SITS CH33

Chapter 33: First Arrival

Silence, an agonizingly long silence.

In the entire training room, not even the sound of keyboard clicks could be heard. In that split second, everyone seemed to be struck dumb by the words “That was my mom.”

The gloating smirk on Zhao Rui’s face froze solid as he stammered, “Th-That was your mom? Auntie… looks so young.”

Xu Zhouye said, “Yeah, she had me early.”

Everyone fell silent once more.

This was truly absurd. Nobody could have imagined that such a youthful, stunning woman was actually Xu Zhouye’s mother.

Shen Man glanced at Xu Zhouye, his gaze locking directly with his.

Blinking, Xu Zhouye flashed a sly smile: “Ge, did you think I had a girlfriend too?”

Shen Man: “…”

This misunderstanding was thoroughly embarrassing, making even him feel sheepish.

Fortunately, Xu Zhouye did not put him on the spot. He dropped the topic, smiling brightly as he pushed the takeout container in front of him: “Want to eat?”

What else could Shen Man say? He silently took it and snapped his chopsticks apart.

Zhao Rui had originally come over to stir the pot, but after creating such a massive blunder, he beat a hasty retreat.

Tonight’s supper was pan-fried dumplings: large, plump, and glistening appetizingly with oil. Clamping one with his chopsticks, Shen Man bit it in half. It was filled with pork and cabbage, mixed with finely minced dried shrimp, extraordinarily fresh and savory.

“Is it good?” Xu Zhouye asked.

“Delicious,” Shen Man replied.

“My mom wrapped them herself.” Xu Zhouye’s eyes shone brightly as he looked at Shen Man, resembling a puppy begging for praise. “Knowing you like dumplings, I asked her to pan-fry a few and bring them over.”

Shen Man’s chopsticks paused slightly: “How did you know I like dumplings?”

Xu Zhouye grinned, “Just guessed.”

Shen Man indeed loved dumplings, particularly handmade ones, because his waipo had been skilled at making them. Even now, he could still remember rushing home on the bus every Friday evening after school let out. Pushing open the front door, he would always see his waipo sitting in the living room, with neat rows of dumplings arranged across the table.

Most of those dumplings were pork and cabbage, occasionally swapped for other fillings.

Having stayed at the base for so long, everyone only knew Shen Man liked spicy food. As for specific dishes, Shen Man rarely brought them up proactively.

When he liked something, he ate a bit more; when he disliked it, he barely moved his chopsticks.

So… how on earth did Xu Zhouye know he loved dumplings? A lucky guess?

Shen Man shot him a glance.

Xu Zhouye said, “If you like them, I’ll wrap some for you at the base next time.”

Shen Man said indistinctly, “I like them.”

He truly did.

With the arrival of the first autumn rain, the temperature plummeted abruptly.

Overnight, the sweltering heat was thoroughly washed away by rainwater. The air was no longer sticky or suffocating, and even the sun felt warm and pleasant.

Shen Man used to love sleeping with the window open, but after someone broke into his room, he kept it shut tight. Even the balcony door had been replaced with an anti-theft security door.

Between the thick bars and the minimalist bedroom decor, Shen Man occasionally felt as though he were serving prison time.

Fortunately, the fresh bouquet perpetually placed in the room softened that impression.

The white daisies Xu Zhouye gave him were just the beginning.

From that day on, he brought flowers back for Shen Man from time to time. The intervals varied, but they always arrived just as the previous bouquet began to wither.

Perhaps it was because Xu Zhouye’s smile when presenting flowers was too brilliant, or perhaps Shen Man simply thought adding some color to the room was pleasant. In any case, Shen Man never refused.

The autumn air was crisp and clear. On Mid-Autumn Festival, the coach treated everyone to a crab feast.

Shen Man disliked foods that were troublesome to eat. After finishing a single crab, he set his chopsticks down, idly scrolling through his phone. As he browsed, a crab shell piled high with crab meat and roe was slid before him. Without even turning his head, Shen Man knew who had pushed it over.

“No need,” Shen Man said.

“Eat it, I’ll peel more,” Xu Zhouye said.

“Really, no need,” Shen Man said. “I don’t like eating crab.”

Xu Zhouye said nothing, merely blinking as he stared at Shen Man from the side.

Shen Man: “…” At times, he truly could not handle Xu Zhouye’s gaze. Words of refusal that rolled off his tongue effortlessly with anyone else felt like heinous crimes when directed at him.

