DSF Chapter 35

Han Mo stood in the corridor, taking a light drag from the cigarette between his lips.

The rich green-orange flavor instantly filled his mouth. The orange flavor was tangy, and slightly bitter at first, followed by a hint of sweetness.

He squinted his eyes and slightly curled his index finger, the long and slender fingers casting a hazy shadow on the top of the screen, rubbing his fingertips over the Moments interface over and over again.

When under intense competition pressure or experiencing emotional instability, Han Mo would smoke. However, this situation wasn’t common. The most intense period of smoking for him was when he left Zero until his mother passed away.

If it weren’t for esports holding him up, he didn’t know how far he could have fallen.

In these two years, occasionally… for the sake of his mental well-being.

This was the first time Yan Yibing had left a message for him in the past two years. Moreover, Yan Yibing was unaware that he set it to【visible only to you】

Even under the assumption that everyone could see it, Yan Yibing still left him a message.

Han Mo’s heart skipped a beat. In the quiet corridor, he seemed to hear the sound within his chest.

He knew, his heart was genuinely moved.

Even though Yan Yibing had been ruthless to him, even though Yan Yibing was a straight guy with no other thoughts about him.

He was still hopeless…

Han Mo sneered lightly, a hint of dark color emerging in his eyes, but the movement of his hand remained gentle.

“Captain, why are you here, I’ve been looking for you for a while,” Xiao Nuo jogged over and slowed down only when he got close.

Han Mo’s eyes trembled slightly, hiding his emotions, his voice slightly hoarse from the scent of green oranges. “What’s the matter?”

“Lemon said she messaged you on WeChat, but you haven’t replied. She got worried and called me.”

Han Mo had been staring blankly at Yan Yibing’s message, completely… neglecting other people’s messages.

He frowned, directly exiting Moments. It was only then that he saw Lemon had sent him over a dozen messages, even making a video call.

“Congratulations, Han Shen, on finally winning the championship! Should we celebrate together? ”

“Hahaha, just kidding. What kind of celebration is the club planning? All the water friends in my livestream are praising you.”

“Uh… Is Han Shen still busy, or maybe too tired and sleeping?”

“Do you want to go out and sing karaoke this weekend? It would be so relaxing.”

“Han Shen, reply to me when you have time, let’s discuss live streaming and product endorsements [rose/]”

“Why are you so busy? You’re not going with your girlfriend, are you? [angry/]”

“Reply to me quickly, don’t take advantage of being young to do whatever you want [knock knock/]”

Han Mo started to read the messages seriously, but the more he read, the deeper his frown became. In the end, he simply cleared the chat interface.

Xiao Nuo smiled mysteriously, “Lemon, the beauty, seems to be interested in you, Captain. She kept asking about you when she called the manager just now. Fortunately, the manager is smart; he said you’ve been on a break recently and basically not paying attention to work.”

Han Mo coldly said, “When will we collaborate? Can we not accept this kind of collaboration in the future?”

Xiao Nuo shrugged, looking like he was gloating that it had nothing to do with him, “This is arranged by the main sponsor’s dad, we can’t say anything about it.”

Han Mo nodded impatiently, “Got it.”

He crushed the remaining cigarette butt into the trash can, took a light breath, his double eyelids drooping slightly, and walked briskly towards the meeting room.

Lemon answered the video call and found Han Mo appearing in front of the camera. Her eyes instantly lit up, her long eyelashes trembling slightly, a hint of shyness in her eyes.

“Han Mo, long time no see.”

The next moment, Han Mo turned the camera to Xiao Nuo, saying, “This is our team’s manager. If you have anything, you can talk to him.”

Lemon’s smile on her face froze slightly, and she reluctantly said, “Okay.”

She knew that Han Mo had a cold personality, arrogant and cocky, and because of his young age, he never thought about things between men and women, but she liked this kind of guy.

Actually, the more aloof and hard-to-get, the more clingy and dedicated they become once caught. Lemon believed that with her looks and status in the livestreaming industry, once Han Mo realized it, he would be moved.

