WG - 59

After finishing in the restroom, Chi Zhiyu walked over to the sink, bent down to wash her hands, and then grabbed a paper towel from below to dry her still-damp hands.

Her phone suddenly vibrated in her pocket.

She dried her hands again, pulled out her phone, and saw a message from Wu Xuan.

Wu Xuan: [Picture.jpg]

Wu Xuan: [Picture.jpg]

Wu Xuan: [Damn, take a look at your man.]

Wu Xuan: [The internet’s gone wild!]

Wu Xuan: [Your man is trending!]

Wu Xuan: [Trending! Trending!!!!]

“...”

This flurry of messages made Chi Zhiyu pause. She opened the pictures Wu Xuan had sent.

The photos were screenshots from the live broadcast of the afternoon’s match, capturing a close-up of Xie Ye during the competition.

He was sitting in his gaming chair, wearing headphones, his eyes lowered toward the computer screen. His profile was sharp and cold, with a faint smirk on his lips—a picture of arrogance.

Swiping left, the next image was from the final moments of the match. It was still Xie Ye, now facing the screen. His narrow, slightly upturned eyes half-lidded, exuded an overwhelming aura that couldn’t be contained.

Though the live stream’s resolution wasn’t great, it did nothing to dull Xie Ye’s striking presence.

There were probably other photos, but Wu Xuan had clearly selected these two as the most eye-catching ones to send.

Chi Zhiyu scrolled through them without much surprise, though she found Wu Xuan’s tone amusing.

She casually saved the images and replied: [How viral is he?]

Wu Xuan: [The internet’s blowing up. The new esports god Wild, the face of the gaming world.]

Chi Zhiyu: [Oh, that sounds about right.]

Wu Xuan: [?]

Wu Xuan: [Woman, you’re getting cocky.]

Chi Zhiyu: [I’m not wrong, am I? Do you think Xie Ye isn’t good enough?]

Wu Xuan: [I didn’t say he wasn’t good enough. But shouldn’t you show a little humility?]

Chi Zhiyu: [Why should I be humble?]

Wu Xuan: [?]

Chi Zhiyu: [He’s my man.]

Wu Xuan: [......]

Wu Xuan: [Impressive.jpg]

Chi Zhiyu chuckled, ready to tease her further, but Wu Xuan’s reminder about Weibo made her recall something—earlier, when she’d shown Xie Ye the comments, he’d taken her phone and done something with it.

She opened Weibo and found the post she’d shown him earlier—[Didn’t you ask enough this afternoon?]

He had liked it.

“...”

No wonder he said there was no problem.

Was he saying there was no issue with what they were saying?

Chi Zhiyu felt a bit stuck. She wanted to screenshot it, but just as she was about to, her phone screen lit up with an incoming call.

It was Bai Li.

Chi Zhiyu paused, her expression calm as she swiped to answer. “Hello?”

“Ayu, where are you?” Bai Li’s voice was soft. “You’re not in the dance studio today?”

“No, I had something to do,” Chi Zhiyu replied without elaborating. “I’m out eating right now. I’ll head back later. Is there something you need?”

“You’re out eating?” Bai Li’s voice slowed slightly. “Did you forget that your father’s coming back today?”

“He’s back,” Chi Zhiyu smiled faintly. “What does that have to do with me?”

Without waiting for Bai Li’s response, she ended the call and tossed the crumpled paper towel in her hand into the trash.

As she exited the restroom, Chi Zhiyu’s expression softened slightly. She glanced ahead toward the front desk.

Xie Ye seemed to have already finished submitting their order. His tall, lean figure strode toward her with long, confident steps.

Chi Zhiyu glanced at him, her peripheral vision catching two young men walking out behind him. Both were tall and similar in build, exuding distinct, refined auras.

Though their backs were turned, Chi Zhiyu vaguely recognized one of them as the young man she’d seen earlier in the private room.

Xie Ye approached her, noticing her gaze, and lightly tapped her forehead. “What are you looking at?”

Chi Zhiyu blinked, watching the two figures walk away. “Friends?”

Xie Ye smirked slightly. “No.”

Chi Zhiyu thought for a moment and guessed again. “Fans, then?”

