Yan Yibing couldn’t always hide at the club; he still had to be present at the League Building to discuss tactics and analyze opponents face-to-face with them.
The league had arranged two coaches with excellent professional qualities for them, and Yan Yibing had to attend the sessions.
Before the training session, Yan Yibing and Yu Yan were eating Haagen-Dazs at the entrance of a small corridor while chatting.
Yan Yibing asked, “How did you and Ding Luo start dating?”
Yu Yan glanced at him, lightly scoffing, “Seriously? Are you having relationship issues?”
Yan Yibing with a cold expression replied, “No, it’s a friend of mine…”
Yu Yan said, “Spill it, who have you set your eyes on?”
Yan Yibing: “…”
Yu Yan swallowed a couple of Haagen-Dazs scoops, vaguely saying, “Hurry up, training is about to start.”
Yan Yibing pretended to be calm, leisurely taking a small scoop, “Believe it or not, it’s really a friend of mine, quite young. He used to be aloof and indifferent, but after graduation, it’s like he turned into a different person. He’s become especially affectionate especially… especially like a newly born calf unafraid of tigers. He fell for a teacher six years older than him. Isn’t that quite inappropriate? I’m thinking of advising him to give up.”
Yu Yan frowned, realizing that the situation of this friend didn’t match up with Yan Yibing’s. So he didn’t continue, suspecting it to be Yan Yibing himself.
“Is it a college student? There are also young and beautiful girls of the same age.”
“Yeah,” Yan Yibing thought about the environment in the esports circle. There were countless young and attractive commentators, hosts, and fans. “Who knows what he’s thinking.”
Yu Yan tossed the paper box into the trash, shaking off the water droplets on his hand. “Besides, isn’t it inappropriate to date a teacher? t’s unfair to other classmates. University professors should have quite some authority, right?”
“Um…I don’t think there’s much authority there, and I can’t help him either,” Yan Yibing contemplated. He realized that Han Mo liked him not because of what he could bring.
Yu Yan said, “I might not understand university matters, but Ding Luo does. I can ask her for you?”
Yan Yibing paused for a moment, but he didn’t want to complicate things unnecessarily. “Never mind, it’s not a big deal.”
Yu Yan hooked his shoulder, casually smiling. “Why so formal with Dad? Come on, let’s go, it’s training time.”
Yan Yibing finished the remaining ice cream in three mouthfuls, wiped his mouth, and walked leisurely to the training room with Yu Yan.
They arrived on time. Chen Chi, Han Mo, and the two coaches were already present.
But it wasn’t just them.
Yan Yibing’s gaze landed on someone beside Han Mo.
A boy with a somewhat youthful appearance, standing at just under six feet tall, was talking to Han Mo with his head lowered.
The boy didn’t look particularly handsome, but he was clean and neat. Due to his slender figure, a distinct bulge formed at the back of his neck when he lowered his head.
“Wow, is your DPI that high? Won’t the mouse float when you use it?”
While speaking, the boy, to make sure Han Mo could hear him, instinctively leaned closer to Han Mo’s ear. His oversized sports jacket zipper almost hung on Han Mo’s shoulder.
Han Mo was adjusting his peripherals. Upon hearing this, he paused, and casually responded, “Just adapt to it.”
The boy blushed, his eyes sparkling, and whispered, “I’ll try it next time. Although it might float easily, the speed is fast, and controlling it well is an advantage. As a first-entry fragger like me, I need to consciously practice. The coach also said that. Captain, what do you think?”
Han Mo took a deep breath, closed the adjustment interface, and said nonchalantly, “No need to imitate me. Play in your own way.”
These days, he could clearly sense that Xin Chen was imitating him.
Mimicking his playstyle, copying his basic data settings, emulating his combat awareness, and even mirroring his small movements during the game.
Sometimes, when his neck or back got tired, he would press the acupoints on the side of his neck with his left finger when he confirmed it was safe.
Xin Chen did the same.
The same fingers, the same acupoints.
After seeing it once, Han Mo felt uncomfortable.
