Yan Yibing almost instantly understood Han Mo’s intention, and in the same instant, his face turned crimson.
Having just taken a shower, his skin felt cool in the wind, making the surge of blood particularly noticeable.
Aside from feeling embarrassed and flushed, he couldn’t help but shiver a bit.
Whether it was the cool breeze outside or having eaten too many oysters at night, he couldn’t tell.
Yan Yibing exclaimed indignantly, “You’re dreaming!”
Han Mo went along with it, “Hmm, indeed, I’ve dreamed about it.”
Not only had he dreamed about such things, but there were even more outrageous scenarios.
Yan Yibing: “…”
Fortunately, having experienced wind and waves, his shame had been numbed by Han Mo’s influence during this time.
He quickly returned to his usual self, and asked seriously with a hint of mockery, “Did you attend a class on dirty talk at P-site?”
Han Mo responded calmly, “Well, aren’t these things natural for guys? It just depends on who they’re directed at.”
Yan Yibing said with a sullen face, “I can’t.”
Han Mo smirked meaningfully and explained to him, “Master can; it’s just that he can’t say it to me.”
Yan Yibing: “…”
That was indeed the case.
Anyone who had read books or watched movies knew how to say these things. However, because it was too embarrassing, it was impossible to say it out loud.
Han Mo teased lightly, “After all, if the Master said it, I wouldn’t be able to let the Master go.”
Yan Yibing paused for a moment, then, after realizing it, rudely handed the food box to Han Mo, “I’m leaving now.”
All he breathed out was hot air, and because of Han Mo’s words, he felt his chest burning.
Han Mo grabbed his wrist.
“Don’t want to hear it?”
Oh right, almost forgot about the main thing.
Yan Yibing hesitated for a moment.
“Let go of me, I’ll go back and get a bottle of mosquito repellent.”
Han Mo didn’t resist, and quickly released Yan Yibing’s wrist.
Yan Yibing swatted away a mosquito occasionally hovering around him and hurried back home, fetching the mosquito repellent placed on the living room windowsill.
Spraying himself while walking, a rich fragrance immediately filled the air.
Yan Yibing fanned near his nose, dispersing the scent, and coughed twice.
Approaching Han Mo, he said briefly, “Put the lid on.”
Han Mo didn’t close it but instead picked up a fork and ate the remaining cherry in one bite.
He wasn’t fond of sweets, so even if the dessert was made exceptionally well, it didn’t suit his taste.
However, seeing Yan Yibing happily eating the other three cherries so much, he suddenly found sweets more acceptable.
Yan Yibing’s eyelashes fluttered slightly. Then, he lifted the mosquito repellent and sprayed it towards Han Mo.
A mist filled the air.
Han Mo squinted his eyes, tilting his neck without dodging, letting Yan Yibing do as he pleased.
After spraying, Yan Yibing sat down again, but this time, there was a twenty-centimeter gap between him and Han Mo.
“Tell me,” he said.
Han Mo nodded, looking a bit more serious.
He took out a cigarette, flicked open the lighter, lit it, and took a light puff, holding the smoke between his lips.
The taste of this puff wasn’t good at all—a bitter tobacco flavor mixed with the strong scent of mosquito repellent, simply torture.
So, he bent down and extinguished the cigarette on the floor tiles.
“Actually, it’s nothing much. Han Tang used my popularity to promote his new series, and our client is very dissatisfied. So today, Ding Ge found a lawyer to see if there’s a good solution.”
Han Mo spoke calmly, without a hint of anger in his eyes.
Yan Yibing was taken aback.
As the captain of Team Zero, he understood how important big clients were.
Moreover, Han Mo had signed a one-year project, with more marketing, promotions, and live streaming to follow.
A year was not short, especially in the current turbulent market. Only with complete trust would someone sign such a long-term contract.
Though Han Shi wasn’t a direct competitor to high-end sports brands, it was still sportswear with similar functionalities.