At this, Xie Ye raised an eyebrow, finding the term amusing. His tone turned playful. “Something like that.”

“Mm.” Chi Zhiyu followed the usual script. “So, did they ask for a photo or autograph?”

“Oh.” Xie Ye blatantly lied with a straight face. “They did.”

Chi Zhiyu followed him as they walked back, knowing he wouldn’t agree to anything. She asked casually, “What did you say?”

Xie Ye stared at her face, his tone leisurely. “I told them I have a girlfriend.”

“...”

“Don’t bother me.”

“...”

Chi Zhiyu didn’t believe him for a second. She glanced at him. “Is that how you treat your friends?”

The kind of people he referred to were likely his acquaintances from his family circle.

Xie Ye snorted, clearly unwilling to talk about those two single men. “You should worry more about your boyfriend. Why bother with others?”

Chi Zhiyu blinked. “Isn’t it normal to be curious?”

“Curious about what?” Xie Ye led her back to the private room and asked casually.

Chi Zhiyu answered honestly. “They’re pretty handsome. I was wondering if they have girlfriends.”

“...”

Xie Ye narrowed his eyes, his tone turning sharp. “What did you say?”

Chi Zhiyu was about to respond when her phone vibrated. She pulled it out, glanced at the screen, silenced it with a tap, and put it back in her pocket.

Xie Ye caught sight of the caller ID on her screen. His eyes dimmed slightly. “Aren’t you going to answer?”

Chi Zhiyu’s expression remained calm as she replied, “It’s nothing important. Just Chi Yan calling me home for dinner.”

As soon as she finished speaking, they reached the private room door. Chi Zhiyu glanced at it. “Let’s go in.”

Xie Ye studied her expression silently, nodded, and gestured arrogantly, “Open the door.”

“...” Chi Zhiyu obediently acted as the doorman, opening the door with one hand.

Inside, Lao Mu saw them return and quickly ushered them to sit and eat before the group devoured everything.

The waiter had already brought out some dishes.

Chi Zhiyu watched as they immediately went for the meat, leaving the vegetables untouched. She found it amusing.

Xie Ye seated her, first placing some meat in her bowl and adding the vegetables she liked. However, no one else touched them.

Chi Zhiyu ate quietly, her phone resting on the corner of the table. The screen occasionally lit up—it was still Bai Li calling.

After a while, perhaps Chi Yan had returned, because she stopped calling.

“All over the internet, everyone’s showering Brother Ye with compliments. Such a win!” Yang Bin proudly spoke, then turned to Xie Ye. “Brother Ye, how does it feel to have such popularity? Are you happy?”

Xie Ye poured water into the cups beside him, seemingly ignoring the question entirely.

Ding Hui answered first. “You’re not Xie Ye. What’s there for you to win?”

“What do you mean? Can’t I celebrate on behalf of Brother Ye?” Yang Bin turned to Chi Zhiyu. “Miss Chi, tell us—wasn’t Xie Ye incredibly handsome tonight?”

Chi Zhiyu was sipping water when she heard this and prepared to answer.

Yang Bin quickly corrected himself. “Oh, no, no. Your answer would be biased. Doesn’t count.”

Chi Zhiyu smiled. “I can be fair and impartial.”

Lin Jie, intrigued, chimed in. “Miss Chi, go ahead and share.”

“Mm, I think...” Chi Zhiyu glanced at Xie Ye, as if pondering, then said after a brief pause, “He’s the most handsome.”

“...”

The atmosphere seemed to quiet for two seconds.

Meaningless.

Xie Ye lazily leaned back in his chair, took her hand, and began playing with her fingertips. His demeanor was relaxed, as if he didn’t care.

But hearing her say this with such sincerity, he suddenly lowered his gaze and chuckled softly.

She wasn’t just talking about the match. She was also making up for her earlier comment about Wen Yi being handsome.

Such a schemer.

And yet, he enjoyed it.

“Wait, was I asking for trouble?” Yang Bin looked at Ding Hui, utterly confused.

“Only now you realize?” Ding Hui shot him a glance.

After being teased by them, Chi Zhiyu felt a bit embarrassed and took a sip of water.

