Faced with this sudden turn of events, Yu Nuo froze. She forced herself to continue, stammering: “I’m being serious with you.”
Chen Yuzheng made a sound of acknowledgment, “I’m being serious too.”
He didn’t look serious at all, and Yu Nuo sat restlessly: “This, this isn’t good, someone might come any minute.”
Chen Yuzheng didn’t seem concerned: “Should I go lock the door?”
She looked around to make sure no one was nearby, then quickly stood up and gave him a fleeting kiss on the cheek before pulling away, “Is… is that better?”
Chen Yuzheng propped his chin up with one hand, seriously discussing with her: “Or you could go lock it?”
Yu Nuo: “…”
Seeing Chen Yuzheng about to get up, Yu Nuo stopped him, “Never mind, I’ll go.”
Before he could react, Yu Nuo grabbed her phone and walked to the door, turning the handle. She planned to just leave like this and send him a message once she was out.
While she was planning this in her mind, her movements slowed for a moment, and suddenly a hand reached out beside her.
Yu Nuo froze.
Someone pressed against her back.
With a click, the training room door was locked. Her phone was taken away as Chen Yuzheng tossed it onto the nearby table, his voice carrying a hint of laughter: “You little trickster, making me lock the door but planning to leave.”
Yu Nuo turned around with difficulty, pushing him away weakly, “Ultraman will be here soon.”
His hand pressed against the door as he lowered his head, nuzzling against her, “Who cares about him.”
Yu Nuo couldn’t get another word out before her lips were completely sealed by his.
She had nowhere to retreat, her back pressed against the cold door, while the person in front of her radiated heat. Delicate kisses with burning breath traced from her ear to the corner of her mouth.
One hand held the back of her head, his fingers caressing her hair. His other hand reached along the wall, and with a click, he turned off the training room lights.
In the darkness, every sensory detail was amplified.
His kisses came fiercely, and Yu Nuo couldn’t resist, giving up her struggle. Her legs went weak, and she helplessly wrapped her arms around his neck for balance.
Feeling his soft tongue probe inside, Yu Nuo made a small sound.
In the midst of the chaos, suddenly there was a knock at the door.
With no response, Ultraman waited a bit before knocking harder: “Chen Yuzheng, where are you, why’d you lock the door! I’m here!! Open up for daddy!! Quick!!!!”
Someone was just on the other side of the door. The vibrations from the door made her heart pound, and Yu Nuo frantically tried to push him away.
Chen Yuzheng was a bit displeased and bit her.
Outside, Ultraman seemed to realize something and stopped knocking. After a while, it became quiet outside.
Yu Nuo grew anxious, turning her head slightly to call out softly: “Someone’s there, Chen Yuzheng… Chen Yuzheng…”
She called his name so softly, so sweetly. Chen Yuzheng made an absent-minded sound of acknowledgment and continued kissing her.
…
…
Coming out of the break room, Yu Nuo straightened her wrinkled dress and top. Walking downstairs, Chen Tony meowed and ran over, wrapping around her feet.
Someone coughed nearby.
Yu Nuo stopped and turned her head.
Ultraman gave a dry laugh: “Leaving?”
Yu Nuo didn’t dare look at him and hurriedly made a sound of agreement.
Ultraman: “Is Chen Yuzheng in the training room?”
Yu Nuo’s ears and neck turned red as she nodded.
Both feeling awkward, Ultraman scratched his head, “Alright, I’ll head up then.”
Pushing open the training room door, Chen Yuzheng was still curled up in his gaming chair, legs propped on the desk edge.
Ultraman sat down at his own spot.
While starting his computer, he couldn’t help glancing several times at the person next to him.
Chen Yuzheng’s voice was lazy: “What are you looking at?”
Ultraman deliberately glanced at a certain area and cursed: “Fuck, why’d you lock the door just now?”
“What else would I lock the door for?”
Ultraman angrily pounded the desk once, “Damn it, I’m not innocent anymore, you really have no shame.”
He gritted out two words: “Beast.”
Chen Yuzheng snorted a laugh, “Virgin, get lost.”
Ultraman: “…”
Unexpectedly, he felt like he’d taken 10,000 damage. Ultraman struggled to retort: “Don’t laugh at others when you’re not much better, aren’t you one too?”
