At the end of March.
Two days before Yan Yibing left the country, he received a call from Liang Hefeng.
At that time, he was at home eating hot pot with Han Mo. He was too lazy even to eat properly. Tender beef, tripe, and similar items, he didn’t bother waiting nine seconds to pick them up with chopsticks. Instead, he threw them directly into the pot and ate them whenever he managed to grab them, so he never got the best taste.
So, Han Mo naturally helped him by picking the beef and tripe with the right timing and putting them in his plate, then doing the same for himself.
Mama Yan glanced at Yan Yibing and coughed heavily.
“You can do it yourself. You’re grown up now, yet still letting others look after you.”
Yan Yibing shook his phone. “I’m discussing important matters.”
Sun Tianjiao was a worrywart. With the competition approaching, he repeatedly went over every detail with everyone, almost like he had OCD, wanting to take control of the entire team’s diet.
In addition to this, there were changes in the way they promoted sponsored products this time, with new ideas every day, and they were communicating frequently to make adjustments.
As the team captain, these were all things Yan Yibing had to remember.
He had just replied to Sun Tianjiao’s message and was about to exit WeChat to eat when a voice call came in.
It wasn’t Sun Tianjiao, it was Liang Hefeng.
Yan Yibing frowned and instinctively tilted his phone to prevent Han Mo from seeing his screen.
Han Mo was drinking cola with his head tilted back and didn’t notice his unusual behavior.
Yan Yibing averted his gaze and took a deep breath.
Han Mo had PTSD from Liang Hefeng, and Yan Yibing didn’t want to upset him by talking to Liang Hefeng.
But since Liang Hefeng had called, he couldn’t just pretend not to have seen it. Even if he didn’t answer now, he would still have to reply tomorrow.
Yan Yibing stood up, held his phone, and walked to the living room.
With his hands in his pockets and his back against the stairs, in the slightly dim light, he pressed the answer button.
Yan Yibing’s voice was calm. “Hello.”
From the phone came a noise, whether from the wind or electrical interference, it made his voice sound colder.
There was a few seconds of silence on the other end. Yan Yibing could hear deep, drawn-out breaths, as if the person on the other end was mustering up the courage to say something.
Then, Liang Hefeng laugh.
It was the kind of laugh that sounded insincere, perfunctory, and lacking in heart even from the tone alone.
Yan Yibing was sure he barely even moved his lips.
After the laugh, Liang Hefeng adopted a tone that was overly mild, almost too accommodating, and said, “It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other, Bing. I’ve been really busy lately. My mother’s condition has worsened again, and the doctor has prescribed a lot of medication, but there’s been no improvement. It’s partly her fault for being so stubborn. I really can’t live with her anymore, so I’m planning to send her to the hospital. I’m looking for one right now.”
Yan Yibing was momentarily stunned.
In just this short year, his life had undergone too many changes, and his leisure time had been filled to the brim by Han Mo.
He had almost forgotten that Liang Hefeng’s mother had caused trouble for him last year.
How come it felt like it was so long ago?
The image of that frenzied, hoarse-faced woman had become blurry.
He even recalled his school days, when Liang Hefeng’s mother was normal, gentle, with the demeanor of an elite woman.
She used to buy two sticks of Qiaolezi Ice Cream when picking up Liang Hefeng from school, one for Liang Hefeng and one for Yan Yibing, his best friend.
She often said to Yan Yibing, “Ah Yi, please help our Hefeng with his studies. You two are good friends, and Hefeng is willing to listen to you.”
His former nickname was Ah Yi, but as he grew older, more people called him Bing Shen, and that nickname was forgotten.
Yan Yibing naturally agreed with his mouth, and he did help Liang Hefeng study, but Liang Hefeng really couldn’t learn.
Thinking back to the past and considering that Liang Hefeng’s mother was about to be sent to a psychiatric hospital soon, he softened a bit.
“I wish Auntie a speedy recovery. Let me know if you need any help.”
Although he said so, he thought to himself that it was just being polite.