But Xie Ye didn’t let her off the hook. He turned to her, his tone leisurely. “I’m the most handsome?”

“...” Chi Zhiyu coughed and forced herself to reply. “Didn’t I just say so?”

Xie Ye hummed. “Didn’t you just think someone else was handsome?”

Chi Zhiyu knew exactly who he meant by “someone else.” She smoothed things over for him. “I said you’re the most handsome. They can’t compare to you.”

This was all nonsense, of course.

Xie Ye smirked. “Playing games with me, huh?”

“It’s the truth.” Chi Zhiyu felt wronged and gave him an innocent look. “I really think you’re the most handsome. They’re just average.”

Xie Ye raised an eyebrow. “Average?”

Chi Zhiyu nodded, her tone sincere. “You’re the most handsome. I like you the most.”

“Oh.” Xie Ye looked at her expression, his tone light. “Keep flattering me.”

“...”

Just as Xie Ye was about to continue teasing her, Piao Luo and Lin Jie wanted to use the restroom and dragged him along, possibly to discuss something.

Once they were gone—

Chi Zhiyu sat in her seat, thinking about Xie Ye’s earlier tone, and smiled. She picked up her phone, checked the time—it was only seven, not late at all.

She wondered why Chi Yan had come over today.

Chi Zhiyu unlocked her phone and opened the call log, seeing ten missed calls.

Bai Li really was patient.

As she looked through them, she suddenly heard a ringtone nearby.

She instinctively turned toward Xie Ye’s seat and saw his phone ringing. She picked it up and glanced at the screen.

It displayed an unknown number.

Chi Zhiyu hesitated but didn’t answer, putting it back down.

But the caller persisted, repeatedly dialing.

“Miss Chi, is that your phone ringing?” Lao Mu, who had drunk a bit, spoke slowly.

“Mm.” Chi Zhiyu, worried there might be an emergency, finally picked up Xie Ye’s phone.

Before she could speak, the caller immediately said, “Earlier, I forgot to tell you how angry your grandfather was because of you. You—”

“Xie Ye isn’t here.” Chi Zhiyu cut him off, lowering her gaze.

Hearing a female voice, Wen Yi raised an eyebrow, surprised to hear Chi Zhiyu answering. But recalling Xie Ye’s earlier arrogant declaration of having a girlfriend, he chuckled. “Alright, then please tell him later that his grandfather is upset with him.”

Hearing the term of address, Chi Zhiyu paused, then realized the last part of his statement as the line disconnected with a dial tone.

Chi Zhiyu lowered the phone, still processing, when Lao Mu suddenly approached her, slurring his words. “Miss Chi, it’s really tough for you to be with Xie Ye... His rotten temper! Only you can tolerate him... You know, being around him is like serving an ancestor...”

Chi Zhiyu listened to his string of complaints about Xie Ye and couldn’t help but laugh. She knew he was drunk.

Whether this was truth spoken under the influence or just drunken rambling, she wasn’t sure.

Just then, the door opened. Chi Zhiyu turned and saw Xie Ye returning. She smiled and gestured for him to come over.

Xie Ye glanced at Lao Mu’s state and frowned after hearing his words.

“Oh, the ancestor’s back.” Lao Mu looked up at him, his words slurred.

Xie Ye ignored him, picked up his phone and jacket, and took Chi Zhiyu’s hand. “Let’s go.”

Chi Zhiyu obediently stood up and pointed at Lao Mu. “What about him?”

Ding Hui, still clear-headed, helped Lao Mu back to his seat and explained, “It’s fine. We’re here. You two can go ahead.”

Chi Zhiyu nodded. “Alright, be careful.”

As they left, Xie Ye heard Lao Mu’s cries and groans, his expression growing impatient. Clearly, he didn’t want to deal with these drunks anymore. He pulled Chi Zhiyu and walked out.

The shop door opened, and the cool night air blew in, gradually dispersing the lingering scents on their clothes.

After leaving the hot pot restaurant, Xie Ye called for a car. The two stood by the side, waiting.

Chi Zhiyu felt the breeze and suddenly thought of Lao Mu’s state. She turned to Xie Ye and confirmed his condition. “You’re not drunk, are you?”

