Assassin, Don't Be Too Arrogant [E-sports] - Chapter 6

He quickly got up and went to his wardrobe, hurriedly picking through his clothes.

What clothes did he even have? Just casual hoodies and sweatpants—easy to throw on and be done with.

As he thought this, he got dressed and took a look in the mirror.

Messy! Jian Yao, you really are too messy! Well, no choice but to make do with what he had!

He combed his spiky hair in front of the mirror, but after just a few strokes, he received a message from Wen Zhe.

【Wzhe: I’m here.】

So fast?! Jian Yao tapped the screen and quickly replied to Wen Zhe.

【Antidote: Coming right away.】

He hurried out of his apartment door and saw the small electric scooter flashing its lights not far away. He walked toward the light and noticed Wen Zhe had changed into a black hoodie similar to his own, paired with casual pants.

An image of Wen Zhe in a suit and team uniform suddenly flashed through Jian Yao’s mind. Stripped of those polished layers, he felt novel.

And the furrow between Wen Zhe’s brows was no longer tense, making him seem even more approachable.

“I thought about driving here, but parking is such a hassle. An electric scooter is just more convenient,” Wen Zhe said, handing a helmet from the basket to Jian Yao. “Here, you have to wear it even if you’re sitting in the back.”

“Thanks.” Jian Yao took it and put it on, his fingertips brushing against Wen Zhe’s, leaving a lingering warmth. Thankfully, it was nighttime, and with the helmet on, his flushed ears were well hidden.

“Did you forget something?” Wen Zhe asked, a bit helpless as he watched Jian Yao lower his gaze to the scooter.

“Forget what?”

Jian Yao didn’t notice the person in front of him leaning toward him, bracing against the scooter’s handlebars. “When you talk to me, look into my eyes.”

Oh no, the most basic respect between people.

Jian Yao immediately looked up. “Sorry.”

But seeing the other person staring at him, he found himself lost in thought again.

“Why are you always apologizing?” Wen Zhe chuckled, reaching out to gently ruffle Jian Yao’s hair. “Don’t be so tense. Get on.”

Jian Yao mumbled a reply, effortlessly swinging his leg over to sit stiffly behind Wen Zhe. He cautiously glanced at the back of the person in front of him.

His shoulders seemed narrower than they looked on TV.

“Wait,” Wen Zhe said, supporting the scooter with his long legs as he turned slightly. “Lean toward me a bit.”

Jian Yao followed his words, tilting slightly to the side. Wen Zhe pulled something out of his pocket, a smile curling at the corner of his mouth as he waved it in front of Jian Yao. “A meeting gift.”

“Is this something to stick on the helmet?”

“Yeah, a little white duck wearing a yellow hat.” As he spoke, Wen Zhe peeled off the adhesive backing and stuck it onto Jian Yao’s helmet, letting out a soft laugh. “It really does look like you.”

“Look like what?”

“You and it are alike—both a bit silly.”

Jian Yao narrowed his eyes in protest, but Wen Zhe reached out and lightly flicked his forehead. “Just kidding. Hold on tight, I’m taking you somewhere good to eat.”

Then he put on his own helmet. Jian Yao glanced up slightly and noticed Wen Zhe’s helmet also had a little duck on it.

A little yellow duck wearing a white hat.

The autumn breeze rustled the bamboo propellers atop the two little ducks’ heads. Jian Yao gazed at the cypress trees lining the street under the glow of the streetlights, their tender green tips faintly tinged with yellow. The streets were still bustling with people walking around.

It had been a long time since he had experienced the night like this…

Before he knew it, he felt Wen Zhe gently pat his shoulder. “We’re here. Let’s get off.”

Jian Yao responded.

They took off their helmets and placed them in the electric scooter’s basket. Casually, Wen Zhe heard the unmistakable sound of someone’s stomach betraying them. A glint of amusement flashed in his eyes as he pushed open the door to the barbecue shop. “Come on in.”

“Welcome!” The shop owner, Auntie Chen, glanced over and beamed when she recognized Wen Zhe, though she lowered her voice. “Xiao Zhe, you’re here! I reserved the private room for you earlier.”

