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“Damn Lao Ye. Look at that!” Huang Shaotian jabs a finger at the screen in front of him. “Look at how many pretty women he’s surrounded himself with! It’s terrible and he has no shame! I should message him about having a harem! He should have been happy with just Mucheng! There’s no need for him to gather all those pretty women on his team! Ah! It gets me so upset thinking about it! Why can’t we get any women in our club?”
Yu Wenzhou hums in reply. His hands ever diligent in their work writing down notes and predictions for next season.
“He even has a pretty manager!” exclaimed Huang Shaotian.
“So, you want more women in the club for the sake of having a woman in the club?” Yu Wenzhou asks dryly, never looking up. Huang Shaotian groans and pouts at the computer.
“Well, when you put it that way, I guess it does sound bad. But it’s so hard to meet new people who don’t mind being second best to Glory! Just imagine having a woman around here, it’ll boost morale!” Huang Shaotian exclaims turning his head towards Yu Wenzhou. “Wouldn’t that be great?”
“You think that having a gamer girlfriend would help with being lonely? If you want, we can organise a big birthday party for you this year.”
“Oi, fuck off. I don’t need you to baby me, I’m just saying would it be better having a girlfriend around? We’re not young anymore – we’re like in our mid-twenties already, we’re rich, we should have girlfriends already!”
Yu Wenzhou glances at Huang Shaotian before going back to writing in his book. “Did you read something that prompted this?”
“…yeah. You know Fang Shiqian? We got an invite to his wedding, but he isn’t that much older than us. He’s getting married already, yet here we are, in our monastery, with no girlfriends despite being so popular." Huang Shaotian sighs. "It’s like being fed dog food.”
“I know you’re not shy, why don’t you ask someone out?”
“Were you even listening to me? I want someone who knows what it’s like to be famous and a gamer – I don’t think anyone else would understand other than another gamer.”
“And you’re too annoying to get a boyfriend,” Yu Wenzhou deadpanned, his lips curling into a smile as he heard the yell of anger from his best friend.
“Get fucked!” shouted Huang Shaotian showing two middle fingers. “I’d be super popular if I swung that way! I’m a catch! How dare you insulate that I couldn’t get a boyfriend if I wanted one! But guys don’t have the same feel to them like a woman, women are so much prettier to look at and smell nice, who wouldn’t want a woman? Even that really fierce Battle Mage from Happy is pretty to look at, just like a battle goddess! Wouldn’t you want to date her?”
“I’m going to tell Mucheng that you think Tang Rou is prettier than her,”
“What? No! What about the comrade code? How can you do this to me? Don’t you know how scary Mucheng is when she’s angry? She holds grudges like nobody else I know! Don’t tell her anything! Besides, I didn’t even say that Tang Rou is prettier than her! I just said that she’s pretty!”
Yu Wenzhou sends a closed mouth smile over at Huang Shaotian as he listens to the other man’s whining. It was like white noise by this point, almost soothing about it if Yu Wenzhou ignored the actual words that Huang Shaotian was saying.
The door swings open without care for the situation.
“What are you guys doing?” Lu Hanwen asks when he came into the room.
“Studying other teams and tactics”, Huang Shaotian and Yu Wenzhou say in unison. It is well practiced because the whole team quickly realised that having a young teenager hanging around is just a lawsuit waiting to happen if they didn’t limit the sexual jokes and talks around the place.
Lu Hanwen gives them a pained look. “I’m fifteen, I can listen to you guys talk about women.”
“Spying is poor form,” Yu Wenzhou chides.
“Who said that you could listen in? Didn’t your parents teach you not to listen in? We could have been talking about sensitive information, I’m going to PK you until you’ve learnt your lesson! Now move! Hurry, hurry! We’re going to the computer labs down the corridor for extra training! Don’t you dare come crying to me when I’ve PKed you for the fiftieth time in a row! Now, let’s get out of here! Hurry, hurry, hurry!” Huang Shaotian quickly says.
Lu Hanwen grimaces but walks out anyway. Any reason why he came into the main computer lab is forgotten. At the doorway out, Huang Shaotian grins and shoots a thumbs up towards Yu Wenzhou, who smiles gratefully in return, then the door closes leaving Yu Wenzhou by himself with a notebook and two computers. One of the screens showing off Happy’s last team fight, and the other now playing Tang Rou’s last singles battle.
