It was Song Tang who saw Han Mo off in the end.
The two of them had come to Zero’s training camp together, trained together for over half a year, and later, Song Tang stayed while Han Mo left. Although the relationship between their two teams was currently tense, outside of their teams, they were just ordinary friends.
As they reached the door, Song Tang’s expression was still quite grim. Han Mo had insulted Yan Yibing in public, which was over the line. Moreover, the past was in the past, and it takes two to tango.
He couldn’t help but say, “Han Mo, to be honest, you’ve been doing well since you left Zero. You became a team captain directly, and your annual salary is over ten million. In just two years, you’ve surpassed the captain’s eight-year record. What grievances do you have? The captain has put up with you enough; don’t push it.”
Han Mo stopped in his tracks, smirked, and without bothering to explain, he reached into his pocket, pulled out a hundred yuan, and handed it to Song Tang.
Song Tang snorted coldly, glancing at his pocket and maintaining a stern expression. “Save it. Do you think you can buy me off with a hundred yuan? Bing Shen is my captain; you’re nothing!”
Han Mo glanced at him and bluntly said, “Go buy a tube of scar removal cream for Yan Yibing. Scars don’t look good.”
Yan Yibing’s scar had just scabbed over, making it the perfect time to use scar removal cream. For someone as particular about their body as he was, having scars on his most cherished hands was unacceptable.
But that person clearly had no knowledge about scar removal.
Song Tang’s mouth twitched, and he couldn’t help but snap, “Are you crazy? It’s normal for a man to have some scars. Besides, our captain has nothing to do with you, right? Are you pretending to care now?”
Han Mo squinted his eyes, rubbing his wrist with his thumb. After a moment, he spoke, his tone chilling, “Even if he has an injury, it can only be from me. Others are not worthy.”
Song Tang couldn’t help but “pftt” loudly, “Our captain got injured from a tree branch, and you’re off pulling willow branches1you’re off pulling willow branches is used as a metaphorical expression to criticize or mock someone for doing something foolish or irrelevant. , you idiot.”
Han Mo gave him a look that said he thought Song Tang was an idiot, “Only you believe that.”
Song Tang furrowed his brows. “What do you mean?”
“Nothing.”
A car from the Prince club was waiting at the door. When the driver saw Han Mo, he quickly opened the door.
Han Mo bent over and got in.
Song Tang stood at the club’s entrance, hands in his pockets, and touched the brand-new hundred yuan bill.
It was crisp and made a sharp sound when he pinched it.
He remembered the way Yan Yibing got scolded by the team doctor for sticking six Band-Aids on a wound and suddenly felt uncertain.
Could it really not be from a tree branch?
Was it necessary for the captain to lie to them? Han Mo had been gone for two years; he knew nothing!
Sitting in the backseat of the car, Han Mo’s eyes swept over the familiar gates of the Zero base, and he felt a bit lost for a moment.
He spread his palm, gently caressed the small golden gun that felt heavy, and slowly closed his fingers around it. Then, he raised it to his nose and took a light sniff.
The scent of aloe vera was faint but still there.
—
“Huff…” The water in the basin splashed as it was disturbed.
Yan Yibing rubbed his face vigorously, and droplets of water fell into the basin, wetting his long eyelashes and causing them to clump together.
His sleeves were not rolled up high enough, and the water from his palms slid down his fair wrist, soaking the cuffs of his sleeves.
He frowned, and shook his sleeves, but the water from his chin trickled down his Adam’s apple and slid toward his chest.
The team manager, Sun Tianjiao2孙天娇 , held a public opinion report, stood beside Yan Yibing, and carefully pursed his lips.
“Zuzong3Zuzong: “祖宗” (zǔzōng) typically refers to one’s ancestors or forefathers. However, in the context of the provided text where Sun Tianjiao addresses Yan Yibing as “祖宗,” it is being used colloquially and informally to mean something like “buddy,” “pal,” or “dude” in English. It’s a casual and friendly way of addressing someone in conversation. , are you okay?”
Sun Tianjiao’s original name was Sun Tianjiao4孙天骄 , but a mistake was made when his name was registered at the police station. A single-letter difference led to a twenty-year mix-up.
Yan Yibing shook his head and reached for a tissue to wipe his face.
He had quite some strength, and his nose had turned red from the vigorous rubbing.
“You looking for me?” Yan Yibing raised his eyes, curled his lips, and regained his lazy appearance.
