Chapter 70 – No

Week 10, which is the last week of the regular season’s third round. The third-to-last game of the last week is DCT against SYG.

The moment that decides fate.

DCT team needs to win this game in order to surpass DW and become the third-place team. The chances of winning against the second-place team, playing against the second-ranked TG, are higher than playing against the first-ranked SYG.

The commentary duo, Jiang Li and the rookie Xiao Hua, along with the TG star player Lian Rong, had a perfect setup in the commentary booth.

In the first game, DCT took down one tower and secured the first dragon, and in the late game, they dominated the opposition.

They swiftly won the game in twelve minutes.

The post-match voice chat was quite funny:

Stars: “Triple kill! Triple kill!!!”

Clear: “This Gui Guzi is really something when he’s on a roll!”

[“Spread the word, Daddy Star can deliver.”]

[“Spread the word, Cub Che wants to interact with Daddy Star. [Silly face]”]

[“A person shouldn’t, at least they shouldn’t…”]

The situation in the second game was a bit troublesome. SYG defended their towers against the wind, and DCT couldn’t break through. Then, at the twenty-minute dragon pit fight, DCT lost the team fight and was overturned by SYG.

Lian Rong, in the commentary booth, pinpointed their problem succinctly: “Why does the top laner play like a lone orphan in the mist?”

Jiang Li, the commentator, asked a soul-searching question: “God Lian, have you read this book?”

Lian Rong: “I haven’t read it. No malice intended. I was just making a joke about the last two characters in the book title. I apologize if it was inappropriate.”

The mid-lane mage, Full of Desires to Survive.

The Black Lotus Flower sisters: Oh well~

God Lian said, “If something goes wrong, we’re responsible.”

Lian Rong knows his boundaries. His boundaries are not about protecting himself but about protecting others from being hurt by their own crazy fans.

Speaking of which, the “Lone Orphan in the Mist” hat can be put on Phantom.

After all, he doesn’t like team fights; he only enjoys solo carrying.

Every game is either about solo carrying or on the way to solo carrying.

Others come out of the fountain and say, “Let’s team fight.”

Phantom: “Solo carry.”

The fans also said something funny:

[“When a child is born in another family: Wah wah wah… When God Pei is born: Don’t bother me, I’m solo carrying!”]

The five players of the DCT team have varied understandings of their positions. Some are extremely insecure, while others are overly arrogant.

Insecure players like mid-laner 460: “Brother Che comes from the developmental route to take my lane, Xiao You comes from the jungle to take my lane, Xiao Pei comes from the opposing route to take my lane, and the captain takes my lane when I’m dead… They all take my lane. I’m the one being treated unfairly.”

Arrogant players like AD Carry Clear: “Liu Ying is a support who attracts hatred, Wu You is a support who can’t be seen, Phantom is a support who takes damage, Xing Ling is a support who buffs… They are all supports, I am the core character saving the world.”

And then there’s the jungler, UU: “Brother Che is my useless little brother who steals my red buff, Ying Mei is my little brother who steals my blue buff, Xiao Pei is my little brother who steals my river crab, and Dad Star is just a simple little brother… They are all little brothers, I am the god who kills the enemies.”

The most outrageous is the top laner, Phantom: “Wu You often comes to annoy me, Clear, Stars and 460 are both forgettable, I can only see them during team fights… Thanks for inviting me, I’m a fan of solo duels.”

The remaining support, Stars: “The silly child, Good boy, needs protection. Liu Ying, the silly child, needs to snatch the lane. Xiao You, the silly child, needs vision. Xiao Pei, the silly child, is the worry-free one.”

They are all silly children, and I am the god overseeing everything.

The thoughts of the five players come together to form DCT team’s unconventional playstyle.

It’s strange to say that even after playing in the KPL tournament for two and a half months, Sharp still hasn’t built a visualized system. They always respond to the opponent’s moves, observing and dismantling their rhythm.

That’s why they haven’t been figured out by strong teams like SYG.

In the third game, DCT attacked SYG’s mid lane high ground in just fourteen minutes but struggled to break it.

Cheng Che’s Marco Polo got into a fight and went too far. He used his second skill to jump through the wall and hit the enemy’s crystal. He successfully cleansed the crowd control and killed SYG’s mid-laner, Zhi Shi.

However, the top and bottom high grounds were still intact, and the minions couldn’t reach them for a while.

Seeing that Marco Polo was about to be killed by the tower, support Liu Chan didn’t hesitate for a second and immediately flashed through the wall to divert the aggro of two high ground towers. He even took deliberate steps and repeatedly hopped to bring the aggro of the crystal as well.

Liu Chan tanked the towers and saved the low HP Marco Polo.

[“Liu Chan knows how to handle towers. With a tower, he can really tank.”]

[“What Liu Chan, he’s like a real father! He’s their foster parent! Marco, hurry up and write Liu Chan into your family tree!”]

[“Just marry him, who cares if he’s male or female.”]

Lin Xing Ling: “Quick, quick, be careful not to get killed by the tower while I tank it for you.”

Cheng Che: “Love you~”

Wu You & Phantom: ???

Liu Ying: Uh…

Brother Che, don’t say those things at a time like this!

…After Clear safely walked out of the tower’s attack range, Stars, as if completing his own mission, was sent back to the fountain by the tower.

[“Stars is afraid of pulling aggro from one less tower.”]

[” Dad Star: What are you coming at me for? Don’t touch my child. [Tears flowing]”]

[“We can’t attack the tower under the defense anymore. We’re disqualified.”]

[“Clear: This tower, save me! Stars: This tower, is that all?”]

…The third game ended with DCT’s late-game base being invaded by super minions.

SYG tearfully reached match point.

In the fourth round, DCT took advantage of the three disrespectful strategies.

The three disrespectful strategies are: Luna roaming the side lanes, countering with support, and level 2 ganking the side lanes.

Phantom’s Luna roamed the side lanes with Punish. Both teams played mirrored side lanes in this match. Luna faced the enemy’s solo laner, Ma Chao, and was accompanied by Taiyi Zhenren as support. Zhao Yun cleared the Blue Buff and then came to gank.

They sent Beiyang back to the fountain, securing the first blood.

Beiyang: “Damn.”

[“Level 2 gank on the side lanes, irreconcilable differences.”]

[“Xiao You: I’m here, my Pei-peipei~”]

After the jungler cleared a round of monsters, they handed over the Blue Buff to Luna. Luna took her own Blue Buff and the enemy’s Red Buff.

If someone tried to restrict her, Luna could usually protect herself with her flexibility… Meanwhile, the ideal combination in the farming lane could comfortably develop.

If no one restricted her, Luna would soar.

This strategy was quite nasty.

…

But Beiyang just didn’t believe it.

Zhi Shi had already mentioned that the vision disappeared, indicating that they were going to the opposing side, possibly with Stars.

Yet, Beiyang said, “Be careful, that’s fake vision.”

DCT team often used fake vision during matches to catch their opponents off guard with ganks.

Charity: “Don’t be too confident, it’s just an illusion.”

The three illusions of boys:

I can get a kill in return, there’s no one in the bush, she likes me.

Ma Chao and Luna dueled, both of them had strong flexibility and mobility.

Both were low on health, and Luna pursued relentlessly.

Beiyang: “I can get a kill in return!”

Luna used her ultimate and entered the bush.

Beiyang: “There’s no one in the bush.”

Ma Chao entered the bush.

Zhao Yun and Taiyi Zhenren: Big surprise!

They beat Beiyang once again and sent him back to the fountain.

Beiyang: “Don’t they do anything productive?”

Charity: “I switched with a kid.”

[Sun Shangxiang kills Yi Renjie]

[Yi Renjie kills Sun Shangxiang]

Chengzi: “You even brought a support.”

Charity: “They’re too fierce.”

The kids from Stars are too fierce. One wonders how they are taught in private.

Dad Star: “Education of Love”

…

In this match, the camera occasionally focused on Cheng Che, who had no expression on his face.

Expressionless, he blocked the fountain and achieved a pentakill.

This time it wasn’t considered fountain bullying because the team fight started near SYG’s red crystal.

UU: “Pentakill! Cheng Che got a pentakill!”

460: “Pentakill!”

UU: “I’m ready to buy a skirt for Cheng Che. Huh, shouldn’t he wear a cosplay outfit and dance?!”

Charity’s body looked miserable as she died in the fountain.

2-2, tied on match point. Both teams’ players returned to the backstage, and Cheng Che still had no expression.

[“No emotions, only skills”]

[“It’s the coolest to have no expression while making incredible plays”]

[“Garlic-flavored pentakill! Remember, Clear had one in TG but postponed it due to the contract expiration. This time, he can’t postpone it anymore.”]

Cheng Che returned to the rest area with a serious expression. After a while, he glanced at Lin Xingling.

Lin Xingling lowered his eyes and smiled lightly, not looking at him.

The only person who had some understanding of the situation chose not to face it.

Liu Ying held a disposable cup, filled it with warm water, and sat on the side, picking at her fingers.

Wu You: “Coach, I want to drink water.”

Upon hearing this, Cheng Che’s ears perked up, “Wu You, you’re not allowed to mimic my speech!”

Then he continued to look at Lin Xingling and said, “Want to drink, drink water…”

Lin Xingling suppressed his laughter and handed him the thermos cup.

The child’s lips were rosy, wanting a kiss…

No, he had to wait until he turned eighteen…

What’s the point of pretending to be aloof after kissing?

…

“Hey?”

Cheng Che was about to drink water, but Liang Feng took the cup first.

Liang Feng handed him a disposable cup filled with warm water and placed Lin Xingling’s thermos cup on the table, saying, “The thermos cup is too hot, drink this instead.”

What are these two doing right in front of me?

Something’s not right…

The fifth game, the battle for victory.

The match reached fifteen minutes with both sides deadlocked, and SYG called for a pause.

Charity was having a nosebleed.

It wasn’t an ordinary nosebleed, but blood gushed out like a fountain.

SYG’s team uniform was black, and Chen Enci wiped his sleeve, which was soaked with blood.

It was quite scary.

The director tactfully avoided showing him on the camera.

…

After about fifteen minutes of simple treatment, Charity came on stage with a tissue stuffed in his nose.

SYG’s morale was greatly shaken, while DCT seemed somewhat hesitant.

First, Liu Ying was dodged by the enemy support Chengzi, and then Wu You’s counter-jungle was caught… In the end, Cheng Che, Lin Xingling, and Phantom defended their base against the enemy’s super minions.

But three against five, Charity destroyed their crystal in three attacks.

“Let’s congratulate SYG team for winning 3-2!”

The commentator Jiang Li announced with a smile, and the MVP of this game was awarded to support Chengzi.

SYG’s five players stood up and shook hands with DCT’s five players, and Charity even opened his arms and hugged Lin Xingling.

Amidst the noise, Lin Xingling asked if something was wrong, and Charity shook his head with a smile, saying it was just a nosebleed.

But when they bowed to the audience in the middle of the stage, he had another nosebleed.

[“Enci, why do you embarrass yourself like this?”]

[“Are you okay?”]

[“God gave him a face but forgot to include an instruction manual.”]

[“What did I become a fan of? How come I’m acting so cleverly?”]

After returning home, SYG quickly released a statement saying that Charity’s health was not at risk, he was just having excessive internal heat.

Then they took his to the hospital for an examination.

The result came out: a nasal tumor, but fortunately, it was a benign vascular tumor.

“No wonder my face has been swollen lately, I thought I wasn’t sleeping well.” Chen Enci patted his face, looked around at Xiao Nuo, Cheng Che, and the others surrounding him, and asked in confusion, “It’s not a big deal, why do you all have this expression?”

“…”

Did everyone worry to death, you know?

Lin Xingling and Lian Rong even came over with flowers as soon as they heard the news.

Lin Xingling held his own child, Cheng Che brought a bouquet of stars, and Lian Rong held a bunch of lilies.

All were wishing for a speedy recovery.

Chen Enci smiled and then had another nosebleed, so Xiao Nuo quickly brought him an ice pack to apply.

“I want to talk to Clear alone for a few minutes.”

…

Everyone, go out. Cheng Che stayed behind.

Looking at the sickly boy in front of him, Cheng Che couldn’t help but recall the spirited appearance of their past life when they were arch-rivals.

And then, he became a coach…

Devoting himself to his passion until he became powerless.

In this second life, all the memories and experiences had turned into something insignificant, only emotions and passion remained unchanged.

Cheng Che lowered his gaze.

Chen Enci was about to speak, but Cheng Che stopped him.

Cheng Che made a gesture to keep quiet, then tapped his nose with his fingertip and said, “The problem doesn’t… doesn’t come from here, but…”

He pointed to his heart: “Here.”

“Take care of yourself and protect yourself.”

It was a well-intentioned reminder.

Chen Enci understood: “Thank you.”

What Cheng Che wanted to tell him was about Lin Xingling. Since Lin Xingling hadn’t told him about the progress in their relationship, he was eager to help them break through that layer of paper waiting to be torn.

Mutual unrequited love was so foolish.

“Stars likes you, he liked you a long time ago.”

Cheng Che was taken aback and asked, “Really, really?”

“Yeah.”

“…Thank you.”

Cheng Che thanked him, bid farewell, and left.

On the way home, Lin Xingling asked Cheng Che what Chen Enci had said. Cheng Che smiled and whispered, asking if he really wanted to know.

Lin Xingling: ?

“He told me… he said that thing about you… won’t work.”

Lin Xingling: ?!

“Right, Captain… I didn’t understand that… what does it mean?”

…

Dad Star: Write down Chen Enci’s name in your little notebook.

Charity: …

Clear should change his name to Black Sesame Filling Tangyuan.

Author’s note:

[Mini Theater] – Not Working

Cat Che Che: He said that thing about you won’t work.

Hamster Xingling (hiding inside a giant hamster ball): Chen Enci, I’m going to kill you!!!

Otter Enci: ?????

Otter Enci: At a time like this, shouldn’t you prove to him that you can do it?

Charity: I finally understand that you’re trying to kill me!

---

Chapter 69 – First Kiss

Lin Xingling kissed his face, Cheng Che said and did it, directly betraying his teammate.

“Yes, yes, there’s one… Here.”

“Temptation in Uniform.”

It’s this… Lin Xingling chuckled bitterly, turned around and took a book from the small bookshelf. “It’s about Buddhist philosophy, how to restrain and overcome the temptations we encounter from the outside world.”

…Instead of how to wear a uniform to seduce the captain.

Lian Rong is too ruthless. Just wait to die.

