Chapter 36: Humiliation in the Lounge

It was none other than Yang Yu and Lin Guo, with the other three also being members of the Dongjia team. They all wore baseball caps and sunglasses, clearly intending to avoid drawing attention or being recognized. But Li Xin was certain of his judgment—he would recognize them even if they were reduced to ashes.

Only then did everything become clear to him. He hadn't watched the previous match closely—just a few glances, and he'd thought one team's offensive strategy seemed vaguely familiar. He hadn't given it much thought at the time, never expecting it would be old acquaintances.

Noticing the sudden change in Li Xin's expression, Wang Xiaoqian followed his gaze, puzzled.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"Nothing, it's nothing..." Li Xin snapped back to himself, realizing his momentary lapse. He had already retired; he had no further ties to Dongjia. Those people from his past were supposed to be left behind—remembering them only soured his mood.

"As long as you're alright," Wang Xiaoqian said with a sly, mysterious grin.

Li Xin shook his head, pretending not to have seen them.

"What’s so secretive?" he asked.

"Hehe, three celebrities are coming to the internet café today. Guess who?" she teased.

"Celebrities?" Li Xin thought for a moment. In an internet café, celebrities were likely to be e-sports figures. But with the industry growing so large now, there were too many famous faces to guess.

"Hmph, I knew you wouldn't get it. With that cold-hearted businessman look of yours, I doubt you’ve even heard of them," Wang Xiaoqian scoffed, as if she’d known the answer all along. She continued, "One is Fang Yang, former Hearthstone champion; another is Yoyo, the renowned League of Legends commentator; and the last is Killer Liu Ran, formerly of Dongjia’s CF team. Well? All stars in e-sports, aren’t they?"

Li Xin nodded—they were indeed famous. These days, e-sports celebrities rivaled entertainment stars: endorsements, events, prize money—everything was enticing. Back when he was on Dongjia, their manager Zhang Yuan often had him do commercial endorsements, but Li Xin disliked the spotlight and always refused.

Thinking back now, perhaps that was one reason Zhang Yuan was eager to replace him with the flamboyant Yang Yu—commercial deals promised astronomical sums.

He'd only seen Fang Yang and Yoyo online, never met them in person. But Killer Liu Ran—he knew him as well as he knew himself.

A former Dongjia teammate, they’d worked together for seven years and won seven championships. Later, for special reasons, Liu Ran retired and became a CF commentator, carving out a successful career. Of all the old Dongjia members, he and Li Xin had the closest bond, often keeping in touch by phone.

But since Li Xin retired and changed his number, their contact ended. He only wished to live as an ordinary person, leaving his old life behind.

Just like today, seeing his rival and his ex-girlfriend, Li Xin forced himself to appear composed, pretending not to notice.

As the two conversed, a thunderous cheer erupted outside the café—the three celebrities had arrived. As expected, the trio strode in, surrounded by fans and guarded by security, waving to the e-sports crowd.

Fang Yang was still the short, dark-skinned man; Yoyo, with long lashes and bright red lips, exuded sultry charm; as for Liu Ran, he was as understated as ever, dressed plainly.

E-sports Era Café was currently the largest internet venue in Gaoyou, aiming to become the premier competition center in the region, which was why they’d spent heavily to invite the three as endorsers—to make a name for themselves.

Watching Wang Xiaoqian, so excited she was nearly dancing, Li Xin felt a headache coming on. How could a wealthy, daring woman like her be so obsessed with games?

Soon it was noon. With the endorsement event over, the three took turns performing for the audience. Fang Yang went first, followed by Yoyo, with Liu Ran last. A game of Hearthstone and one of LoL would take at least an hour and a half. Bored of waiting, Liu Ran got up and headed to the lounge in the back.

Just as he was about to enter the lounge corridor, he paused, his gaze locking onto the spectator area straight ahead.

There sat the person he knew best.

Their eyes met, and a thousand unspoken feelings passed between them.

Liu Ran was about to walk over, but when his friend subtly shook his head, Liu Ran immediately smiled in understanding and turned into the lounge corridor.

"Xiaoqian, stay here and watch. I'm going to the restroom for a smoke."

"Alright. Don’t be long—let’s grab lunch together in a bit," Wang Xiaoqian replied, her eyes fixed on the big screen’s Hearthstone match, paying little attention to Li Xin.

"Yeah, I’ll be quick," Li Xin said, making his way through the crowded room toward the lounge.

When the two brothers met, their joy was visible. The redness in their eyes was not from anger, but happiness.

"Want a smoke?" Li Xin offered with a smile.

"Heh, after all these years, you’re still smoking Baisha?" Liu Ran laughed, taking one and lighting both cigarettes with practiced familiarity.

The flickering flames reflected in their eyes, glimmering with unshed tears—a small but intense light, just like their feelings, impossible to put into words.

"Heh, habit. You’re doing well for yourself these days," Li Xin said.

"Not bad," Liu Ran replied modestly. With an old friend, there was no need for the poised arrogance he showed in front of fans.

"You, on the other hand, retired without a word, changed your number, and vanished," Liu Ran said.

"Heh, just wanted a new life. I’m done for, anyway."

"I’ve heard about your situation. I’m no doctor, but if you need anything, let me know. I owe you a lot—without you, I wouldn’t have made it through those tough times," Liu Ran said, putting an arm around Li Xin’s shoulders. Even with his new haircut and beard, Li Xin was instantly recognizable to him.

"Come on, give us a kiss," Liu Ran joked.

With a mischievous grin, Liu Ran leaned over to kiss Li Xin’s chubby cheek, brimming with brotherly affection.

"Come on, I’m not into that!" Li Xin laughed, dodging with a playful punch.

Finding it hilarious, the two burst into laughter, but just as they were about to continue, applause and mocking laughter sounded at the door.

Yang Yu entered with his entourage, his face full of ridicule and scorn.

Li Xin and Lin Guo locked eyes for a brief moment before quickly looking away, unwilling to spare each other another glance.

Liu Ran’s expression darkened. He stepped in front of Li Xin, saying coldly, "Yang Yu, he’s already out. Why keep pushing him?"

"Pushing him? Don’t be ridiculous. I have no interest in him—a worthless has-been," Yang Yu sneered, joined by the others’ derisive laughter.

"Liu Ran, he’s already finished. Why would Brother Yu bother with him? It’s beneath his dignity."

"Liu Ran, you’re just another has-been from Dongjia. Two losers, a perfect pair!"

"Haha, Wang Fan’s right. They’re practically a couple now—aren’t they made for each other?"

The group erupted in laughter. Now that Yang Yu was the leader and the future of the CF e-sports scene, they naturally followed his lead, eager to curry favor. If Yang Yu got the lion’s share, they’d at least get some scraps.

Liu Ran’s face was grim, his fists clenched. "Did you all eat shit for breakfast?" he spat.

"Eat shit? Maybe. But nothing compared to the passion you two have for each other," someone jeered, prompting another round of laughter before they headed for the exit. As he left, Yang Yu tossed out one last cold remark: "Trash is trash, and will always be trash."

The raw, naked contempt was like two steel blades, stabbing deep into Li Xin’s and Liu Ran’s hearts, stinging more than any wound.

"Stop right there!"

Suddenly, Li Xin stepped past Liu Ran, calling out in a low, steady voice.