Chapter 6

Rumors about Rong Yi and RS had circulated in the Pro Scene for some time.

Rong Yi had led this team when he was just fifteen or sixteen, winning the first domestic championship with his teammates, and that’s how he made his name.

However, over the years, most of his original teammates couldn’t keep up with the professionalization process. The more fortunate ones transitioned to behind-the-scenes roles. Rong Yi, being the youngest, was the only one still playing.

As investors entered and the Competition Training Team systems were implemented, Rong Yi’s authority as the shotcaller was gradually diminished. Because he refused to appear on camera, RS’s intention to promote a new core player became increasingly evident.

In team games, tactics are never limited to a single system. The strategy centered around Rong Yi as the support core was viable, but there were many other ways to play without him.

First, they rallied fans to create a buzz, criticizing Rong Yi for being out of touch as a shotcaller. Then, they bribed some commentators to subtly steer the narrative. If a teammate disconnected, the commentators could frame it as a support misjudgment. With such manipulative storytelling, Rong Yi would have no choice but to leave.

Grey Cat and Hydralisk gossiped about this for a while before the conversation shifted back to Xiao Yin.

“Do you think Yin goes online?” Grey Cat asked seriously.

Hydralisk pondered for a long time. “I don’t think so.”

After winning, Rong Yi played a few more games. Finally, he logged onto his main account to claim a daily reward before going offline.

Before logging off, he noticed that the first name in his [Recently Online Friends] list was VIT.Yin, showing as online just ten minutes ago.

He didn’t pay much attention and closed the stream before logging off.

With previous experiences in mind, he made sure his alarm wasn’t on silent this time. He set an alarm for 8:30 AM before checking his phone and finding a message from Xiao Yin.

“Sleep in tomorrow. I’ll come over around noon.”

Rong Yi replied with a “Got it” and then started packing his things.

He hadn’t discussed salary or benefits with Xiao Yin yet, but at this point, he didn’t care anymore.

As long as he had somewhere to go.

The next morning at 8:00 AM, Rong Yi woke up on time and continued packing.

Since he had signed with RS, he had been living there for two years, accumulating quite a lot of stuff. Now that he was moving, he had to leave a large portion behind.

His tablet was playing next to him, randomly streaming match replays from various League tournaments. Just as a commentator finished discussing last year’s World Championship, the system automatically switched to another streamer’s live channel.

A calm voice suddenly emerged, causing Rong Yi to pause and look up. The stream had switched to Xiao Yin’s channel.

He listened for a moment.

“Thank you all for supporting VIT Team’s first live stream.”

Xiao Yin was streaming with his face on camera, dressed casually, appearing calm and collected under the lens.

The bullet screen was so flooded with messages that it almost froze, forcing Rong Yi to enable the block feature to watch properly.

This morning was VIT Team’s first live stream and also Xiao Yin’s first full-platform broadcast since returning to the country. In the stream, Xiao Yin was introducing each team member during a casual team queue session.

“Our top laner, Wu Daogu.”

“Our AD is a bit of a fool, he’s young, so please be patient with him.”

“Our support, Grey Cat. Those familiar with me from last year’s Intercontinental Tournament will recognize him; he was my fixed teammate then.”

“Each of our team members has their own streaming channel. If you’re curious, you’ll have plenty of time to get to know us.”

“Our mid laner.”

Xiao Yin paused for a moment, likely because some viewers noticed the team composition was still missing one person and were asking about the mid laner.

“He’s someone you all know.”

“He’s not here yet. I’ll pick him up around noon.”

The gentle, slightly hoarse voice coming through the speakers carried a strange warmth.

Rong Yi rubbed his ears, which had turned slightly warm, then looked down and continued packing. After cleaning up, he began tidying the place.

At noon sharp, Xiao Yin called: “I’m downstairs at your place. Can I come up?”

Rong Yi replied, “Sure.”

He opened the door in advance, and soon enough, Xiao Yin arrived at his doorstep.

“Let’s go.” Rong Yi hoisted his streamlined equipment. Xiao Yin gave him a once-over and asked, “That’s all?”

Rong Yi nodded, and Xiao Yin nodded back, reaching over his shoulder. Before Rong Yi could react, Xiao Yin had already taken his luggage and said, “Let’s go.”

The route was the same as always, but this time, Xiao Yin sat next to him in the back seat.

Xiao Yin had a faint fragrance about him, the kind he always wore. The top notes were freesia and mint, giving off a slightly cool scent. Today, he was dressed in a black shirt, his wrist lines flowing and distinct.