“Well, you haven’t read it, right?” Cheng Che stuck out his tongue and said, “In that case, this book seems to… suit your temperament.”

Is it Temptation in Uniform that suits my temperament or the book “Temptation in Uniform”?

Lin Xingling didn’t understand, but he didn’t argue with him either. “Fine, you misunderstood the book, but who gave you the idea for this outfit? Was it Lian Rong too?”

Star Dad only cares about one thing: whether God Lian’s sin deserves death.

Cheng Che shook his head and answered, “If you… hmm, kiss me again, two more times, I’ll tell you.”

Lin Xingling:…

You never stop, do you?

The little brat stretched his face and let the captain bite two circles of tooth marks on it.

He felt so happy inside.

Having been kissed twice fiercely, Cheng Che happily sold out all his teammates. “The clothes… A Hua sister gave them to me, and the idea… hmm, Hua Xin.”

Don’t blame me… mainly because Teacher Hua’s plan for the third step is honesty.

Lin Xingling’s resentment level: max.

Lian Rong & Ah Hua & Hua Xin: They’re as good as dead.

“A Hua… tsk, does she not know that you were supposed to wear it?”

After receiving Cheng Che’s affirmative answer, the question was directed at Hua Xin.

Teacher Hua: Danger!!!

“He… tsk…” Lin Xingling touched his hair and said, “From now on, you’re not allowed to learn from him anymore, you know? What he teaches may not be suitable for you, and definitely not suitable for me.”

Hua Xin is a scheming zero.

“Oh…”

…

Lin Xingling pulled the lamp and turned to look at him. The dim light of the bedside lamp made the child’s eyes shine brightly, looking exceptionally beautiful.

“Xingling, can I… get to know you better? Captain Xingling.”

Cheng Che pursed his lips, his face full of happiness.

The person I like doesn’t dislike me! Although he didn’t explicitly say that he likes me, as long as he doesn’t dislike me, there’s still a chance!

Getting to know me better… Lin Xingling lowered his eyes, his long eyelashes flickering, casting a sparse shadow on his lower eyelids.

“Well, let’s get to know each other slowly.”

“Okay.”

…So, the next morning, a certain child of the motherland was called up early, yawning and sitting on the back of an electric bike, taken to the library, and borrowed a thick book of The Analects.

“Oh, and my favorite Comprehensive Mirror for Aid in Government.”

“This book of love poems is not bad either.”

“…”

Watching Lin Xingling busy picking books from row after row of bookshelves, Cheng Che suddenly felt that it wasn’t so important to know him or not.

The main thing is, he doesn’t want to read books.

However, Dad Star’s enthusiasm was hotter than the sun in midsummer. He not only lent him a pile of books he had read during his own study, but also took him to his university for a visit.

Blue sky, white clouds, tree-lined paths—the school was filled with the youthful and happy atmosphere.

Cheng Che had never attended university, so he looked around with great curiosity.

Students carrying laptops to study in the library, boys playing the guitar on the playground, girls dressed in cosplay… and hugging and kissing couples.

The two walked side by side on the main road of the school, and the sunlight cast long shadows behind them.

“When I was in my second year, I took a leave of absence. The school found out that I went to play professional esports, so they specifically reserved my student status for three years,” Lin Xingling told him.

Three years… Cheng Che nodded and asked, “So, are you going back to school? Will you continue studying?”

Lin Xingling replied, “Yes, I’ll come back to continue my studies next autumn… probably starting from my second year.”

In this lifetime, it’s obvious that it’s different from the previous one. Cheng Che doesn’t find it strange, he only cares about one thing: “You want to go to school… What should I do…”

He had already assumed himself to be Lin Xingling’s potential partner, so Cheng Che spoke with confidence.

Is it too much for a wife to act coquettishly with his husband?!

Whoever dares to say it’s too much, I’ll scold them.

What about you… Hmm, can the little kitty come to school and play?

“The school allows family members to accompany.”

Family members… accompany…

Upon hearing this, Cheng Che’s face turned red all of a sudden.

Lin Xingling chuckled lightly, reached out and embraced his waist, pulling him into his arms. Cheng Che obediently closed his eyes and tilted his face upwards…

The two of them kissed under the laurel tree in front of the main academic building of the school.

It could be considered their first real kiss in the truest sense.

Youthful, enduring…

It was merely the simplest touch between their lips, without any overstepping, only a deep sense of love.

Students passed by on the roadside, paying no attention to them.

After the kiss, Lin Xingling affectionately pinched the soft flesh on the child’s face.

He remembered when he first brought the child back to the team, how thin and pitiful he looked. Now, he could be considered well-nourished, with chubby cheeks like a baby.

“I’ll measure your height when we get back. I feel like you’ve grown taller recently.” (Xing)

“Okay.” (Che)

“Let’s go. I’ll take you to see the cafeteria on campus.”

This was something Cheng Che and Lin Xingling from the previous lifetime could never have imagined.

They couldn’t believe that they would actually walk together, hand in hand, like any other openly affectionate couple.

True love prevails in the end.

…

The next evening, Fu Cheng received a phone call from an elder in the DCT team.

The conversation was brief: “Take care of your partner.”

Fu Cheng: …

I knew Hua Xin was trouble, but I really didn’t expect him to cause problems with you.

After questioning his own wife and understanding the whole situation, Fu Cheng helplessly patted his shoulder and said, “You never cease to amaze me.”

He had known for a long time that Hua Xin had several exes before trying to get involved with him… Without exception, almost every one of them loved him deeply, but he ended every relationship.

The reason was simple: he grew tired of them.

In the days that followed, Fu Cheng was constantly worried that Hua Xin would become tired of him as well. He was attentive and caring, making sure to be gentle and affectionate in everything he did.

However, Hua Xin showed no intention of being with him. Instead, he treated him like a mere tool.

Or rather, like a pawn.

Until Fu Cheng proposed to take responsibility for him, Hua Xin simply laughed it off.

He had a wild and unrestrained nature, and it was impossible for him to stay with one person for long, unless…

Fu Cheng found his weak spot.

Fu Cheng said, “Be with me, or I’ll let your teammates and coach know exactly who you really are.”

Only by resorting to ‘despicable and shameless’ tactics could one restrain a womanizer.

Fu Cheng was willing to be a bad person for the sake of love.

Hua Xin surrendered.

They informed everyone about their relationship, and then Fu Cheng said, “Leave the team, or else…”

He said those words to test Hua Xin’s bottom line, but unexpectedly, Hua Xin agreed.

The two of them left the team. Before Fu Cheng had a chance to recommend his chosen duo to the DCT team the next day, their savior, Clear, appeared.

Well, the team smoothly overcame the obstacles they encountered.

In their relationship, Fu Cheng cherished Hua Xin as if he were afraid of losing him and treated him with tender care. But after a month and a half, Hua Xin still initiated a breakup.

Fu Cheng said, “Give me a reason.”

Hua Xin replied, “I’m tired of it.”

He claimed it was because he grew tired, but the truth was that Fu Cheng loved him too much, and that made it uninteresting for him. It may have been pleasurable, but not fulfilling.

Fu Cheng had long eyelashes that hid his emotions when he lowered his gaze… Hua Xin took it as his silent consent and stood up, ready to leave with his packed suitcase.

“Stop.”

A deep voice came from behind.

…

That day, Hua Xin fell to the floor, his soul seemingly torn apart. Later, he sat on the couch with trembling hands, unable to light his cigarette. He was then forcefully dragged to the bed…

Hua Xin was trembling as he knelt, his voice fragmented as he asked, “Why… why didn’t you… do this before?”

“Couldn’t bear to.”

Fu Cheng firmly grasped his shoulders, his pitch-black eyes staring deeply into him as if wanting to pin him down on the bed.

Hua Xin was like a mature pearl inside a shell. It didn’t require delicate care; all it needed was to be forcefully opened to obtain the desired and ultimate treasure.

That night, Fu Cheng obtained his precious one and finally learned how to keep someone he liked.

Hua Xin said, “Big brother, I want to be with you forever.”

Fu Cheng: …

“Take your medicine, Hua Xin. Focus on getting better first.”

“Don’t talk to Liu Ying and the others about these things anymore.”

Fu Cheng’s intentions were clear, but the listener felt deeply wronged…

Hua Xin pitifully explained, “Making Cheng Cheng appear reserved is because it makes him seem hesitant yet welcoming. With someone like Xingling, who is an experienced player in such matters, it’s always a sure bet. As for Ying Ying, he’s naturally gentle, so being more enthusiastic would make it easier to capture his heart.”

It’s all a scheme.

Fu Cheng asked, “And what about you?”

As for me… Hua Xin pondered for a moment and said, “Am I good at it?”

“…”

Your waist is not well…

Cheng Che accompanied Lin Xingling to the library and university, went fishing by the river in the afternoon, and had barbecue skewers at a food stall in the evening. It was the happiest day Cheng Cheng had ever experienced.

At night, when they went to sleep, Lin Xingling kept his eyes open and couldn’t fall asleep.

Cheng Cheng turned over but was blocked by the quilt. After struggling for a while, he couldn’t get into his embrace. With a sullen expression, he opened his eyes, only to see his spouse not asleep either.

“Uh…”

There was a moment of awkwardness.

“I’m asleep.”

Lin Xingling immediately closed his eyes.

“…”

There was no response from the other side, and he immediately pulled open the quilt and climbed in.

When he was younger, he always slept alone, but as he grew up, he wanted to sleep close to someone… Cheng Cheng pressed his face against Lin Xingling’s chest, wrapped his arms around his waist, and found a comfortable position to continue sleeping.

Lin Xingling extended his arm to use it as a pillow for Cheng Cheng, feeling overflowing happiness in his heart.

But still, he couldn’t fall asleep.

The little brat was still young. Even when he turned eighteen and officially started a relationship with him, he still needed to be protected and not touched at all.

For the rest of their lives, he would rely on his girlfriend.

Girlfriend = ys (Yu Sheng)

Lost in his lewd thoughts, Cheng Cheng suddenly nudged his chin with his head.

Lin Xingling reached out and pinched his earlobe, rubbing it.

The little kitten whimpered and opened its damp eyes.

“W-What are you doing…”

“Good, go to sleep.”

Other boyfriends are supposed to coax their partners to sleep, but here you are, waking them up and then trying to put them back to sleep…

Cheng Cheng pouted and obediently went back to sleep.

“Goodnight.”

…

In the recurring dreams, it felt like someone was nibbling on his lips… Although the person paused after giving a kiss, the thoughts couldn’t stop.

Like a butterfly in love with poppies, trapped in a bewildering dream.

Lips, cheeks, earlobes, neck, and further down, beneath the sleepwear, there was a body as tender as white marble and a slightly pinkish blushing head.

It incited improper thoughts…

Author’s Note:

Xingling, don’t hide and tease me, show yourself (sobbing uncontrollably)

Bosses who have read up to this point, could you leave a comment? Wah wah wah

(Throwing a tantrum)

---

Chapter 68 – Temptation

The second step is called throwing himself into his arms and hugging him, and Cheng Che trembled as he placed his hands on his shoulders, unable to speak for a while.

He was both nervous and scared.

Hua Xin put the required medicine in the water for Lin Xingling. After it took effect, he would lose consciousness and could only answer truthfully. Then Cheng Che only needed to ask the questions he wanted.

“Captain, are you… are you okay?”

Lin Xingling remained silent, raising his face to look at Cheng Che, with deep furrows on his brow.

From drinking the glass of water to seeing Cheng Che in a uniform dress and fishnet stockings, a restlessness stirred within him.

Something was wrong…

The water was strange, and Cheng Che felt strange too.

He clenched his lips and pondered, finally coming to an answer before his consciousness gradually faded: there was something wrong with the water.

Something major.

The truth-telling medicine was actually… a truth serum called “Wan Ai Ke” or “Brother Mo.”

Unaware, Cheng Che was still waiting for him with an empty gaze, ready to answer any questions. But suddenly, Lin Xingling flipped him over and pressed him down on the bed.

“Captain, what’s… what’s wrong with you?”

Without saying a word, Lin Xingling reached out and pulled at the white corsage on Cheng Che’s neck, deftly entangling it a few times before unraveling it and holding it in his hand. His eyes appeared even darker.

How dare he wear this around his neck? This child really doesn’t value his life…

Cheng Che didn’t react, staring dumbfoundedly at Lin Xingling’s face. Suddenly, he was lifted by Lin Xingling, and his wrists stung as they were tightly bound.

The torn white stockings, like a rope, bound his hands, exuding a dangerous yet incredibly alluring charm.

Lin Xingling murmured something in a hoarse voice, but Cheng Che couldn’t hear it clearly.

He only felt a tightness in his lower abdomen and looked down. Lin Xingling held onto his own waist with his hand. “Hmm?”

Lin Xingling exerted an uncontrollable force.

“Good… good…”

The intensity of being pushed into someone’s body…

In an instant, Cheng Che thought of something, and a strange gleam flashed in his eyes.

Recalling what his good teacher had said, he tried to relax his body, part his legs, and hold onto his waist.

His heart was beating fast, and his face felt hot and painful…

At that moment, Lin Xingling had no consciousness and naturally didn’t care if he would feel uncomfortable… He nonchalantly tore open the fishnet stockings, leaving a scratch on Cheng Che’s leg with his nails.

“Ah…”

The child winced in pain and took a deep breath.

…

After tearing open the stockings, Lin Xingling supported Cheng Che’s legs and hung them on his own waist. Then he leaned close to Cheng Che’s neck and began biting.

It felt ticklish and a little itchy.

Cheng Che clenched his teeth, trying hard not to make any strange sounds.

Wait… I haven’t asked yet…

“Xingling, do you… do you like me?”

As soon as the words were spoken, the room fell into silence, as if time had frozen.

Lin Xingling released his bite, looking somewhat confused as he glanced at Cheng Che.

Cheng Che swallowed his saliva and asked again, filled with anticipation, “Do you like me? Do you… like me?”

Yes, I like you… I like you to the point of no return…

I like you to the extent that every hazy dream I have every night is about you. I like you to the point where I’m willing to be intoxicated in the gentle world you provide… This liking has nothing to do with anything else, only about you.

You don’t know how much I like you.

…

Cheng Che said, “Do you like me?”

“Hmm?”

Just when they were about to delve into the main topic, Lin Xingling suddenly realized what he was doing with just that one sentence.

What kind of stupid thing am I doing right now?

Enduring the headache and the burning desire, he released Cheng Che, gently patting his fluffy head, and turned around, stumbling towards the bathroom for a shower.

