Chapter 55

The next morning, Chen Yuchuan sobered up and looked normal, as if his unusual emotions the day before were just Shen He's hallucination, so Shen He didn't ask any further questions.

Chen Yuchuan seemed to be in a better mood. Lately, whenever the two of them stayed in the base dormitory and were too lazy to go to the canteen, Chen Yuchuan would take the initiative to go to the kitchen, watching the video tutorials that Shen He shared with him while striking a pose as a master chef.

Unfortunately, he has only average talent; he can do simple things, but he gets flustered when it comes to anything more complicated.

Shen He leaned against the doorframe, watching him overcook the meat so much that he couldn't proceed with the next step. He couldn't help but smirk: "What happened to your IQ all of a sudden?"

Chen Yuchuan immediately walked over and pinched his face: "If it weren't for pleasing my darling, would I have made such a fool of myself?"

His face was pinched out of shape, and Shenhe couldn't help but frown: "You're trying to please me with this thing?"

When Chen Yuchuan handed him the bowl of food that looked appalling, he looked quite smug: "Eat up, this is the first dish on your husband's path to godhood, it's very meaningful."

Shen He looked at the bowl, remained silent for three seconds, then picked up his chopsticks: "...This needs to be eaten with some rice."

Chen Yuchuan quickly stopped him: "I was just kidding, I didn't tell you to actually eat it."

Finally, Chen Yuchuan had a bunch of food delivered, but Shen He secretly ate a couple of bites of the extremely strange-looking dish. It tasted alright, but Shen He didn't tell him.

After that, Chen Yuchuan became busy, sometimes even missing training matches, and sometimes disappearing for a day or two at a time.

After observing for a while, Shen He asked, "What have you been busy with lately?"

Chen Yuchuan put on his shoes, still holding his phone, and took a moment to kiss him: "You were right before, I have to take care of some things at home."

Shen He raised an eyebrow: "Then why didn't you listen to advice before?"

Chen Yuchuan looked up, his voice confident and assertive: "I've reflected on my actions. I'm your boyfriend, and I can't please you in every way, but I will definitely correct the shortcomings you pointed out."

Chen He: "..."

As Chen Yuchuan spoke, he pushed open the door and went out: "I have to be responsible for myself, and I also have to be responsible for our future."

Shen He leaned back on the sofa, a complex mix of emotions welling up inside him.

This time, Chen Yuchuan seemed to have truly taken it to heart.

He felt this was good. It wasn't exactly mature, but it was much better than the previous chaotic state of "I just need to follow you around." He was no longer idle and seemed to be truly starting to plan for his own future.

Shen He walked over and disposed of the kitchen waste that Chen Yuchuan had forgotten to throw away. He felt that his mood had improved a lot.

He found Chen Yuchuan's current state somewhat amusing, and also felt it was a good omen. At least Chen Yuchuan's recent behavior made him realize that his choice back then wasn't wrong; they had both genuinely taken a step forward.

The forum was extremely active after last week's competition.

The most popular post discusses VLG's tactical changes. Someone posted Chen Yuchuan's data for this season and made a comparison chart, finding that his average damage share has dropped from 33% last season to 26% now, while his resource allocation has also changed from the team's top to the second-best.

"Trump was a cancer in the past; everyone always revolved around him," someone commented.

"In previous matches, it felt like the whole team was just being used as tools by Chen Yuchuan."

"But things changed after Styx came. Trump gradually gave him more resources, and this week he unexpectedly played three games as a utility player."

"Holy crap, Chen Yuchuan is Styx's lackey?"

"Don't talk nonsense. They're brothers, okay? When you're hanging out with friends, you'd definitely let them win."

"Give way? Is that what you call giving way? That's giving him all the resources you could possibly need."

"When playing with friends, I do let them win, but that kind of letting is about letting them win, not letting them carry me to victory. This kind of play from Chuan Gou makes him think he's Styx's support?"

Another popular post discussed the state of being submerged in the river.

"Styx is in such great form this season, he's basically getting MVP every game?"

"Yes, it accounts for 35% of the average damage output and has the highest damage conversion rate in the entire league."

"These stats are outrageous. He was just an ordinary marksman at ASG, but he's taken off this season."

But the critics clearly disagree with this view.

"It's all thanks to his teammates, especially the jungler. Without the jungler feeding him resources, he would have been half-dead like he was in the second half of last season."

