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Chapter Text

Ye Xiu was sure that he isn't the jealous type. 

Of course, that may be because he never had anything to be jealous of anyway. He grew up with everything money could buy, and sure, his parents weren't the most nurturing, but he had his precious brother, and then Muqiu and Mucheng for that. 

Even when he had ran away from home, he never wanted for anything. He had a stable internet connection, a genius partner in Su Muqiu, and a steady stream of customers. While he definitely was not enjoying the same excess of his early childhood, he and Muqiu managed to keep themselves and Mucheng clothed, fed, and sheltered. 

When Muqiu died, he had already signed with Excellent Era, and being as good--no, great, as he is, the prize money kept on coming. And even when they started losing, and then after, when he was kicked out, he always had enough to live by. Besides, though being forced to resign was annoying and disappointing, it was a new start.

So yeah, he clearly was not the jealous type. So, it came as a surprise when the feeling suddenly reared its ugly head in the first finals game against Samsara.

"What?" He asked, turning to his right at the speaker, as the churning in his stomach grew more pronounced.

Wei Chen rolled his eyes, "that Blademaster. He likes her. Our Little Tang has an admirer."

Ye Xiu glanced up at the screen where said Blademaster had just started his match against a 29% health Steamed Bun. It was obvious who was favored to win, but Ye Xiu was sure Steamed Bun will give his opponent hell before he goes down. He carelessly waved a hand, as if dismissing Wei Chen's observation. 

"You figured that out by him fighting on stage?" Ye Xiu teased, "My, my, what sharp eyes you have, Old Wei."

The other man smiled wider, "Oh? Did your old eyes miss him staring so intently at our Little Tang that he almost tripped going on stage? Maybe you need to visit an eye doctor, Old Ye."

Of course, he hadn't missed that! It was exactly why he's feeling such an awful, awkward emotion!

"We must make sure Little Tang's suitor is appropriate." Wei Chen rambled on, turning his head to the right, leaning past the empty seat of Steamed Bun and the focusedly watching Luo Ji to address Tang Rou loudly, "Oi, Little Tang! Are we telling your dad about your suitor? Kids really grow up so fast!"

Tang Rou's eyes widened as she tilted her head to search for Ye Xiu. Seeing the subtle shake of his head, she laughed, "Oh? Are you lining up for me, Senior Wei?"

Chen Guo, on Tang Rou's right, immediately growled, "You're an old man. You're not worthy of my beautiful, talented Little Tang!"

Wei Chen grimaced at his boss, rolling his eyes as he started bickering with her.

Tang Rou shook her head in amusement and offered a small smile at Ye Xiu before turning back to the projection.

Beside him, Ye Xiu heard Mucheng giggle. "You know, now that I know about you guys, it's really so obvious."

"Hmm?" Ye Xiu casually asked, while intently watching Steamed Bun throw yet another brick at his opponent on the 3-D projection. Considering the randomness of the attack, Ye Xiu wasn't surprised it hit.

Mucheng nudged him a bit and said, "You guys aren't subtle at all. If Old Wei wasn't so busy teasing Guo Guo, he would've seen it too."

It being the deep friendship turned into romantic relationship he and Tang Rou had between them. One they both agreed to keep secret for the time being.

Truthfully, he wasn’t sure how he got so lucky.

Roughly around the time of Heavenly Justice's All-Stars after party, back when Happy had been in Challenger's League, Ye Xiu discovered that he liked talking to Tang Rou. She was smart, witty, and interesting, but most of all, she could keep up with him and his brand of humor.

While spending most of the party hiding together from the other guests, despite both of their initial reticence, they found themselves sharing more about themselves with each other. At first, just to pass time, but then, he discovered he had much more in common with her than he first thought. That made talking to her even easier.

He was not even really sure how and when he started falling for her, but casual conversations about shared childhood experiences out in the common areas became intimate discussions about dreams and the future in quiet, secluded corners, hidden from the team. 

He certainly noticed the decreasing space between them as they sat together, but he attributed it to their growing friendship, started by the shared passion for Glory and the hunger for more and sustained by every experience shared.

Hell, Ye Xiu didn't even realize he started casually flirting with her openly until Mucheng raised a brow and patted his shoulder, murmuring an "I approve, brother. You should ask her out."

He had played innocent at that time, but the suggestion burned in his head even as the secret meetings continued. They had remained undefined, going emotionally beyond the bounds of friendship but without the intimacy of a romantic relationship.

It wasn't until the night before that Tiny Herb game, as they were playing an arena PK against each other in a poorly lit section of Happy Internet Cafe's first floor, that Ye Xiu was suddenly hit by an epiphany. Twenty seven and he just realized that what he was feeling was an attraction and growing affection for her.

He realized he couldn't lose her. Tang Rou could really leave the team -- him, if she failed the 1 v 3, without consequences. In fact, it would probably even be easier for her to quit.

As if she had been reading his mind, she had told him to "Relax, I know I can win." And with that, and the surprising combo that Soft Mist pulled out that had Lord Grim unable to move and taking damage, Ye Xiu fell deeper into his attraction. 

But he didn’t tell her then, needing more time to come to terms with new, somewhat scary feelings.

So, instead, he had teased her about her defeat against him, before gently reminding her not to be careless in her 1 v 3. And, though she failed, she fought until she could. And then, she decided to stay, amid the rebuke and hateful comments. 

And truthfully, that brought them even closer. 

Ye Xiu respected her strength and desire to stay in Happy, and understood her disappointment and anguish in breaking a promise. He knows she tries to never break promises. But this one was too important, and he knows she regrets wagering Glory on a bet. 

Ye Xiu was extremely certain that said promise was just delayed. And, she'll be trying to 1 v 3 until the end of her pro career. And, Ye Xiu is very sure she will succeed.

"Hm." Ye Xiu acknowledged as he focused back on the present.

"Oh? My turn." Mucheng comments as Steamed Bun finally falls, leaving his opponent, Du Ming, with 62% health. 29% for 38% is really not that bad, specially for someone as noobish as Steamed Bun can sometimes be.

Mucheng looked at Ye Xiu for last minute instructions before starting to head up the stage.

"Crush him."

Mucheng smiled. "Understood, Captain."

Fang Rui, to Mucheng's right, raised a brow at that, "Did this guy steal a Wild Boss from you recently?"

The girl giggled and answered for Ye Xiu, "Of sorts." And without elaborating further, she walked up the stage to applause.

"Of sorts." Ye Xiu agreed, watching as Mucheng and Baozi gave each other a high five as they passed each other.

When Du Ming faced against Tang Rou during their 2nd round against Samsara in the regular season, Ye Xiu had been amused by his efforts to gain face by interacting in the chat. He thought as everyone else had, that Du Ming wanted to regain the face he had lost due to him losing against an audience member during the Season 8 All Star Weekend. 

He had even joined Fang Rui and Old Wei in teasing her about it when they all walked home to the team house after that game.

But now, he discovered the truth. The brat was after his girlfriend.

"Did you see, boss? I did well!"

Ye Xiu absently patted Steamed Bun's head and agreed. "Good job." 

He watched Baozi take his seat before focusing back on the game. He continued watching as Mucheng crushed Du Ming and fell to Zhou Zekai, who was almost full health at 85%.

"Little Tang. You're up." 

She smiled at him before striding up to the stage amid listless, scattered claps. Ye Xiu sighed. This was already their Home stage, and few would still cheer. And while she claimed it didn't bother her, he knew the crowd could affect the morale-- specially for a rookie.

And then, she fell, leaving behind a 44% Zhou Zekai, who had emerged to thundering applause, even in enemy court. 

A few minutes later, Happy lost their Home game. 11 to 5. 

After all the pomp and ceremony that came even with losing a game, Happy somberly trudged their way home to reset before tomorrow's practice and more importantly, the next, very crucial game.

Tang Rou found him later, after everyone retired to bed, sitting outside by the street, smoking his cigarette. She sat close enough for their shoulders to touch and quietly told him, "How are you, really? And I'm not asking as your teammate or your protégé."

Ye Xiu sighed, puffing a long cloud of smoke before putting out his cigarette, "I'm disappointed. We're on our last life again. We can't afford to lose the away game. That's a lot of pressure for a young team."

Tang Rou leaned her head on his shoulder, "Well, you sounded more hopeful with the team," referring to his earlier Pep talk on "No room for error. Everyone don't hold back." and the subsequent serious, "It's not over yet. The Championship has not been awarded."

"But in any case, I'm sure everyone will not fall due to pressure. You lead us well."

"And is that you speaking as my teammate, my protégé, or my girlfriend?" He teased.

Tang Rou sighed dramatically, "As all three, of course."

Ye Xiu nodded and then after a beat, asked, "And as my girlfriend?"

She raised her head to meet his amber eyes, "I'm proud of you. And I'll always cheer you on. Win or lose."

He grinned at her. "Hm.. But, I really like winning."

She giggled, "It's a good thing then that I also really like winning. And cheering you on as we win seem more exciting!"

Ye Xiu hummed in agreement. "And you?"

"I'm disappointed too. I should've been strong enough by now. I thought I am strong enough now."

"You have grown stronger, as has the team. They just played better today."

"And as my boyfriend?" She teased him back, nudging his side.

He stilled, meeting her eyes intently, so that she'll know he was serious, even as he parroted. "I'm proud of you. And I'll always cheer you on. Win or Lose."

Tang Rou nodded, placing her head back on his shoulder, "We will win."

"Aah." They stayed in relative silence as he placed his left arm around her, watching the twinkling stars above them.

And then, he gently tugged at a lock of her hair. "You know, today I learned my girlfriend has a suitor."

She elbowed his stomach then.

"Ow! Your elbow is so pointy."

Tang Rou laughed before doing it again. "Senior Wei was seeing things."

"Oh? Maybe I was seeing things too. Du Ming--"

"Oh. The Blademaster from Samsara!" Tang Rou's eyes lit up in recognition. "I thought we agreed he just wanted to save face since he lost to me."

"Hmm." Ye Xiu captured her left hand with his right and brought it up to his lips, "Well, he definitely wanted more than to save face today."

Her lips quirked up in amusement, lacing their fingers together and bringing them down to her lap. "You got that from what? Him winning against Steamed Bun and losing against MuMu? My boyfriend really has such great detective skills."

Ye Xiu gently tugged at her hair again, amused at how similar her response was to his own, when he was teasing Wei Chen, "Hmm.. He was staring so much he almost tripped."

Then his voice lowered even further, and softened to almost a whisper, leading her to lean even closer to hear, "Not that I could blame him. You look beautiful. You are so beautiful."

Ye Xiu brought her hand up to his lips again; her eyes meeting his. "And very, very skilled. Prodigious."

Tang Rou blushed at the very blatant flirting as she snatched her hand back, "So do I still need a hundred years?" She deflected, referring to his quip back when they met a couple of years ago.

"Definitely not. This elder can not keep up with the speed of your improvement."

"Stop. You're not that old."

"Definitely older than Du Ming though." He teased.

She tilted her head, sensing what may be genuine insecurity. Ye Xiu was always secure and confident, so moments like this were few and far between, and often concealed in humor. "Well, unfortunately, he's not my type."

"Hmm. Very unfortunate for poor Du Ming then." Twitching lips and smug tone betrayed his satisfaction.

Tang Rou giggled, kissing his cheek quickly and then attempted to stand up, only to fail. Ye Xiu had gently tugged her back down.

"Hey. Stay."

Tang Rou shrugged, curling up against him again.

Ye Xiu pulled her closer and kissed the top of her head. 

Yes, he was sure he was not the jealous type. After all, he thought, as he glanced down at the girl in his arms, he has nothing to be jealous of anyway.

Chapter Text

"Look, he's looking this way again!" Wei Chen exclaimed excitedly, "Our Tang Rou is really so popular!" He sounded so much like a proud father as he watched Du Ming stand up from the Samsara player benches.

Ye Xiu laughed. "You're really taking this so seriously, Old Wei." He was certainly feeling more amused than bothered and jealous at Du Ming's antics this time around. 

Wei Chen was undeterred by the casual dismissal, "Look! He's looking again!"

"Old Wei..."

"There! Did you see?"

Ye Xiu hummed in agreement. It's impossible not to see if you were paying even a bit of attention. Even as Du Ming was talking to the teammates he passed while walking up the stage, his gaze would inevitably wander to Tang Rou-- who was, to Ye Xiu's smug delight, not paying the least bit of attention.

"Are their eyes meeting?" Wei Chen remarked, glancing at Tang Rou, who was very engrossed by the highlight replay of the previous match.

"You're concerned about their eyes meeting?" Ye Xiu's voice has an incredelous tint to it.

"If they did then it means they might secretly be in a relationship!" He replied with great enthusiasm. And then, he dubiously turned back to Tang Rou just to make sure she still wasn't paying attention. "F*ck! Do you think this means they have a secret relationship?"

"I think you should starting paying attention to the match, Old Wei." He deflected, "You're being a very overprotective father."

Wei Chen looked scandalized for a beat before grinning widely, "Ah, Old Ye! I'm truly so touched that you think so highly of my prowess! Sorry to disappoint, but I didn't start my exploits at 11."

"Oh? My mistake. I thought you're past forty already." Ye Xiu said with a straight face.

"You!!!" Wei Chen glared at him and grumbled sulkily. "F*ck you, you shameless bastard."

Ye Xiu smirked. Old Wei really walked right into that one. Ignoring the other's grumbling, he turned back toward the match.

Huh.

Ye Xiu had the whole team go over Samsara's players and their styles, but as the one compiling said videos, he had seen the footage more than a few times. Du Ming was probably in the best form of his entire season. Maybe even his entire career.

He watched as the Blademaster closed in on Mucheng's launcher and continued with his combo. He knew Mucheng would have a difficult time getting out of it.

"Oh? Little Tang's suitor is actually on fire today." Wei Chen observed thoughtfully. 

Of course Wei Chen would notice it too. As one of the older, more experienced, members of Happy, he was often the one with whom Ye Xiu discussed preliminary scouting and tactics.

"Look Old Ye! The power of love!" Wei Chen pointed dramatically at the 3D projection of Du Ming's Moon Luring Frost who had Dancing Rain locked in a combo. While Mucheng was landing some hits, she was unable to escape. With the health difference, his win was clearly secured.

Ye Xiu glanced briefly at the cheering Samsara player bench and decided to indulge Wei Chen. "Look at Samsara. They know it too."

Wei Chen gazed at the Samsara players and saw quite a few glancing at Happy's benches. They were probably looking at Tang Rou's reaction to the impressive performance. "Oh? Is the fair lady impressed?"

He turned his head. His teammate did not look impressed at all. "Our Little Tang really has high standards. She doesn't find his performance enchanting at all!" 

Ye Xiu couldn't help himself. "She met me first, and I'm the best!" 

It was said so matter of factly that Wei Chen was enraged. He heard the undertone: compared to me, why would she find that impressive?

The b*stard was really too cocky. 

What was annoying was that it was true. Tang Rou had learned the game alongside Ye Xiu, under his tutoring even, and with their shared exploits in the tenth server as her start in Glory, she would find very few impressive. Du Ming was not god-level yet. He could not compare. 

Wei Chen doubted that she would find the poor sucker impressive even if he had managed to defeat Ye Xiu in a game. Ye Xiu had taught his young team well. One defeat does not mean the victor is stronger than the loser. 

"You've brainwashed her, you f*cker. You're not that great." He mumbled childishly. He was lying. Ye Xiu wasn't called Glory Textbook for nothing. 

Of course, Wei Chen had not known that Ye Xiu meant his quip in every possible way. Ye Xiu had met and courted Tang Rou first. As it were, right now, barring a disastrous break-up that he resolved to never let happen, Du Ming was too late. 

Ye Xiu ignored Wei Chen’s antics to call Fang Rui. In the game, Dancing Rain had fallen to Moon Luring Frost. "Du Ming's in really good condition today. Be careful."

"In better condition than me?" Fang Rui scoffed.

His team really had too many shameless people. Ye Xiu laughed, "Haha."

"What's 'haha' supposed to mean?"

Fang Rui was playing fine, but Ye Xiu knew he could play better. If he could goad him into playing his best, then it was all the better for all of them. "You're getting paid the most out of all of us. Please."

"Peh!" And with that parting message, Fang Rui stalked up the stage.

"He isn't doing badly." Wei Chen commented.

Ye Xiu was glad Old Wei had stayed silent until Fang Rui was halfway to the stage, reaching Mucheng. Fang Rui should be aggravated, but just enough to rile his performance up and not too much to distract him. Adding Wei Chen to the mix would certainly be too much. Mucheng would delicately fan the flames, he wagered, watching the two exchange words.

"He isn't." Ye Xiu readily agreed, before smirking at the other man, "but he is getting paid the most, right?"

Wei Chen coughed. "You're horrible."

Mucheng returned to her seat next to Ye Xiu and leaned around him to look at Wei Chen, "Old Wei? What's wrong? You look grouchy."

"Don't mind him. He's sulking." Ye Xiu told her, "Good job!"

"Thanks." She offered him a sweet smile and echoed, "He's in a really good condition today."

Wei Chen took that moment to interject, "Of course he is! He wants to impress our beautiful Little Tang! Ahhh, love." He batted his eyes, jokingly swooning.

Mucheng quickly glanced at the unbothered Ye Xiu and giggled. 

Ye Xiu didn't bother responding and simply watched the game. He hoped Fang Rui would rise to his implied challenge.

Huh. Did he just? Huh.

Ye Xiu was amused even if the target was his girlfriend.

"That Du Ming, did he just agree Fang Rui is better than him?" Wei Chen asked incredelously.

"In playing dirty." Mucheng supplied. 

"That's still admitting Fang Rui is better!" Wei Chen roared, putting both hands up in exasperation. "What kind of trash talk is that? This youngster, no respect for the art."

Mucheng laughed, "I don't think he was trying to trashtalk."

Ye Xiu nodded, "He's making it clear he doesn't play dirty."

"Huh." Wei Chen laughed, "He does know Tang Rou has three shameless seniors right? Even the juniors are shameless! Luo Ji blew up a map! Mo Fan defeated the Blue Rain brat with a falling tree! An Wenyi even shamelessly switches equipment to run away. And little Yifan, such a black heart under his propriety."

Mucheng leaned over her captain to address Wei Chen, "I think you're missing a few key people."

"Baozi is Baozi." He replied, as if that explained everything.

Ye Xiu solemnly nodded. Steamed Bun is in a whole other category.

"What about me and Little Tang?" 

Wei Chen paused. Was that a trick question? Nothing would be the right answer! To say they were would be telling her they weren't ladies, but to say they weren't might imply they're less skilled. "Uhh."

"Mucheng." Ye Xiu intervened, "Old Wei is old. Lay off of him."

The girl giggled, "Well, I happen to think we both enjoy a bit of shamelessness. Little Tang specially so." 

Wei Chen raised a brow suggestively. 

Ye Xiu coughed. Mucheng was too much.

At that point, Chen Guo, sitting a row back, leaned forward between him and Mucheng, "What's wrong?" 

She seemed nervous."You and Old Wei were discussing the whole time. At first, I thought you guys were trashtalking and teasing each other, but now Mumu's also involved, so it is serious. What is it? Tell me!"

"Du Ming is playing extremely well today." Ye Xiu told her.

Chen Guo titled her head in askance. That was true, but Fang Rui seemed to be doing pretty well against him.

As if reading her mind, Ye Xiu continued, "But he's too honest."

"So?" Chen Guo still didn't understand. Why should that matter too much that the three were talking so avidly?

"He lacks variation and finesse." As if by agreement, Mucheng and Wei Chen remained silent as Ye Xiu explained. Wei Chen didn't want to bicker with the boss again. She was so easily wound up, specially during games. 

Chen Rou remained leaning forward for the entirety of the game, asking questions and listening to Ye Xiu patiently explain. Finally Du Ming fell.

Satisfied all was now well, Chen Guo leaned back to her seat, stretching her neck.

Seeing that the boss had stopped focusing on them, Wei Chen began gossiping again. "The poor sucker looks so dejected."

"He played well." Mucheng said primly. "I hope he cheers up a bit because he did really well."

"He will if Little Tang at least smiles when he looks over here again." Wei Chen replied. 

"Oh no." Mucheng actually sounded a bit worried when, after a quick glance at their player bench, she saw Du Ming still looking defeated. She steadfastly ignored the look Ye Xiu gave her. "It's probably his best performance to date. He should not look that dejected."

Wei Chen nodded and said sagely. "But that's what love does."

The three watched as Samsara's final player, Sun Xiang, stood up and walked to the stage, waving to fans along the way. And then, he paused for a long moment and looked out to Happy's player bench.

He was looking at Tang Rou.

A challenge, Ye Xiu concluded, even as the audience cheers grew louder.

The rest of Happy began looking at each other and forming a relatively tight cluster-- those in the second row leaning forward and those in the edges suddenly leaning in. The ideal set-up for a team-wide gossip session, in the midst if a noisy stadium. 

Their teammate was being disrespected, but Fang Rui had no clue.

The younger, more idealistic ones-- Yifan, Luo Gi, and An Wenyi, and even older, still idealistic Chen Guo, and incredibly loyal Baozi, were sure that a trashtalking would follow. Tang Rou knew better. And Mo Fan didn't care at all, though he was still leaning in to hear the response.

Mucheng broke the stunned silence first. "I wish I could tell him." She sounded so amused.

"How terrible. Let's all give him a moment of silence." Ye Xiu quipped.

"I kind of don't want to play in today's group arena." Tang Rou admitted, voicing what was in everyone's thoughts: She'd like to see Fang Rui defeat Sun Xiang and shove his disrespect in his face.