It was normal for the client to be dissatisfied, especially since the other party was Han Mo’s father.
If he had known that he would get into this kind of strife, this one-year project would not have been signed at all.
No wonder he was so stressed.
“Even though he’s your father, if he uses your pictures to promote Han Shi sportswear, it would definitely be an infringement, and Prince could win the lawsuit.”
Although Yan Yibing wasn’t a legal professional, he had picked up some knowledge from his father’s constant reading and lectures on projects at home.
Han Mo shook his head, “He didn’t use my pictures. The lawyer said it’s not actionable, at most, a moral condemnation, and it might even backfire.”
Yan Yibing frowned, “Then how did he use your popularity?”
“On Weibo. It trended yesterday. Should have been bought by Han Tang.”
Yan Yibing quickly took out his phone and logged into Weibo.
In the search bar, the trending topics had already changed.
But when he searched for Han Mo, he could see the top entry was【Father of Prince Captain Han Mo】
But when he had searched for Han Mo’s name yesterday, this trending topic hadn’t been there yet.
Otherwise, he wouldn’t have missed it.
Clicking on it, it was clear that it was a bought trending topic.
Marketing accounts even have the same copy, and ranked above them are Han Tang’s Weibo posts.
【@HanShiChiefCEOHanTang: I heard that the East Asia Championship is about to begin. As a father, I hope my son @PrinceHanMo can achieve good results. I pray for you, and as father and son, let’s shine in our respective fields together!】
The Weibo post was followed by a link to purchase Han Shi’s esports series sportswear.
Indeed, this doesn’t constitute an infringement of image rights.
Han Tang didn’t use Han Mo’s profile picture or his photos; he merely stated a fact.
Han Mo is his son.
Yan Yibing was amazed by this move.
And disgusted by Han Tang’s shamelessness.
Indeed, spending two million for a player’s endorsement wasn’t worth it when merely tens of thousands could achieve the same effect.
No wonder Han Tang wasn’t willing to raise the price; turns out he had a trump card.
After this Weibo post was bought and trended, it had garnered a hundred thousand retweets and thirty thousand comments, with the discussion exceeding a million.
Yan Yibing didn’t pay attention to the trending topics yesterday, so he didn’t know how high this topic eventually climbed.
But looking at the comments under Han Tang’s Weibo, he felt that Han Tang’s goal had been completely achieved.
【@LittleChrysanthemumClass: Ahhhhhhhhh, father-in-law! It turns out my father-in-law is here!】
【@IAmNotCompetitive: OMG! My husband is actually a rich second-generation! I’m shocked!】
【@MechanicalGiant: I remember someone spreading rumors that Han Shen’s family is poor, speechless.】
【@LilyLovesIceCream: Father-in-law, look at me! Father-in-law, look at me! Need a daughter-in-law? I’m available!】
【@PrinceOnlyFan: Wuwuwuwu Hanshen’s family business must be supported, I’ve placed an order!】
【@DouDingWantsToMarryEsportsPlayer: This one’s so cheap, much cheaper than the one he endorsed. Finally, I can afford it; papa, please sponsor me!】
【@HandOfGod: Dad, come on, let’s shine together!】
…
Han Tang posted just as Han Mo was replying to him on WeChat.
Later, Yan Yibing logged into Weibo, but at that time, the heat hadn’t fully erupted, and Han Tang hadn’t made it to the trending topics.
He saw Han Mo interacting with Xin Chen, and irritably logged off.
So, Han Mo didn’t come online to interact with Xin Chen but due to Han Tang’s @ mention.
Yan Yibing felt that his frustration from yesterday was simply ridiculous.
He didn’t even need to check the sales figures for that purchase link.
It’s just 199 yuan per piece, which is really nothing for Prince’s esports fans.
They would buy it to support Han Mo.
No wonder Han Mo’s client was upset.
Because these comments praised Han Tang while simultaneously expressing disdain for the expensive endorsed products.
If buying either the expensive or the cheap ones counted as supporting Han Mo, who would spend more money?