Cheng Che wanted to sit up, but his hands were tied, so he could only lie on the bed and listen with his ears.

Only then did he realize the importance of physical exercise.

…Soon, the sound of rushing water came from the bathroom.

“…”

Why didn’t he answer when I asked? Does it mean that Lin Xingling doesn’t like me?

The child sank into deep self-doubt.

Hua Xin just said that the medicine can make people tell the truth, but he didn’t mention that the person can refuse to answer… No, how could there be such a miraculous medicine?!

As the sound of Lin Xingling taking a shower in the bathroom gradually calmed down, Cheng Che’s mind, overwhelmed by nervousness, slowly calmed down. He trembled and exhaled a breath, thinking he was being foolish.

That medicine… judging from Lin Xingling’s behavior…

Alright, it’s over.

Cheng Che tried his best to sit up, but ended up rolling and falling to the ground.

“Tsk…”

His hands were tightly bound, unable to be untied. Despite rubbing his face against the floor, the child bravely struggled to sit up, but ended up with his legs tangled and unable to retract, in a very awkward position.

It was even more embarrassing in his heart.

How could I give him… use that kind of thing… Hmm, now everything is ruined.

After nearly half an hour, Lin Xingling came out.

At a glance, he saw Cheng Che sitting dejectedly on the floor.

He called out his name in a hoarse voice.

“Cheng Che.”

No anger, no emotion.

Whether it’s hitting or scolding, the one thing that cannot be avoided is speaking… there is nothing more terrifying than that in Cheng Che’s heart.

…As Lin Xingling had said, scolding and reprimanding were all because of deep love and concern. In a situation like this where there was nothing much to say, it must mean he disliked himself.

Cheng Che shook his head and, in a voice even softer than a mosquito’s buzz, said, “I’m sorry.”

“…”

Lin Xingling walked step by step towards him, and each step on the floor felt like stepping on Cheng Che’s heart.

He bent down and kissed his forehead, saying, “Get up, change your clothes, and go to sleep.”

“Do you… Do you really like me? If you don’t like me, then why are you so good to me…”

Cheng Che didn’t get up, he looked up at him.

His eyes misted, while his face turned red from anger and embarrassment.

Lin Xingling said, “I do like you, but…”

“No ‘buts’ or ‘howevers’,” Cheng Che interrupted him, saying, “Liking is liking, not liking… is not liking.”

“You’re still young, you don’t understand.”

Cheng Che: (T_T)

Seeing Cheng Che’s unresentful expression, Lin Xingling smiled and said, “You have the temper of a child. I’m not even angry, so why are you?”

Daring to take advantage of someone’s vulnerability to put something in the water? You’ve got some nerve!

“Just tell me if you like me.” No matter what Cheng Che said, it all boiled down to this sentence.

The situation seemed to demand a definite answer, and Lin Xingling, feeling helpless, had to admit that he liked him.

And it was the kind of liking that involved wanting to kiss and go to bed.

“Satisfied now? Get up quickly.”

“Are you satisfied?”

Cheng Che: “Help me up… my legs, they’re numb.”

“…”

As he stood up, Cheng Che’s wrists had marks from the nylon stockings that bound them, and the restricted blood flow had caused bruises to form.

He sat on the bed wearing torn fishnet stockings, lifted his skirt slightly, and looked at Lin Xingling, saying, “Do you like me as a person, or… do you just like this appearance of mine?”

Always abiding by Teacher Hua’s teachings.

“Are you done yet?!” Lin Xingling covered his mouth with his hand and sighed. “Put this question aside for now. You’re still young, so don’t keep thinking about these things all the time, okay?”

At least wait until you’re twenty-five to do those things.

Cheng Che: …

See, Lin Xingling doesn’t like me at all…

Lin Xingling instantly began to doubt whether he had spoken too harshly when he saw the child furrowing his brows and about to shed tears.

“Don’t cry… be good, don’t cry.”

Why is he so difficult to handle?

The two remained silent for three minutes before Lin Xingling let go of his hand.

“I like you. I-I confess to you, um, I like you,” Cheng Che grabbed his sleeve and with a nasal voice and intermittent breath, uttered these words.

Doing it all over again, for the first time, he felt so pathetic.

Lin Xingling hugged him.

“Xingling… I like, like, like you, don’t…”

Listening to the confession of the person he likes, who was anxious to the point of losing breath, he felt his heart breaking as well.

Elders are always patient and restrained.

He likes Cheng Che, but that doesn’t mean he would take advantage of him while he’s unaware of everything.

Lin Xingling restrained his sadness, shook his head, and said again, “You’re still young, you don’t understand.”

“I’m not young…” Cheng Che gritted his teeth and said, “I’m really not, Xingling… please, please be with me.”

I’m already twenty-one, and I couldn’t even dare to say this.

He spoke in such a humble manner, just like his feelings, which were humble to the core… but it didn’t bear any fruit.

Lin Xingling changed the subject and asked him, “Who taught you?”

Clothes, putting medicine in the water, and asking to be together.

Who taught him?

Cheng Che looked at him cluelessly and shook his head.

He promised not to reveal the person’s name; saying it would be tantamount to betraying the organization.

Who dared to corrupt my child… If Che Che doesn’t obediently confess, Dad Star will be furious.

But he still had to soften his stern expression and gently touch his soft hair… Lin Xingling whispered to him, “I like, really like you, but I can’t like you.”

Cheng Che asked, “Why?”

Lin Xingling pinched his cheek and said, “I feel like you still don’t understand what it means to like someone and what love is.”

I love you, and I want you to know what true love is.

“My birthday is on Thursday during the playoffs…”

The room fell silent once again.

In the midst of the silence, Cheng Che extended his hand and used his index finger to make the gesture of “one,” then followed it with the gesture of “eight.”

The meaning of this sentence was self-evident; it was a plea to reconsider his rejection based on the specific reason.

However, Lin Xingling’s attitude did indeed change somewhat.

“Well, take it slow. I’ll teach you.”

Lin Xingling held his fingertip and gave it a kiss, saying heavily, “Don’t think about these things for now. I’ll give you a surprise on that day.”

“Okay!!!”

Even with just a little thought, one could easily guess what the surprise would be!

Cheng Che hugged him happily and refused to let go of his neck, planting a few kisses on his face.

Filled with joy.

…

“So, can you tell me whose idea it was for your outfit and the cup of water?” Lin Xingling tilted his head and handed him a set of regular pajamas.

Cheng Che tilted his head and asked, “Is it not… nice?”

“It’s nice, but don’t wear it anymore.”

He never liked seeing boys in female attire… although Cheng Che looked okay in it, he was still too immature, lacking the allure that sparked interest.

Rather than a skirt, he would prefer to see the child in a team uniform.

That’s how it was tonight; Cheng Che wore a dress, and a story unfolded. But if he had worn his usual team uniform, then there might have been an accident.

That was close…

“Okay.”

The obedient child swiftly changed his clothes right in front of him, while Lin Xingling turned his head to the side.

The older one gets, the more concerns they have, and the more cowardly they become.

That statement applied well to Lin Xingling.

After Cheng Che finished changing into his pajamas, Lin Xingling asked once again, “Good boy, tell me who taught you.”

I’m ready to kill him now.

“The clothes were… if you give me a kiss, I’ll tell you,” Cheng Che spoke without any restraint, knowing that Lin Xingling liked him.

“Uh…”

---

---

Chapter 67 – Uniform

Three were picked up by a private driver and taken back to the Hua family’s villa.

At first, Cheng Che was a bit reserved, but when he saw Hua Xin, he felt at ease, just like Liu Ying. It didn’t take long for him to relax.

After eating, they took snacks and Sprite back to their rooms.

If they come to play, then it’s a shared sleeping arrangement.

The house had the heating on, and it was so warm that it made one’s bones tingle. After everyone finished washing up and changed into pajamas, they sat cross-legged on the big bed in the bedroom and chatted.

There were still faint purplish marks on Hua Xin’s neck, making him look somewhat enchanting…

And those eyes, they were beautiful, but not as bright and spirited as Cheng Che and the others. Instead, they had a hint of laziness amidst playfulness.

They had a rough night yesterday and today they had to receive friends who came to play.

…

The three of them discussed some matters about the team, and when it became boring, Cheng Che’s phone made a special notification sound.

[DCT-Stars: Have you eaten?]

“Is it the person you like?” Hua Xin asked curiously.

Cheng Che nodded.

He replied to Lin Xingling: [DCT-Clear: I’ve eaten, I’m getting ready to sleep. I’ll be going back tomorrow. Don’t worry, good night~]

The screen responded with a wish for sweet dreams.

Liu Ying shook his head and added, “Brother Che came to you to seek advice because of that person.”

Although Liu Ying had already told him many things over the phone, and he knew that Clear liked someone he knew, he still didn’t know who it was exactly…

Hua Xin asked, “Can you tell me the name?”

After some thought, he added, “So that we can make a plan and take appropriate measures.”

Cheng Che handed the phone to him and said, “It’s, it’s this person.”

[DCT-Stars]

Lin Xingling… Ah? No, Lin Xingling?!!

Hua Xin looked at him confusedly and asked, “Did you press the wrong one, Brother Che?”

He took the phone back and looked at it. Cheng Che tilted his head and said, “No, I didn’t make a mistake.”

“It turns out to be Stars, you really have guts.”

The team leader, too, is someone you can imagine!

—Of course I can!

Liu Ying: “…”

That’s exactly what I thought when I found out.

Cheng Che opened a bag of potato chips and asked, “Any questions?”

“No problem,” Hua Xin raised his thumb. “Being a person means having dreams, and I admire you for that!”

Although Stars looked good, they were quite old-fashioned and not Hua Xin’s type, but everyone has their own preferences, and Stars was Cheng Che’s type.

But since it’s Stars, then it’s easier.

Hua Xin gave him three suggestions:

First, cater to his likes; second, make a bold move; third, be honest.

As Hua Xin explained it in detail, Cheng Che was in awe.

It was truly impressive.

After finishing, Hua Xin suddenly realized something was wrong and asked, “Brother, I forgot to ask you, are you the top or bottom…”

Top or bottom… Cheng Che hadn’t thought about that question yet. After thinking for a long time, he told him, “I, I should be the top.”

Hua Xin: “Should be?”

Cheng Che: “Um…”

Hua Xin: …

“If you’re the top, why are you hesitating! Just confess your love. If he agrees, be together; if he doesn’t, then… beg him to be with you.”

“Begging Him to Be with You” by Hua Xin

Liu Ying asked, “If you’re the top, does that mean you can ask the person you like to be with you?”

Silly child… Hua Xin shook his head, patted the bedsheet, and said, “This is just a metaphor. It doesn’t mean that if you’re the top, you can go…”

Trying to reason with a love-struck fool is useless.

Cheng Che rubbed his temples. “Liu Ying, go, go over there and crouch down.”

Cheng Che pushed Liu Ying aside, and the two of them sat together and began discussing the issue of top and bottom roles.

Cheng Che said, “Actually, I’m not… not sure what I should be…”

“Regarding the top and bottom roles… let me give you an example,” Hua Xin said.

He continued, “Someone like Liu Ying, who has a romantic mind, is definitely a bottom; as for you… I’m not quite sure, but I think Stars is more of a top.”

“He’s a top…”

Seeing Cheng Che’s disappointed expression, Hua Xin asked curiously, “Is being a bottom not good?”

“Does it hurt?”

That was Cheng Che’s biggest concern.

“Haha…” Hua Xin grabbed his hand and patted it, laughing, “My dear brother, don’t worry about pain. Who would be willing to… trust me, it doesn’t hurt.”

Cheng Che asked, “Really, really?”

Please don’t deceive me…

“It’s true,” Hua Xin said. “You haven’t seen… well, forget it. If Stars finds out, he’ll beat me up.”

One shouldn’t expose inappropriate things to children… Hua Xin reminded himself, and then he said something important to Cheng Che, “Since you like him, don’t worry about who is the top or bottom.”

“If you’re lucky and he likes you too, then once you’re together, it will naturally work itself out.”

“Before that… well, why don’t you try my suggestion and test the waters to gain his favor? After all, we’re the younger ones, so we should be a bit reserved,” Hua Xin suggested.

Liu Ying, who had finished three sets of bending and stretching exercises and came over, said, “Shouldn’t the younger ones be more enthusiastic?”

Cheng Che:…

It’s so confusing!

Since talking with Hua Xin, Cheng Che had been restless, and it always showed when he slept with Lin Xingling at night.

…He had something on his mind, and he couldn’t sleep.

Lin Xingling was unaware of what was going on with Cheng Che. He wanted to talk to him but always forgot or couldn’t find a time when they were both free.

Little did he know, Cheng Che was intentionally avoiding him, quietly making plans.

Step one of the plan: Cater to his likes.

For this, Cheng Che specifically asked Lin Xingling’s former teammates, Lia Rong and Charity, who were both friendly and told him about Stars.

Chen Enci said, “He likes eating barbecue and drinking beer, and he likes well-behaved kids… blah blah blah~”

Lian Rong:|( ·_·) |·_·) |·`)

Lian Rong said, “Let me send you a picture. This is the reading list he used to have when we were on the same team.”

Reading list:

“Sudongpo Biography”

“White Deer Plain”

“Uniform Temptation”

“The Hunchback of Notre-Dame”

…

Wait a minute?!?

“Uniform Temptation”?

Cheng Che already had a rough idea of what Lian Rong wanted to tell him.

He didn’t expect that Lin Xingling, who seemed gentle and refined, was actually such a perverted person!

Cheng Che: Ah-ha! I’ve found you!

So it’s “Uniform Temptation.” Cheng Che took out a torn and discarded white stocking from his team uniform pocket, pursed his lips, and compared it to the mirror. Perfect.

With such natural beauty as me, even I might fall in love with myself.

If this isn’t tempting enough…

Those who aren’t tempted are monks.

【Cheng Che flips the bird.jpg】

With temptation in place, as for the uniform, he would need some external help.

He should listen to the opinions of girls a bit, as only with their input on clothing could it be considered good-looking.

[Commentator A Hua: Fishnet stockings are amazing!!!]

[DCT-Clear: Can I trouble Sister A Hua to help me match a uniform that goes well with fishnet stockings? It’s for a gift. Thank you, Sister!]

A gift… It wasn’t entirely a lie since he would be wearing it himself.

Step two of the plan: Make a bold move.

Sister A Hua was very helpful. She picked a set of black jK shirt and skirt and personally delivered the package after placing an order.

Two boxes, one large and one small.

The large one contained the jK uniform, and the small one contained the fishnet stockings.

