Chapter 210 The new physiotherapist: "It's not as comfortable as your massage."
Lu Cheng has been with UPW for over a decade, from an unknown stuntman to a dark horse professional player, and then to a pillar captain.
His continuous growth is not only the pride of the UPW team, but also a legend in the entire PGW esports history.
Now, he's almost thirty and has watched several rounds of new and old professional players come and go in the club, but he's still the same old Clear.
He is the oldest active player in their club, and arguably the oldest in the domestic esports scene.
When the coach is around, he is the team captain; when the coach is not around, Lu Cheng is the coach.
That year, Lu Cheng had just returned to the club from home after the Chinese New Year.
I heard that a new professional esports therapist has joined the club.
"It really doesn't hurt anymore! Yesterday my shoulder was so stiff I couldn't lift it, and Brother Gu massaged it for twenty minutes. Today I've been winning all my ranked games!"
The young team member who spoke had his eyes light up.
"He would also tell me how to adjust my posture, and even straighten the angle of my hand on the phone for me."
Another person next to him nodded, a lollipop in their mouth, "And Brother Gu is handsome too. He's always smiling, like the big brother next door. He's a hundred times gentler than that stern therapist from before."
"Yesterday I saw him massaging Coach Zheng's back, and Coach Zheng didn't yell at him, he even smiled! In the past, when has he ever yelled and shouted at people to go easy on him?"
The chatter suddenly stopped, and footsteps could be heard at the door.
Lu Cheng leaned against the door frame, one hand in his pocket.
"When did a physical therapist become such a fuss? And saying he's really handsome, can he be as handsome as me?"
His voice was that familiar sound; everyone in the club was used to it.
"Captain!" Li Le was the first to react, jumping up and shouting happily.
He's only 18 years old and just became a professional player for the team. Lu Cheng is his idol, and he came to play esports because of Lu Cheng.
"Team Leader Lu, you're back!"
"Team Leader Lu, we all miss you!"
Everyone else also looked at Lu Cheng.
"Miss me?" Lu Cheng didn't believe it. "Then why were you guys talking about that physical therapist just now?"
Fang Xu shook the lollipop stick in his hand and said with a smile, "Captain Lu, we're not exaggerating, Brother Gu's technique is really good, and his personality is great too. He's much better than the previous therapist."
"Oh? You think you're better than Uncle Zhang? Uncle Zhang has been giving me massages for five years, and you guys have never bragged like this about me."
Lu Cheng wasn't just arguing for the sake of arguing.
Uncle Zhang was a senior physiotherapist at the club with excellent technique. He later retired and returned to his hometown. The physiotherapists he replaced afterward were either too rough in their technique or just followed the instructions verbatim.
Lu Cheng never took it seriously. With his physique, he had endured more than ten years of high-intensity training and had long since figured out which muscles would hurt and when. He was more reliable than outsiders to massage them himself.
“Uncle Zhang is impressive, but Brother Gu is different!” Another team member, Wang Chu, chimed in, eager to defend himself.
“He would adjust his technique based on our gaming posture, and he also understands the rhythm of esports. Unlike other physical therapists, he wouldn’t urge us to stop training.”
Lu Cheng chuckled, stretched, and paused halfway up his arm as a familiar soreness returned to his right shoulder.
Esports players like them, who compete in major professional competitions, will inevitably suffer from occupational diseases to some extent.
Moreover, he has been competing on the field for so many years. Although he still has the ability, it has to be admitted that his physical condition is not keeping up with the younger players.
But Lu Cheng is a stubborn person, and he won't let others see his situation.
"Alright, stop staring at that physiotherapist. If you slip up in the practice match this afternoon, I'll deal with you guys."
Just as he finished speaking, a man in a white shirt walked in.
"Looks like I've arrived at the wrong time and disturbed everyone's training?"
The person who arrived was none other than the physiotherapist they had just been discussing, Gu Yanqing.
Lu Cheng's gaze lingered on the man's face, scrutinizing him from head to toe.
She's...not bad looking...
But compared to myself, I'm still a little lacking.
Lu Cheng had already made his judgment in his mind.
However, the man's smiling face always seemed a bit fake to him.
