33. Whether it's you or KUG
In the third battle against SNG, Lin Jiang chose the Tsar.
Lin Jiang also won a crucial battle for KUG back then with this hero.
He Gu still remembers what Lin Jiang said to him before he went on stage: "The Tsar is a high-risk, high-reward hero. I am willing to bet with you on it. If I win, please stick to your ideas and lead KUG forward."
He Gu asked him, "What if you lose?"
Lin Jiang smiled and replied, "I won't let you lose."
In that battle, Linjiang's Tsar stood like an indomitable god, from beginning to end.
Even though he has no soldiers left under his command, he can still lead the undead army and crush enemy territory time and time again with his iron cavalry.
"He took us to witness a miracle!"
The cheers nearly lifted the roof off the venue, and domestic and international media reported on it simultaneously. No one expected that Lin Jiang would be the one to stand until the end and win the victory.
—If your win rate is only 0.5%, I will help you raise it to 100%.
—I won't let you lose.
A faint smell of smoke filled the office, and the third game of the match between OT and SNG was being projected on the screen in front of them.
The person in charge looked at the screen while glancing at the cold-faced He Hu, "Young Master He, that contract really wasn't my idea. It was approved by the board of directors. I was just an executor."
He wore a pained expression, fearing that this matter would affect him. "The project manager repeatedly assured me that there would be no problem, so I thought that since everyone agreed, there was no reason for me to object, so..."
The item was slammed heavily onto the table, the dull sound carrying a sharp edge.
He Gu flicked the ash from his cigarette and said calmly, "You don't have that much power. Tell me, what else is it because of?"
His calm tone carried an innate air of authority, and the person in charge didn't dare to raise their head in front of him. "The project manager told me that this was your idea, and Alike is your cousin. Your mother specifically spoke to me, hinting that we should take good care of Alike. We all assumed that you had tacitly approved of this, and we didn't dare to bother you..."
During his year of study abroad, He Gu handed over all executive power to KUG.
But he had said that if it involved Lin Jiang, it had to be reported to him, so it was clear that some people were deliberately obstructing the news.
He Gu wasn't used to showing his emotions. He forcefully stubbed out his cigarette in the glass jar, crushing it into pieces. "I haven't condoned any behavior, and you don't need to guess. KUG was founded by me. If I had to listen to others in everything, what would be the point of me sitting here?"
The person in charge also regretted his actions. In fact, he also felt something was wrong at the time, but the project manager was eager to befriend Alike, and Lin Jiang was naturally a thorn in his side.
"I handled this matter poorly, Young Master He, please punish me."
"Even if I punish you, Lin Jiang won't come back."
Hearing He Gu's nonchalant tone, the person in charge suddenly realized something. It seemed that he was more concerned about Lin Jiang's departure than about KUG's severe decline.
There were rumors about them before, could it really be...?
"Go out."
"Eh? Yes."
The match was still playing on the screen. Lin Jiang turned the tide, using a Spiral R to precisely push back three opponents, and with Chen Ju's maximum output, they won the crucial team fight.
The cheers from the audience almost drowned out the sounds of the competition. After securing the victory, Lin Jiang laughed heartily on stage.
This is OT's last game in the regular season, and also their last chance to make a comeback.
He took off his headphones, stood up, and hugged Shen Ju tightly. Shen Ju's gaze towards him was hardly innocent.
Some people in the live chat are already making fun of it—
[That dog Shen Ju definitely has feelings for Lin Jiang.]
[She becomes incredibly obedient in front of Lin Jiang.]
[Hey, what are you hesitating for? Just hug me if you want!]
The hand that had been lightly tapping the table slowly stopped. He Gu lowered his eyelids slightly, his glasses gleaming, still showing lingering images of the match.
Lin Jiang on stage was dazzling.
It was so dazzling that the surrounding lights paled in comparison.
He and his teammates strode confidently onto the stage to claim their glory.
The scene overlapped with that of that year.
He felt as if he were back in the stands of that match, watching Lin Jiang standing in front of the stage, smiling and waving at him.