When Lin Xingling received the box from A Hua, he had no idea what kind of torment he was about to endure. He even invited her inside with a smile to have a cup of tea.

A Hua: “Hey, Che Che is here. The clothes are with Stars. Open and have a look later. I have something to attend to, so I’ll leave now~”

“Sister A Hua!”

Wu You followed and asked for a hug.

“Xiao You, it’s been a few days, and you’ve become handsome again!” A Hua happily hugged him and then bid farewell.

My mission is complete!

…

A Hua’s mission was completed, but Cheng Che’s mission was not.

He secretly opened the upper body and tried it on… It was worth reporting his own height and weight to Ahua; it fit perfectly.

He didn’t dare to wear the fishnet stockings, afraid that they would stretch and be difficult to wear next time.

That night, everyone had an unprecedented late-night snack.

Lin Xingling even had a few drinks with Liang Feng.

Afterward, he drunkenly returned to his room and collapsed on the bed without covering himself with the blanket.

Cheng Che hid in the bathroom and changed into the uniform and fishnet stockings. He followed Hua Xin’s teachings and tied a white ribbon around his neck with a flower.

As the teenager looked at himself in the mirror, he couldn’t help but swallow nervously.

The misty eyes, slightly flushed cheeks from drinking, and the delicate collarbones exposed by unbuttoning two buttons.

Looking down, the short skirt paired with fishnet stockings, and his fair and slender legs standing straight.

Indeed, it was sexy…

He checked the time on his phone, 0:34.

The screen displayed a notification from the anonymous Q&A system with a challenging question:

[Aside from work and socializing, do you always have your phone in your hand, constantly scrolling? How long has it been since you took the time to sit down, without dragging the progress bar, and watched a complete □□?]

The first half was thought-provoking, and the second half was intriguing.

Among the hottest answers, there was one with an ID that Cheng Che was familiar with: “I have a child at home.”

[I have a child at home: I suggest the asker to read “Uniform Temptation.”]

“Uniform Temptation?”

Wasn’t that the book that appeared on Lin Xingling’s reading list? The title kept appearing, making Cheng Che curious to take a look.

No, he needed to focus on the task at hand.

Cheng Che turned off his phone, pushed open the bathroom door, and confidently walked toward Lin Xingling on the bed.

At this moment, Lin Xingling was still a bit dazed. Drunk but not completely, his awareness was slow.

He lay softly on the bed, squinting his eyes.

Cheng Che patted his back and said, “Xingling?”

It was only now that he dared to call his name… Cheng Che really liked Lin Xingling’s name, really liked it.

Lin Xingling yawned and, without opening his eyes, ordered, “Good boy, go pour me a glass of water.”

Cheng Che:…

Look at me… Well, I’ll go pour a glass of water.

He handed the glass of warm water to Lin Xingling, who took a sip with his eyes half-closed, rubbed his eyes, and said, “…”

…Am I dreaming?

Author’s note:

[Mini Theater] – There’s a Hamster Ball in Heaven

Cat Che (showing off): Look at me, look at me, look at me~

Hamster Xingling (dazed): Uh…

Cat Che: Blows a kiss–

Hamster Xingling: Nosebleed–

Hamster Xingling loses too much blood and dies.

---

Chapter 66 – Dressing

The method is simple: find Hua Xin when you have time and chat with him. After all, he successfully managed to pursue a boyfriend.

“Hua Xin should understand it well.”

Upon hearing Liu Ying’s words, Cheng Che recalled what Wu You had said before: “That Hua Xin… hooked up with him on the same day, went to bed together at night~”

This is indeed the ‘good teacher’ Cheng Che needs.

“When can we go?”

Hua Xin is a talented person, and Cheng Che really wants to communicate with talented individuals.

Liu Ying: “I’ll call him tomorrow and ask!”

…

The next day, Liu Ying woke up and called Hua Xin. Hua Xin answered with a hoarse voice and asked them to wait a few days before going.

Liu Ying agreed, saying, “Okay, let’s go after we finish two matches this week.”

“Alright, speaking of matches…” Hua Xin asked, “Is there a chance to make it to the top three? The winner of the playoffs in the third place plays against the second place. We’re fine against TG, but it’s a bit tricky against SYG.”

“We should have a chance. The coach calculated… as long as we win two more rounds.”

Cheng Che establishes a relationship with the good teacher in advance.

Good teacher Hua Xin: “Alright, when the second match is on, I’ll come to watch. After the game, I’ll bring you to my place.”

This way, the plan is set. Cheng Che happily calls Jiang Langzhong and asks about the prescription, receives the explanation, and practices it personally, stewing the medicine in a small pot in the kitchen.

The base was filled with a strong bitter smell for a while.

Wu You and the others sat on the living room sofa watching a movie without changing their expressions. Liang Feng even complimented that it smelled good.

Lin Xingling got up, went out, sniffed, and came back.

Cheng Che came in to deliver the medicine but was blocked outside the door.

“Quick, open the door!”

Who told you to kick me out last night? I want to strike back; I want to make you suffer.

Because it is for external use, he deliberately brewed the medicine to be bitter.

…Even if he doesn’t drink it, the smell alone is torture.

After knocking on the door for a while without any response, Cheng Che impatiently places the medicine bowl on the ground, takes out the spare key he obtained from Coach Liang Feng, and opens the door.

“Captain~”

Lin Xingling on the bed tightened his blanket.

“Are you sleeping? Cheng Che put the bowl on the table, then pounced on the bed like a little kitten, lying on his blanket.

“Umm?!”

The blanket suddenly opened on both sides, enveloping him. Lin Xingling held him with both legs.

“What are you doing!”

The child struggled desperately, but Lin Xingling tightened his legs around Cheng Che’s waist and said, “Got you.”

Occasionally, it’s quite fun to mess around like this.

Cheng Che hugged his waist along with the blanket, lifted his head resting on Lin Xingling’s soft belly, and said, “Do you know what you’ve caught?”

Lin Xingling smiled and said, “I don’t know.”

Cheng Che showed a mysterious smile, “It’s Doraemon~”

Lin Xingling quickly let go of him, sat up, and said, “Why are you talking like that!”

A child so young, but his mind is filled with mischief…

“You’re already dressed, and you say you’re sleeping.”

Bringing the bitter Chinese medicine to his dear captain, Cheng Che clapped his hands and smiled, “Come on, darling, drink the medicine.”

“Jinlian, this medicine is quite bitter…”

This time, Lin Xingling looked at him with pleading eyes, “I really don’t want to drink the medicine. It’s too bitter, I don’t want to…”

Cheng Che didn’t show any mercy and continued to scare him, “Your hand still hurts, right? The doctor said… if you drink this medicine a few more times, it won’t hurt anymore.”

Seeing that his pitiful begging had no effect, Lin Xingling simply covered his head with the blanket and curled up inside.

“I won’t drink it, even if you kill me.”

Being afraid of bitterness is his biggest weakness, even if he had to do heavy labor for a lifetime.

Cheng Che held his phone outside, saying, “I recorded it.”

Cold and merciless, without any mercy.

“If you don’t come out, I’ll check your phone.”

This trick really works. In the moment Cheng Che unlocked his own phone, Lin Xingling peeked out of the blanket.

Round and plump, like a hamster ball, he looked at Cheng Che.

Cheng Che sat on the edge of the bed and gently patted his face a few times. Lin Xingling good-naturedly played along.

Rubbing his face is such a delightful thing to do (* `ˋ*).

“Captain, has anyone ever told you how cute you are?”

Suddenly asking this, Lin Xingling shook his head and said, “You are the cutest… darling, can’t we skip the medicine? Hmm?”

He blinked his eyes and acted cute.

If throwing a tantrum doesn’t solve the problem, then let’s try acting cute.

He insisted on not drinking the medicine.

Cheng Che forcefully changed the subject again, “I think you are the cutest, you are the cutest in my heart.”

A little bit of flirting.

Lin Xingling:…

He didn’t know what to say.

Cheng Che has been acting strange these past few days.

Strangely cute.

His mind is filled with cheesy lines.

…

“Really, if the captain is so cute, I really… really like you.” Cheng Che looked into his eyes and asked, “…So, if you think I’m cute, would you like… me?”

Asking this… Lin Xingling sincerely replied, “Definitely.”

Although he knew that Cheng Che didn’t understand the true meaning behind his words, Cheng Che was still very happy.

“In that case, we don’t need to take the medicine.”

Lin Xingling exclaimed joyfully, “Really?”

Cheng Che said, “Of course, the medicine is for external use.”

Lin Xingling:…

Lost for words.

When Lin Xingling was ready to apply the medicine, he realized how torturous it was. It would have been better to just drink it.

First, clean the hands and wrists thoroughly.

Then, fill the mouth with the medicinal soup and soak the fractured finger joints three times, each time for half a minute. For the wrist, it can be done in several rounds.

Lin Xingling was puzzled by this step, but Cheng Che heard from the doctor that it had something to do with yin and yang, five elements, and other complicated things. It would better complement the aura of taking the medicine.

After the joints and bones were soaked in the medicine, massage them twice a day. It would take about a week to see results, and it would probably be fully healed within a month.

Lin Xingling resisted, but Cheng Che insisted that resistance was futile.

Then, Cheng Che held the lukewarm medicine bowl and took a sip, the strong bitterness causing him to frown. However, he calmly held onto Lin Xingling’s left hand.

“No, I can do it myself…” Now Lin Xingling truly regretted it, but he couldn’t let the child suffer in vain, so he let Cheng Che put his index and middle fingers in his mouth.

Warm and slightly hot.

It’s so uncomfortable…

The main problem is that his fingers are in Cheng Che’s mouth. He really wants to… but he forcibly suppresses the desire to move them. This half a minute feels more agonizing than the last half a minute of the final exam.

He wants to breathe, but he can’t. Cheng Che is having fun in the midst of the bitterness, occasionally teasing the base of his fingers with his tongue to alleviate boredom…

He doesn’t understand. This represents a hidden longing. If Cheng Che wasn’t ‘applying medicine’ to Lin Xingling, he might have misunderstood.

In response, Lin Xingling can only close his eyes and not look at him.

Out of sight, out of mind.

Fortunately, his legs are covered by the blanket; otherwise, it would be embarrassing.

Half a minute, thirty seconds.

Lin Xingling felt like it lasted an eternity. When Cheng Che finally removed his fingers, he felt like he was about to die.

Cheng Che spat out the medicine into a disposable cup and stuck out his tongue, “It’s really… really bitter…”

“Don’t… don’t do it anymore.” Lin Xingling felt that if they continued like this, he might die. He didn’t want to die prematurely like in his past life, so he stopped Cheng Che from bringing the medicine bowl.

“I can probably handle it myself. The medicine is so bitter, let’s not do it anymore.”

Darling, let’s not do it anymore. It might suffocate someone.

Indeed, it’s extremely bitter.

“Alright.” Cheng Che reluctantly nodded.

Not this time, not next time. Save me… Although the medicine is a bit bitter, not every time can I have the chance to kiss Lin Xingling’s fingers.

No matter what, get better quickly.

…

Supervising Lin Xingling to soak his fingers and wrists in the medicinal solution three times, Cheng Che brought clean water to wash them and then began massaging.

The pressure was just right, and the technique was good.

But Lin Xingling had no time to enjoy it. He was getting increasingly impatient and just wanted to go to the bathroom.

Unfortunately, Cheng Che had no intention of letting go even after pinching for a long time.

Lin Xingling clenched his lips tightly and asked, “Let’s stop here for today. Why don’t you go to the living room and watch some TV?”

Cheng Che shook his head and said, “I finally found a rare opportunity. Let me… continue to massage you a bit more.”

It was a heartfelt gesture.

Lin Xingling: QwQ

It wasn’t until Liu Ying took Cheng Che to the small kitchen to clean the small pot used for boiling medicine that Lin Xingling was finally able to solve the problem.

He almost couldn’t hold it in anymore.

Dad Star: …

Although the method was outrageous, the prescription worked. After a week, the effect was truly evident—Lin Xingling’s fingers were less painful and much more flexible.

Perhaps it was psychological, or perhaps it was the power of love.

In the third round of the regular season, week 9, the matches this week were considered a victory.

Two matches, one win and one loss.

After the victorious match, everyone gathered in the backstage rest area, where Hua Xin was already waiting.

To bring Liu Ying and Cheng Che to play, they had to pass through Lin Xingling’s approval.

Dad Star questioned them with a series of questions like “Who’s at home?” “Is your home-cooked food delicious?” “When will you be back?” and so on.

Hua Xin:

“It’s just me. I sent Fu Cheng back to his home.”

“With Ying Ying, we don’t have to worry. We can just order takeout.”

“Look, can we send him back tomorrow afternoon?”

Lin Xingling felt quite satisfied. After giving Cheng Che a few instructions not to be too troublesome, he let Hua Xin take them away.

“Let’s go to my place and play with Ying Ying and Che Che!”

…

On the way back home, Liang Feng asked why Wu You didn’t go.

Wu You looked at Phantom beside him and said, “I just don’t feel like going.”

Phantom had trouble sleeping and could only fall asleep if there was someone breathing beside him. To ensure that he could rest well, Wu You would use voice chat with him every night.

…If they didn’t voice chat, Xiao Pei would suffer from insomnia.

He didn’t know if they would play and make noise until late at Hua Xin’s place, so he didn’t feel like going.

It’s most important for Xiao Pei, his good friend, to have a good night’s sleep.

“Well…” Liang Feng glanced at Lin Xingling, who had no expression on his face, looking dull and statue-like.

He nudged him, but Lin Xingling ignored him.

“Did Cheng Che take your soul away too?”

Lin Xingling: …

“No, I’m just a bit worried.”

Liang Feng asked in confusion, “Worried about what?”

He sighed without saying anything further.

He felt a sense of unfounded panic in his heart… an inexplicable worry about these three people conspiring to do something mischievous. He couldn’t help but feel concerned about them emotionally.

What exactly were these three planning?

He couldn’t figure it out.

Author’s Note:

[Mini Theater] – An Author Who D ares to Tell the Truth

Author: Please don’t take the methods of medication seriously, I made them up 🙂

Cat Che: I’m in the same boat, I swear.

Hamster Xingling: …

Hamster Xingling: I’ll squeak! You just want to eat my fingers, don’t you?!

Cat Che: This is no time to meow…

---

Chapter 65 – Idea

After the live broadcast ended, A Hua, who served as the host for this interview, called Cheng Che to the makeup room of their staff and took out four packets of medicinal herbs and a piece of paper from her backpack.