And the entire team watched as Fang Rui did just that, commenting and sharing insights with each other as Sun Xiang finally fell.

And afterwards, in the team stage, Fang Rui continued to show his brilliance in playing Qi Master. Happy defeated Samara in their away again, 11 to 5. An unexpected victory.

But despite the happy atmosphere, Tang Rou could sense a somberness from the Ye Xiu, Mumu, and Wei Chen as they were walking back to the hotel. So, just past midnight, after Chen Guo passed out watching another episode of the drama Mucheng insisted came extremely recommended, she turned in askance to the other person in the room. 

Mucheng smirked, "Go. Wei Chen is probably asleep by now." 

"He finds me when it's an away game." Tang Rou explained. That system worked well, specially since Ye Xiu was not fond of using a phone. Even when Mumu still didn't know about them, if Ye Xiu had knocked when both her and Guoguo were awake, he would just explain that he needed to talk to Mucheng. And, if they're both asleep, then no excuses were necessary, Tang Rou could just sneak out. Mucheng tended to sleep way later than Chen Guo did, so Tang Rou was extremely happy that sneaking out was even easier, now that Mucheng was let it in on the secret.

Still, even with such tested system, she was very tempted. But they haven't agreed to be so public yet. So in the off chance that Wei Chen was awake, she didn't want the reveal, the teasing, and the inevitable discussion to weigh down on both of them, and the team, days before an all important final.

As if on cue, there was a knock on the door.

Mucheng giggled as the younger girl rushed to open it.

"Hi." Ye Xiu immediately enveloped her hand with his own before glancing at Mucheng, "I'll return her soon."

"You guys take your time. I'm gonna watch another episode then head to bed." Mucheng replied, already huddled in bed, "Bring your keycard, Little Tang!"

"Yeah. Goodnight, Mumu." 

"Night, Mucheng." Ye Xiu echoed, before leading her out and closing the door.

"Where to, captain?" Tang Rou teased, as they walked hand in hand to the elevator.

He smirked at her, "Hotel bar."

"Hotel bar." She repeated, well aware he might be teasing and resolved to tease him back, "Shall I text Mucheng to pause her episode now? I'll have trouble carrying you upstairs if you start drinking." 

She knew he was a lightweight. If he started drinking now, Mucheng likely would not finish her episode before he got passed out drunk. And while Tang Rou could handle a drink a tiny bit better, she wasn't much for drinking.

The elevator doors opened, and Ye Xiu truly did lead her to the hotel bar. It was relatively empty, the dim lighting revealing only a couple of servers, a bartender, a group of four, likely businessmen, around a table, as well as a sole customer at the bar. And with only the soft, slow music coming out from the speakers, it was surprisingly quiet as well.

As Ye Xiu led the way to a secluded corner table, he told her, "This hotel does have a pool with a mini garden on the roofdeck, but the bellboy told me it's pretty busy around this time as people go for midnight swims."

"And he suggested the bar?" Tang Rou mused as she sat primly. "It is pretty empty."

Ye Xiu immediately slid in after her. "The garden would probably be more romantic." 

Tang Rou waited, "But?"

He shifted his position so that he was fully facing her.

"I honestly just wanted a private place so I could kiss you." Ye Xiu smirked.

Shameless. He was shameless.

She blushed, and his smirk grew wider. At that, Tang Rou composed herself, hoping to throw him off as well, "Hmm, good choice. It's quiet and dim. Private enough."

"I thought so." Ye Xiu cheekily told her, "I mean, I wouldn't say no to kissing you out in the open, but then we'd have to be chaste."

She had no words. Shameless. He had sounded so pleased about his foresight.

Tang Rou smirked. Two can play that game. 

She turned toward him on the bench and lifted a hand up to caress his cheek before suddenly hooking her arms around his neck and pulling him gently closer towards her. Ye Xiu easily followed, wrapping his arms around her waist, and smiling as she leaned up to kiss him. It was, at first, just soft, gentle brushes of lips. But then she was pulling him even closer against her, kissing him just beyond what could be considered chaste. 

It was like she was daring him, and Ye Xiu was never one to say no to a challenge.

Suddenly, her back was pressed to the wall behind her, Ye Xiu crowding even closer as a hand left its place on her waist to gently grasp the back of her head. And then, he's kissing her harder. She felt light-headed and dizzy from the rush of feeling. All she could focus on was him and the loud thumping of her heart. 

Ye Xiu hummed in contentment, angling his head to kiss her even deeper. He felt so awake and energized, his earlier tiredness fading away to overwhelming feelings of love and desire. He groaned softly, prolonging the moment until air became a concern. Then he pulled away, breathing heavily, leaving a soft kiss on her trembling lips and then another on her forehead. 

Tang Rou opened her eyes to see him smiling at her softly, almost shyly. And she couldn't help herself, leaning up to gently brush her lips on his.

As soon as she pulled away, a drinks menu was loudly dropped on their table.

Tang Rou immediately pushed Ye Xiu to a respectful distance. The manners tutoring she received growing up as an heiress kicking in automatically.

Both looked up to see a young male server smirking at them, "Sorry, I tried hard not to interrupt, but the boss insisted you order if you're going to take up the space." 

"Umm." Tang Rou blushed. Her timing really could be improved. As quiet and secluded their table is, it really wouldn't really be private until they've ordered and received their drinks.

"Soda?" Ye Xiu prompted her, already lacing their fingers together. He seemed to be unaffected by the server staring at them in amusement.

"Juice, please."

"Hungry?" 

She shook her head.

"Two juices then." Ye Xiu told the server.

"Orange, okay?" At their nods, he gathered up the drinks menu and turned to leave. "Oh! I'm returning in just a couple of minutes so please wait until then." 

Tang Rou resolutely avoided even looking at Ye Xiu until she heard the sound of their drinks being placed on their table. She looked up to see the server waggle his brows suggestively at Ye Xiu before leaving them alone.

"Hey." Ye Xiu's voice was soft, "That was different."

"Hm.." Ignoring the heat rushing to her cheeks and the countless lessons of propriety that had been drilled to her since childhood, she teased him, "That wasn't chaste at all."

"Yeeee-p," he dragged the word out, "I'm too irresistable, you couldn't help yourself."

Tang Rou smirked, "Victory kiss. I think we both played well today." 

Ye Xiu laughed, bringing their laced hands to his lips to kiss hers. Maybe his shamelessless was contagious. 

They stayed in comfortable silence as they sipped their drinks, the intensely charged atmosphere fading. 

And then, Tang Rou recalled the somber mood on the way back to the hotel, "You're okay?"

Ye Xiu nodded. 

She didn't look convinced, turning toward him and reaching for both his hands.

He watched as she gently massaged them, manipulating them in forms that Ye Xiu remembers as recommended cooldown stretches for after playing piano and violin. A warmth bloomed in his chest at her thoughtfulness. She was it. "You're too good to me."

"Hmm? You were 1 v 3 for a while, your hands must be sore." She explained casually, clearly dismissing his comment. "Fang Rui's hands must also be sore. He was sustaining such speed for too long." She had accurately pinpointed his worries. "He can't play the last one?"

"Depends on how he's feeling, but he's young. He'll recover fast."

Tang Rou hummed, "What about you?"

Ye Xiu stilled her hands. "I am getting too old." He quietly admitted.

Tang Rou immediately looked into his eyes, knowing what he was getting at. He had been hinting at it for a while now, but never as seriously as now. "If you want to, you could still play for a couple of years. I know of a PT and a doctor specializing in piano related injuries."

"Thank you." He rubbed circles on her hands, "But the time for Glory is now yours. Anyway, I really have to go back home and join the family business."

He paused, "How else could I raise our family?"

Wait, what?

Tang Rou's brain shortcircuited... and then promptly rebooted. "Very smooth, Master Ye; but I'm demanding an actual proposal when the time comes."

"Of course, my Heart," Ye Xiu met her eyes intently, "When the times comes." 

Chapter Text

Wei Chen grumbled sleepily as he sat on the stool, resting his head on the bar in front of him.

"What can I get you? Scotch for your troubles?" 

As a bartender for almost twenty years now, Chen Bo had seen men of all walks of life sit in front of him just wanting a friendly ear. He had seen so many, that he could even guess with some accuracy the reason why they were drinking. While happy celebrations were fun, Chen Bo felt the wallowing ones were more interesting. Once, a customer was drinking because his fiancée turned out to be an illegitimate half sister. It was stuff out of dramas!

So when the disgruntled man sat before his bar, he already guessed that a lover kicked him out of bed. Probably because he did something stupid, Chen Bo mused.

"My b*stard roommate woke me up when he got out of the room to smoke." The man muttered, "F*cker didn't even have the decency to invite me."

Huh. That was new.

"That's too bad." He hoped he sounded sympathetic, "You haven't seen him?"

"I looked outside and he wasn't there."

Privately, Chen Bo wondered how clingy this guy seemed to be to his roommate, but of course, he knew better than to say that, "We do have a roofdeck pool and garden. He should be there if he isn't outside."

"Nah. I'm too lazy."

"Well then," Chen Bo smiled, "What can I get you, Mister?"

"Wei Chen." The man replied, though Chen Bo was asking for his drink of choice, not his name, "And you? If I'm gonna rant all about my roommate, might as well know your name."

"Chen Bo." He ignored the gruff tone and asked again, "Scotch?"

Mr. Wei looked conflicted before nodding, "Just a finger."

Chen Bo raised a brow. Did this guy have a medical condition? He wouldn't serve him anything alcoholic if he did.

"B*stard has strict rules about not drinking." He explained with a sigh.

That... did not explain anything. But, Chen Bo poured the drink anyway. Guy was not sick. He could drink.

Mr. Wei must have seen his confusion so he elaborated. "He's my captain." 

Captain? This guy was an athlete? He did not look like it.

Chen Bo opened his mouth to reply when the server, Jing Li, leaned over the bar with a smirk, dropping the menu he had been carrying on the bar counter.

Ah, the kid came to gossip.

"Old Bo! Did you see the couple who just entered? I was going to serve them, but not even a minute sitting and they're already all over each other!"

He discretely pointed at the corner table. "I left them alone. I'm not interrupting that."

Both bartender and customer looked at the partially hidden table. Huh. That was unexpected, Chen Bo mused, usually couples would be a few drinks in before acting so uninhibited in public.

Wei Chen whistled lowly. "Ah, young love." He took a sip of his drink.

Jing Li nodded, barely paying attention to Wei Chen. "And I know you don't really know or play Glory, Old Bo."

"I'm too old for that." Chen Bo interrupted, already losing interest. But, Wei Chen paid even more attention to the young server.

"I know, Old Bo. But the guy. I'm pretty sure that was Ye Qiu!"

Wei Chen choked. 

Chen Bo patted the now coughing man's back, "I guess you play Glory too? You know this Ye Qiu?"

"Ye Xiu." Wei Chen corrected automatically. "He's my roommate. The f*cker sneaked out to go on a date?" He was both proud and annoyed. "That guy's whole life is Glory and pissing people off. I think I'm proud!"

Jing Li looked at the customer curiously now, trying to place him. The old Warlock from Happy! Jing Li wasn't so familiar with him, as he didn't play a lot of games this season; but Jing Li is a Happy fan, and Wei Chen was awesome in the play-off match against Blue Rain. "Master Wei Chen!"

"Jing Li. What are you doing? The customers in table 15 haven't ordered!" The head server had come closer to hiss at them, passing an order sheet to Chen Bo. "Are you paid to gossip?"

Jing Li stood up straighter, "But Boss! They were having a moment and I didn't want to interrupt!"

"I don't care. They should order if they're taking up space." The head server shoved the menu in his hands before walking away.

Jing Li sighed and did as ordered.

Wei Chen remained watching the table. Honestly, he couldn't tell from this angle if it was Ye Xiu, and the girl was even more hidden, so he curiously waited for the young server to return. But the kid hovered on the side, truly unwilling to interrupt.

Wei Chen snortled, asking Chen Bo to pour him another finger.

When he glanced back at the table, the kid was already taking orders.

Chen Bo laughed at the man, serving him the scotch. "You think it's really your roommate?"

Wei Chen accepted the offered drink, "I want to find out."

Chen Bo nodded. He was still preparing the orders for the irritable boss when Jing Li returned.

"Just juice, Old Bo!" The server said as he walked behind the bar, "I'll get it." He seemed so excited. Pouring two glasses and quickly delivering them, he was back in a minute.

"It is God Ye!" He enthusiastically reported to Wei Chen, "But, Master Wei! The girl he was with, it's Tang Rou!"

Wei Chen's jaw dropped.

When did that happen?

"Are you sure kid?"

"They both looked up at me!" Jing Li confirmed. And then asked, "You didn't know?"

"No! The f*cker was even gossiping with me about that Samsara blademaster courting Tang Rou." Wei Chen groused, conveniently ignoring that Ye Xiu had never contributed anything positive to that conversation. "Not telling his teammates! I can't wait to tell the others. They'll get it from all of us!"

By the end of his rant, Wei Chen was already smirking, excitedly planning ways on how to tease the couple. Was it really true? Well, even if he was mistaken, he was sure it would still embarass them both. Ye Xiu, especially.

"Uhh, Master Wei?" Jing Li said hesitantly, "Could you maybe wait until after the finals? You guys might get distracted and I really want Happy to win!"

Normally, Wei Chen would just tell him to mind his own business, because of course he wouldn't do anything to jeopardize their chances of winning the championship--he had been planning to wait until after the end of the game to confront them--so how dare the kid insinuate that!  But this was the guy who gave him the information. He could cut the kid some slack. "Sure kid."

He finished the last of his drink and tossed enough money on the bar to cover it, before nodding goodbye to Chen Bo and Jing Li. Glancing at the corner table before leaving, he could vaguely see the couple--Old Ye and Little Tang, his mind corrected--sitting too close together.

The couple did kinda look like them.

He was still in partial disbelief when he entered his room and even as he got ready for bed.

That was unexpected. How could he have missed this?

He was lost in thought, remembering his conversations with Ye Xiu and Mucheng about Du Ming.

Sh*t.

Mucheng had told him that she happened to think both Tang Rou and her enjoyed a bit of shamelessness. Little Tang specially so. Ye Xiu had coughed then.

He had thought it was because Ye Xiu was surprised that innocent Mucheng had made a delightfully suggestive comment. But, holy f*ck. Mucheng had known. She had been teasing Ye Xiu!

Who else had known?

He laid down, still trying to recall if the couple left any hints of their relationship.

As engrossed as he was in his thoughts, Wei Chen absently noted that even though a full hour had passed since he came back from the bar, Ye Xiu still hasn't returned.

That wasn't too unexpected, Wei Chen thought a bit bitterly. If he too had someone beautiful with him, he would stay with her as long as possible. Lucky b*astard.

He waited for a couple more minutes then closed his eyes. It was 2 am. He's just too tired to wait up for Ye Xiu, even if he desperately wanted to catch him in the act. 

Wei Chen was pretty sure he had just fallen asleep when the sound of the door being opened and subsequently closed woke him up. He rubbed his eyes, "Oi. Old Ye, you're back! What time is it?"

"Almost 3 am. You're awake?" Ye Xiu was surprised. Wei Chen had been sleeping for a full five minutes when Ye Xiu had left earlier, tired after the long day and the extensive discussion they had about the match, as had become their habit starting from the Challenger League. 

As an older player, Wei Chen had become Ye Xiu's sound board of things he would not necessarily want to discuss in-depth with the team. It was made even more convenient by the fact that they were roommates, so privacy isn't a concern. Happy was a young team, and both seniors understood that burdening them with too much would not be good for their development or morale.

"Ah." Wei Chen yawned, sitting up, "I woke up when you left."

Considering he had left almost three hours ago, Ye Xiu thought the response was odd. "I didn't know you sleep like old men now." He teased, "I'll be careful next time."

To his surprise, Wei Chen didn't curse him and merely smirked, "Nah, I went out to smoke but met some new friends instead. Improved my morale."

"Oh?" Ye Xiu replied distractedly, already readying for bed, "That's good. Old people live longer when they're happier." It was a deliberate taunt, but Wei Chen still did not respond with a curse. Very odd. 

"Hmm. You would know that well, Old Ye." Wei Chen murmered, "Did you go for a smoke too?"

He said it in a singsong manner, and alarm bells started ringing in Ye Xiu's head. 

Flopping down his bed, Ye Xiu replied. "No. I had a massage." He wasn't really lying, he did have his hands massaged by Little Tang. 

"I bet." Wei Chen paused deliberately, almost suggestively, before lying back down his bed. "Night, Old Ye."

Huh. What exactly what Old Wei implying?

He shrugged, deciding to not worry about it until after some sleep. Old Wei was probably just too tired to make sense.

But two days later, Ye Xiu was now pretty sure Wei Chen somehow knew, or at least strongly suspected. Old Wei didn't outright ask about it, but the random questions about dating more, comments about Tang Rou, and the exaggerated winking clued him in. Well that and the delighted gasp he had just emitted.

"Am I interrupting?" Wei Chen asked in a singsong manner, leaning on the wall opposite him and Tang Rou.

They had a few more minutes before they had to head back to their assigned room for the short peptalk he planned to give the team for encouragement and to prepare to line up on stage. He and Little Tang found an relatively isolated corner to just relax and shake off nerves.

They had just been talking about a movie they could watch together during the season's break when Wei Chen interrupted them.

"Yes." He replied straightforwardly, "You should be polite and leave." 

Wei Chen didn't rise to the taunt and just smirked. "Too bad. This senior needs people to talk with to get rid of my poor nerves. You don't mind, don't you, Little Tang?"

Tang Rou smiled at the other man, "No, Old Wei." 

He really wasn't interrupting anything. They were just hanging out. Really, they weren't going to discuss anything important or do anything right before a finals match where they both needed to focus. 

At that, Wei Chen frowned, looking confused, "What were you talking about, then?"

"Something that has nothing to do with you." Ye Xiu said with a smug smirk.

Wei Chen looked excited and interested again. "Oh? Then I'm very curious."

But the other man ignored him, pushing off the wall he had been leaning against. "Later, Old Wei. We have a game to play." 

Then, with a deliberate look at the older man, he tapped Tang Rou's hand, lingering as if to hold it, before pulling away. "Let's go, Little Tang."

Wei Chen's jaw dropped. It was one thing hearing about it and another seeing it. 

Holy sh*t. 

Ye Xiu knew he was fanning Wei Chen's suspicions. In fact, he wanted to. They were going to tell the team after finals anyway. And, truthfully, he was having difficulty remembering why he and Little Tang kept it secret for so long.

Tang Rou nodded goodbye and walked close to Ye Xiu's side. 

Wei Chen was still staring at them as they walked side by side, hands brushing against each other with every step.

How did this happen? When did this happen?

Wei Chen was dying to ask. But he really wanted a championship more.

Ugh, he sighed longingly, later then. He jogged to catch up with the couple.

For him, later seemed too far away.

But, the hype of the crowd and intensity of the match, and then later, the rush of winning--him, a champion!-- did manage to temper his curiosity. Enough so he could sit through the painfully long press conference that Ye Xiu, the shameless b*stard, ditched. Enough to wait for the entire team to settle and gather around a table at the very bar he had made his discovery, as Chen Guo had decided they needed to celebrate, even a small one, the very night they won.

"A bigger one we'll hold when we all get home." She had explained.

He was almost trembling in his excitement and anticipation, waiting for all his teammates to place their orders. And when they were done, Wei Chen immediately opened his mouth.

Ye Xiu shot him an amused look. "I think we should wait for the drinks first before you start toasting, Old Wei."

He gritted his teeth as Chen Guo agreed.

Mucheng watched the interplay and raised a brow. Something was up.

When the last drink and snack were delivered, he started up again, "You.."

"Old Wei," Tang Rou's voice was polite and sweet even as she cut him off, "Shouldn't we let Guoguo say the toast first?"

He made a face. Ye Xiu was a really bad influence on the girl. He grunted, "Fine."

Mucheng stiffled a laugh. She now knew what was happening.

Wei Chen stared at the couple as Chen Guo gave a rambling, heartwarming speech of finding family in all of them. 

Are they, Wei Chen wondered, holding hands? Sh*t, they are! Right on the table too! 

And no one else is noticing, too engrossed by Chen Guo.

Ye Xiu mockingly raised a brow at him, smirking.

Finally, the toast ended and everyone clicked glasses and drank to their victory.

Wei Chen couldn't take it anymore. He let his bottle drop on the table rather roughly, "I can't take this anymore!"

Everyone looked at him strangely.

"You!" He pointed at Ye Xiu, "Since when are you dating Little Tang? How did that happen?" He waited in anticipation for the shocked disbelief. He wanted a captive audience to gossip to.

"What?" That was Chen Guo

"They're dating? Oh! That's why you told Mucheng to crush him!" Fang Rui.

"Wow! You're awesome, Boss!" Steamed Bun.

Wei Chen looked around. That's it? He turned toward Yifan, Wenyi, and Luo Ji accusingly, "You three knew and you didn't share?"

Yifan shyly looked at Ye Xiu, then at Tang Rou, "Uhh.. We...just accidentally saw them. It wasn't our place to tell.."

Fang Rui nodded, "So what did you see?"

"The beginning." Luo Ji replied.

"Senior's confession was very smooth." An Wenyi added.

"You thought she'd punch him." Luo Ji tattled in contradiction.

"She might have. It was a high risk, high reward situation." An Wenyi reasoned with a grin. "It all worked out."

"You were there?" Tang Rou confirmed. She hadn't seen them.

"Ah." Yifan nodded, "We were assigned computers behind you. We would have said hi, but you guys were busy playing so we didn't."

