Today was the match between SVP and NG at the sports center, held in the same location as before.
The bus entered through the back door into the parking garage. Jiang Mo stepped out a step behind, Chi Yu walking in front of him. They both wore matching SVP team jackets. The back of the jacket displayed Wish’s ID.
Jiang Mo had seen this jacket a couple of days ago. When Chi Yu received it, he immediately showed it to Jiang Mo. Jiang Mo was astonished when he first saw it.
Chi Yu explained to him that after getting permission from the team’s owner, they specially made this for him. Chi Yu wanted to wear matching outfits with him.
It had to be said, Chi Yu was naturally stylish and looked good in anything. With him wearing the team uniform and standing next to Jiang Mo’s teammates, whether they won or lost, they didn’t need to worry about their appearance.
There was something that had puzzled Jiang Mo for a long time. Chi Yu had been with the team for ten days, and no one within the team had questioned it. Why could an outsider continue to stay in the team? Even with the owner’s instructions, the way Xie Ning and the others treated Chi Yu was just too strange.
Even the slow-witted Jiang Mo noticed that Xie Ning and the others were extremely afraid of Chi Yu. Every time they saw him, they behaved like mice seeing a cat, meekly tucking their tails.
Was Chi Yu really that terrifying? He didn’t interact with Xie Ning and the others much; there was no need to be so fearful of a stranger, right?
Could an ‘Emperor of Acting‘ title carry such intimidation?
“It’s raining, hurry up.” Xie Ning was the last to get off the bus. He wasn’t wearing a hat and used his hand to shield his head as he ran to Jiang Mo’s side. He wanted to grab Jiang Mo and run forward. His hand was stretched out, fingertips just touching Jiang Mo’s wrist, but he suddenly retracted it, as if Jiang Mo’s hand was scalding.
Jiang Mo found it strange, glanced at Xie Ning, who awkwardly rubbed his hands and avoided eye contact.
Following Xie Ning’s line of sight, Jiang Mo saw Chi Yu waiting for them outside the gate. Chi Yu had a blank expression, and his gaze was intimidating.
Jiang Mo didn’t feel scared because Chi Yu wasn’t looking at him.
This time it wasn’t his imagination. Xie Ning was genuinely afraid of Chi Yu.
“What are you spacing out for?” It was drizzling outside. Jiang Mo wore a baseball cap and watched Xie Ning slowly walking towards them. Chi Yu, with a smile on his face, pulled Jiang Mo closer, raising his hand to tidy up the messy white hair on Jiang Mo’s forehead.
Jiang Mo shook his head, and Xie Ning passed by them.
Normally, when Jiang Mo spoke to others, Xie Ning would quickly approach when he saw him. He would try to join their conversation. Only when Chi Yu was around did Xie Ning dare not do so.
There were not many people at the back door. Coincidentally, just as SVP’s group got off, NG’s team van arrived. Someone came from behind, and Chi Yu didn’t let go.
“Xie Ning, why did you run away when you saw me? I was just about to greet you.” Zhao Fa saw Xie Ning when they were still in the car and rushed over as soon as the door opened.
Xie Ning turned his head. “It’s about to rain heavily. I’m not running and risking a cold, am I?”
Zhao Fa joked, “I thought you were afraid of me.”
Xie Ning rolled his eyes. “Afraid of you? Afraid that you’ll lose and kneel in front of me crying?”
“Oh, so confident,” Zhao Fa laughed. “Since you said that, when we play later, I’ll go easy. Just a formality, no need to go all out.”
Jiang Mo frowned. Whether it was in the previous life or this life, he despised Zhao Fa’s words.
Zhao Fa is not like Xu Li, a person who schemes behind others’ backs; he is quite straightforward, openly speaking and acting on his words. However, this approach can also burden others.
“I’ll play poorly. I came to NG team to just hang around. Once my contract ends and I’ve earned enough money, I’ll retire.”
His passive attitude is unfair to the other teammates, but in NG team, except for Xu Li and an occasionally motivated mid-laner Guo Qiang, everyone else is passive and unenthusiastic. After winning the championship, the team was restructured, and the newly adult Jiang Mo took over a completely new team, a team destined for mediocrity. The difficulty was unimaginable.
If Zhao Fa dares to say this during a league match in front of the audience, he won’t need to play on that day.
Now, with Zhao Fa saying this in front of players from both teams, not only the SVP members but also the NG coach and Xu Li had unpleasant expressions.