She said it was a prescription for treating old injuries and fractures that she asked for from a doctor in his hometown.

It has been three months since then.

“It’s too complicated to decoct and I didn’t memorize it. Here, this is Jiang Langzhong’s phone number. Save it and call him when you need the prescription.” (Hua)

She deserves the praise of being beautiful and kind-hearted.

Cheng Che received the medicine and prescription and repeatedly expressed his thanks. Then, she sent him out and he went alone to find his teammates in the rest area.

“Thank you, sir, for not holding grudges against me…” (Li)

“Hey, don’t say that. We are all friends. That kid has an outgoing personality, and it’s really hard for you to think for him.” (Xing)

…

Why is it him again? Even before he arrived, Cheng Che heard the commotion outside the rest area. He walked quickly and indeed, it was Lin Xingling and Tang Li.

“Captain… I’m back.”

“You go back to the room. I’ll accompany…” Lin Xingling originally wanted to accompany him, but seeing Cheng Che’s displeased expression, he suddenly didn’t know what to do.

Tang Li tactfully said goodbye, “No need, I’ll go back by myself.”

Seeing Cheng Che looking like a mouse encountering a cat, he quickly ran away.

“…”

Lin Xingling frowned and smiled, “No, why are you looking at me like that?”

I knew you were flirting with other kittens outside… As a self-proclaimed house pet, Cheng Che had a certain air of the righteous protagonist catching the third person, but he stuttered and lost his momentum, “Uh, how… how… how…”

He stumbled without any imposing manner.

“What about me?” Lin Xingling was a bit bewildered by his words.

Cheng Che tilted his head.

How would I know what you mean~

When Wu You and the others heard the noise outside, they knew Cheng Che had returned, so they all came out to prepare to leave together.

Wu You: “Brother Che, why did Sister A Hua look for you?”

Cheng Che had a sudden realization and improvised, “Captain, why did Tang Li look for you?”

Wu You: …Wu You was speechless.

Lin Xingling answered seriously, “He came to apologize to Qiu Mo for his behavior.”

“Tsk…”

Seeing that the child was still unhappy, Lin Xingling had to explain, “Pity the parents of the world… Hmm, no, his team captain is also worried. Don’t bother Qiu Mo like that in the future.”

Pity the parents of the world?

Cheng Che:…

“It’s really hard for Tang Li.”

Cheng Che also learned from Lin Xingling on the way back from dinner. Despite Tang Li’s small stature, he was already 23 years old, older than Lin Xingling (at least on the surface) today.

Tang Li was selected into the KPL by the HT team from K Division in the spring of 2017 when HT was still an S Group team. Tang Li’s ID was still Chuxue at that time.

…Cheng Che knew about the ID Chuxue, which was the eternal second mid-laner during the Glory of the Jungle era.

Used to being in the spotlight, always playing mage or artillery mage, he commanded the pace of the game and team fights while dealing high damage as the core mid-laner. He often carried the entire game… His important status and impressive stats naturally pushed him up in the rankings.

The Mid Lane Emperor was well-deserved.

As for Tang Li… or rather, Chuxue, he excelled in teamwork and sacrifice, playing as a jungler or marksman, willingly playing a supporting role. He contributed to victories but wasn’t as prominent.

Although he performed well at the time, he was always overshadowed by Chuxue’s aura.

Over time, he became somewhat disheartened.

There were quite a few mid-laners who were devastated by going up against Chuxue, but they would only be depressed for a few days. However, Tang Li, who hadn’t recovered from the shadow until now… he was the only one.

Changing his ID didn’t help him either.

“Only cowards would avoid. Tang Li has to figure it out himself and regain his motivation.” That’s how Lin Xingling evaluated him.

Cheng Che nodded.

Wu You: “Okay, Brother Che, you still haven’t told me why Sister A Hua looked for you.”

Upon hearing Wu You’s words, Cheng Che remembered to tell Lin Xingling about the medicinal herbs, “Sister A Hua… I asked her for help last time… she went to ask… ask the doctor for the medicine. It’s for… to make it not hurt…” Cheng Che took out the prescription from his jacket pocket and handed it to him.

Sumeru, Weilingxian, Taoren, Honghua, Pianjianghuang… they were all some blood-activating and pain-relieving herbs.

Lin Xingling asked, “Do you need to drink this?”

“Eh? I haven’t asked about that yet…” Cheng Che shook his head and said, “I still need to ask that Jiang Langzhong.”

Just the thought of the bitter taste of Chinese medicine made Lin Xingling can’t help but pout.

“Don’t be a crybaby, Captain is afraid of bitterness. [Chuckles]”

“…You… Captain, are you afraid… afraid of bitterness?”

Seeing the message Liu Ying sent him, Cheng Che slightly curled up the corners of his mouth.

Coincidentally, the bitter tea and dark chocolate that his father sent were still there.

“A little bit.” For some reason, Lin Xingling felt like she was being held by something.

Cheng Che’s smile became even brighter.

Wu You: “Born from the same root, why so anxious to fry each other.”

Phantom: “Ahem…”

After celebrating, it was already midnight when they returned to the training base. Everyone went back to their rooms to sleep. Cheng Che didn’t eat enough, so he sat on his bed after taking a shower and ate instant noodles.

He was scolded by Lin Xingling.

“The noodle crumbs are all over the bed. Get down, I’ll tidy up the sheets.”

“Put the Sprite down.”

“I told you not to drink it, and you still drink it? Don’t drink it!”

“Cheng Che, can you hear me? Huh?”

…

It was like a little boy liking a girl. He wouldn’t express how much he liked her; he would only annoy her and do things to make her angry to get her attention.

Cheng Che belonged to this type. Although he had grown up, he didn’t know how to make someone he liked notice him because he lacked relationship experience.

He had no choice but to provoke her, causing more trouble than usual.

…In this way, he could keep Lin Xingling around him all the time.

The forever exasperating player.

[What should I do if I fall in love with someone of the same gender?]

Perhaps touching on a blind spot of the anonymous Q&A system, his anonymous question was censored.

He could only see the most popular (most liked) response:

“If it is genuine love, then it’s not a matter of liking the same gender, but rather whether the person you like likes you back;
If it’s not truly genuine, then please put away your unrequited and overflowing emotions in a timely manner;
If you’re unsure, sorry, I’m also unsure…”

It was well said.

…No one came up with any suggestions, so Cheng Che used his own methods to get Lin Xingling’s attention.

The result was that after enduring him for almost a week without getting angry, Lin Xingling finally couldn’t take it anymore and kicked him out.

He went to knock on Wu You’s door. Wu You opened the door, and Cheng Che said, “La la la~”

Wu You:…

Wu You picked up the broom in the room.

“Speak… speak properly if you have something to say.”

Cheng Che’s behavior was like trying to steal a chicken but ending up empty-handed.

In the end, he ended up staying with Liu Ying for the night.

Liu Ying was very happy and even brought out his recently treasured cookies and candies for him to eat.

“Liu Ying, if… if I fall in love with… someone I shouldn’t really like, what should I do?”

Having eaten and drunk his fill with nothing else to do, Liu Ying had already turned off the lights and was about to take him to bed, but this question made him wide awake.

“Does Brother Che have someone you like?”

Cheng Che turned to face him, “Hmm, it’s a… a boy.”

A smile suddenly appeared on Liu Ying’s face as he sat up and said, “How about I help you with a divination?”

The strong curiosity of a mid-lane player.

Cheng Che looked at him blankly as he got out of bed with lightning speed and took out tarot cards, then got back on the bed and let him draw cards.

After drawing five cards and arranging them, Liu Ying deduced for a while before coming to a conclusion, “The Six of Cups in an upright position. Seriously, go into the other person’s life circle, give them some gifts, or provide some help. And the other person is willing to accept your help.”

“The cards show that your current relationship status is… daring assumptions, cautious verification… Hmm, you have tested the other person, but they haven’t responded at all, right?” Liu Ying asked.

“Hmm.” Cheng Che obediently nodded.

“If your special someone isn’t truly clueless, they should have already noticed your feelings. The fact that they haven’t responded means they probably want to see what your next move will be.”

After saying that, Liu Ying clapped his hands twice. “I think that person probably likes you too.”

Cheng Che said, “I feel like… it’s somewhat accurate, but also somewhat inaccurate…”

If Lin Xingling really liked me, he wouldn’t have kicked me out.

“I’m very accurate at this!” Liu Ying crossed his arms and was proud of his skill, not allowing anyone to question it.

“Unless… unless you calculate it for yourself. Let me hear if it’s accurate or not.” (Che)

“Fine, I’ll calculate it then!” (Ying)

…

“The cards show that the person you have a crush on has feelings for someone else. You have feelings for him, but he will confess to the person he likes…” Liu Ying frowned, tears welling up in his eyes.

“You can’t let go, and you’ll unconsciously pay attention to him. You might even hope that he will return to being single… At this point, you must gather your courage and confess.”

“It’s not true! Not at all!” (Che)

Even though this morning’s calculation indicated that they would eventually be together.

Cheng Che:…

He realized that it was completely inaccurate.

“Alright, stop crying,” Cheng Che said, patting Liu Ying’s shoulder. “Even if he hasn’t died, there’s still a chance as long as he’s alive. Happiness isn’t… isn’t something calculated, it’s something you have to strive for yourself.”

As he spoke, the room’s lights seemed to focus on him, making him look particularly great.

“So, Brother Che, who do you like?” (Ying)

Liu Ying was bringing up the forbidden topic.

Cheng Che didn’t hide it from him. “Lin Xingling.”

“What?” (Ying)

Brother Che, liking Lin Xingling, the captain?

Liu Ying fell into deep confusion. “How can you like the captain…”

“Why can’t I?” Cheng Che countered.

If you say I can, then I can… Liu Ying looked at him in distress and said, “You’re so courageous to like the captain, Brother Che…”

You have quite the ability.

“What kind of courage is that? If I really had courage, I would have confessed to him already,” Cheng Che sighed. “Who would chat about this with you here?”

“Uh…” Liu Ying: Stupid–

“I just wanted to… sigh, how should I say it…” Cheng Che rubbed his chin and organized his thoughts. “I like Lin Xingling and want to be with him, but the condition is that he has to like me back.”

Liu Ying summarized, “You need to make the captain like you.”

“Yes, exactly.” Cheng Che snapped his fingers.

“But I think the captain already likes you a lot.” (Ying)

“Not in the way you’re thinking! It’s that kind of…” Cheng Che was about to say he wants to sleep with me, but he realized he shouldn’t say such things in front of the young Liu Ying, so he swallowed his words.

Liu Ying broke the jar: “What kind?”

Cheng Che: “You’re asking a million whys?”

…There was a knock on the door.

It was Lin Xingling. “Still not asleep? Stop chatting and go to bed.”

The room fell silent for a few minutes.

When he returned to his room, Liu Ying leaned close to Cheng Che’s ear and whispered, “I think I have a plan…”

Author’s Note:

[Mini Theater] – The Strong Curiosity of a Mid-Lane Player

Little Brother Ying: What’s in the grass?

Opponent’s team: Mage, come here quickly!

Litlle Brother Ying: Are their abilities ready?

Fully stacked Zhang Liang: Not yet!

Litlle Brother Ying: Whom does GodLian like?

Lian Rong: You’ll know once the lights are off~

---

Chapter 64 – Stealing

The content of the contract is very simple, actually not much different from the previous one… Cheng Che quickly skimmed through the pages and asked Lin Xingling, “Isn’t this… unchanged?”

Lin Xingling replied, “It’s different. This one is my marriage certificate.”

My wife should sign it.

Five million, a piece of contract.

In romantic terms, it’s a promise to buy the commitment of the person you like with almost all your savings. In less flattering words, it’s like buying a worthless piece of paper and wasting effort.

Lin Xingling preferred the more pleasant way of putting it.

…After signing the contract, Cheng Che took out the bank card his mother left for him from his pocket and handed it to Lin Xingling. “This… This is my… my marriage certificate. Keep it for me.”

Exchanging marriage certificates.

If there are still people who don’t understand the meaning behind Cheng Che’s actions, then they are fools… Lin Xingling knew, but he chose to play dumb.

Because he wasn’t sure whether it was an indication for the person he likes or a trust in the elder. Ignoring it would be the best way to handle it.

There is another way, and that is:

[Sleeping together when facing problems]

“It’s getting late, let’s go to sleep.”

…

The sound of Lin Xingling’s breathing gradually became calm, indicating that he had slowly entered dreamland.

Cheng Che tossed and turned, unable to sleep, and a single thought filled his mind: Am I falling in love with Lin Xingling?

He had noticed a long time ago that he was slowly getting used to having Lin Xingling in his life… his laughter, his chatter, his helpless expression, and the tenderness in his eyes.

And now, he couldn’t live without him.

Lin Xingling would occasionally take a day off and spend the night at home.

—And on those nights, Cheng Che often found himself unable to sleep.

Lin Xingling would occasionally cook, and except for the first time when he made a mess with the scrambled eggs and ham, everything else he cooked was delicious.

—He could always eat a lot of the meals Lin Xingling prepared.

Lin Xingling never let himself drink Sprite.

—Originally, he thought Sprite was just an ordinary drink, but now it became his favorite.

Lin Xingling liked well-behaved children.

—He wanted to be a well-behaved child and be liked by him.

Lin Xingling…

Lin Xingling had influenced his life too much, or in other words, he had become a part of his life.

It was only now that Cheng Che realized it.

I’m afraid I might… have fallen in love with Lin Xingling…

Cheng Che had a vague answer in his heart.

But would Lin Xingling have the same feelings for him as he did for Lin Xingling?

Having him like a man… that sounded unlikely.

Just like how a hamster ball doesn’t know, a little kitty would also have big worries in its heart.

Anonymous question:

[What should I do if I fall in love with someone of the same gender?]

Cheng Che typed these words on the dazzling phone screen, turned it off, and closed his dry and sour eyes with a heavy heart.

In a state of half-dream and half-awake, he heard some movement. It was probably the person next to him getting up and muttering something…

Lin Xingling had thought about many things and finally gathered the courage to sit up from the bed. At this moment, Cheng Che had already fallen asleep, but his face wore a worried expression.

The breathing of the little brat was shallow, sounding soothing.

Yesterday was his own birthday, everyone knew… Lin Xingling knelt in front of Cheng Che and looked at him tenderly, whispering, “Little brat, you didn’t prepare a gift for me.”

The other person grumbled twice.

Lin Xingling reached out and pinched his chin. Just before his heart pounded so intensely that it almost stopped, he leaned down and lightly kissed Cheng Che’s soft lips.