Seeing Yan Yibing’s tone easing up, Liang Hefeng’s deep breathing gradually steadied.
“Bing, I forgot to congratulate you on winning the East Asia Championship and the New Year. I’ve been too busy and forgot to contact you.”
Yan Yibing naturally didn’t mind: “It’s okay, I know you’re busy.”
Liang Hefeng made a lingering “Hmm” sound and couldn’t help but ask, “By the way, are you at home?”
Considering the time and the fact that he was leaving for New York soon, of course Yan Yibing would be at home packing.
Liang Hefeng must have calculated this, hence the specific question.
Yan Yibing hesitated for a moment but decided not to lie: “Yes, but I’m having dinner with my parents.”
By adding the latter sentence, he was basically refusing the possibility of Liang Hefeng coming over to find him.
He didn’t want to meet Liang Hefeng.
Liang Hefeng: “What a coincidence, I’m at the entrance of your community. I brought some gifts. I forgot to greet Uncle and Aunt for the New Year, so…”
Yan Yibing’s brows formed a deep “川” character, and the frowning motion even narrowed his eyes.
“The New Year has passed, no need. You need money in other places now. I appreciate the thought.”
Han Mo was still there, so how could he let Liang Hefeng come in?
Liang Hefeng: “It’s quite heavy. I’ve come all the way here. Let’s meet up.”
He seemed determined not to leave unless Yan Yibing saw him.
Yan Yibing hesitated for a moment, then sighed, “Wait for me a moment, I’ll come out to find you.”
After ending the call, he glanced hesitantly in Han Mo’s direction.
A moment later, Yan Yibing said, “I have a package delivery. I’ll go get it.”
Han Mo turned around and looked in his direction, his expression natural, without suspicion or anger.
“Shall I go get it for you?”
Yan Yibing quickly waved his hand. “No need, no need. I’ll be back soon.”
Mama Yan muttered, “Why is there a delivery so late? Let’s pick it up tomorrow.”
Papa Yan casually said, “Let him go if he wants to.”
Yan Yibing, holding his phone, quickly put on his shoes. “I’ll be right back.”
He pushed the door and went out.
Han Mo withdrew his gaze, reached into the pot with his chopsticks, and picked up a piece of mushroom.
The mushroom fell onto the sesame sauce plate, and his finger paused.
His gaze lifted slightly, looking at the steam rising from the pot, filled with a rich aroma.
After a few seconds, he put down the chopsticks.
He certainly wanted to believe Yan Yibing, but Yan Yibing’s recent actions were a bit unusual.
According to Yan Yibing’s usual habits, if there really was a package, he would definitely have instructed him to go and pick it up, then, when no one was around, given him some benefits, as if to thank him.
Yan Yibing stepped out of the door and let out a long sigh.
The cool breeze outside quickly dissipated the smell of hotpot from his body.
It turned out the sound he heard from his phone earlier was indeed the wind; it was quite strong today.
Their Liang Hefeng couldn’t get in to their house community without a card, so he had to walk to the entrance of the neighborhood to meet Liang Hefeng.
At this time, there were still quite a few people coming and going from the compound, but most of them were driving. Liang Hefeng stood alone in a sheltered spot, somewhat conspicuous.
Yan Yibing noticed a long, columnar object standing next to Liang Hefeng, reaching up to his chest.
Liang Hefeng saw him first and waved at him.
Yan Yibing quickened his pace.
As he approached, he noticed that Liang Hefeng was carrying a pair of skis.
Good quality skis were expensive, even the ordinary ones weren’t cheap. However, living in the south, Yan Yibing found them somewhat impractical.
Most ski resorts in the south used artificial snow, which, although present, was often damp and not very enjoyable.
But if he were to go to the north, carrying a heavy board would be inconvenient. It would be better to travel light and rent gear at the ski resort.
Liang Hefeng held the skis beside him and pushed them towards Yan Yibing. “I have an acquaintance who’s a skiing instructor. He recommended this pair of skis with excellent performance. I remember you used to love skiing, always mentioning going to Zhangjiakou during winter break, so I decided to give you a pair.”