“It’s like this, we discussed with the main sponsor’s dad. This weekend happens to be Children’s Day. We can take this opportunity to hold some fan appreciation events. Prince and I can have different activities, and fans can choose according to their preferences.” Lemon’s voice sounded sweet and coquettish, more so than when commentating matches, probably because Han Mo was present, and she couldn’t help but want to appear younger.

Xiao Nuo was polite, “Sounds good. Let’s first survey the fans online to see what kind of merch they want.”

Lemon added, “Hmm, and in the livestream, we might do some small games. Is that okay?”

Xiao Nuo glanced at Han Mo, who showed no reaction.

Xiao Nuo: “Sure, but don’t make it too hard. Besides PUBG, we’re not good at anything else.”

Lemon: “Haha, it’s not difficult. You guys will definitely get the hang of it.” After saying that, Lemon winked playfully.

Han Mo shifted his gaze away, idly playing with his watch. The dial was sleek, and the golden hands gleamed with a calm luster under the lights.

After completing the process with Lemon, Xiao Nuo let out a long sigh, lazily leaning back in his chair, shaking his legs without any decorum.

He muttered under his breath, “Damn, it’s so awkward. I don’t even know what to say. Her voice is as if she stuffed a sheep in her throat.”

Chen Zefeng chimed in, “Honestly, I think her voice is much worse than Little Wildcat’s, alas, Little Wildcat has such a pleasant voice. I’ve never seen such a sweet girl, no, guy.”

Han Mo glanced at him, “Still thinking about Little Wildcat?”

Chen Zefeng scratched his head, blushing, “Not really, I just appreciate good sound.”

Han Mo said, “Stop thinking about it and think more about Lemon.”

Chen Zefeng aggrievedly said, “Lemon clearly likes you. Do you think it’s useful?”

Han Mo replied, “I don’t like her.”

On the weekend, following the brand’s request, Han Mo wore a short-sleeved T-shirt. The T-shirt was pure black, adorned with the logo of Prince. He took off his usual watch, replacing it with the brand’s sports wristband.

According to the contract, he had to wear the sports wristband all the time for the next six months to facilitate promotional activities for the product.

The manager looked at Han Mo’s face in the mirror and couldn’t help but exclaim, “Handsome, so damn handsome! What kind of telepathy did I have back then to sign you? I don’t know whose little girl will benefit from it in the future.”

Han Mo had fair skin and jet-black hair with a slight hint of dark blue highlights. His eyes were slender and thin, with a faint double eyelid. When he raised his eyes, the eyelids folded, and his expression was inexplicably deep and cold.

Young people didn’t need much exercise to maintain a good physique. The contours of muscles were faintly visible on his exposed forearms, but it was a comfortable and attractive sight.

Wearing the ordinary team uniform made him look like a professional model. The team’s peripheral sales every year relied on Han Mo’s sex appeal.

“Enough with the compliments, is there anything else?” Han Mo was a little impatient because he was dressed up. Normally, he didn’t wear makeup for appearances, but this time, the main sponsor was a big one, so the manager asked him to highlight his features a bit.

“Okay, okay, the main thing is to highlight the bracelet. Lift your hand more and showcase it for the fans.”

The manager hugged him, and the group headed out to the business car.

Lemon had her own dedicated livestreaming studio, and unlike before, she had decorated the background to be more warm and cute.

Upon meeting, Lemon warmly greeted them. She was petite, and compared to these esports players, she had to tilt her head up to look at them.

“I finally see the champions again. I haven’t formally congratulated you yet. This is a gift I prepared for you.”

Lemon had the staff bring four exquisitely packaged boxes. She handed them out one by one. When it came to Han Mo’s hands, she subtly avoided eye contact, and her mouth lifted into a small smile. Only Han Mo’s box carried the scent of a cold plum cologne.

The other three boxes didn’t have any fragrances.

The intention behind gifting men perfume was obvious—she hoped they would spray it on themselves and always keep what she gave.

But Han Mo just nodded slightly and handed the gift to the manager.

“When does the live stream start?”

Lemon hadn’t fully recovered from her regret and hastily regained composure, stuttering, “Now… it’s starting now.”

Everyone took their designated seats. Han Mo had to get close to Lemon since he was the signature of Prince, and needed to be closest to the camera. Lemon, as the host, also needed to occupy one-third of the frame.