Chen Yuzheng drawled, “Fine, when I’m not anymore, I’ll let you know.”
—
In the blink of an eye, LPL’s summer season regular matches had entered their final week, with PRT versus TG scheduled for Friday afternoon. Since it was TG’s final regular season match and would determine whether they could advance to playoffs, many fans still came to watch.
Yu Nuo also came to the venue with them.
As the match was about to begin, TG’s five team members had already gone to the front to prepare. In the backstage rest area, the team leader was chatting with Qi Yanan, while the assistant coach sat in a chair watching the game interface on TV.
The team leader watched for a while before discussing quietly with Qi Yanan: “Their condition hasn’t been good lately, losing even in practice matches. At this rate, forget about winning the championship this year – even if they luck into playoffs, they’ll probably be eliminated in the first round.”
In recent weeks, after TG lost several matches in a row, people indeed became confused about their abilities. It seemed they could compete with strong teams but could also be easily defeated by weaker ones.
Qi Yanan: “Is there some problem? Theoretically, they should have built good teamwork during spring season.”
The team leader shook his head: “I’ve talked with them all, it should be a mentality issue. After the Continental Championship, they suddenly got many more fans, with attention from all sides focused on them, so the pressure increased too. The worst thing in competitions is having an unstable mindset – technical skills are secondary.”
The atmosphere in the break room was heavy. As the two talked in low voices, Yu Nuo sat nearby listening and felt her heart sink.
…
…
The commentators had already started warming up the crowd: “After TG’s last loss, the playoff situation became chaotic again. Today’s match results are very important for both teams, none of the ten players on stage can afford to be careless.”
Male commentator: “In the first game, PRT also got their preferred early-mid game fighting composition, let’s see if they can make it work. However, one point is that PRT’s composition has very low error tolerance – they must establish a significant early advantage, otherwise there’s no way to execute in the late game.”
Female commentator: “Yes, both TG and PRT need to do their best. If PRT loses today, they’ll likely miss playoffs, but if they win, they still have hope. Without further ado, the match is about to begin.”
The venue erupted in cheers for TG.
The game officially began.
Everyone understood the importance of this match. It started very intensely, with both sides trading two kills in the level one teamfight.
The situation remained tense throughout. PRT had specifically studied TG’s strategies beforehand, and after several consecutive ganks bottom lane, when they hit level six, the enemy AD carry forced a teamfight with their ultimate.
Top lane teleports lit up simultaneously, and PRT directly dove four versus two, getting two kills on TG without losing anyone.
PRT had been at the bottom of the rankings in spring season’s regular matches, but after changing coaches in summer, the whole team seemed to evolve, developing a very tenacious style.
Especially today against TG, everyone seemed fired up, each player transforming into a war god.
Around 30 minutes, the two teams fought at Baron pit. TG had a small advantage, with Chen Yuzheng taking down the enemy AD carry and mid laner.
The broadcast showed the damage chart, with Chen Yuzheng’s Kai’Sa dealing an impressive 7000 damage.
After consideration, Killer called to take Baron. However, when it had 400 health left, the enemy jungler stole it with a smite while nearly dead.
The commentator called out in disappointment: “TG lost Baron, this is devastating.”
PRT’s top laner was a split-pushing champion, and after getting Baron buff they immediately entered speed-push mode. Fortunately, TG all had late-game champions and defended several waves, eventually surpassing them in gold.
After forty-plus minutes, TG’s members organized their equipment, cleared their base waves, and went to take Elder Dragon. At the very end, it was again stolen by the enemy jungler who appeared suddenly.
Van’s mentality completely collapsed.
After losing the first game to PRT, Van clearly hadn’t adjusted, and in the second game they didn’t secure a single dragon.
The match ended with TG losing 0:2 to PRT.
The broadcast camera cut from the destroyed crystal to the ten players. PRT’s members hugged each other, chatted briefly, then went over to shake hands with TG.
From left to right, Thomas and Killer all had gloomy expressions as they silently removed their headphones and stood up from their positions.
Ultraman forced a smile.
