E-sports is like this; until the end, no one knows the final result. Even in the holographic era, it remains the same.
Everyone understands this principle, but reality is always harsh. The situation of a true comeback is rare, and that’s why the sudden outbreak of Seven Silver Coins after two lackluster matches is enough to cause a higher level of response.
Are they just a rookie team that doesn’t know any better? Yet, within their team, there’s Yu Weize, active on the field since the first competition.
Did they pretend to be strong but face a reality check in terms of performance? The current first-place ranking after the third match probably speaks for itself.
So, if Seven Silver Coins can maintain their performance in the third match or simply secure a top-four position in the last match, they can truly earn a ticket to enter the second round of the top eight.
Such an achievement is undoubtedly unprecedented for a new team. The media, who had gradually lost interest in interviewing Seven Silver Coins, suddenly expressed their attention with overwhelming reports.
At the same time, Jiang Shi’s first small goal is finally fulfilled.
As the betting for the last match of the first round begins, the support rate for the Seven Silver Coins guild skyrockets.
Whether netizens are just enjoying the excitement or not, it is a straightforward recognition.
“How about it, God Milk, finally feeling a sense of accomplishment?” Han Yuze’s words fall, but Jiang Shi doesn’t respond.
Instead, he leans against the door, looking at the man in front of him dragging bags: “…Are you sure you want to move in these days?”
Han Yuze smiles innocently: “I’ve got approval from your sister, why not? After all, it’s more conducive to the tactical discussion for the upcoming matches.”
Jiang Shi is silent for a moment and finally slightly moves aside to clear a path: “Alright, but I’ll warn you now, if you regret it later, it’ll be too late.”
Han Yuze’s action of pulling the luggage pauses slightly: “What do I have to regret?”
Jiang Shi looks at him, smirks, and says, “Guess?”
Han Yuze blinks and, pretending not to know anything, crosses the “warning line” at the door with his luggage.
As for Jiang Shi’s seemingly calm “warning,” both are grown men. In case things get out of control in a certain aspect, it’s uncertain who will regret it in the end. After all, it’s rare to have such an opportunity with Jiang Yan on a business trip. If they miss it once and want to live together again, who knows when it will happen.
Jiang Shi stands at the top of the stairs, watching Han Yuze enter the guest room. After a while, he goes to the room next door, gently knocks on the wide-open door, and asks, “What do you want to eat?”
Han Yuze, arranging his clothes in the wardrobe, pokes his head out at the question: “Are you cooking?”
Jiang Shi shakes his phone: “I’ll check what takeout options we have.”
Han Yuze: “.”
The daily life of two internet addicts is indeed quite real.
After a satisfying meal and tidying up, they sit on the sofa in the living room and start a strategy meeting for the upcoming match.
After spending over an hour deciding on lineup configurations and the general direction of their team’s strategy, the conversation finally broadens.
“So, how do you plan the alliance with Blood Rose?” Han Yuze lightly taps the table with the soda can in his hand. He doesn’t really think Jiang Shi needs his reminder, but he says it anyway, “You know, even with an alliance, the sly Old Spring won’t necessarily allocate resources to provide us with healing services.”
“Whether he heals us or not doesn’t matter; as long as he’s willing to heal his own people.” Jiang Shi lies lazily on the sofa, lifting his eyelashes slowly, “Pushing people into the fire pit, I may lack experience, but aren’t you skilled enough?”
Han Yuze can’t help but laugh, “How do you know me so well?”
Jiang Shi tilts his head and smiles, “Do you want to understand me even more?”
Even more?
Han Yuze is tempted to think in a certain inappropriate direction, but based on his understanding of Jiang Shi, he refrains from speaking under the other’s indifferent expression.
Indeed, Jiang Shi, seeing that Han Yuze doesn’t take the bait, casually puts on the jacket hanging on the nearby sofa, “Let’s go, find Old Bi and book a room.”
The booking a room that Jiang Shi mentions, of course, refers to reserving a private room at the internet cafe. After all, with the two living together now, one virtual cabin at home is definitely not enough.
As for the earlier mentioned “getting to know each other more deeply,” it’s the most straightforward 1v1 custom mode within the arena.
Although they initially thought there was no need to expect much, when they come out of the internet cafe, Han Yuze can’t help but sigh, “Why does this night feel a bit like five years ago?”
Jiang Shi, with a hint of sarcasm, responds, “Really? I think it’s quite different.”
Han Yuze knows what he wants to say and directly interrupts, “Indeed different. Whatever our relationship is now, I can’t bring myself to go all out against you.”
Jiang Shi was initially trying to tease Han Yuze about his nonchalant attitude during tonight’s competition, but unexpectedly, the other calmly admits, “Since when did you know how to show mercy in the arena?”
Han Yuze thinks for a moment, “Probably since I found out the reason for your retirement?”