Her character, Soft Mist, in contradiction to the adjective in her name, is not soft on her opponent whatsoever, yet acts like mist in the way she moves around. Yu Wenzhou found it impressive for a player who has been playing professionally for two years to show that level of skill. Yet, he only notes her down as a potential problem for the future and nothing else.
Yu Wenzhou walks languidly through the corridor, confident that he has plenty of time before the match. He is used to the home stadium by now, knows each place like the best restroom to line up at, or, in this case, the best place to grab a drink before a game. The vending machine around the east corridor has Jia Duo Bao, the only one to have the tea since the rest contain Wang Lao Ji instead, and Yu Wenzhou has always been a supporter of Jia Duo Bao over Wang Lao Ji. It didn’t make much sense considering the two drinks are the same thing, but he swears there’s a slight difference like Pepsi and Coca Cola. Huang Shaotian calls him pedantic and likes Wang Lao Ji, so he gets no rights when it comes to picking drinks.
It is also nice getting away from the team for a few minutes to think to himself about the match – he loves his team, but its best to leave everyone to their own rituals without disturbing them. He doesn’t falter seeing someone at the vending machine holding their phone, but he does slow down to have a good look at who is there.
Tang Rou is standing in pondering her choices in front of the vending machine and Yu Wenzhou takes the opportunity to take a good look at her. He would like to say that she looks good with a contemplative face, but he’s seen her on interviews about to argue with journalists. Personally, he thinks she looks better arguing – like this it is as if the fire in her eyes have dimmed to embers; it’s not a look that he’s a fan of. Maybe Shaotian has rubbed his personality off on me so I’m incapable of thinking that anything but passionate is a good look.
“Excuse me,” Yu Wenzhou says as he stops nearby, startling Tang Rou out of her thoughts.
“Ah, sorry,” Tang Rou turns to Yu Wenzhou. “Did you want to use the vending machine?”
“Thank you,” he says before getting his drink.
There is a brief awkward silence between them before Tang Rou asks, “You’re Yu Wenzhou, right?”
Yu Wenzhou looks back at Tang Rou, noting the light frown on her face. “I’m flattered that you remember me,”
Tang Rou nods. “I was watching the world championships last year – you did very well as captain.”
“Thank you for your kind words, but I can’t take credit for it all. Ye Xiu was a good coach, and everyone else were very professional so there wasn’t much need to be a captain.”
“I still think it’s admirable. Mumu has a hard time keeping everyone in line sometimes,”
Yu Wenzhou privately thought it is because Happy is built upon chaos that Su Mucheng has a challenging time keeping everyone in line, but he doesn’t say anything.
“I think she’s doing a great job so far; your team is going well this season.”
“I’ll pass that onto her,”
“When you do please also tell her: I’m sorry but Blue Rain is going to win tonight’s match,” Yu Wenzhou smiles beatifically to hide a sharp grin that wants to make its way out. Tang Rou blinks before she smiles back, her hand brushing back some hair behind her ear.
“Sorry, I don’t like lying to Mumu so I can’t pass on that message.” She says sweetly as she fights the urge to laugh.
Yu Wenzhou sighs and says, “Well, it was worth the try,”
“I didn’t realise that you were the trash talking type though,”
“Blue Rain is all about taking opportunities, and nobody becomes partners with Huang Shaotian without picking up something about trash talking. If I didn’t do that then I think Shaotian would disown me just on principle,” Yu Wenzhou jokes. He’s about to make another joke before the announcer overhead calls for 10 minutes until the event starts.
“Ah, it’s time to head back. I’ll be going first since I’ve already got my drink – if you’re going to buy something, I recommend Jia Duo Bao since this is the only vending machine that sells it. Forgive me if I don’t wish you luck though I hope that we have a good game,”
Yu Wenzhou starts walking away when he hears Tang Rou say, “Thank you for the advice and I hope we have a good game as well.” And the sound of the vending machine starts up with buttons beeping.
His smile gentles slightly as he walks away, his view of Tang Rou changing slightly. She is a lot more friendly than he thought.
Happy wins 6 to 4. It is unfortunate for his team but its only a match game and Blue Rain is still third overall so far. Yu Wenzhou calculates Happy’s current strategy and writes it down.
That night he gets a message from Tang Rou over QQ: The drink was very nice, thank you.
Yu Wenzhou debates on teasing Huang Shaotian that a pretty woman is messaging him directly, but he hesitates and decides to keep it private. It is just her being nice anyway. He sends her a message: you’re welcome and puts it out of his mind.
Somehow, they end up as friends with Tang Rou occasionally asking what’s good to eat or drink in certain cities or giving her own advice.