"Brother Gu!" The other team members immediately surrounded him, even more enthusiastically than when they saw Lu Cheng.
Gu Yanqing smiled and nodded, but his gaze passed over the crowd and landed on Lu Cheng, who was sitting in the gaming chair.
"Captain Lu?" Gu Yanqing walked over to him and gently placed the physiotherapy kit in his hand on the table next to him.
"Hmm, what can I do for you?"
"He's been busy overseeing training since he got back. No wonder he's been captain for so many years."
"What, the physiotherapist is in charge of the team's training?" Lu Cheng raised his head arrogantly and raised his eyebrows.
"I don't care." Gu Yanqing smiled and tapped the physiotherapy box. "But I'm concerned about Captain Lu's shoulder injury."
"I didn't..."
Gu Yanqing interrupted, "I saw you pause when you raised your arm. I've seen all their problems, now it's your turn."
"..."
Lu Cheng had some doubts.
How can this person be so observant?
He remained defiant, saying, "No need, it's an old problem, I can just rub it myself."
Gu Yanqing didn't reply, but just smiled and walked towards Lu Cheng.
Just as Lu Cheng was about to ask, "What are you doing?", Gu Yanqing's hand was already on his shoulder.
The man's fingertips carried just the right amount of warmth; he didn't use force, yet it felt like he had encircled a disobedient muscle.
“Team Leader Lu.” Gu Yanqing’s voice fell, with a hint of coaxing, “I know you have a high pain tolerance, but the more you rub an old injury, the stiffer it becomes. If you really can’t lift your arm anymore, it will delay your training.”
"I already said I don't need it..." Lu Cheng wanted to refuse, but a sharp pain suddenly came from below her shoulder blade.
It felt like a fine needle had been precisely inserted.
Lu Cheng subconsciously shrank forward, his cry of pain stuck in his throat and distorted.
He finally managed to stammer out, "Holy shit! Go easy on me!"
Gu Yanqing didn't loosen his grip; instead, he tightened his grip slightly.
He massaged the hard muscle clockwise.
"The fascia here is already adhered, and you can't reach the deep layers by massaging it yourself."
Lu Cheng's hand clenched tightly.
He was in real pain; a thin layer of sweat instantly broke out on his forehead.
"Who told you to meddle... Ouch! Gently, gently! Oh ho ho~~~ It's going to break! It's going to break!"
"It won't break," Gu Yanqing said with a smile. "You can rest assured about that."
Lu Cheng's eyes blazed with fury as she glared at Gu Yanqing.
He always felt there was a hint of triumph in the other person's smile.
Is this what those guys meant by "good personality" and "good technique"?
He was in so much pain!
The teammates watching were amused, but dared not laugh too loudly, so they could only suppress their laughter.
"Captain, just listen to Brother Gu and get him treated properly."
"Yes, Captain! The pain you feel now is only temporary. Once Brother Gu finishes massaging you, you'll feel incredibly refreshed."
Lu Cheng glared at them one by one, and was about to retort when Gu Yanqing's fingers suddenly moved down and rubbed another sore spot.
He gasped instantly, unable to speak coherently.
"Damn it! You...you did this on purpose, didn't you?"
"I'm a professional." Gu Yanqing's tone remained gentle, but his hands didn't stop moving.
"If this adhesion isn't broken up, it could affect your training matches."
Lu Cheng gritted her teeth, unable to utter another word in rebuttal.
He had considered that his shoulder injury might affect his training, but it was difficult for him to back down in front of so many people.
I just couldn't bring myself to do it to a physical therapist I'd only just met.
"Fine..." Lu Cheng said in a muffled voice, "Just twenty minutes. If it doesn't work, don't even think about touching my shoulder again."
Lu Cheng could feel that Gu Yanqing's technique was very professional. Although it hurt, after the pain subsided, he didn't feel stiff and heavy like before.
"Don't worry, I won't let you down." Gu Yanqing's lips curled up.
...
Inside the physiotherapy room.
Lu Cheng sat shirtless with his back to Gu Yanqing.