After shaking hands with PRT’s members, Chen Yuzheng remained silent, looking down as he packed up his peripherals on the desk.
Female commentator: “PRT was in excellent form today, everyone performed brilliantly. With this win, TG’s playoff spot is suddenly in serious danger.”
The other commentator analyzed the current situation: “Including today’s match, TG has now lost four in a row. Whether they can make playoffs depends on WR’s performance tomorrow – if WR beats PRT, they can advance directly based on game score advantage. If they lose, PRT will have the same number of wins as TG, so it’ll come down to tiebreaker rules. So neither team’s fate is decided yet.”
Most of the venue audience were TG fans. After the two games finished, the spectator stands fell silent, the venue as quiet as a library.
By the time PRT’s post-match interview started, most of the audience had left.
—
After the match, fans who had specifically waited gathered nearby. Seeing TG’s members emerge from the backstage passage, they all crowded around.
Everyone kept their heads down, in no mood to greet fans. They all remained silent as security escorted them to the team bus.
The bus door made a sound as it closed, and everyone sat down in their seats. Through the glass, the fans’ voices still carried inside.
“TG, don’t give up, there’s still a chance!”
“Go back and review well, train hard.”
“Conquer fighting! Van fighting!!”
Mixed with the fans’ encouragement were several rough voices cursing:
“Garbage TG, garbage AD, garbage team, all garbage!”
“Too noob, just retire already!”
“What kind of play was that, you idiots are going to give me a brain hemorrhage.”
No one spoke in the bus cabin. It was completely quiet, while outside people shouted for them to disband and retire. The angry curses seemed especially clear in the silence, drilling into everyone’s ears.
The bus was surrounded by people, with security struggling to disperse the crowd. The fans outside seemed to be arguing, creating a chaotic scene. Yu Nuo turned her head to look at Chen Yuzheng’s expression.
He leaned against the seat back, eyes lowered, lost in thought.
“Chen Yuzheng?”
She called out to him softly.
Chen Yuzheng turned his head, “Mm, what is it?”
Yu Nuo pressed her lips together, revealing uncertainty in her eyes as she told him, “Lean closer, I want to tell you something.”
Chen Yuzheng paused for two seconds before leaning in, “What is it?”
Yu Nuo hesitated before raising her hands to cover both his ears.
Chen Yuzheng was confused for a moment before realizing what she was doing. In an instant, all outside sounds were blocked out. He lowered his head, seeing only her slightly nervous rising and falling chest before him.
Yu Nuo worried she wasn’t covering well enough and bent her thumbs to overlap with her index fingers.
He tugged at the corner of his mouth, maintaining this awkward position as he let her cover his ears.
After a while, the crowd dispersed and the bus started moving. Yu Nuo lowered her hands and said softly: “Okay.”
She casually looked out the window.
Chen Yuzheng: “Why did you cover my ears?”
“No reason.”
Chen Yuzheng smiled, “I’m not as fragile as you think.”
“I know.” Yu Nuo held back for a moment before saying, “I just didn’t want to hear those people cursing at you.”
She couldn’t control what others said, she could only use this brief and childish method to let Chen Yuzheng temporarily escape those curses.
…
…
As the bus drove along, the coach talked about their problems in today’s matches.
Ultraman gave a bitter laugh: “If we can’t even make playoffs, won’t all our sponsors leave?”
Coach: “If you knew this would happen, why didn’t you play properly in the previous matches?”
Van took initiative: “Today was my fault, I played terribly.”
“Now’s not the time to assign blame.” The coach’s tone was heavy, “Whether you still have a chance depends on tomorrow. Even if you make playoffs through others’ help, with your level today, forget about Worlds – you’ll be eliminated in the first round of playoffs.”
—
The next day, Yu Nuo specifically set an alarm to watch WR versus PRT’s livestream.
This match directly determined whether TG could enter playoffs.
OG had finished all their regular season matches last week, securely holding first place in the West. The team gave them a few days off to adjust, and Yu Ge had returned home last night.
The door was closed now, probably still sleeping.
Yu Nuo made a cup of oatmeal and sat on the couch, specifically turning down the living room TV volume to avoid waking Yu Ge.
WR had already secured their playoff spot, so today’s match wasn’t actually important for them. However, the win or loss directly affected TG and PRT’s survival.
