Killer, being somewhat dense, casually asked while playing with his phone, “Who is Conquer trying to seduce?”
“You know, that girl who just taught you how to dance.”
Killer made a sound of acknowledgment, not paying much attention at first. Suddenly, his eyes widened in shock: “Her?!”
Van asked curiously: “Why are you so excited?”
“How can I not be excited?!” Killer grew even more agitated, “Her, do you know who she is?!”
“Who is she?”
“Fish’s family member!”
“Who?”
“Fish! OG’s Fish!”
“His what?”
“Family member!!”
“…..”
Everyone took several seconds to process this, silently lighting a candle in their hearts for Chen Yuzheng.
Aoteman disapproved, “Maybe we should forget about this? We need to have some basic principles. If you betray Fish like this, how will you survive in this circle?”
“…”
Killer asked the person in question: “Why are you so quiet?”
Chen Yuzheng mocked, “Why should I waste words on idiots?”
…
…
The shooting didn’t end until one in the morning. Yu Nuo remembered Yu Jiang’s phone call. Next Tuesday would be Yu Zhijiang’s eighth birthday.
Everyone was packing up their equipment and heading to the parking lot. Yu Nuo thought for a moment and said to Yu Ge, “Brother.”
Yu Ge glanced at her: “What?”
Yu Nuo chose her words carefully, “It’s our little brother’s birthday in a few days. Auntie and Dad asked us to go back for a meal. Do you have time?”
Yu Ge sneered, “What does that little bastard’s birthday have to do with us?”
Yu Nuo stayed silent, looking down at her feet.
Yu Ge remembered something and asked, “Have you been to the hospital recently?”
“I went last week.”
“What did the doctor say?”
“About the same as before.” Yu Nuo smiled, changing the subject, “Don’t worry about me, focus on your training. The finals are coming up soon. If you’re not going to the dinner, I’ll let Dad know tomorrow.”
“You shouldn’t go either.”
As they walked forward, Little C started chattering with Yu Ge again.
Someone was standing ahead, leaning against a tree, as if waiting for someone.
The OG members hesitated for a moment, but Chen Yuzheng didn’t say anything. Out of politeness, everyone nodded in greeting.
Yu Nuo, walking at the back of the group, also noticed him.
After stealing a few glances, she looked around.
When she looked back, Chen Yuzheng was already watching her. His expression was calm as he beckoned to her with one finger.
Yu Nuo was slightly surprised and pointed at herself.
Chen Yuzheng nodded.
Yu Nuo nervously looked toward Yu Ge. He was completely occupied with Little C’s chatter and hadn’t noticed anything.
She hesitated, then slowed her pace.
When no one was paying attention, she ran over to him.
Face to face, Yu Nuo looked up slightly and asked cautiously: “Is something wrong?”
“Add me as a friend?”
“Huh…?” Yu Nuo was confused.
Chen Yuzheng stood up straight, too lazy to explain further, and held his phone in front of her eyes.
The screen showed a faint light, displaying a blocked interface on Alipay.
Yu Nuo was stunned for a moment.
So that’s what it was… she had been overthinking things.
Her ears turned red as she quickly waved her hands, “You really don’t need to pay me back.”
When Yu Ge was initially in the youth training team, he only earned a few thousand yuan per month. Understanding his financial difficulties, Yu Nuo maintained a serious expression and said, “You’re just starting your professional career, and you have many expenses… such a big fine…”
Something seemed off about what she was saying.
Worried about hurting his pride, she anxiously added: “Anyway, I didn’t mean anything by it… this money was something I should have paid.”
Someone called her from afar.
Yu Nuo looked back briefly, hurriedly said goodbye to him, and repeated, “Really, you don’t need to pay me back. I need to go now.”
Chen Yuzheng watched her leave, standing there for a while longer before slowly putting his phone away.
—
The next day, Yu Nuo was woken up by her alarm.
The dormitory curtains were still closed. Yu Nuo sat up wrapped in her blanket and started her habitual spacing out, emptying her mind for a moment.
Her cold hadn’t improved, her throat was dry, and she started experiencing her usual tinnitus. Her head was still somewhat painful.
She groggily climbed out of bed.
Liang Xi was huddled in a chair, speaking quietly on the phone. Hearing movement, she looked up at Yu Nuo, “Nuo Nuo, you’re awake?”
Yu Nuo nodded sleepily.
The sun was bright outside today. When Yu Nuo came out of the bathroom after brushing her teeth, she found Liang Xi crying while lying on her desk.
She was a bit confused.
Trying not to disturb Liang Xi, Yu Nuo quietly opened her wardrobe to change clothes.
Checking her phone, it was only just past nine.
Having just woken up without much appetite, Yu Nuo took a few bites of the bread she bought yesterday. She opened her book and started reading materials related to her thesis.
After crying for a while, Liang Xi turned and called out to her in a hoarse voice.
Yu Nuo paused: “Hmm?”
Liang Xi pulled out a tissue and blew her nose, “Aren’t you going to ask what’s wrong with me?”