Yan Yibing nodded. “Thank you, but you really don’t need to be so polite. Keep them for yourself. I already have a pair at home.”
However, because he was worried about injuring his arms during sports, he hadn’t skied in many years.
Liang Hefeng: “Um… there’s something else I forgot to tell you. I left Xie Feng’s team. He always made me do online commentary, which wasn’t much different from my previous live broadcasts, but he also wanted a share of the profits, which wasn’t worth it.”
Yan Yibing remained silent for a while before letting out a soft sigh.
Liang Hefeng was introduced by him. Xie Feng had probably given Liang Hefeng a chance because of him, but Liang Hefeng couldn’t pass the standard Mandarin proficiency test, so Xie Feng couldn’t assign major projects to him, or else it would upset other contracted commentators.
Liang Hefeng had only stayed for a short while, yet he had put Yan Yibing in a difficult position and owed him a favor. In the future, if he recommended anyone else, Xie Feng probably wouldn’t agree so easily.
Oh well.
Yan Yibing said, “Do whatever you think is best for your development.”
Liang Hefeng: “I heard Zero signed An Xinghuo during last year’s transfer window?”
Yan Yibing: “Yeah.”
It had been so long since then. An Xinghuo had already represented Zero in competitions, and he was still hearing about this.
Liang Hefeng: “He’s quite lucky to jump from Aurora to Zero.”
Yan Yibing didn’t know the significance of Liang Hefeng talking to him about An Xinghuo, but he patiently replied, “He has good potential, and his recent performance in competitions has been impressive.”
Liang Hefeng: “Did you coach him?”
Yan Yibing: “Whenever I have time.”
Liang Hefeng smiled. “You’re really generous. Back then, you coached Han Mo and ended up with a formidable opponent. Now you’re coaching An Xinghuo, who used to be disrespectful to you.”
Yan Yibing replied calmly, “Because I know hoping others aren’t good enough is meaningless. Only when newcomers are stronger can they stimulate me to not slack off.”
Liang Hefeng: “Perhaps only geniuses like you can say such things. Back in school, you were the same, always hoping for strong challengers to come to the school to challenge you, otherwise, you wouldn’t find it exciting enough.”
Yan Yibing really didn’t want to reminisce about his pretentious phase in middle school.
“I was just being reckless when I was a kid. I’ve changed now. There are plenty of people across the country who are better than me.”
Liang Hefeng suddenly brought the topic back to himself, leaving Yan Yibing unsure how to respond.
“I actually still want to be a player,” Liang Hefeng continued.
He transitioned abruptly, catching Yan Yibing off guard.
“You’re always so good to others. Even after the ugly fallout with Han Mo, you forgave him. And with An Xinghuo’s initial arrogance, you were able to teach him without any resentment. Even Lei Ming, that kind of person, you insisted on keeping him at Zero. I’ve been so good to you, following you around like a little shadow since we were kids. Whatever you said, I followed. Wherever you wanted to play, I went. Whenever there was something good, I made sure to share it with you. Why can’t you help me more?” Liang Hefeng’s muscles involuntarily twitched as he spoke.
He seemed to be trying to hold back his emotions, but his forced restraint only made him appear more ridiculous.
When Liang Hefeng mentioned how he treated Yan Yibing, his eyes were filled with resentment and frustration, as if he had given too much without receiving equal treatment in return.
He always felt that Yan Yibing was merely placating him, but he felt helpless against this kind of appeasement.
He was in a disadvantaged position, the weaker party. He even had to bring gifts to Yan Yibing, hoping that Yan Yibing would, out of courtesy for the gift, give him some direction.
Yan Yibing pondered. Perhaps he was just too easygoing, which led Liang Hefeng to have so many inappropriate expectations of him.
Moreover, the people Liang Hefeng mentioned were all highly skilled individuals. As a senior, Yan Yibing was willing to lend a helping hand to prevent them from taking unnecessary detours.