Sun Tianjiao playfully nudged Yan Yibing’s arm with his shoulder, causing the report in his hand to shake. “Originally, it wasn’t a very important leaderboard, but since someone surpassed it, the fans are feeling a bit aggrieved. Plus, you haven’t done a live broadcast in a long time. Go out there and comfort them, Zuzong~”
After speaking, Sun Tianjiao winked.
Yan Yibing wrinkled his brow. “Don’t disgust me; I’m completely straight.”
Sun Tianjiao rolled his eyes and persistently pestered him. “And those barrage coaches, today they nearly scolded the club to death. They said our coaches are neglecting their duties, and hindering you from earning points. The coaches are going crazy.”
“Well, it’s good that the fans care about me,” Yan Yibing said with satisfaction, licking his lips.
Sun Tianjiao pushed up his glasses and added, “Hmph, you think they didn’t scold you? They’ve cursed you so much on the forums that even your mother wouldn’t recognize you.”
Yan Yibing left the restroom and headed toward the training room. “It’s good if my mom doesn’t recognize me. In her life, there’s only one trouble – arranging blind dates for me.”
Curious, Sun Tianjiao asked, “Oh, the university professor from last time failed again?”
“…As soon as they hear that I’m a professional gamer, they bail out. I didn’t even get a chance to tell them I own several properties,” Yan Yibing said, sounding disheartened.
Sun Tianjiao clicked his tongue. “Tsk, tsk, tsk… pitiful.”
Yan Yibing replied, “…Heh.”
That evening, Yan Yibing made a long-awaited appearance on the official Zero livestream.
He didn’t use his main or secondary accounts but instead asked Sun Tianjiao for a sub-account with less than 1,000 points.
Fans didn’t come to watch livestreams for torture; they preferred watching their favorite players enjoy themselves. Professional players usually trained intensely, so they didn’t want to expend too much mental energy during commercial broadcasts. That’s why they chose lower-tier fish fry matches.5fish fry matches:”炸鱼” (zhàyú), which is a term used to describe simple, casual, and non-competitive games.
In the livestream room, netizens who were fond of instructing and commenting from a godly perspective, were playfully called “barrage coaches.”
Most professional players were annoyed by barrage coaches since the worse they were at the game, the harsher their criticisms, and if you asked them to show their skills, they’d report you for insulting their dignity.
Most professional players disliked barrage coaches. The less skilled they were, the harsher their criticism, and if you asked them to perform live, they’d report you for a personal attack.
But Yan Yibing didn’t mind them.
His years of service had taught him that the harsher the criticism, the more genuine the feelings, and the more genuine the feelings, the more money they’d spend.
Who couldn’t be reconciled with money?
As soon as the camera turned on, Yan Yibing adjusted his headphones and glanced at the screen.
Fans immediately felt the impact of his looks.
【I can’t help but scream; what a face!】
【Wuwuwu, even without beauty filters, he looks like this. I’m so jealous of my father.】
【Shouldn’t this face be rewarded with a spaceship, rich sisters?】
【Bing Shen, how about trying some bunny ears next time? I’ll send four spaceships for that!】
Yan Yibing pursed his lips, his eyes curving as he lazily responded, “Wait a moment, I’ll change my skin to something cooler that you all like.”
He was the most beloved esports player on the streaming platform. His temper was good, he was gentle, and he knew how to entertain. It was as if he was always calm and never exploded.
So the platform was willing to give up 10% of the earnings to sign a contract with him.
Yan Yibing switched to a skin that his female fans liked, twisted open a bottle of mineral water, and took a sip.
The packaging of the mineral water had already been torn off; the other party hadn’t paid for advertising.
The fans’ barrage of messages was lightning fast. Yan Yibing glanced at the barrage assistant and took the opportunity to answer some fan questions.
【Ge, we’re not beauty streamers. Aren’t you going to show some response to losing your rank?】
Yan Yibing scanned the message and replied casually, “What? Should I kneel down for everyone?”
【How did you feel when Han Mo overtook you? When are you planning to overtake him back?】
Yan Yibing twisted the bottle cap back on. “I’m not bothered by it. I don’t plan on overtaking him. That leaderboard is outdated.”
【Is it true that you and Han Shen have fallen out? Was his recent move intentional? Are you just going to endure it?】
Yan Yibing’s eyelids twitched, and he averted his gaze. “Let’s go for an island map this time. Are we dropping at R City? Let me check the flight path.”
