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Chapter Text

After parting ways with Qiao Yifan, Fang Rui rushes back to where Wind Howl is seated in the stadium, barely restraining himself from running straight to Lin Jingyan and drawing everyone’s attention. He can barely think of the further implications of them both back in the past, or whether they are really in their past. All he can think of is his old captain, his teacher, his friend, and the turning point with this Rookie Challenge.

Fang Rui is never one to hold a grudge. However, Tang Hao comes close. He acknowledges his strength, and has noticed him early on. How he cannot, when the younger man is also Brawler like the captain and core player of his team. He also knows better than anyone else of Lin Jingyan’s declining performance. However, he cannot really forgive Tang Hao for bringing attention to it in the Rookie Challenge and all the while dismissing Lin Jingyan’s achievements. In the case of the latter, even old Sun Xiang is better, though probably Su Mucheng will disagree. His only female captain is never one to be trifled with, she definitely can hold a grudge or two.

Fang Rui arrives right when Lin Jingyan’s name comes out from Tang Hao on the stage, and he feels the vice grip around his heart tightens.

He’s too late.

“...the junior will succeed the senior.”

The stadium is in uproar. Wind Howl is in uproar, but Fang Rui has only eyes for Lin Jingyan.

“Well, how about that? You, and now, me. It seems we’re pretty popular with the rookies.” Lin Jingyan chuckles lightly, remaining calm in front of the disrespect shown by Tang Hao. He stands up, prepared to go down, only for his wrist to be caught firmly by his vice captain.

“Fang Rui?”

Fang Rui draws a blank. Now it has come to this, and he still cannot find the words. What to say? This time, he really, really looks at his captain. This Lin Jingyan’s face is open, unguarded, without the glasses worn with his red and black Tyranny uniform. He still has hope, fleeting as it is, of the future. Fang Rui has failed as his partner to keep it alive in his last year in Wind Howl. He only regained them in Tyranny.

“...a Brawler is not a Striker,” is the first sentence that first comes to mind. Lin Jingyan blinks in surprise at the serious tone. “There’s more to Glory than speed and mechanics. Glory is not that simple.”

“Gotta play dirty huh?” Somehow his partner manages to recall the supposed reminder to himself.

“Last time I checked we’re Wind Howl, not Tyranny.” In a complete change of attitude, Fang Rui shows his disdain as he releases Lin Jingyan’s wrist.

That actually gets a laugh out of Lin Jingyan. He waves his hand, there’s lightness in his gesture, “I’ll keep it in mind.”

Fang Rui watches him leave before returning to his seat. Only Ruan Yongbin dares to lean into him.

“What do you think? Can Tang Hao win?”

“Anything can happen.” Fang Rui can sense Ruan Yongbin’s surprise. He’s surprised with his own calmness. He already does what he can. It’s all up to Lin Jingyan now.

There’s still half a season left. Even if Lin Jingyan loses again, it’s not the end. Fang Rui can still make the best of it. With his skill and experience, he can and will do better, if only to give his old captain a better ending in Wind Howl.

Fang Rui has faced off against worse odds and come up victorious. This won’t be any different.  

When he turns his attention to the game, Fang Rui is greeted with a pleasant surprise: Lin Jingyan doesn’t rush forward. The older man takes his time to explore the map. Tang Hao doesn’t choose an arena, so the environment is not completely bare, which is actually advantageous to Lin Jingyan, but one he didn’t previously make full use of, thinking that he had to meet the other head-on.

This alone already sets things apart from the past he remembers. He finds himself leaning forward in interest. It might not be much, but if Tang Hao expects a quick, easy match, he’s going to be proven wrong. After all, Lin Jingyan is the half of the Criminal Partners, and dirty playing requires cunning.

Tang Hao’s Delilo fights like a Striker, reminiscent of the King of Fighters, easily making the crowd pumped up and cheering for him. However, ultimately a Brawler is not a Striker. Its strength lies in its ability to control its opponent. No one utilizes it better than the Number 1 Brawler. Lin Jingyan masterfully keeps his distance and maintains the rhythm. When he takes hits, he makes sure to leave himself a way out. When he lands his skills, he makes sure to achieve the maximum effect. His retreats are as timely as his attacks.

Lin Jingyan is not losing to Tang Hao.  

For the ordinary players, it seems that Tang Hao has the upper hand, but for professional players, bold, fierce Tang Hao is struggling against calm, patient Lin Jingyan. However, in the end all it takes is for one mistake, a slight opening from Lin Jingyan, for Tang Hao to rush in and overwhelm the older Brawler player with his superior speed and mechanics. 

Demon Subduer falls. Delilo is left with 9% health remaining. 

Fang Rui leans back on his seat with a smile on his face, in contrast to the dismayed faces of the other Wind Howl members. Lin Jingyan loses, but this time around, with a close match instead of the overwhelming loss. It might not mean much, but it does show that Lin Jingyan fought the match with a different mindset this time around.