As gentle as a dragonfly touching the water, very light.

It was the result of nearly two hours of consideration:

Since there was no gift prepared, can I ask for a kiss… isn’t that too much?

A stolen kiss had no taste, firstly because the time was too short to savor it, and secondly, your mind could only focus on maintaining your breath and heartbeat, unable to think of anything else.

After the kiss, Lin Xingling felt so happy that he was almost suffocating.

In the previous life, Cheng Che regarded him as an idol, a target and motivation to move forward. But he had developed selfish feelings and gradually fell in love with this child who was shy and cute only in front of him.

He liked his aggressive appearance in public, liked his calm and composed command on the field, liked him in various ways… especially when he mentioned his ID, there was a gleam in his eyes.

“I am Clear, my idol is Stars.”

…

His face was burning, and the area around his eyes felt hot… Lin Xingling turned over and got out of bed, heading to the bathroom. He felt as if he was floating lightly as he walked.

He washed his face very seriously, went out, and then stepped out of the bedroom door.

…And then out of the team’s main door.

The hamster ball, filled with excitement, walked in the corridor wearing oversized pajamas and loose pants, just like normal clothes.

He descended a few steps, although he couldn’t see clearly due to night blindness and not wearing glasses, but he didn’t care at all due to his excited mood. He descended a few more steps in a blurred manner.

Accidentally stepping on a glass marble left by some child, his foot slipped. If he hadn’t held onto the railing next to him, he would have fallen down.

He sprained his waist…

Lin Xingling clenched the railing, cold sweat forming on his forehead.

Turning around, he was startled to see Cheng Che standing at the stairwell, not daring to move.

The moonlight of late autumn spilled into the corridor, casting a soft and hazy veil over Cheng Che’s body.

Cheng Che’s azure eyes were bright, gazing at him.

“Captain, be good… go back to sleep.”

There was a hint of anxiety in his voice, mirroring Cheng Che’s emotions.

When he opened his eyes and didn’t see Lin Xingling, Cheng Che searched everywhere before realizing he had left.

Cheng Che thought he was sleepwalking.

Lin Xingling said, “Okay.”

“Are you awake?” Cheng Che descended the stairs slowly and approached him.

“I am.”

As smart as Lin Xingling was, he naturally understood what Cheng Che was thinking.

To go along with his assumption that he was sleepwalking, it wouldn’t make sense to be in the corridor wearing pajamas and pants in the early morning. It would be too strange to explain.

“It’s too dangerous. Come, come back with me and go to sleep.”

Cheng Che held onto Lin Xingling’s arm, being carried by him like a koala.

Although he despised his own behavior of acting cute and spoiled, it didn’t stop him from acting cute and spoiled towards Lin Xingling.

Because he liked him, seeing him made him happy.

Lin Xingling should be the same, right?

“Hey, Captain, have you… still not found the gift I gave you?” (Che)

“Huh? I haven’t…” (Xing)

Returning to the room and climbing onto the bed, Cheng Che took out a small box from under Lin Xingling’s pillow. “I’m sorry, I thought you would… find it on your own.”

Opening the box, inside were a pair of diamond earrings.

“They’re really beautiful,” Lin Xingling sighed. “How did you think of giving these?”

Cheng Che scratched the back of his head in embarrassment.

Being able to give a gift that makes someone happy proves that the person receiving the gift is in your heart, and you know what they like.

He knew, Lin Xingling was in his heart.

There is another possibility: When the person receiving the gift likes you, they will like whatever you give them.

This point hadn’t occurred to Cheng Che for the time being.

…

After having a slight idea in his mind, Cheng Che was too preoccupied to pay attention to it because the third round of the regular season of the Autumn Tournament was about to begin. The first match was against KV, and the second match was against their archenemy HT.

HT was nicknamed the “archenemy” by the fans, and they also had a lifelong rival, TG.

In the first match against KV, they won with a score of 3:2, which wasn’t easy.

Because KV’s mid-laner was truly sinister, and their jungler and support had a habit of camping in bushes and waiting for the ADC. It seemed like they were cut from the same cloth.

As long as Lin Xingling left to roam, the opponents would camp him.

Cheng Che had suffered a lot.

Being scared by KV’s jungler and support, who were willing to give up their lives to camp him, Cheng Che had developed a bit of PTSD. During the peak tournament, every bush he encountered had to be checked… he had to use his skills to check, otherwise, he wouldn’t dare to pass through.

—Even if his teammates had already checked.

After the first week of the third round, DCT ranked fourth in Group S. The first place was SYG in Cheng du, the second was TG in Shanghai, and the third was DW, which currently didn’t have a home stadium.

They needed to maintain their position in the top four and strive to climb higher.

Teams like FG in Group A didn’t have this worry; they had already secured a spot in the loser’s bracket of the regular season.

The pressure was on HT, who was in fifth place in Group S.

HT’s ADC, Qiu Mo… how to put it, he led a struggling B-group team to the S-group as soon as he entered the tournament. He was talented.

However, compared to Cheng Che and his team, who had fought their way from the K-League to the KPL-S group, they seemed more inspirational… and with the presence of the great god Stars, their popularity wouldn’t be lacking.

The most important point is that Cheng Che is a genius.

…Or rather, a genius who has been reborn, with double the buff.

Born as Yu, why should Liang be left behind?

In autumn, both Qiu Mo and Clear are marksmen, opposing each other.

Qiu Mo hates Clear, hates that he took away everything that belonged to him.

When he was in SYG’s youth training, he already knew that DCT, the K-League team led by Coach Sharp, lacked a marksman and would probably sign him… But he was preempted by Clear from TG.

He also detested Liu Ying, the weak chicken team captain who humiliated their own team, and Wu You, who only helped the top laner die while farming… He hated this and hated that, hated the DCT team and anyone close to them.

Even on Stars’ birthday, the captain of DCT, Qiu Mo posted a picture of a falling meteor on Weibo.

It carried a hint of malicious curse.

Although this behavior was despicable, Lin Xingling thought he was just young and ignorant, not worth his time… and he instructed his fans not to cause trouble.

The fans were obedient.

But Clear didn’t listen.

Cheng Che had always belonged to the type that retaliates against flaws.

The next day, he posted on Weibo with a thumbs-up emoji, accompanied by a picture of a physical book of poetry written by the literary master Wang Qian.

The book was titled: “Autumn Has Died.”

Waiting…

The targeting wouldn’t stop.

In the first match of the third round, HT was shut out by SYG, and Qiu Mo posted on Weibo saying: [Everyone has their low point.]

Cheng Che quickly followed with a Weibo post saying: [As long as you keep going downhill, you will never be at the lowest point.]

Cheng Che had a sharp tongue.

Although it wasn’t easy to make money in his previous life, even after gaining fame and earning a top salary of 140,000 yuan per month, he still ended up paying fines of tens of thousands of yuan to the league for arguing with trolls or confronting idiots.

He was affectionately called the philanthropist of esports by his fans.

And it remained the same in this life.

“Qiu Mo, let’s do a 50-50 with me having the upper hand. If he can’t handle it, isn’t his positioning just scaring the crabs away? Maybe he should consider switching to being an AI opponent.”

DCT won 3-0, completely shutting out HT, and in the subsequent interview, Cheng Che coined the phrase “50-50.”

This greatly angered Qiu Mo.

Author’s note:

[Mini Theater] – Sneaking a Kiss with the Hamster Ball

Meow Cheche: Being kissed without consent is really embarrassing, let me sneak a kiss in the mini theater.

Hamster Xingling (sleeping soundly): Zzzz…

Meow opens its mouth: Smooch –

Hamster opens its eyes: …Who turned off the lights?

One kiss, one hamster ball, oh yeah.

---

Chapter 63 – White Silk

On the nominal 21st birthday, Lin Xingling drew 2,100 epic skins to give to his fans. Then, Lin Xingling had a sudden idea and decided to draw a personal to help draw Glory Crystals, so he drew another one.

[Lottery Result: “Clearstars (ID: 52×××14)”]

It’s definitely Cheng Che.

Fans:

[“Oh, I’m not playing anymore, I’m not playing anymore”]

[“Stars, you really care about Clear. I’m tired of hearing this phrase.”]

[“One out of every thousand in the live broadcast room, lost in the crowd~”]

Cheng Che asked innocently, “Should we try another one?”

“No, it’s you,” Lin Xingling shook his head with a smile, looking at him with gentle eyes.

Logging into Cheng Che’s account, there were 63 lucky points inside.

Counting the number of Empress Wu Zetian and various Glory Collection skins, he had already drawn five Glory Crystals.

Without saying much, Lin Xingling directly spent money to buy Glory Points.

—Two sets, 648 each.

Cheng Che obediently sat beside him and watched.

Five draws in a row, five draws in a row, five draws in a row. After drawing more than two hundred times, the crystal appeared, and the Glory Points were almost spent.

[” Dad Star sitting so dignified, love it, love it”]

[“That look, reminiscent of a gentle older brother and his pet cat at home”]

[“OMG, I’ll just press their heads together and make them marry each other”]

“What should we change to?” Lin Xingling asked him.

Cheng Che thought for a moment and said, “Nyx’s Divine Domain[mfn][/mfn].”

“Because there are more stars?” (Star)

“Yeah.” (Che)

[“You two are showing affection here~”]

[“Dad Star even spent 1,200 for Clear]

[“I’m so jealous!”]

After exchanging the Glory Crystal for the Nyx’s Divine Domain skin, Lin Xingling logged out of the account and glanced at the barrage in the live broadcast room. He smiled and said, “Clear is a lucky kid.”

“Lucky dog!” Wu Youying responded.

Cheng Che: “You… you’re the dog…”

Liu Ying: “That means lucky person.”

…

Although it cost more than 200,000 just to give out skin benefits, it was still not enough compared to the income from fans sending gifts.

In this live broadcast, which lasted for two hours, the income was over 1.8 million.

Setting a record for the highest hourly income in the King’s Glory esports section on Huazhi TV platform.

Currently ranked first with over four million popularity;

The second place has around 300,000 popularity.

The reason why Stars is well-liked is not only because of his strong gaming skills and his past as the all-around jungle king… but more importantly, it is the motivation he brings to everyone with his gentle personality and never-give-up spirit.

Even when switching to a support role, he continues to play esports, and his performance keeps getting better: this is the best proof.

Unpacking gifts, the room was filled with gifts sent by fans.

Liang Feng said, “We’ve received all the good intentions, Stars has limited time, so let’s open a few to see.”

The first gift that Lin Xingling opened was very normal, a pair of Bluetooth earphones worth over 2,000. “Thank you, Mu Mu, you shouldn’t have spent so much… Oh, there’s a card.”

[Mu Mu: “I hope Dad Star and Cub Che can stay together forever like this pair of earphones”]

“Thank you for Mu Mu’s blessings. We will definitely do that,” Lin Xingling said and put the card in his pocket, not letting them see.

Cheng Che: “What’s on the card…”

Liu Ying and Wu You: “Yes, yes, yes!”

Three chattering sparrows.

“Okay, let’s open the next one, it’s perfume…”

…Louis Vuitton men’s perfume, “Lady’s Dream Lover” series, very high-end.

[“Dad Star, how about the perfume?”]

[“I’m really lucky”]

Lin Xingling smiled and shook his head, “Perfume is nice, but I don’t usually use it…”

In daily life, he usually keeps things tidy and clean without paying much attention to luxury.

Saying this is not a high emotional intelligence move, but Lin Xingling is skilled in the art of language and can always find a way to turn things around even if he is scolded.

“…I don’t usually use it, well, I’ll keep it as a collection and use it when I receive an award. Thank you, the friend at 6:30 in the morning.”

…This statement fully demonstrates the importance of the gift in his heart, making the giver feel gratified upon hearing it.

Rank 6: [“You’re welcome, treat Clear well.”]

“Oh, alright, alright.”

The third gift is completely out of the ordinary.

“For Clear… this…”

Cheng Che leaned over, “For, for me… for me? What is it?”

Lin Xingling took the box from his stunned hand and took out the contents…

Cheng Che’s mind was filled with the words of a certain child.

—Hey, what is this!

[“Thigh-high stockings”]

[“Who dares to send this, do you have their address?”]

[“In this lifetime, I want to see”]

Lin Xingling reached out to grab the stockings before Cheng Che could react, but all he heard was a “rip” sound as Cheng Che tore the stockings apart in his hand.

Phantom, who was filming the vlog:…

Liu Ying, who was helping with the decoration of the training room:…

Wu You, who was opening gifts for the captain:…

Liang Feng: “D*mn it.”

With just this word, the whole room fell silent.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry…” Lin Xingling’s face turned red in an instant.

After experiencing this, Cheng Che couldn’t hold back anymore and smiled brighter than anyone else with the torn stockings in his hand, “It’s, it’s fine, Captain… let’s continue.”

[“Continue tearing?”]

[“I don’t think you have that innocent smile without knowing what thigh-high stockings are”]

[“I’ve decided to put down Xingchen Chengche and have a little taste of Clearstars, a bit of a dark side to the New Year”]

Lin Xingling, fair-skinned with affectionate almond-shaped eyes, looked even more lovable with a rosy color on his face.

Who wouldn’t love the captain who brews wine…

“I mean, let’s continue opening, opening gifts,” Cheng Che rolled up the stockings and casually put them in his pocket, then looked at the delivery box, “The address is… the North Pole, you really have it.”

The barrage was filled with laughter.

Of course, there were also sharp-eyed comments:

[“Clear, why don’t you throw away the stockings?”]

[“Darling, throw them away, they’re torn, you can’t wear them”]

[“You guys don’t understand, keep them as a memento”]

…

After all the commotion, Lin Xingling felt a bit tired, so he hastily opened a few more gifts and said goodbye to everyone before ending the live stream.

Liang Feng gave him the gift he had prepared:

—It was the key to the electric scooter.

“I don’t have money, so I’ll pass on my precious electric scooter to you.”

Cheng Che asked in confusion, “The electric scooter was originally… originally the coach’s, don’t you even have a car, Captain?”

Lin Xingling nodded and thought for a moment before saying, “Now I have one.”

“Sister Xiaorong drives an Audi,” Wu You asked, “Father Xing, why don’t you own anything? Is your family patriarchal?”

“His wife’s dowry was all used to buy Clear’s contract. What do you think?” Liang Feng patted Cheng Che’s shoulder meaningfully, “He has already invested 4.5 million.”

This is not a small amount of money…

In his previous life, Cheng Che lived alone for four years, experiencing the hardships of life and understanding that every penny earned by players is hard-earned.