Yu Wenzhou isn’t passive either in this newfound friendship. He asks about ideas for presents – for his mother and cousin’s birthday – or telling her about other games she might enjoy. It is a little daunting since she isn’t like Chu Yunxiu who he could talk about dramas with, or Su Mucheng where they could joke about managers and advertising together (it is a little frustrating how bad photographers could get, or heaven forbid, the companies that own the products that sponsor their teams). Yu Wenzhou chalks it up to the initial beginning of their friendship though since each one is different.
Two months later Yu Wenzhou somehow knows Tang Rou’s birthdate (4/13), favourite colour (red), favourite food (shrimp with vermicelli and garlic), favourite drink (coconut milk or 2018 Glaetzer Bishop, a shiraz from Australia), and what she’s currently watching (Mr Right and Me, something that Su Mucheng and Chen Guo, her friend and manager, are forcing her to watch so her life doesn’t revolve purely around Glory).
On an alt account she plays with her father on Sundays. Every third day she goes to the gym and works out. She was an early bird before she met Ye Xiu and consequentially spiralled down a pattern of late nights and little sleep.
They meet up in game, play a few rounds and he knows that Tang Rou wouldn’t hold it against him if he uses that information against her during a match – the same way that he knows that Tang Rou is doing the same thing - it’s par the course for a professional. She’s also surprisingly easy to talk to; she’s straightforward and a bit stubborn but she’s considerate and knows when to pull back when it’s not a challenge. Though Yu Wenzhou had some sleepless nights when they faced each other in the arena until the early hours of the morning. Tang Rou could be insatiable for a fight sometimes, especially when she wants to try out a new combo or test something out. Yu Wenzhou is half sure that Happy is training her to be a Striker since some of her new combos aren’t exactly traditional Battle Mage style. He’s interested in where her style is going though, and excited about it as well; finding new counters to it will be fun.
On the 22nd of December, Yu Wenzhou finds himself in Qingdao for All-Star Weekend. Thanks to the international competition last year, the organisation has decided to add more Western influences such as the Christmas party that he’s currently attending to promote the international scene. He’s not the only one either – all the other ‘All-Stars’ are here as well. Among the regular crowd there is Tang Rou and Qiao Yifan, who have been chosen this year thanks to their popularity shooting up with the increase of Happy’s winning streak.
Yu Wenzhou has been abandoned by Huang Shaotian quite early on when Zhang Xinjie came over to talk about a new restaurant that opened up recently, which turned into international politics (this is when Huang Shaotian quickly left), and now Zhang Xinjie has left for the restroom leaving Yu Wenzhou by himself.
Yu Wenzhou goes to grab himself a drink but is distracted by the sight of Tang Rou standing under the massive Christmas tree with fake presents underneath it. She’s standing next to Su Mucheng who jokingly gives her a kiss on her cheek.
“It’s mistletoe,” a voice says.
Yu Wenzhou looks behind him to find Fang Rui looking at the two women as well. “Pardon?” he asks.
“They’re standing under mistletoe – it’s a Western thing where you’re required to kiss someone else under it,” explains Fang Rui with an easy grin on his face. “So, they’re kissing,”
“I take it that it can be a friendly thing as well since they’re kissing on the cheeks?”
“Naturally! Otherwise wouldn’t that be taking advantage of someone else?”
“Of course,” Yu Wenzhou gives Fang Rui an amused smile. “I take it that you’re planning on going over there then?”
Fang Rui winks and says, “Of course! What kind of person would I be if I didn’t use that Blue Rain training to take advantage of the situation?” He walks past Yu Wenzhou towards the women.
“If only we could have kept you,” Yu Wenzhou laments to Fang Rui’s back.
Fang Rui turns around and walks backwards, expertly dodging people or making people dodge him as they gave him filthy glares. “You wouldn’t have been able to control both Shaotian and I if we were in the same team,” he jokes before turning back around again. Yu Wenzhou lets out a small huff of a laugh and follows Fang Rui. At the very least he’ll find some entertainment, and at best maybe a kiss from two pretty women.
“Hey, welcome to the Christmas tree!” Su Mucheng jokes gesturing to the massive tree behind them. Tang Rou smiles and gives a nod to the both of them.
“I see that you’ve got a special item here too, may I use it?” Fang Rui says with a smirk on his face and the full confidence of a man who regularly makes terrible jokes to see people’s reactions. Yu Wenzhou cringes inside with that bad joke however the only outward reaction is a slight twitch of his lips as he tries to not grimace. Tang Rou looks confused by it all.