Meanwhile, at the Prince Club.
Commander6Commander: “指挥” (zhǐhuī) refers to the role of a “commander” or “strategist.” The commander is typically a key member of a competitive PUBG team responsible for making tactical decisions, coordinating the team’s movements, and devising strategies during matches Xiao Nuo tried to persuade Han Mo, “Captain, the fans have been celebrating you in the super topic all day. How about doing a livestream to give back to the fans?”
Han Mo played with the small golden gun in his hand for a moment and said absentmindedly, “The exhibition match is about to start. I don’t have time.”
The league held a PUBG exhibition match every two years, inviting major domestic teams to participate. Although it was promoted as “friendship first, competition second,” each team had its rival. The exhibition match was a large-scale fan showdown every year.
The fans took it seriously, and the players dared not slack off, so they had already increased their practice sessions these days.
Xiao Nuo said, “Just one round, at least. You’ve become the number one on the leaderboard; you should at least acknowledge it.”
Although Han Mo was the captain of the Prince team, Xiao Nuo was in charge of all the team’s affairs, and he was more thorough than Han Mo in handling things.
Han Mo frowned, put away the small golden gun, and logged into the game.
He wasn’t used to interacting with fans during his livestreams, and he didn’t enable the barrage assistant either.
The fans flooded the chat with congratulations, showering him with rainbow-colored praise, but he didn’t see any of it.
He directly logged into his publicly known alternate account – momotwo.
“Let’s play a round on the island. I’ve been busy lately, see you at the exhibition match.”
He didn’t waste time and didn’t bother changing his skin; he simply logged into the game and quickly entered the matchmaking queue.
For esports pros at the pinnacle of their careers, casual games like fish fry were too childish to be taken seriously, so Han Mo didn’t pay it any mind.
In another livestream room, Yan Yibing landed in R City.
At least ten other people landed in R City simultaneously.
His room had an unfriendly loot, and after searching, he could only find a Thompson submachine gun. Just as he was about to change rooms, he heard footsteps outside.
Yan Yibing paused.
Someone had entered his house, but their footsteps suddenly vanished. Evidently, they had also noticed that someone was here and were observing.
“Ah, not even a good gun.”
Yan Yibing appeared frustrated, but there was a nonchalant smile on his face.
He picked up the gun and leaped out of the window, quickly moving to the door. From behind, he ambushed the intruder, knocking them down.
“Tsk, an S686? You scared the hell out of me.”
【Is this a bot? Too weak!】
【In games with less than 1,000 points, they’re all noobs. Stop frying fish and let Bing Shen play high-level matches on his main account.】
【Is this what they call using a sledgehammer to crack a nut?】
【S686 got destroyed by a Thompson. Amazing! The footsteps in the drop location were so loud, yet they dared to drop in R City. Seems like they’re not very wise. 】
Yan Yibing envied the high damage of the gun the other person picked up, but he didn’t bother to check the loot.
The game was already a cakewalk, and not adding a bit of challenge to it would be boring.
He carried the Thompson and strolled around R City.
The only advantage of this gun was its high magazine capacity. After roaming half of R City, he had taken down four people and took a sip of his drink.
In this game, he was in the “Wrath of Heaven Circle,” and the distance to run was quite long. Yan Yibing searched for a vehicle while keeping an eye on the barrage.
After a quick glance, he furrowed his brows slightly.
The barrage was flooded with an explosive message.
【Damn, brothers and sisters, am I blind? Don’t you all think that Bing Shen and Cold Dog7“寒狗” (Hán gǒu) is an internet slang term that can be translated to “Cold Dog” in English. It’s often used as a somewhat playful or teasing nickname, typically referring to someone who is seen as being “cold” or unemotional, especially in a humorous or self-deprecating manner. are in the same game!】
【Huh? Is Cold Dog also live streaming?】
【Damn, it’s true! The shrinking circle is identical, and Han Shen is in the anti-aircraft bunker!】
【Cold Dog in the Destiny Circle, Bing Shen in the Wrath of Heaven Circle, even the maps are conspiring against us!】
【So exciting, I love this showdown! 】
【ICE, let’s go!】
Yan Yibing’s nonchalant smile gradually disappeared from his face.
Thankfully, he was used to reading the barrage. Otherwise, playing so carelessly could easily get him eliminated by Han Mo.
The fans in the livestream room quickly noticed that Yan Yibing’s pace had changed.
