Even her usually straight lips curled into a smile.
Seeing her holding a doll and smiling blissfully instantly drew viewers’ comments:
— Smiling like that just for holding hands.
— How cheap does that look?
— Is this really the Chi Xingyu I know?
— But to be fair, if Sui Bao was willing to hold my hand, I would probably react even more than Chi Dog.
With that, Chi Xingyu held Tong Sui’s hand on the way back, unwilling to let go, even neglecting the rabbit doll in her other hand just to close the distance a little.
When they returned to the small house, Zhong Yi, who was watching TV in the living room, expressed his dissatisfaction, “Where have you guys been? One moment you were here, and the next moment you vanished, leaving me bored to death.”
Upon turning his head and seeing Chi Xingyu holding Tong Sui’s hand, he jumped up, “What kind of rogue game are you playing, grabbing someone’s hand.”
Chi Xingyu shot him a glance but finally released her grip.
“Date, what’s wrong with that?”
“Is it allowed to date privately? Isn’t that against the rules?” Zhong Yi was greatly shocked.
“He went with me to buy a phone,” Tong Sui explained.
Zhong Yi: “…”
If it weren’t for the big rabbit doll, which was hard to ignore, he might have believed his excuse.
“What’s the point of explaining to him?” Chi Xingyu flaunted the rabbit, placing it on the couch beside Zhong Yi. “Isn’t it obvious what we went to do?”
Zhong Yi: “…”
Did he think he would be jealous?
Zhong Yi stared at the doll, “It looks poorly made; I wouldn’t want it anyway.”
Chi Xingyu crossed her arms and blandly replied, “Your mouth must be made of diamonds.”
Zhong Yi asked, “What do you mean?”
Chi Xingyu replied, “You’re practically bubbling with jealousy inside while trying to act tough outside.”
Zhong Yi: “…”
Damn.
Can’t you take it a bit easier?
“Zhong Yi,” Tong Sui suddenly said, “Can you come here for a moment? I have something I want to discuss with you.”
Zhong Yi paused briefly, then turned with some hesitation, pointing at himself, “Are you talking about me? Just me?”
“Yep.”
Zhong Yi quickly stood up, “Sure, sure, of course,” his voice bubbling with uncontainable excitement, “You can say anything.”
Chi Xingyu was left dumbfounded beside them, watching as they walked upstairs.
“???”
Is there something she can’t hear?
Suddenly, she felt as if cold water had been poured over her head, as if she was no longer a winner in competition; perhaps Tong Sui holding hands had given her too much unwarranted confidence.
Realizing this, Chi Xingyu had to admit she was still just one of Tong Sui’s choices.
There was nothing remarkable about her compared to all the other men she could physically touch in reality.
Her education wasn’t enough.
She couldn’t drive.
Even her account balance was inadequate.
She didn’t even know if Tong Sui would mind dating someone younger.
Despite usually not caring about the opinions of others, the proud Chi God sat on the sofa, her mind a tangled mess.
Her expression looked cold and frozen, like frost in winter, under the camera lights.
Chi Xingyu took out her phone and called the team coach.
When the voice on the other end answered, there was a hint of surprise, “You actually called me? Am I dreaming?”
“…” Chi Xingyu said, “I need your help with something.”
It’s rare for Chi Xingyu to ask someone for help.
The coach replied, “Go ahead.”
Chi Xingyu said, “I want to continue my studies.”
The coach doubted her hearing, as Chi Xingyu had been adamant about dropping out to join the esports scene, and she had been doing exceptionally well.
How could she choose to go back to school now?
“Why this sudden strange thought?” the coach asked. “If you retired, it would significantly impact the team.”
He had always said Chi Xingyu was too reckless, but players with her level of boldness and skill were hard to find in the esports industry.
And she was still so young; she could easily continue for a few more years with no problem.
“I’m not retiring,” Chi Xingyu clarified. “I hope to apply to a school without strict on-campus requirements.”
The coach responded, “You mean you want to complete your studies without affecting your professional career?”
“Yes.”
This was exceptionally challenging for most, let alone trying to excel in both areas simultaneously.
But the coach understood that once Chi Xingyu had made up her mind about something, no one could stop her; her determination was incredibly strong.
“Alright, I get it,” the coach said. “I will contact the school to explain the situation, but you have to promise me to maintain your level for the next world championship.”
Chi Xingyu: “Deal.”
The author has something to say:
The transformation of a dropout (x)
Going to great lengths to pursue romance (√)
Zhong Yi followed Tong Sui upstairs in a daze and entered his room, shutting the door, leaving just the two of them alone.
Thump, thump, thump.
He could hear his heartbeat, uncontrollably quickening.
This was a treatment he had never received before; what would Tong Sui say to him? Even if he made some outrageous demands, he would probably have no ability to refuse.
Nervously swallowing, Zhong Yi completely lost the poise of a young master, turning into a nervous fool who had never been in a relationship.
“Do you have something to say?”
Tong Sui suddenly stepped a few paces closer, startling Zhong Yi, whose feet became frozen in place, unwilling to move even half a step back.
“It’s personal,” Tong Sui said, “Let me turn off the mic first.”
He reached out to turn off the device, his fingertips inadvertently brushing against Zhong Yi’s collarbone, leaving a slight chill.