Lin Xingling had it tough as well.

“Mm,” Cheng Che’s nose tingled with sourness.

Lin Xingling could fully empathize with Cheng Che’s current situation. He had left home and struggled on his own, which was both difficult and tiring… Moreover, he had used all the money he had saved to buy his own contract.

…

“After deducting expenses, this livestream has a net profit of 1.6 million yuan.” After receiving everyone’s well wishes and thanking them, Lin Xingling counted the earnings and quickly made arrangements.

“500,000 yuan goes to the team, so Clear’s 5 million yuan contract now belongs to me.”

Cheng Che tugged at the hem of his clothes. “This… isn’t important… not worth… not worth it.”

Lin Xingling touched his hair and smiled. “You’re worth it.”

“I… I might not be… not straight…”

The child sighed and didn’t say anything more.

Liang Feng raised an eyebrow and said, “Alright, I don’t know what you want to do with Clear’s contract, but…”

As long as the money is in place, I’ll give you whatever you want.

Lin Xingling fulfilled his wish and obtained the contract signed by Cheng Che and the team.

“Well, I’ll save the remaining money for my wife… I can only take out a little bit to give everyone a small red envelope.”

Each red envelope amounted to 20,000 yuan per person.

The hamster ball mentioned having OCD and insisted on depositing a round amount in the bank.

“No need to mention it.” Liang Feng patted his shoulder.

Wu You, Cheng Che, and the others bowed together to Lin Xingling. “Thank you, Captain/Dad Star. We wish you blessings as vast as the eastern sea and a long life like the southern mountain!”

Lin Xingling smiled as he looked at them.

“To be honest, Dad Star’s popularity is really high,” Wu You lifted his cup and took a sip of Sprite, gesturing with his hand. “He left the second place far behind!”

“Others might have inflated data, but only the captain’s data is genuine,” Liu Ying nodded and said, “Because we don’t have money to fabricate data.”

Liang Feng lightly tapped his head. “Stop speaking the truth.”

The popularity of Star’s birthday livestream was not only due to his large fanbase but also because it was a rare occasion when he didn’t livestream.

Living a low-key life, without livestreaming, without causing trouble, without being extravagant, and living well with his obedient child…

At midnight, the team members cleaned the house together, and every corner was refreshed.

When they turned around, Cheng Che, who had done nothing, happily held a plate of cake and was eating it.

Wu You said, “Brother Che didn’t do any work!”

Cheng Che replied, “Heh heh~”

Liu Ying said, “Alright, alright~”

Liang Feng yawned and said, “Since we’ve finished the work that wasn’t much anyway, go rest. You’re allowed to sleep in today.”

“Long live the coach!”

“The best coach in the world!”

…

When they returned to their rooms, Lin Xingling immediately asked Cheng Che to bring out his own contract and tore it into two halves in front of him.

(Cheng Che: You fucking tore my contract, huh?)

Cheng Che tilted his head in confusion. “Huh?”

“The contract is mine now, we’ll have to sign a new one.”

Lin Xingling bit his lower lip with his front teeth, looking cute, like a little hamster.

The gold-rimmed glasses added extra points.

“A new… new contract…” Cheng Che nodded. “Then… then bring it out… um, sign it.”

Lin Xingling: I want to kiss…

He resisted.

His self-control was something he took pride in. He could remain composed and not let his desires run wild… After all, Cheng Che hadn’t experienced that either.

Lin Xingling took out two pre-printed contracts from the drawer.

“After signing my contract, it will belong to me.”

Author’s note:

Let’s let Dad Star steal a kiss from his wife, shall we?

---

Chapter 62 – Birthday

In the second round of the regular season, although there were wins and losses, the team managed to defeat the final opponent, securing their place in Group S with the additional points.

… And then it happened to be Lin Xingling’s birthday, which was very auspicious.

On the fifteenth day of the ninth lunar month, it coincided with the Frost Descends solar term on the twenty-third day of the tenth month in the Gregorian calendar.

The team members woke up early and followed the captain’s plan to go to the nearby flower forest to pick osmanthus flowers and make osmanthus sugar. Liang Feng was responsible for buying groceries in the city and picking up the custom-made cake.

Everyone was busy with their tasks.

After returning from picking flowers, the task of removing leaves and flower stems and selecting intact osmanthus flowers was assigned to the most meticulous Liu Ying and Phantom, while Wu You was responsible for cleaning the osmanthus flowers they prepared.

Lin Xingling was in charge of making osmanthus sugar, and Cheng Che was responsible for overseeing.

Putting the osmanthus flowers into a small pot and adding some maltose… Lin Xingling chuckled as he saw the puppy eagerly staring at his hand, and he scooped a spoonful of sticky sugar with another small spoon and gave it to him.

“Here, stop staring.”

Cheng Che, who was watching his hand: …

“I’m not only responsible for watching, but also for eating.”

Lin Xingling added a little salt to the weighed granulated sugar and spread the mixed osmanthus flowers on another small pot, layering osmanthus flowers and sugar.

Phantom, who was usually indifferent, was now just like Cheng Che and the others, curiously watching.

Just as Lin Xingling finished spreading the osmanthus sugar, his clothes were tugged by Cheng Che… He turned to look at him. “What’s up?”

Cheng Che pointed at the sugar and asked if they could eat it.

Liu Ying and Wu You, who had never seen such a thing before, looked expectant.

“This is still a work in progress, not ready to be eaten yet.” Lin Xingling smiled and shook his index finger.

“Okay…” The children were disappointed.

The oldest was eighteen, the other two were seventeen and a half, and there was one who was almost seventeen… The average age of the team members was quite young.

… They had just started their professional esports careers, still naive and exuding the loveliness of young people.

“Steam for about twenty minutes until the sugar is dissolved.”

The water was boiling, and Lin Xingling put the pot containing the unfinished product into the steamer, wiped his hands with a towel, and led them to the living room.

Cheng Che didn’t leave and wanted to stay in the kitchen to watch the sugar steaming process.

After fifteen minutes, Lin Xingling came to check and found Cheng Che’s hand resting on the lid handle.

“Did you… sneak a taste?”

Cheng Che: “I didn’t, I was just, just about to…”

Such a cute kid…

Lin Xingling approached and patted his head, saying with a smile, “If you’re caught, then you can openly eat it.”

“Huh?” (Che)

“When it’s done steaming, it’s not ready yet.” (Xing)

…

The steamed osmanthus sugar was not completely dry yet, still sticky. Cheng Che and the others couldn’t resist and each scooped a spoonful of the corner scraps and tasted it. It was very sweet, but the sugar stuck to their teeth.

Lin Xingling laughed and told them to fetch warm water to dissolve the sugar. Everyone obediently fetched water to drink, except for Cheng Che, who needed some coaxing.

“Good boy, drink some water.”

Cheng Che: A person in his twenties who was reincarnated blending in with minors without any sense of incongruity, even more childlike than elementary school students.

Not very accomplished, but very happy.

After Liang Feng brought everything back, Liu Ying immediately put on an apron after putting the cake in the refrigerator. “I’ll start cooking right away!”

“Yeah, you guys can have lunch. I’ll go home for a while and be back in the afternoon,” Lin Xingling said.

Originally, he had planned to celebrate his birthday with the team at the team’s headquarters, but after thinking about his twin sister Xiaorong, he couldn’t bear the thought of her celebrating her birthday without her brother.

(Xiaorong: I don’t think so… um um um!

Da Ling: It’s not up to you!!!)

Their mother messaged them, suggesting they come home for a lunch together and celebrate there as well.

Lin Xingling agreed.

When Lin Xingrong came to pick him up in the car, Cheng Che and the others followed and saw Lin Xingling off downstairs.

Audi A5, glacier white.

They got in the car and drove away.

The few who were not well-informed about the captain’s family: Eh…

Wu You: “Is that Star’s girlfriend?”

Liu Ying: “I don’t know.”

Phantom: “…”

“Should be, but Star never mentioned it… um, maybe he’s bringing his girlfriend home to celebrate his birthday at noon?”

“Really, Star’s girlfriend is quite pretty… although it’s hard to see clearly with the mask on, but that figure… slim, tall, and slender, almost on par with my sister A Hua~” (You)

Wu You’s chattering voice kept coming into Cheng Che’s ears, and he was quite annoyed, taking two steps at a time to create some distance from him.

Wu You: “Brother Che has short legs, but he’s agile when going upstairs.”

Cheng Che:…

While others sell twilight and sunset in the mortal world, Wu You sells swords.

Back in the room, Cheng Che sat alone on the edge of the bed, feeling sulky.

He thought about many things, not inferior to thoughts like “How can Stars have a girlfriend?” or “How can he?” but none of them could escape the phrase “It’s none of your business.”

He wanted to send him a message to ask, but he didn’t know what to say after he received a reply saying “Yes.”

Stars has a girlfriend… the impact on himself…

Cheng Che logged into his alternate account and opened the anonymous Q&A system.

In the car, the siblings argued for a while about the speed of driving, and it ended with Lin Xingrong winning and continuing to drive fast.

Since he couldn’t find the answer, Lin Xingling found something else: “I should have introduced you to the team earlier, damn…”

“I’ll introduce them when I take you back.” Lin Xingrong interjected.

“That works too.”

Standing there with nothing to do, Lin Xingling opened his phone, and another anonymous question popped up.

Recently, Lin Xingling had been particularly interested in anonymous questions.

Since he found out that Cheng Che also used this feature on his alternate account, he often paid attention to the anonymous questions he came across, hoping to come across his own… to see what kind of questions Cheng Che had.

But then again, someone like Cheng Che who spends his days eating, sleeping, playing, training, and competing, and occasionally acts like a cute little cat when he’s bored… what kind of questions could he have?

Do little cats also have worries?

Question notification: “What is it like living with a significant other?”

Lin Xingling:…

I’m only twenty-five (crossed out)… only twenty-one, how would I know.

Next one: “Help, my roommate has a girlfriend, what should I do?”

Most of the answers inside were like “Jealous?” “Do you like him?” “What kind of question is this,” and so on.

Lin Xingling thought for a moment and didn’t reply.

But when he returned home and cut the cake with his sister and had dinner, he hurriedly asked Xingrong to take him back.

On the way back, he asked her to go upstairs to get osmanthus sugar, and then he solemnly introduced his beloved twin sister to his teammates:

“This is my sister, Lin Xingrong. We’re fraternal twins, so we don’t look alike.”

“Just call me Sister Xiaorong.” (Xiaorong)

After Cheng Che heard this, he was stunned for a moment, and then suddenly felt much relieved.

“Roommate doesn’t have a girlfriend, happy now.”

“Happy birthday to Xiao Rong, too!” Wu You started, and everyone followed to wish Lin Xingrong.

Lin Xingrong politely said thank you and then carried the jar of osmanthus sugar that Lin Xingling had given to the family downstairs. “No need to see me off.”

Lin Xingling glanced meaningfully at Cheng Che. Although there was no expression on his childlike face, judging from his eyes… he was happy now.

Indeed…

In the evening, Liu Ying cooperated with Lin Xingling to prepare a table full of delicious dishes. White wine and Sprite were poured, the cake was placed in the middle, and they blew out the candles and had the cake.

Since fans wished to see him celebrate his birthday, Lin Xingling livestreamed the entire birthday celebration using Cheng Che’s account this year.

“Wishing you a happy birthday, wishing you a happy birthday… happy birthday to you~”

[“Happy birthday, Dad Star”]

[“Make a wish, make a wish”]

Lin Xingling clasped his hands together and closed his eyes, sincerely making a wish in his heart. When he opened his eyes, he blew out all the candles in one breath.

[“On Star Dad’s birthday, I have a wish too: I hope the DCT team wins the championship!”]

[“Then I’ll make a wish for Starry Clear forever and ever”]

[“Help, I’ll just wish for everyone to be better”]

“What did you wish for?” Liang Feng asked.

Cheng Che answered quickly, “If you say it out loud, it won’t… it won’t come true.”

Everyone ate, Cheng Che drank his beverage, one cup after another. He drank almost half a bottle of Sprite from the large bottle.

Lin Xingling stared at him in disbelief–

[“The way he looks at a person can’t hide anything”]

[“Brat! My brat! Dad Star is going to fight someone! Run!”]

[“Cheng Che really is the team’s stress relief medication”]

“Eat your food,” Lin Xingling said succinctly.

It was his birthday today, and he didn’t want to confiscate the Sprite and make the kid angry, but if the kid didn’t restrain himself, then don’t blame him for being impolite.

Cheng Che obediently put down his cup and started eating the food. Just as he took a bite, he grimaced. “Sss… my teet, teeth are sour.”

Liang Feng said, “It won’t be sour if you drink more.”

[“Liang teaches the ways of the yin and yang”]

[“Looking at this situation, I can’t help but wonder if the official account is all Liang’s doing… Liang can’t possibly be that cute”]

[“That’s a cute little D, while this is my old baby”]

Cheng Che pursed his lips and didn’t say anything.

“Here,” Lin Xingling calmly picked out a plate of tender stewed meat and soft steamed buns that were easy to chew, and pushed the plate towards him. “Have some of this first.”

Rank 5: [“I want to eat that good friend too”]

[“Clear: Get lost, idiot”]

[“Rank holder, did you owe a donkey a roundhouse kick?”]

“Uh…”

…

After dinner, there was a tapping sound coming from the balcony. When Cheng Che went to take a look, the rain had already become very light, so he returned and told Lin Xingling, “It’s drizzling outside.”

Lin Xingling looked at him with his chin resting on his hand. “So it’s Drizzle-sama, nice to meet you.”

Cheng Che: Dumb–

[“Damn, it’s Drizzle-sama”]

[“Star Dad’s puns will cost him a fortune, a big fortune”]

[“Drizzle-sama is so cute!!!”]

While Lin Xingling went to the kitchen to wash the dishes, everyone quickly put on the rabbit ear headbands they had prepared in advance.

They performed as the Rabbit Rabbit Family for Stars.

Liu Ying and the others wore white ones, but Cheng Che wasn’t happy about it and picked a gray one.

It looked quite good on him when he put it on.

When Lin Xingling returned, the first thing he noticed was Cheng Che wearing it. “All the other kids are wearing rabbit ears, why are you wearing donkey ears?”

Cheng Che: ????

For a moment, he really wanted to know if it was illegal to intentionally murder a minor.

[“I get it, you damn owe Cheng Che a roundhouse kick?”]

