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Ch23 - Everything Will Go Well
Edited by: Mel
Li Zhongchen struggled for a few days. His heart felt empty, and he thought about Qiao Yi the entire time.
He was mentally prepared. Perhaps it was because he had gotten to the point where he could no longer stand it that he boldly came to wait at the other’s door.
“I haven’t sent any messages to you in these past few days, right? I did not disturb you.” Li Zhongchen tested carefully. “According to America’s timezone, today is the day of the court case, so I wondered if I was able to come and see you.”
In the eyes of others, he had always been an arrogant person with a nonchalant attitude towards many things.
But before Qiao Yi, anxiety would sprout within his heart, growing in secret. He was afraid that he would become the object of Qiao Yi’s disgust, that he would be annoyed when he saw him. He was even more afraid that Qiao Yi had let go long ago, and he was no more than just an insignificant stranger in the other’s eyes.
If he could erase everything that happened in the last two meetings, perhaps this would be his feelings when they reunited after a long parting.
“You didn’t disturb me,” Qiao Yi raised his eyes to look at him. The inexplicable gaze in his eyes was too complicated. “But I’m still not able to give you an answer right now.”
“…I’m not in a hurry,” Li Zhongchen tensed. “Where are you going?”
He was tall and his posture ramrod straight. It gave Qiao Yi a vague, rising sense of oppression.
But his attitude and tone were cautious. It was as though Qiao Yi was the one blocking his way, forcing him to be good, not to wander outside if he had nothing better to do and to just stay home.
“…” Qiao Yi’s chest felt stuffy. “I’m going to the supermarket. There’s nothing to eat at home.”
Li Zhongchen responded boldly, “I’ll accompany you.”
The two of them stared at each other that way for a long time in the hallway of the residential building.
Initially, none of them said a word. Only the faint sounds of their breathing were present, as though whoever said anything more would lose.
So, eventually.
The one who was soft-hearted still did not win.
Qiao Yi’s hand around the key tightened and said softly to Li Zhongchen. “Wait for me. I’m going back into the house to get a mask.”
“En.” Li Zhongchen’s gaze quivered.
The Walmart in the neighborhood.
It was always lively and full of people no matter the time of day.
Qiao Yi, who was wearing a mask, was picking out ingredients in the produce aisle.
Li Zhongchen was in charge of pushing the cart. Most of the space was filled. Aside from snacks, most of it contained daily necessities.. When Li Zhongchen entered the apartment earlier, he found that the house was actually quite empty. What it lacked was the breath of life.
He was absent-minded, and Qiao Yi did not ask him for his opinions when picking out vegetables. He could only take the initiative to ask. “You’ve already come back for about half a month, right? Have you not adjusted to the time difference?”
“It was adjusted during the period when the Rookies’ competition was held,” Qiao Yi said in a low voice. “After that, I pulled a few all nighters and I have been working and resting irregularly since then.”
Li Zhongchen could not help but frown. “That’s not good, your immunity will decline and you’ll catch a cold easily when it gets cold in the winter.”
“…” Qiao Yi’s hand that had been picking out a tomato paused, and he did not say a word.
Li Zhongchen was speechless, and he quickly changed the subject. “Have you seen the official announcement of Yu Wen and Luo Yuqi? Those who had voiced opinions about you are gone now. They all know that it was actually MW who was being inhumane.”
A young couple was heading towards them. Their gazes met. The two of them turned to the side, not wanting to block others’ path.
Qiao Yi placed the tomato he chose into the cart. “I don’t pay much attention to comments on the internet anymore. In the past, I used to do it all the time, looking for trouble, causing everyone to be unhappy.”
“…” Li Zhongchen was speechless, only to see Qiao Yi walk on ahead.
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He pushed the cart and caught up. “Qiao Yi, I already told them not to talk nonsense. And besides, they still have to thank you for what happened with Zheng Xiaokui back then.”
In all honesty, there was some exaggeration in his statement.
But Qiao Yi only lowered his gaze and replied, “it’s all in the past. Just like the wound on your hand that has long healed.”
The tone at the end of his sentence gradually lowered. There seemed to be an unspeakable sense of grievance and unwillingness hidden in his calm speech.
His silhouette was thin. If Li Zhongchen reached out his hand, he would be able to pull him into his arms, restrain him, making him unable to move and plead with him to let him go with glistening eyes.
…He could not help but want to make a move on Qiao Yi.
They headed from the produce section to the meat section.
Qiao Yi most likely wanted to buy some tender beef, but had no idea where to start. Li Zhongchen had always been the one who knew how to pick and pointed at a certain piece. “Buy this, it looks fresh.”
Before Qiao Yi could answer him, the madam that was working put on a pair of disposable gloves and picked up that piece of meat. “This handsome guy really knows how to choose. This piece was just cut and displayed, looks like you cook often at home. Today’s society is not as it used to be, you can’t just leave everything to your girlfriend. House chores should be shared between one another.”
Qiao Yi, “…”
Li Zhongchen was extremely shameless. “I only knew what to pick in the past. But now, if it’s something he likes to eat, I’ll be able to make it. It took me quite a lot of effort to learn all of those.”