“Thank you, Auntie Chen. I’ll grill as usual.”

“No problem. I’ll have someone bring the ingredients right away.”

“Okay, thanks.” Wen Zhe expressed his gratitude and led Jian Yao into the private room.

As soon as they entered, the AFG team flag hung prominently in the center of the wall. To the right was a photo wall adorned with pictures of the team members, along with their handwritten blessings and signatures.

“It’s actually an AFG-themed private room,” Jian Yao thought, swallowing back the “wow” that nearly escaped his throat.

He stepped closer for a better look.

His eyes widened involuntarily—

Signatures from the entire team! Blessings from everyone!

Jian Yao’s gaze fell on a nearby sticky note.

“Wishing Auntie Chen good health. —Wen Zhe.”

While the others had written blessings like “May your business thrive,” Wen Zhe’s stood out with its simple “good health.”

“Is Auntie Chen the owner from earlier?” Jian Yao asked instinctively.

“Yes, she used to be the cook for AFG,” Wen Zhe replied, moving closer to Jian Yao. He leaned over his shoulder, reaching for a pen and paper from a shelf on the wall, and placed them in front of Jian Yao. “Why don’t you write one too?”

Jian Yao hesitated, eyeing Wen Zhe’s outstretched hand, but ultimately gave in to his wavering heart and accepted them.

“Sorry, Auntie Chen,” he thought. “I’ll just write it. I won’t stick it on the wall.”

Leaning against the wall, Jian Yao kept glancing nervously at the door, afraid Auntie Chen might walk in.

Wen Zhe, holding back laughter, couldn’t resist teasing him. “Auntie Chen’s here.”

“Ah!” Jian Yao spun around, hiding his hands behind his back, and frantically scanned the room.

No one was there. Only when he heard the laughter did he realize he’d been tricked.

“Wen Zhe!” Jian Yao wasn’t sure how to describe his feelings. The momentary panic was real, but his sneaky behavior was undeniably amusing.

Oh no, did calling his name like that make him angry?

In fact, Wen Zhe wasn’t angry at all. The amusement in his eyes only deepened.

“My bad, my bad,” Wen Zhe said, one hand in his pocket, the other gently ruffling Jian Yao’s hair. “You write properly. I’ll keep watch for you.”

Just as he was about to step away, Jian Yao tugged at the hem of his shirt and handed him the sticky note he’d just finished. “It’s fine. I’m already done.”

“That was quick,” Wen Zhe took it, squinting slightly as he read. “Your handwriting… it’s quite artistic!”

“Ah…”

Before Jian Yao could react, Wen Zhe casually stuck it right next to his own note.

“Hey! Why did you stick it up?”

Just as Jian Yao reached out to peel it off, the door opened.

“Sorry for the wait.”

“No problem! Thank you for your hard work.” Jian Yao quickly withdrew his hand, placing them stiffly at his sides as he straightened his posture.

“Hahaha, this kid is too adorable,” Auntie Chen laughed while arranging skewered meat on the table. “It’s no trouble at all. This shop wasn’t easy to come by. I’m just worried I won’t manage it well.”

“Auntie Chen, don’t say such discouraging things,” Wen Zhe said, taking a seat and placing the skewers on the grill. He joked lightly, “If you don’t manage it well, I’ll be upset.”

“We have to do this right, can’t let Xiao Zhe down.” Aunt Chen’s momentary gloom vanished as she arranged all the dishes on the table. “Take your time eating, call me if you need anything.”

After Aunt Chen left, Jian Yao finally sat down opposite Wen Zhe. Unable to help with anything, he forced a conversation starter: “Haven’t Su Ze and Zhong Yuyi arrived yet?”

“They’re not coming,” Wen Zhe replied without stopping his hands, brushing oil onto the meat skewers. “They ditched me to go eat somewhere else.”

Buzz— Wen Zhe’s phone vibrated. He casually opened the group chat.

[Little Yisi: Zhe-ge! What about the promised late-night snack? How could you disappear on us!]

[Su Su Su: Abandoning the two of us, is that how you treat your bros?!]