At that moment, a golden rain suddenly fell, and Lin Jiang, holding the trophy, walked towards him with fervor and brilliance, possessing an irresistible fervor.
It's as if it's saying: Look, I won't let you lose.
It was probably at that moment that He Gu realized he had fallen for him.
He let his love grow, indulging himself in a life he had never indulged in for over twenty years.
Until that day, his mother called him into her room, threw a stack of photos in front of him, and asked, "What exactly is your relationship with Lin Jiang?"
He Gu knelt down and picked up the photos one by one. Looking at Lin Jiang's bright smile in the photos, he realized with a clear mind that this dream had come to an end.
"We're just ordinary friends."
"Just friends? Just friends? You would turn down an investment to watch his game? I asked Awen, and you're very close to him. You even have his photos on your phone. You haven't even saved any photos of me in all these years. How can I believe that your feelings for him are innocent?"
The photo grew hotter and hotter as I rubbed it between my fingers. I did think about breaking free from my predicament, but in the end, I could only slump my hand in defeat.
The mother said, "I want to see him."
He Gu looked up abruptly, "There's no need to see him. If you're worried, I can go abroad."
The mother scoffed, "The more you say that, the more I should go see him."
His body no longer belonged to him. He stood before his mother, unable to move for a long time. Looking back on his life, which had been destined to be displayed for more than twenty years, he disobeyed orders for the first time: "There's no need. I won't let you see him either."
The result was predictable.
She still managed to find Lin Jiang by all means.
Upon hearing the news, He Gu experienced for the first time in his life what it meant to be extremely anxious.
He disregarded his dignified demeanor and etiquette.
Lin Jiang arrived at the restaurant, looking travel-worn, and saw his mother sitting opposite him. He was a little nervous but greeted her politely.
When asked about their relationship, He Gu suddenly stepped forward and grabbed Lin Jiang's hand, saying, "Come with me."
The car was moving very fast that day. Lin Jiang seemed to realize something, and the hand he was holding was burning hot. "Your mother asked me today what our relationship is?"
He cautiously looked up at him, "What kind of relationship do you think we should have?"
He Gu seemed to have been burned and withdrew his hand.
He and Lin Jiang never crossed that line; it wasn't that they hadn't thought about it, but that they couldn't.
Overwhelmed with mixed feelings, he said to him, "Let's be friends."
Lin Jiang paused for a moment, then said sullenly, "Fine, we've always been friends."
The second meeting was initiated by Lin Jiang, who arranged to meet his mother.
He still greeted her politely, then carefully told her, "Auntie, Mr. He and I are just ordinary friends, and I have a girlfriend."
He clicked on the WeChat profile picture, and the girl in it was as beautiful as a rose; anyone who saw her would be captivated.
"We grew up together and have a very good relationship. We have no plans to separate for the time being."
He dialed the woman's number and asked, "What are you doing?"
A languid yet sexy female voice came through the phone: "Filming, what else could I be doing... What, you miss me again?"
Lin Jiang hummed in agreement. "I bought you a bag. Make sure you keep it safe."
"Why are you buying me bags again? My shop window is already overflowing."
"I bought your favorite new model. Didn't you say you wanted it last time?"
The voice on the other end suddenly rose in volume, "Wow! Ah Jiang, you're such a cutie! I love you so much! Mua! Mua!"
He Gu stood at the back listening the whole time, a frozen coldness in his eyes.
Lin Jiang got up and moved away from him. He reached out to grab him, but Lin Jiang avoided him.
His mother called to him, "A-Gu, stop making a fuss. Come back with me."
Let's go back.
He returned to his cage.
Entangled in the vines, they couldn't take a single step out until the moment of their death.
This was his destiny.
The office door was suddenly pushed open, and it was Alike. "Brother, you really came today? Why didn't you come to see me?"
He happily approached He Gu, only to be met with He Gu's undisguised disgust: "From now on, do not enter my office area without my permission."
The smile on Alike's face slowly faded, and he said with some resentment, "Brother, I know you're disappointed with KUG's performance, but it's not my fault. It's because the other four guys are too bad. If we replaced them, I'm sure I could..."