【Holy Sh*t, Bing Shen dropped the Thompson and picked up a Kar98k with an eight-time scope!】
【He even attached a cheek pad and a suppressor!】
【Level 2 helmet and level 3 vest, he must have read the barrage. This guy is taking it seriously! 】
【I’m fired up! Kar98k with a compensator, this is the rhythm of a professional match!】
Yan Yibing’s eyelids creased, and his rosy lips tightened.
After securing ten kills, he continued running in the circle.
Not far away was the anti-aircraft bunker that always refreshed in the center of the circle.
Yan Yibing’s throat tightened slightly. He crouched behind a hill, chambered a round, and equipped the eight-time scope.
Was the little brat still in the anti-aircraft bunker?
Maybe not, as the bunker was rather empty and didn’t offer much loot.
But then he thought again. He couldn’t be bothered to pick up guns and loot houses, so Han Mo was probably the same.
It had been the Destiny Circle all along, and that brat’s game didn’t seem very exciting.
Yan Yibing aimed through the scope and scanned the area carefully, but he didn’t get to look at the entire map before…
The next moment,
Bang!
A bullet hit him, causing his health to drop by a substantial amount.
Luckily, he was wearing a level three vest, so the damage wasn’t too severe.
Yan Yibing reacted quickly, swiftly retreating from the hill as several bullets exploded behind him, missing their mark.
His keen senses detected movement in the distant bushes.
Yan Yibing jumped forward, without aiming, adjusted his positioning, and moved like a target, firing at the opponent.
A green haze appeared, and the opponent quickly took cover behind a tree, seemingly injured and preparing to heal.
Yan Yibing squinted his eyes and charged forward.
As they closed the distance, he switched to his shotgun and confronted the opponent head-on.
The shotgun, true to its reputation, had devastating close-range damage, and Yan Yibing managed to down the opponent, leaving them with only half their health.
【qwertyuiop killed momotwo with a U686 shotgun】
Yan Yibing’s livestream room erupted in excitement!
【Hahahahahahahahahahaha! Damn! Your ice daddy will always be your ice daddy! 】
【Is Cold Dog crying? Is Cold Dog going crazy? Prince fans, keep celebrating!】
【Tsk tsk, boasting during the day and getting a lesson in the evening. I hope Cold Dog is okay.】
【Brother, it’s the Hope Project again.】
Seeing the darkened screen, Han Mo raised an eyebrow slightly.
He turned to Xiao Nuo and said, “Who’s this jumbled text? Good awareness, dodging my shots, have the Youth Training Camp contact them.”
Nowadays, all the teams are facing a shortage of talent, and Prince is no exception.
Xiao Nuo was also taken aback.
He thought with Han Mo’s skill level, getting a Chicken Dinner was a sure thing. A quick win would have been enough to please the fans.
But unexpectedly, he lost.
It was normal to lose; even professional players couldn’t win every game while streaming.
But losing to an unknown player with less than a thousand points and no recognizable name was somewhat embarrassing.
“Wait a minute, Captain, take a look at the barrage.”
Only then did Han Mo open the barrage assistant.
Prince fans were in a frenzy.
【Han Shen! Yan Yibing is in this match!】
【Damn, Han Shen, are you guys going to clash!】
【Han Shen, wake up! Quickly switch to a better gun! The opponent has a Kar98K with a compensator!】
【What the heck, stop spamming the barrage! 】
【Sob, my husband got killed. 】
【Zero fans are going wild again; this is too painful. 】
【You were just a trainee back then, you can’t look down on this random player. It’s Bing Shen; you were taught by him. 】
【I’m quickly posting this on the ‘Douban Social Death’ group. 】
“Yan Yibing,” Han Mo muttered as he looked at the barrage.
The livestream platform prohibited smoking, so Han Mo reached for a piece of peppermint candy.
He unwrapped it and popped it into his mouth.
Sweet and spicy, just like that person.
His eyes darkened as he rolled the candy around in his mouth. Then, with a gentle bite, he easily crushed it and swallowed it.
Elegantly packaged candies were akin to pampered and delicate skin. The fierier the personality, the sweeter the bite.
“My master, you really got me this time.”
Fans were shocked to witness Han Mo, for the first time during a livestream, curve his lips into a smile.
Author’s Message:
Han Mo: My master still tastes sweet, so I couldn’t help but take a bite.
Thank you for reading! 
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