“Zhao Fa, what did you just say?” The NG coach grabbed Zhao Fa, almost covering Zhao Fa’s mouth with his hand.
Zhao Fa felt innocent, “I just said it casually.”
NG coach said, “Casually?”
What does it mean to just go through the motions, not putting in any real effort?
If the league staff heard this, they might think they were fixing matches. Does Zhao Fa still want to stay here?
“Fighting against such people is a waste of time,” Li Yuan muttered softly.
“Alright, don’t mind such people. It’s good to earn two points easily from them,” Tang Zi urged Li Yuan forward, not wanting to stay here and be bothered by such people.
The coach had already scolded Zhao Fa, but Xu Li added, “Play seriously later, don’t drag us down.”
Zhao Fa sneered, “Don’t drag you down, huh?”
Xu Li said, “There’s prize money for making it to the playoffs, and if you win the championship, there’s even more money.”
Saying these things is actually useless. Zhao Fa definitely knows about these things. He knows there’s money to be made, yet he doesn’t work hard. It shows he firmly believes that their team won’t make it to the finals and won’t be able to win the championship.
Indeed, Zhao Fa chuckled, “Oh, I see. I’ve already received the prize money in my dreams.”
Xu Li choked, his face turning pale as he watched Zhao Fa walk away.
“Are you hungry? I ordered takeout on my way here. It should have arrived by now,” said Chi Yu nonchalantly, taking out tissues and wiping the water droplets off Jiang Mo’s shoulder.
Jiang Mo nodded, “Yeah, a bit hungry.”
Chi Yu smiled lightly, “Then eat a bit more later.”
Xu Li turned at the sound and saw Jiang Mo and Chi Yu still standing at the door.
Chi Yu wasn’t wearing a mask, and Xu Li hesitated, finding this face somewhat familiar. He had a guess but didn’t dare to confirm.
His attention was more on Jiang Mo.
The real-life Moo was more handsome than the Moo on camera. Even with a hat and a mask, it couldn’t conceal this person’s charisma.
If those fans saw the real person, they would probably all become die-hard fans.
Life is really unfair.
Not only was he good-looking, but he also came here to compete with them for a living. With such looks, why not go to the entertainment industry? Why stir things up in the e-sports world?
Perhaps Xu Li’s gaze was too targeted, and the slow-witted Jiang Mo didn’t feel it, but Chi Yu by his side did. He turned his head, and the icy gaze swept over Xu Li. With just one glance, Xu Li was scared into retracting his thoughts.
At that moment, a teammate of Xu Li spoke, “Xiao Li, let’s go inside.”
Guo Qiang, the mid-laner, was someone who liked peace. He usually listened to Xu Li. He patted Xu Li’s shoulder and whispered softly.
Xu Li, feeling guilty, retracted his gaze and followed Guo Qiang to the backstage like he was fleeing.
“Do you know him?” Chi Yu didn’t stop and carefully checked if Jiang Mo’s clothes were wet from the rain.
Jiang Mo replied, “N-No, I don’t know him.”
This statement wasn’t a lie. His response to Chi Yu had a different meaning—it was just acknowledging a stranger he used to know.
They had severed ties, and they wouldn’t have any interaction in this lifetime. Of course, he didn’t know him anymore.
Chi Yu sneered, “It seems like he knows you one-sidedly. He’s not a friend worth having any association with.”
Saying so, Jiang Mo found it unexpected.
Just by one glance, Chi Yu could determine if Xu Li was good or bad?
Well, Chi Yu had spent so long in the entertainment industry that when he looked at these kids, he could almost see through what they were thinking.
Jiang Mo said, “Okay, I’ll listen to you.”
…
Jiang Mo and Chi Yu entered the resting room last. Chi Yu not only ordered takeout for the two of them but also included others.
“Thanks, boss!” When Jiang Mo entered, he heard Tao Zi shouting and thanking them.
Jiang Mo blinked and pointed to Chi Yu beside him, “I didn’t order the takeout, it was Chi Yu.”
Tao Zi, gnawing on a large chicken leg, happily said, “Of course, I was thanking Boss Chi.”
Xie Ning’s elbow jabbed, causing Tao Zi to wince. The chicken in his mouth fell to the floor. He glared at Tao Zi, silently signaling – Who asked you to be so talkative! Do you want to die?
Tao Zi looked wronged, “…”
Jiang Mo: “?”
Here they go again, these two are so strange.
“You said you were hungry, come and eat quickly.” Chi Yu held Jiang Mo’s hand and pulled him to sit in their usual corner.