"Yeah, look at every game he plays, the jungler basically follows him around the whole time and gives him all the resources, no wonder he carries the game."

"I could do it too."

"Wake up, upstairs. You can't even get into the Heavenly Ladder."

The comments section erupted into another chaotic battle.

When Shen He saw these discussions, his expression remained unchanged. He never cared what others said; these comments were like air to him—existing but irrelevant.

Chen Yuchuan seemed quite pleased with himself: "Look, everyone says Zhou Yifan wouldn't be your dog before, but now I'm being your dog."

Chen He remained silent: "You can't stand being with a dog, can you?"

Chen Yuchuan laughed again: "Others may think it's like dogs, but only the two of us know it's a sign of affection. They just don't understand."

This week's opponent happens to be ASG, and the atmosphere before the match is a bit delicate.

The popularity of Zhou Yifan and Shen He as a couple didn't decrease despite them being on different teams; on the contrary, many people said they were a genuine, unadulterated couple. Chen Yuchuan has always been bothered by this, and although he doesn't say it out loud, he looks constipated every time Zhou Yifan is mentioned.

He's been shuttling between the base and home every day lately, and his form seems off; this game was no exception. Right at the start, a simple judgment led to a mistake. At the five-minute mark, Zhou Yifan seized the opportunity to invade the jungle, completely stealing Chen Yuchuan's jungle monsters.

Eight minutes later, Chen Yuchuan was caught by Zhou Yifan again and scored a kill with a mid-range shot.

Shen He frowned as he looked at the minimap in the bottom lane. He switched his view to glance at Chen Yuchuan.

"What's wrong?" Shen He asked over the voice message.

"I'm not feeling well," Chen Yuchuan said, his voice sounding somewhat annoyed. His teammates were more surprised that he would admit to having problems.

Shen He was silent for a while, then suddenly laughed: "Zhou Yifan told me to step on you, but how come you're the one being stepped on by him?"

This was said in a slightly joking tone. Chen Yuchuan paused for a moment, then laughed: "He's really putting on an act."

The initial disadvantage had already been established, but Chenhe moved towards the jungle a few times, at least he was no longer passively waiting.

Although they lost the first game, their jungle collapsed too badly in the early game and they couldn't recover in the late game, but at least Chen Yuchuan seemed to have some spirit.

Back in the lounge, Chen Yuchuan sat casually in the corner, leaning back on the sofa.

Shenhe walked over, sat down next to him, and without saying anything, simply handed him a piece of candy.

After the coach finished speaking, the team members began preparing for the second set. Chen Yuchuan stood up, walked to Shen He's side, and whispered, "Baby, cooperate with me this time."

Shenhe looked at him.

"I have to beat him to a pulp and show those people who is truly worthy of you," Chen Yuchuan said casually.

Seeing his forced attempt to stay alert, Shen He didn't say much, just nodded.

In the second game, VLG's tactical adjustments were evident during the draft phase.

They drafted a strong early-game composition, with mid and top laners who could roam and provide support, while Shenhe chose a marksman who didn't require many resources but could provide control and utility.

Shenhe played very steadily in the bottom lane, but whenever Chen Yuchuan was about to invade the jungle or launch a gank, he would provide timely support.

Chen Yuchuan invaded the enemy jungle, and Shenhe dropped a lane and came over directly, cooperating with Chen Yuchuan to kill Zhou Yifan.

Chen Yuchuan successfully counter-ganked, and Shen He once again abandoned the bottom lane minions, arriving in time to secure another kill.

Zhou Yifan was caught off guard.

"They're in better form this game!" commentator A said.

“Yes, and look at Styx’s teamwork; he sacrificed some of his development time,” commentator B said. “The level of trust between the two is really very high.”

Twenty minutes later, VLG secured Baron Nashor.

Thirty minutes later, VLG destroyed ASG's base.

In the third game, Shen He continued to frequently let Chen Yuchuan set the pace, and although his own economy was behind, Chen Yuchuan's advantage grew larger and larger. Zhou Yifan played very seriously, but the cooperation between Chen Yuchuan and Shen He was almost perfect.

In the 28th minute, VLG won the game again.

During the handshake, Zhou Yifan looked at Shen He who was walking over, and the two gave each other a brief hug: "Brother He, if you don't help that dog, I'm sure I'll beat him."

"You played really well today," Shen He praised him.

Zhou Yifan smiled and looked very happy.

