Chapter Text
“Tomorrow it’s back to training!”
“Rui-ge!” “Xiao Rui!” The ZDGX players complain as they all stand around a table at Chen Jinyang and Ai Jia’s wedding reception.
“Please tell me we aren’t the only ones who have to train tomorrow?” Tong Yao whines, as she turns to ask the YQCB players. Jinyang crosses her arms, “Unfortunately not.” She sighs.
“If you’re training, then we have to be training. Our coach won’t let us take a break otherwise” Ai Jia exclaims, running a hand up and down his wife’s back.
“What about your honeymoon?” Xiao Pang asks curiously tilting his head, Ai Jia shakes his head. “Not happening for a few months. We’ll try and go around Christmas, so we can be back by Lunar New Year.”
“Well I think everyone here needs some more practice, what’s the worst that can happen right?” Lu Yue speaks up, immediately having his hair ruffled and pushed away by Tong Yao. “You can speak when you catch up to our level” she scolds him, despite her clear smile.
“Great, then we can start with some physical training in the morning. The members of ZGDX, except Lao Mao all collectively groan, while YQCB all laugh.
“Can I go jump into the pool?” Lao K asks annoyed. Xiao Rui gives him a look of disapproval while Yu Ming shakes his head. “But you didn’t bring your swimsuit,” Lao Mao tells him, tilting his head.
This elicits a laugh from everyone around. Lao K shakes his head, gently patting Lao Mao on the back. “No, I didn’t.”
“What?” Lao Mao questions.
“Why don’t we propose a toast to the newlyweds?” Yu Ming suggests, ignoring the confused look he receives from the Top Solo. “And to the newly engaged couple!” Chen Jinyang adds, leaning into Tong Tao’s shoulder as both girls smile.
“And the newly engaged couple” Yu Ming adds with a laugh. “To Ai Jia and Chen Jinyang. And Tong Yao and Lu Sicheng”
“I am not congratulating my brother. I predicted it months ago” Lu Yue complains, the teams laugh as Lu Sicheng whacks the back of his younger brother’s head.
“To the happy couples. Cheers!” Yu Ming finishes as he shakes his head at the Substitute Mid. “Cheers” Everyone around the table echoes.
“How ready does everyone feel about Worlds?” YQCB’s captain asks, “If it means going against TAT, not good at all.” Xiao Pang replies with a frown.
“It’s okay, we know how to beat them now remember?” Lao Mao reminds him, pumping his fist. Xiao Pang looks at him and nods, pumping his own fist.
“Woah, you beat TAT? When?” YQCB’s Jungler asks, Ying Rong nods, “The last time we heard of a match between TAT and ZGDX was the leaked video” The Top Solo adds.
“Hey, watch it” Their captain warns them. Sending an unimpressed look in their direction.
“After the game against King, shorty had the brilliant idea to challenge them again!” Lu Yue responds enthusiastically. Ai Jia’s head quickly turns to Tong Yao, “Really?”
The Mid Laner nods, “We’re all human. How can there be one person who’s as strong as an alien?”
“She’s got a point there” Yu Ming points out, the e-gamers nod. “We can only get better with more time and practice.” Lee Kun Hyeok states, “What’s that saying?” he pauses.
“The more you sweat in practice, the less you bleed in battle” Liang Sheng suggests, YQCB’s AD nods. “Yes, that!”
“Wow, it’s like they can read each other’s minds” Lu Yue marvels. He then turns to his older brother, “I wonder if we can do that, you know? Since we’re brothers.” He says enthusiastically.
Lu Sicheng raises an eyebrow, “Who would want to read your thoughts?”
Lu Yue pouts as their friends around them laugh. “You’re so mean to me.”
“Lu Yue, I think it’s just you. We all know Cheng-ge can read Jiao Huang’s mind. At least during a match.” Lao K comments nonchalantly, “Exactly, no one’s better at reading each other’s minds than Chessman and Hierophant” Lao Mao adds, throwing an arm over the Jungler’s shoulder.
“The Great Shadow and Light” Xiao Pang adds, making a rainbow with his hand for dramatic effect.
“Okay, I think that’s enough. You’re starting to sound like the fanfiction writers” Xiao Rui tells them, putting Xiao Pang’s hand down.
“What was that?” Lee Kun Hyeok asks, “Yes. What?” Lu Sicheng demands, much less nicely than the other AD, glaring at his team’s manager.
Xiao Rui laughs nervously, before gazing at the others for assistance.
“I don’t think I’m familiar with the term fanfiction?” Lee Kun Hyeok states confused, “Don’t worry about it.” Liang Sheng tells him, patting his shoulder gently.
“Xiao Rui what did you say?” Lu Sicheng asks again, “Why don’t you ask Xiao Pang? He seems to know a lot more about the subject than I do.” Xiao Rui replies avoiding the Captain’s glare.
Lu Sicheng directs his attention to his Support, who puts the food he was eating down gently on the table. “Well, you see…I…uh…” Without another word, Xiao Pang runs away. Stopping briefly at the food table to grab a pork bun before disappearing around the corner.
“I think we're done with this conversation” Xiao Rui states, “Agreed.” Yu Ming adds, ending the conversation.
“I’ll go get him” Lao K volunteers, setting his wine glass down and gently removing Lao Mao’s arm from his shoulders.
“In all seriousness though. We should work together and train with each other. We’re going to have a lot tougher opponents to face in Worlds. Some of the international teams are no joke.” Tong Yao suggests.
“Agreed. Let’s all do our best” Liang Sheng agrees raising his cup, “To working together.”
“To working together!”