The matches were usually scheduled in the afternoon or evening, and they had to arrive at the venue in advance. They often didn’t have time for meals and had to eat in the resting room.
Before Chi Yu joined the team, they would order fried chicken, burgers, or instant noodles, just something quick.
After Chi Yu joined, the team’s meals improved significantly. They would order from the best nearby restaurants, focusing on a healthy and balanced diet.
While eating, Jiang Mo was reflecting on the scene just now.
This is when he transmigrated into the book. It was the first time he saw Xu Li, with a face exactly like the one in his memories, but with a few more traces of youthfulness and decadence.
Jiang Mo naturally knew that Xu Li was looking at him. He had trusted Xu Li before and had overlooked the complicated implications in Xu Li’s gaze.
Just now, Xu Li’s gaze towards him was so much like the past life, just that the jealousy in his eyes was fainter than in the previous life.
Jiang Mo was a bit puzzled. Xu Li didn’t even know who he was, so why the hostility?
Jiang Mo swallowed the food in his mouth, wiped his mouth, and asked Chi Yu, “Would someone be jealous of a person they’ve never met for no reason?”
Jiang Mo’s bewildered expression was too cute, and Chi Yu, with a gentle look, couldn’t help but pat Jiang Mo’s hair.
“There are many people like that. They like to compare themselves with others. Life is unfair, everyone can’t deny that fact. Some people are born in Rome, and some are born burdened with huge debts. Why can others win the lottery and not me? Why can others succeed and not me? They can’t understand and will vent their resentment on successful people. When you encounter such people, just ignore them. The higher you stand, the better you retaliate against them.”
Jiang Mo nodded.
In the end, it was all because of jealousy.
Xu Li was that kind of person. Because of his popularity, income, and overall superiority compared to XunLi, Xu Li was jealous of him and was willing to do anything to ruin him.
In this life, Xu Li didn’t know him yet. Perhaps when he encountered Xu Li in the Korean server, Xu Li remembered him.
Seeing so many people supporting him in his live stream, that’s when Xu Li started looking at him this way.
Truly beyond redemption, Jiang Mo sneered in his heart.
Even if it wasn’t him, Xu Li would still be jealous of someone else.
Chi Yu was right; he didn’t need to care about such people.
The best revenge was to stand higher, so that Xu Li didn’t even have the chance to vent.
Coach A’kang asked Jiang Mo if he wanted to go on stage and practice. Jiang Mo declined.
He didn’t want to play against a team without any fighting spirit, and there was no need to repeatedly torment his enemy. He had already beaten Xu Li several times during the Korean server ranking matches.
…
Twenty minutes later, the league staff notified them to go on stage.
In this match, the starting lineup remained the same, with the original five members. Jiang Mo was forced by Chi Yu to finish a whole box of food, and he felt a bit full, walking around the lounge to aid digestion.
The live broadcast for the match had already started. Due to the attention Jiang Mo garnered from his recent broadcasts, the director deliberately focused on SVP’s lounge for a whole minute.
[“Oh no, my heart is broken seeing the starting lineup. I thought I could see my little sweetheart play!”]
[“This is too much, why call someone else’s boyfriend a little sweetheart? He’s my little sweetheart!”]
[“Hahaha, is Xiao Jieba having ADHD? Stop walking around, the camera can’t catch you!”]
[“What’s going on? A ritual?”]
[“Hilarious, do we need a ritual to play against NG Team?”]
[“Give NG Team some face!”]
[“Who doesn’t know that NG Team is a throwaway team? They’re just good at hiding. The League Discipline Committee can’t catch them doing anything wrong, or else this team would have disbanded long ago.”]
[“Even though the camera only captured a second, I still saw it. I’ve been wanting to ask, who is that handsome guy wearing a hat and lowering his head in the corner? I saw him standing next to Xiao Jieba at the match venue before, also covering up like Xiao Jieba, couldn’t even see his eyes. Who is he?”]
[“Hmm, probably a new staff member for the team!”]
[“Is there a staff member that handsome?”]
[“You didn’t even see his face, and you’re already praising him for being handsome just from his back view? Isn’t that too exaggerated?”]
[“You should look at the charisma, some people exude a presence even while sitting, probably taller than 1.8 meters.”]
[“Are you crazy? We’re here to watch the match, don’t get infatuated just by seeing someone.”]
The players had all gone on stage, and the cameras were still rolling. Without a word, Chi Yu turned off the camera in their area and waved at Jiang Mo.