"Good job, you three." Ye Xiu said with a smile, "I would have been very unhappy if my plan didn't push through,"

"There was a plan?" Luo Ji sputtered. He didn't think so.

Tang Rou quirked her lips in amusement, remembering that night after the long 2nd Round Blue Rain game.

Although the game ended late, they had walked together to the internet cafe near their hotel. They had been very close friends at that point. And they had been growing even closer after that first Tiny Herb game.

She remembered that, sometimes, during that period, she felt like they were more, because he would act like he liked her in a romantic way. But Tang Rou had previously figured she may have just been imagining things. She liked him. Of course, she was biased. 

But whatever their status was at the time, she had enjoyed his company, and late night talks and outings together weren't uncommon, even then. And that night, they just wanted to play Glory.

While Ye Xiu might have been proud of Mo Fan's improvement, the long hide and seek game, which ended in a loss, had him wanting to end the day with a more straightforward battle. Tang Rou felt the same just from watching the game from her avatar's death screen. So, when he discretely asked her to PK him after the match, she said yes.

So there they were, casually disguised, sitting next to each other even as they were playing against each other in the arena. It was during their tenth one that Ye Xiu suddenly asked for a wager.

Fired up by the last nine losses, Tang Rou readily agreed.

When Soft Mist lost again, she turned to Ye Xiu, asking him what he wanted.

He had cheesily told her, "You."

"... Sis Tang seemed so shocked at first, then told him to be serious. But Senior said he was serious, he wanted her, and that he was very sure she wanted him too." An Wenyi elaborated to the table.

Wei Chen and Fang Rui burst out laughing. Even in love, that guy was very shameless.

Chen Guo looked disappointedly at Tang Rou, "Little Tang, I'm not even surprised by his shamelessness. But you said yes to that?"

"He's very sweet, Guoguo." Tang Rou primly replied.

Ye Xiu flashed her a smile, then turned to Chen Guo, "I was recreating how we met!"

What? 

Chen Guo was there when they had met and she could not see how the confession was a recreation in any way. The only similarity was them playing 10 games with a wager. 

Huh? If viewed that way, she guessed it could be considered a recreation.

She shook her head. 

Ever the peacekeeper, Yifan also defended his mentor, "Senior also asked properly after that!"

"You don't have to defend him, Yifan." Chen Guo told the teen, even as Fang Rui asked curiously, "He did? What did he say?"

Tang Rou giggled, "He asked me if he could be mine, and that if he was mine, it's only right that I be his too."

Ye Xiu proudly nodded, "It's fair. Reciprocity."

Everyone chuckled at his unabashed shamelessness.

"Boss is always fair." Steamed Bun said solemnly.

"Uhh, thanks, Baozi."

Wei Chen laughed even louder.

Amidst the laughter, Chen Guo turned to the silent Mo Fan, trying to include him in the conversation, "You also knew?"

Wei Chen didn't bother asking Mo Fan earlier, figuring that he didn't know and didn't care, so he felt Chen Guo was just asking useless questions when they could get to the more interesting things!

"Mo Fan doesn't care. Anyway, do you want to know how I know?"

Chen Guo ignored Wei Chen and continued looking at the quiet man. She would continue trying hard to include him until he felt comfortable. "Mo Fan?"

Mo Fan glanced at Mucheng, and upon receiving a small nod, slammed both hands on the table, "Finally!" 

The whole table fell silent in surprise. The last time the team saw him have such vehement reaction was to tell Ye Xiu off for bothering him about being in a team. And that reaction paled in comparison to this.

Mo Fan turned toward the amused Ye Xiu and shocked Tang Rou, "You two! The kitchen is a common area. You shouldn't be kissing against the fridge, or the water dispenser, and blocking it for people who might want a drink or a snack!" 

Then, the burst of anger quickly faded, and his usual inexpressive look appeared. He nodded and fell silent again.

"Eh? Mo Fan was your source?" Ye Xiu asked Mucheng. He had been surprised when she suddenly confronted him about Tang Rou, asking him why he was keeping it a secret from her. 

"Yeah." Mucheng looked pleased, "He saw you guys in the house a few times and couldn't get a drink or a snack during those nights. He was annoyed enough to tell me. I told him not to go off on you until you told the team."

"Kitchen, huh." Fang Rui wiggled his brows suggestively. 

"Let me tell you, they seem to really like public places." Wei Chen smirked, happily telling his story.

Tang Rou rested her head on Ye Xiu's shoulder, leaning against him, even as she blushed at Wei Chen's wildly exaggerated story-telling.

He was further riled up by a very interested Fang Rui and a naive Steamed Bun innocently asking borderline inappropriate questions.

"So, what now?" Chen Guo asked, after a round of laughter died down again. "Will you still retire?" With Tang Rou still in Happy, would Ye Xiu stay another season to be near her? Chen Guo really can't imagine either of them in a long distance relationship. Both were too focused on Glory.

"You're retiring?" Fang Rui, An Wenyi, Qiao Yifan, and Luo Ji asked in almost unison. Although they all logically knew Ye Xiu didn't have too long left in his pro career, they didn't think he'd retire this season.

Ye Xiu shrugged, "Yes. But, I'll still be around." He looked at the faces around the table, "I won't have as much time, but if you need anything, advice, training suggestions, a PK, let me know, okay? You guys will do great next season."

"Yes, Boss! Watch us win!" Baozi said excitedly.

"I'll be watching." Ye Xiu fondly replied. He was with his team, a family he found when another had cast him out. They had won the championship! And even better, they all now knew that he belonged to the girl in his arms and that she was his. The night was perfect.

Later, when they were in their room and the haze of mutual celebration faded, Chen Guo turned to Tang Rou and asked worriedly, "Little Tang.. Will you be okay?"

While she truly considers Ye Xiu a friend and she didn't think he'd break Little Tang's heart on purpose, she genuinely worried for her young friend. Long distance relationships were hard, even without an age gap. She wanted to make sure Tang Rou really was okay with the situation. "You guys will be pretty busy during the break, and even busier when the season starts again. Plus, you'll be in Hangzhou and Ye Xiu will be in..."

"In Beijing or Shanghai, he's guessing. His family lives in Shanghai, and Gold Leaf Corporation primarily operates there, but Chairman Ye is a Qinghua alumnus so he'll probably want Xiu to study in Beijing eventually." Tang Rou supplied. 

Mucheng took this moment to join the conversation. "Don't worry, Guoguo." Mucheng consoled her, "I'm sure Brother Xiu and Little Tang have discussed this."

"We have." Tang Rou smiled at her, "He's even promised to use his phone regularly."

Mucheng grinned.

Chen Guo nodded and hugged Little Tang, "Then I'm very happy for you guys. Congratulations."

"Thank you. I'm very happy too." 

Chapter Text

Ye Xiu had barely been home for a day when he received a call from the chairman of Glory Professional Alliance, right in the middle of a family dinner.

"You brought your phone to dinner? And it's actually on?" Ye Qiu immediately blurted out in disbelief. His brother was not fond of using his own phone. Even when they were younger, Ye Xiu would repeatedly leave it behind in his room, uncharged, and would just borrow from other people when he needed one.

And considering that most conversations he'd had with his brother in the past thirteen years had been through a chatting app or very rarely, by random numbers, which he eventually learned were owned by his brother's assortment of trusted teammates and friends throughout the years, calling him, Ye Qiu doubted his dislike of phones had changed.

Ignoring Ye Qiu's questions and his parents' very obvious disproval at dinner being interrupted, Ye Xiu answered his phone, "Chairmen Feng, I hope your heart is well."

Ye Qiu rolled his eyes at the greeting. What's the use of giving the proper address, when the greeting still lacks respect! 

He could tell that his father was already mentally signing his brother up for remedial business manners, in addition to the highschool subjects review he'd already agreed to take to obtain his self-study graduation certificate and then to prepare for taking the National College Entrance Exam next year.

"......... But Chairman Feng, I just retired yesterday!" He heard Ye Xiu tease, "I can't just unretire."

Now that was just untrue. If that were the case, Ye Qiu would've had his brother back home more than two years ago, when Ye Xiu had first retired. Why was this Chairman asking his brother to unretire, anyway? He can't leave! Ye Qiu had just gotten him back.

"...I'm very honored. No, really, I am. But I'd have to decline...... I don't think I'll change my mind, but yeah, okay, I'll let you know........ Bye Chairman Feng."

Ye Xiu finally finished his call with an apologetic shrug, "That was the Alliance. I had to take it."

"Ah Xiu, they're asking you to come back?" Yang Yilin was very much against that idea.

"Just temporarily, mom." Ye Xiu replied, "The Alliance wanted me to be part of the Chinese Glory Team."

"You said no." Ye Jun pointed out, proudly. Their dad never did see any value to gaming.

"Well, yeah. We already agreed on the classes I'd need to take yesterday." Ye Xiu said carelessly. 

Ye Jun frowned at that, "Yes. It seems like your business manners is lacking, I will also arrange for a tutor."

"And music and languages!" Yang Yilin added, "You used to play piano so beautifully, my son." 

Ye Xiu wondered how his playing could ever be considered beautiful, but didn't argue: piano playing could prolong his hand dexterity for Glory. He would, however, try everything to get out of language classes. "I think I'm still pretty good in languages, mom." He said flawlessly in english. 

Ye Qiu personally thought life was unfair. He wasn't even rusty! Even after thirteen years of probably minimal english exposure, Ye Xiu still retained his fluency. His brother had always been a genius, Ye Qiu groused. 

"And your french?" Yilin asked in french, with a raised brow in challenge.

Ye Xiu smirked and replied in slightly accented french, "More than passable, mom. You made me take lessons since I was three, these things don't just go away."

Ye Qiu silently groaned. French too? Was he also practicing while he was off playing his video games?

"Good." Yilin nodded, "Although maybe lessons on posture. You're slouching, my dear."

Ye Xiu sighed, immediately straightening up. 

Now, that, he had consciously adopted as a habit when Muqiu had teased him for being so stiff, and he was still processing that he didn't need to slouch anymore. "Yes, mom." And he shot Ye Qiu a pained look when their mom wasn't looking. 

Ye Qiu quickly stuck out his tongue. He felt like he was fifteen again, when it was him and Ye Xiu against their parents. 

Ye Qiu smiled widely.

Yes, having his brother back was great.

Barely two days of having him back and the Alliance came calling for him again. This time, his father was very much in support of it.

"It's for the glory of China!" 

Ye Qiu leaned against a wall near the closed door of the study, unabashedly listening in. Not that he had to do much, his father and brother were talking loudly enough to be heard through the thick walls with not much effort.

"You don't even like me playing!"

"You're great at it! I don't like it, but I wouldn't have allowed you to continue playing if you were a failure. You would've been back years ago!"

"You were watching me?"

His brother's voice was softer now, and Ye Qiu strained to hear it.

"Of course, you're my son." His father's were just as soft, and then, a bit louder, "I couldn't have you disrespecting the family, and your brother's name."

"Right." Ye Xiu's voice regained volume, "Well, dad, now that I'm retired, you don't have to worry about that anymore."

Yes, Ye Qiu silently cheered. His brother just got home. He needed to stay home. They haven't even spent much time together yet.

"You're not retired for this tournament!" Ye Jun said insistently, "The head of the General Administration of Sports really wants you involved in any capacity. You will win honor for your country!"

"I just got here! My bed's not even set up!"

"You refused to allow the maid to set it. And, you've slept here for two nights already, I'm sure your bed is fine."

"I haven't even fully unpacked yet."

"Good. You have a meeting at the headquarters tomorrow at 2pm." Ye Jun was firm, "I took the liberty of booking you a flight to Beijing for tomorrow morning at 7. A chauffeur will pick you up at the airport." A pause, "Ah Xiu, I don't want to see you here until the tournament's over."

"You got me a plane ticket to Beijing?" His brother's tone was sardonic.

"Your mother will be using the company plane. I'm sure you can fly commercial, you've done it for thirteen years, no?"

Ye Qiu mentally facepalmed. He doubted his brother cared very much that he'd be flying commercial. His issue likely lies more on the fact that a ticket was booked for him in the first place.

"Hmm, and I suppose you booked a hotel for me too?"

"I could. But you can just stay at the penthouse until the 16th. I was assured that you'll be in a team house after then, but I suppose you'll know more about it in your meeting tomorrow. 2pm sharp, Ye Xiu. Don't be late."

"Did you say yes for me or should I still call the Alliance?"

Uh oh. Not good, his brother was resigned.

"Ah Xiu." He heard a long sigh, "It's only polite that you call."

"Fine."

"Good. You're bringing honor to this family."

Ye Qiu knew it was a dismissal and backed off the wall, acting like he just got there.

"Little Brother." Ye Xiu greeted casually as he went out of the study, "Eavesdropping, huh?"

"I just got here! I have business with father!" He protested, already feeling blood traveling up his cheeks.

Ye Xiu smirked at him, obviously not believing him. "Okay, Little Brother." Ye Xiu patted his shoulder as he passed him, "Wanna have lunch tomorrow?"

"You won't be here." Ye Qiu frowned. 

"I thought you weren't listening in?" His brother said with a laugh, leaving him standing outside his father's study.

"Hey!" Tang Rou was slightly panting when she answered her phone, after quite a few rings. He could vaguely hear fading hooting and cheers as she moved to a more quiet place.

"Hmm.. You're all breathless.." Ye Xiu leaned back on his headboard, lips twitching in a flirtatious smile. "And here I thought you're only that way with me."

"Shut up." She said fondly, "I was with the guild today. Everything's been crazy in the game. Old Wei had confiscated my phone, he said I'd be too distracted."

Oh. That explained why she took longer than the usual to answer her phone.

"Hmm? Maybe Unrivaled Super Hottie can help?" 

The knight account was an open one owned by Happy, but Chen Guo had gifted it to him as a gag retirement present when he left; more significant, was her return of Lord Grim, with a casual "You're probably the only one who could play him anyway."

Ye Xiu had been touched and promised himself that if the unspecialized remained a viable class when he found a potential player, he would direct the kid to Happy and return the card.

"You could. But I also just logged out."

"Aww.. Miss Tang" Ye Xiu playfully swooned, "You'd pick me over battle?"

"Well, we already got the boss right before I answered your call." She said with a laugh, "Unless you want to help Old Wei with looting the dead...."

"Hmm.. I'd rather talk to you instead."

"Me too," She admitted quietly. "What's up? You told me earlier you'd call after dinner."

"Remember the Glory Worlds Invitational?"

"Hmm?" He could tell she was keeping her tone perfectly neutral. He had barely brushed over it yesterday, firmly saying he won't do it. In response, she had told him that he should play, but  promised to support him no matter what he decided to do. The subject was then quickly dropped.

"My dad agreed for me. I'll be in Beijing tomorrow. He kicked me out until it's over."

"And?" She prodded. 

"I really don't want to."

"Xiu.. if you really don't want to participate, you can just catch a train to Hangzhou and stay with Happy." Then she sighed, "But, you love Glory. What aren't you telling me?"

Ye Xiu frowned even as his heart warmed. She knew him too well. "Lord Grim can't be used in competition. They want me as coach, unless I find a comparable card."

"Oh."

Somehow her "oh" summed up what Ye Xiu felt when he received the invitation, elated but so hurt at the same time. It was a confusing feeling. One that he will come to terms with in time, he decided. So, he changed subjects.

"And also because Beijing is a bit further away than Shanghai is from Hangzhou." He said teasingly, "I didn't think we'd have to deal with it so soon. i thought I'd have at least the whole summer to easily visit you."

She giggled. "You can still do that when you get back to Shanghai!"

"But I miss you already." He said it plainly and straightforwardly, like it was a fact. 

And, it was. He wasn't very needy, but he really hadn't planned on missing her so much, mostly because he didn't expect that they wouldn't be able to see each other for more than a month. With Hangzhou being a less than an hour train ride from Shanghai, he had been planning on dropping in quite frequently--as many times as their collective schedules allow.

But now, with training up a new team, albeit with god-level and allstar players, and staying in Beijing and then in Switzerland, he'd be away and busy until late August.

There was a brief pause, and then...

"I'll come with Mumu and... maybe Fang Rui? when they get invited." She replied.

He ignored her guesses for the National Team--he didn't know if he would have a hand in selecting them, but both would definitely be among his choices too--and focused on her offer to visit him.

"You don't have to." Ye Xiu told her, a bit unwillingly. But he knew she was also busy in Happy. He didn't want her putting off anything just for him.

"I want to. I need to visit my dad anyway." Tang Rou said simply. 

Ye Xiu didn't protest, smiling happily. "Your dad, huh? Can you fit me in your schedule, young mistress Tang?"

"Always."

"Yeah?" He hummed in satisfaction. "I love you." 

At that moment, Ye Qiu walked in without knocking, "Brother!"

He looked a bit confused to see his brother lounging comfortably, hand holding a phone up to his ear. Oh, he was on the phone. Wait.

"Who are you talking to?" He asked heatedly. Who was his brother telling "I love you" to?

Ye Xiu ignored his brother, addressing Tang Rou, "Hey, my brother just came in. You want to say hi?"

Ye Qiu didn't take to being ignored well, flopping carelessly down his brother's bed. "Brother."

Ye Xiu finally answered him, "Be nice; I'm putting it on speaker."

"Little Tang, this is my younger brother Ye Qiu. Ye Qiu, this is my Tang Rou." Ye Xiu casually introduced.

My Tang Rou? What kind of introduction is that?

Ye Qiu looked at his brother for further clarification.

"Hi, Senior Ye. I'm Tang Rou." Tang Rou said sweetly, "Ye Xiu's girlfriend."

Girlfriend? Since when?

He absently noted that his brother did not object. The girl wasn't lying at all! His brother really had a girlfriend? How did he manage that when Ye Qiu is currently pitifully single?

Noticing Ye Qiu was dumbstruck, Ye Xiu poked his brother to respond.

"Uh-- hi." Ye Qiu's voice was a bit strangled. "It's, uh, nice to meet you, even through the phone."

"You too, Senior Ye."

Satisfied introductions were done, Ye Xiu turned to his brother, "Why did you call me?"

Ye Qiu mentally composed himself. "I have business in Beijing until the 20th, so I'll be coming with you. We really can have lunch together."

"Hmm.." Ye Xiu looked pleased. 

He had that twinkle in his eyes, and Ye Qiu braced himself for whatever mischief his brother had planned.

To his surprise, he addressed his girlfriend.

"Hey, Little Tang? Do you want to officially meet your brother-in-law when you visit?"

What?

Ye Qiu's eyes widened.

Without even missing a beat, the girl replied teasingly, "Sure, as long as you officially meet your father-in-law too."

Ye Qiu's eyes twitched. What nonsense is this? And she was playing along? At least in bad humor, these two were made for each other!

Ye Xiu was swamped with his new responsibilities as soon as he was welcomed as "leader" of the team and appraised of them. Happily, it included having input as to the potential members. Annoyingly, it included dealing with the press and the sponsors.

And worse, he'd have to deal with a handful of those sponsors right now.

Finally, following a long meeting that ran past dinner--why do sponsors get a say on who gets in anyway?--the list of potential participants was confirmed. Ye Xiu doubted anyone but Old Han would reject the invitation: unfortunately, timing would prevent Han Wenqing from joining the National Team, as his first priority would always be Tyranny.

After reminding them to first keep his involvement under wraps, Ye Xiu left as Chairman Feng and the representatives from the Sports Administration started calling each person on the list to invite them informally. The formal invitations would be sent out before the night ends to be received by the invitees the next day. Then, they'd be expected the day after tomorrow.

Everything was coming together very quickly. 

He sighed, lighting up a cigarette as he texted Little Tang to come earlier than planned. He would be busier than expected, and he really wanted a day with her without interference.

Tang Rou: Booked my flight for tomorrow. Mumu and Fang Rui just got called. They will be there on the 17th. 

His lips curled up in a smile. Perfect. 

He happily sent a congratulatory message to them both in the Happy QQ Group Chat.

 Lord Grim: Congratulations @Dancing Rain and @Boundless Sea. See you both soon.

Ye Qiu wasn't sure what he was expecting, but it wasn't this. 

Being curious, he tagged along with Ye Xiu to fetch Tang Rou from the airport. He really wanted to meet the girl who snagged his brother's heart. 

Ye Qiu was especially anxious to finally find out where, exactly, the girl would stay. His brother didn't say. But he wouldn't be stupid enough to house her in the penthouse right? While they didn't lack space, their father would find out about her within seconds. The househelpers would tattle immediately.

And he doubted their father would approve. Of her and of the situation.

He supposed he was expecting someone brash and bold. He could see how that would appeal to his brother. And to be perfectly honest, her casual acceptance and usage of "in-laws" and then subsequently, the avoidance of Ye Xiu of his questions of where she'll stay and what was likely her insistence to pick her up so early in the morning when he knew Ye Xiu had a late night, painted her as a bit of a golddigger in his eyes.

So when his brother pointed her out as she made her way to them, he was shocked. He had a very different picture of her in his mind: a Glory groupie, hanging desperately around his brother.  

He wasn't expecting her.

It was the way she conducted herself, how she stood, how she walked. She would seamlessly fit right in with the upper class society he grew up with. Her clothes were simple and casual, yes, but he could tell they were impeccably tailored with quality materials. The only thing that might be out of place was her short hair. But it suited her, making her look even prettier.

She shook his hand lightly, delicately, keeping proper manners and looking politely towards his eyes. And he absently noticed that she had nice hands.

Polite. Well-mannered.

Where the hell did his brother find this girl?

"Nice to meet you in person, Senior Ye."

His brother elbowed him, and he stuttered out a clumsy, "You too."