Yesterday, Han Mo only replied with a “Hmm.”
Probably busy discussing plans with the club’s top management.
“It’s been a whole day; why haven’t you guys released a statement?” Yan Yibing asked.
The heat has blown up so much, that even the active fans have placed orders.
If the statement comes out in time, fans still have a chance to cancel their orders.
Han Mo smiled bitterly, a hint of coldness in his eyes. “What should the statement say? That my relationship with my father is bad and everyone should refrain from buying his clothes? To be honest, it’s just hype within the circle for now. Although it’s trending, people who aren’t interested in the esports circle won’t click to check. However, a topic about an esports player breaking ties with a wealthy businessman father is a societal news piece. In the end, Han Tang will only gain more attention, topping the trending list a few more times.”
He tilted his head slightly upwards, the light casting upon his eyes, flickering and trembling.
Yan Yibing felt a heaviness in his chest, a sensation of cotton stuffed in his stomach.
Helpless and nauseated.
Indeed.
In this tug-of-war, Han Mo couldn’t gain any advantage.
If Han Tang pretended to be miserable, netizens would only think that Han Mo was unfilial.
Given the public’s stereotypical view of esports players, they would assume that Han Tang didn’t support Han Mo playing esports in the past. Therefore, the father and son had fallen out, and now the father wanted to mend the relationship. But Han Mo, being cold and ruthless, was unwilling to compromise.
Chinese netizens generally advise breaking up in romantic relationships but mostly encourage reconciliation in family relationships.
After all, there’s a saying, “Filial piety is a virtue one must give even when parents are no longer around.”
And Han Mo is about to compete soon, with no time or energy to entangle with Han Tang.
Even the lawyer said Han Tang did nothing illegal; he could only be morally condemned.
But for a son to criticize his father would damage Han Mo’s image.
This is an unsolvable problem; it seems Han Mo can only take a loss.
This father, who brought him shadows and despair from a young age, still hasn’t forgotten to squeeze out his remaining value.
Yan Yibing has a warm and harmonious family himself, which makes him feel even more unfairness for Han Mo.
Childhood shadows cannot be erased forever. The most helpless part is that, even after growing up and becoming famous, one still cannot catch a break.
“Is there really no other way? What about the lawyer? Did they suggest anything else?” Yan Yibing asked.
Han Mo curled his lips, his eyelids drooping for a moment, the reflection of light disappearing from his eyes.
“The lawyer suggested that I beg Han Tang, ask him not to do such things during the best publicity period before the East Asia Championship starts.”
A foul word nearly escaped Yan Yibing’s lips but was reluctantly swallowed.
Only at this moment did he suddenly feel that Han Mo is truly only nineteen.
Han Mo is still young.
Although legally an adult, most people of this age are still simple university students, leading ordinary lives, unaware of society’s complexities, unaware of the lack of morality, and powerless to resist.
“Han Mo…”
Yan Yibing softly called his name.
Apart from this, he didn’t know what else to do.
He’s six years older than Han Mo and is still helpless in this matter, let alone Han Mo.
He felt a little heartache.
Han Mo kept his head down, strands of hair falling on his forehead, eyes half-closed, gazing at the ground. The shadows of his lashes and hair merged, blending with the profound darkness in his eyes.
Han Mo murmured softly, “Can you hug me?”
His voice was low and fragile, as if it might dissipate with a gust of wind.
As if he wasn’t sure what answer he would receive.
He looked good from this angle: narrow, long eyes, a straight, high nose, tightly closed lips, and a smooth, natural jawline.
This was the first time Yan Yibing admired Han Mo’s good looks from a different perspective.
Not as a master and disciple, not as a colleague, but as a pursued person who thought his pursuer was good-looking.
Yan Yibing conceded that he was somewhat overwhelmed by sympathy.
He didn’t even care about the implications of the hug.
He tentatively extended his arms, and leaned forward, closing the twenty-centimeter gap between them, allowing his knees to touch Han Mo’s knees.