Jiang Mo had now honed the ability to guess what Chi Yu wanted to do with just one movement.
Jiang Mo hesitated and pointed to the surrounding cameras. The director wouldn’t show the lounge’s footage again in the short term, but the cameras were still on. Moreover, Manager Da Tian and the mid laner substitute, Xiao Xi, were still there. Coach A’kang was coming back after the BP was over.
Chi Yu moved his lips silently, saying—Don’t want to listen to me again?
Jiang Mo: “…”
Jiang Mo blushed as he slowly approached Chi Yu, taking measured steps. He was about half a meter away from Chi Yu when Chi Yu reached out and pulled him closer.
With someone around, Chi Yu was mindful of the boundaries. He just held Jiang Mo’s waist, embracing him from behind, resting his chin on Jiang Mo’s shoulder.
Holding Jiang Mo like a small pillow while watching the match was more comfortable.
Da Tian covered his eyes, unable to watch.
When some of the older brothers in the team went to the front for the match, Xiao Xi was already accustomed to such scenes. He remained indifferent, staring at the screen with a blank expression, practicing the art of ‘not looking.’
In this match, fans of both teams weren’t nervous. NG fans didn’t expect their team to win. Winning would be a pleasant surprise, but losing wouldn’t matter.
As anticipated by the audience, SVP effortlessly won this match 2-0.
SVP had won three consecutive matches without losing a single game, currently leading in the standings.
Before his teammates left the stage, Jiang Mo struggled to free himself from Chi Yu’s embrace and blushing, he hurried to the restroom.
Fortunately, his teammates were understanding and didn’t get upset that he always had his boyfriend with him wherever he went. Xie Ning and the others were not uncomfortable, but Jiang Mo felt a bit awkward.
As he reached the entrance to the restroom, Jiang Mo overheard a conversation inside, a familiar voice—it was Xu Li and Zhao Fa.
“Do you know who the man standing next to Wish is?”
Even though they lost the match, they were talking about him?
The voices approached closer, and Jiang Mo didn’t know what he was thinking. Before the two came out, he subconsciously hid in the nearby storage room, the door closing, obscuring their view but allowing him to hear their conversation.
The sound of a lighter flicking resonated.
Zhao Fa lit a cigarette and chuckled, “Why are you asking about this?”
Xu Li responded casually, “Just curious. I feel like I’ve seen that person somewhere.”
Zhao Fa, who usually didn’t focus on serious matters, loved gossip. Not only in the esports scene, he enjoyed digging up gossip in other circles as well. Many times, if you inquired with Zhao Fa, you could generally uncover some news.
Zhao Fa added, “Of course, you’ve seen him. It’s Chi Yu, Actor Chi. Don’t you recognize him?”
Xu Li: “…” The face he saw just now matched the face from his distant memory—it was indeed Actor Chi!
Xu Li was even more puzzled: “Why is Actor Chi with the SVP team?”
Zhao Fa blew out a few smoke rings and said, “He’s the owner of the SVP team. Why do you think he’s here? Of course, to supervise the players in the match. He treats his staff so well. This season, he’s been with them for every match. Even the takeout he orders is specially delivered from upscale restaurants…”
Xu Li clicked his tongue.
Having a boss like this was really lucky.
Zhao Fa glanced at Xu Li and immediately understood what was on his mind.
The NG team’s owner was not bad to them either, but unfortunately, Xu Li had an average appearance, and the owner didn’t fancy him, so they were not willing to invest much in him.
Zhao Fa patted Xu Li on the shoulder, giving a fake smile of encouragement. “I remember when this season ends, your contract will be up. If you work harder, maybe you can get into the SVP team. Come on, I have high hopes for you.”
Xu Li shook off Zhao Fa’s hand aggressively, glaring at him in anger. He was not stupid; he could clearly hear the sarcasm in Zhao Fa’s words.
Jiang Mo, hiding in the storage room, widened his eyes. Chi Yu was the owner of the SVP team??
“For you, even if I get fleeced a lot, it’s worth it. He doesn’t ask for much from me. Considering the sacrifices I’ve made for you, you must obey me in the future.”
“I’ll listen! I’ll definitely listen to you.”
“Will you listen to everything I say?”
“Anything and everything!”
“You promised me that you’ll obey.”
“You mean I’m not obedient now?”
Chi Yu, that jerk!
Thinking about his promise to Chi Yu to obey, he suppressed his embarrassment and obediently followed Chi Yu’s instructions, doing many things he didn’t dare to do…
So, Chi Yu wasn’t the sheep being fleeced, he was the foolish sheep all along!