Ye Xiu laughed then, very amused to see his brother so awestruck. He tugged Tang Rou closer to him, hugging her in a tight embrace then kissing her forehead. "Breakfast?"

"Yes. I'm starving." She easily agreed, "I'd have to drop my bag off with Hong though."

Ye Xiu nodded, collecting her bag from her, and they walked out of the airport hand-in-hand.

Who's Hong? Ye Qiu privately wondered as he trailed behind the couple as they walked to where private cars would be waiting.

Tang Rou led them to a car not unlike their own. A man came out, greeting Tang Rou. "My Lady, how was your flight?"

He took her luggage from Ye Xiu automatically, "Are the young sirs riding with us?" 

Then he opened and held out the backseat door. A chauffeur.

Holy sh*t.

Ye Qiu's brain shortcircuited.

"No, Hong." Tang Rou replied primly, "I actually wouldn't be riding with you. Ye Xiu will bring me back home later."

The chauffeur looked as if he'd protest but then merely nodded. "Very well, My Lady."

Ye Qiu glanced at his brother to check if he was also surprised by what's happening. 

He wasn't. In fact, he was even greeting Hong like he'd met him before.

Finally, the car pulled away, and Ye Xiu turned to Tang Rou.

"Would you mind eating here?"

In a complete 180 of his previous expectations of a gold-digger, Ye Qiu expected Tang Rou to be high maintenance and mind it very much. He had reference, of course. None of his past dates would be pleased if he brought them to eat at the airport.

His brother was deadmeat.

But this girl just lit up.

"Of course not! Can we get Mcdonald's? I overheard a kid talking about pancakes and I'm dying for one." 

Ye Xiu elbowed his brother as he passed him. "Qiu! Stop daydreaming. Let's go!"

Ye Xiu was right. He had to get a grip and focus.

It took Ye Qiu under five minutes of sneakily observing them to decide they were perfect for each other. Maybe it would've just taken a minute, he mused, if he didn't have to do it so surreptitiously.

They weren't so showy or full of displays of affection. It was subtle. But there was an undercurrent of respect and mutual appreciation as they talked and teased each other. It was in the lingering touches and shared looks of amusement or delight.

And, his brother was clearly very happy and in love.

He valued his brother's happiness almost above all.

But even better for Ye Qiu was that she clearly loved him too.

He caught his brother's eye and subtly gave a small nod. He approved.

Ye Xiu smiled in response.

Over pancakes and coffee, Ye Qiu found himself more actively participating in the conversation, trying to find out more about the woman his brother loves.

And as Tang Rou told another story that had him laughing, he silently vowed not to let Ye Xiu mess this up.

He kinda liked her as a sister already.

Chapter Text

Tang Rou was just lounging alone in the family library, reading a book, when her phone pinged with a notification.

She had come home from visiting her father in the office and had just narrowly escaped the society afternoon tea party her mother was hosting in the living room. Truthfully, she was rather bored. Ye Xiu was busy with the National Team today, and since they were all settling in the new team accomodations after their meeting, she doubted they could have dinner together.

She would play Glory, but with her mother here, it really wasn't worth it. Meng Lina had been very disappointed when her only child had dropped out of Jullliard, but she had been pretty understanding. She had wanted her daughter to find her own way in the world. Besides, as her mom had put it, Tang Rou was young and beautiful, so a little restless rebellion was to be expected.

Except, Tang Rou's little rebellion lasted far longer than her mom had expected. And while Meng Lina tried to be supportive, it was very obvious she disapproved of Tang Rou's career choice. Playing Glory with someone subtly alluding to lost potential really wasn't fun.

So, here she was, alone in the library, truly very bored.

Her phone pinged with another notification.

Curiously, she opened it to see that it was a message sent to the Glory Girls QQ chat group that she'd been added to upon her debut. 

Huh? She was a bit confused.

Besides a welcoming message when she first joined and congratulations to her and MuMu when Happy won the championship, the chat was never really active.

She wasn't close to any of the other girls, barring Mumu, so she also had no reason to use the group much either, except to say "hi" or "thanks" when appropriate. So it really was a surprise that out of the blue, Misty Rain's captain sent a group message.

Besides, wasn't she supposed to be in a meeting with Ye Xiu right now?

Windy Rain: I'm dying. :))) I just have to share it. He's just so oblivious. They all want him.

Windy Rain: Look!

Windy Rain: (picture of Zhou Zekai and Huang Shaotian sitting up, staring at a farther away Ye Xiu, craning their necks and obviously hanging on to his every word.)

Windy Rain: (picture of Huang Shaotian glaring at Zhou Zekai with an out of focus Ye Xiu in the background.)

Windy Rain: (picture of Wang Jiexi with one hand on Ye Xiu's shoulder, the other handing him a bottle of water.)

Almost immediately after the pictures loaded for Tang Rou, her phone pinged again.

Dancing Rain: @Windy Rain Yunxiu! You shouldn't post that here. People might misunderstand.

Windy Rain: What's there to misunderstand? You agree with me right? They like him.

Windy Rain: (picture of Yu Wenzhou handing Ye Xiu a bundle of papers, their hands brushing.)

Windy Rain: They just keep on finding ways to be near him. He doesn't need more paper or water.

Dancing Rain: @Windy Rain We're not sure about this! Stop sending pics.

Tang Rou's lips twitched. She guessed Mucheng was trying to stop Senior Chu for her benefit. But to be honest, she was just quite curious. 

A bunch of male pros have a crush on Ye Xiu? Mumu was really letting her down in the gossip department.

Soft Mist: They like him?

Windy Rain: Yes! Aren't they just so cute? I really ship them!

Ship? Huh?

Dancing Rain: @Soft Mist Little Tang, we aren't really sure about that.

Windy Rain: I think it's fairly obvious.

Windy Rain: To everyone but Ye Xiu, I mean.

Windy Rain: That guy is surprisingly naive for being so shameless.

Dancing Rain: It's really not that obvious. They're just really good friends.

Lower Your Head: Yeah, I don't think so. It's kinda obvious they like him.

None Dare Attack: I do wonder why cause he's honestly irritating.

Lower Your Head: Ditto.

Tang Rou giggled. The twins apparently still did hold grudges against Ye Xiu for that Christmas Event. Of course, she'd have to defend his honor.

Soft Mist: Captain is really sweet once you get to know him. :)

Lower Your Head: I'll take your word for it.

None Dare Attack: Agree to disagree.

Firebird Messenger: I think from the pictures there might be something there.

Firebird Messenger: Are there more, Senior? @Windy Rain

Windy Rain: We're discussing the team house now.

Windy Rain: Look at how disappointed Little Zhou is that Ye Xiu picked Fang Rui as a roommate.

Windy Rain: (picture of a cute, pouting Zhou Zekai)

Windy Rain: They're contesting it but Ye Xiu overruled them.

Red Leaves: Senior Zhou is so cute!

Red Leaves: I also think there might be something there.

Dancing Rain: We really aren't sure.

Windy Rain: Fine. We are not sure. 

Windy Rain: But I swear AllYe is a better ship than any of my drama couples.

Huh?

Soft Mist: AllYe?

Mucheng sent her a text then.

Su Mucheng: Yunxiu is just having fun, Little Tang. It's like a drama for her. We aren't really sure if they all like Brother Ye romantically.

Tang Rou's lips curved into a smile as she replied.

Mumu was too sweet to worry about her.

Tang Rou: It's okay. I don't really mind, Mumu. :)

And she really didn't. She trusts Ye Xiu. And, she couldn't blame anyone for liking him. Ye Xiu's good looking, talented, and really charming. And he's genuinely nice, underneath his blunt and pointed words. She could understand, perhaps even better than anyone, his appeal. 

With that, she attentively read the now very active chat group as Chu Yunxiu enthusiastically introduced them all to the ship of AllYe.

They're being weird, Ye Xiu decided.

He had just finished running down the general playstyles of their opposing teams and explained the format of the competition: a regular round would be played with 3 other teams; the top two teams of that group would then proceed to the play-off round, which was a knockout bracket, to a very captive audience. 

They were attentive, but he was growing conscious of the stares.

Why were they looking at him so intently?

He looked away from the two pairs of staring eyes, only to see Chu Yunxiu take her phone and hold it out as if to take a picture.

What exactly is she doing?

Shrugging, he continued on, "The schedule would be quite grueling, with regular round games every other day and playoff games every three days."

It would not be a schedule anyone would be used to. What's worse, is that the team had never really played as a group together, barring for fun Allstar Games. 

He really had his work cut out for him.

Ye Xiu walked down from his spot next to the screen to sit down with his new teammates around the conference table, pulling another chair next to Wang Jiexi, who kindly gave him a bottle of water.

"Thanks Big Eyed Wang." Ye Xiu ignored the discretely raised phone of Chu Yunxiu--is she really taking pictures?-- and immediately opened the bottle to take a big gulp.

"Anyway, the biggest problem would probably be the meshing of your styles."

Everyone nodded in agreement. They have all come from different teams who had different ways of playing the game. It was natural to expect some problems collaborating.

But they were professionals, and they genuinely desired to win.

So, they all took notes as Ye Xiu assigned additional training exercises to account for the differences in playstyle and tentatively scheduled some training matches for the team to get used to working together, writing them haphazardly on the paper kindly provided by Yu Wenzhou.

"I think that's it, for now." Ye Xiu concluded. Within the next few days, he and the other tactitians would have to already plan possible strategies and combinations against the other teams, as there would be little time during the actual tournament. He'd update the training then.

Having done that, Ye Xiu resolved to first discuss their living situation before dealing with the annoying parts: sponsor and press commitments. 

"For the next ten days, we'll be living in 5th floor of ABC Hotel. The Alliance has rented the conference rooms in that floor to serve as our training rooms and a rec room. Meals are provided at the hotel buffet. But you guys are free to go out to eat."

Ye Xiu paraphrased as he read through the list of things to discuss that the Alliance provided. "Also, roommates. Two to a room." 

He looked up at them with a smirk, "They didn't assign rooms! We're all apparently old enough to choose a roommate."

At this, Zhou Zekai immediately raised up a hand.

"Yes, Little Zhou?" Ye Xiu asked. He was a bit surprised that the other was essentially volunteering to speak.

"Can be... With you?"

From the corner of his eyes, Ye Xiu could see that Sun Xiang was very confused and even a bit hurt. "You want to be my roommate? I guess..."

"Wait a minute, Old Ye! If anyone should be your roommate, it should be me! I'm your favorite junior after all. And we've known each other forever. That little brat shouldn't even be your roommate. He's very sneaky trying to trick you...."

Ye Xiu tuned out Huang Shaotian's rant, looking at Wenzhou to contain him. 

"Shaotian." The name was softly spoken, "Maybe as captain, I should be rooming with Senior Ye."

And it devolved ito chaos from there, with everyone but Xinjie, Little Xiao, Tang Hao and Li Xuan joining the roommate debate.

To be honest, he was sure it wouldn't be so hectic if Fang Rui and Zhang Jiale weren't giving pointed comments to fan the flames. Both seemed so amused by the chaos. Sun Xiang was loudly protesting Zhou Zekai's choice of roommates, even as the rest were giving reasons why they should be the one rooming with him. Chu Yunxiu wasn't helping either, but thankfully, Mucheng seemed to have finally succeeded in distracting her.

Why were they acting like they haven't seen him in years?

He had thought this would be the easy part. The two girls would obviously room together, then those who were teammates would too. The rest would then pair up. 

It really should have been simple, and the task would have been easily checked off of Ye Xiu's list to discuss at the meeting.

He truly didn't expect that quiet, unassuming Zhou Zekai would raise his hand and quickly ask him to be his roommate and that said act will unleash chaos.

Ye Xiu sighed. "Enough. The girls will room together. Then teammates; everyone without, find one."

Fang Rui smiled widely, "Then I guess we'll room together, Old Ye."

"Of course." Ye Xiu replied. He was really aiming for Fang Rui as a roommate, mostly because he already knew about Tang Rou and wouldn't be so nosy if he disappears.

He thought it was settled, but then Huang Shaotian loudly protested.

"That's unfair, Old Ye! You're not even a part of Happy anymore!"

That started another round of contesting led by an especially amused Zhang Jiale.

Ye Xiu could tell he was just arguing to cause him trouble. Zhang Jiale can get a bit vindictive. 

Fang Rui wasn't helping things by acting so smug and goading Huang Shaotian.

He sighed. He really was assigned children.

Ye Xiu clapped his hand once, to stop the noise. "If I'm not considered part of Happy, both Fang Rui and I will be in the group without teammates. And I choose him, discussion over."

A number of eyes turned assessingly at Fang Rui, whose eyes widened in realization and mirth.

Oh.

Ye Xiu didn't notice, already reading from his list. "Now, let's talk about sponsors."

"You really fed me to the wolves there." Fang Rui complained as he and Ye Xiu settled in their room after dinner with the team.

Fang Rui noted with amusement that Ye Xiu chose a room closest to the Emergency Stairs, and chose the bed closest to the door. He abruptly changed subjects. "Planning on sneaking out?"

"Not tonight." Ye Xiu didn't even deny it.

"Hmm..." Fang Rui raised a brow suggestively, "I didn't know you guys were at that stage already, Old Ye."

Ye Xiu rolled his eyes. Fang Rui really was dirty, in more ways than one.

Recognizing he was treading a very thin line to an annoyed and protective Ye Xiu, Fang Rui changed the subject again. "Are you going to tell the team?"

Fang Rui was kinda excited about that, actually. The roommate fight, and then subsequently, the team dinner where his former captain was consistently given "the best food, you should try it" from their own plates, never mind that it was a buffet, have made him realize that a good chunk of the pro players here might like Ye Xiu that way.

To test his theory, he had been unusually touchy with Ye Xiu at dinner. And, as if coordinating with him, Ye Xiu kept on making him try the food that the others made him try. Because of that, he was glared at the entire dinner. Fang Rui was positive Ye Xiu knew what he was doing and was punishing him by drawing even more aggro towards him.

"You should; you shouldn't leave your admirers with false hope, Old Ye." Fang Rui teased, "Don't be such a cruel playboy."

"Hmm?" Ye Xiu was clearly not paying him anymore attention, already fiddling with his phone.

"Old Ye! Is that a new phone? You?" Fang Rui sounded equally proud and incredelous. "What happened to not needing to upgrade?"

Ye Xiu's old phone was one of those early generation smartphones without a front-facing camera. It had been a gift from one of Excellent Era's sponsors way back in season 3. Ye Xiu had never changed it, as the basic functions he used: calling, texting, and a previous version QQ chat app, was supported by the phone. Besides, he often doesn't use it, anyway. Until recently, most of the time it would just lay uncharged in a drawer.

"I got it yesterday." Ye Xiu said nonchalantly, "The old phone doesn't support the updated QQ chat app."

The updated QQ chat app naturally supported video calling, which was what Ye Xiu was interested in.

"Yesterday..." Fang Rui repeated, "Did you get Little Tang to buy you this phone? That's too shameless, Old Ye! She already rushed here because you want to see her! Shouldn't you also be making grand gestures?"

Really, Fang Rui knew that the girl was rich and all, but Old Ye shouldn't mooch off of her. What kind of relationship would that be then? It would be like he was taking advantage of Tang Rou.

"Well..." Ye Xiu dragged the word out, partly amused but mostly touched about Fang Rui's protectiveness over his girlfriend. Fang Rui was concerned enough to tell him off when he thought Ye Xiu was taking advantage of her. "She did pick out the phone, but it was a gift from my brother. And I was planning on being the one to visit her, but this assignment made it inconvenient."

"Good." Then, Fang Rui reddened, "Uh, I mean she can do whatever she wants for you if she wants to, but you should also reciprocate. It's only fair." He echoed Ye Xiu's words.

Ye Xiu laughed, already calling Tang Rou. "Sure."

"You want me to leave?" Fang Rui offered. He could just go to the conference room with the computers to play Glory.

"Nah," Ye Xiu smirked, "She should get the opportunity to thank her big brother for defending her honor, no?"

"What big brother?" Tang Rou's smiling face appeared on the small screen.

"Fang Rui." Ye Xiu explained, "He got worked up on your behalf."

"I didn't!" Fang Rui quickly denied. He popped his face in next to Ye Xiu to say "Hi" then quickly left the room.

Ye Xiu watched him leave then gave out a little sigh, "He is right though. I asked you to come and I'm not really available."

"I did know that before I came." She told him, "But you are making time for me even though you're busy. We're having dinner together until I leave, right?"

"You're leaving too soon." Ye Xiu pouted. "Maybe I can just show you off here. You can hang out in the training room."

"Tempting.." Tang Rou giggled, "But what would everyone say?"

She was obviously teasing, but he answered seriously. "Everyone would be so nosy about us that they wouldn't focus. It'll be a bad practice session."

"Hmm? And they might also be disappointed you aren't available anymore."

"Huh?" He seemed genuinely confused.

"Senior Chu introduced me to the AllYe ship." She explained. "She has storylines for all of you. Honestly, it's all like a drama. Mumu calls it fanfiction."

"Hmm?" He seemed unbothered, "And am I your favorite character?"

Tang Rou tapped a finger on her chin as if she needed to think about it., "Hmmm. You.." And then she flashed him a teasing smile, "And maybe, Zhou Zekai. Senior Chu has a really cute picture of him pouting. Plus, handsome number one players in a relationship is really a good storyline."

"You think Little Zhou is handsome?" Ye Xiu focused on that part of her answer.

"He's the current "it" boy of Glory. I think most everyone finds him handsome." Tang Rou explained.

"Hmm.." Ye Xiu hummed in agreement. Little Zhou was universally acknowledged as handsome the same way Mucheng was beautiful. Both achieved commercial success not just because of their Glory skills, but their physical attributes too.

"You know," Ye Xiu seemingly changed the subject, "I was wondering why Yunxiu kept on taking pictures. She sent them to you."

"To all the girls." Tang Rou corrected as she giggled, "She's educating all of us on AllYe. Mumu seemed so worried I'd be mad that she kept on trying to shut Senior Chu up."

"Oh?" Ye Xiu looked almost put out by that, "You're not mad in jealous rage?" His tone was teasing.

"Of course not. I already have you, don't I?"

Ye Xiu nodded. "But aren't you curious if it was true?"

"Is it?" She teased him.

"No." Ye Xiu looked pensive before saying decisively, "I don't think so. I'm just an admired senior and friend."

Tang Rou grinned at him, "Well if it is, I don't think it would change anything. Whether they see you as a really close friend or if they have a crush on you, it's just more people who love you, right?"

Ye Xiu smiled, heart filling with so much love for this girl. "I love you."

Tang Rou smiled back, her bright eyes holding so much affection for him. "I love you too."

Chapter Text

The Chinese Glory Team were all just hanging out in the conference room turned to a recreational area after dinner. It had been a good but tiring day. Training had gone well so far, but teamwork was still rather strained so they all settled on doing something other than Glory to bond.

Huang Shaotian was on the couch with Yu Wenzhou, playing a board game with Su Mucheng and Chu Yunxiu, when he randomly complained. "Old Ye has been missing team bonding, Captain." Then he tilted his head to address Mucheng, "Last night, you and Fang Rui just had dinner together with him without inviting anyone else, and you guys came home late, missing the movie. Then tonight, he wasn't at dinner again and he isn't here now. Where is he?"

From across the room, Fang Rui withdrew his pool stick and straightened up. "He's with.."

"His brother." Mucheng continued abruptly, smiling brightly at Huang Shaotian.

Fang Rui shrugged. As far as he knew, Ye Xiu was not hiding his relationship with Tang Rou. But Ye Xiu must have said something to Mucheng if she's bringing Ye Qiu up, instead.

It had been quite a dinner for Fang Rui last night when he was introduced to Old Ye's twin, Ye Qiu--the name Ye Xiu used in Glory for years! The brothers were identical, but where Ye Xiu was overly casual and blunt, his brother was formal and polite. 

Ye Qiu was very friendly and so obviously attached to his brother that Fang Rui wondered why he was only meeting him then. By the way Mucheng and Tang Rou treated him, they had obviously met him before. He had even asked about Chen Guo! 

Besides, wouldn't he be one of those family members who came to watch every single match? He seemed like the type. And, by the aura that Ye Qiu exuded and his casual nonchalance in ordering dishes, Fang Rui was also sure that he would be able to afford travelling and going to every single game as well.

With that observation, he also realized with some relief that he really had nothing to worry about with regard to Tang Rou, Ye Xiu's family, or at least his brother, was clearly comfortable as well. He hoped that would help win over Tang Rou's parents tonight.

"Brother?" Yu Wenzhou had repeated.

Everyone was suddenly paying attention to Mucheng.

No one really knew anything about GodYe's family. In fact, most thought he was an orphan until his retirement announcement almost a week ago.

"Yeah." Mucheng didn't elaborate, ignoring the curious looks thrown her way. She was already throwing the dice, continuing the board game. "Oh? I landed on a chance card, how lucky!"

Tang Rou was pretty amused to see Ye Xiu step out of his car carrying a bunch of gift bags. His chauffeur was already reaching for it to help him, but Ye Xiu kept the bags away. He smirked triumphantly at the chauffeur, who sighed and allowed him to carry it himself.

"What's all this?" She quickly bounded up to him to peck his cheek in greeting.

She tried to snag a few of the bags to help him, but he didn't let her. "Gifts. For your parents."

"Don't you think you went a little overboard?"

"Maybe a little." Ye Xiu admitted. "It's all Ye Qiu's fault though! I got Soft Mist merchandise for your dad and tea and wine in general, but he added another bottle of wine, and whiskey and some mushrooms and herbs. He wanted to give a fruit box as well, but I talked him out of it. I couldn't carry all of these, plus that, by myself too."