Xiao Yin’s fingers lightly tapped on his phone, his eyelids slightly lowered, his long eyelashes casting shadows. He seemed to be looking at some kind of report.

“Have you thought about your salary?” Xiao Yin suddenly asked.

Rong Yi replied, “Uh… not yet…”

Xiao Yin reached over and hooked his fingers around Rong Yi’s, his touch cool, lowering the temperature of Rong Yi’s nearly sweating hand.

Holding Rong Yi’s fingertips, Xiao Yin’s eyes remained on the report, his voice steady and calm. “Just say it directly, no need to worry too much.”

Rong Yi almost wanted to jump out of the window. It took him a while to calm down and forcefully refocus on the matter at hand.

He said, “The same as your average salary will be fine.”

“We haven’t set that yet either,” Xiao Yin said casually. “How much were you getting at RS?”

Rong Yi gave a figure.

Xiao Yin nodded and said, “How about we double that for you? We won’t take a cut from your personal commercial activities.”

“Okay.” Rong Yi’s right fingertips were still held by him, slightly warm. After a pause, he added, “But…”

Xiao Yin seemed to know what he was concerned about. “Commercial activities are up to the player’s personal preference; there’s no compulsion. We’ll have separate agreements with all commercial partners regarding appearances.”

He finally lifted his phoenix eyes to look at him, calm and sharp, yet oddly reassuring. “Is it that you can’t face the camera at all?”

“It’s not that extreme. I just can’t look directly into certain professional camera lenses.”

Rong Yi’s fingertips were genuinely starting to sweat now. He explained quietly, “Also… if I know there’s a camera pointed at me, even if I can’t see it, I get… very nervous.”

“I understand.”

Xiao Yin responded, not pressing further.

There were many players in the League, each with their quirks. Rong Yi’s request wasn’t a big deal. In the official pro arena, as long as identity verification was done, it wasn’t necessary to show one’s face.

“If there are no other issues, we’ll draft the contract today and coordinate with RS,” Xiao Yin said.

Rong Yi shifted his attention. “Coordinate with RS? Are you guys planning to buy me out?”

Xiao Yin looked puzzled. “Is there a problem with that?”

“After the off-season, I’ll be a free agent. You don’t need to spend twenty million.” Rong Yi looked at him as if he were an idiot. “Doesn’t your club have an accountant?”

Xiao Yin pondered for a moment and then said, “Alright, then we’ll transfer the twenty million directly to you.”

Rong Yi felt it necessary to politely decline to show he wasn’t greedy, but considering his situation, he decided it was wiser to be flexible. He sincerely said, “Thank you, boss.”

Xiao Yin smiled.

Rong Yi added, “But before the transfer window ends, we need to keep this confidential. There’s a lot of news about me right now, so it’s best if you wait.”

Otherwise, being accused of betraying his team and finding a new one prematurely was a minor issue. The bigger problem could be causing a direct conflict between RS and VIT team fans.

“I understand. We can’t publicize your relationship with us before the official announcement period,” Xiao Yin nodded, his tone indifferent. “And what about our relationship?”

Rong Yi: “…”

He looked at Xiao Yin, whose eyes were as deep and calm as the sea. Those phoenix eyes were stern and heroic, carrying a natural coolness and calm.

Back then, it was those eyes that had captivated him, and when their owner spoke so directly, he really couldn’t handle it.

Rong Yi said, “Let’s… not make that public for now either.”

Dating within the team wasn’t something to flaunt. Moreover, he was past the age of showing off a relationship.

Calling it a relationship with Xiao Yin was more about the convenience it brought for their cooperation. Knowing Xiao Yin’s personality, it was more normal to expect their connection to end when their collaboration did.

Xiao Yin said no more.

Their hands remained intertwined the whole time.

It wasn’t until they got out of the car that Rong Yi finally had the chance to pull his hand away. His fingertips carried residual warmth, and his heart was beating embarrassingly fast.

Rong Yi, though outwardly calm and composed, followed Xiao Yin back into the VIT club center.

“They’re all streaming in their rooms right now. The first day of streaming will be a bit longer. Let me show you to your room first.”

The driver brought in Rong Yi’s belongings, and Xiao Yin lent a hand, carrying his stuff to the room.

Rong Yi didn’t have much to complain about, the entire VIT villa was newly built, bright, and spacious, with a décor style he liked. The rent in this area wasn’t cheap.

He glanced around and noticed a small terrace at the end of the second floor, with a railing connected to the first-floor pool. Below that was the fitness level and the garage. His room had a large bathroom, and the door of the room opposite his was closed.

He asked, “Who’s across the hall?”

Xiao Yin replied, “Me.”

