The next day, Ding-ge arrived at the base just as Lu Boyuan returned from his run.

You went running? Does your body even feel better yet? In the middle of the day like this Ding-ge blocked Lu Boyuan from going upstairs. Also, how many times have I told you this already? You have to wear a hat even if youre just going out to throw away the trash, do you know that there are often fans camping outside of the neighborhood

I didnt leave the neighborhood. Lu Boyuan stopped helplessly and picked up a towel to casually wipe his face with. Ive also said this before, its not that bad.

Stop thinking of yourself as an ordinary person all the time, wake up a bit, your fee is higher than that of who knows how many celebrities! After Ding-ge said that, he glanced at Lu Boyuans hand. Does it still hurt? Let me go get a thermometer

Lu Boyuan walked towards the break room. I already measured it, the fever went down. My hand is fine too.

Ding-ge followed him. The doctor said that youre still practicing for too long. How about this, the next spring season match is against Throne, and theyre pretty average this season. We could let Moon go up and get some practice in, and you rest.

Lu Boyuan frowned. I can play.

I know that you can play, who in the entire LPL doesnt know that? Ding-ge interrupted him. But its not necessary, its just a regular season match, after all. And also, I feel like theyll be able to win even without you. Even if they do lose, it wont be a big deal. Dont tell me that youre worried about us not entering the playoffs? Recently, you havent stopped practicing once, your hand needs to rest.

Lu Boyuan quietly took a sip of water.

Listen to ge this time I heard that PUD also urgently called the doctor over to their base last night. XIUs hand problem seems to be a bit worse off than yours.

Lu Boyuan swept a look over him. You have a spy at PUDs base?

Who can hide something like this? Do you think the other teams dont know about your hand injury? Ding-ge sighed. XIUs probably going to end up retiring this year, PUD has already begun secretly looking for a new jungler.

Lu Boyuan paused slightly, and he put down his bottle. You even know that?

Ding-ge hummed. I wont keep you in the dark either. PWTs rookie junglers contract is set to expire soon, and hes contacted me privately before. He also revealed to me that PUD was in touch with him, probably because he wanted to raise his own net worth a bit.

Lu Boyuan nodded. How did the negotiations go?

There were none. Ding-ge said, Our team isnt lacking a jungler.

The corners of Lu Boyuans mouth tugged upwards, but at the same time, he couldnt bring himself to laugh.

XIU had indeed discussed retirement with Lu Boyuan before, but XIU had said that he was planning to hang in there and play for another two years. He wanted to do his best to help his old master PUD, which had served him for many years, get a championship trophy; then, he could retire freely and easily.

LoLs professional scene had already developed for many years now. The esports clubs abandoning their veterans had long since become commonplace.

Some only found out that they were relegated to the substitute position the night before the competition began. Some were even threatened by their teams: either they could agree to hang up their mantle, or they could stare at the water cooler for an entire season backstage.

Lu Boyuan had witnessed it all and more before. Just a few days ago, the pro player who was threatened to the point of retirement had invited all the people in the LPL veteran group chat out to celebrate his childs one-month birthday.

The new replacing the old was an unavoidable process for every esports team. No matter how glorious a professional player once was, they would always eventually be submerged in the long river of time.

Lu Boyuan picked up his water and made to leave. Ding-ge quickly stopped him. Where are you going?

To take a shower.

Wait a moment, the thing I was just talking with you about

Up to you. Lu Boyuan said, Its you all in the management who have the final say concerning who goes up on stage. Ill follow whatever is planned.

Ding-ge nodded. Dont feel too sad about XIU either. Pro players of his caliber wont have a bad life after they retire.

Lu Boyuan nodded and didnt say anything else before he continued upstairs.

Ding-ge watched him go. When Lu Boyuan was halfway up the stairs, Ding-ge suddenly remembered that he still had something to take care of. Hey hold on! Is that little damn brat with the dyed blue hair awake yet?!

That furious roar was the first thing Jian Rong heard when he opened his door.

He drowsily met Lu Boyuans gaze. Because he just woke up, his mind was somewhat sluggish.

Ding-ge just happened to be standing at the perfect angle to see Jian Rongs half-open bedroom door through the gaps in the banister. Jian Rongcome down here at once and explain to me how the fuck a news title like child steals parents money to recharge account and requests a refund from Tencent is related to you!!!

Jian Rong woke up then, and slammed his door shut with a bang.

But he couldnt hide forever. Half an hour later, Jian Rong sat in the living room, holding his noodles while a stream recording of last nights events played out in front of everyone else. He infinitely regretted his past self who had tried to run away earlier.

Xiao Bai sat on the sofa, watching Jian Rongs stream replay from last night, laughing so hard that he felt sore. He lifted his head and asked the person on the other end of the couch, Ge, do you think I have a chance to own the TTC Lee Sin skin?

Lu Boyuan was playing on his phone. You dont have it?

My newly opened side account on the Black Rose server doesnt. Xiao Bai instantly said.

Lu Boyuan nodded. That skin will go back on sale in October, when the time comes Ill send you one.

Xiao Bai: ??

