DSF Chapter 65

Having been sick at home for two days, Yan Yibing seemed to have become accustomed to coexisting with a high fever.

During the day, with a housekeeper at home and Han Mo not around often, Yan Yibing couldn’t wait and eagerly turned on the computer to log into the game.

It had been several days since he last touched a mouse and keyboard. He was afraid he might lose his touch, which would cause his speed and reflexes to lag behind others.

Being the oldest in age, and others not wanting to blame him, if he really performed poorly, he could only apologize by dying in the game.

He applied the ice pack, selected solo mode, and directly logged into the Korean server with his high-ranked account.

He wasn’t afraid of being recognized; embarrassment now was nothing compared to the humiliation on the battlefield.

In the first match, unfortunately, it was a doomed circle.

Yan Yibing got ten kills and entered the circle. When he drove to loot a slope, he was sandwiched between two parties. He took out the one in front but was finished off by the one behind, ultimately ranking eighth.

Staring at the glaring rank and score, he truly wanted to take a smoke break to calm down.

But his current physical condition probably couldn’t support such agitation.

After a while, Yan Yibing started another round.

This match went smoothly, securing eighteen kills and a chicken dinner. There were a few reckless players who came to engage in a gunfight, but he managed to counter-kill them all.

In the third round, in the final circle, he had a bad position. Since he had no teammates to support him, he played very cautiously.

The skill level of the players in the room was quite good; Yan Yibing managed to dodge several grenades. In the end, he gritted his teeth and rushed in to confront them head-on.

Fortunately, he saved some ammo for the final moment. One last burst and he broke through the opponent’s armor.

Gradually, his touch came back.

He sighed with relief, rubbed the sore lump on his ear, and started the fourth round.

He acknowledged that he wasn’t the most hardworking in the esports circle, but he never considered himself superior just because of his talent.

Top players reached their level through lengthy training sessions, and he was no exception.

The sunlight was scorching, and the temperature in Magic City soared to its highest this year.

At noon, Han Mo was summoned to the club.

On the way, Yu Yan called him, subtly inquiring about Yan Yibing’s condition.

Han Mo calmly said, “He is recovering very well. He should be better in two days. Just to be safe, it’s better not to meet.”

After a pause, Yu Yan whispered, “I didn’t expect you to help take care of him in the end. Thanks.”

Han Mo replied, “It should be.”

Yu Yan didn’t think too much about the meaning of ‘it should be’ and hung up with a smile.

Back at the club, Han Mo hung his coat on the rack, tilted his head back to take a few sips of mineral water, wiped away the thin sweat, and asked, “Why did you urgently call me over?”

Ding Jun scrutinized Han Mo’s face, looking left and right, trying to discern a hint of romantic interest.

Unfortunately, there was none.

“No, seriously, are you pursuing someone recently?” Ding Jun asked, furrowing his brows.

Han Mo didn’t hide it and nodded, “Yes, I am.”

Ding Jun frowned, “When pursuing a girl, you should give gifts, accompany her for meals, shopping, and movies. When do you have time for all that?”

Han Mo glanced at him, pulled out a chair, and sat down, “Don’t worry, this person doesn’t need all that, and I won’t let it interfere with training.”

Because Yan Yibing was more eager to train than he was.

Ding Jun didn’t believe it, sneered, and said, “Come on, if you don’t accompany her for anything, what does she want from you?”

Han Mo didn’t explain much, simply saying, “You can rest assured.”

Ding Jun scratched his head, clicked his tongue, and insinuated, “I’m certainly not against you guys dating. It’s normal at your age, but you must understand that if someone likes you, it’s probably because of your success. So, career is the most important thing.”

Han Mo lowered his eyes, and chuckled, “My achievements probably mean nothing to that person.”

Ding Jun clicked his tongue again, “Tsk, she’s not still a rich young lady, is she?

Han Mo contemplated meaningfully for a moment, “He’s rich and can be considered a young lady.”

Ding Jun quipped, “Well, that’s going to be hard to chase. In any case, keep a calm mindset. If it doesn’t work out, don’t be upset.”

Han Mo closed his eyes, “You called me here just to talk about this?”

Ding Jun smiled, “How can it be? It’s just that the new kid on the team wants to meet you.”

