to the room to change clothes.

[“He leveled up and turned into a short-leg spoiled weirdo [crying-laughing emoji]”]

[“This is not the short-legged bun I remember”]

Rank 4: [“Stars, did you cast a spell on him?”]

…

After changing clothes, they did what the top-ranking viewers in Clear’s livestream room had requested, which was to hear Clear recite tongue twisters.

Text: Ah Li heard Brother Li singing Brother Li’s song at night. The song Brother Li sang didn’t sound like Brother Li’s song. Ah Li didn’t want to listen to Brother Li sing Brother Li’s song, but Brother Li insisted that Ah Li listen to Brother Li sing Brother Li’s song. Is it that Ah Li doesn’t want to listen to Brother Li sing Brother Li’s song, or is it that Brother Li insists on Ah Li listening to Brother Li sing Brother Li’s song?

Cheng Che: …

You guys have roasted me!

He struggled through reciting the tongue twister for more than ten minutes, but the top-ranking viewers who requested it couldn’t bear to listen anymore.

Rank 3: [“Just kill me”]

Rank 5: [“I’m starting to stutter from listening, thank you”]

Rank 6: [“How should I put it?”]

“I won’t recite anymore.”

Cheng Che threw the printed text onto the table and propped his legs up.

Love whoever you want.

[“It’s your birthday, you’re the greatest”]

[“Happy birthday, little devil~”]

[“Cherish Che, bravely fly, moon sister will always be with you”]

…It was already 11:30 in the afternoon, and the live stream had been going on for nearly an hour, but the top-ranked viewer still hadn’t appeared.

Cheng Che rubbed his eyes, looked at the screen, and asked, “What do you guys think… why hasn’t he, why hasn’t he come yet?”

Birthdays need to have a sense of ceremony, and almost everyone on the leaderboard came to offer their blessings. It doesn’t look good when the top-ranked person doesn’t show up.

Lin Xingling took out his phone and glanced at it before putting it back.

[“Damn, when I saw Stars take out his phone, I thought he was the top-ranked boss. It seems I was overthinking”]

[“Sisters, add one!”]

[“Moon sister, still not here, still not here~”]

The ID of the top-ranked person is “Moon Represents My Heart,” and the profile picture is a blooming lotus flower.

Middle-aged and elderly aesthetic.

And indeed, the top-ranked person is a middle-aged person.

After Cheng Che waited anxiously for half an hour, the exclusive golden-red bullet screen finally appeared.

Top Rank 1: [“Come downstairs, I’ve brought you a gift”]

Cheng Che was stunned for a moment.

Lin Xingling was also stunned.

The entire team was stunned.

All the fans and viewers in the livestream room were also stunned.

[“Me: Is top rank 1 asking for a meeting?”]

[“If top rank 1 is a handsome little brother, ah, Dad Stars should be worried!”]

[“Top rank 1 is a couple~”]

Intense curiosity prompted Cheng Che to run downstairs, with Lin Xingling following closely behind.

There was a small stall selling moon cakes downstairs, and the aunt from that night was standing next to it. When she saw Cheng Che coming out of the staircase, she waved and greeted him.

“Cub Che, come over, let Auntie take a look.”

What is this?!

Cheng Che recognized her and obediently walked over, saying, “Hello, Auntie.”

Auntie said, “Happy birthday, little child.”

Auntie is top rank 1?

Such a strange top-ranked streamer… Cub really has some skills.

Lin Xingling remained silent.

After a while, Cheng Che suddenly realized, “Auntie is, is that top… top rank 1?!”

Lin Xingling stood behind without saying a word.

Auntie nodded and said, “Yes, I woke up late and didn’t watch the livestream. As soon as I saw it, I came immediately to bring you a birthday gift.”

“No need, no, no need, um…”

Top rank 1 is a level 20 badge worth over 100,000… How many moon cakes do you have to sell to earn that… Cheng Che felt a bit pained, “Auntie, wait for me, I’ll give you the money back.”

But Auntie waved her hand and said, “No need, just some pocket money for you, it’s not much.”

“Uh…”

Auntie continued, “Where we met that day, the commercial properties in that area are all owned by my family.”

Wow…

That’s really small change.

Cheng Che nodded blankly.

Why do all the moon cake aunties you meet on the road have so much money these days?