"Get out." He Gu once again ordered him to leave.
Alike clenched his fists tightly and turned away indignantly.
Suddenly remembering something, she turned back unwillingly, "Brother, are you angry with me because your KUG ranking dropped, or because I told Aunt about you and Lin Jiang back then?"
He Gu's eyes immediately turned cold.
He stared directly at Alike, his eyes filled with a chilling intent that could kill.
The more he acted this way, the more Alike hated Lin Jiang, to the point that his heart was bleeding. "I don't regret doing that! Lin Jiang doesn't deserve you at all!"
The office door was slammed shut.
He Gu stood up and forcefully dialed the front desk, his voice calm yet chilling: "Tell security that from now on, no unauthorized personnel are allowed in, especially team members."
After finishing the call, the last bit of strength in my body was drained away.
When he was young, he didn't have the courage to maintain a relationship, and when he finally had the ability, he no longer had the opportunity.
He turned on his lighter and lit a cigarette.
Amidst the swirling smoke, Lin Jiang's post-match interview was playing on the screen.
When asked if he had any regrets, Lin Jiang shook his head, "Everything I do now is what I want to do, and I have never had any regrets."
I have never had any regrets.
Leaving KUG, leaving him. Lin Jiang said he had no regrets.
He Gu's hand trembled slightly as he lit his cigarette.
He was always rational and calm, but just a moment ago, he really had the urge to destroy everything.
...
Defeat SNG and secure third place.
OT earned himself boundless glory in his final battle.
Fans sent their blessings, the haters disappeared, and Lao Mao was so happy that he gave away nearly 10,000 yuan in red envelopes in the live broadcast room. A Cai was scolded and slunk off the broadcast.
After the final match, some were happy while others were sad.
The fans of OT are happy, but all of OT's competitors are worried. They are all a little afraid that if OT really completes its transformation, it will become the dark horse of the end.
Public opinion was overwhelming—
Is being in the same half of the bracket as OT (Overtime) really a good thing?
[I feel like OT is even scarier than SNG?]
[Don't you guys even look at the win rate? Lin Jiang still holds the record for the highest win rate among mid-laners in the league.]
Teams that underestimated OT all lost; you can judge for yourselves.
After watching the match, both TG and YIG held emergency meetings and unanimously agreed that OT is a team with no upper limit and may become the biggest obstacle on their way to the next round.
"I think we should play more practice matches with OT, treat them as equal opponents, and not underestimate them."
With the final games concluded, the playoff standings are now clear.
TG remains firmly in first place, YIG is in second place with a strong performance, OT made a comeback to third, SNG is in fourth place with a regret, KUG barely makes it to fifth, and the remaining sixth, seventh and eighth places are WG, XIG and FOU respectively.
According to the competition rules, the 1458th place finisher is in the upper bracket, and the 2367th place finisher is in the lower bracket.
In other words, OT's opponent will be either WG or XIG.
After confirming the venue for the OT playoffs, Duren was ecstatic.
Neither WG nor XIG can beat OT, which means OT can at least make it into the top four, and with a bit of luck, they might even get second place!
His phone was flooded with congratulatory messages. His friends, who used to tease him, were going crazy congratulating him on his "ascension" and urging him to treat them to dinner.
Duren had no interest in dealing with them.
"Come on, cheers! Let's celebrate that our wish has come true!"
After finishing the first glass of wine, Duren personally refilled Lin Jiang's glass. "The second glass is for our captain, to thank him for leading our OT team to the playoffs!"
Lin Jiangxi was about to say he didn't deserve it when seven or eight cups were brought up in front of him for a toast, and no one listened to what he was saying.
"This second drink is for our Chenju," Duren said, filling his glass. "Chenju, you played exceptionally well this summer season, not only bringing honor to yourself but also to our club. And I also want to thank you for your unwavering support, for staying with OT and waiting for this opportunity!"
Shen Ju wasn't a sentimental person to begin with, but Du Lun managed to make him a little emotional.
If OT hadn't taken him in back then, he would have been finished.
He should be the one thanking us.