What he said was clearly intentional. Wasn’t it all said for the sake of the person next to him?
The lobes of Qiao Yi’s ears slowly turned red. “…”
“That’s really nice, unlike my family’s daughter who dated an air steward. They don’t get to meet more than a few times throughout the year. It’s even difficult to have a meal together.” The madam was outgoing. She gave them the receipt, and was still blathering on as she handed it over.
“You two youngsters are not dating girlfriends, right? You both look about twenty four or five years old. Although there is no need to rush in a big city like this, you have to seize the opportunity to find a partner. Pay more attention, or it will be a pity if you miss the opportunity.”
Li Zhongchen even chimed enthusiastically. “I’ll immediately apply for the certification once I’ve caught them.”
They were merely out to buy groceries, and yet surprisingly ended up being educated.
The atmosphere was too delicate. Qiao Yi silently took the packaged tender beef. He did not place it in the cart and was about to leave.
Li Zhongchen’s strode out with his long legs and said deliberately, “how did your ears turn red so easily.”
“…” Qiao Yi, who was wearing a mask, glared at him. “You can cook for whoever you like, I’m not interested in those kinds of things.”
Li Zhongchen did not evade it, their gazes colliding.
Qiao Yi’s good looking features were reflected in his eyes. He answered ambiguously. “What if that person was you?”
Qiao Yi was stunned for a moment. “…I don’t want to be poisoned to death, thanks.”
“…” Li Zhongchen had nothing to say. If he were to blame, it would be on him causing an explosion in the kitchen in the past and making cursed dishes.
There was once he had forgotten to turn off the stove while simmering congee. When Qiao Yi lifted the lid of the pot and saw the darkened lumps with his own eyes, he had refused to hear a single word about congee for half a month.
After avoiding his gaze.
Qiao Yi noticed how hot his own face was. He bit his lower lip in disappointment towards himself. It was too embarrassing.
After they had footed the bill and left.
There was a bakery on the first floor of the mall.
Qiao Yi wanted to buy some pastries and planned to eat them for supper.
Li Zhongchen had never liked sweets, but he followed along the other and chose some on a whim – cranberry stuffed, taro flavored – they went back and forth that way, just like when they had first fallen in love.
It was rare for Qiao Yi to be in such a good mood, buying two of each that he liked, saying that he would pack them separately and have Li Zhongchen bring a portion of them back.
The shop’s staff helped to slice the bread. Li Zhongchen wanted to pay again, but he saw Qiao Yi being a step quicker and handing over the membership card.
Qiao Yi said helplessly, “you paid for all the things we got at the supermarket earlier, I couldn’t even stop you. What kind of relationship do you have with me? We can’t even be considered as future colleagues, so what’s the matter with me paying for it?”
“…” Li Zhongchen felt aggrieved hearing what he said. “How many years has it been, why do you need to settle up so clearly with me?”
Qiao Yi said ruthlessly. “It really hasn’t been that many years. And besides, we no longer owe each other anything.”
You don’t owe me.
But I owe you so much more.
Li Zhongchen did not take Qiao Yi’s cold words to heart.
Anyway, they were all innocuous words spoken in a moment of anger. He leaned against a corner of the counter, his figure comparable to that of a male model. With eyes as sharp as a knife, he lifted a sharp, handsome brow.
“Both Yu Wen and Luo Yuqi were scolded badly. In addition to him spewing a mouth full of vulgarities on the livestream after winning, their popularity in both the e-sports circle and normal players have plummeted. The one with the last name Qin was also scolded to the point that he doesn’t even have a piece of skin left intact. It’s pretty interesting, why don’t you go take a look?”
The previous topic was temporarily forgotten.
Li Zhongchen recalled what happened when they teamed up a few days ago. It was all thanks to Yao Tong’s divine-like assist that they ended up having a rather good time. He handed the phone directly to Qiao Yi for him to have a look.
[Boss Qin sure is a top-notch aesthetician. The selection criteria now for the esteemed team turned out to be homoerotic boys of concerning quality. Not just one, but two of them. I recommend to go ahead and buy a script and film a drama, enter the entertainment circle, and become a top tier performer. The day is not far off. You can even stop your real estate business @TeamMW]
[We’ve wronged God Qiao. Turns out the one who doesn’t cherish past feelings was someone else. I think everyone must have heard the story of a woman from ancient times who cheated behind her husband’s back that ended up being drowned in a pig cage. Maybe it’s time for Boss Qin to be drowned.]
[Boss Qin, can’t we just stick with things in the Yang side of the world. What do you mean by buying ominous players??]
[Isn’t Xiao Qiao good? He had been doing so well in the American server, fighting his way to the top two in the intergalactic cup. He was still willing to come back, coming all this way just for you to make him wear a green hat. I would like to ask if it’s inlaid with gold and diamonds?]
[The one with the last name Qin is a sb, I wish your esteemed team to play more crappy in the future. If you share this post, there will be a giveaway draw of 200 currency to buy milk tea for 10 people, not limited to only members. Other than Detergents, everyone else can come give it a try]
“…” Qiao Yi frowned slightly upon listening to it. “Actually, Brother Qin had asked for my opinion and wanted to know what I thought of it. But I had already known then that Wing and Lau were going to come back and sign on with them. I guess I didn’t want to make things difficult for both sides, so I took the initiative to decline signing.”