Helpless, Shen Man sighed: “Thanks.”

Xu Zhouye smiled happily, looking as though he were the one eating the crab.

Autumn grew much gentler, and even the wind felt brisk and light.

With the bright moon hanging high, the group walked along the broad avenue chatting noisily, thoroughly lively.

Shen Man walked leisurely at the back with his hands stuffed in his pockets, Xu Zhouye trailing beside him.

“The visas are all approved,” the manager announced. “The plan is to head over a week early to adjust to the time difference and local environment, then play scrims.”

Everyone chimed in with agreement.

Time flew by, and the tournament was around the corner in the blink of an eye.

The intensity of scrims during this period was extraordinarily high, running practically two full BO5 series every single day. Combined with their individual ranked practice, the players were essentially planted at the base without moving an inch.

“Shen Man.” The manager circled around, stopping to look at Shen Man. “Is your hand truly fine now?”

Bandages were still wrapped around Shen Man’s hand. He said, “No major issues.”

The manager said, “Don’t lie to me.” Even though the team doctor had cleared him, he remained somewhat uneasy.

Shen Man said, “It really is fine.”

Seeing his calm expression without any hint of deceit, the manager relaxed: “If anything comes up, you must tell me immediately.”

“Okay,” Shen Man said.

The tournament was held in Europe, requiring a direct flight of over a dozen hours.

Because they were staying for more than ten days, everyone carried a massive suitcase.

The weather on departure day was pleasant. A morning drizzle gave way to sunshine by noon, and the team bus dropped them off at the airport.

“We’ll be unfamiliar with the place and people over there, so everyone prioritize safety,” the manager reminded them once more. “Do not wander off from the team, do not go out alone, and report everything in advance.”

These words were directed not only at the players, but also the staff, because the traveling party included the manager, the coaching staff, and logistical personnel, gathering into an impressive crowd.

Heading to a foreign land for the World Championship, everyone carried a mix of excitement, nerves, and apprehension. Only Shen Man sat in the corner wearing earplugs, doing who-knew-what. Looking closer, the manager realized the kid was dozing off.

Even more exasperating was Xu Zhouye sitting bolt upright beside him, shielding him from view, deliberately running cover for him.

The manager laughed in exasperation.

Still, Shen Man was measured and reliable, so he was never truly worried about him.

“Let’s go, boys,” the manager said. “Climb to the summit and let the entire world hear your names!”

Country Y.

Night had already fallen by the time they reached the hotel. After being cooped up on a flight for over a dozen hours, everyone was exhausted. Noticing Shen Man’s pale complexion, Xu Zhouye asked if he was feeling unwell.

Shen Man shook his head, signaling he was fine.

The manager handed out room keycards: “Alright, two to a room.”

Taking the keycard, Xu Zhouye casually picked up Shen Man’s suitcase as well: “Ge, shall we head up?”

Shen Man let out an “Mm.”

Neither exchanged another word, possessing such tacit understanding that it seemed decided the very second the manager produced the keycard that they would room together. Poor Zhao Rui stared wide-eyed at their retreating backs, his voice carrying a tearful whine: “Coach, do something! Clearly I’m the Support, is Xu Zhouye trying to steal my rice bowl?”

Standard arrangement was for the bot lane duo to room together; since when did a Jungler usurp the Support’s spot?

The manager consoled him: “Don’t worry, your rice bowl is way too small, he wouldn’t look twice at it.”

Zhao Rui: “?” Is that any way to talk to someone?

The hotel room had twin beds and decent amenities. After dropping off their luggage, they decided to grab a bite downstairs before turning in to adjust to jet lag. Unfamiliar with the surroundings, they didn’t wander far, settling for the hotel restaurant.

The hotel dinner looked rather dry and bland, completely killing their appetites.

Shen Man lacked energy, picking listlessly at his plate. Suddenly, his phone rang loudly. Checking the caller ID, he picked up.

“Hello, Man-man, have you arrived?” Lu Ni’s voice came from the other end.

“Mm, just got in,” Shen Man said.

“Then…” Lu Ni hesitated.

Because Shen Man had previously promised to meet her when competing here, Lu Ni had kept this matter in mind the entire time.

Shen Man thought for a moment: “Can we meet after the matches? We have scrims scheduled for the next few days.”

“Of course.” Hearing that Shen Man hadn’t refused, Lu Ni’s tone brightened considerably. “Then I’ll wish you good luck in your matches in advance. I bought tickets for the finals and will be waiting for you there.”