Ye Xiu knew his brother was only trying to help. In fact, Ye Qiu had explained the increased gifts by saying he had more experience dating high society girls than Ye Xiu did. And that even if Tang Rou is cool and probably wouldn't mind even if Ye Xiu didn't bring any gifts, he had to impress her parents.

"Trust me, brother." Ye Qiu had said earnestly. So he didn't argue...much.

"My mother does love mangoes," Tang Rou teased, as they went inside the house.

"Noted for future visits." Ye Xiu told her. "And your dad?"

"Will love the Soft Mist merchandise." She quirked her lip, "Don't be surprised if he asks you to stay longer to carry him through the 11th server."

"Hmm, sounds fun." Ye Xiu smirked at her, "I hope he has free cards because I didn't bring one for the 11th server."

"He has a few." Tang Rou admitted, "He's been such a gamer lately."

"Great," He told her wryly as they reached the closed doors of what should be the dining room, "That's at least one parent who approves." 

Ye Xiu took a deep breath and made to push the door open. He was a bit nervous. Despite his earlier bravado with Fang Rui and then with Ye Qiu, he knew this was a big deal.

"Hey." She stopped him before they could enter the door. "You'll be great. I love you."

She didn't allow him time to respond as she pushed open the door and led him inside.

"Dad, Mom, I'd like to introduce my boyfriend, Ye Xiu. Ye Xiu, these are my parents, Tang Shusen and Meng Lina." Her tone and words were formal and proper.

Ye Xiu silently thanked his mother for drilling such formalities so much when he was younger, that he still hadn't forgotten.

He would need to rely on them for tonight.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Tang, Madame Meng. You have a lovely home."

It was going well, Tang Rou thought happily.

Her father had liked Ye Xiu when he was her captain, and he seemed to like him well enough as her boyfriend. Her mother was a bit more resistant, but Ye Xiu had been charming and funny with his quick wit. Meng Lina wasn't exactly approving yet, but she didn't have the disinterested look on her face anymore.

The conversation was relaxed and involved, mostly focusing on casual topics, Glory, and briefly on how their relationship started.

They were in the middle of dessert when she was blindsided.

"So now that you're retired, what do you plan on doing?"

Her mother's tone was assessing.

While Meng Lina wasn't snobbish enough to immediately prohibit her daughter from dating below her station--her daughter would certainly not need anyone to house and feed her-- the guy should at least have a future.

So far, based on his manners and the quality of his gifts, she could tell that this Ye Xiu was at least a quick learner with enough savings. But his savings from his previous career as pro player would not last forever. She would not have her only child dating a bum who would just live off of her.

"Will you start another career? You couldn't raise a family if you're just planning on just staying retired." Meng Lina ignored her daughter's beseeching eyes to ask another question, "And your family, are your parents still working or have they retired as well?"

Meng Lina doubted the boy's family would be a problem considering his impeccable manners, but she couldn't discount that Tang Rou might've been teaching him in preparation for this meeting. In fact, it would be like her daughter to do just that.

Tang Rou looked apologetically at Ye Xiu, who just smiled charmingly at her mother.

"I was to go back to school in preparation for joining the family business, Auntie, but right now I'm the leader of the Chinese Glory Team. We will be competing in Switzerland this August."

"Is training going well?" Tang Shusen interjected with great interest.

"Yes, Uncle. I have good hopes for us this tournament."

It would've turned to another lively discussion on Glory, when Meng Lina delicately cleared her throat, "And after this tournament, have your plans remained unchanged?"

She didn't mind if she'd be seen as the wicked witch in this scenario. Her husband was just so damned engrossed in the game and had become a fan of Ye Xiu since their daughter became a professional player. Plus, he had always been so compliant with their daughter that she doubted he would ever be so insistent in questioning her choice.

She could tell he already liked Ye Xiu for their daughter, without even verifying his background, so it was up to her to protect Tang Rou from possibly being taken advantage of.

"Yes, Auntie." Ye Xiu smiled politely, "My parents and I have agreed that I will finish my education before joining my brother and taking a larger role in the family business."

"And this family business is what, exactly?" She asked bluntly.

"It's a company in the real estate industry. My grandfather had founded it and my father took over when he retired." Ye Xiu answered vaguely. It didn't feel right for him to claim his family's business as his own, when he had been so far removed from it for the past thirteen years.

Meng Lina carefully retained her neutral expression. His vague reply hinted that he may be from a more comfortable background, but she can't be sure if he's bluffing.

"And your mother?"

"She heads an affliated foundation for the arts."

"Oh! And do you play? Tang Rou is a brilliant pianist."

"Ye Xiu plays the piano too, mom." Tang Rou told her cheerfully, "He's very accurate in his playing."

Ye Xiu smirked. That was one way of positively framing his piano playing. "I must admit the artistic talent was passed on to my brother. He's a much better pianist than I am."

Meng Lina relaxed, curiosity mostly sated. While she still had some doubt on whether he might be bluffing, she was assured that he was at least from a middle class background.

However, the conversation seemed to have triggered curiosity in Tang Shusen, who had been pretty silent since Meng Lina's interrogation began, "Hmm.. Real estate, you say? Anyone I would know?"

"My father is Ye Jun, of the Gold Leaf Corporation." Ye Xiu hoped that didn't sound as pretentious as it did in his head.

Tang Shusen merely nodded.

Gold Leaf Corporation had started out as a relatively small but respected residential property development company, when it branched out in commercial property developments where it found its niche. Since then, the corporation had been rapidly growing in the real estate industry, and was currently handling quite a few major property developments in the country, including an anticipated high end condominium in Beijing. Recently, there were rumors of a corporate restructuring to prepare for initial public offering, which would support and accelerate the continued ongoing expansion of the corporation.

Tang Shusen had never met or talked to him personally, but he'd heard from associates that Ye Jun had been waiting for his son before restructuring the business. Who would've thought that the son would turn out to be the unassuming man he'd met as Tang Rou's captain? It was such a coincidence!

Meanwhile, Meng Lina was reeling. Life was certainly full of surprises. She didn't even have to look hard for a worthy suitor for her daughter, her daughter found him herself. At an internet cafe of all places!

While the Yes may be nouveau riche, and as a result, did not have the highest prestige in their society, they were still widely respected for their wealth and success. It was certainly more than her minimum standards of at least a quietly respected middle class family.

Well, her daughter did like to exceed expectations, Lina mused.

The conversation swiftly turned back to lighter things, and Tang Shusen wasted no chance to ask the Glory Textbook about his newest obsession: Glory.

Underneath the table, Tang Rou reached for Ye Xiu's hand.

Ye Xiu lightly squeezed her hand back.

Fang Rui was startled out of watching Li Xuan sink the ball into a pocket by his phone pinging with a text.

Ye Xiu: Staying the night. Don't wait up. I also won't be there for breakfast.

Fang Rui grinned.

Fang Rui: The in-laws like you that much?

Fang Rui: Have fun.

Ye Xiu: Of course. I'm very charming. Got an 11th server card?

Fang Rui: No! Why would I?

Fang Rui: Why are you asking?

Ye Xiu: Want to help me carry father in law through Desolate Lands?

Fang Rui laughed then, causing everyone in the Rec Room to look at him. He ignored them.

Fang Rui: I get to meet your father in law too? I'm starting to feel like a favored junior.

Ye Xiu: Nevermind. I got Baozi and Yifan in. The guild still needs low level materials. See you tom!

Fang Rui: The fickleness of Senior hurts me.

Ye Xiu: Haha.

Watching the laughter in his face change fast to annoyance, Wang Jiexi quickly deduced Fang Rui was talking to Ye Xiu. "What did Senior Ye say?"

That immediately got the others' attention.

Fang Rui shrugged, "He's dragging some juniors to run a dungeon!" He kept it vague enough, remembering that Mucheng had never once mentioned Tang Rou or Ye Xiu having a girlfriend.

"Dungeon?" Li Xuan asked.

"He's carrying a noob."

"His brother." Xiao Shiqin concluded.

As a few discussions on how next time they'd volunteer to carry Ye Xiu's brother progressed, Fang Rui didn't bother correcting them. Besides, he didn't think they would believe him if he told them Ye Xiu was carrying his girlfriend's father.

And who would believe it without proof?

Ye Xiu mostly just lived and breathed Glory. He had never expressed interest in dating before. So, how could he be in a relationship already so serious as to have met her parents?

It really is unbelievable.

True to his word, Ye Xiu wasn't there at breakfast the next morning. He also quickly disappeared just before that night's dinner. Fang Rui had later learned from Mucheng that he had been on a date with Tang Rou. And since his bed looked untouched when Fang Rui woke up this morning, Ye Xiu also didn't return at all last night.

Fang Rui shrugged, meeting Mucheng to head down together for breakfast, while gossiping about Ye Xiu being out all night.

The team was already in the buffet room and close to finishing breakfast, when Ye Xiu finally showed up. He was late, and the team had been wildly speculating on his whereabouts with Mucheng and Fang Rui deflecting their questions for close to an hour at that point.

"Oi. Old Ye! You didn't join us for breakfast, or dinner, or team bonding yesterday! And you've been missing the other night as well! Where's your team spirit?" Huang Shaotian asked an oddly dejected Ye Xiu.

Fang Rui knew Tang Rou's flight back to Hangzhou was this morning, so he understood the long face, but was sure the others would misunderstand.

"When are you going to let us meet your brother?" Huang Shaotian suddenly demanded, "Then all of us could just eat together."

"You guys want to meet Ye Qiu?" Ye Xiu asked, confused. How did they know about his brother?

He looked to Fang Rui who shrugged and nodded at Mucheng's direction.

Chu Yunxiu's eyes gleamed.

"You used your brother's name as an alias?" Zhang Jiale interjected with a laugh.

"Yes." Ye Xiu nodded without shame. Well, at that time, he really didn't have a choice but to use the only ID card he had with him.

The team let out groans and jeers. This guy really was so shameless.

Yu Wenzhou brought the topic back on track, "Of course we want to meet Senior's younger brother. Maybe tonight's dinner?"

Ye Xiu shook his head, "He went home already."

Fang Rui could see the others come to their own conclusions. Already, there were efforts to cheer Ye Xiu up, and his past no-shows were seemingly forgotten.

Ye Xiu was surprisingly hopelessly oblivious.

Fang Rui smirked, meeting Mucheng's eyes from across the table.

From beside her, Chu Yunxiu watched the interaction with interest.

Eh? Mumu and Fang Rui? When did that happen?

Back home at Happy, Tang Rou had just finished having dinner when her phone pinged with a notification. She checked it to see that it was from the Glory Girls QQ Chat Group.

Windy Rain: (picture of Ye Xiu crowded by Fang Rui, Yu Wenzhou, and Wang Jiexi in the sofa, while Huang Shaotian and Zhou Zekai sat on the floor in front of them)

Windy Rain: They're all happy Old Ye's back to participating in team bonding night.

Firebird Messenger: Fang Rui x Ye Xiu is a ship too?

Windy Rain: That, I'm not sure.

Windy Rain: What do you think @Dancing Rain?

Dancing Rain: Why are you asking me?

Windy Rain: Why wouldn't you know?

Windy Rain: You'd know all about Fang Rui, right?

Tang Rou's eyes widened. Was Senior Chu implying a relationship between Mumu and Fang Rui? When did that happen?

Wow. Mumu really had been holding out on the gossip. But, to be fair to her, Tang Rou didn't immediately tell her about Ye Xiu either. Fair is fair.

Firebird Messenger: @Dancing Rain You and Fang Rui? How romantic! A captain and vice captain are truly suited.

Dancing Rain: WHAT?

Dancing Rain: Chu Yunxiu! Why are you carelessly implying such things?

Dancing Rain: There is nothing going on between me and Fang Rui.

Windy Rain: Oh! Are you guys keeping it a secret?

Firebird Messenger: Secret relationships seem even more romantic!

Windy Rain: They had a date the other night.

Dancing Rain: IT WASN'T A DATE CHU YUNXIU AND YOU KNOW IT!

Dancing Rain: We were with Ye Xiu and his brother.

Oh! Tang Rou remembered the dinner with Mumu, Fang Rui, Ye Xiu and Ye Qiu. It really wasn't a date.

Windy Rain: Fine, it wasn't but it could be.

Windy Rain: You guys went down to breakfast together this morning.

Dancing Rain: He's a teammate and a friend. I went down to breakfast with you and Yinjie the other day. Am I dating you guys too?

Windy Rain: No. But we didn't do the major flirting over breakfast that you guys did. So....

Dancing Rain: WHAT?

Dancing Rain: Maybe you shouldn't watch too much drama shows. Your imagination is so overactive.

Windy Rain: You guys were staring into each other's eyes. Do you think I wouldn't notice?

Windy Rain: Of course I'd notice.

Dancing Rain: I'm ignoring this now.

Tang Rou giggled.

Mumu and Fang Rui. Well, that's certainly interesting.

"You're dating Mumu?" Ye Xiu asked one evening after dinner.

A few days had passed and the team was moving along nicely. The now regular team bonding nights had surprisingly helped a good deal on building teamwork.

"Chu Yunxiu again?" Fang Rui sighed. During the past few days, the girl had got it to her head that he and Mucheng were having a secret relationship. As a result, she had been not so subtly hinting that everyone would be supportive if they reveal it.

She also didn't believe it when both he and Mucheng denied it. It probably didn't help that as the only two who officially knew about Ye Xiu's relationship with Tang Rou, they would share inside jokes and amused looks when Ye Xiu would vaguely refer to her, which was surprisingly quite often.

Chu Yunxiu was getting so excited that Fang Rui wouldn't be surprised if she'd let everyone know her incorrect theory any day now.

"If you just tell them about you having a girlfriend, we could finally say we were just gossiping about you." Fang Rui complained.

"I did tell them." Ye Xiu said plainly,

"You did not!"

"What? Remember when Wenzhou commented on me using my phone, and everyone was giving me their numbers. I told all of them then."

Fang Rui tilted his head as he tried to recall that moment, then shook his head wryly. "Old Ye! They all assumed you were kidding when you told them you're now using a phone because your girlfriend convinced you. I think they all thought you were jokingly referring to Ye Qiu."

Ye Xiu shrugged, "It's not my fault they don't believe me."

"You should just tell them it's Tang Rou then!"

"I did!"

"When?"

"The other day! Remember, I told you guys I won't be having dinner with the team because I was going to have dinner with Tang Rou's father."

Fang Rui sighed, "They all thought you were just meeting a teammate's father to discuss her progress."

Ye Xiu stared blankly at him, "That makes no sense."

"Well, considering you've got the captains and vice captains talking about whether parental involvement was the reason why Happy's rookies were improving rapidly, and if they should adopt it in their own teams, it made a lot of sense for them."

Ye Xiu thought about it. "If training was school, then it'll be kind of like a parents-teacher conference, no?" Then he laughed, "Can you imagine Huang Shaotian holding a parent-teacher conference? He'll probably talk them off."

A vivid picture of Huang Shaotian holding a stick and talking about everything the little blademaster rookie did wrong appeared in Fang Rui's mind. He bit back a laugh. "You're terrible, Old Ye."

Chapter Text

Ye Qiu sighed as he waited outside the entrance of the private club, Beijing Finest, under the hot sun.

He really didn't know why he was still standing there waiting for whoever his brother had sent. He was almost sure that Ye Xiu wouldn't know anyone who could help.

Maybe Tang Rou? Ye Qiu mused. But he was sure his brother wouldn't just vaguely refer to her as a friend. And besides, she would be too much like the Yes to actually help.

He sighed again. In any case, if it was Tang Rou, he could at least hang out with his future sister in law. If not, he could still get to know one of his brother's friends.

Beijing Finest was an exclusive club Ye Jun wanted his family to be members of. A popular haunt for generationally affluent families, Ye Jun particularly sought membership as part of his ongoing quest to situate himself and his family in that social circle.

However, his first application had been denied. But Ye Jun is persistent. Armed with a recommendation of a single member, coupled with the increased status of being awarded the bid for another major Beijing project, he resubmitted another application through Ye Qiu just two days earlier.

It had still been denied.

Although the Ye family could more than afford the membership fees, the attendant apologetically explained that because of the long list of applicants, only those recommended by at least five members were being considered. Ye Qiu had accepted the denial with grace.

However, Ye Jun did not. Upon being told by his son over the phone, Ye Jun had complained of Ye Qiu's lack of initiative and resourcefulness, pointing out that Ye Jun had gotten himself into a similar club in Shanghai through persistence. He had instructed Ye Qiu to try again. "We're a part of them now, Ah Qiu; start acting like it."

In his frustration, Ye Qiu had ranted to his brother, who, instead of teasing him, had surprisingly listened patiently and attentively. And then, his brother enigmatically told him he'd be sending a friend to help.

So here he was, standing outside the club, waiting for his brother's friend.

A car pulled up and a young man exited as soon as the chauffeur opened his door. To Ye Qiu's surprise, he immediately walked over to him, "I'm sorry I'm late. God Ye? Shouldn't you be in Switzerland? Where's your brother?"

Ye Qiu quickly deduced that he was the friend Ye Xiu had sent. He flashed the other man a friendly smile, "I think you've mistaken me for my brother. I'm Ye Qiu."

Twins?

The man's eyes widened, but he quickly recovered his composure. "Nice to meet you. My name is Lou Guanning."

His brother really was a lucky one, Ye Qiu thought wryly as he enjoyed a drink with Lou Guanning, Gu Xiye, Zou Yunhai, Wen Kebei, and Zhong Yeli--Ye Xiu's friends.

If he had been competing, his brother would've already overtaken their father in his quest.

Ye Xiu had friends who were close enough to him that they'd willingly and readily recommend not just him, but also his brother and his father-- people they haven't even met yet--to be part of the exclusive club's membership.

Unlike Ye Jun, Ye Xiu was clearly a very accepted part of that social circle.

"We're really surprised God Ye is an heir too," Lou Guanning told him with a laugh, "He really had us worried when he asked if we could recommend you to the club. We want to help you, but there were other requirements so we couldn't guarantee it." He finished almost apologetically.

He was of course referring to the membership fees that the group mistakenly thought Ye Qiu might not be able to afford. Recommending such a person would have gotten them a bad reputation from the club, so Lou Guanning first accompanied Ye Qiu to the membership office, and only upon deducing that he could afford it, called his friends.

"He was very sure you'd handle the rest," Zou Yunhai said in realization, "God Ye is really so confusing; he could have just told us!"

"Ye Xiu isn't really one for this," Ye Qiu explained awkwardly. He really didn't want to get into his brother running away from home. "He just wanted to play Glory."

"And he's so good at it too." Wen Kebei said eagerly.

The group was just telling Ye Qiu of their exploits with Lord Grim in Glory, when Zhong Yeli, motioned for Lou Guanning to stop talking.

A man, who Ye Qiu recognized as Tang Shusen from various business magazines and interviews, was approaching them.

"Hello," He greeted them all before turning to Ye Qiu, "I thought I recognized you, but then I remembered Ye Xiu's not even in the country. You must be Ye Qiu."

Ye Xiu knew Tang Shusen?

Ye Qiu was suddenly hit by bricks of realization.

Tang Shusen. Tang Rou.

Tang Rou was from that Tang family?

Ye Xiu really wasn't sure how all fourteen of them fit in his and Sun Xiang's room, but they did.

Team China was currently enjoying an impromptu team bonding after a productive practice to watch the live broadcast of the last quarterfinal between England and France together.

While waiting for the broadcast to start, everyone had clustered themselves into teams to play games and commandered the desk or one of the two beds. The TV was playing softly in the background, providing an accompaniment to random cheers or shouts of anger.

Ye Xiu was happy things were going so well.

Team China had ended the regular rounds as top of their group and third seed over-all, based on points. As the third seed, they had faced sixth seed United States in the quarterfinals just yesterday and won! They would be facing either France or England in the semi-finals, depending on which team won, so the they were all especially interested in tonight's match.

Ye Xiu was in the middle of playing Risk, when his phone pinged twice in a row.

Ye Qiu: You didn't tell me Tang Rou is Tang Shusen's daughter.

Ye Qiu: You're dating the heiress of the Tang Group Holdings Co., Ltd.!

Ye Xiu titled his head in confusion. Ye Qiu really was so random.

Ye Xiu: Does it matter?

Ye Xiu: And I think it's Tang Corporation Limited.

Ye Qiu: Of course not.

Ye Qiu: But they're huge!

Ye Qiu: It's not just Tang Corporation Limited. That's just a subsidiary. Tang Group is the holding corporation of a lot of companies, including that one.

Ye Xiu really didn't see what the big deal was. Ye Qiu had guessed Tang Rou's privileged background the moment Ye Xiu introduced them. Why was he now acting surprised? Did it sink in late?

Ye Qiu: She's like a princess in the business world.

Ye Qiu: You know what this means?

Ye Qiu: You're not allowed to tell mom and dad until I introduce my own girlfriend. You'll just increase expectations again.

Ye Qiu: Brother, I'm serious! You know how they are.

Ye Qiu: How do you run away from home and get a girlfriend like her anyway?

Ye Xiu bit back a laugh. Ye Qiu really was working himself up unnecessarily.

Ye Xiu: I'm very charming and handsome.

Ye Qiu: We have the same face and I'm even more charming than you are!

Ye Qiu: And I don't even have a girlfriend right now!

Ye Xiu: Well, I met her playing Glory, Little Brother. Maybe you should try hanging out in internet cafes more often?

Ye Qiu: You're annoying.

Ye Qiu: Love really is blind.

Ye Xiu smirked widely.