Su Mucheng pretends to think about it before she gestures to Fang Rui to come closer. Once he’s in position she gives him a kiss on the corner of his lips. It’s almost scandalous how close they come to kissing each other full. Yu Wenzhou looks away, accidentally meeting Tang Rou’s eyes as he does so. She doesn’t look fazed whatsoever and Yu Wenzhou mentally adds the information that the pair are dating.
“I’m sorry,” Su Mucheng says sweetly once she pulls away from Fang Rui. “Did you want a kiss as well?”
“How can I say no when it is required?” Yu Wenzhou asks helplessly as he’s pushed to stand next to Su Mucheng by Fang Rui, the other man’s hands squeezing in warning not to get too frisky. Standing right there makes him feel like prey for two hungry tigers between Fang Rui’s hands and Su Mucheng smiling beatifically. All his senses say that it’s a trap.
As Su Mucheng leans in, he grabs her hand and places a kiss on it. Her surprised face is worth kissing the back of her hand alone, though the soft chuckles that Fang Rui gives is just a bonus. “Forgive me, but Fang Rui said that any kiss will do, and I thought that you’d be tired kissing so many people.”
“Ever the gentleman,” Su Mucheng teases. “I guess I have to thank you for not making me redo my makeup again.”
Yu Wenzhou ignores the obvious remark about her kissing Fang Rui not even a minute ago. “You’re welcome,”
“Rourou, isn’t it your turn?” Su Mucheng asks as she turns towards Tang Rou, grinning widely.
“Don’t you have people to talk to?” retorts Tang Rou as she takes Su Mucheng’s place. Su Mucheng sighs as she agrees and drags Fang Rui with her. “I’m surprised that you knew about their relationship,”
“I just figured it out just then,”
“You didn’t even see most of the kiss and you’re able to figure out their relationship just like that? That’s impressive.”
“Thank you, I assume that they’re keeping it quiet for now?”
“Until they both retire, though if Baozi had it his way then everyone would know by tomorrow,”
“Sounds like a handful – I don’t wish it on anyone that couldn’t handle it.”
“Luckily they can handle it. Now I believe that we were about to do something than gossip about my teammates’ love life?”
“Certainly, do you wish to have the same treatment as Su Mucheng?”
“Nope, I prefer something different.” Tang Rou says so confidently that Yu Wenzhou wants to agree with her. Yu Wenzhou pauses for a moment as he parses her message though. He thinks about it for a moment.
Tang Rou is an incredibly beautiful woman, she’s considerate and nice, and he likes her – genuinely likes her, most importantly she’s a great Glory player. Huang Shaotian’s words come back it’s so hard to meet new people who don’t mind being second best to Glory. He didn’t think of Tang Rou romantically before, but now the door is open, and he can’t stop thinking about it. Thinking about how nice her hair is done up, there’s a perfume around her that he can’t help but like it. It smells like roses and something sweet?
“You sure?” he asks to check.
“I’m sure, if I didn’t then I wouldn’t say it.”
He smiles and bends down slowly to watch what Tang Rou. He’s completely unprepared for Tang Rou taking matters into her own hands – literally. Her hands come up into his hair to tug him down faster. Her lips are soft, and tastes like cherries. It is a lot longer than he thought a kiss would be like. He isn’t sure what to do with his hands either but he settles them on her waist.
When they pull away Tang Rou’s hands are still in his hair and she looks up at him. Her lip tint has smeared slightly, a tiny imperfection that he helped create. It’s a little exciting thinking about it.
“I’m surprised that you didn’t do this before. Isn’t your whole team about taking opportunities and advantage of situations?” Tang Rou gently teases. Her eyes are bright with a hidden fire. He wants to see more of it.
“Don’t worry, I’ll be sure to take all the opportunities in the future,” he promises. From the corner of his eye he can see Huang Shaotian grinning widely and giving him a double thumbs up from across the room. He ignores it as he goes in for another enthusiastic kiss.
“Do you want to go out for Christmas?” Yu Wenzhou asks when they part once more.
“Is tomorrow after the event alright?”
“I can do that,” he instantly agrees even though he knows that he should be babysitting Lu Hanwen, but that’s okay, he’ll shove off the responsibility on Huang Shaotian.
“Then it’s a date,”
Their future might be long, it will be filled with battles and Glory, but Yu Wenzhou thinks that they could do it. And anything they can’t sort out can be solved using Glory if it comes to that.