Duren refilled his glass. "Next up is our top laner, Song Zhixu!"
Song Zhixu was flattered and overwhelmed, "No, no, no, I can't..."
Duren hooked his arm around his neck and insisted on filling his glass. "You must drink this. Thank you to our Song Zhixu for stepping up at this crucial moment!"
Song Zhixu dared not accept such a great thank you. He quickly lowered his cup, and Du Lun lowered his as well. He continued to lower his cup until they were almost touching the ground.
The teammates were practically bursting with laughter.
After drinking the third cup of wine, Song Zhixu felt dizzy and disoriented.
He had already drunk a lot before coming to the KTV, and these three drinks pushed him to his limit.
Although he is usually very cheerful and always boasts about how great he is, he actually knows his own level.
His teammates all along were Shen Ju and Lin Jiang, who never abandoned him.
He swayed as he got up and made a gesture of thanks to everyone.
Then, fueled by alcohol, he spoke his heart: "I'm really grateful to you all, especially to our captain. Actually, before the captain came, I was ready to give up and go home to grow sweet potatoes. I thought my life was over, I really didn't expect you guys to be able to pull me out of this situation..."
After thanking Lin Jiang, he looked at Shen Ju and said, "I'm sorry about what happened last time. I didn't really mean to scold you. Actually, I don't dislike you. I really admire you and want to be like you, but I know I can never be like you in this lifetime, so, so—"
Before he could finish speaking, he could no longer stand.
Duren quickly helped him up, and in the noisy environment, he mumbled something to himself before Duren tossed him onto the sofa, where he fell into a peaceful sleep.
Tsk, he really does pass out after just two bottles.
Du Lun verbally criticized Song Zhixu for being pretentious, but he did not hesitate to defend him. He then toasted Zhou Wen and A Deng, and toasted everyone in the room.
In fact, Lin Jiang felt that the person he should respect the most was himself.
He takes on multiple roles without losing his enthusiasm; there probably isn't anyone in the team who loves OT more than him.
Lin Jiang relaxed on the sofa, watching them make a fuss, and felt happy too.
Shen Ju was not a person who liked crowds. He sat down next to Lin Jiang. The two of them didn't say much, just watched Du Lun and the others having a blast. Under the swaying lights and the influence of alcohol, their moods were slowly opening up.
The karaoke room was too noisy, so Lin Jiang could only lean close to Chen Ju's ear and ask, "Can you sing?"
Shen Ju shook his head like a spinning top, paused for a moment, and then leaned close to Lin Jiang's ear: "Can the captain sing?"
He originally thought Lin Jiang would talk but not sing, but Lin Jiang nodded and said, "I can sing, I can teach you."
Shen Ju's heart was scalded, and his gaze unconsciously fell on Lin Jiang's upturned lips, then into his eyes.
The music suddenly stopped, and Du Lun's voice came through the microphone, "A Jiang and Shen Ju, don't sit there. I've requested a song for you. Come and sing it."
The screen displayed Eason Chan's "Red Rose." Lin Jiang once filmed a team-building vlog during KUG, and when he lost a game, he casually sang "Red Rose."
I didn't expect Duren to dig this out.
The audience burst into applause, and Lin Jiang was not one to mince words.
He took the microphone, and even just sitting under the light, his posture was breathtakingly beautiful.
Amidst a myriad of beautiful scenes, he turned his head and asked, "Can you sing?"
Chen Ju felt a burning sensation in his heart and shook his head.
Lin Jiang held the microphone, seemingly smiling, "Then I'll lead you in singing."
As the music began, Lin Jiang's voice was clear and gentle, as if he were singing not of a red rose, but of a pure white rose.
It really sounds like a love song confessing your feelings.
Shen Ju's heart had never been beating so fast.
Under the dim light, he suddenly wondered if there was even a one in ten thousand chance—
Actually, Lin Jiang also liked him a little.
After finishing a song, Lin Jiang got up and went out for a smoke.
Shen Ju followed behind him.
He was smoking when he noticed the little dog that had been following him. "What's wrong?"
Still feeling the effects of the alcohol, Shen Ju cautiously strode towards Lin Jiang.