Back when he was at Zero, his style had some traces of Yan Yibing, but that was because Yan Yibing was always teaching him, and he watched him every day. The formation of this style was subconscious; he didn’t deliberately imitate.
However, he had never taught Xin Chen, and there was no subtle influence. Moreover, Xin Chen’s imitation was very specific, as if he wanted to replicate not only his gaming skills but the person himself.
It seemed like Xin Chen regarded him as a template for overnight success, akin to mass-produced idol stars.
After adjusting the peripherals, Han Mo looked up and noticed Yan Yibing standing at the door.
Yan Yibing was staring in his direction, eyes unwavering. His jet-black, shiny eyes reflected the intense sunlight, a strand of hair conspicuously draped over the corner of his eye, illuminated to a brownish hue.
Han Mo was about to speak when Yan Yibing shifted his gaze away, heading to his position with Yu Yan, chatting and laughing. He started skillfully setting up his peripherals and checking the settings.
So, Han Mo held back his words.
Yu Yan plugged in the keyboard, raised an eyebrow, and looked at Han Mo. “Is he the newcomer you brought?”
Their training sessions didn’t specify that no one could observe. As long as they didn’t disturb, it was fine.
Yu Yan’s girlfriend, Ding Luo, would occasionally come and quietly sit on the side, sometimes casually observing their matches, but mostly playing with her phone.
Han Mo casually replied, “The manager asked me to bring him to learn.”
After saying that, he glanced at Yan Yibing.
Yan Yibing had a serious expression, fervently fiddling with the keyboard without lifting his head.
Han Mo felt that Yan Yibing was acting a bit unusual today, as if intentionally avoiding greeting him.
Yu Yan smiled and joked, “It seems Ding Jun values him a lot. Is he joining the main team?”
“No, Captain didn’t inform me,” Xin Chen replied with his head down, lips pursed in a subtle smile.
His smile was meaningful.
It wasn’t modest or shy, not self-deprecating or evasive.
As if saying, “Thanks for congratulating me in advance; indeed, I am moving up to the first team.”
“It’s not my concern,” Han Mo replied indifferently. Seeing that Yan Yibing had finished setting up his peripherals, Han Mo took out a cup of pearl barley water from his backpack and pushed it in Yan Yibing’s direction. “Bing Shen, soothe your throat.”
There was only one cup, and he didn’t even have one for himself.
There were boxes of water in the training room, and the others didn’t need him to care for them.
Yu Yan was slightly startled, but then he understood.
Yan Yibing had just recovered from an illness, and he was a bit delicate. Han Mo was indeed thoughtful.
So, Yu Yan intended to pass it to Yan Yibing, but Yan Yibing softly said, “Not thirsty.”
Yu Yan paused, and the hand that was about to extend retreated.
Of course, he was on Yan Yibing’s side.
“Captain Han, have it yourself. We just had coffee outside,” he casually bluffed.
Han Mo raised an eyebrow, giving Yan Yibing a meaningful look.
The barley water was milky white, with a ring of soft and sticky barley settled at the bottom. This was a specialty drink from Singapore, perfect for the hot summer.
Xin Chen wrinkled his nose and asked quietly, “Captain, which shop’s barley water is this? Is it good?”
Yan Yibing cast a sidelong glance at Xin Chen.
This remark was practically a direct request, and anyone with a brain could hear that he was asking for some.
He chuckled silently, but found that there was no joy in his laughter.
But soon, the ‘brainless’ Captain Han spoke.
“Tasty.”
Two words, nothing more.
There was no intention to offer it at all.
Even Xin Chen was left baffled, and finally stepped aside in frustration.
However, Yan Yibing felt a bit relieved in his heart.
The coach opened the slides and said to them, “Play a round to warm up.”
Yan Yibing nodded and created a room, “Which server?”
The coach replied, “Let’s go with the Korean server.”
Yan Yibing said, “At this hour, the pros might not be online yet.”
The coach said, “No need for pros, just warm up casually.”
Yan Yibing nodded and started the game.
This round was set in the rainforest, jumping off at Paradise Resort.
This place was somewhat special; regardless of whether you were an entry fragger or not, you had to land quickly, grab a gun, shoot accurately, and occupy a position.