It was the first time Lemon was so close to Han Mo.

Han Mo had a cold personality, but there was a youthful warmth about him, and he looked very clean, with a faint scent of mild laundry detergent on his clothes.

Lemon was lost in thought as she swallowed her saliva.

She started the livestream with a sweet smile.

“Fans, you’ve been waiting for a long time, haven’t you? First of all, Happy Children’s Day to all of you. No matter how old you are, you are all my little friends. Today is truly an honor. We have invited the champions of Prince to be guests in the livestream room. Let’s welcome Han Mo, Xiao Nuo, Chen Zefeng, and Mo Bei!”

【Ah ah ah ah ah hubby! You look so handsome today, and you dyed your hair dark blue. I beg for a semi-permanent dark blue!】

【Han Shen is so handsome, PCL heavenly beauty!】

【Wuwuwu who can believe this face is on an esports player?】

【Hubby, I am a man and I love you!】

Han Mo’s peripheral vision caught this barrage, and he visibly wrinkled his brows in disdain.

【Hahaha, male fans, get lost. Mo Mo doesn’t like men!】

【ying ying ying,¹嘤嘤嘤(Yīng yīng yīng):the sound of someone crying or whimpering. It’s often used online to convey a whining or complaining tone. so sad, what’s wrong with men!】

【Mo Mo doesn’t need to say anything, just sit there quietly and show your face. Mom’s buying everything!】

Lemon sweetly smiled, “Hahahaha, today, it’s not just Han Shen who is good-looking. We also have this product we’re introducing, the Aisi sports wristband. It is extremely good-looking, super stylish, and not inferior to Swiss watches at all. Moreover, today is Children’s Day, and Han Shen and I have brought you some great benefits!”

Han Mo thought of the manager’s instructions and cooperatively lifted the wristband, waving it in front of the camera.

【Fuck, hubby’s hand! The hand of the esports player!】

【So long, so beautiful! Even the wrist bones are beautiful.】

【Huh, am I seeing things? There’s a faint mark on the back of his hand. Was he injured?】

Han Mo lightly stroked the back of his hand, pulling his lips imperceptibly. “Yeah, accidentally scratched it.”

【Why is it always just a scratch? Some time ago, Bing Shen also said that he was scratched. Esports players should pay attention to protecting their hands!】

【Can Han Shen’s livestream not mention Yan Yibing? Annoying. What does Han Shen’s scratched hand have to do with him.】

【Zero and Prince’s double-bias fans, these idiot forks can disappear.】

Seeing the conversation heading towards a quarrel, Lemon quickly redirected the topic, “Oh, and by the way, this sports wristband can monitor your heart rate in real time. If it suddenly accelerates, it will make a sound. So, if you encounter someone you’re interested in, it’s a good way to give a hint!”

【What kind of sound is that? If it’s harsh, isn’t it awkward?】

Lemon hurriedly explained, “No, it’s a very soft heartbeat sound, very delicate and pleasant, like… this.”

She stole a glance at Han Mo from the corner of her eye, seeing him seriously reading the barrage, his profile facing her, the contour of his Adam’s apple prominent.

Taking advantage of the promotional opportunity, Lemon boldly approached Han Mo.

She leaned in, her chin slightly raised, and her lips almost touched Han Mo’s ear.

Any guy would be unable to resist her being so close, and Han Mo was no exception.

But Han Mo caught a whiff of a strong fragrance and instinctively moved away.

He frowned and looked at Lemon displeased, “What are you doing?”

Lemon froze, and awkwardly looked at the sports wristband on Han Mo’s wrist.

Just now, the wristband didn’t make a sound.

【??? What does that mean? Does she think Mo Mo heart will beat faster because of her?】

【Oh my god, someone excavated an Angkor Wat relic.】

【Mo Mo must be speechless. The first time encountered such an active female anchor.】

【What’s wrong with Lemon? Wasn’t she quite arrogant before? Did she take the wrong medicine today?】

Lemon stiffly explained, “Just now, it was just a small game. Don’t take it seriously. I didn’t tell Han Shen beforehand to surprise him! I didn’t expect him to be so calm, not scared at all.”