Perhaps he was truly drunk, for he heard himself ask himself, "Does the captain like me?"
The hand that was smoking paused slightly.
Standing before him was the grown-up Shen Ju, who, against the backdrop of the night, resembled a wolfhound—fierce yet docile.
Lin Jiang certainly liked him.
I liked it a lot two years ago, and I still like it a lot now that I've met it again.
He and Shen Ju have an amazing similarity and teamwork on the field. Every time he plays with him, it feels like a wonderful feast.
He patted him on the shoulder, "Of course I like it. You are a rare talent, one in a million, very rare."
The steed's forward steps paused slightly, and the wildly growing vines, touched by the sunlight, could only curl up back into the darkness.
With his hand holding a cigarette resting on the shelf, Lin Jiang leaned casually, creating a picturesque scene in himself.
He seemed oblivious to how dangerous his current state was, and even dared to turn around and smile at him, "So, what about you? Do you like me being your captain?"
Shen Ju looked into his eyes and said, "I like it."
He suddenly felt that even if it was truly an abyss, he was determined to jump into it.
With one hand on Lin Jiang's shoulder and the other hand taking the cigarette from him, Shen Ju put it into his mouth without any hesitation.
Lin Jiang said "Hey," "I've smoked it."
Shen Ju knew, and looking into the distance, he said, "Captain, smoke less; it's bad for your health."
Lin Jiang laughed, "Why are you using my words to shut me up?"
He turned to look at Shen Ju, and the more he looked at him, the more he felt that this kid had grown up and was doing things unexpectedly. "To be honest, did you hate me before? When I first came, you didn't even come to greet me."
How come Lin Jiang still remembers this?
Shen Ju couldn't explain a single thing.
He couldn't very well say that he was feeling apprehensive about returning home, fearing it was all just a dream, and therefore dared not meet him, could he?
Lin Jiang looked down at his expression. "Really? You really hated me back then? Why? I think I'm a pretty good person."
Shen Ju wouldn't let him see, "No."
"Look at you, you won't even look me in the eye, and you still say you didn't..."
"Fine, little dog Shen, I've really been liking you for nothing."
He hooked his arm around Shen Ju's neck, took back the cigarette he had snatched, and put it in his mouth with the tip of his tongue.
Shen Ju covered his mouth, not daring to look at him. Lin Jiang grabbed his collar, exposing his collarbone.
Lin Jiang hooked his arm around his neck, determined to get him to explain.
Shen Ju blushed from the roots of his ears all the way down to his neck. "I don't dislike it, I like it."
Lin Jiang then let him go, pinching his cheek with the hand holding the cigarette, and smiled somewhat arrogantly, "I didn't force you, little dog Chen, you said it yourself."
Yes, he said it.
He would say the same thing even if it happened ten thousand times.
Both of them were a little drunk, and after their commotion, they leaned against the railing.
Feeling hot, Lin Jiang took off his coat and leaned against the light, his figure resembling a butterfly under the lamplight.
Shen Ju was so drunk that he couldn't see clearly.
He suddenly felt that it didn't matter whether Lin Jiang had a girlfriend or not; as long as they could still chat like this, he was quite content.
"Captain, if OT doesn't win the championship, will you leave?"
OT's contract was only for one year. This was an opportunity given to them by Lin Jiang. If OT cannot help him realize his dream, he will find another team next year.
Lin Jiang felt it was too cruel to tell them this now, so he patted his head, smiled, said nothing, and turned back.
Shen Ju suddenly understood what he meant.
My body stiffened slightly.
He stood in the darkness, surrounded by bright lights, but his body was growing colder and colder.
Back at the karaoke bar, Lin Jiang was singing with Ah Deng and the others, and warmly invited him to join them.
Chen Ju was not in the mood and left alone.
Walking in the chilly night, the more I thought about it, the more upset I became.
OT has already given their all to make it to the World Championship; it would be wishful thinking to expect them to win the title.
But……
Shen Ju kicked the pebble away.
He didn't want Lin Jiang to leave.