The most crowded and chaotic area was the front of the resort. The further back you went, the fewer players there were.
Han Mo said, “Bing Shen and I will jump up front, Yu Shen, get on the roof to set up. Chen Ge, provide support?”
This way, they could get the most kills, but there was also a possibility that the entry fraggers might be wiped out.
Yu Yan nodded, “Mm.”
This was indeed the most suitable strategy, but it would take a short time for him to occupy the best spot to set up his gun without any worries.
During this time, Chen Chi had to ensure that Yu Yan wouldn’t get shot by an ambush from the rear mountain, because the scope of movement on the eaves was limited. Although the angles were tricky, once targeted, it was easy to get directly eliminated.
This also meant that in the early stage, Yan Yibing and Han Mo wouldn’t have any support.
But even if there were support, it wouldn’t arrive in time. With many enemies, once someone fell, there was no time to wait for reinforcements.
Han Mo said, “Bing Shen, we’ll jump to the left.”
Yan Yibing didn’t speak. After opening the parachute, he adjusted his angle and posture, expertly descending. With a sweep of his mouse, he saw a densely packed group of people.
The coach reminded, “Don’t get too confident. Be careful.”
After landing, Yan Yibing was very lucky to quickly pick up an M416. While he was reloading, three people had already fallen within his line of sight.
Han Mo’s landing point only had a shotgun. He quickly flipped into the courtyard for cover.
Separated by a wall, Yan Yibing had already engaged in a gunfight with someone.
The kill notifications refreshed rapidly. With thirty bullets, Yan Yibing knocked down three people.
While firing, he swiftly moved towards the inner wall, but as he was about to find shelter in the next moment, he unexpectedly encountered someone head-on.
Yan Yibing tightened his lips, his fingers exerted a bit of force, and he dodged the bullets with extremely nimble movements.
However, this wasn’t a long-term solution. Just as he was about to run to the backyard to find support from Chen Chi, Han Mo sprayed down the person chasing him.
Yan Yibing was only momentarily stunned, then quickly crouched, picked up a gun, collected bullets, and quickly equipped himself.
It was truly a close call just now.
The opponents were using an Uzi, with a high rate of fire and damage. Even if he had exceptional movement skills, Yan Yibing couldn’t guarantee how long he could hold out.
If it weren’t for Han Mo’s support…
In the next second, Yan Yibing raised his M416 and fired, eliminating a person hiding in the grass behind Han Mo.
A smile flickered in Han Mo’s eyes, “Thanks, Bing Shen.”
“It’s nothing.” Yan Yibing calmly stopped shooting and began clearing the enemies in the courtyard.
Their cooperation was seamless, mutually supporting each other. Though they faced several close calls, nearly having their HP depleted, neither of them fell.
They persisted until Yu Yan secured the best spot.
However, every time Han Mo initiated interaction, Yan Yibing responded with indifference, as if he didn’t want too much communication.
Yu Yan smoothly sniped enemies hidden in various places, and Chen Chi was responsible for supplying ammo to Yu Yan. The small team of four quickly cleared Paradise Resort, achieving a total of twenty-three kills—a remarkably impressive performance.
After a round, the coach began to analyze the game.
Having sat in chairs for two hours, the coach let them take a break.
Yan Yibing took out a cigarette, preparing to go out and clear his mind.
As he reached the door and pushed it open, he heard Xin Chen showering Han Mo with flattery.
“Captain, you were amazing just now, especially that shot to save Bing Shen. If it were in an official match, it’d definitely be highlighted and replayed repeatedly as a fantastic moment. I also want to be like you, surpassing the master.”
With the door half open, although Xin Chen’s voice wasn’t loud, Yan Yibing could hear it clearly.
It made his stomach ache in anger.
Praising Han Mo was one thing, but simultaneously undermining him was another.
Surpassing the master?
Did he not save Han Mo? How was he inferior to Han Mo?
No, whether he or Han Mo saved each other was normal. Teammates were supposed to complement and support each other; there was no need to compare who was better.
This kid was so damn annoying.
Han Mo looked at Yan Yibing’s back in silence for a few seconds, then stood up, bypassed Xin Chen, and followed Yan Yibing outside.