Leaning in, he embraced Han Mo’s shoulders.
The thin short sleeves couldn’t block the exchange of warmth between the two, and it was hard to tell whose temperature was slightly higher.
For Yan Yibing, it was the first time he initiated a hug with Han Mo. Up close, he could distinctly smell Han Mo’s youthful and cool scent, distinct from the fragrance of his mosquito repellent.
Carefully, Yan Yibing patted Han Mo’s back with his palm to comfort him.
The next moment, Han Mo suddenly hugged him even tighter, his arms wrapping firmly around his waist, fingers gripping at his clothes, chin resting on his shoulder.
Yan Yibing stiffened for a moment, but he didn’t resist, and just continued quietly patting Han Mo’s back.
He didn’t know what people walking in the neighborhood would think if they saw them, and he didn’t know what his parents would do if they came out looking for him.
They were outside, not in broad daylight, but it was open and impossible to hide.
Han Mo whispered, “Bing Shen, I like you.”
Yan Yibing pursed his lips, remaining silent, not uttering a word.
This wasn’t the first time Han Mo confessed to him, but each time, the setting and emotions were somewhat different.
They hugged for quite a while.
For the first time, Yan Yibing felt that Han Mo was a bit clingy.
Different from the past when he pursued him for advice, now Han Mo was more attached to his breath and body.
Han Mo’s fingers hung on his waist, occasionally making a slight movement, an undeniable touch that sent signals to the brain.
“Feeling better now?”
Yan Yibing’s tone was much gentler.
If it were a normal situation, he would have rudely pushed Han Mo away.
Han Mo also knew that Yan Yibing still couldn’t fully accept a man’s affection right now, so he stopped at the right moment and gradually released him.
“Bing Shen, you don’t dislike hugging me, do you?”
Yan Yibing: “…”
It seemed like he wasn’t particularly repulsed.
Han Mo smiled softly, reaching out to help Yan Yibing straighten out his wrinkled clothes. “It’s good if you don’t mind.”
Yan Yibing: “Hmm.”
Well, the Little Beast suddenly seemed so vulnerable.
Then he didn’t know what to do next.
It’s still the past Han Mo, who was always cold-faced and unwilling to yield, that was easier to deal with.
Han Mo took the food container. “Go back and rest quickly. We still have training tomorrow.”
Yan Yibing: “Okay.”
He felt a bit frustrated.
Thinking that listening to Han Mo’s affairs could provide some help, but in the end, he couldn’t help with anything, and Han Mo had to handle it on his own.
Han Mo’s eyes were bright, eyelids folded up like the shallow arc of the moon, “I’ll also bring you barley water tomorrow, okay?”
Yan Yibing paused and murmured, “Just three sugar cubes is enough.”
Han Mo chuckled softly, “Alright.”
Yan Yibing fell silent again.
Perhaps due to an unstable voltage, the streetlight flickered for a moment, breaking the somewhat enchanting atmosphere.
Yan Yibing picked up the mosquito repellent, stood up, and said, “I’ll head back first.”
Han Mo replied, “Mm.”
Yan Yibing frowned, “Can you stop saying just one word ‘mm,’ it’s impolite.”
Han Mo innocently replied, “Didn’t the Master say the same just now?”
Yan Yibing thought for a moment, unsure when he said that, but…
“I love to talk not listen.”
Han Mo nodded, “Got it.”
Yan Yibing said, “…I’m leaving.”
With one hand in his pocket, he walked back calmly.
He could feel that Han Mo hadn’t moved and was still watching his figure, but he didn’t have the courage to turn back and confirm it.
Entering the house, his dad was still watching TV with his mom.
Yan Yibing took a couple of steps, halted, and leaned on the back of the couch, “Dad, I have a question to ask you.”
His father quickly shifted his gaze away from the boring romantic drama and responded seriously, “Hmm, go ahead.”