Yu Nuo was also anxious watching – although she didn’t really understand League of Legends, whenever the teams engaged in teamfights during the broadcast, she held her breath, silently cheering for WR.
She hugged a pillow, watching too intently. After an intense exchange, WR secured a small teamfight victory. Yu Nuo clenched her fists and called out “Good!” almost jumping off the couch.
The couch sank beside her, and Yu Nuo finally noticed someone there. She turned her head, “Brother, you’re awake?”
Yu Ge found it puzzling but amusing: “Why are you so excited? Can you even understand the match?”
Yu Nuo paused, how could she dare tell him the truth. She shook her head, somewhat embarrassed: “I don’t understand, I’m just listening to the commentators.”
OG was in the Western division, and Yu Ge hadn’t paid much attention to the Eastern division’s playoff situation lately. He sat on the couch, listened to the commentators for a bit before realizing: “Oh, WR is working for TG today huh.”
WR had just won one game, and in this game they had also built a clear advantage – if they won, TG would be secure. Yu Nuo’s mood relaxed considerably, and she couldn’t help sharing her joy with Yu Ge: “WR is so amazing today, if they win, TG can make playoffs.”
Eyes fixed on the TV, Yu Ge’s tone was unreadable: “You seem quite invested in TG.”
Yu Nuo: “…”
She nervously looked away, controlling her facial expressions to appear calmer.
However, seeing Yu Nuo so interested for the first time, Yu Ge unexpectedly became somewhat enthusiastic about explaining the match situation to her.
He seemed able to predict the future, always able to anticipate WR and PRT’s next moves.
Yu Ge would say something, then pause to wait for his predictions to be proven right.
Seeing Yu Nuo’s unstoppable amazement and admiring expression when looking at him, Yu Ge was satisfied and continued explaining.
However, as a top professional player in the LPL, Yu Ge’s level was too high, and his words were sharp. Some of the terms he used occasionally left Yu Nuo completely confused.
Twenty minutes into the game, Yu Ge made his judgment and lost interest in watching: “PRT is done.”
“Really?”
Yu Nuo’s heart leaped with joy, but watching him get up, she still had doubts: “But the commentators seem to be saying PRT still has a chance late game.”
Yu Ge paused his steps, “Do they understand better than me?”
Yu Nuo: “…”
The subsequent development was exactly as Yu Ge predicted – in less than ten minutes, WR secured dragon and directly pushed to end PRT, finishing the match.
With this match’s conclusion, LPL’s summer season regular matches were all complete, and the playoff spots for both East and West divisions were confirmed.
After WR’s interview process finished, the host announced on stage the names of the eight teams entering playoffs.
After waiting patiently and hearing TG’s name, Yu Nuo was completely relieved, even happily exclaiming: “Brother! WR won their match, you’re amazing!”
The house was quiet with no response.
Yu Nuo turned off the TV broadcast and looked around, tentatively calling out: “Brother, where are you? The match is over.”
Getting no response, she didn’t think much of it and picked up her phone to message Chen Yuzheng:
“You made it to playoffs ^ ^”
Just after sending the message, a voice came from behind: “Yu Nuo.”
Yu Nuo quickly closed her phone and turned around, “What is it, brother?”
Coming from the balcony, Yu Ge’s expression was calm as he casually tossed something over, asking: “What’s this?”
Yu Nuo looked down, collected herself, and seeing clearly the fan T-shirt on the couch, her expression instantly froze.
— This was the souvenir Fu Yidong had left her a few days ago.
Yu Ge asked curiously: “Why is this in our house? Is it yours?”
Yu Nuo didn’t dare meet his gaze, staying quiet for a moment before answering in a barely audible voice, “This, um, it’s mine…”
He acted like he hadn’t heard clearly, seeming incredulous as he laughed coldly and asked again: “Yours?”
Yu Nuo slowly nodded.
“What’s printed on it?”
Her voice got softer and softer: “Love…”
Yu Ge’s face darkened as he fell silent, then after a long while asked: “Love what?”
In the dead silence, Yu Nuo answered like someone facing death: “Conquer.”
Yu Ge: “…?”
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