Lemon became even more embarrassed as her own wristband rang when she was nervous.

Although Han Mo didn’t say much on the surface, he clearly didn’t like Lemon’s actions.

In the rest of the livestream, he tried his best to cooperate, but as soon as it ended, he quickly got up and left without looking back.

Xiao Nuo was also speechless. He patted Han Mo’s shoulder and said, “Captain, I really didn’t know she meant this kind of game.”

“It’s okay; I’m tired. I’ll go home first.” After Han Mo said that, he hunched over and sat in the car.

He rarely spoke so much, and he felt a bit parched.

Sitting in the car, he casually looked at the city night view as the car headed towards the villa area.

Once home, Han Mo casually tossed the bottle of perfume that Lemon gave him aside and reached to turn on the light. He pressed it, but it didn’t light up.

The house was pitch dark, and his eyes hadn’t adjusted to such darkness.

He frowned, and toggled the switch a few more times, finally confirming that it was a problem with the light bulb.

His house was only lightly decorated, not so luxurious, considering he rarely came back to stay.

Moreover, such a large villa, with only him, felt too desolate.

If he had known, he wouldn’t have come back today.

Han Mo sighed, pocketed his phone, and went out.

He still remembered the store’s location from last time; they should have light bulbs there.

Han Mo went downstairs, walking along the gravel road in the villa area.

The public facilities in the villa area were very well constructed, with various sports fields, a children’s playground, a gym, and an outdoor swimming pool.

The road he was walking on happened to pass by the side of the outdoor swimming pool.

Now that the weather has turned hot, especially these past few days, the nighttime temperature has reached twenty-eight or twenty-nine degrees, making it perfect for swimming.

Just as Han Mo had walked halfway down the gravel road, someone walked out from the dense woods in front of him.

He casually raised his eyes and suddenly stopped, his lips tightening, his eyes deepening, and his throat becoming even drier.

Yan Yibing rarely went out for a swim. His eyes were particularly sensitive due to prolonged exposure to the computer screen, so he usually chose to exercise at night.

Today happened to be hot, so he came down wearing swim trunks, draped in a towel and swam for an hour. Only when he saw more people did he decide to leave.

Walking on the small gravel road hidden in the lush woods, the air was filled with the fresh scent of grass.

He wiped his face with the towel, but water continued to drip slowly from his hair and body, breaking free from his warmth.

The bright streetlights elongated his shadow, also illuminating his tight and fair skin.

Yan Yibing looked up, and ran his fingers through his damp, semi-long hair. Droplets clung to his Adam’s apple, revealing its contours.

There was also the half-exposed collarbone and the nape, with a faint shadow between the collarbones that he didn’t manage to cover.

A delicate necklace adorned his neck, very thin, with a teardrop-shaped pendant quietly resting on his neckline.

At a glance, he saw the well-dressed and composed figure of Han Mo.

Yan Yibing: “…” Damn, really unlucky.

Yan Yibing pretended to be nonchalant, “Hey, is Han Shen here to swim too?”

Han Mo stared at him, remaining silent for a while.

Yan Yibing couldn’t understand that gaze, feeling a bit uneasy.

Yan Yibing continued, somewhat impatiently, “I’m in a hurry to get home and change. I’ll go first.”

The gravel road was narrow, surrounded by damp soil. As they passed each other, Han Mo caught a whiff of a milky fragrance mixed with water vapor.

His actions were faster than his thoughts. He grabbed Yan Yibing’s wrist.

The next moment, the sports wristband vibrated uncontrollably.

Dong dong dong…

The gentle and steady heartbeat echoed in the narrow grove. Both of them could hear it clearly. The sports wristband emitted an ambiguous rosy light, which also fell on Yan Yibing’s moist hand.

---

Author’s Message:

Han Mo: It smells so good, do you drink milk before swimming?

---

Thank you for reading! 

Hope you enjoy the rest of your day 🍀

If you like reading my translations, do consider supporting me with ko-fi🌼

• 1
  嘤嘤嘤(Yīng yīng yīng):the sound of someone crying or whimpering. It’s often used online to convey a whining or complaining tone.