Aside from her drinking non-alcoholic beverages, everyone else had clinked glasses and drank a bit to celebrate.

Chi Zhiyu didn’t know Xie Ye’s alcohol tolerance. She had never seen him drink before, so this was the first time. She was worried he might be drunk.

Xie Ye stood beside her, feeling the breeze. After hearing her question, he was silent for a few seconds before lazily replying, “Mm.”

“?” Chi Zhiyu was momentarily confused. “What does ‘Mm’ mean?”

“Right now, I feel...” Xie Ye held her hand and slowly offered three words: “A bit dizzy.”

“...”

Chi Zhiyu turned to look at his expression. He seemed natural, with no apparent issues. His eyes were slightly lowered, his face pale, giving off an air of exhaustion.

Uncertain whether he was faking it since she’d never seen him drunk, Chi Zhiyu thought of a solution. “Let’s stay out in the fresh air for a bit, then go home.”

“Home, huh.” Xie Ye’s tone was slow. “And then?”

“And then...” Chi Zhiyu recalled remedies for hangovers. “Drink some honey water?”

Xie Ye smiled and countered, “Are you sure?”

Chi Zhiyu faltered. “Hold on, let me check.”

With that, she let go of his hand and prepared to pull out her phone to search, but Xie Ye wouldn’t let go. He retook her hand, slightly bent down, and leaned against her.

Chi Zhiyu felt the weight on her shoulder and turned to look at his face. She commanded, “Stand up properly. I can’t search with one hand.”

Xie Ye didn’t move, staring at her as if it were only natural. “I’m dizzy.”

Chi Zhiyu laughed, exasperated, and stopped searching. She put her phone back in her pocket and poked his cheek. “Are you doing this on purpose?”

“Hmm?” Xie Ye acted as if he hadn’t heard her and continued, “What should I drink when we get home?”

“I don’t know.” Chi Zhiyu smiled. “You won’t let me check, so how would I know?”

“Oh.” Xie Ye stood up, seemingly generous. “Then go ahead and check.”

“...”

Seeing him act one way, then another, Chi Zhiyu grew even more uncertain about whether he was truly drunk. She eyed him suspiciously a few times but found nothing unusual. Finally, she pulled out her phone to search again.

Xie Ye stood obediently by her side, watching her search seriously. A faint smile tugged at his lips. After a few seconds, he heard her call his name softly. “Xie Ye.”

“Mm.”

Chi Zhiyu looked at her phone screen, as if recalling something, and whispered, “Does your head still feel dizzy?”

Xie Ye hummed. “Still dizzy.”

Hearing this, and thinking of his current state and Lao Mu’s drunken ramblings earlier, Chi Zhiyu pursed her lips. “Then I’ll ask you something.”

Xie Ye nodded. “Go ahead.”

Chi Zhiyu paused for a few seconds and asked softly, “Will you have to leave soon?”

Xie Ye’s expression froze. “What?”

“Just...” Chi Zhiyu looked up at him. “I accidentally answered your friend’s call earlier. He said your grandfather was upset because of your gaming. Will he make you leave this place soon?”

And take you far away.

Xie Ye looked down at her and suddenly chuckled.

Chi Zhiyu was startled, thinking he was starting to lose coherence and might throw a drunken tantrum. “What’s so funny?”

Xie Ye hummed softly, then bent down and rested his head in the crook of her neck. Lazily, he murmured, “Dizzy.”

“Ah.” Chi Zhiyu immediately wrapped her arms around his waist to steady him and frowned. “Are you feeling that bad?”

Xie Ye leaned against her, not responding directly but chuckling softly again. Slowly, he said, “Chi Zhiyu.”

Chi Zhiyu: “Mm, what is it?”

Xie Ye’s tone lowered slightly as he asked, “Where do you want me to go?”

Upon hearing this, Chi Zhiyu paused, not having time to respond.

Suddenly, Xie Ye lifted his head, moved closer, and kissed the corner of her lips, as if comforting her. After pausing for two seconds, he raised his eyes to meet hers and softly asked, “If you’re here, where do you want me to go?”