Ye Xiu: Careful, Little Brother, you're sounding a bit jealous.

"Old Ye! It's your turn! Why aren't you paying attention? Do you want to lose? I'll beat you!" Huang Shaotian said in a rush.

He had been watching as Ye Xiu's face as it transitioned from looking confused to very amused, and was curious. "Who are you talking to? Is it your brother? Ye Qiu? You know, Old Ye, it's kinda weird to be using your brother's name as a stage name. Do you have a brocon? Or maybe a sibling rivalry? Is that why? Do you want to be Ye Qiu? Ye Qiu is the nicer name."

"Yes." Ye Xiu was more focused on his phone than anything else.

Ye Qiu: I've stolen your friends.

Ye Qiu: (picture of Ye Qiu with Heavenly Sword, sitting with drinks and food around a table).

Ye Xiu: I've always shared my friends with you, haven't I?

"Old Ye!" Huang Shaotian seemed confused. Which question was he answering? "I asked a lot of questions Old Ye! Which one are you answering? Which one? Which one?" Then he made a shocked face, "Yes to all of them?"

Ye Xiu finally looked up at him with a smirk, "Maybe you should ask less questions at a time, so you don't get confused."

Across him, Zhou Zekai agreed with a nod, "And... Loud."

"You little brat!"

Yu Wenzhou shot him a look, "Shaotian."

Huang Shaotian immediately fell silent with a pout.

Wenzhou then looked expectantly at Ye Xiu, "Your turn, Senior."

"Captain!" Huang Shaotian protested. He really wanted to know who Ye Xiu was talking to and what they were talking about to make him so amused. "Don't you want to know?"

"It's probably just his girlfriend. They talk all the time," Sun Xiang commented casually from the other bed. He just wanted Huang Shaotian to stop talking so he could peacefully collect rent from the grumbling Tang Hao. "Pay up! Electric Company's mine."

The room seemed to be in shocked silence, as everyone but Sun Xiang started paying more attention to Ye Xiu and his reaction.

"Not this time," Ye Xiu said almost regretfully as he continued examining the board, "I'm attacking your Siam, Little Zhou."

"Ah." Zhou Zekai meekly accepted the pair of dice given to him. "Girlfriend?"

Ye Xiu smirked at his junior, "Is it too hard to believe I have one, Little Zhou?"

"Uhh." He stuttered.

"Probably because you're so smug and annoying." Sun Xiang interjected teasingly without even a hint of malice.

Sun Xiang luckily drawing out the same room number as Ye Xiu when they arrived in Switzerland turned out to be a good thing for him and the entire Team China, as he got over his awkwardness over the bad history with Ye Xiu. He was improving faster in training when he started not overthinking whatever constructive criticism Ye Xiu gave him. He realized Ye Xiu was blunt, but rarely ever malicious. These days, they're even friends.

As if waking up from a stupor, several voices broke Sun Xiang out of his thoughts, "Girlfriend?"

They had noticed that throughout their shocked silence, Ye Xiu had not denied having one, and in fact, had even indirectly confirmed it twice.

But it really was unbelievable.

"You're telling me that you, Mr, I-live-only-for-Glory, you, have a girlfriend?" Zhang Jiale seemed to be biting back laughter.

"Yes. Haven't I told you this before?"

Zhang Jiale seemed gobsmacked. "What?"

"No!" Several voices denied again.

"Told you! You were too vague!" Fang Rui laughed as he leaned back to a more relaxed position, knocking over some of the plastic hotels placed on the board. He already knew the monopoly game he was playing with the others would be abandoned in favor of grilling Ye Xiu.

"Well now you guys know." Ye Xiu just casually confirmed. He was already rolling four dice to attack Zhou Zekai's territory.

"You can't just leave it at that!" Chu Yunxiu said excitedly, already leaving the other bed to squish in between Ye Xiu and Wang Jiexi.

"Yeah, yeah!" Huang Shaotian agreed loudly, "You jokingly refer to your brother as your girlfriend. How were we supposed to know? Are you talking to your brother now or your girlfriend? Do you even really have a girlfriend?"

"When have I referred to Ye Qiu as my girlfriend?" Ye Xiu looked at him in puzzlement.

Chu Yunxiu nudged him. He sighed, accepting that the game is over. They were really too curious and nosy. "I really was talking to Ye Qiu. He was trying to make me jealous."

He readily showed them the picture Ye Qiu sent of him with the Heavenly Sword members.

"You're a twin!" Chu Yunxiu observed gleefully.

"Yeah," Ye Xiu nodded and shrugged as the others crowded over her to see, "Ah Qiu's the younger twin."

"It's a good thing he doesn't play Glory professionally, I can't imagine two of you!" Zhang Jiale remarked, almost teasingly.

"We'll probably lose if he did." Ye Xiu replied with a laugh, "He doesn't play."

After observing Ye Qiu, Wang Jiexi naturally automatically focused on the lone female sitting beside Ye Qiu in the picture. "She is Heavenly Sword's cleric?"

"Yes, Little Zhong." Ye Xiu confirmed.

Jiexi locked eyes with Wenzhou across from him.

The girlfriend?

Was she why Ye Xiu and Happy were so allied with Heavenly Justice?

"You probably don't think clerics are useless now, huh?" Yu Wenzhou commented neutrally.

Ye Xiu seemed to think about it. "Well, they're very useful in the right situations," he replied cheerfully.

There were a lot of scoffs. Ye Xiu's opinion on clerics was well-known.

But also, some eyes took on a knowing glint. Assumptions were clearly being made.

She was the girlfriend.

"Zhong Yeli does fit in nicely with Heavenly Sword as a cleric." Zhang Xinjie observed as a compliment.

"They're all childhood friends so they know each other well."

"And she met your brother." Chu Yunxiu teasingly nudged Ye Xiu with an elbow.

At that, Huang Shaotian immediately complained, "We haven't even met your brother."

"He was busy. He wasn't now." Ye Xiu replied, "Besides, Ye Qiu needed to meet her. Does he need to meet you?"

Chu Yunxiu raised a brow. She could see a couple others realizing it as well.

So, it was pretty serious already. She had been introduced to a family member as the girlfriend.

"Old Ye! How could you say that! I'm your bestfriend!"

Mucheng coughed.

"You know you're more like family anyway." Huang Shaotian said carelessly in dismissal.

Chu Yunxiu snuck a glance at Mucheng.

Mumu likely also knew. While Zhong Yeli was very inactive in the Glory Girls chat group, Mucheng had taken great care to clarify that Chu Yunxiu's AllYe ship posts were just speculations.

Zhong Yeli had met Ye Xiu's brother and pseudo sister. And, obviously, based on the picture and Mumu's actions, both approved of the relationship.

It was clearly very serious.

"Ye Qiu's coming with Little Tang and the rest of Happy for the semi-finals, you know," Ye Xiu told them with a laugh, "You guys can meet him then."

"Great! I'm very--"

"Happy seems to be enjoying the sponsorship money." Zhang Jiale interrupted before Huang Shaotian could say more, "Flying the whole team to Switzerland?"

While his words were blunt, everyone could hear the underlying concern.

Li Xuan whistled in agreement.

Fang Rui chortled, "The lovely couple is covering it as a reward for championship, no?"

Chu Yunxiu suddenly remembered that Zhong Yeli was part of Heavenly Sword and was very rich.

Another mark that it was serious then. Zhong Yeli was clearly very invested in the relationship if she'd spend that much in a couple's gift to an opposing team. And, the team must have interacted with her quite frequently and intimately for Fang Rui to casually mention the huge gift just to tease Ye Xiu.

"My dad's covering it." Ye Xiu corrected with a smug smirk, "One of his concessions to convince me to join. It's valuable training experience for the team! So don't worry about Happy's sponsorship money, Old Zhang."

Wait. What?

Ye Xiu came from a rich family?

"You're a rich heir too?" Zhang Jiale asked in disbelief, "You don't act it."

Several heads nodded in agreement.

"That's because he ran away from home," Mucheng explained with a giggle, "That's how we met."

So that must be why Ye Xiu was so insistent on leaving the pro scene and only returned to fulfill the duty of a filial son, Chu Yunxiu mused. He must've missed his family.

Hmmm.. An heiress falling in love with a runaway heir. That sounds like it could be a plot for one of her dramas! But unlike her dramas, their parents would obviously approve of their relationship.

How romantic!

"I'm happy for you guys." She said suddenly with a smile, "You should introduce her to us properly as your girlfriend when she arrives."

She didn't ask whether Zhong Yeli would even go to Switzerland. Of course, she'll turn up to support Ye Xiu. It was a given in Chu Yunxiu's opinion, since the relationship was obviously serious and she had the means to do so.

"Sure." Ye Xiu shrugged. "She's coming the day before semi-finals with Ye Qiu and Happy." He didn't know why Chu Yunxiu would want a formal introduction when she could talk to Tang Rou through their group chat, but it wasn't any hardship for him to introduce Tang Rou as his girlfriend.

Like her, Wang Jiexi had come to a similar conclusion, "We'd be honored to know Senior's girlfriend better."

"Yes, she must be very enchanting for Senior to take notice." Yu Wenzhou agreed.

Ye Xiu thought they were all acting a bit weird, but dismissed it from his attention. The live broadcast was starting, and watching it was more interesting than deciphering why his friends were acting so sentimental.

"Yeah, you guys should pay attention to the game now. It's starting."

Zhong Yeli was a bit confused why the Glory Gods were randomly messaging her on QQ.

Most messages were just short "congratulations", but she also received an extremely long one from Senior Huang Shaotian only detailing how special God Ye is.

That was weird. Of course she knew how good God Ye is. His skills were legendary. She wouldn't forget that. But while she also agreed that God Ye is very nice and kind underneath his snark, she didn't know why Senior Huang would message her about it. Maybe Senior Chu was on to something with her ships?

She would've thought the message was wrongly sent to her, but he also sent her another message of just "congratulations."

They couldn't have all sent the same texts to the same wrong number right?

Really, what exactly were they congratulating her for?

Zhong Yeli was very confused.

Still, she was well-mannered and polite.

And so, she replied a respectful thank you to everyone and asked them what they were congratulating her for.

To Huang Shaotian, she sent another text agreeing.

Only Chu Yunxiu answered back, replying for them all.

Windy Rain: Ye Xiu told us about your relationship. We all just wanted to wish you well. :)

She titled her head. Oh! Of course! Ye Qiu must have told God Ye about her recently starting up a relationship with Wen Kebai's cousin. She wasn't really sure why and how that would come up in God Ye's conversation with the other Gods, but it was sweet that they all wanted to congratulate her.

Hmm... Maybe that was why Huang Shaotian was building up Ye Xiu to her! So she wouldn't be mad at him randomly discussing her new relationship with them.

Truthfully, it didn't matter to Yeli. It wasn't like she was keeping it a secret.

Thousand Falling Leaves: Thank you. I want this one to go well too.

As he started doing since playoffs started, Ye Xiu had dismissed the team from training at noon the day before the semi-final match. The team did still have lunch together but then they were free to do whatever they wanted so long as they would be ready and well-rested by match day.

During the similar break before quarterfinals, Sun Xiang had joined the large group in staying behind to play Glory, PKing each other or messing around in the dungeons or the arena with their Swiss server cards. But the revelation of Ye Xiu, the Glory God, dating sort-of outside the game seemed to have spurred most of them to do something other than Glory.

Nevermind that Ye Xiu also spent that quarterfinal downtime playing Glory with them before he holed up in their room to call his girlfriend.

But almost no one wanted stay behind today, resolving to just meet up for dinner to welcome Happy and God Ye's girlfriend and brother. So, not wanting to be left behind alone, Sun Xiang grudgingly followed Tang Hao and his captain in joining Senior Chu and Senior Li's group for sightseeing. This was at least more preferrable to the stalking plan Senior Huang had come up with. From what he'd heard from Tang Hao, Captain Yu, Senior Wang, and Senior Zhang Jiale were even planning on joining him.

Why they couldn't just wait until tonight's dinner or tomorrow to meet Ye Xiu's girlfriend was beyond him. Waiting in the airport for a probably delayed flight wasn't fun for him. Besides, it was weird that they didn't just ask to accompany Ye Xiu. That seemed better than following him around.

"Where are we going?" He finally asked.

"The lake, then the park, and maybe the flea market if you guys are up to it." Li Xuan cheerfully answered.

"The lake and the park are non-negotiable," Chu Yunxiu told them very seriously, "One of my favorite dramas was shot there."

Sun Xiang sighed as he followed along. That didn't sound too bad.

Ye Xiu laughed out loud as the shuttle that Ye Qiu arranged stopped at the private hangar, instead of the arrivals at the airport.

Of course his spoiled little brother would take a company plane.

Truthfully, Ye Xiu didn't need to be there. Ye Qiu had everything handled from transportation to their hotel booking. No one needed to pick them up. But Ye Xiu had volunteered and hitched a ride with the shuttle Ye Qiu rented.

He didn't have to wait long before he saw Ye Qiu, Little Tang, and the others being escorted by attendants to the waiting shuttle, so he hurriedly went out to greet them.

As soon as Tang Rou was within his reach, he gently tugged her closer to him.

Ye Xiu ignored the sharp whistle from Old Wei, Steamed Bun's loud "Are they gonna kiss? That's how the movie goes!", and the soft "Shh" that followed. He met Tang Rou's eyes and leaned in to press a lingering kiss on her forehead, "Hi."

"Hi to you too, brother." Ye Qiu said wryly.

Ye Xiu immediately turned to his brother, even as he kept close to Tang Rou, "Hey. You couldn't spring for a limo for the full experience?" He teased him.

Ye Qiu glared at him, already knowing what he was getting at. "It's cheaper to use the company plane than it is to buy nine first class tickets to Switzerland. Father agreed."

Ye Xiu could already see the gobsmacked faces behind Ye Qiu at his answer. Even the usually uninterested Mo Fan looked mildly shocked.

But Wei Chen had quickly recovered, "Your brother really is way nicer than you, Old Ye. You had me fearing for my back when you told us about this trip! But it was the most comfortable plane ride ever! I was even allowed to smoke!"

Ye Qiu smiled smugly at his brother. See? Someone else had agreed on the necessity and convenience of a private plane.

Only Tang Rou elbowing him prevented Ye Xiu from sniggering.

His brother really was too spoiled.

His brother was an idiot, Ye Qiu decided, rolling his eyes as his brother immediately ushered a giggling Tang Rou to the elevators before the group had even checked in.

His foolish brother did know he would need Tang Rou, or at the very least, her passport, to check her in, right?

He sighed as he started thinking of ways to get around the requirement.

Stupid brother really liked making his life more difficult.

"Why did boss leave?" He heard Steamed Bun--he still could not believe his brother had a friend with that name; their parents' would freak--ask Chen Guo. "He should take us too!"

"That.." Chen Guo stuttered, smacking the back of a laughing Wei Chen, "You! You answer that!"

She then walked up beside Ye Qiu in front of the concierge desk, smiling apologetically, "Little Tang left me her passport."

Ye Qiu accepted it with a small grin, "At least one of them has the foresight."

"They haven't seen each other for more than a month, Little Ye." Wei Chen interjected, apparently leaving Baozi in the capable hands of his younger teammates. "You should cut them some slack."

Ye Qiu smirked, "I brought her here, didn't I?"

"So you did, Little Ye. So you did."

As soon as she heard the door close behind her, Tang Rou turned her head to grin teasingly at her boyfriend. "Private place?" She asked, referencing his line from weeks ago.

"Hmm?" Ye Xiu's arm wrapped around her waist as he gently turned her to fully face him. "Private place," he agreed solemnly, walking her backwards and pressing her to an adjacent wall.

He was already leaning in, his breath hot against her lips. "You have a roommate." Tang Rou whispered in half-hearted protest even as she tilted her head up to him.

"Don't worry. He's out sightseeing," Ye Xiu murmured softly against her lips before pressing even closer and capturing her lips in a needy kiss.

Tang Rou wrapped her arms around his waist as her eyes fluttered close, anchoring herself to him as the kiss swept her away in a rush of emotions.

Gosh, she missed him.

Ye Xiu lost himself into the kiss and groaned, a hand grasping her cheek to kiss her deeper. He just couldn't get enough. When they finally needed a moment to breathe, he pressed soft kisses up her ear and then down her neck. He did not want to let her go.

He was encouraged by her reactions, remembering with clarity how she hummed as he nibbled under her jaw and how she moaned when he sucked on her neck. They were rarely ever alone, so he wanted to make the most out of this opportunity.

He sucked, nibbled, and kissed contently, savoring this unimpeded time with her, conflrming to himself that she was really, finally, physically in his arms, and not across the world.

Finally, he pulled away, resting his forehead against hers, waiting for her to open her eyes. "Love you." He whispered breathily against her lips.

Tang Rou smiled up at him, "Love you too."

The sight of her all flushed and dazed was so alluring that he couldn't stop himself from pressing another passionate kiss on her lips.

She was here now, but he had really missed her.

Sun Xiang didn't know how Senior Chu convinced them all into buying stuff they probably don't need, but under her guidance, he had a heavy bag full of souvenirs for his parents, friends, and probably his entire extended family if he divided the chocolates enough.

Beside him, Zhou Zekai and Tang Hou were similarly weighed down. He felt really sorry for Senior Li, whose room was on the same floor as Senior Chu, as he had waved them off in the elevator and insisted on helping her carry her three bags in addition to his one, alone. Of course, none of them had argued.

Why Senior Chu needed that much chocolate was beyond him. Besides, how many people did she know to buy a whole bagful of music boxes?

"You guys wanna hang out in my room? I don't think Old Ye is back yet." Sun Xiang offered, seeing as his room was closer to the elevators. They had been carrying their respective bags and passing around Senior Chu's to carry for what felt like forever, as they walked back from the market, took the tram and walked back to their hotel. Putting their bags down earlier would be a relief for all of them.

At their nods, he scanned his key card and pushed open the door, but he only took a single step into the room before abruptly stopping. "Sh*t! Sorry!"

From behind him, both Tang Hao and Zhou Zekai weren't prepared for the sudden stop, and had gently pushed forward to see what had him so shocked. But Sun Xiang was too stunned to brace for any impact, no matter how gentle, so he quickly lost his balance from the added weight.

"Sh*t!" He hurriedly shot his hand out to catch his fall, the bag banging his wrist on the way down. "Ow! F*ck, sh*t!"

"You should really learn how to knock, Little Sun." Ye Xiu cheerfully teased, as if he hadn't been caught by his juniors in an intimate situation. "Little Zhou. Tang Hao." He nodded in turn to the two shocked juniors.

"Well, you should've used the 'do not disturb' sign then. That's what it's for! How would I know?" Sun Xiang argued, craddling his wrist even as he looked up to check who exactly the Glory God was kissing.

"Tang Rou?"

A blushing Tang Rou gave a small wave hello. "Are you okay?"

Ye Xiu knelt down beside Sun Xiang and reached for his wrist, eyes widening at the hiss of pain upon light contact, "Little Tang, can you call the front desk to ask for first aid?"

He helped Sun Xiang stand up then carried the forgotten bag on the floor, following Sun Xiang inside the room. He turned back to the two stunned people lingering in the doorway, "You two coming in?"

Chapter Text

"I don't think it's broken." The doctor told the solemn Sun Xiang, as he arranged his equipment around and over his wrist, "But it's still better to check. An untreated hairline fracture could lead to more complications."

He finally moved to the side, connecting the portable x-ray machine to a laptop. With a few clicks and a low hum from the various objects surrounding Sun Xiang's injured wrist, an image of bones appeared on the screen. "The good news is that it's definitely not broken."

"So I can play tomorrow?" Sun Xiang asked impatiently, already flexing and turning his wrist as if to test it. 

"I'd advise against that. You may have a minor sprain, but your wrist would remain sore and you would probably still be in pain for three to five days. Most of the symptoms would subside after that, but it will take about two to three weeks before you're completely healed."

Ye Xiu had been watching Sun Xiang impassively, but at that, turned to the doctor, "Any long term complications?"

From his spot near the door, Yu Wenzhou noted how tense Ye Xiu seemed to be and wondered what the doctor was telling them. His gaze wandered to Ye Xiu's clenched fist, and then, despite the more pressing concerns, he couldn't help but stare when Tang Rou gently laced their fingers together. 

He raised his brow when Ye Xiu visibly relaxed.

Tang Rou?

Well, his earlier assumption was certainly wrong.

Yu Wenzhou and his companions had just arrived at the hotel lobby from their failed airport trip when they received a message in the China Glory Team group chat. At that moment, they knew that something had gone wrong.

It had almost been time for the team dinner anyway, so Ye Xiu wouldn't have bothered calling for a team meeting if it wasn't for bad news.

So they hurried up to Ye Xiu's room, arriving just in time to see all of their teammates looking on as Sun Xiang and Ye Xiu argued. From what he had gathered from the argument, the hotel first aid had cleared Sun Xiang's injury and just handed him pain reliever and advice to visit a doctor for a check-up, in case his wrist still hurt after 24 hours. 

Ye Xiu had not been convinced.

But Sun Xiang was stubborn.

Still, finally, after a few more minutes of intense arguing, Ye Xiu had convinced an annoyed Sun Xiang to agree to see a doctor. As if on cue, Tang Rou immediately arrived with one.

The doctor had been examining Sun Xiang since.

At first, Yu Wenzhou had been too worried and and too focused on observing the doctor that he had chalked her presence up to as just part of Ye Xiu's Team Happy, instructed by Ye Xiu to get help.

But now, his worry somewhat eased and being too unfamiliar with the language to focus on the doctor's very quick accented english, he could clearly see that that wasn't the case.