At 2 a.m., Duren and the others finally returned. Song Zhixu was a little more awake, climbed into the bathroom to take a shower, and then climbed back into bed to lie down peacefully.
Shen Ju asked him, "Did you know Lin Jiang would leave?"
Song Zhixu: "Hmm? Where are we going?"
"Leave OT".
Song Zhixu suddenly burst out laughing, as if he had heard a hilarious joke. "Brother, are you kidding me? Lin Jiang will leave sooner or later. You don't really think OT can keep him here, do you?"
Shen Ju was unconvinced; he didn't know why he had such a wild idea. "Don't you want to try your best to keep him?"
Song Zhixu rolled over, drunk as a dog, but his mind was crystal clear: "Chen Ju, I advise you to stop thinking about it. Some people are destined to leave. It might be KUG, it might be another team, but it's definitely not us who will leave..."
After he finished speaking, he fell asleep immediately.
Shen Ju envied Song Zhixu.
He knows nothing, has no worries, and is happy every day.
He heard the sound of a door opening and closing next door, and Chenju perked up his ears.
Where is Lin Jiang going so late?
He got up and opened the door a crack, seeing Lin Jiang walking out of the building, lazily taking out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket and putting them in his mouth.
Lin Jiang...
Are you going downstairs for a smoke again?
Shen Ju closed the door, hesitating whether to follow.
What would they say if they followed?
...
Lin Jiang found a quiet place and smoked two cigarettes.
Making it to the playoffs should have been a cause for celebration, but a question Shen Ju asked today brought him to his senses.
He had already given it his all to get third place in OT, and it wouldn't be enough to compete in the World Championship. He didn't think OT could help him achieve his goal.
After the World Championship ends, he will definitely choose another team.
No matter how much Shen Ju and the others try to keep him, Lin Jiang will resolutely abandon them to pursue what he wants.
It's cruel, but there's no other way.
People can't live in their comfort zone forever; they have to be made to step out eventually.
Lin Jiang finished his cigarette, threw it away and stomped it out, then walked alone on the desolate road.
There was a car parked on the road, and it seemed to have been there for a long time.
A figure leaned against the car, with a pile of cigarette butts at his feet.
Lin Jiang didn't pay much attention.
Suddenly, with a "click," in the dim light of the lighter, Lin Jiang saw the man's wristwatch; the beautiful dial glowed with a faint blue light in the darkness.
Lin Jiang stopped and looked at the man.
The man took a couple of puffs, tossed aside his cigarette, stubbed it out gently, and then opened the car door. "Come on in and let's talk. I've been waiting for you for a while."
Perhaps because he had been waiting for too long, He Gu's voice sounded low and hoarse, as if cut by the wind, and he seemed to have lost some of his spiritedness.
Lin Jiang didn't know what there was to talk about with him. Whether it was a relationship of mutual benefit or emotional ties, they had nothing left now.
"It's late, Young Master He, you should go home early."
He turned to leave, but then he heard He Gu ask him from behind, "What are you afraid of? Don't you already have a girlfriend?"
These words left Lin Jiang frozen in place.
Back then, we were young and impetuous, and we admired each other, so it was inevitable that our feelings would sometimes cross the line.
It was He Hu who made him realize what wishful thinking meant, so Lin Jiang told those around him that he had a girlfriend in order to cut off the rumors.
He Gu clearly knew, he knew everything, yet he used this incident to question him in return.
Lin Jiang stopped in his tracks, suddenly at a loss for words.
He has a good temper and is well-mannered, but right now I really want to throw a cigarette butt in his face.
Did I tell you not to come looking for me again?
He turned around, his gaze sharp in the darkness. "Whether it's you or KUG, I've cut ties completely."
Yes, it was indeed cut off very cleanly.
It was so clean that He Gu didn't even know where to begin picking it up.
Back then, when he said, "We're just ordinary friends," Lin Jiang behaved himself and never overstepped his bounds again.
Actually, he was a little sad at that time, but he didn't understand what he really wanted, so he could only let his heart churn and be calmly eroded.
He felt that if Lin Jiang could let go, he could too.