“What’s wrong?”
“I had a fight with my boyfriend.”
Yu Nuo nodded in understanding.
Recently, Liang Xi had been having some unknown issues with her boyfriend and had been arguing for several days. Last night she had crouched on the balcony crying for half an hour. Other roommates tried to comfort her, but Liang Xi wouldn’t say anything, so Yu Nuo hadn’t asked either.
“Nuo Nuo, I have something to ask of you. But it’s okay if you don’t want to.”
“What is it?”
“Well, remember I told you before that I had already found a job?” Liang Xi started choking up again as she spoke.
Yu Nuo quickly handed her more tissues, “Don’t cry first, what happened then?”
“I probably won’t be able to go anymore.” Liang Xi sobbed once, speaking intermittently, “My boyfriend and I have been fighting about this recently too. Since we’re in a long-distance relationship, he wants me to go work where he is after graduation. He wants me to tell the club that I’m quitting.”
“Ah… didn’t you discuss this with him before?”
Liang Xi shook her head.
Yu Nuo didn’t know how to handle such issues. She thought for a moment, “So what are you planning to do now?”
“Although he didn’t say it directly, I know what he means.” Liang Xi said dejectedly, “Long-distance relationships don’t last, but I really like him.”
Yu Nuo comforted her, “It probably hasn’t reached that point yet.”
Liang Xi looked downcast and remained silent for a while, “Sigh, forget it. I’ve already decided to quit the job here.”
“Are you sure about this?”
“Pretty much, but there’s still one problem.” Liang Xi looked at Yu Nuo with some hesitation, seeming to want to say something but holding back, “That job was introduced by my best friend’s senior. They seem to need someone urgently. I had already agreed, just short of signing the contract. Now that I’m backing out, I’m worried it will put my best friend’s senior in a difficult position. So I was thinking of recommending someone else to them.”
Yu Nuo realized, “Me?”
Liang Xi quickly explained, “Because when we chatted before, I heard you say you were also considering working in an esports club or something, so I thought of you. The benefits they offer are good, and it’s a normal contract signing.”
Seeing Yu Nuo not speaking, Liang Xi felt a bit embarrassed, “Don’t feel pressured… it’s okay if you don’t want to.”
Yu Nuo pondered, “Let me think about it.”
“Really?!” Liang Xi jumped up from her chair, relieved, and hugged Yu Nuo emotionally, “Wuwuwu, you’re such an angel for helping me. I knew it, Nuo Nuo is the most agreeable little angel!”
Yu Nuo could barely breathe in her tight embrace, “No… let go of me first.” She still had some concerns, “But… if they suddenly change people, won’t they…”
“They won’t.” Liang Xi assured her confidently, “Your GPA is so much higher than mine, you’re meticulous, and your major is relevant. If you want to go, they’ll definitely be more than willing. I just felt bad because my friend went out of her way to help, and I didn’t want to put her in a difficult position. You can go check out the situation first, and if you like it, then sign.”
Yu Nuo nodded, “What do I need to prepare?”
“Nothing, nothing.” Liang Xi hit her head, “Do you have a resume? Just send me one.”
That evening, someone added Yu Nuo on WeChat.
It seemed to be a staff member from the club, and they chatted briefly online. The other person appeared to be quite satisfied.
Qi Qi: [It’s getting late, so I won’t keep you up. Are you free tomorrow? We can meet in person to discuss. Don’t be nervous, it’s not a formal interview, just the two of us having a drink.]
Yu Nuo agreed.
—
In the fourth year, there weren’t many classes. Yu Nuo went to report her thesis progress to her advisor in the morning, then returned to the dormitory.
The wind wasn’t strong today, so Yu Nuo didn’t tie her hair and applied light makeup.
The meeting place was at a café, and the other person arrived about ten minutes earlier than Yu Nuo.
She was a capable-looking sister wearing professional attire with short hair.
Yu Nuo put down her bag, sat down, and apologetically said, “I’m sorry, I took the bus here and there was some traffic.”
“It’s fine, let me introduce myself, I’m Qi Yanan.”
Yu Nuo: “Hello, I’m Yu Nuo.”
“Would you like something to drink?”
“No need, water is fine.”
Qi Yanan asked about her situation, and they chatted for a while, “Your roommate probably told you a bit. Let me give you a brief introduction, we work in the esports industry. Are you familiar with this area?”
Yu Nuo answered honestly: “I know a little… not too much.”
Qi Yanan nodded: “That’s fine, our club is just starting out, so we don’t have much reputation yet. But don’t worry, we’re very formal, and I can take you to visit the base later. There’s a three-month probation period where you’ll need to sign an agreement first, and after becoming a regular employee, you’ll get a formal contract.”
…
…
Qi Yanan drove.
On the way to the base, Qi Yanan suddenly thought of something, “By the way, young lady, do you have a boyfriend?”
“Huh? Me?” Yu Nuo shook her head, “I don’t have one yet.”