“You have a real connection with Auntie… When I saw you wearing my son’s team jersey that day, later I inquired and found out that you transferred to this team…”

After that, Cheng Che learned the following: Over the past four months, he had received scattered donations totaling over 100,000.

From the TG team…

Lin Xingling interjected, “May I ask the young master’s name?”

Auntie said, “Him, his name is Wang Yi Nian.”

Wang Yi Nian… the tragic origin of Liang Feng and Gu Xincha.

Suddenly, Lin Xingling fell silent.

He disliked Wang Yi Nian, but he wouldn’t dislike the house he lived in.

Cheng Che, who understood this, chatted with Auntie for a while and politely declined the watch she wanted to give him.

“Moon, the moon cakes are delicious… I’ll… I’ll just take a moon cake! I’ll accept Auntie’s feelings.”

…

Back upstairs, he chatted with the viewers for a few moments and then ended the livestream.

Wu You asked, “Top rank 1 just gave you a moon cake?”

Liu Ying, who had been looking down from the balcony the whole time, said, “Is top rank 1 the auntie downstairs just now?”

Cheng Che nodded, then suddenly realized that Lin Xingling, who had followed him upstairs, was nowhere to be seen.

Phantom saw through his thoughts, “The captain and the coach are in the office.”

“Okay…”

Author’s note:

(:△」∠) That’s it

---

Chapter 71 – Diamond Ring

Originally, DCT was the fourth place in Group S, and in the playoffs, they were going to face the first-place team SYG. However, in the second-to-last game, TG shut out KV, and DCT’s points soared, making them the first place in Group S.

Since then, TG became DCT’s opponent.

However, the situation changed dramatically in the last game, with HT winning 3-1 against DW. DW’s points dropped, and DCT’s points jumped to become the third place in Group S.

Group S’s third-place team, DCT, faced off against Group S’s second-place team, SYG.

Fans left comments saying it was destiny and urged DCT to stop struggling.

DCT stated that they have already settled.

…And everyone eagerly anticipated Cheng Che’s Son Shangxiang cosplay with a pentakill. The official account said it would have to wait until his birthday.

It happens to be a good opportunity for birthday perks.

Regarding this, the Moon Sisters said, “At least we still have to perform the steady force victory dance.”

The official account responded:

[DCT Esports Club]: No problem~

[DCT-Clear]: Why is this humanoid dog here again?

[DCT-Stars]: [Pat on the head]

Cheng Che’s eighteenth birthday falls on November 22nd, the fifteenth day of the tenth lunar month. It’s on a Thursday during the first week of the playoffs, which also coincides with Thanksgiving and the Small Snow solar term.

It’s a great day.

DCT’s match in the winners’ bracket is scheduled for this Sunday, so there is no rush in terms of time. They can make it more grand for him.

Preparations began three days ago, and by the evening of the 21st, they were mostly complete.

That night, everyone wanted to wait in his room until midnight to wish Cheng Che a happy birthday, but they were all chased out one by one by Lin Xingling, who told them to go to bed early.

Helpless, Liu Ying and the others could only send birthday wishes on Weibo.

Ahua, Hanchuan, and others also did the same, even sending a message.

Everyone had been eagerly anticipating it, and finally, at 23:59:59, Cheng Che’s phone kept ringing non-stop.

“Happy birthday, happy adulthood.”

No one would have expected that the owner of the phone at this moment would be pressed down on the bed, kissing… It wasn’t as passionate as expected, Lin Xingling was very gentle, the kiss was tender and lingering, and Cheng Che felt like he was about to float away.

After the kiss, Cheng Che looked up at him expectantly.

He watched as Lin Xingling casually turned off his phone and took out a small box from his pocket. He opened it, revealing a ring.

A DR diamond ring.

A man can only customize one in his lifetime.

It was a coming-of-age gift and also a proposal…

“Xingling… Hmm…”

Lin Xingling held Cheng Che’s left hand, which was collapsed on the bed, took out the ring, and put it on his middle finger.

The whole process was smooth and flawless, without a single flaw.

“I love you, whether you’re willing to be with me or not, I still want to…”

“I’m willing!” Cheng Che didn’t wait for him to finish and quickly agreed, “I love you too. I love you even more than you love me!”

Saying that, he hugged Lin Xingling’s neck tightly and forcefully made him lower his body, taking the initiative to raise his waist and kiss him.