Back in the lounge, Chen Yuchuan was clearly in a better mood, putting his arm around Shen He's shoulder and laughing heartily.

"Honey, thank you so much for today," Chen Yuchuan said.

"Mm," Shen He responded.

"What do you want to eat tonight?" Chen Yuchuan asked.

"Have a meal with Gao Mingyuan and the others."

“What good is it to be with those people?” Chen Yuchuan said, then added, “You’ve laid so many traps for me today, now the internet is definitely going to be full of sarcastic comments about us.”

Shen He retorted, "Didn't you just want people to discuss the two of us together?"

The place Chen Yuchuan booked had a great environment; the private room even had a view of the small pond in the courtyard.

At the dinner table, Zhou Yifan and Chen Yuchuan started arguing again.

"You're acting like a nobody today," Zhou Yifan said sarcastically, picking up a piece of food with his chopsticks.

"Really?" Chen Yuchuan scoffed. "I have a feeling you were the one I kicked to death."

“I won the first game,” Zhou Yifan said.

"What about the next two games?" Chen Yuchuan asked in return.

“Shenhe helped you in the last two rounds,” Zhou Yifan said seriously. “He laid down so many lines, otherwise you might not have won.”

"So you still can't beat me."

Zhou Yifan paused for a second: "For now."

“So Brother Shenhe will only help me by setting up a trap.” Chen Yuchuan laughed and put some food on Shenhe’s plate. “And you don’t deserve it.”

Gao Mingyuan shook his head with a smile, "You two stop fooling around and eat."

Halfway through the meal, Shen He received a call from a teacher at the school. He had contacted the person a few days earlier, and the call lasted for almost half an hour.

Just as I hung up the phone, I ran into Gao Mingyuan, who was out for a stroll. The two walked along the path in the yard for a while. The night breeze was a bit cool, but very comfortable.

"Thanks to you this year, we achieved such great results." Gao Mingyuan looked ahead, his tone full of emotion. "I feel like I can retire with peace of mind now."

Shen He turned his head to look at him: "Why not play for a few more years?"

“Playing professionally isn’t very stable,” Gao Mingyuan said. “I’m getting married, so I need to settle down first.”

Shen He was somewhat surprised: "So sudden?"

“It’s not sudden,” Gao Mingyuan laughed. “My girlfriend settled down last year, and we’re planning to get our marriage certificate next year.”

"Congratulations, you've gotten what you wanted," Shen He said.

"Thanks." Gao Mingyuan looked at him.

"You're in such good shape, I thought you'd play for a few more years."

Gao Mingyuan shook his head: "People have to accept getting old. Their reactions aren't what they used to be. They should run away before they make any mistakes."

"So what are your plans for the future?"

"I've saved up some money over the past few years. My dad owns a small food factory in the city. I'm quite familiar with the internet, so I plan to start by doing logistics and marketing, and then gradually take over the business."

Shen He nodded: "Pretty good, you won't have to worry about food and drink for the rest of your life."

“Right?” Gao Mingyuan smiled. “The rest is just about living a good life.”

The two walked a little further, and Gao Mingyuan asked, "What about you? What are your plans?"

Shen He was silent for a while, then said, "I'm not playing anymore either."

Gao Mingyuan froze, stopping in his tracks and looking at him: "What? You're kidding, right?"

"No," Shen He said calmly.

"Why?" Gao Mingyuan asked incredulously. "You're in such great form, why aren't you playing anymore?"

Shen He looked at the bamboo forest ahead and said in a low voice, "Games can only be a hobby. Like you said, they're not stable. I still have to go back to my studies."

"Study?" Gao Mingyuan frowned. "Won't it be the same if I go back to study in a few years?"

"When I get old in a few years, I won't be able to keep up with learning anymore," Shen He laughed. "I'll still need a degree, won't I?"

Gao Mingyuan looked at him, wanting to say something, but in the end he just sighed: "It's fine as long as you've thought it through."

The two continued walking and chatted about other things. Gao Mingyuan talked about wedding preparations and his relationship with his girlfriend, his tone tinged with both happiness and helplessness. Shen He listened, occasionally responding, but mostly just walking quietly.

When they reached the pond, Gao Mingyuan suddenly stopped, turned around and looked at Chen He: "Are you and Chen Yuchuan really together?"

Shen He was stunned for a moment, somewhat surprised that he had actually noticed.

“I can tell,” Gao Mingyuan said. “The way you two get along is quite different, and your state of mind is also quite different.”