Yan Yibing was still angry and didn’t hear the footsteps behind him. He turned into a safe passage, closed the door, leaned against the wall beside the stairs, and took out a citrus-flavored cigarette.
He placed the cigarette between his lips, not yet lighting it.
The heavy iron door of the safe passage opened again, and Han Mo stepped in. Subsequently, the door was closed tightly.
Yan Yibing blinked as the flame from the lighter flickered, illuminating the dim corridor.
He was somewhat surprised, but when he realized that Han Mo had followed him, some of the frustration in his heart dissipated.
Han Mo took a few steps forward, casually flicked the lighter to extinguish the flame, and then reached out to grab Yan Yibing’s cigarette, pulling it from between his lips.
“You just recovered, why smoke?”
With his lips suddenly empty, Yan Yibing paused, closed his eyes, and grunted, “None of your business.”
He snapped the lighter shut, and reached out to snatch the cigarette back.
Han Mo lifted his hand, hiding the cigarette behind him. Yan Yibing’s fingers almost brushed against Han Mo’s waist through the fabric.
Through the cloth, he faintly felt the warmth of the skin. Yan Yibing’s eyelashes trembled for a moment, and he withdrew his hand.
“Did I do something to upset you?”
Han Mo, a bit taller, tilted his head to look at Yan Yibing.
In the dimly lit corridor, his eyes were pitch-black, concealing any emotions.
Yan Yibing: “…”
He felt a bit petty for being at odds with a kid. Besides excessive self-confidence, the kid didn’t seem to have any other issues. Perhaps it was because he was getting older, he felt threatened by the arrival of fresh talent.
The kid’s talent was indeed good. In a few years, if his performance declined, he might actually be surpassed.
That was something he absolutely couldn’t admit.
Yan Yibing lazily smiled, leaned against the wall, and casually said, “Captain Han, what are you talking about? You didn’t upset me.”
Han Mo inched closer, almost pressing against him.
The dim environment provided them with a false sense of privacy, although in reality, this safety passage could be a spot for anyone to smoke. With so many staff members in the League Building, it had become a quasi-public smoking area.
Han Mo asked in a low voice, “Then why are you ignoring me and not drinking the water I gave you?”
Yan Yibing’s teeth grazed, half-smiling, “Busy.”
Han Mo seemed contemplative, “I’m busy too. Yesterday, I…”
Yan Yibing interrupted him, “We’re both busy, so let’s stick to discussing work when we meet, like digesting what the coach said.”
“The coach’s words can wait. Now, tell me, I want to digest some desire right now.”
Han Mo’s hand slid to Yan Yibing’s waist, and his fingers skillfully lifted the thin fabric, touching the warm and delicate skin beneath.
Leaning over, he bit Yan Yibing’s lips.
“Fuck…… mmm!”
Caught off guard, Yan Yibing’s attention shifted from his waist to his lips and then back to his waist.
His nerves seemed to be repeatedly stretched and pulled, unsure which part was more lethal.
Han Mo’s lips were warm and dry, with the fervor and recklessness of this age in his kissing technique.
As a mature and slow-tempered adult, he could only passively respond.
But still, it was overwhelming.
After Han Mo’s kiss, he licked his lips, unsatisfied, and said, “The taste of oranges.”
Referring to the cigarette that Yan Yibing hadn’t had the chance to smoke.
His hand hadn’t left Yan Yibing’s waist. Intentionally acting a bit rogue, he felt Yan Yibing’s waist and abdomen rise and fall due to his heavy breathing.
“You little beast, you brat, damn you!” Yan Yibing gritted his teeth, looking flustered. His lips were slightly swollen and reddened, and his sensitive waist was firmly held. The neurons seemed to be under threat, continuously signaling to the cerebral cortex, ‘Help me! I’m being rubbed!’
Innocently, Han Mo lowered his eyes and, in the echoing corridor, coaxed softly, “Don’t ignore me. I specially bought barley water for you, it’s sweet and really delicious.”
Author’s Message:
Han Mo: Excellent neurons.
Thank you for reading! 
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