He didn’t know how to kiss someone else, so he could only kiss and bite.

“…” Lin Xingling gently held his waist.

He had finally witnessed it. Cheng Che’s little fangs may look dull, but when he bites, he doesn’t hold back…

Cheng Che only lightly bit a few times in the midst of his confusion, and Lin Xingling’s mouth was already bleeding.

Tasting the sweet and bloody flavor, Cheng Che stopped and smacked his lips, frowned, and then asked excitedly, “Does this mean… we’re together now?!”

His eyes were bright, as if countless stars had gathered.

Indeed, his stars were in his eyes.

“Um.”

Cheng Che continued to ask, “So, so I’m the wife, and you’re the husband?!”

“You’re talking nonsense.” Lin Xingling’s face blushed instantly.

He gently tapped Cheng Che’s forehead and educated him, saying, “That’s something you can only call after we get married.”

Marriage…

Cheng Che sat up straight and tilted his head, “Then, then you give me a ring. Is this, is this a proposal… and I accept it.”

Sweetly and tenderly, he exclaimed, “Husband!”

Hearing that, Lin Xingling’s body trembled.

He seriously doubted whether his little kid even knew what being shy meant… He used to be so shy and well-behaved…

And shamelessly, he continued from behind…

While Lin Xingling wasn’t paying attention, Cheng Che grabbed his right hand and guided it behind him. With a twist of his waist and a forward lean, he sat down on his hand.

“Xingling, a proposal… A successful proposal means… the wedding night… um…”

He was being quite forward.

In reality, the only thing supporting Cheng Che’s audacity was Hua Xin’s remark of “It doesn’t hurt.”

If it doesn’t hurt, then what’s there to fear?

In the past few days, Cheng Che anxiously watched several serious “educational” videos that Hua Xin sent at three times the speed. He also went to the pharmacy in advance to buy the necessary items.

He didn’t buy those “Du×s” things because… he didn’t know the size.

Moreover, he wasn’t a girl, so even if Lin Xingling didn’t wear it, there shouldn’t be any problems…

Tonight is his eighteenth birthday, the day he officially becomes an adult. He had already prepared everything in the bathroom, waiting for Lin Xingling to say the word.

Everything was ready, only lacking Lin Xingling.

…

That child is so naive…

Lin Xingling pulled his hand back and sighed, “Let’s go to sleep, goodnight.”

Is that it? Is it over just like that? Huh?!

At this moment, Cheng Che wore a face as if he had eaten bitter melon, pouting, “You haven’t… haven’t said that… um, you want…”

“What do you want?” Lin Xingling teased him deliberately.

Cheng Che pursed his lips and enunciated each word, “I want, to keep, my innocence, in this world.”

The room’s lights flickered as if the voltage was unstable.

Seeing that the atmosphere was about to become awkward, Lin Xingling quickly intervened, “You silly brat, you’re still young. Those things can wait until after we’re married. For now, just go to sleep.”

As he spoke, he ruffled Cheng Che’s hair, going with the grain~

Cheng Che grumbled, “Charity said…”

Stars, that’s not appropriate…

Blood-spraying behavior.

“Tsk…”

Lin Xingling frowned and said, “After Sunday’s match, I’ll deal with him. Now, you obediently go to sleep, alright?”

Charity: Danger!

It seemed like there would be no benefits to be gained tonight…

Reluctantly, Cheng Che obediently went to sleep—on the condition that he shared the same bed with Lin Xingling.

To accommodate that, Lin Xingling specifically found a large blanket in the closet.

“Sweet dreams… wife…”

He, he, he, he… He called me his wife! Lin Xingling’s deep voice echoed clearly in Cheng Che’s ears, causing his face to turn as red as a tomato.

It’s one thing to be playful, but as soon as Lin Xingling says something affectionate, Cheng Che can’t handle it.

Lin Xingling turned off the light and casually turned on a night light.

The person he likes is sleeping face-to-face with him in the same bed… locking eyes with each other, Cheng Che awkwardly coughed.

…

Sleeping, the feeling of the ring on the middle finger of his left hand kept distracting him, making it impossible to focus and rest.

Every time Cheng Che closed his eyes, he imagined the appearance of the engagement ring…

A diamond, a four-cornered star.

That was the birthday gift he picked for Lin Xingling.

Lin Xingling asked, “Does it have any symbolic meaning?”