Xiao Bai immediately made his injustice known. Ge, this is discriminatory treatment!

Jian Rong was sitting on the carpet, his back against the couch, so he couldnt see the other peoples expressions. He only heard Lu Boyuan reply with a simple, Mn.

Jian Rong froze for two seconds before he lowered his head and slurped up a large mouthful of noodles.

An inexplicable happiness had just started to bloom in his heart when

Jian Rongs still young, and hes a newcomer too. Its normal for Captain to take care of him. The great master of impartiality, Yuan Qian, patted Xiao Bais shoulder. Captain took care of you a lot before too. Didnt he constantly take you out to eat back when we just started playing competitively?

Thats right. Xiao Bai thought a bit. At that time, we only made about a thousand yuan a month, and my ge would have to spend several hundred just treating me to meals ge, youre so great.

Jian Rong bit through his noodles with a snap.

Deceiving customer service wasnt a big deal. In any case, it wasnt like Tencent would refund the money, so most people treated it like a meme.

Ding-ge scolded Jian Rong a little and told him to be careful when streaming in the future; he should be especially cautious of not being linked to the word deceive again.

Jian Rong concentrated on eating his noodles and nodded at everything Ding-ge said.

Okay, thats enough. Everyones eaten, right? Ding-ge glanced at the time. Lets go upstairs, the practice match is about to begin.

The auntie was on break today, so Ding-ge made the noodles that Jian Rong was eating.

Jian Rong washed the bowl and was about to go upstairs to practice when he saw that Lu Boyuan was still sitting on the sofa, playing a match-three game.

Even though he sensed someone approaching him, Lu Boyuan didnt look up. Whats up?

Jian Rong shook off the water on his hands very lightly. Let me transfer that ten thousand yuan to you, Captain.

Lu Boyuan didnt respond. He only turned to face Jian Rong once he finished eliminating all the items in the game, resting his elbow lazily on the back of the couch.

A child stealing his parents money? he suddenly asked, Am I the parent or the child?

Jian Rong was dumbfounded by the question.

Lu Boyuan raised an eyebrow. I properly earned all the money that I deposited for you, I didnt steal it, dont worry.

Jian Rong snapped out of it, and he rambled, No, youre the parent

Wait a minute.

What parent or child, that was just something that he made up solely to mess with and trick customer service.

Lu Boyuan: In that case, the parent voluntarily gave the money, no need to return it.

After he said that, he turned back around and started the next level of the game.

Jian Rong stood there for a while before he reached up and wiped his face with the still wet palm of his hand.

His phones WeChat chimed; Jian Rong didnt even need to check it to know who was looking for him.

He licked his lips and took two steps closer to Lu Boyuan before he reminded him, Ding-ge is saying to go upstairs.

Lu Boyuan gave an en. Go ahead.

Jian Rong was startled. Are you not going?

Im resting today. Lu Boyuans head was still lowered. Moon went up already. Theyre all waiting for you, so you should go.

On the way to the practice match room, Jian Rong glanced downstairs through the gaps in the stair railing.

Lu Boyuan was already gone from the living room.

Jian Rong and Yuan Qian were walking at the very end. He pressed his lips together but still couldnt resist tilting his head to ask, Qian-ge, why is the sub playing in todays practice match?

Its normal to train with the substitute, other teams frequently play with subs during practice matches. Yuan Qian murmured, Its probably because Captain practiced too much recently and went over his training limit, so he got a warning from the doctor

Warning? Jian Rong unconsciously stopped walking. Didnt his fever go down?

Yuan Qians smile froze. Only then did he remember that Jian Rong still didnt know about the captains hand injury.

Although it wasnt like this was some big secret that had to be hidden no matter what from Jian Rong Ding-ge and the captain both hadnt said anything about it, so Yuan Qian didnt dare to just tell Jian Rong on his own initiative either.

Does he have another injury too? People who played games all year round were very sharp when it came to matters like this. Jian Rong demanded, A pro gaming injury? Is that it?

Yuan Qian sucked in a deep breath of air and smiled. Yeah. Hai, nowadays who doesnt have some pro gaming injuries? You should also have some from streaming for so long every day before, right? Everyone feels tired when they play for too long. Who knows, maybe itll be your turn to rest during the next practice match

I dont rest. Jian Rong said.

Yuan Qian:

Actually, Jian Rong had guessed a long time ago that Lu Boyuan had a pro gaming injury. After having his suspicions confirmed, he restrained himself and didnt keep questioning Yuan Qian.

If Lu Boyuan wanted to tell him, then he wouldve already done so that night Jian Rong massaged his hand for him.

Seeing that Jian Rongs face was filled with concern, Yuan Qian was worried that it would affect their upcoming practice match, so he started to contemplate whether he should comfort Jian Rong a bit.

Jian Rong suddenly turned his head and asked, Is it very serious?

Yuan Qian buried his conscience and said, Im not entirely sure either, it should be alright. Anyway, Captain already said that he wont be retiring this year.

Jian Rong nodded and strode into the practice match room.

Reality proved that Yuan Qian was overthinking things.