Shen He didn't deny it, and nodded: "Yes, you're quite observant."

"I knew it." Gao Mingyuan laughed, but there was a hint of relief in his smile. "So if you're not fighting anymore, does that mean Chen Yuchuan won't fight either?"

"No," Shen He said with certainty, "We won't affect each other."

But once he said it, he realized that his words were somewhat untenable.

Will Chen Yuchuan give up his career because he doesn't play? Will he give up what should belong to him in order to follow him? Shen He is uncertain.

Gao Mingyuan didn't notice his silence, but simply patted him on the shoulder: "It's good, you seem quite happy now."

“When I watched you play before, I always felt like you were a robot,” Gao Mingyuan said. “You weren’t happy when you won, and you weren’t sad when you lost, but it’s different now. I feel like you have a lot more emotions.”

Shen He remained silent. More than one person had said this; was his change really that obvious?

"So, no matter what happens in the future, at least things are good now." Gao Mingyuan smiled. "By the way, you must come to my wedding, and bring Chen Yuchuan along, so he can share in my joy."

“Okay,” Shen He agreed.

The two turned and walked back. The lights by the pond cast long shadows of them. Gao Mingyuan talked about how he met his girlfriend the whole way, and Shen He listened, occasionally responding.

As Gao Mingyuan reached the door of the private room, he suddenly stopped: "Shenhe."

"Um?"

"As a friend, and as someone who's been through this in relationships, there are some things I need to tell you. Whatever decision you make, think about yourself first," Gao Mingyuan said earnestly. "Don't wrong yourself for the sake of others."

Shen He looked at him and nodded.

Pushing open the door, Chen Yuchuan was still drinking by himself. Zhou Yifan was sitting on the other side playing on his phone, neither of them wanting to acknowledge the other.

The meal lasted very late, and it was already very late when we left the courtyard.

Back home, Shen He helped the somewhat disoriented Chen Yuchuan to the sofa and turned to pour him some water. Chen Yuchuan sat there, staring blankly at the handle on the table.

"Drink some water." Shen He handed him a cup.

Chen Yuchuan took it, drank a sip, and then pulled Chen He's hand and kissed it: "I was wrong, I shouldn't have drunk so much, and I have to trouble my dear wife to pour me water."

Upon hearing those four words, Shen He couldn't help but reach out and slap him on the head, quite forcefully: "You really should drink less, but since you've already drunk so much, don't cause any more trouble here."

Shen He sat down next to him and, unusually, joked, "What's wrong? Feeling pressured?"

Chen Yuchuan paused for a moment, then realized that Shen He was talking about today's match, and laughed contemptuously: "He doesn't even deserve it."

Shen He looked him over and suddenly said, "But I think he looks a lot like you."

Chen Yuchuan instantly became alert, his eyes flashing with a dangerous glint as he straightened his hair: "Looking at him, he's at best passable. You think he looks like your husband, a tall, handsome, and perfectly proportioned man like me?"

Shen He leaned back on the sofa, staring at the ceiling, too lazy to even complain: "I said your playing styles are very similar, what are you babbling about?"

Chen Yuchuan relaxed and leaned back on the sofa: "Explain yourself clearly. I thought some random love rivals had come again."

Shenhe ignored his nonsense and continued, "It's just that kind of lone wolf playstyle is very suitable, you know? It relies purely on skill, reaction and awareness, and doesn't treat teammates like human beings. But he's not as toxic as you, he has a lot of concerns."

“He’s still lacking,” Chen Yuchuan said. “His thinking is a beat slow, and his judgment isn’t decisive enough.”

“But he’s still young,” Shen He said.

“I’m young too.” Chen Yuchuan turned to look at him. “I’m only twenty. Why do you only think he’s young?”

"How long have we known each other?" Chen Yuchuan asked again.

"It's been six years, hasn't it?"

As Shen He spoke casually, he suddenly realized something. They had known each other for too long, but they were both still quite young.

They are professional players, highly anticipated talents, especially Chen Yuchuan, who is considered the core of the team. But in their daily interactions, Shen He felt that they were all quite childish, fighting for positions and equipment in the game, and spouting nonsensical trash talk.

Because of his own situation, Shenhe is used to thinking ahead, making judgments in advance, being vigilant, and remaining calm.

So, unintentionally, he also used this method to demand that Chen Yuchuan be more mature and responsible, and stop being as reckless as before.