Rong Yi responded with an “Oh,” then crouched down to unpack his things. As he unpacked, he asked, “Any plans coming up?”

“Currently, it’s the off-season, and we’re in the transfer window. For the next month, we’ll focus on internal training and playing CN Server Ranking during leisure time. Our team’s schedule follows match schedules, so you might need to adjust.”

Xiao Yin continued, “During this period, practice with Li. Soon, we’ll have scrims with friendly teams.”

Having been a captain, Rong Yi was more familiar with schedules and routines than anyone. He squatted down, pulling things out of his bag. “How many hours of personal training?”

“Three hours for AD and top laner; the rest of the time is for team matches and post-match analysis,” Xiao Yin said.

“I’ll need more time. Initially, I might not be able to coordinate well with the team,” Rong Yi said.

Having played support for so long, transitioning back to a carry position would require significant training, especially with mechanically intensive offensive champions.

“I understand. During this period, we’ll also have others fill in.”

Xiao Yin looked at him intently. “Your presence alone is part of our tactic.”

Rong Yi knew exactly what he meant. Over the years, teams in the League had been studying RS and Rong Yi’s style. Wherever he went, the focus would shift.

No one would expect him to suddenly play a carry position.

Secrecy tactics like this only last for a season, but a season is more than enough.

Both of them were workaholics, and talking about matches felt much more natural than their usual conversations.

Rong Yi gradually relaxed, losing the initial tension and defensiveness. After unpacking, he went to the training room to greet Hydralisk and the others, and also met Wu Daogu, the top laner he hadn’t seen last time.

Today was their first day on the streaming platform, streaming all day, so there was no time for a gathering. Only Xiao Yin stayed in the preparation room, looking over plans. The team had just been formed, so there was still a lot to do.

After dinner, Xiao Yin received a message from Rong Yi in his room.

[Easy: Does the club have an A+ rank smurf account I can borrow? I want to use Li to rank up and get a feel for it.]

Moments later, Rong Yi got a response from Xiao Yin.

[Yes, come to the training room.]

The transparent door of the training room swung open. Xiao Yin casually handed him a sheet of paper. “These are the accounts from our club, provided by the league organizer. We have two hundred backup accounts, and the corresponding passwords are listed here.”

“Got it.”

Rong Yi was never one to stay idle. Just as he was about to grab the sheet and head upstairs, Xiao Yin called out to him.

“Ah Yi.”

Rong Yi was taken aback.

“Wait a moment. Duo queue?”

Xiao Yin organized the papers in front of him, stacking them neatly. “This will save time. Plus, we can get familiar with our synergy.”

His tone was very businesslike, giving Rong Yi no reason to refuse.

Rong Yi didn’t go back to his room but found a computer in the training room and set up his equipment.

Xiao Yin also logged into a smurf account. It was evening, but he wasn’t streaming—just quietly playing.

Two A+ players duo queuing, both at a super professional level, ranking up was as easy as drinking water. After a night of consecutive wins, Rong Yi’s smurf account smoothly ranked up to S+.

There wasn’t much conversation between them. Rong Yi wasn’t much of a talker either, mostly just calling out skills and predicting positions.

Often, before he even finished calling out, Yin was already diving in.

As it neared midnight, they started their last game.

At the beginning, the ID of their ADC seemed familiar to Rong Yi, but he didn’t pay much attention. Most people in this rank were from the same pool.

He quickly locked in Li. Xiao Yin, picking later, didn’t get to take the jungler role and instead picked top laner Yin. Despite the confusion from their teammates, he secured the first kill.

Rong Yi’s mid lane Li was incredibly steady. Every time he ganked bot lane, he came back with a full load. By the seven-minute mark, he was already godlike, bringing ADC and support to tears. “Li! You’re our daddy!”

Rong Yi replied, “Hey.”

The ADC declared openly, “Li! Date me!”

While confessing, he spammed clicks on Rong Yi’s ID.

Rong Yi suddenly remembered.

This ADC was the voice changer rank slave teammate from last time.

It seemed that this voice changer teammate still hadn’t hooked up with a skilled player and had dropped back down to the edge of the top 100.

Rong Yi typed back, “Not interested.”

Sure enough, the same tactics ensued: “Consider me! Li! I can be male, female, cute, or domineering!”

“Li, look at me! Do you have a partner?”

Rong Yi was about to habitually type “No” when he suddenly saw a distant message from their top laner.

[(All) Yin: …]

Rong Yi felt a shiver. He turned his head and saw Xiao Yin looking up, staring at him.

Rong Yi lowered his head. After a long moment, he deleted the word “No” from the chat box and calmly replied, “…Yes.”