Chapter 32: Cousin, You Draw Your Own Tile

The night was deep and silent, shadows sparse and lonely, empty sorrowful longing as if a thousand worries consumed the heart.

Li Xin had already driven away long ago, but Zhang Gui remained, cigarette dangling from his lips, leaning at the window, gazing at the scattered lights in the darkness, lost in endless thoughts.

Compared to the hard-won territory, Zhang Gui actually preferred playing games. There, he could savor boundless exhilaration and passion. In reality, guns were forbidden; not just him, even the true bosses of Su’nan dared not play with firearms. Only in games could he unleash his love for shooting.

He had always received guidance from his cousin, firmly holding the title of Gun King in Su’nan’s CF community, having gone so long without a worthy opponent that he hadn’t noticed his own relaxation and complacency.

There’s always someone stronger—Zhang Gui understood this deeply.

And Li Xin, whether in games or personal combat, was exceptional.

“Brother Gui, why didn’t you seize the chance to invite him?” Wang San, his capable assistant, sidled up and asked quietly.

Zhang Gui finished his cigarette in a single drag, exhaling dreamy smoke, smiling, “He wouldn’t agree.”

“What?” Wang San was surprised.

“Brother Gui, he’s just a small businessman from out of town, barely making money each year. Following you, he’d get territory and generous tournament bonuses—a chance both lucrative and leisurely. Why would he refuse?”

“He’s always calm and indifferent, neither looking down on us nor showing off his impressive abilities. This man is not simple. I can tell he truly isn’t interested; he just wants a peaceful life,” Zhang Gui replied, his eyes shining.

Wang San nodded, half understanding. He still remembered the warning glance Li Xin gave when leaving—a clear admonition not to act rashly. As a seasoned fighter, Wang San felt its force deeply.

That gaze carried an intimidating sharpness.

Zhang Gui pondered for a while, then instructed, “Today’s events will spread by tomorrow. Keep an eye out—don’t let those guys’ people harass Li Xin. My intuition tells me we should befriend him; perhaps we’ll benefit someday.”

Wang San accepted the task and left with his men.

…

In a cozy bedroom somewhere, a Samoyed dog lay leisurely on the double sofa. Its fur was snowy white, flawless and clean, shining softly, evidence of careful care.

Suddenly, the bedroom door swung open, and a woman wrapped in a large bath towel stepped gracefully inside. She turned on her phone on the table while drying her hair with a towel.

She was beautiful.

Tall at 168cm, with long, slender, and well-shaped legs, and glossy black hair—these alone would draw countless admirers. Her oval face, almond-shaped eyes, graceful brows, elegant nose, and skin smooth as jade, still glistening with droplets, radiated brilliance. Even with a bathrobe covering her, her proud figure was faintly visible.

Curvaceous, alluring, seductive.

Such a beauty surely attracted many suitors.

Jiang Chuxue, leader of the CF Hundred Generations team, game ID: Snow Like Clear Light.

There was a missed call, marked as “cousin.”

Jiang Chuxue suddenly smiled, radiant as spring, delighted at the thought of her cousin handling her request, and cheerfully called back.

“Hello, Ke’er, I was showering earlier and missed your call. Any news?”

“Hehe, sis, were you staring at the mirror again?” a playful tease came through the phone. Had Li Xin been present, he would have recognized the voice as Jiang Ke’er, the young waitress from Yuxin Restaurant.

“What do you mean by ‘again’?” Jiang Chuxue began to ask, then froze, her face flushing red right down to her neck. An embarrassing scene flashed in her mind, making her feel mortified.

“Ke’er, what nonsense are you speaking? It’s not what you think!”

“Hehe, whether it’s nonsense or not, I only know you were admiring yourself.”

“You!” Jiang Chuxue was furious at her cousin’s loose tongue. Last time, after showering, she’d admired her own figure in the mirror, only for Jiang Ke’er to catch her. Who’d have thought she’d gossip about it? If they were together now, Jiang Chuxue would surely chase and scold her.

After a while, Jiang Chuxue calmed herself and returned to the main topic.

“Well, any news?”

“Sis, Li Xin turned it down.”

“Turned it down?” Jiang Chuxue was disappointed and surprised. Subconsciously, she thought the chance to become a professional player would excite any gaming expert.

“You didn’t explain the benefits and perks I offered?”

“Sis, I told him everything. But he said his health isn’t good and he can’t compete long-term. Not wanting to cause you trouble, he declined.”

“…”

Jiang Chuxue was deeply disappointed, silently ending the call and leaning on the table in a daze.

Her memory drifted back to the scene she’d witnessed that day at the Northern City medicine market—a powerful chubby young man, whom her cousin Ke’er happened to know. She’d been excited for a while, hoping to recruit him. But now, things had taken an unexpected turn.

“Hmph, this little owner of a traditional medicine shop, does he expect me to make three visits?”

“Wait, he has Parkinson’s disease too? How rare. I heard that Dawn was forced out of Dongjia because of that illness—could he be the same person?”

The speculation was astonishing and shocking.

Suddenly, a large mouth lunged, biting the bath towel and pulling it away.

Lost in thought, Jiang Chuxue was caught off guard; the towel slipped off, exposing her body, spring beauty revealed.

“Lanlan, you rascal! Give me back my towel!” Jiang Chuxue scolded, grabbing a drink bottle and tossing it at the mischievous Samoyed.

Woman and dog chased and played.

…

The next day.

Li Xin rose early, backpack slung over his shoulder, and began exploring Wuzhen inside and out. Wang Yong, nicknamed “Er Gouzi,” naturally assumed the role of guide. Along the way, he wanted to ask Li Xin many questions, but seeing him absorbed in sightseeing, he held his tongue.

Around five in the afternoon, they returned to the farmhouse inn. Li Xin treated Wang Yong to a hearty meal, then began packing to leave.

“Li Xin, why not stay a few more days?”

“No, this is just the first stop in my planned route; there are five more. After the trip, I have to return to Wujiang—business at the shop keeps me busy,” Li Xin replied with a smile.

Er Gouzi hesitated, probing, “You’re so skilled—why not become a professional gamer? If you succeed, you could rival entertainment stars.”

“Heh, not interested. Besides, I’m sick—it’s not suitable.”

With such an answer, Er Gouzi could only smile awkwardly.

“Li Xin, your solo skills are impressive. But when you leave, be careful—some people have been watching us.”

“I know. They won’t cause trouble; I’m just a passing tourist.”

As they spoke, Li Xin finished packing, said goodbye, and drove away. Gentle traditional melodies played in the car, soothing and refreshing, like a cool breeze sweeping through the sky.

“Li Xin, wait, I have something to say,” Er Gouzi suddenly chased after him on his bike.

“What is it?”

“Are you interested in joining the end-of-year Game Tournament?”

“Game Tournament? No interest,” Li Xin replied with a faint smile, truthfully.

“Just take a look—I’ll wait for your call.”

Er Gouzi handed him a promotional flyer and rode off. Li Xin shook his head and opened it, suddenly feeling a spark of interest.

[2031 Game Tournament]

[Do you remember your childhood memories? Do you remember the gamepads you wore out? Do you remember those tiny game cartridges?]

[Awaken your memories, ignite your passion. Let’s meet at the 2031 Annual Retro Game Tournament and rediscover lost happiness together!]

[Event dates: 2031.12.25–2032.1.3]

[For more details, visit the event page or follow the official WeChat account: Game Tournament to get updates.]