She isn't just a teammate to Ye Xiu.

She's more.

Yu Wenzhou glanced around to see who else noticed, but mostly saw worried but confused eyes looking on as the doctor spoke. 

That was to be expected, he mused. While most of the team had a grasp of basic english--enough to be tourists with the aid of very handy translation apps--only Zhang Xinjie, Sun Xiang and Ye Xiu were fluent enough in varying degrees to converse freely without a translator. 

"Broken?" Zhou Zekai suddenly asked with alarm.

Yu Wenzhou turned his attention back to the doctor, who, predictably, didn't answer. Besides, even if the doctor could understand Chinese, he was too focused on wrapping Sun Xiang's wrist with bandages to answer immediately.

"No, it's just a sprain." Tang Rou unexpectedly spoke up, comfortingly. "The bandages are just to minimize swelling."

As she spoke, everyone's eyes turned to her and consequently, to Ye Xiu, finally noticing their intertwined hands.

But no one commented even though Wenzhou could see that they all, especially Shaotian who seemed to be bouncing in anticipation, wanted to.

As if he could read their minds, Ye Xiu smirked cheerfully, then dropped a light kiss on the side of her head.

Several jaws dropped.

As soon as the doctor left, all restraints broke loose.

"Old Ye!"

"I thought you were dating--"

"What?"

"Are you two--"

"Everyone shut up." Sun Xiang complained loudly. "You guys are too loud."

The room fell silent.

Ye Xiu took that opportunity to tug Tang Rou closer to him, presenting her to the group, "You guys know Little Tang, my girlfriend."

"Hi." She gave a little wave.

"Old Ye! You shameless old man! How is that an introduction? Since when are you two together? Huh? You said you were dating the cleric from Heavenly Sword! Are you a two timer now? Are you a cheater? Does Little Tang know you're cheating--"

"I'm not cheating on her." Ye Xiu interjected firmly. He was not amused, eyes piercing Huang Shaotian with a glare. He eventually looked down to the girl beside him, "I don't know where they got that, but I'm not cheating on you. I've never cheated on you."

Tang Rou grinned at him, squeezing his hand in comfort, "I know." She turned back to the others, "I think there's been a misunderstanding."

"Clearly! Old Ye is crazy about you." Fang Rui told her cheerfully, "Besides, when did he say he's dating the cleric?"

"He..." Wang Jiexi began, remembering the moment.

Ye Xiu must have confirmed it right?

Because everyone else came to the same conclusion.

Huh. Wang Jiexi sighed in realization, "He didn't. We just assumed."

"But she confirmed it!" Chu Yunxiu exclaimed.

"Yeah!" Huang Shaotian added, "We messaged her congratulations and---"."

"You guys messaged Zhong Yeli?" Mucheng interrupted incredelously. These guys were really too much. "If you guys told me, I would've corrected you."

"I wouldn't." Fang Rui chimed in amusement, already teasing his junior. "You have competition Little Tang, someone else is claiming your man."

"No competition." Ye Xiu immediately said. Then, turning to Tang Rou, he drew their intertwined hands up to his lips, "I'm yours completely."

Li Xuan loudly groaned, as beside him, Chu Yunxiu let out a loud delighted squeal. The others gagged or coughed at the sweetness.

Who knew Ye Xiu was such a smooth talker?

Tang Rou blushed at his sincerity even as she gently tugged their hands down and squeezed his hand both in agreement and in warning. 

Honestly, he was just riling them up. 

She smirked at him in amusement. "And, Xiu, there really is no competition, since Yeli isn't even competing. She's dating Wen Kebai's cousin."

Oddly enough, it was Ye Qiu who had casually told her that fact on the plane ride to Switzerland. She couldn't remember exactly why it came up, but she didn't doubt its truthfulness.

"Maybe when you guys asked her about her relationship, she had meant the one she has with her boyfriend," Mucheng mused, looking at her friends with barely concealed mirth.

Their friends readily realized their blunder. They really should have asked Mucheng first. But Ye Xiu, and even Zhong Yeli, should also be at fault for being too ambiguous!

"Yes, it could be that." Zhang Xinjie agreed, "She really didn't specifically refer to Ye Xiu."

Li Xuan nodded, "And Yunxiu didn't really say which relationship so she might have assumed."

"Plus, it's Ye Xiu! A battlemage makes so much more sense than a cleric! Although, I still can't believe he has a girlfriend." Zhang Jiale raised a brow as he asked Tang Rou a bit too seriously, "Are you sure you want to be in a relationship with him?"

He really wasn't interested in Tang Rou. But Ye Xiu having a girlfriend before him really did feel a bit like coming in second place, again. He didn't like it.

A mischievous look quickly came over Ye Xiu's face, as if he knew what Zhang Jiale was thinking.

"Considering we caught them making out, I'm pretty sure she wants to be with him." Sun Xiang interjected carelessly before either Tang Rou or Ye Xiu could reply.

Fang Rui immediately started laughing.

"You two! Again?" Mucheng exclaimed in exasperation. She had thought both of them finally knew better after Mo Fan's rants, but clearly not.

"Again?"

"What does she mean by again?"

"Sun Xiang caught you guys?"

"Mumu! This is gossip you need to share with me!"

Of course, the team would be curious. 

While Ye Xiu can be a shameless b*stard, it seemed out of character for him, and especially, Tang Rou, to be engaging in any overtly intimate public displays of affection, but Mumu and Fang Rui certainly implied otherwise.

There must be a story there.

"Wow. Things sure are run differently in Happy." Wang Jiexi observed wryly.

"Tiny Herb is just too proper, Big-eyed Wang." Ye Xiu teased without any malice, "A little informality is the secret to Championship."

Jeers and boos met his statement. But he ignored them and continued on, "Besides, we haven't seen each other for a month now. I missed her." Ye Xiu replied casually with a shrug. 

At that, Chu Yunxiu sighed dreamily. Old Ye was acting so much like the male leads of her dramas. Who knew he had a romantic bone in his shameless body?

"And, really, we were in private this time! They just didn't knock." Ye Xiu continued. He really wasn't apologetic at all, his tone daring anyone to disagree.

"Aah." Little Zhou nodded meekly at the implied reprimand.

"We were so surprised that we bumped into Sun Xiang. And he fell on his wrist." Tang Hao admitted solemnly. Unsurprisingly, everyone quieted down at that topic. "Is he okay? Can he still play?"

"I'm great! And of course I can play!" Sun Xiang immediately said.

"He's okay." Ye Xiu countered, contradicting him. "But he's not going to be able to play tomorrow. We'll see for the finals. Healing your wrist should be your first priority, Little Sun."

Ye Xiu wasn't about to jeopardize Sun Xiang's entire career because of unnecessary strain while his wrist injury was healing. 

Sun Xiang frowned.

That sucked. He had wanted to play.

But much as he hated it, Ye Xiu was right. Missing a game would be better than never being able to play because of an aggravated injury.

Ye Xiu then turned towards the other tactitians, "I know we planned for him to be third in the group round, but we'll have to change that. And someone needs to replace him in the team stage."

Murmurs and suggestions on who would be the replacements were offered then rejected in turn.

"Why don't you play?" Sun Xiang chimed up, unexpectedly. "Use One Autumn Leaf."

"What?"

"You're allowed to, right? Plus you know the plan." Sun Xiang was extremely nonchalant about it.

"He's right. You could play at least the team stage. Just so we can retain our gameplan." Xiao Shiqin agreed.

"Are you sure about this?" Ye Xiu asked Sun Xiang. 

Although he was allowed to sub in using the others' cards, Ye Xiu didn't think he'd actually be able to, except for Mucheng and Fang Rui. Teams were very protective of the avatars they own, and while they gave tentative permission to the Alliance, Ye Xiu was sure his teammates had instructions to withhold permission to use their cards.

"Senior.. Play." Zhou Zekai confirmed with a nod. Everyone else were also voicing their agreement.

At his hesitation, Tang Rou squeezed his hand in encouragement. 

She knew he wanted to play in the World Cup. This was his chance to.

Sun Xiang held out his card in almost a reverse of their circumstance from years ago. With a solemn nod, Ye Xiu took it. 

He had resigned himself to never playing on One Autumn Leaf again when he had retired from Excellent Era. He didn't think he needed any more closure than that, but the rush of joy and longing that filled him when it was suggested that he play proved him wrong.

He would treat those two games as his curtain call. "Okay."

"So.." Li Xuan coughed, bringing an end to the sudden tension, "Dinner?"

"Yes!"

"I'm starving!"

"Where are we eating?"

Amidst the agreements and complaints of hunger, the door suddenly banged open.

"Oi! You told me to reserve a table and you don't show up? Mother would be appalled. We've been waiting thirty minutes for you and Little Tang, brother. And your teammates also didn't show up! Did you not tell them they'd be joining us for dinner?"

Ye Qiu had barged in the room with a keycard he got from who knows where and was in the middle of his rant before he looked up, "Honestly, Xiu, you should--"

Ye Xiu was amused. "Hello to you too, brother." 

Gesturing to the carbon copy of himself in neatly pressed dress shirt and slacks, he smirked, "Everyone meet my younger brother, Ye Qiu."

"So, you and Old Ye." Unlike the others who immediately gravitated toward Ye Xiu and his brother, Huang Shaotian was quick to get a seat beside Tang Rou. 

As their party of 23 had been too big for a single table, the hotel restaurant had given them a room with two tables of twelve. The twins had been immediately dragged by Fang Rui and Wei Chen to the other, more boisterous table, while Tang Rou had begged off, sitting beside a quiet Qiao Yifan. 

"Yes." She nodded earnestly at Huang Shaotian, "Is that weird for you?"

He looked at her for a while before offering up a grin, "Well, I'm surprised Old Ye even has a girlfriend, but you guys do make a lot more sense than him with the cleric." A pause. "So, when did this start? Has it been long? Don't tell me you guys were already a thing when I went with you guys to dungeon. Were you a thing then? How did you even snag him? Nobody even thought he was willing to date or anything."

"It hasn't been that long." Tang Rou said with a laugh. Huang Shaotian really did talk a lot. "Officially, just after the 2nd round game against you guys."

Huang Shaotian's mind was racing.

"That..." He exclaimed. "You mean you've been together for less than half a year? But.." 

Ye Xiu had made it seem so serious.

Was it not so?

"Yeah. But it does feel like it's been for longer. Like he's always been there." She said wistfully, eyes glancing at the other table to land on Ye Xiu.

Huh. It is serious.

For once, Shaotian was not spouting a million and one questions. Instead, he observed her silently, before coming to a realization. "You love him."

"Yeah, I do."

"Good." He told her. "Old Ye has gone through some sh*tty things, even before the Excellent Era drama. He needs all the love in his life, because he's an amazing person. And not just in Glory. He awesome in real life too! I mean, he can be snarky but he's really very nice and kind."

"I know. And I completely agree." Tang Rou said earnestly.

Huang Shaotian searched her face for a minute before he nodded, satisfied. Then quickly getting over the sudden seriousness, he grinned widely, waggling his brows, "So.. Is Old Ye a good kisser?"

Tang Rou just smiled.

A lady doesn't kiss and tell. Literally.

From beside her, Little Qiao Yifan, the eavesdropper, blushed brightly.

Ye Qiu watched the live broadcast from backstage with the rest of the team and Happy, as his victorious brother and five other teammates filed in the room for the press conference.

He knew from watching the past broadcasts that Ye Xiu had never participated in the press conferences after matches before. In fact, the only interviews his brother had even given for the tournament were just the brief pre-recorded snippets aired before Team China's matches began and semi-scripted ones for their sponsors.

As a coach, that was to be expected. Most viewers were only interested in the players after all. And so far, only the Chinese media were even interested in Ye Xiu. If anyone else had researched his brother, they might have assumed that, as a coach, he was already old and washed out as a pro player.

But his brother had been glorious in the semi-finals today. He brought down two people and had a third with almost half health down before he fell on the group stage, and on the team stage, it seemed like all his teammates conspired to showcase him and his skills. For sure everyone would be interested.

So, it really was no surprise that the tournament coordinator insisted that "Coach Ye" join in the press conference, with Mucheng--the sixth person designated to appear, stepping down. 

Ye Qiu smirked in amusement as he knew most questions would be directed toward his brother. And Ye Xiu was clearly not fond of the press.

He wondered what gems his brother will say.

After all, Ye Xiu had the Chinese Glory reporters all confused and befuddled back home.

Ye Xiu frowned as the french-chinese translator missed accuracy in her translations again. Her first few translations were fine, if a bit underwhelming or incomplete, but now, he couldn't help but think it was deliberate. The phrasing of this translation introduced arrogance to Yu Wenzhou's very carefully neutral statement, and Ye Xiu could see the French reporters bristling.

He wasn't sure if she was just an avid french fan, or if she just wanted some drama for more interesting articles, but Ye Xiu wouldn't stand for it. 

"Forgive me for interrupting, Miss Madeline. May I take over for you? Some things can be a bit... muddled in translation, without having a background in Chinese culture, you know?" Ye Xiu spoke up suddenly, in fluid French, interrupting Madeline's skewed translations. He gave no chance for her to refuse.

He could feel his teammates' surprised gazes on him, but they remained silent.

"Our captain, Wenzhou has clear respect for the French team. He felt that the strategy they used in the team game today is interesting, something he hopes the team could adapt and learn from for the finals. He believes our victory was from our preparation and the element of surprise." He smiled at the gathered reporters charmingly, focusing on the French delegation, who all visibly seemed calmer, "I agree, of course. I doubt they expected me."

He spared a glance at the frowning translator then looked away, "But, I'm not a surprise ace. And my playing today wasn't to ensure a guaranteed victory. Glory's a game after all. No one knows who will win until it happens. In truth, our Sun Xiang has been injured the day prior, and as I was the former player behind One Autumn Leaf, our team agreed that I would play on his behalf."

Finally, Ye Xiu looked at the translator and politely but publicly dismissed her, "Miss Madeline, may I take it from here?"

He winked conspiratorially at the gathered media, "My mother was very interested in french films when I was younger, so she insisted on me learning french. For movie night." He laughed. "Now, I really didn't expect I'd ever be using it for a press conference, but here we are. I'm really rusty though. You guys won't mind me taking this chance to practice before the next movie night, right? I want to impress her."

It was silent for a while before the reporters suddenly spoke up with questions, most regarding his fluency, all directed at him.

Ye Xiu sighed inwardly.

The things he did for his team.

Her assistant must have made a mistake.

Yang Yilin frowned at the television screen. She expected the usual 10 to 20 minute clip, but this video spanned hours, "Lin! I thought I told you to just compile the clips of Ye Xiu."

Her ever faithful assistant immediately appeared by her side, "I did, Madame. Young Master Ye Xiu has taken part in the semi-finals as a player, so he was shown more prominently. He also took part in the press conference."

At that, Yang Yilin smiled happily, "He did?" She had figured that, as a coach, her son would have more public speaking duties, but that hadn't been the case during the previous games. "I wish to watch that first."

"Yes, Madame." Lin adjusted the settings to the proper time stamp and quickly left.

Yang Yilin settled comfortably on the lush couch, sipping a glass of wine as she watched her son's press conference. 

Ye Xiu was very relaxed as he answered questions directed at him, even bantering with his teammates on the Chinese questions. However, he relied on the translator to answer the french ones. 

She frowned. Ye Xiu had previously claimed he was still fluent. Did he lie?

Still, she watched on.

Yang Yilin smirked proudly when her son finally had enough of his translator and used fluent, if slightly accented, french to counter the pesky translator and politely dismiss her substandard service. She could do without him making fun of her love for French films, but he was great at deflecting the brewing tension. She was especially smug that her eldest son masterfully played the translator's dismissal as eagerness to practice to impress his mom, as it endeared him even more to the French media.

She laughed at his deadpan humor and sarcasm in fielding both French and Chinese reporters, effortlessly shifting from one langauage to the other, and making snarky commentary and additions as he played translator for his teammates.

Admittedly, most of the questions were beyond her as they talked about Glory, the World Cup, and strategies, but Yang Yilin was glad her son was reasonably eloquent, if a bit ambiguous or sometimes, playful, in his responses.

Of course, she could see that the Chinese reporters were a bit more wary to take his words for its face value, which Yilin guessed was due to prior experience, but the French reporters-- they clearly found her son charming.

"What are you watching?" Ye Jun asked, sitting beside her. He had just come home from work and had wandered into the room, curious as to the source of her laughter.

"Ye Xiu's interview. He's magnificent." She told him, gesturing vaguely to the screen, "Of course, he has a different style to you and Ah Qiu, but he's charming, Ah Jun. He will be a good face for the business, especially when you're entertaining."

"Hmm." Ye Jun just hummed, not giving voice to his doubts. His eldest was a bit too informal and casual for his liking. It's a good style for entertainment, that he agreed on, but for business? He privately thought Ye Xiu would need more than a few hours of etiquette lessons.

As if reading his mind, his wife frowned. "Watch him, Ah Jun." 

They both turned to the television screen where a reporter had just introduced herself as a representative of a teen beauty, lifestyle, and entertainment magazine. "Congratulations to you and your team, Coach Ye Xiu. You played extraordinarily well today, and I'm sure our readers will be hoping to see you again in the finals. I know a lot of them must be having crushes on you already. So, on behalf of them all, may I ask you to describe your dream girl?"

Her son looked so amused. "Unfortunately, while I'm very flattered, I must ask them all to direct their attentions elsewhere, maybe at Zhou Zekai?" He gestured to his teammate, who smiled brightly as soon as attention turned to him. "He's very popular with the ladies, and even the gentlemen, back home."

"And you? I'm sure Coach Ye Xiu is also very popular."

Ye Xiu laughed, "I don't think so. I'm a bit of an... introvert, you could say." 

He then gave a severely abridged and humorous retelling of his secluded, masked God days, acknowledging that he was always more admired for his skills, rather than crushed on for his looks. Then, he poked fun at himself, "I'm pretty sure a lot of Glory's fanbase think I'm hideous. After all, why would a person go to great lengths to hide their face? Hopefully, they at least think I'm average now that I've unmasked myself."

"I'm sure your fans all think you're handsome."

Ye Xiu grinned, "Happily, I've already found my dream girl. So, I'm really not looking for anyone else. But I'll take that compliment."

Yang Yilin gasped. Her son had a girlfriend?

The reporter looked even more intrigued, "Oh? How did you two meet? Can you tell us more about her? I'm sure our readers would want to know more about the girl who captured your heart."

Yang Yilin rolled her eyes at the drivel even as she paid closer attention.

"We met at an internet cafe. She kept on challenging me to a PK." Ye Xiu reminisced, "She's an excellent Glory player, so I guess that's how she first caught my eye."

A Glory player he met in an internet cafe? Her son was crazy to think that she would even approve! He was a Ye! He should have higher standards.

"Ye Jun! Our son is in a relationship with someone he met in an internet cafe!" She told her husband, aghast. "We need to speak to him about that."

Ye Jun, who had been waiting for a translation as he wasn't well-versed in french, frowned at his wife's words. "That boy really has no regard for our family's standing. Don't worry, dear. We'll set him straight when we visit him for the finals."

Ye Xiu was sulking.

As was routine, he had ended training before noon so that everyone could rest, or sightsee, or do whatever they wanted the day before finals.

He had been expecting a long, leisurely date with his girlfriend, while his nosy teammates, both from Happy and the China team, were otherwise occupied.

Unfortunately, his girlfriend had been coaxed from his arms by Chen Guo, Mucheng, and Chu Yunxiu, with promises of a spa day and shopping. 

She had been hesitant at first, but Mucheng had betrayed him by turning on the puppy dog eyes and reasoning that Ye Xiu would soon be back in China with her anyway. Tang Rou caved.

And although she probably would’ve stayed if he’d asked her to, Ye Xiu could see that all four of them were excited to have a girls' day, so he also didn't object. Besides, he wasn't such a d*ck to expect monopoly of Tang Rou's time.

So when his brother invited him to lunch at a restaurant he vaguely described as "with Michellin Stars, Xiu! My treat," he readily agreed.

Ye Xiu just didn't expect his brother to bring him to a place he and Tang Rou had discussed going to before she even arrived in Switzerland.

He would've brought her here if they were spending the day together.

So there he was, sulking over appetizers.

Ye Qiu had been annoyingly amused. It was rare that his brother sulked, after all. "You could have just told her you wanted to spend time with her."

"No, she was too excited." Ye Xiu sighed, "Besides, she also hasn't seen Mucheng in a while. They're pretty close."

"That's good." Ye Qiu grinned, "You should be happy both your siblings like your girlfriend."

He was, of course, acknowledging Mucheng's status as Ye Xiu's younger sister.

"Yeah." Ye Xiu's eyes suddenly widened, spotting two people he really hadn't expected to see. "Qiu, did mom and dad tell you they're coming here?"

"No," Ye Qiu looked at him weirdly, "Do you want them here? You know they don't like games."

"They're here." He whispered quickly, before smiling charmingly at his mother, standing up in greeting, "Hi mom, dad. You didn't tell us you were coming."

Ye Qiu also hurriedly stood up, greeting his parents.

"Why would we miss your game, my son?" His mother replied, cupping his cheek.

Ye Xiu resolutely did not bring up the countless games she missed in the thirteen years he'd been gone, and merely nodded against her palm, before offering up his seat. His father was already asking to be seated at their table, anyway.

"I watched an interesting interview of yours the other day." Yang Yilin finally started after a few minutes of small talk. 

Ye Qiu immediately knew his mother's topic of choice. He took a quick glance at his father, who seemingly had left all reins to this discussion to his wife.

"You have a girlfriend?"