Jiang Mo’s face turned red with the realization, and he was so angry that he wanted to storm out and settle the score with Chi Yu.
…
When the surroundings were quiet, Jiang Mo walked out of the storage room. He walked out of the restroom, angry. After taking a few steps, he remembered the reason he came to the restroom in the first place. He turned back in frustration, did what he came to do, and his anger subsided a bit.
Seeing Chi Yu waiting for him with an umbrella at the entrance, his anger diminished further.
“Chi Yu!” Jiang Mo pushed the door open, looking visibly upset, furrowing his brows and glaring at Chi Yu.
“What’s wrong?” Chi Yu smiled and poked the puffed-up mask covering Jiang Mo’s face. The face beneath the mask was surely very adorable.
“Who made my Mo Mo angry?” Chi Yu asked playfully.
Jiang Mo: “…”
His anger was deflated a little by Chi Yu’s antics, nearly dissipating.
Every time he heard Chi Yu say “my Mo Mo,” his heart would race.
“You… you lied to me!” Jiang Mo said.
Chi Yu was momentarily taken aback, still wearing a smile, and asked, “What did I lie to you about?”
Jiang Mo: “You said you were being fleeced by our boss, but, in fact, you are our team’s boss, right?”
Chi Yu didn’t change his expression and openly admitted, “Yes, I’m your boss.”
He even emphasized the last four words.
Jiang Mo: “…”
What to do with an enemy who was too honest?
“Why… why did you lie to me?” Jiang Mo pouted, feeling annoyed.
There was a hint of grievance in Chi Yu’s eyes as he asked in return, “What did I lie to you about?”
Jiang Mo replied, “You said our boss fleeced you, and that’s why I agreed to let you stay in the base. All of that was a lie!”
The silly argument gave him a boost of confidence, and he felt quite assertive in this argument. Look at how he boldly said that sentence without any stammering.
Chi Yu found it amusing and, while still sounding a bit aggrieved, said, “I didn’t lie to you. I was telling the truth.”
Jiang Mo: “?”
The rain intensified, and raindrops were blown in by the wind. Chi Yu changed his position to shield Jiang Mo securely, preventing the rain from splashing on him.
Jiang Mo’s heart suddenly raced.
Chi Yu always said, “I’m eight years older than you, you’re like my little child, and I will take care of you.”
Chi Yu wasn’t just saying it for fun. He not only said these things but also acted upon them very well, addressing every detail that touched Jiang Mo’s heart.
He might never find someone who would be better to him than Chi Yu.
What Chi Yu deceived him about was just a trivial matter. He could be a bit more generous and forgive Chi Yu.
As this thought crossed his mind, he heard Chi Yu say, “I just didn’t tell you that I’m your boss. When I said your boss is difficult to handle, that’s my self-awareness. It’s a fact that your boss fleeced you, and by fleecing you, he’s essentially fleecing me. You’re my little lamb, after all. Haven’t I been taking good care of you these past few days?”
Jiang Mo: “…”
His ears turned red, and it took him a while to blurt out two words, “Bad person!”
Chi Yu nodded and smiled, saying, “It seems you’re not satisfied. I’ll try my best to earn a five-star rating from you.”
“Bad… bad person!”
“Well, I am a bad person,” Chi Yu held the umbrella with his right hand and opened his left hand, showing a brilliant smile to Jiang Mo. “So, can you forgive this bad person? Be good, don’t be angry, let’s go home.”
Jiang Mo lowered his head, and the wind tousled his white hair, revealing his already reddened ears.
“Just, just forgive you this time. You, you can’t deceive me anymore in the future.”
After saying this, he added in a soft voice, “Even without this excuse, I would still obediently listen to you.”
Jiang Mo’s voice remained as soft and pleasant as ever, penetrating into Chi Yu’s heart and creating ripples that would never fade away.
Chi Yu sighed helplessly and hugged Jiang Mo tightly.
Saying such sweet words was truly maddening.
*sigh* I’ve been thinking this for a while now but uh… ML’s “teasing” has been more gaslighty as time goes on. MoMo had every right to be a bit miffed, cuz ML deffinitely lied, and despite knowing MoMo’s difficulty with words and conflict, he still talked his way out with making himself in the right and leaving MoMo feeling like he’s in the wrong…
that was not satisfying *sigh* i thought there will be at least one drama for them, now everything just feels boring. the game matches were not even explored. so disappointing.