Then he went abroad and ignored him completely, as if he wouldn't be satisfied until he had to settle the score between the two of them.
He always believed he would win; he was a consistent winner in the business world, and no one was more astute than him.
Even after receiving news that Lin Jiang had left, he still felt that he had not lost.
But Lin Jiang's words on the field yesterday, "I have no regrets," completely shattered his confidence.
He Gu's eyes were a little red.
He faced the wind, hoping it would carry away some of his emotions.
He is not good with words, or perhaps it is that he loses his business negotiation skills in front of Lin Jiang.
"When you said in the interview today that you had no regrets, were you referring to me or KUG?"
Lin Jiang never expected that He Gu would come all this way just for this sentence.
It's really laughable.
Such an arrogant person, someone who always keeps their word.
He thought he would never bow down to anyone in his entire life.
Lin Jiang doesn't want any further connection to the past, saying, "It's both."
Back then, he was young and naive, and he did have some inappropriate thoughts, but he felt it was fine to return to his original position later.
He Gu was indeed a good friend.
He is very generous and respectful, and will stand up for him and encourage him when necessary.
At least before the Alike incident, he thought He Gu was a pretty good friend.
But that's all there is to it.
Lin Jiang realized that he really had nothing to say to the other person, so he turned to leave, and He Gu subconsciously reached out to grab his hand.
Just then, the lights above flickered for a moment, as if giving some kind of hint.
Someone broke between them and grabbed Lin Jiang before he could, in a gesture of clasping hands and interlocking fingers.
Shen Ju arrived in a hurry, his forehead covered in sweat, and he quickly shielded Lin Jiang behind him.
What do you want to do?
Shen Ju's expression was like that of a ferocious wolf; if anyone dared to step into his territory, he would pounce on them and tear them to pieces.
No matter how well-behaved he pretends in Linjiang, he can't hide his true nature.
He Gu saw right through his thoughts.
He was a respectable man, and calmly withdrew, saying, "Lin Jiang and I were catching up."
Shen Ju didn't recognize him, but he could guess that he was sent by KUG.
He gripped Lin Jiang's hand tightly. "Lin Jiang and KUG are over. He's my captain now."
He Gu chuckled dismissively. As a negotiation expert in the business world, he never considered Shen Ju to be his opponent.
He looked at Shen Ju, his gaze piercing straight to the heart, "He is your captain, not yours."
After he finished speaking, he stopped looking at Shen Ju's slightly changed expression, and looked past Shen Ju's shoulder at Lin Jiang behind him. "Give my regards to your girlfriend. She should have returned to the country a few days ago, right?"
After saying that, he turned around and drove away.
The aura emanating from him was clearly that of an ordinary person. Shen Ju seemed to have guessed something and turned to ask him, "Is it the KUG boss?"
Lin Jiang nodded. "Mm."
Then pat him on the shoulder to indicate that he could let go.
Chen Ju instinctively gripped his fist tighter. "Then, he said you have a girlfriend, is that true?"
Lin Jiang was embarrassed. How could he explain that he had temporarily grabbed He Gu's second sister to make up a couple in order to eliminate the rumors about him?
He Gu had known about this all along.
He didn't know why he suddenly said that.
Fearing that Shen Ju would dig deeper into his relationship with He Gu, Lin Jiang decided to skip this hurdle, saying, "It's not important, it's not important, let's go back first."
Shen Ju didn't let go, as if afraid he would run away, and pulled him back.
The smell of alcohol still lingered on them, and the cold wind made them dizzy, causing their steps to become unsteady.
The one walking in front, Shen Ju, had grown taller and stronger, and his delicate features had a sharp and bright look when he opened them.
How to describe it? It's a bit like a rose growing in a jungle.
It looks nice, but it has sharp thorns that can prick you when you touch it.
Lin Jiang sensed something amiss and tugged at Shen Ju's hand forcefully. Shen Ju instinctively clenched his fist, but then immediately released it as if remembering something.
He looked at the long shadow cast on the ground, which really seemed like two parallel lines that would never intersect.
Didn't we already know Lin Jiang had a girlfriend? Didn't we already prepare for him to leave sooner or later?