“Don’t mind me asking, I’m just being nosy.” Qi Yanan smiled, “Due to the nature of our club’s work, there are quite a few boys. But it’s fine, you don’t need to stay at the base often, the schedule is quite flexible. Also, we have about six to seven months of competition season in a year, which will be busier. During the rest of the time, when the players are on break, you can take breaks too. Oh, and if there are out-of-town matches or overseas events, you might need to travel with the team.”
Yu Nuo nodded to show she understood.
It was afternoon, so the traffic wasn’t too bad. They arrived after about half an hour of driving.
Yu Nuo got out first.
Qi Yanan led her inside, introducing things as they walked, “Because our sponsorship came a bit late, this base was just built recently. Although it’s in the suburbs, it’s not far from downtown. There are several busy pedestrian streets nearby with lots of places to eat, and there’s also a subway station.”
Yu Nuo nodded while listening and looking around.
Similar to OG, this club was also housed in a standalone villa. Perhaps to avoid affecting training, apart from a few convenience stores, there were almost no other businesses around. With few people passing by in the afternoon, it felt very quiet.
After walking for a bit, they could see the club’s large glass doors. Yu Nuo casually glanced at the team logo hanging above.
Yu Nuo was shocked and stopped in her tracks.
She was completely stunned.
Under the familiar golden team logo was an equally familiar name:
—— Thorn Game Esports Club.
Qi Yanan turned back to look at her and asked, “Is something wrong?”
Yu Nuo hadn’t recovered yet, “Your club is TG?”
“Yes, is there a problem?”
Yu Nuo confirmed again: “Is- is this the TG from LPL?”
“That’s the one. I thought you weren’t from the industry earlier, so I didn’t specifically mention it. Turns out you know about us.”
“I…” Yu Nuo didn’t know what to say, “I know a little bit.”
“Oh.” Qi Yanan smiled warmly, “That’s good then.”
In the third-floor office, TG’s head coach and team manager also talked with Yu Nuo. When they were almost done, they directly brought out the agreement.
With the contract in front of her, Yu Nuo felt complicated emotions. Thinking of Liang Xi’s pitiful expression, she sighed internally.
Never mind, she’d take it one step at a time.
There were still three months of internship, she could decide later.
After signing, Qi Yanan showed her around the base casually, “Our dining area is on the first floor, players usually train on the second floor. The third floor is for meetings…”
As they were talking, they ran into someone, and Qi Yanan casually introduced, “This is one of our players.”
Yu Nuo nodded.
Killer yawned and carelessly glanced at Yu Nuo before looking away. Two seconds later, he suddenly looked back at Yu Nuo, his mouth agape.
He thought his eyes were playing tricks on him, pointing at her in disbelief: “How come it’s you?!”
Yu Nuo felt extremely awkward at his reaction, “Yes… it’s me.”
“……”
Killer looked her over carefully again from head to toe. He still couldn’t believe it and asked: “Why are you here?”
Yu Nuo explained: “I came to apply for the nutritionist position, though I’m just an intern for now.”
Qi Lan cursed, “What are you getting so excited about, hurry up and go train.”
Killer finally came to his senses and walked back like he was sleepwalking, muttering, “Life is full of unexpected encounters.”
…
…
Going downstairs, they unexpectedly ran into another person.
Chen Yuzheng was about to go upstairs. He seemed to have just woken up, wearing a casual T-shirt, looking drowsy, with a bottle of cold water in his hand.
Qi Yanan said: “This is also a TG player, do you know him? He’s called Conquer.”
Yu Nuo nodded nervously.
Chen Yuzheng sensed something unusual, his hand pausing as he was twisting the bottle cap, his steps slowing down.
Yu Nuo secretly looked up.
She met a pair of pitch-black eyes.
When Chen Yuzheng remained silent, Qi Yanan pointed at Yu Nuo, “Come, Conquer, meet someone, our team’s new nutritionist.”
Chen Yuzheng acted as if nothing was wrong, his expression unchanged, giving a perfunctory nod. He withdrew his gaze without any emotion, continuing upstairs without sparing an extra glance.
As they passed each other, Yu Nuo didn’t dare move, her heart still pounding.
She didn’t dare look back either.
After the nervousness passed, she felt a strange hint of disappointment.
Just now when he looked at her, it was like looking at a complete stranger….
—
Ultraman was the second-to-last to arrive at the training room. As soon as he entered, he sensed something odd about the atmosphere today, “What’s wrong? Why is everyone so quiet?”
Killer said mysteriously: “Our team got a nutritionist, a beautiful girl, and I know her.”
“What? A beauty!”
Ultraman’s eyes lit up as he turned to walk outside, bumping into Chen Yuzheng at the doorway.
“Has that nutritionist left yet?” He stretched his neck trying to look outside: “Who is it, who is it, I want to see too.”
Chen Yuzheng blocked the doorway, lazily grabbed Ultraman by the back of his neck, and turned his head back, “What are you trying to look at?”
Ultraman was suspicious: “What, you know her too?”
“Yeah, I know her.”
“Who is she?”
Chen Yuzheng slightly raised his eyes, saying casually: “My creditor.”
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