Their conversation didnt have any effect whatsoever on Jian Rongs condition. In their practice match that day, Jian Rong completely carried, and he got MVP in three out of the five games.

What Yuan Qian didnt know was that, upon finishing their matches and returning to the practice room, the first thing that Jian Rong did was secretly pull up a certain search engine on his phone.

What kind of occupational injuries do professional gamers have

Can hand overuse injuries be cured

Do severe back injuries hurt a lot

The search results that came up were all fucking useless. Jian Rong looked up a few questions before he gave up.

He glanced at Lu Boyuans computer chair; it was empty.

After exiting the website, Jian Rong opened a certain online shopping platform, wanting to order some instant coffee. They were almost out of instant coffee at the base, and he still wasnt used to the coffee machine.

Unexpectedly, the instant the website loaded, the home page was filled with recommendations of items

[100% good reviews neck massager], [Low frequency physiotherapy equipment for unblocking the meridians electrotherapy massager], [Back massager chin up, chest out, be a man]

Jian Rong couldnt help but click into one and check it out.

The seller extravagantly embellished the functions of the massager, all the customer reviews were positive, the rate of good reviews was 100%!!!

Jian Rong was blinded by these showy s, and he wildly spent money at that Taobao shop.

The owner of the Taobao shop was located right in Shanghai. After Jian Rong contacted them, the owner agreed to ship to Jian Rong using same-city express delivery.

As Xiao Bai passed by Jian Rong, holding his milk tea, he just happened to spot Jian Rong scanning his QR payment code from the corner of his eye. 8,200? Thats a hefty sum, whatcha buying?

Jian Rong slammed his phone face-down on the table. None of your business.

At seven PM, everyone sat in the living room together eating crayfish while also reviewing their match recordings.

Lu Boyuan finally came downstairs. He wore a calm expression as he sat down next to Jian Rong.

Ge, what were you doing this afternoon? Xiao Bai asked.

Sleeping. Lu Boyuans voice was indifferent. How was the practice match?

We won them all. Moon spoke before Xiao Bai could reply. Captain, I was the MVP for a game.

His desire to be praised was very obvious.

Lu Boyuan only nodded, head lowered as he replied to a text.

Jian Rong gnawed on his chopsticks and couldnt resist peeking down at Lu Boyuans hand.

Lu Boyuan was leaning against the back of the chair the entire time while he was typing, so his back should be fine.

Halfway through their meal, the doorbell rang.

Ding-ge slipped off his gloves and walked over to the entryway, opening the digital peephole. He saw a man wearing a hat and mask standing outside, and he frowned as he questioned, Who is it?

The person was covered up so much that even his voice sounded muffled. Express delivery.

Ding-ges brows furrowed even deeper. We didnt order any express deliveries

Its mine. Jian Rong abruptly stood up. Ill go get it.

Ding-ge glanced back and asked, You bought something?

Mn, same-city express delivery. Jian Rong replied as he put on his shoes.

Ding-ge hesitated briefly before he said to the courier, Got it, you can just put the item down at the door and go, well get it right away.

The box wasnt very big, and it was surprisingly light. Jian Rong held it in his arms and verified the name on the boxSoft.

It was his, for sure.

Back at the base, Yuan Qian lifted his head and urged, Finish eating first and then open it, if you dont come soon were going to eat them all.

Jian Rong found a pair of scissors. One moment, Im just going to confirm it.

He bought so many items, so reasonably speaking, it shouldnt be this light.

And also did he write Soft as the recipient name?

Just as Jian Rong tore open the package, the doorbell rang again.

Lu Boyuan walked out from the kitchen right after washing his hands. Ill get it.

Lu Boyuan opened the digital peephole. A courier wearing a certain express delivery companys jacket was standing outside. Hello, Im here to deliver a package. I have a same-city express delivery for Jian Rong here

Clatter.

The sound of scissors falling on the ground.

Unease rose in Lu Boyuans mind, and he looked back to see Jian Rong staring, shocked, at the package, before he lifted a hand to cover his noseLu Boyuan didnt even think before he started walking towards Jian Rong.

Right as Lu Boyuan was drawing near, Jian Rong snapped out of it and swiftly closed the flaps of the package tightly. He picked up the tape that he had just ripped off and randomly stuck it back on. Dont come over here.

Lu Boyuan looked down. What is it?

a few dead rats. Jian Rong reacted rapidly and picked up the package before he headed outside.

Lu Boyuan grabbed onto his arm. Where are you going?

Its not too late if I chase after them right now. Jian Rong said, Im going to smash this on that dumbass head.

Yan: Jian Rong is like that duck with a knife meme. Super tiny but WILL FIGHT. (Also last thing about Genshin I swear but hehe ily to everyone who added me hopefully we can play together more easily once private chat comes in 1.2!! Also Mihoyo why no cross-serve co-op finally, big shoutout to whoever added me as Soft with Chongyun as your profile pic, you made me laugh hahaha)

Wei: Ill fight that guy too JR!!! Also why do I feel like JR got scammed anyway lol you cant trust those shady ads