Han Mo said, “Meet me? Didn’t we meet during the interview?”

Ding Jun said, “Although he’s on a probationary period, I definitely want to sign him. He’s young, and his talent is not bad. But right now, the first team has no spots available, so I’ll let him stay in the second team for the probation period and then see.”

The professional gaming scene can be very ruthless.

Experienced players signing contracts with clubs usually follow a one-year term. At the end of the year, whether they continue playing together depends on various factors. Sometimes, it’s the team wanting to retain a player, but the player finds a better opportunity elsewhere. Other times, the player wishes to stay, while the team scouts for stronger replacements.

Under such pressure, if one doesn’t progress, they’ll quickly be replaced.

Currently, the least-known player in Prince’s first team is Mo Bei.

Though he’s around the same age as Han Mo, he entered the scene later and doesn’t possess exceptional talent. His skills are adequate, but clearly, Ding Jun believes the newcomer is better.

Ding Jun mentioned seeing a shadow of Han Mo’s early years in this newcomer. Although temporarily placed in Team Two, if this young player performs well there, by the time the transfer period arrives, he’ll likely replace Mo Bei.

Han Mo, while finding this survival-of-the-fittest system cruel, knew they all climbed on the shoulders of those who came before them, with no exceptions.

“Fine, let’s see how he performs.” Han Mo wasn’t particularly concerned about things that hadn’t happened yet.

Moreover, the league’s policies had recently changed, disallowing minors from participating in competitions. The new guy was only seventeen, so it would take some time before he could compete.

Ding Jun said, “Xin Chen says you’re his idol. He came to Prince because of you, so he wants you to give him some guidance.”

Xin Chen is the seventeen-year-old newcomer.

After circling around for a while, Ding Jun simply wanted Han Mo to stabilize the newcomer.

The power of being an idol shouldn’t be underestimated, just like how Yan Yibing could influence Han Mo’s emotions.

Han Mo fell silent for a moment, then scoffed, “I can play, but I can’t teach. Isn’t guiding the coach’s job? Why ask me to do it?”

Everyone has their specialty, and teaching others wasn’t Han Mo’s.

He didn’t even feel like talking, or perhaps he simply didn’t understand why some people weren’t operationally strong.

Xiao Nuo has always been the in-game commander, the one capable of coordinating the overall situation and integrating everyone’s strengths.

If Xin Chen wanted guidance, he should either consult the coach who spends all day researching tactics and players, or ask Xiao Nuo, who’s the most adept at strategizing.

He was not the right choice.

Ding Jun patted his shoulder, “I know, I know. But the kid is persistent, insisting on getting guidance from you. It’s not a big deal for you to guide him; I just agreed. Just take a casual look, and give some advice if you feel like it. This is how people feel closer to their idols, right?”

Han Mo frowned and glanced at his watch.

At this time, Yan Yibing should still be asleep.

Moreover, there’s a housekeeper at home, so nothing should go wrong.

Anyway, since he also had to train at the club for a few hours, observing the new player wouldn’t hurt.

Han Mo followed Ding Jun to the training room of Team Two.

Currently, there are still four members in Team Two. On paper, Xin Chen is just a substitute, and even his desk was recently set up.

As Han Mo entered with Ding Jun, the members of Team Two, in unison, lifted their heads and removed their headphones, “Manager, Captain.”

Ding Jun nodded, “You guys continue practicing; Han Shen is just here to take a look.”

Han Mo’s gaze swept around the room, finally settling on a small table in the farthest corner.

A slightly shorter, yet handsome and sunny-looking young boy was staring at him intently.

The youth was slender, dressed casually and simply, with a loose sports jacket hanging fluffily over his shoulders like a deflated bag.

“Han Shen.”

Xin Chen called out in a small voice, pursing his lips and unconsciously running his fingers across the tabletop.

After observing for a moment, Han Mo nodded indifferently, “Keep it up.”

Xin Chen’s excited face turned red as he solemnly pledged, “I will work hard. I will definitely become your teammate and play games with you.”

Immersed in the excitement of meeting his idol up close, he hadn’t noticed that as soon as those words left his lips, the clattering of the keyboards in the second team’s area instantly ceased.