Yan Yibing asked, “If a person hasn’t committed a crime but has a bad character and moral deficiencies, can we punish them using legal means?”
His father frowned, “What happened to you?”
Yan Yibing pondered for a moment.
If he sincerely sought advice from his dad, he would have to explain the situation clearly.
“It’s not me, it’s Han Mo.”
So, he straightforwardly explained the estrangement between Han Mo and his father, even before his father could speak, his mother angrily threw the remote control, “What kind of scumbag is this father?! So, Han Mo’s mother couldn’t be treated because his dad wouldn’t provide money? His dad even cheated and clung to a wealthy woman, and now he’s back to exploit Han Mo? How can there be such scum! And such scum can still succeed in business? He will meet his retribution sooner or later!”
Yan Yibing tugged at the corner of his lips
Indeed, men and women were different; he and his dad managed to stay calm, but his mom exploded in anger.
His father pushed his glasses up and calmly said, “It’s certainly infuriating, but the law isn’t omnipotent. The company’s legal department has encountered many seemingly bitter but unsolvable cases. If every scumbag could be punished by the law, I would have bought your mom a castle by now.”
Yan Yibing said, “…Do you have to show loyalty at this moment?”
His father said earnestly, “It’s almost Chinese Valentine’s Day, be more attentive.”
Yan Yibing was stunned.
So, it was almost Chinese Valentine’s Day.
Wait, no, Chinese Valentine’s Day has nothing to do with me.
Mama Yan sighed, “That child Han Mo is really pitiful. Just when he finally had a bit of happiness, his biological father came to ruin it.”
Yan Yibing echoed, “Yeah.”
Mama Yan added, “Since you’re training together, comfort him a bit when you have the chance. He will suffer a little loss this time.”
Yan Yibing responded, “That’s all I can do.”
No need to worry, Mom, I’ve already comforted him with action…
Mama Yan added, “But after all, it’s a family matter. We are outsiders. Don’t scold his father in front of him, not good.”
Yan Yibing acknowledged, “Oh.”
Even if he scolded Han Mo, he wouldn’t get angry with him for Han Tang.
Mama Yan said, “Your father and I might go out on Chinese Valentine’s Day, so you shouldn’t look for us at that time.”
Yan Yibing asked, “…Not taking me along?”
Papa Yan said, “What are you thinking? Childish.”
Yan Yibing teased, “I can’t come along to have fun? I won’t disturb you.”
Papa Yan replied, “You’ll be quite a disturbance if you come along.”
Yan Yibing said, “Can I not have another little brother?”
Mama Yan scolded, “Nonsense!”
Yan Yibing curiously asked, “Mom, why did you get together with my dad? What impulsive decision made you decide to be together?”
Mama Yan replied, “What, use it when chasing girls?”
Yan Yibing mumbled, “Something like that.”
Mama Yan lowered the TV volume, “It’s nothing much. I had just gone through a breakup at that time, and your father took advantage of it.”
Papa Yan said, “Speak truthfully… At that time, your mom had just experienced a breakup. She walked from Lover’s Slope all the way outside the campus, crying as she walked. When she reached the entrance of the Law School, she couldn’t walk anymore, so she sat on the steps to rest. I happened to finish class and came out.”
Yan Yibing asked, “Dad, were you this enthusiastic when you were young?”
Papa Yan explained, “At first sight, I found that such a beautiful junior crying so miserably made my heart ache. So, I invited your mother for a cup of coffee, had a piece of blueberry cake, personally escorted her back to the dormitory, and left contact information.”
Yan Yibing said, “Just because my mom is beautiful?”
Papa Yan’s expression remained unchanged as he nodded seriously, “Because your mom looked exceptionally beautiful even when she was crying with tears streaming down her face.”
Yan Yibing slightly disapproved, “Dad, I always thought you were quite upright…”
Papa Yan calmly said, “That’s how it was when I was young. Just one glance, and I could determine someone in my heart.”
Yan Yibing was momentarily dazed.