“Is your hand alright?” Lu Ni asked again. “How is the recovery?”

“Decent,” Shen Man replied.

Hearing how lethargic his voice sounded, Lu Ni said, “Then I won’t disturb you further. You just landed, get some proper rest.”

“Okay,” Shen Man agreed.

The call ended.

“Auntie?” Xu Zhouye asked.

Shen Man nodded.

“Worried about your hand?” Xu Zhouye said.

“Pretty much.” Shen Man didn’t particularly want to linger on this topic. Poking at the bread on the table with his fork, he yawned, “Tired.”

Xu Zhouye said, “Then let’s head back and sleep.”

Shen Man: “Okay.”

At times like this, the difference in physical endurance between individuals became starkly evident. A flight spanning over a dozen hours left most people in poor shape. Shen Man was pale and listless, creating a sharp contrast with the energetic Xu Zhouye beside him.

Perhaps thanks to daily workouts, Xu Zhouye showed zero signs of fatigue. When Shen Man stepped out of the bathroom after showering, he was still scrolling through his phone with boundless energy.

Shen Man felt his eyelids drooping heavily. Sitting by the bedside about to lie down, Xu Zhouye suddenly called out, “Wait, ge!”

“Hm?” Shen Man barely lifted his eyelids.

“Don’t go to sleep with your hair soaking wet!” Xu Zhouye’s eyes widened, staring at Shen Man who looked ready to pass out right then and there.

Shen Man had only dried his hair haphazardly after showering. Dark, damp locks clung to his cheeks, making his fair skin and crimson lips stand out vividly. In his dazed, drowsy state, he looked like a wet kitten caught in the rain, adorable beyond measure, though Xu Zhouye naturally didn’t dare say that out loud.

“Sleepy,” Shen Man mumbled. He hadn’t slept well on the plane and felt somewhat unwell after landing, practically at his physical limit. “Not blow-drying, going to sleep.”

With that, he collapsed headfirst onto the bed.

“I’ll blow-dry it for you,” Xu Zhouye was still speaking, but Shen Man could no longer hear him clearly. He vaguely felt a pair of gentle hands brushing softly through his hair, accompanied by a worried murmur, “Sleeping like this will give you a headache. Ge, if you don’t say anything, I’ll take it as a yes…”

Whether due to sheer exhaustion, even the whirring noise of the hairdryer failed to rouse him.

He merely felt a hazy warmth, reminding him of how his waipo used to coax him to sleep when he was a child.

Shen Man fell asleep, his eyes closed, his breathing turning slow and rhythmic.

Xu Zhouye had initially worried the hairdryer would disturb him, but seeing his tranquil sleeping face, he breathed a sigh of relief.

He gazed softly at Shen Man’s sleeping features, taking in the long, thick eyelashes casting soft shadows beneath his eyes, the straight bridge of his nose, the slightly upturned tip, and that faint little mole resting below his eye, visible only when leaning in extraordinarily close.

As if possessed, Xu Zhouye reached out and lightly tapped that tiny mole with his fingertip. The delicate texture of Shen Man’s skin and gentle warmth instantly traveled through his finger. Realizing what he had just done, he pulled his hand back sharply like a startled animal.

Shen Man was truly good-looking. Xu Zhouye thought that with his meager vocabulary, the only word that came to mind was simply “good-looking.”

A dreamless night.

Shen Man had assumed he would struggle to sleep in an unfamiliar bed, but likely due to exhaustion, he slept soundly until broad daylight.

Sunlight spilled through the window, resting directly on Shen Man’s face and waking him from deep slumber.

Still wanting to sleep… Shen Man shielded his eyes with his arm.

“Ge.”

Someone was calling him.

Shen Man yanked the blanket over his head, attempting to shut out the voice.

“Ge,” the owner of the voice sounded fondly exasperated, “the manager says it’s time to get up.”

The word “manager” was far too jarring. Shen Man finally woke up, pulling the blanket down to reveal a blank face and messy hair.

The sight made Xu Zhouye chuckle.

“What time is it?” Shen Man asked groggily.

“Nine o’clock,” Xu Zhouye said. “The manager said we’re heading to practice in a bit. They coordinated with Team WM to use their training room.”

Shen Man closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, the grogginess had dissipated. He usually woke up naturally around eight; today it was nine, yet he still felt he hadn’t slept enough.