The members of Team Two didn’t lift their heads, didn’t glance over, didn’t make a sound, but their minds were no longer on the training ground. The mouse moved anxiously, and their expressions were not pleasant.

Ding Jun felt somewhat awkward.

Although he knew that the skill level of these few members of Team Two couldn’t match up to Team One, as a manager, he always presented moving up to Team One as encouragement to them.

These people also dreamed of being teammates with Han Mo and playing matches with him.

However, the spots in Team One were limited, and there were very few opportunities to reduce their number. So, no one would openly express such ambitions.

Xin Chen was simply unaware.

Han Mo lowered his gaze, casually remarking, “Keep practicing. Everyone starts the same way, and playing well is not impossible for anyone.”

When he first joined Prince, he was about the same age as Xin Chen.

Ding Jun promoted him to Team One as the captain against the norm, facing pressures and jealousies greater than what Xin Chen was experiencing now.

Although Han Mo had a cold and reserved demeanor, he was good at dealing with people.

His experiences from a young age made him very adept at reading people’s expressions. Almost at a glance, he could understand what others were thinking.

So, he never uttered words that would provoke his teammates. In the team, he tried to keep a low profile, not considering himself the star of the team or feeling superior as the captain.

He delegated the command to Xiao Nuo, rarely participated in commercial activities, and often used his bonuses to treat everyone to meals.

This significantly reduced the sense of unfairness among other club members.

Even so, it took him nearly a year to sweep almost all the championships for Prince before he truly solidified his position as the captain of Team One.

Ding Jun’s enthusiasm seemed to give Xin Chen a certain illusion, making him believe that he was the next Han Mo.

Ding Jun tried to smooth things over, saying, “You’re still young, and you can’t participate in competitions right now. Just practice more in the team. If there’s something you don’t understand, ask these seniors for help.”

However, Xin Chen seemed completely unaware of the atmosphere in the room.

All he saw in his eyes was Han Mo, so he blurted out, “I want Han Shen to guide me.”

Han Mo glanced at him and said, “We have professional coaches on the team, and their guidance would be more helpful for you.”

Xin Chen wrinkled his brow in frustration, his forearm muscles tensing, and his Adam’s apple tightening. “But… you also received guidance from Bing Shen back then, and it helped you avoid many detours, right?”

He had some pride in himself, thinking that his current level was already impressive, and ordinary players couldn’t possibly give him pointers. The only players in the entire esports circle that he admired were the ones who became famous at a young age – Han Mo, Yan Yibing, and Yu Yan.

Among these three, only Han Mo’s experience was the most passionate and exciting.

Yan Yibing and Yu Yan both had gradually risen from youth training, step by step, eventually taking over as captain after the former captain retired, and then gaining fame.

But not Han Mo.

Han Mo moved freely between two top-tier clubs, and after leaving Zero, he directly parachuted into the role of captain for Prince. At that time, the whole circle was in an uproar.

Han Mo had become an overnight sensation.

And he lived up to that fame. His undeniable strength couldn’t be questioned. He was the youngest captain ever.

Xin Chen also wanted to become such a shining star.

After a brief silence, Han Mo said calmly, “Because Bing Shen is a commander, he can explain and teach. Back then, he also had the leisure to wander around the youth training camp. I can’t teach, don’t have the patience, and Bing Shen hasn’t been to the youth training camp for many years. I’m just lucky.”

Xin Chen licked his lips and insisted, “I won’t let you down. I want you to be my master.”

Ding Jun opened his mouth in surprise.

He didn’t expect Xin Chen to admire Han Mo to this extent.

Being teammates and master disciple were indeed different.

One required attentiveness, and the other involved emotions.

Han Mo refused without hesitation, “I don’t take disciples, and besides, I’m only two years older than you. It’s not suitable.”

He found an excuse and said to Ding Jun, “I need to go review the game with Xiao Nuo. I’ll be heading over now.”

Ding Jun quickly nodded, “Sure, go ahead and take care of it.”

A hint of disappointment flashed in Xin Chen’s eyes, his handsome face turned away, and he remained silent.

Ding Jun frowned and tried to comfort him with a smile, “Don’t be impatient. The captain hasn’t seen your performance yet. Show him what you’ve got, and he might accept you.”