Cheng Che replied, “It represents luck.”

Meeting you was my luck.

Lin Xingling remembered it. He used practical actions to prove to Cheng Che: Meeting you is my lifelong fortune.

Even in my past life.

“…Hmm?” A gentle pressure on his forehead woke Cheng Che up, and he saw that it was Lin Xingling.

Lin Xingling kissed his forehead.

Seemingly surprised, Lin Xingling asked, “Can’t sleep, little brat?”

“I’m tired, but I can’t… can’t fall asleep.” Cheng Che grabbed the waistband of his pants under the covers, curled his knees against Lin Xingling’s legs, and hugged him with the same intention as before.

He really wanted to give himself to him.

Hua Xin had said that when a man sees someone he likes, he usually can’t control his emotions and wants to pounce on them immediately.

But Lin Xingling was even perfunctory when kissing himself…

There was no doubt it was true love, but… could his husband be frigid?!

After living two lifetimes, finally experiencing a relationship, could the rest of his life be devoid of any passion or excitement?

Cheng Che couldn’t accept that.

Lin Xingling lightly kissed his mouth and said, “I’ll make you a cup of milk tea, drink it and sleep well, okay?”

“…Mmm.”

In that instant, Cheng Che felt like maybe it wasn’t so difficult to accept after all.

If they didn’t do it, they didn’t do it. As long as he loved me, as long as he continued to love me.

The Lin Xingling I love.

…

After drinking the milk tea, Cheng Che quickly fell into a deep sleep on the bed… Lin Xingling guiltily touched his face, his expression filled with tenderness.

The little brat was too restless. Without giving him something to settle down, he couldn’t sleep at all.

“I apologize.”

Although they were already a confirmed couple, Lin Xingling still approached cautiously.

As if on thin ice, as if walking a tightrope.

…Luckily, he wasn’t being overly sensitive. He pushed aside the blanket and other coverings and got straight to the point.

First was the body, smooth and soft, just like a delicate marshmallow with a hint of sweetness.

If you sniffed carefully, there was also a faint milk fragrance.

Inexperienced, that’s what it meant.

Lin Xingling, using the light from a small night light, saw Cheng Che’s eyes turn red, and in his heart, he silently recited the Buddhist mantra “Form is emptiness, emptiness is form, sensation, perception, mental formations, and consciousness are also like this.”

Then, resolutely and shyly, he hid in the embrace of the little brat and kissed him.

Kisses from his wife~ Cuddles from his wife~

“Hmm…”

Cheng Che felt uncomfortable being sucked on, squirming his body to free himself.

But Lin Xingling held him down, only giving him a peck before losing his strength.

Unconsciously, he held onto his head as if welcoming him.

No marks should be left…

Before the string of reason in his head snapped, Lin Xingling let go of him.

Next was the little bud, soft and delicate, just like himself.

It was a beautiful light pink color, obviously not used often.

Did this child have no worldly desires at all?

Lin Xingling touched his little belly, which was soft. If he pressed hard, he could feel the results of his workouts.

—Abdominal muscles, although not very visible.

This child didn’t have any natural talent for fitness, his abdominal muscles didn’t develop, but he had a v-cut.

So cute, I want to touch it again.

No… let’s focus…

Finally thinking of doing the last important thing, Lin Xingling helped Cheng Che turn over and shyly bit his lip.

Look…

Lin Xingling: |·_·`)

He extended his index finger to touch, and the little brat had indeed made preparations, with lubrication that had a lavender scent.

But he didn’t buy that one…

A flaw, it was like having milk tea without a straw.

“Mmm…Xing, Xingling…”

Hearing Cheng Che murmuring his name in his dream, Lin Xingling immediately withdrew his hand, relieved:

Is the little kitten having a nightmare?

Cheng Che furrowed his brows and grumbled a few times before falling back into a deep sleep, but Lin Xingling didn’t have the mood to continue.

He wanted him to have a good night’s sleep.

…

Cheng Che gave Lin Xingling a strange feeling.

Tonight, on his beloved baby’s first dawn as an adult, he couldn’t sleep.

Lin Xingling pondered a painful question:

How could such a delicate and refined little flower accommodate it all?

After much thought, he began to feel sorry for him again.

…I feel sorry for the little brat. My child is really suffering. I should be nicer to him.

Author’s note:

=(:з」∠)_ I’m just a little bunny.

---