But why am I still so sad...?
The next day, Shen Ju did not come downstairs.
Lin Jiang thought he had overslept, so he asked Song Zhixu to go upstairs and call him down.
Song Zhixu went there, then came downstairs in a miserable state, clutching his buttocks, saying, "I shouted, and then I got kicked."
Lin Jiang: ?
Is this an attempt to rebel?
He went upstairs himself; the door was open.
Lin Jiang pushed open the door and entered, and then saw Shen Ju completely covered by the quilt, wrapped up like a caterpillar.
"Shenju, aren't we going to have any more practice matches?"
He sat down on the edge of the bed, and as soon as he reached out his hand, Shen Ju grabbed it forcefully and pulled him into the quilt.
Lin Jiang touched something very hot and frowned. "You have a fever?"
Shenju grunted like a puppy, his voice thick with a nasal tone, "Captain, I'm sick and can't play in the practice match."
Lin Jiang withdrew his hand and informed Fang Luxing that the training match would be canceled.
He lifted Shen Ju's blanket and saw that he was as red as a boiled shrimp.
A pang of heartache shot through me, and I touched his forehead. "Did you take your medicine?"
"have eaten."
Lin Jiang picked up the medicine on the table and saw that it had expired for six months. No wonder it was ineffective.
He yanked Shen Ju out of bed. "Get up, I'll take you to the hospital."
When Shen Ju fell ill, the entire training had to be suspended. Lin Jiang briefly explained some things to Song Zhixu, and then asked Lai An to take Shen Ju to the hospital together.
When we got to the hospital, the doctor said that if the fever reached 40 degrees Celsius, we wouldn't need an IV drip; we could go directly to the neurology department.
Lin Jiang really wanted to pick up Shen Ju and beat him up. He seemed quite smart, so how come he had no common sense at all?
He originally wanted to teach Shen Ju a lesson, but when he turned around, he saw him lying pitifully on the hospital bed, occasionally hooking his hand with his fingers, weak and like a kitten scratching.
Her heart melted instantly. Lin Jiang took his hand and tucked it into the blanket. "Get some rest."
Shen Ju nodded, habitually burying her head in the blanket, her little finger still hooked around his.
It really looks like a little puppy that feels insecure.
Lin Jiang stayed with him while he received the IV drip.
Lai'an went to handle the hospital admission procedures. Seeing that she was busy running around and looked quite tired, Lin Jiang told her, "I'll stay here and watch over things. You can go back first."
Ryan went back.
Everyone in the group is asking about Shen Ju.
Lin Jiang typed: I'm getting an IV drip now, I'll be back tonight.
Ah Deng: Captain, you've worked hard.
Zhou Wen: Take care of your health.
Xiaoyu: We are all training hard.
Only Song Zhixu's style is different: If I'm sick, can the captain take care of me personally? Waaaaah, I wish I were sick too...
Lin Jiang: ? ? ?
He really had no idea what Song Zhixu was thinking about every day.
She hooked her fingers in her palm, grabbed his hand, and slowly pulled him into the blanket.
My fingers touched something burning hot—it was Shen Ju's face.
Lin Jiang froze.
Why did Shen Ju grab his hand and touch his face?
He instinctively tried to pull back, but Shen Ju held on tightly. A voice came from inside the blanket: "When I was little, I was sick, and my brother stayed with me like this too."
Lin Jiang's heart softened again. "I won't leave. I'll stay with you."
Fingers are the most sensitive part of a person's body, accurately conveying all tactile sensations.
Shen Ju's face was hot and tender, like a boiled egg.
Lin Jiang pinched it a couple of times and sighed, "No wonder he's the son of a capitalist; his skin is so delicate and well-nourished."
It was Shen Ju who kept touching his palm.
It's so itchy.
"Little dog, go to sleep, don't grab my hand."
"Um……"
Shenju fell into a deep sleep, his head resting on his arm.
He curled up in a ball, still feeling cold, so he held Lin Jiang's hand tightly, letting his love grow uncontrollably.
He is sick.
Just this once.
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