Gu Yanqing took out a bottle of essential oil from the physiotherapy kit, poured it into his palm, rubbed it to warm it, and then placed it on Lu Cheng's shoulder.
The technique was gentler than before, but it still precisely massaged every sore spot.
Gu Yanqing's fingers traced the shape of Lu Cheng's neck and shoulders, his gaze lingering on the stray hairs at the back of his neck.
He had long heard of Lu Cheng's legendary experiences and had studied his match videos.
I know how hard Lu Cheng worked for the team.
This old injury on my shoulder must have been there for a long time.
Upon meeting Lu Cheng today, Gu Yanqing found him to be even more interesting than he appeared in the video.
Stubborn on the outside but soft on the inside, strong-willed and concerned with saving face, deliberately putting on a tough exterior.
However, once you find their weakness, they can be easily tamed.
Gu Yanqing's smile deepened, and his hand moved to Lu Cheng's neck.
"Team Leader Lu, lift your head a little, it's a bit stiff here too."
Lu Cheng didn't say anything, but obediently raised her head.
He thought to himself, "This physiotherapist seems even more difficult to deal with than Coach Zheng."
...
"alright."
When the time was up, Gu Yanqing withdrew his hand.
After realizing what was happening, Lu Cheng subconsciously raised his right arm.
There was no sluggishness as expected; I could easily raise my arm above my head, and when I rotated my shoulder, I could no longer hear the creaking sound I had heard before.
He was stunned for a moment. The stinging sensation from the previous pressure had disappeared, leaving only a warm and comfortable feeling.
"How are you feeling, Team Leader Lu?" Gu Yanqing asked with a smile.
Lu Cheng paused, pulled his hand away from her shoulder, and turned his face away, saying, "It's just so-so."
Gu Yanqing didn't expose her, and continued packing her physiotherapy kit.
"If you still feel uncomfortable, feel free to contact me anytime."
"Well..."
Gu Yanqing had just turned around when he heard a muffled sound behind him.
He turned around and saw Lu Cheng's voice was barely audible, "Thanks."
He said just two words, quickly and vaguely, as if afraid of being overheard.
Gu Yanqing's smile deepened, and he deliberately slowed his speech: "What did you say? I didn't hear you clearly."
Lu Cheng instantly bristled, glaring at him fiercely, "I said thank you! Did you hear me?!"
Gu Yanqing nodded. "I heard you. Team Leader Lu, you don't need to be so polite."
"By the way, you need to massage your shoulder regularly. I've already talked to Coach Zheng. From now on, I'll take half an hour after training each day to help you consolidate the injury and prevent it from recurring."
Lu Cheng's anger, which had just subsided, flared up again.
Why is this person pushing their luck?
But remembering the comfortable feeling in his neck and shoulders just now, and the training match that followed, he swallowed his words again.
If the shoulder injury recurs and interferes with training, you'll be the one who suffers.
"Okay," Lu Cheng replied irritably.
He quickly got dressed and left.
Back in the esports training room, Lu Cheng had just sat down when Fang Xu leaned over and whispered, "Captain, was Gu Ge's massage really comfortable?"
Lu Cheng glared at him, "Just focus on your ranked games! Don't ask any more questions!"
...
As time went on, going to the physiotherapy room after training became a habit for Lu Cheng.
At first, he always arrived right on time, and would deliberately put on a stern face when he opened the door.
Gu Yanqing, however, never cared and always had a smile on her face.
He would always turn on the heating pad of the physiotherapy bed in advance and prepare the peppermint essential oil that Lu Cheng usually used.
Lu Cheng's physical therapy progressed from sitting to lying down.
At first, she would grip the sheets because of the pain, but gradually she was able to relax and bury her face in the pillowcase.
Occasionally, when the other person slows down their movements, they will unconsciously hum a soft, comfortable sound.
He quickly suppressed it and pretended to cough.
He didn't want Gu Yanqing to see that he was comfortable.
"Did you overdo it with training today?" Gu Yanqing pressed on the muscles in his lower back. "It's stiffer here than yesterday."
Lu Cheng buried his face even deeper, "I struggled through a few team battles with those trainees, and I didn't manage the time well."