Ye Xiu merely nodded.

Ye Qiu suspected the act was to carefully annoy and prod their mom to making her point.

"What does she do? You said you met her in an internet cafe? Does she work there?" She was frowning even as her words were carefully neutral.

"Yes, mom." Ye Xiu replied cheerfully, "Tang Rou’s also a Glory pro-player. But she did work at the internet cafe before I recruited her to play for Happy."

His mother forced a smile.

Ye Qiu frowned. Clearly his brother could see their parents disapproved. 

Why was he not presenting Tang Rou in the best possible light?

Their parents would certainly approve once they know Tang Rou is an heiress instead of just a pro-player, as their parents never placed much value in the profession.

"How nice." Yang Yilin commented, "And does she know of your background?"

"Of course." His brother smiled innocently, "She visited me in Beijing during the training weeks."

"Oh. I'm glad she's... supportive."

"We do have the same interests." Ye Xiu continued, obliviously.

And then it started, carefully worded backhanded compliments and insulting insinuations as to Tang Rou's background, wealth, family, and intentions were lobbied consecutively at his brother, who handled them like a pro, defending Tang Rou's honor, but never revealing her status as a Tang.

"Ye Xiu." His father finally interjected. Patience running out at his wife's rather indirect tactics, "That girl is not for you! You'll meet plenty of other girls who'll be more suited."

"I don't want anyone else." Ye Xiu's tone was firm, sure, almost daring an argument.

Ye Jun sighed, glaring at his stubborn son. "You're not marrying this girl without a prenup, Ah Xiu. Make sure her family knows that. They might be having delusions of wealth. It's best you nip that in the bud."

Implied, of course, was the opinion that Tang Rou would be dumping him as soon as that fact was made known.

Ye Xiu bit back a laugh, "Don't worry, dad. I'm pretty sure her parents will make me sign one instead."

Yang Yilin gasped.

There was no protest that the relationship was too new to think of marriage.

This already was serious.

"You've met her parents?"

"Yes." 

Ye Qiu privately wondered if his brother enjoyed tormenting their parents. There shouldn't even be a problem because if they knew, they would wholeheartedly approve.

Their parents would object to Ye Xiu dating Tang Rou the penniless pro-gamer, but never to dating Tang Rou the heiress. So, why isn't he telling them?

"How could you let it become so serious without telling us first? You're too irresponsible." Ye Jun berated, "This girl might just bring problems for you, Ah Xiu. You're already too informal. What about her? How would she act in a formal dinner? What would she even discuss with your guests? She--"

Ye Qiu couldn't take it anymore. "Tang Rou is the daughter of Tang Shusen of Tang Group Holdings Co., Ltd. If anyone's going to be accused of social climbing and lacking class, it's going to be Ye Xiu."

He turned to his brother furiously, "And you! Why didn't you tell them immediately? You know Little Tang is not the impoverished, ditzy golddigger they're imagining."

Ye Xiu just smiled at him, almost mockingly, "Well, Little Brother, didn't you tell me not to?"

Ye Qiu groaned.

He did. 

But, his brother almost never listened to him though. Just his luck that his brother would follow that suggestion of all things!

"Is that true?" Yang Yilin asked hopefully, interrupting the brothers' spat.

"Yes." Ye Xiu said shortly, "But she’s also a very talented pro-gamer. And, she's still the same person we were discussing the whole time." He grinned humorlessly, "But I gather your objections no longer apply?"

He was really glad his parents chanced upon him and Ye Qiu now. Because he doubted he would be able to keep his promise if his parents were openly this disproving around Tang Rou.

"She is acceptable." Ye Jun finally said, "You may present her to us and continue courting her."

Neither Yang Yilin or Ye Jun apologized. In their minds, they were just doing their best of their son, their family, and their business.

Ye Xiu just nodded.

Yang Yilin immediately began questioning her son about his girlfriend's interests and hobbies. She was truly interested and involved, now that she approved of her.

At a lull in conversation, when their parents weren't paying them any attention, Ye Xiu made a face at his brother and rolled his eyes.

Their parents really never changed. They were still too focused on status. Happily, that brought a bonus.

Tang Rou was one of those Tangs.

So, now they love her even before meeting her.

And what’s more, they'll be trying to impress her too. After all, technically, Tang Rou is higher up on social standing.

That's a win in his book.

Chapter Text

Yang Yilin stifled a wince as another round of excited cheering, clapping, and laughing swept through the audience.

It was just so loud.

She really didn't understand what was happening, but she was sure her son's team was winning, as two people were already down on the other team.

Beside her, Ye Jun was so focused on the game, seemingly not hearing the racket around him.

"F*ck! Come on. Come on. Come on" She suddenly heard her husband chanting. "Go. Go. Go."

She turned back to the screen to see that two of her son's teammates' indicators had greyed out. And everyone was now in a full free-for-all fight. If she didn't know what was going on before, it was even worse now. She really couldn't tell if anyone was even landing hits anymore. Or which avatar was on what team.

But it seemed like her husband could.

He was wincing, cursing, or cheering under his breath; his eyes never leaving the projection except to glance at the screen.

On the upside, the crowd had turned mercifully silent, excitedly anticipating who would win.

Yang Yilin decided to focus on the screen, monitoring the health of all the players.

One down.

Another one.

One more.

Finally.

Glory!

Ye Jun sprang up to his feet with about half of the audience, clapping and cheering! He tugged his wife upwards for a celebratory hug, "Ah Xiu won!"

Bewildered, Yang Yilin amusedly patted his back, "Yes, he did, dear. Yes, he did."

Winning was almost too tedious to be worth it, Ye Xiu thought as he shuffled with his entire team, Chairman Feng, and Deputy Minister Wong of the China General Admistration of Sports to the winners press conference.

He had hoped to have a quick celebratory late dinner with Tang Rou and then pass out to sleep. But alas, he had to deal with more press. He zoned them out, thankful that Wenzhou, Chairman Feng, and the Deputy Minister had the questions well at hand with occasional inputs from the rest of the team.

But his hopes of just being a bystander to the press conference were dashed halfway through, when a reporter addressed a question directly to him. He quickly shook himself out of his reverie, smiling charmingly, "Yes?"

"God Ye, may I ask what your plans are now that you've won the 1st Glory World Cup as a playing coach? Will you come out of retirement?"

Ye Xiu immediately focused on the man. He knew that face.

Chang Xian from Esports Home: Happy's reporter, and more importantly, Chen Guo's friend.

Ye Xiu's smile turned a touch more genuine.

"No. I'm permanently retired this time. I've been putting off some responsibilities for too long." He turned his head to the right, just beyond Yu Wenzhou, to fondly glance at Fang Rui and Mucheng, before turning back to the mass of flashing cameras, "But Happy is my home. And I'll be helping out in whatever capacity I can."

"As for my current plans, my responsibilities will come first." Ye Xiu absently laced his fingers together as he relaxed further. "But I suppose my future plans are about the same as everyone else: financial stability, marriage, and kids who'll hopefully grow up to play Glory."

A wide-eyed Chen Guo turned to a blushing Tang Rou.

"Marriage and kids?"

The pair were watching a livestream of the press conference in the comfort of their hotel room. Chen Guo had been sitting up, slightly bouncing as she excitedly watched, too keyed up from Team China's win to settle down comfortably in her bed. In contrast, Tang Rou was already lounging back on her bed.

"Little Tang!" Chen Guo quickly got up to sit on Tang Rou's bed, "It's that serious already?"

"Yes." Tang Rou sat up, hugging a pillow to her chest, "We haven't set a date or anything, but we've talked about it." She sighed happily, "I love him, Guoguo."

Chen Guo squealed, gathering the younger woman in a hug, "Little Tang! I'm so thrilled for both of you. You'll be such a beautiful bride!"

"Thank you! But that will be at least another couple of championships away!" Tang Rou giggled, "You're not gonna get rid of me that easily."

"We did it!" Su Mucheng wrapped her arms around Ye Xiu in a quick hug, "Can you believe it? We're World Champions!"

They had just finished the press conference and the subsequent debriefing from Deputy Minister Wong. It was past 1 in the morning, and most of the team had already passed out in their rooms, too tired from the physical, mental, and emotional strain from playing the finals.

But Mucheng wanted ice cream to celebrate, and he wasn't about to deny her that.

So there they were, at almost 2 am, in the 24 hour hotel bar, eating ice cream sundaes.

"I just wish my brother was here to do this with us."

"Me too." Ye Xiu smiled at her, "I wish he was here to see how well you grew up, Mumu." He left an arm wrapped around her shoulders, "I know he'd be so proud. I am."

"Thank you Xiu." She leaned her head against him. "You're an awesome big brother."

"Yeah?" Ye Xiu frowned. Honestly, he didn't think he'd be considered a great one to another one of his siblings, but he did his best, considering the circumstances. "Ye Qiu might disagree."

"What?" Mucheng pulled away to look him in the eye.

"Taking his place as a runaway and not being there for thirteen years is not exactly peak brotherhood."

"Not there physically." She emphasized. "So you're not a conventional big brother," She was already spooning another bite into her mouth, "But you're still great."

Ye Xiu laughed, "Well, that's a ringing endorsement." 

They sat in companiable silence for a while, just eating their respective ice creams, before he nudged her, wiggling his eyebrows, "So, little sister, you and Fang Rui?"

Mucheng determinedly glanced down at her melting ice cream sundae. "Chu Yunxiu may have been on to something there."

"Huh."

Chu Yunxiu had not been subtle in encouraging both Fang Rui and Mucheng to reveal their "secret relationship", so naturally, everyone else knew about it within their third week as a team. To the team's credit, they were very supportive and happy for the "couple", which would have been a great gesture of friendship, if the couple was truly in a secret relationship.

Ye Xiu knew they weren't. And both Fang Rui and Mucheng denied it.

The younger ones didn't seem to care much, either way. But the older ones, led by Chu Yunxiu, clearly didn't believe them. So, the lighthearted teasing continued.

At some point, Mucheng and Fang Rui just stopped correcting everyone.

And then, they started spending more time together during the break days, probably to get away from the questions, suggestive smirks and waggling brows. 

Now, it seemed as though their decision to just hide together was bringing about the same result Chu Yunxiu had insisted on. 

"You could do a lot worse than Fang Rui." Ye Xiu said wryly, patting her head once gently, like she was a child. "A captain and her vice-captain though? That seems straight out of Yunxiu's dramas." He teased lightly.

"Says the runaway heir romancing a hidden heiress!" She retorted, "Plus! You're also her captain. That's two cliches."

"If you think about it, I'm also her teacher." Ye Xiu said shamelessly. "So that's three."

Mucheng jokingly pushed him in retaliation.

"Don't push so hard, or else I'll be harsher when I try to warn Fang Rui about hurting you."

Mucheng pushed him once more. "Stop! We're not together!"

"Then, it's even more like Yunxiu's dramas. You have a secret crush on your vice captain!" Ye Xiu teased her, but he immediately stopped laughing when he notice her frown. "What's wrong?"

"We're not together because I said no." Mucheng admitted, shrugging. "I-- I don't know if what we're feeling is because of everyone teasing us that we just started pretending or because we really feel that way about each other." She groaned, "I've never even thought of Fang Rui in that way until recently!"

Well. Ye Xiu certainly wasn't expecting to be giving love advice to his sister this early in the morning. Or ever. He thought he'd just have to do the requisite big brother talk with her boyfriend, because she'll have figured it all out on her own.

After all, she helped him figure his feelings out.

So this really was surprising.

"I think," He said carefully, "That you have time to figure it out. Even without a relationship."

"That's what he said."

If Ye Xiu didn't already know Fang Rui was a great guy, he would have known it now. 

"Then enjoy it." Ye Xiu patted her shoulder, "It's better that you try than wonder what if."

Mucheng nodded, paused, then smiled at him amusedly, "I'd never thought I'd be asking you love advice."

"Me too, Mumu. Me too."

Still yawning from lack of sleep, Ye Xiu knocked bright and early on Tang Rou's hotel room door. He really wanted the morning alone with his girlfriend, to celebrate, before he'd have to share her with the world again.

He had barely seen her for the past few days, with practice for the finals, meetings, the finals itself, and the press conference taking up a lot of his time. And with the celebration lunch and the flight back home that same night, he doubted they'll have any time to themselves today.

So lack of sleep would not discourage him. 

Besides, he could always sleep on the plane ride home.

"Hey." Tang Rou stepped out of the door, leaning up to kiss his cheek. "You look tired. You should've texted me to meet up later. You need sleep."

"It's fine." Ye Xiu told her, grabbing her hand, "I missed you." He flashed her a charming smile, "Besides, my phone has been dead since last night. I forgot to charge it."

Tang Rou giggled, pulling him to the elevators, "Only you, Xiu. Let's have breakfast so we can head back to bed."

His grip tightened in her hand and she was slowed by his sudden stop.

"Xiu?"

He smirked at her, "Are you prepositioning me, Little Tang?" 

What? Oh.

"I didn't think I'd need to preposition my boyfriend for cuddles." She told him, tugging on his hand to encourage him to move, "I feel like Sun Xiang would make less fuss." She said casually, offering up his room as the better option.

"I agree." Ye Xiu said eagerly, hitting the elevator button repeatedly. "Plus I like seeing you in my bed."

At that moment, the elevator doors opened to reveal Ye Qiu and his parents.

Ye Qiu's muffled laughs and his mother's widened eyes clearly revealed that they all heard his comment. 

Why were his parents here anyway?

Weren't they staying in a hotel way across town?

He felt Tang Rou nudge him in.

Was it too late to wait for another elevator?

Tang Rou nudged him again, stepping inside and pulling him along.

So much for time alone.

He inwardly sighed as the elevator door closed.

"Good morning, Mother, Father, Little Brother." Ye Xiu greeted casually, "This is my girlfriend, Tang Rou."

Already, his mom was pursing her lips at his less than formal introduction. 

After a beat, his father cleared his throat.

Oh.

He knew he forgot something. Introductions were really so tedious.

Specially when all he wanted was some time alone with his girlfriend.

"Little Tang, my parents, Ye Jun and Yang Yilin."

Ye Qiu smirked in amusement. Their mom was now unabashedly frowning at his brother, and Ye Qiu could tell she was already mentally booking him some manners tutoring.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Ye, Madame Yang." Tang Rou immediately disbursed the awkward tension with a smile, "Older brother Qiu, good morning."

Ye Qiu frowned. She did that on purpose. They had previously agreed that she'd be calling him only by name, as this would inevitably lead to --

"Shouldn't it be Little Brother Qiu?" His brother shot him a wicked smirk, "After all, you're dating me and I'm older."

Ughh. Here they go again. His brother really was so smug.

With a smile playing on her lips, Tang Rou echoed, "Little Brother Qiu then."

"Little--"

Ye Xiu coughed meaningfully.

He made a face, but conceded, "Big Sister Rou." He felt an almost peverse sense of victory when Tang Rou frowned, "Would you like to join us for breakfast?"

He didn't even try to hide his wide grin when his brother glared at him. Trying to push his luck, since he rarely got one over his brother after all, he continued, "...before you two head to bed?"

Ye Xiu smirked then.

As if on cue, Yang Yilin smacked her son on the back of the head. "Ye Qiu! Why would you say that? Apologize right now!" 

"Yes, Little Brother." Ye Xiu echoed smugly, "You should apologize."

"Ye Xiu!" Ye Jun shot his eldest a dark look.

"Ah Xiu. Stop goading your brother." Yang Yilin scolded her son before smiling brightly at Tang Rou, "It's a pleasure to meet you, my dear. Please don't be too formal, Auntie will do. Would you join us for breakfast?"

Ye Xiu inwardly groaned.

His parents were too much.

And of course, Tang Rou would not say no.

She was too polite to.

Still, he squeezed her hand gently, hoping she'd turn his mother down.

Besides, did she really want to meet his parents this early in the morning? He was hoping they'd have it during the celebratory lunch.

Less chances for invasive questions.

Tang Rou glanced at him before turning to his mother. "We'd love to Auntie." She tugged on Ye Xiu's hand.

"Of course, Mother. We'd love to."

As Tang Rou charmed his parents, he kicked his brother under the table. "Why are they here? I thought they were staying at the hotel across town."

"They were too tired to go back to their hotel after watching your game yesterday." Ye Qiu replied in the same even tone, "I told you about this last night."

"My phone died." Ye Xiu shrugged. "Well, they were going to meet her anyway."

"She's doing great." Ye Qiu observed, watching Tang Rou converse freely with their mother about music, and occasionally refilling their father's tea cup.

Their parents were clearly charmed.

And it clearly wasn't just because of her last name and family background.

Their parents genuinely liked her.

Ye Xiu really was so lucky.

"They'll be marrying you off within the week." Ye Qiu teased.

His brother laughed, "Maybe a long engagement. I don't think Little Tang's parents will go for that yet."

Ye Qiu opened his mouth to speak but was quickly interrupted by his mother. "Ah Qiu! Little Tang tells me she has a lot of friends. Maybe we should arrange an introduction for you."

Ye Xiu shot him an amused look, "That's an amazing idea, Mother. It can even be a double date."

To his great surprise, Ye Qiu just smiled, "I hope your friends are like you, Little Tang. Are you sure you want to stay with my brother? I'm--"

Ye Xiu gave him an even harder kick underneath the table.

"Qiu!" His mother glared at him darkly.

He raised his hands up in mock surrender, "I'm joking, Mother, I'm joking."

For the second time that day, the China Glory Esports scene exploded again. Not only has Team China won Worlds that early morning, but the ever-mysterious God Ye posted his first ever Weibo post, not counting his two previous replies to Fang Rui.

And, in true God Ye fashion, the contents of the post and its implications were mind-blowing.

Various polls and theories took up weibo and chatrooms, and Happy's PR phone and email blew up with reporters hoping for exclusives.

Not that anyone was answering yet.

The source of chaos and his team were still flying back home.

Ye Xiu ✅
8/21 16:03 CET

I am truly thankful. 

[Photo of Chinese Glory Team lifting up the World Cup trophy]

[Photo of Chinese Glory Team at the celebration lunch]

[Photo of Ye Xiu with all of Team Happy at the celebration lunch, sandwiched between Fang Rui and Mucheng]

[Photo of a laughing Su Mucheng with her arms around Ye Xiu and Ye Qiu's neck]

[Photo of Ye Xiu sitting between Tang Rou and Su Mucheng, with Yang Yilin, Ye Jun, and Ye Qiu sitting on Tang Rou's left side]

✉️ 270k 🔁 74k ❤️1.8M

[Replying to Ye Xiu]: Is anyone else seeing the last picture? Holy sht!!! 
[zoomed picture focusing on Tang Rou and Ye Xiu's intertwined hands]

They're holding hands!

Oh my gosh! Totally unexpected but I ship it.

GodYe is so lucky!

Please, it's her who's lucky. He's a legend!

[view all replies]

[Replying to Ye Xiu]: Do you realize that's the President of Gold Leaf Corporation? Heard reports that a son was appointed VP or something for the Beijing high rise condo project!

Godye is a rich heir?

The luxury condomium? That's a huge project!

Gold Leaf is a leading real property development corporation! God Ye must be loaded!

Can Happy even be considered grassroots now?

[view all replies]

[Replying to Ye Xiu]: Godye is a twin!

They both look so handsome.

I agree! Look at those jawlines! Those eyes.

Lol. You guys are thirsty as fvck!

[view all replies]

[Replying to Ye Xiu]: Su Mucheng is part of the Ye family?

Do you think she's dating the twin?

No! Did you see that 4th photo? Sibling I think.

It's so sweet that she's part of the family.

[view all replies]

[Replying to Ye Xiu]: Can we focus on the fact that Ye Xiu is dating Tang Rou???

Isn't he a bit too old for her?

Shut up. Five years is a healthy age gap.

Do you guys realize this is serious? She's met his parents and his brother!

Do you think he's met her parents?

[view all replies]

[Replying to Ye Xiu]: Imagine their children! Beautiful babies with killer Glory skills.

God Ye would have those kids with anyone. He's amazing.

Tang Rou is a prodigy though! She's too good for a rookie.

[view all replies]

Han Wenqing ✅ [Replying to Ye Xiu]: Congratulations to the whole team!

Yang Cong ✅ : Congratulations!

Jiang Botao ✅: Congratulations God Ye, Captain Zhou Zekai, Sun Xiang and the whole Chinese Glory team!

All the pros are on here! Notice me masters!

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Tang Group ✅ [Replying to Ye Xiu]: Congratulations, Ye Xiu and the entire team!

Why is the Tang Group congratulating him? Sponsor?

Holy sht. Is Tang Rou from that Tang family?

Do you realize this means God Ye has already met her parents! It's so serious already!

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Oblivious to the chaos and uproar he had caused with his post, Ye Xiu was happily snuggled up to Tang Rou, who was carting her fingers through his hair as she read a book with the plane's reading light.

"You might need to field a few questions when we get back home." He whispered suddenly.

"Hmm?"

"Fans have eagle eyes." Ye Xiu told her randomly, with a touch of smugness that immediately had her putting down her book.

"What did you do?" She asked in amusement.

"I posted a picture of us holding hands."

"Oh." Tang Rou picked her book back up, going back to reading, "Good."

"Good?" Ye Xiu nudged her teasingly, "Is my Little Tang feeling possessive?"

To his surprise, Tang Rou didn't even protest, nodding absently, "I don't share. It's better everyone knows you're mine."

"What a coincidence!" Ye Xiu exclaimed cheerfully, snatching her book and closing the reading light. He stole a quick kiss, not even caring to see if anyone, his parents included, noticed. "I feel exactly the same way. Mine."