[“Okay, Che is a donkey”]

[“I really want to know who the beneficiary of Star Dad’s life insurance is”]

Enduring it, Cheng Che said, “These are gray rabbit… rabbit ears.”

Wu You: “They are gray rabbit ears~”

Phantom patted his back.

Liu Ying: “Pfft…”

Cheng Che glared fiercely at Wu You.

“Brother Che… Xiao Pei, save me!!!”

Wu You quickly noticed and hid behind Phantom, holding onto his arm tightly.

“You two are really rivals.”

Lin Xingling grabbed Cheng Che’s arm and earnestly said, “Alright, alright. We’re live-streaming, so calm down for a moment.”

[“We love watching these two mess around”]

[“I have to say, our team is the most good-looking in KPL [thumbs up]]

[Little Brother Ying is so obedient]

“Fine…” Cheng Che reluctantly shook his head and wiggled the rabbit ears on his head.

Wu You teased, “Brother Che, can you hear the sound of water in your head?”

Phantom gave his arm a strong twist.

“Hey… hey… sss—”

Finally, they settled down.

…After a few minutes, Wu You said, “Hey Brother Che, let me tell you a joke.”

Cheng Che replied, “Go ahead.”

[“Why are these two starting again”]

[” Dad Star shakes his head helplessly”]

[“Grandpa, your favorite children’s channel is broadcasting”]

“Cough.” Wu You cleared his throat and began, “A nurse comes out and asks a man, ‘Do you want to save the adult or the child?’… The man cries and asks, ‘Can’t we save both?'”

“Then the nurse says, ‘I lied, we lost both the big and the small ones.'” Cheng Che blurted out, “It’s an ancient joke that’s been around for centuries.”

[“Che doesn’t spare any mercy for You”]

[“Xiao You: It’s really awkward now”]

Liu Ying giggled a few times but immediately covered his mouth when Cheng Che glanced at him.

…Brother Che is so scary.

Wu You:…

“No, the man asked if we couldn’t save both, and the nurse said, ‘Yes, I just asked casually.'”

Phantom: “Pfft…”

Liu Ying: Laughing silently—

[“Liu Ying is such a good sport, he laughs at the right time”]

[” Little Brother Ying is really cooperative”]

[“My mom asked me why I’m laughing like crazy in front of the screen”]

From being expressionless to finally reacting and smiling, Cheng Che turned his face away and refused to look at him.

It dragged on until nine o’clock at night, the time to send gifts to the fans.

Lin Xingling: “Deduct six to draw people and send Supreme Treasure.”

Cheng Che: “Deduct eyeballs and send Empress Wu Zetian.”

[“666666”]

[“Help, deducting eyeballs hahaha”]

Wu You chimed in, “Deduct pi and send Brother Che~”

[“Can’t deduct it”]

[“Thanks for the invitation, but I can’t deduct”]

Cheng Che was about to retort, but suddenly Lin Xingling grabbed his hand from below, “Huh?”

Lin Xingling opened his palm and used his index finger to draw a few lines reverently.

3.1415926

That’s all he could remember.

Author’s Note:

(* `ˋ*)

---

Chapter 61 – Bind

Best friends bound Liang Feng, Wu You and Phantom, as well as the flying god and substitute top laner from the previous team; close friends bound several ranking leaders who wanted to form intimate relationships; four best friends made Cheng Che feel embarrassed.

Checking the online friends: Commentator A Hua.

Cheng Che: Then it’s decided, Sister A Hua!

[DCT Wind-Like Man-Clear requests to become your best friend]

[DCT-Clear: Sister A Hua, be my best friend owo.]

Accepting this unexpected best friend, A Hua gladly agrees: [Clear, you’re really, really, really cute~]

Rank 2: [“Cute [applause]”]

Rank 5: [“My wife A Hua is so cute too]

With three best friend slots left, Cheng Che racks his brain to think of people. The main host, Duo Tang, agrees. The commentator, Jiang Li, also agrees. It’s quite impressive.

For the last one, he contacts Gu Xincha directly and asks if he’s willing. Naturally, the answer is also affirmative.

Who wouldn’t love little Che Che?

At this point, there’s only one couple left to be bound in the list of intimate relationships on the account.

Cheng Che decides to act first, applying first and then seeking Lin Xingling’s approval.

[Hint: The other party has reached the maximum number of intimate relationships.]

“What… what is this?”

The limit has been reached, meaning the account is already bound in a romantic relationship… with whom?

[“Seems like Dad Star and Chen Enci are bound.”]

[“No way, no way. Did Stars find another cat?”]

[“This is awkward. [dog head emoji]”]

Rank 2: [“Don’t speak nonsense. Charity and Promise are bound as a couple. [pushes up glasses emoji]”]

Rank 3: [“This…”]

Rank 4: [“Hilarious. Go ask Stars what’s going on. Even if there is, you should make him unbind and bind with you. [thumbs up emoji]”]

Rank 5: [“I like the love triangle plot”]

Cheng Che clicks on the intimate relationships interface on Stars’ profile, but it’s hidden.

“Captain—”

Lin Xingling rushes over with freshly washed strawberries. “What’s the matter?”

[“Ah hahaha, strawberries are here~”]

[” Dad Star: Ooh ooh ooh, my baby, what happened to you?”]

“That… that professional account, the couple label, who… who is it bound with?” Cheng Che asks him directly.

Lin Xingling: ?

“The couple label, wait for me to log in and check… here, have some strawberries. They’re so sweet.”

[“Dad Star doesn’t even know who he’s bound with”]

[“Such a playboy”]

[“《Bound with Whom as a Couple》《Log in to Check》《Eat》《So Sweet》”]

Rank 4: [“Let’s watch the show—”]

When Lin Xingling logs in and sees the ID of the person bound as a couple with him, he immediately remembers the reason for their couple binding.

ID: Three to zero Lin Xingling

The current rank of this account is Diamond, the highest rank is King, with 108 heroes and 73 skins, playing the game for over 300 days, and the last login was half a year ago.

“The couple label is bound with an online friend, what’s the matter?” Lin Xingling asks Cheng Che.

Cheng Che nearly chokes on the strawberries. “…cough, huh?”

“It was last year on my birthday. The perk was that I did a live stream and randomly chose a fan for a solo game. If I lost, I would gift them a Legendary skin, and if I won, I would gift them an Epic skin.”

“Hmm,” Cheng Che obediently listened. “And then?”

Lin Xingling shrugged. “There was a particular online friend who got selected and messaged me, saying they wanted to fulfill a wish about me… So, jokingly, I told them they had to win three games against me.”

“Did they agree?” Cheng Che asked.

“Yeah, and then… just as their ID suggests, they actually won three games,” Lin Xingling chuckled. “Their wish was to be in a romantic relationship with me…”

The barrage of comments expressed surprise and sympathy.

Even the top-ranking leaders were dumbfounded.

Rank 2: [“That kid doesn’t know how to hold back, huh~”]

Rank 5: [“Did Stars encounter an NT? Became friends? Started dating?”]

Ranking 6: [“…”]

Cheng Che took a quick glance at the computer screen and spoke up, “Even the top-ranking leaders can get banned.”

Rank 5: [“My dear buddy, I apologize!”]

Lin Xingling picked up a strawberry and stuffed it into Cheng Che’s mouth, smiling. “Don’t overthink it. We simply bound as a couple. We became friends in the game, and he hasn’t contacted me since then.”

…This is a matter from many years ago, like ancient history.

It happened in the summer of 2017, which was a year ago in terms of time, but for his current memory, it felt like four years ago.

Cheng Che had no recollection and only focused on the present issue. “So, can you… can you unlock him?”

“Hmm?”

[“Enjoying the show—”]

[“Enjoying the show +10086”]

[“Today, everyone is here to watch the show”]

“That wouldn’t be fair, right? They won against me in three games with great effort…” Under Cheng Che’s deathly gaze, Lin Xingling’s voice grew smaller and smaller.

Cheng Che said seriously, “Then call him out. I’ll solo against him.”

[“Oh, he’s fired up now”]

[“The Battle for Star’s Heart”]

“Isn’t this too melodramatic?” Lin Xingling sighed. “Let’s bind something else, like being best friends.”

“No.” Cheng Che confidently replied, thinking the top-ranking leaders were right. “All the other slots are already filled.”

[“The top-ranking brothers are prepared for the future”]

“Didn’t expect Dad Star to change the topic. Luckily, we were prepared in advance.”

[“Enjoying the show~”]

Lin Xingling looked confused. “How are all the slots filled?”

Cheng Che proudly stood with his hands on his hips and said, “Just bound them one by one.”

At that moment, Lin Xingling didn’t know what to say.

Kid, you’re really sincere, but with your intelligence… I’m afraid you’ll suffer when you enter society.

[“???”]

[“I’m directly reducing my IQ”]

[“Seems like Clear from DCT team is really proud [wry smile]”]

[“What about the intelligence level when the streamer and the toxic viewer argue?”]

“This is called a last-ditch effort,” Cheng Che nodded and raised his index finger, shaking it at him. “Call that person out. I want… I want to solo against him.”

“Well… I’ll message him and ask.”

Lin Xingling took out his phone and sent a message saying, “Are you there?”

Since the kid said so, we should listen to him.

Cheng Che’s phone, placed on the side, made a sound.

At this moment, the child didn’t realize the seriousness of the situation. He thought it was a message from the person he recently established an intimate relationship with and didn’t pay attention.

Lin Xingling sent several messages in a row, saying, “He hasn’t replied to me yet. I guess he hasn’t seen the messages.”

[“Feels strange”]

[“Is Dad Star lying about sending messages? Why is Clear’s phone constantly ringing?”]

Rank 3: [“Just let Stars call him directly”]

“Should we… try calling?”

Lin Xingling listened to his suggestion and called the account that didn’t even have a nickname.

“Grandpa, your grandson is calling you!”

Immediately, Cheng Che’s phone received a notification for an incoming call.

Both parties were stunned.

They didn’t know who it was. Cheng Che didn’t even look and answered, “Who is it?”

At the same time, a voice came from Lin Xingling’s phone, “Who is it?”

The two looked at each other.

Cheng Che glanced and saw that it was his alternate account receiving the call, and the person had the nickname “Stars”…

Me? Did I bind as a couple with Stars?

“It’s Three to zero Lin Xingling, is that you?” Lin Xingling looked at Cheng Che.

Rank 2: [“It’s him, it’s him, it’s him!”]

Thinking back, it seemed that there was indeed such a thing as winning three games against Stars in a solo.

I was still in my second year of high school at the time… As for the couple relationship, that was just youthful recklessness and ignorance…

Cheng Che’s expression was somewhat awkward.

Mainly because his memory only went back to 2021, and he didn’t remember the trivial matters of 2017 and 2018 very well.

“My alternate account… I don’t… I don’t log in often, so I forgot.”

That was the only explanation for now.

Lin Xingling didn’t inquire further.

On the contrary, the viewers in the live stream room burst into laughter:

[“What should I do when my alternate account and main account fought to be in a romantic relationship with Stars?”]

[“Bring my alternate account over. I want to do a solo with him.”]

[“Clear: I’ll fight myself.”]

Cheng Che sat in his chair, his face turning red with embarrassment.

The barrage of comments continued to flood the screen, and the top-ranking players were thoroughly entertained.

Rank 2: [“Incredible, Clear, you’re really something! [thumbs up]”]

Rank 3: [“I can tell that Stars truly cares about you”]

Rank 4: [“KPL should change its name to KCPL; kswl is over”]

Rank 5: [“Folks, we’ve had quite a harvest tonight [wry smile]”]

Cheng Che decided to bury his head in his arms on the desk, feeling too ashamed to face anyone.

Wouldn’t Stars find it strange? First, he requested a romantic relationship, and then he discovered that he was already asked to bind with the alternate account without his knowledge…

It’s truly embarrassing. Why am I, in my current state, burdened with the awkwardness of the foolish actions of my sixteen-year-old self… It’s like being so embarrassed that my toes curl up and I end up creating a complete set of Barbie’s dream mansion.

[FG-Han Chuan: “So, what should we do now?”]

(Some familiar faces gather to watch)

[TG-Fei Shen: “3-0 to Stars, so it turns out Brother Che was this strong in the past”]

(Unusual focus)

[SYG-Charity: “Let’s watch the show—”]

(Where there’s excitement, I’ll be there)

…

Lin Xingling secretly found it amusing.

It wasn’t until he absentmindedly scrolled through his phone and stumbled upon the anonymous Q&A function activated by Cheng Che’s alternate account that a bold idea crossed his mind…

Anonymous Q&A, quite intriguing.

Seeing Cheng Che lying motionless, he couldn’t resist reaching out and poking his back, asking, “So, what do we do now?”

“…”

No response from the other side.

Lin Xingling picked up a strawberry and put it in his mouth, suggesting, “How about this? I’ll break the romantic relationship with your alternate account and bind it with your current one, hmm?”

[“Dad Star really cares about little Che-che. It’s killing me with sweetness [teary-eyed]”]

[“Clear: Please, stop talking”]

[“Embarrassed on behalf of Che-che, digging out the Dunhuang Mogao Caves with my toe fingers”]

Cheng Che muttered a reply.

“Pfft, let me take a look… Why did you suddenly want to be in a romantic relationship?”

Three minutes later, as Lin Xingling sat in front of the screen, he came to a conclusion, saying, “It’s to prove that I care about you… Well, I could have just said it directly. I genuinely care about Clear; he’s an important person to me.”

Rank 2: [“You’re so straightforward”]

Rank 4: [“Damn, that’s awesome”]

Rank 5: [“We love you, Stars”]

Rank 6: [“Then you better treat him well in the future and not let him doubt anymore”]

“Definitely, especially since I’m their captain.”

Lin Xingling lowered his gaze, smiling at Cheng Che.

The child seems to have something on his mind…

Cheng Che remained oblivious, biting his lip and staying silent.

…

“Alright, my little emperor, it’s time to get up. It’s getting late, and we should go to bed.” (Star)

“D-Don’t say it like that…” (Che)

[“Let’s flip the Ling Fei brand tonight”]

[“What are you saying? It’s clearly Lin Empress”]

[“Xiao Linzi~”]

Rank 3: [“You all seem to be having a great time, so I’ll grant you the title of eunuchs [wry smile]”]

How to face Lin Xingling, how to break the romantic relationship, and how to sleep that night… Cheng Che could only recall having a headache.

The only thing he remembered clearly was the following night when Lin Xingling himself initiated a romantic relationship and they played ranked games together all night.

It seems like he can’t live without Stars anymore…

Author’s Note:

(* `ˋ*)

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