But ultimately, it depended on oneself.
“If I were to open my own club, I would definitely recruit you as a player. But I don’t have that ambition or energy. I’m sorry,” Yan Yibing said.
Liang Hefeng’s pupils slightly dilated, the intense black mixing with the darkness, concealing his emotions.
His lips cracked, peeling skin trembling in the night wind along with the fragmented leaves.
“My mom’s illness is so severe, partly because of you. You make me look useless in comparison. The first time my mom had a breakdown was the day you replaced me at Zero. My mom is pretty outstanding too, college-educated, and a senior executive. So she couldn’t stand how much better you were than me. Every time you appeared from childhood to adulthood, you were like a thorn in my mom’s heart. She would act so affectionate towards you, and I would get scolded badly when I returned home.
Why do you get to live so well? Why are you so lucky?
You’re so lucky, yet you refuse to help me. Do you know how painful it is to be friends with you? Sometimes, I wish you had never appeared in my life.”
Realizing that his plea was once again rejected, Liang Hefeng became incoherent and hysterical.
Spittle sprayed into the air, his cracked lips torn even wider, and he unconsciously shook the skis in his hand vigorously.
Yan Yibing closed his eyes.
He knew that after today, he and Liang Hefeng were completely finished.
But he didn’t feel too sad about it. It seemed that the length of a friendship didn’t matter much in the end.
Taking a few steps back, he said, “You need to calm down. I’m going back now.”
With that, Yan Yibing turned around without waiting for Liang Hefeng’s reaction and headed back.
As he walked, he reached into his pocket and took out his card. His mind was racing, thinking about how to explain this to Han Mo. The delivery took too long, and there wasn’t even a package.
Liang Hefeng watched Yan Yibing’s departing figure in a daze for a moment.
He realized that his outburst had been ignored.
His agitation seemed inconsequential to Yan Yibing.
He couldn’t stand this indifference. It was like punching into cotton, no sound heard, even if Yan Yibing were to get angry or scold him for it, wouldn’t that be better?
But Yan Yibing didn’t care at all.
He bitterly thought, if only Yan Yibing couldn’t play anymore, then he wouldn’t feel so unbalanced.
In fact, he had endured a lot. Yan Yibing should have retired long ago, years ago. If Yan Yibing had retired normally, he wouldn’t have felt so mentally unstable.
But he hadn’t.
Yan Yibing happened to be a genius among geniuses. Not only did he outshine him, but even many well-known players paled in comparison to Yan Yibing.
Why?
Yan Yibing had already received so much, so why did fate keep giving him more?
His professional career was almost non-existent, interrupted before it even began, and yet he received no compensation.
Gripping the ski board tightly, Liang Hefeng felt his blood boiling. His mind was in turmoil. Suddenly, he lifted the ski board and rushed toward Yan Yibing.
Yan Yibing had reached the entrance of the residential compound, scanning his card.
Liang Hefeng held his breath, his muscles tense and trembling. He suddenly raised the ski board and aimed it at Yan Yibing’s back.
With many cars coming and going into the compound, the sound of their wheels masked Liang Hefeng’s footsteps. Yan Yibing didn’t notice.
But as he opened the gate, ready to step inside, he suddenly heard an unusual sound of wind.
Years of professional experience had sharpened his ears. His heart skipped a beat, as if his body sensed something, causing goosebumps to rise on his back.
He turned around abruptly, only to see the heavy ski board coming down towards him.
Before he could react, a strong force suddenly came from the right and pulled him aside.
He almost stumbled and fell into someone’s arms.
Someone familiar.
As the ski board whistled past his nose and crashed heavily to the ground, bouncing up almost as high as his shin.
Yan Yibing, still in shock, widened his eyes and stared blankly at the ski board crashing to the ground.
Han Mo held Yan Yibing tightly, and in that moment, time seemed to freeze.
Thankfully, the ski board was heavy, making it inconvenient for Liang Hefeng to swing it. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have had time to pull Yan Yibing away.