Shen He began to doubt again whether he had made the wrong choice. If they hadn't been together, would Chen Yuchuan have been spared such constraints and forced to listen to his nonsensical, self-serving platitudes?

Just as his thoughts began to wander, Chen Yuchuan suddenly sat up straight and turned to face Shen He. He stared into Shen He's eyes, his gaze somewhat hazy under the influence of alcohol, yet also carrying a certain seriousness.

"Shenhe." Chen Yuchuan called him by his name, without adding any nickname.

"Um?"

"You," Chen Yuchuan paused, as if organizing his thoughts, "do you like me?"

Shen He was stunned, and subconsciously nodded.

“I mean I really like you.” Chen Yuchuan leaned closer to him. “It’s not because I can’t bear to refuse you, it’s not because I’m clinging to you, and it’s not because I’m nice to you. It’s just that you like me as a person.”

Shen He looked at him, opened his mouth, but found himself unable to speak.

Shen He truly didn't know if he liked Chen Yuchuan. He only knew that he was used to his presence, used to his ramblings beside him, used to his occasional glimpses of his true nature, but more than that, Shen He couldn't quite put his finger on it.

Chen Yuchuan stared at him for a long time: "Actually, I knew it a long time ago. You don't need me, just like you don't need those houses and cars, you don't need anything."

He pulled Shenhe into his arms, resting his chin on his shoulder, and said in a low voice, "I don't need material things, nor do I need feelings. You're with me probably just because you can't bear to refuse me, or because you think I'm too annoying and you might as well agree."

“But I can’t bear to let go,” Chen Yuchuan said softly, but his arms tightened around her. “I don’t want you to leave my side. But I’m also afraid that you’ll be bound by this relationship and do things against your conscience every day.”

He whispered in Shen He's ear, finally uttering the words that had been weighing on his mind for so long: "Playing this kind of low-class, childish couple's game with me... don't you find it disgusting?"

Shen He felt that Chen Yuchuan's embrace was excessively strong, as if he wanted to meld him into his body. This was the first time he had felt such emotions from Chen Yuchuan—restraint, forbearance, and a deep-seated reluctance. Then he thought of Chen Yuchuan's recent quietness, no longer making any physical advances, and only daring to kiss his cheek and the back of his hand when he did try to get close.

Shen He raised his hand, wrapped it around Chen Yuchuan's waist, and relaxed his body, leaning against his shoulder.

"I don't know if I can fall in love with someone," Shen He said calmly. "I really don't understand these things, and I don't know what it feels like to like someone."

“But I knew a long time ago that you are special,” Shen He continued. “Whether as a brother or a boyfriend, I am willing to be with you.”

Chen Yuchuan paused for a moment.

But does this count as liking?

Shenhe didn't know.

So Shenhe said, "I know this isn't fair to you—"

Chen Yuchuan tightened his grip, interrupting him: "This is unfair to you."

The atmosphere started to feel off again.

Shen He sighed softly, his tone becoming more relaxed: "Can we stop discussing these fairness issues? I feel like you become particularly pretentious every time you drink, like you're trying to drag me into a melodramatic soap opera."

Chen Yuchuan paused for a moment, glanced at Chen He, and smiled, then changed the subject to suit Chen He's wishes: "Fine, then I'll just stop drinking altogether, so you won't find me smelly or annoying."

He kissed Chen He's hair and changed to a nonchalant tone: "After all, you're the boss in this family, so you make the decisions."

Considering that Chen Yuchuan had been behaving well, steadily, and obediently lately, Shen He turned his head and placed a very light and short kiss on Chen Yuchuan's lips.

This was the first time Shen He had kissed him while she was sober. Chen Yuchuan froze for a moment.

In the instant he realized what was happening, his pupils visibly contracted, and his hands instinctively gripped Shen He's waist, pulling him into his arms, wanting to deepen that light kiss and turn it into the kind he desired.

Shenhe grabbed his hair and pulled it back.

It wasn't heavy, but it was enough to make Chen Yuchuan stop.

"Okay, go wash up first."

Chen Yuchuan: "...?"

Shen He stood up and walked towards the bedroom.

Chen Yuchuan also stood up, his breathing catching in his throat: "Baby... what did you mean by kissing me just now?"

Shen He spoke calmly: "A reward."

Chen Yuchuan immediately seized the opportunity: "...Could you give me a bigger reward?"