“Mm,” Shen Man said. “Going to wash up…”

Xu Zhouye nodded.

Washing up went quickly. Once Shen Man finished packing his things, he and Xu Zhouye headed downstairs right at nine-thirty, finding everyone else gathered in the lobby.

“Let’s move,” the manager said. “Found you guys a training room for scrims.”

They boarded the bus. Xu Zhouye produced a sandwich from somewhere and handed it to Shen Man: “Ge, have some breakfast.”

Shen Man thanked him and asked if he had eaten.

“Ate at the hotel already,” Xu Zhouye said.

Taking the sandwich, Shen Man took a bite. The filling consisted of ham, egg, cucumber, and tomato with a spread of salad dressing, simple yet delicious.

Though ordinary, it was far more appetizing than the dry hotel dinner from last night.

Shen Man looked toward Xu Zhouye. This kid seemed perpetually brimming with energy. Right now, he was snapping photos of the unfamiliar foreign scenery outside the window with his phone, wearing his usual cheerful grin.

Watching his smile, Shen Man’s mood inexplicably brightened.

He finished the sandwich slowly, and just as he tidied the wrapper, the bus arrived at WM’s facility.

WM was a local team that maintained a good relationship with ACE. During previous domestic tournaments, ACE had lent their training room to them as well, a form of mutual support.

However, both squads had experienced frequent roster shifts over the past two years, making them comrades in misfortune. Aside from their Jungler, wizard, WM had rebuilt their entire lineup, very similar to ACE’s situation.

wizard was an old acquaintance of Shen Man’s. The moment Shen Man walked through the door, wizard rushed over, preparing to engulf him in a massive bear hug.

Before Shen Man could speak, Xu Zhouye stepped forward to intercept him, pointing at Shen Man’s injured hand.

wizard paused, slapped Xu Zhouye’s shoulder heartily, made a welcoming gesture, and apologized in English.

Xu Zhouye replied that it was fine.

Shen Man said, “Long time no see.”

wizard nodded with a smile, answering with a clumsy “Long time no see” in Chinese.

The two had been rivals during the year Shen Man won the World Championship. Unfortunately, it had only been that single year. Later on, ACE and WM suffered similar downfalls, with the sole difference being that ACE welcomed Xu Zhouye this year, while WM was still struggling to make playoffs.

The two head coaches greeted each other warmly, communicating via enthusiastic gestures despite the slight language barrier.

Currently on ACE, the only globally renowned player was Shen Man. WM’s players came over one by one to greet him, with some eagerly asking for autographs.

Shen Man maintained his customary lukewarm attitude: quiet, expressionless, appearing somewhat aloof.

Perhaps due to this demeanor, the WM players dispersed after receiving autographs, not daring to chat much further.

Checking the time, the coach mentioned they had scheduled a scrim with TKR at ten o’clock, telling them to adjust their game settings first.

Shen Man plugged in his personal peripherals.

Out of habit, pro players brought their own gear. Everyone’s preferences differed; Shen Man used a customized black mechanical keyboard, minimalist without backlighting, bearing only an elegant cursive “slow” engraved in the upper-right corner.

Plugging in his keyboard and mouse, Shen Man put on his headset and launched the game.

WM was considered a major club with great training room facilities. Shen Man had visited smaller organizations where training rooms resembled dingy internet cafes, tables covered in cigarette ash with ashtrays everywhere, feeling as though one’s wrists would be polished raw after a single match.

TKR had arrived the day before yesterday, getting an extra day of rest, and began scheduling scrims today.

Leading up to the tournament, teams scheduled numerous scrims, but mutually concealed certain core strategies, making these matches serve primarily as warm-ups.

At ten o’clock sharp, they entered the game.

TKR’s Marksman greeted them in chat. Because they were using the European tournament server, Chinese characters could not be typed, resulting in strings of pinyin letters spamming the screen.

Zhao Rui spent ages squinting at the pinyin before finally piecing together what TKR was asking: what time they arrived, and what they were eating for lunch.

Zhao Rui: “…” Was he losing his mind, spending this much effort to decipher a trivial message? Annoyed, he typed back a long string of pinyin. Surprisingly, the other side possessed far superior reading comprehension, decoding it instantly and cheerfully replying:

womenwanschihaochidequnimenyaobuyyiqi

(We’re going to eat something delicious tonight, do you guys want to come along?)

Zhao Rui: “…” Scram, scram, scram! Get lost! He wasn’t going to waste his time reading pinyin anymore!!