Li Zhongchen had to contain his anger from exploding. “The two of them are tied together and can’t be separated. Had it been only Yu Wen or Luo Yuqi that came back, the one with the last name Qin would have never let go of you. At the end of the day, interest came first.”
At this time, the staff had finished packaging their bread.
Qiao Yi took it and thanked the staff politely. He was about to head out with Li Zhongchen.
“Forget it. Anyway, the year end transfer period is coming soon. The former teammates who should retire are already retiring. There wasn’t much of an impact without me in the past half a year. There is really nothing much to remember about me.”
Despite saying so.
They had once braved the rain and storm together. How could they simply let go?
Li Zhongchen heard a sigh from Qiao Yi.
He knew that the other had always attached great importance to friendship. No matter what the situation was, Qiao Yi was definitely never the first one who gave up. It was only when he was absolutely disappointed that he would stop persisting.
That included their feelings.
LI Zhongchen thought deeply about how he should comfort him.
But before they could exit the store, a pair of familiar looking boy and girl got up from the table near the window and walked towards them.
The girl looked a little embarrassed, probably because she was afraid of disturbing the two of them. “Ah, hello, Echo…We saw you earlier at the supermarket. I am your fan, I didn’t think that I would bump into you here.”
The girl was so shy that she kept pinching her own fingers.
The tall boy that stood next to her could not help but speak up on her behalf. “God Zhong, my girlfriend kept saying that she wanted your autograph earlier on, but she was too embarrassed. She has liked you for about six years. She has never missed any of your livestreams and watches some of them repeatedly.”
Li Zhongchen and Qiao Yi were a little surprised.
Recalling what happened earlier on at the produce section at the supermarket, it seemed that they had indeed met the couple then.
Qiao Yi did not say a word, as though he was watching a good show.
On the other hand, Li Zhongchen felt awkward and put in a difficult position. He wanted to say how could he give his autograph when there was no pen or paper? And besides, Qiao Yi was right next to him. Even if he was wearing a mask, they were both from the same circle, so they should have recognized him. “…Thank you, but I haven’t competed in a long time. To ask for my autograph is thinking too highly of me.”
The girl hurriedly said, “you’re going to make a comeback soon, right? No matter what, I will always continue supporting you, Echo.”
Li Zhongchen carried the shopping bags and smiled sincerely. “Thank you.”
“Echo, are you out shopping with your teammate?” The girl forced herself to find a topic. Perhaps only people who chased after celebrities could understand the experience of internal joyful gesticulation that had to be hidden behind a pretense of calmness on the surface. “This place is quite far from the SVG club base, right? Earlier on, I couldn’t believe that I had really seen you.”
As soon as she said that.
Li Zhongchen could not help but feel a little complicated. Feeling that Qiao Yi that stood next to him was a little indifferent, he suddenly had an idea. “Not teammate. It’s God Qiao that used to be from MW. I’ve always had a good relationship with him.”
“…” Qiao Yi’s body stiffened immediately.
The young couple before them were also surprised.
The eyes that were originally on Li Zhongchen turned to look at Qiao Yi. The girl still had her mouth opened slightly. “Ah, God Qiao?! I’m so sorry I didn’t recognize you. Didn’t you dye your hair blond awhile back? And you were also wearing a mask…”
Qiao Yi felt helpless.
It was not like Li Zhongchen did not know what the situation was like with their fans. What was he planning when he mentioned himself?
But he still took off the mask and revealed his face. He was very polite to the other, yet his heart felt strangely nervous. “My relationship with God Zhong is pretty normal.”
“Eh?! Your relationship should be quite good to be able to go shopping together,” the girl said in surprise. “Although I am not your fan, God Qiao, but I’ve watched the exciting matches that you played in the American server’s Intergalactic cup. There are a lot of things to worry about, but good things can be hard to come by. Don’t be too upset about what’s been going on in the domestic server. Everything will go well in the future.”
The boy also smiled sincerely. “Then I can be somewhat counted as half a fan of God Qiao. I usually try to learn and figure out how to play Lifeline from God Qiao’s videos. No matter what team you eventually sign with, I hope that you can always follow your own thoughts and pace to play even better in future matches.”
Qiao Yi was a little surprised.
Internally, he wondered why the two of them were so polite towards him. Weren’t they both Li Zhongchen’s fans?
— He didn’t think that he was a contentious person. But whenever it was something related to Li Zhongchen, he would always lose his sense of propriety, turning into someone who is unlike his usual calm self.
And Li Zhongchen, without explanation, put his arm around his shoulders.
To others, they looked like a pair of good brothers as they bade farewell to the two fans politely and generously.
But after leaving the store, Li Zhongchen began to misbehave and bit his ear. “See, baby? In fact, what you see does not represent everyone. There are also many people who hope that everything will go well for us.”
Noa’s notes: We, too, hope everything will go well for them :’D