He remembered in the recording that Han Mo sent him initially, where Han Mo said—
“I haven’t seen anyone more beautiful than our captain.”
Han Mo also said that he liked him from the first time they met.
Yan Yibing asked, “Dad, don’t you think judging solely based on appearance is superficial? I thought you were someone who valued the soul.”
His father furrowed his brows in confusion, “Why superficial? At that time, your mom was wearing a white T-shirt and overalls. Her clothes were neat and clean, indicating she was very tidy. There were oil paint pigments in her nails, but she had a literature department student card around her neck, indicating she took courses from other departments in her spare time to enrich herself, very diligent. She carried tissues with her and didn’t litter after wiping away tears and mucus, indicating good habits. She rested in the most remote corner, showing that even when extremely sad, she didn’t want to disturb others, very courteous. Looking at your mom’s appearance, beautiful and elegant, yet with the innocence of a young girl. For an ordinary student like me, she was simply a goddess.”
Yan Yibing was slightly stunned.
So-called love at first sight could actually reveal so much.
Was this what his mom looked like during her student days?
Listening to his dad’s description, it really seemed goddess-like.
Glancing at his mom, who had already shyly turned her head, smiling while peeling an apple.
As she peeled the apple skin, she said, “Of course, I agreed to go for coffee and cake with your dad for a reason. Firstly, your dad is very compassionate. He comforted me when he saw me cry. He seemed quite flustered at that time, even a bit clumsy. I knew he had no experience in love, clean as a blank sheet of paper. He was holding ‘Introduction to Econometrics,’ but he was a law school student. I knew he was pursuing a double major in economics, and finally, I had seen your dad’s photo on the National Scholarship website. We all called him—the president of the Law School Student Union, with a full GPA, fully funded to Harvard… the senior god of learning.”
Yan Yibing deadpanned, “Thanks, I’ve been flexed on.”
His mother retorted, “Then hurry up and start dating!”
Yan Yibing replied, “Aren’t we talking about Han Mo’s situation?”
His mother replied, “Han Mo seems to be better at dating than you. You’re just clever on the outside, but with a wooden head.”
Yan Yibing admitted, “…You’re right.”
Keen eyes indeed.
Han Mo is damn good at this.
Unfortunately, it’s all used on your son.
Late at night.
A chilly breeze and a thin mist lingered.
Han Mo held his laptop, legs crossed, slightly arching his back as he sat on the bed.
The bright light from the screen fell on his face, like a layer of hazy gauze.
His expression was calm, fingers moving on the mouse, opening CE, and quickly editing a short audio clip.
After editing, he straightened up, took a deep breath, and played the audio for confirmation.
Han Tang’s voice echoed, ” You also know, I only have you as a son. What I have now and in the future is all yours.”
Han Tang continued, “If it’s you… considering our father-son relationship…”
Han Tang reiterated, “Han Mo! Do you understand what I mean? Sooner or later, everything is yours!”
He started recording as soon as he entered the meeting room.
He never thought he’d use it, but since Lei Ming betrayed him, he had always been cautious.
Han Mo’s expression remained calm. After confirming the recording, he dragged the audio file into an email and sent it to Han Shi, the CEO’s wife, Zuo Yunshi.
A young lady without offspring and not involved in the company’s operation, with her husband gradually taking control of all the initiative, wasn’t she afraid?
Han Mo didn’t believe it.
He even knew that if Han Tang died, he would rather leave the money to him than to Zuo Yunshi.
Just because he shares the Han surname and has Han Tang’s genes.
Han Tang’s selfishness was something he understood, but Zuo Yunshi probably understood it better.
Han Mo sneered lightly and closed the webpage with a casual swipe.
Methods that don’t require legal solutions, he is quite familiar with.
Author’s Message:
Yan Yibing: So you had a solution early on and tricked me into hugging you 🙂
Han Mo: Then I’ll hug you back to return it to Master.
Thank you for reading! 
Hope you enjoy the rest of your day 🍀
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