Jiang Shi’s steps come to a halt.
Turning around, he sees the tall man standing under the streetlight, looking at him from a distance.
The light at this moment gives Han Yuze a faint white edge, creating a peculiar feeling, as if it’s a representation of a certain period of their relationship.
Separated one in front of the other, the person in the light can’t clearly see the distant figure, and there’s not much distance, yet it feels like they exist in two completely unrelated spaces.
At this moment, Jiang Shi realized that he might have been overlooking something, like the self-blame in Han Yuze’s heart.
With a slight movement in his heart, he said, “That matter has nothing to do with you. At that time, even I didn’t know it would turn out that way.”
“But it does matter. If I wasn’t so stubborn and thought everything was under control back then, I probably would’ve had someone five years ago.”
Han Yuze took a step forward, reaching out to Jiang Shi when he was close, his gaze fixed on him, “Doing something wrong, even if unintentional, as adults, we need to bear the consequences. These five years can be considered punishment, and I accept that. But as the saying goes, learn from your mistakes, and the same mistake should never be repeated.”
Jiang Shi’s gaze fell on the hand in front of him, and after a few seconds, he placed his hand in Han Yuze’s palm.
A hint of a smile flashed in Han Yuze’s eyes.
Naturally, he tightened his grip on Jiang Shi’s hand and, as they walked forward, his words, blending into the wind, sounded like a pledge and, at the same time, casual, “So, in the future, I can only be good to you.”
A small smile appeared on Jiang Shi’s lips, and he softly said, “Oh.”
The emotional turmoil about being neglected in the arena tonight was finally gone in this moment: “It depends on your future actions.”
Back home, the two in good spirits washed up and went to sleep.
The next day, they went to an internet cafe, booked a private room, and went online to coordinate with the other members of the team, finalizing their lineup system.
Whether it was Jiang Shi or Han Yuze, at least in the eyes of the two involved, they were genuinely and impartially devoted to preparing for the competition.
Unfortunately, their group of friends, upon learning that the two were now living together, completely doubted their upright characters.
“Spill it, how far has this lonely man and widow’s relationship progressed?” After the strategy meeting ended, under the seemingly casual remark from Gentleman Fan, the conversation seamlessly transitioned to gossip mode.
Han Yuze was helpless, “I’ve said it’s just a working relationship.”
“Just a working relationship?” Gentleman Fan looked at the others, “Do you believe that?”
A unanimous shaking of heads.
Han Yuze looked at Jiang Shi, shrugged helplessly.
Jiang Shi clicked his tongue, “Is everyone’s thinking so dirty nowadays?”
Gentleman Fan said, “Did I say something? You guys are the ones jumping to conclusions. Why does it become dirty?”
Serious Young Man also seriously presented some data, “Master, based on my understanding of your work efficiency, if it’s just to complete this battle plan, you can easily spare a lot of personal time.”
Serious Young Man also seriously presented some data, “Master, based on my understanding of your work efficiency, if it’s just to complete this battle plan, you can easily spare a lot of personal time.”
Island Forest said, “Wow, it sounds a bit exciting, oh dear.”
Jiang Shi was not someone who couldn’t take a joke.
Initially, he smiled as he listened, but for some reason, towards the end, he suddenly felt a bit warm in his ears.
Subconsciously, he glanced at Han Yuze beside him and realized that the other had been looking at him for who knows how long.
Their eyes met.
The surrounding words were briefly blocked.
Whether it was reason giving in first or the anticipation-filled emotion itself, at this moment, a thought flashed through his mind, feeling like there might indeed be some truth in what everyone was saying.
They were all adults.
And it was a romantic relationship.
As long as it didn’t interfere with their career advancement, it seemed like there was really nothing wrong with it.
In a certain way, with such a beauty living next door, who could resist not having certain thoughts?
If one claimed not to suppress thoughts of that nature, it would indeed be a bit false.
A few seconds later, Jiang Shi stood up, “It’s getting late. Let’s call it a night for today.”
After logging out, they left Starry Sky Internet Cafe.
On the way home, compared to usual, it seemed a bit quiet.
The two seemed to be chatting, one sentence after another, but there was an unspoken tension.
It continued until they entered the hallway and closed the door.
“Then, I’ll rest in my room first. Message me if you need anything.” Han Yuze, having changed into his shoes, was about to turn and go upstairs. Before he took a step, his wrist was suddenly held.
Turning around, Jiang Shi didn’t look at him but was still diligently changing his shoes.
However, the strength in the grip on the wrist was imperceptibly increased, and using an almost casual tone, he said, “I’ve always been willing to absorb others’ correct opinions, so do you want to consider…”
The subtle pause seemed unusually long.
Before Jiang Shi continued, Han Yuze had already taken over, “Actually, I’ve been thinking… whether we should consider doing something exciting?”