[Su Su Su: We’re so pitiful, shivering in the autumn wind late at night, we’re like homeless kids.]

[Wzhe transferred 500 yuan to Su Su Su]

[Wzhe: Enough?]

[Su Su Su: Can the bond between bros be measured by money?]

[Su Su Su has received the payment]

[Little Yisi: Zhe-ge, I won’t be swayed by money. Sending it to me won’t work.]

[Wzhe transferred 500 yuan to Little Yuyi]

[Little Yuyi has received the payment]

[Little Yuyi: Dad!]

[Su Su Su: Dad!]

After replying, Wen Zhe turned on Do Not Disturb mode. “Just gained two sons.”

“Su Ze and Zhong Yuyi?” Jian Yao guessed.

“Mm,” Wen Zhe replied, then picked up a cooked skewer and placed it on Jian Yao’s plate. “Eat more. Weren’t you hungry earlier?”

Recalling his awkward state after getting out of the car, Jian Yao changed the subject. “What are they eating?”

“Not sure. They asked me for a thousand, so it probably won’t be too bad,” Wen Zhe replied without batting an eye.

“A thousand?” Jian Yao paused before putting the meat in his mouth. “That much?”

“Mm. They called me ‘Dad,’ so how could I refuse?”

“Dad?” Jian Yao muttered softly, only to have Wen Zhe take advantage of it. Raising an eyebrow, Wen Zhe said, “I’m here.”

Jian Yao felt speechless for a moment, staring at Wen Zhe, unsure what to say. He listened as the other continued, “Since I’ve already taken advantage of you, then… as an exchange, I should promise you something, right?”

There’s such a good deal?!

Countless ideas flashed through Jian Yao’s mind—should he ask for an autograph, a photo together, or…

Unfortunately, his mouth had already cut off his unrealistic thoughts. “No, you don’t have to promise anything.”

“That won’t do. I’d feel guilty.”

Feeling Wen Zhe’s intense gaze, Jian Yao once again lowered the meat he was about to put in his mouth.

“I want tickets to the finals.” Jian Yao said cautiously, watching Wen Zhe and noticing a flicker of surprise in his eyes.

Looks like it’s not possible…

“Your wish is… that simple?” Wen Zhe sighed. “I thought it’d be something like spending the whole day with me, but it’s not what I expected.”

Wait, what is he saying?

Jian Yao leaned forward slightly, lightly biting the bamboo tip of the skewer, his throat moving slightly. “If it’s this, is it okay?”

Seeing the flicker in the young man’s eyes, Wen Zhe averted his gaze and lightly flicked Jian Yao’s forehead. “Of course not.”

“Ah, you’re right,” Jian Yao quickly snapped back to reality and sat up straight.

“Hurry up and eat before it gets cold,” Wen Zhe teased again. “If you say a few more nice things, maybe I’ll agree.”

“That’s too bad. My mouth can’t say anything nice,” Jian Yao said knowingly, finally putting the skewer into his mouth.

“Is it good?” Wen Zhe deliberately asked.

“It’s delicious,” Jian Yao nodded, answering truthfully.

“See, isn’t that a nice thing to say? These basic compliments have become so commonplace that people take them for granted, yet hearing them still brings joy,” Wen Zhe took a sip of his drink and continued, “Even though you only said it’s delicious, you’ve already affirmed the freshness of the restaurant’s ingredients and my cooking skills.”

Jian Yao tilted his head, momentarily stunned.

Though it sounded simple, it did make sense.

“So, you don’t have to let other people’s opinions affect who you are,” Wen Zhe said, looking directly into his eyes without hesitation, making him feel a little uneasy.

This was the first time Jian Yao felt as if he were about to be seen through.

He lowered his head. “Wait a moment, the smoke is stinging my eyes.”

“Silly,” Wen Zhe didn’t expose him. He switched the grill to keep-warm mode so the food wouldn’t lose its flavor while waiting for Jian Yao to regain his composure.

Jian Yao adjusted his emotions quickly, but he didn’t know what expression to wear when facing Wen Zhe. Stumbling over his words, he mumbled, “I need to use the restroom.”

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