"Be more careful next time." Gu Yanqing's voice was gentle, but he applied a little more pressure to her hand.
"If your back gets injured, it will be even worse..."
"What are you saying! My back is perfectly fine!"
Seeing Lu Cheng's agitated state, Gu Yanqing couldn't help but laugh again, as if he wanted to do a backbend on the spot to prove his innocence.
"Okay, your back is the best, the best in the world."
Lu Cheng: "..."
Why does it sound like you're being sarcastic or unfriendly?
As the league progressed into its middle stage, the team was scheduled to travel to another city for an away game, which would last for five days.
The day before departure, Lu Cheng made a point of arriving at the physiotherapy room half an hour early.
Gu Yanqing massaged his shoulders and neck, and Lu Cheng asked casually, "We're going to W City, aren't you coming?"
“There are other players in the club who need to be taken care of,” Gu Yanqing said. “I’ve prepared some heat patches for you. You can put them on your shoulders and neck every night to relieve fatigue.”
Lu Cheng said "Oh" and didn't say anything more, but a strange sense of loneliness welled up inside her.
...
When playing away games, the training facilities are not as good as those at the club.
There were no physiotherapy beds after training, only hard rest chairs.
On the first night, Lu Cheng's shoulders and neck began to ache.
He took out the hot compress patch Gu Yanqing had given him and put it on his neck. The warm feeling spread, but he still felt like something was missing.
He raised his hand and rubbed his shoulder, touching the stiff muscles, but couldn't find the right spot to exert force. He rubbed for a long time but it didn't relieve the pain; instead, it made him feel even more sore.
"Captain, what are you doing?" Li Le walked by and couldn't help but laugh. "Missing Brother Gu, huh?"
"Who's thinking about him? My shoulder's just a little sore!"
"It's okay, we all miss Brother Gu. We'll be back soon after the match, just bear with it a little longer, Captain."
Lu Cheng was slightly taken aback, then belatedly realized something.
Gu Yanqing is not his personal physiotherapist; all the players in their club can receive physiotherapy from Gu Yanqing.
That guy is very busy every day, he doesn't need to be one more "patient".
Lu Cheng didn't understand why she had to think of that face at this moment.
He remembered that when he was at the club, Gu Yanqing would always leave a light on in the physiotherapy room when he trained late, waiting for him to come over.
Sometimes when he was lying on the bed, he would feel sleepy, and Gu Yanqing would move his hands even more gently until he woke up, by which time his shoulders and neck would be much more relaxed.
Those things he once despised have now become the things he misses most.
The fifth day of competition ended, and Team UPW won the championship.
On the bus back, everyone was excitedly discussing how to spend the prize money.
Lu Cheng leaned against the window, staring at the time on her phone.
We'll be at the club in another hour.
He touched his shoulders and neck, and surprisingly felt a little expectant.
I wonder if Gu Yanqing will notice that he hasn't been taking good care of himself these past few days.
As soon as the bus came to a stop, Lu Cheng picked up her suitcase and hurried toward the club.
He didn't stop when passing the training room and went straight to the physiotherapy room.
Pushing open the door, I saw Gu Yanqing sitting inside, just as I expected.
The man was wearing silver-rimmed glasses today, and he looked up at him with a smile.
"You're back? Is your neck and shoulders bothering you again?"
Lu Cheng's ears turned slightly red as she placed her suitcase by the door.
He didn't say anything, and simply lay down on the physiotherapy bed.
Gu Yanqing walked over and just as he touched Lu Cheng's shoulder, he let out a soft "Eh."
"It's stiffer than I expected. Did I forget to apply a heat pack?"
"I put on..." Lu Cheng's voice was muffled by the pillowcase, "but it's not as comfortable as when you massaged me."
Gu Yanqing's laughter rang out, his fingers, carrying a familiar warmth, slowly rubbing away the stiffness in Lu Cheng's shoulders and neck.
Lu Cheng closed his eyes, and his tense body instantly relaxed.
Unbeknownst to him, he had become so reliant on this feel.
————————!!————————
Lu Cheng: My back is in great shape. [Shrugs]
Gu Yanqing: OK, I'll give it a try. [Okay]
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