Seeing that Yan Yibing was completely unharmed, a wave of relief washed over him at surviving such a close call, followed by boundless anger.
In fact, Han Mo followed shortly after Yan Yibing came out.
He saw Yan Yibing talking with Liang Hefeng, but he didn’t approach. Instead, he quietly lit a cigarette in the shadow of the tree.
He waited until Yan Yibing finished the conversation and then crushed the cigarette butt and toss it into the trash can before walking towards Yan Yibing.
He just wanted to catch up with him and let him know there was no need to hide such matters.
But soon he saw Liang Hefeng, holding a ski board, coming after them in large strides.
Han Mo realized something was wrong and immediately rushed towards Yan Yibing. At the critical moment, he pulled Yan Yibing away.
Yan Yibing leaned against Han Mo’s chest. He didn’t need to turn around to know who it was.
“Han Mo…”
He dared not imagine what the consequences would have been if Han Mo hadn’t been there to pull him away when the ski board came crashing towards him.
Would he have died?
Han Mo gritted his teeth, his eyes bloodshot. The fear of being close to death, which he had experienced while living on the edge, enveloped him like a storm. He had survived in the most unbearable environment, and he had never been a good person. Good people couldn’t survive in his kind of environment.
But times had changed, and he was willing to embrace a brighter life, to be closer to Yan Yibing’s life.
But this scene awakened the evil genes he had hidden for many years.
He couldn’t bear anyone hurting Yan Yibing, not even the thought of it.
Han Mo’s eyes turned cold as he stared at Liang Hefeng. He patted Yan Yibing’s back reassuringly, then suddenly stepped forward, lifted his foot, and stomped fiercely on the ski board. The force was so strong that Liang Hefeng immediately let go, his palms crushed by the edge of the ski board, leaving behind an unforgettable pain.
Liang Hefeng was also stunned.
He didn’t really want Yan Yibing to disappear.
He was just angry, caught up in the heat of the moment, and did something irrational.
Now that reason had returned, he was trembling with fear.
But before he could react, Han Mo bent down, picked up a tree branch from the stone floor without hesitation, and aimed it straight at Liang Hefeng’s eye.
His movements were clean and precise, much more skillful than Liang Hefeng’s.
With this jab, Liang Hefeng’s eyes would be ruined.
Liang Hefeng widened his eyes in horror, momentarily forgetting to dodge.
“Han Mo!”
Yan Yibing snapped out of his shock, his voice filled with anger and shock.
Han Mo paused, the tree branch didn’t pierce. Yan Yibing quickly rushed over, grabbed his hand, snapped the branch, and threw it aside.
“You’ve gone mad! It’s not worth it!”
This time it was a real jab. Whatever Liang Hefeng’s intentions were, Han Mo couldn’t undo it.
His career would be over.
The security guards in the residential compound, sensing trouble, also rushed over and quickly called the police.
Liang Hefeng was subdued by the residential compound security, and along with the ski board in a sorry state on the ground, was taken away by the police.
Yan Yibing was still trembling from the close call. He breathed heavily, tears of anger and fear in his eyes.
“What will you do by jabbing him? Are you trying to ruin yourself? Are you insane? We’re adults now! This is a civilized society! Are you in some gang war?”
Han Mo looked at Yan Yibing, his gaze softening from the previous ruthlessness in an instant.
He paused, lowered his head, and gently kissed Yan Yibing’s moist eyes.
“Scared you?”
“I didn’t really mean to hurt him, just to scare him.”
“I’ve seen many people like him. You weren’t injured, he’ll probably just be detained for a couple of days and released. But he’ll definitely come looking for trouble again in the future.”
“What you said about the rule of law makes sense, but it doesn’t apply to everyone. For those without moral boundaries, without emotional ties, you have to make them fear you so they won’t dare to touch you.”
“He really thought I was going to make a move just now.”
“Master, don’t cry, it hurts me to see you cry.”
After explaining, Han Mo kissed the other corner of Yan Yibing’s moist eyes.
Thank you for reading! 
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