Xin Chen said stubbornly, “Of course, being unable to play games at seventeen is really annoying. Otherwise, I could prove myself in the Autumn League.”

Ding Jun patted his shoulder, “There’s plenty of time; no need to rush.”

Xin Chen was unwilling to give in, “But Han Shen became famous at seventeen, and here I am stuck on the age issue.”

Ding Jun chuckled, “It’s a rule; there’s nothing we can do. Han Mo has been quite busy lately; he needs to participate in internal training and prepare for the East Asia Championship. Don’t bother him for now. After this period passes, I’ll find an opportunity for you two to duo queue.”

The flames that had extinguished in Xin Chen’s eyes reignited, and a hint of undisguised joy colored his tone, “Really?”

Ding Jun affirmed, “Really.”

Back in the Team One training room, Xiao Nuo was eating cook

Seeing Han Mo’s expression, Xiao Nuo smiled, “The new one is a bit annoying.”

Han Mo raised an eyebrow, “Is he pestering you too?”

Xiao Nuo shrugged, “How could that be? As soon as he joined the team, he said he came for you, even claiming he wanted you to be his master.”

Han Mo glanced at him with impatience, “I don’t need a disciple, nor am I interested in teaching one.”

Xiao Nuo clicked his tongue playfully and joked, “Captain, you can’t keep secrets. Back then, Bing Shen was your master, and now you’re becoming someone else’s master; it’s a legacy.”

Han Mo narrowed his eyes, his gaze deep and solemn as he murmured, “It’s different.”

Xiao Nuo smiled, “How is it different?”

Han Mo looked down, lit a cigarette, and said meaningfully, “Bing Shen, for me, wasn’t just about passing on knowledge and wisdom.”

Xiao Nuo was stunned, “Then what else does a master do?”

Han Mo gave him a cold glance and said seriously, “In modern society, it’s called a coach when it’s a coach, a mentor when it’s a mentor, why call someone ‘Master’?”

Xiao Nuo: “?”

Wasn’t this a case of “officials can set fires, but the common people aren’t allowed to light lamps”?

In the evening, Han Mo drove back home, stopping by a chain supermarket near the residential area.

He bought a box of oat milk, along with a bag of small round dumplings and red bean paste.

While swiping his card at the checkout, he called Yan Yibing.

No answer.

Han Mo frowned.

He carried the items out, tried calling again, and still, there was no answer.

It wasn’t until he dialed for the fifth time, ringing six or seven times, that someone finally picked up on the other side.

Han Mo asked, “What are you doing?”

The voice on the other side hesitated, “Who are you? Bing Bing is practicing in his room and can’t answer the phone. If you have something, call back later.”

Han Mo lightly raised an eyebrow, hearing the housekeeper Auntie’s voice.

He said, “Auntie, it’s Han Mo.”

Knowing his name, she greeted warmly, “Oh, it’s you, it took a few calls for me to answer. I was afraid it might delay something important. Shall I go get Bing Bing for you?”

Han Mo said, “No need. I was looking for you, actually. I bought milk and red bean paste. I’ll make red bean dumpling soup tonight, and if you could help make him some egg drop porridge, that would be great.”

Auntie said, “Sure, sure.”

Han Mo paused for a moment as if casually bringing it up after the conversation, and said lightly, “You couldn’t tell it was me from the caller ID?”

Auntie, feeling embarrassed, laughed, “How could I tell? I don’t understand you young people’s slang.”

Han Mo chuckled, “Well, we casually give each other nicknames. The one I put for him is ‘no conscience’.”

Auntie realized, “I see, that name… at first, I didn’t dare to answer.”

Han Mo subtly guided, “We often tease each other. My nickname for him is probably more intense.”

After contemplating for a moment, Auntie disagreed, “Still, Bing Bing’s nickname is more intense. He called you ‘Little Beast.'”

Han Mo: “…”

The smile on Han Mo’s lips deepened, but his eyes darkened. He gently rubbed the phone case with his fingertips: “I see.”

He hung up the phone, and the label ‘Baby’ on the contact flickered.

Needs tidying up.

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Author’s Message:

Han Mo: The master is the one who can be pressed on the bed and do whatever he wants.

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