Lin Jingyan is the first to come down from the platform. He doesn’t lose his gentle and pleasant demeanor. Meanwhile, Tang Hao takes his time, even when finally does, he hasn’t quite managed to hide his emotions. He’s not satisfied. It’s definitely not the kind of match or victory he expected. They meet in the middle and shake hands.

“You played well…” Lin Jingyan smiles, hiding his true emotions, but surprisingly he continues, “But it’s not easy, isn’t it?”

“The junior will succeed the senior.” The change of wording reflects the change in Tang Hao’s confidence without losing the belief and persistence that is inherent in top professional players that Lin Jingyan cannot help but admire. Before the master of ceremonies could say anything, the two finish shaking hands, wave towards the audience and leave the stage. Fang Rui’s eyes never leave the figure of the Wind Howl captain, so does the smile on his face until the man returns to Wind Howl area. Fang Rui likes what he sees.

“How is it?” Fang Rui asks, not paying attention to the silent teammates around him.

“Like seeing my past self.” There’s a hint of nostalgia under the observation, but the statement is matter of fact. Lin Jingyan used to fight like Tang Hao, but he didn’t regret changing his playstyle. He believes that dirty playstyle is the reason why he can stand on the professional stage as long as he is when many of his peers didn’t, even when he’s nothing special.

“I’m pretty sure you’re much more polite and better behaved,” Fang Rui disagrees, drawing choked off sounds of surprise and amusement from their team. “And more handsome too.”

Lin Jingyan laughs. “You only said that because you’re my vice captain and partner.”

“And that he had a crush on you.” Ruan Yongbin adds, that traitor. “Oooh, Captain Lin is so handsome. He’s so close to me today. Did I impress him with the move?”

“Oh, shut up.” Fang Rui brings his yearmate and former roommate into a chokehold. He doesn’t hide the grin when he hears the snickering from the teammates. This is much better than the previous awkward silence. It’ll take more to regain their confidence in their captain. Action is louder than words after all. But it’s a challenge he’s ready to tackle.

Before that, he’ll need to sit down and talk with his little captain.

***

Qiao Yifan walks down the familiar dark passageways in a daze. He has immediately excused himself after his Rookie Challenge, not quite ready for the questioning from the former-now-current Tiny Herb captain and team members. He isn’t quite sure where he’s going, all he knows that he needs a quiet space to gather his thoughts. He has pinched himself numerous times, but he’s still not convinced everything is real. He has really returned to his younger self. He tries to recall what he did before he was back in the past, but nothing really stands out except… 

Qiao Yifan finally managed to extricate himself from the teary-eyed and snot-nosed bunch with the help of Luo Ji, who was restraining his laughter. His own calm and rational vice captain and recently appointed Happy’s new captain was surprisingly not helpful, his glassy, watery eyes actually made it harder. Boss Chen was worse. If it wasn’t for Senior Wei, and Sister Mu, he was certain she would have bawled her eyes out as the last remaining members of the original Team Happy finally retired. 

He remembered reminiscing with Luo Ji as they walked towards their rooms and parting with smiles when they entered their respective places. Many voices from the outside and even inside of the team said that his retirement was regrettable, especially considering what Happy has achieved under his leadership. They thought being a support, not unlike Yu Wenzhou, he could have stayed longer on the professional stage, and had his career with a more satisfying ending.

He disagreed wholeheartedly. He couldn’t ask for a better ending for himself, and… his gaze fell upon the picture of Happy in the early years. He was already 28 years old, the same age when Senior Ye retired for the second and final time… and older than the age when Sister Mu and Brother Rui retired.

He has learned from his seniors not to regret anything and to keep moving forward, to learn from the past but never let it shape the future, that the future is theirs to create. He really had no regrets, really. 

But in the dark and silent room, with only himself as company, the retired Captain Qiao Yifan of Team Happy, allowed himself a rare moment of weakness… and wished.

Qiao Yifan’s steps stumble into a halt, his breath catches in his throat.

Could it be…?

However, before the thought can form, a familiar voice rings out.

“Interesting choice of challenging the master of playing dirty.”

Qiao Yifan is blinking back tears when he recognizes the figure slowly stepping out from the darkness. After his final retirement, Ye Xiu didn’t completely disappear from their lives, he always made sure to be there when they needed him the most, but he purposefully maintained his distance. He knew how much he meant for Happy. While he had made the preparations, including letting them play without him in the team competitions in the tenth season, Ye Xiu had always been a steady, reassuring presence for Happy. He was there leading them in strategy meetings, he was guiding them in their practice matches, he was there on the sidelines during games. All they needed was to turn their heads, and there he was.

All the Chinese Glory team members have gained invaluable experience from the World Invitationals. Against the strongest players around the world, they kept challenging their limits, improving themselves, until they won the ultimate Glory for the country. Their fans hoped that their favorite pro players would bring their team into greater heights once they returned to the domestic league. However, it was easier said than done. 

The reason why they could perform their absolute best on the world stage was because they had the best teammates, tacticians and leaders to bring out their potential. It was not always the case with their original teams. In the new season, Happy was becoming not the only team that was going through a running-in period, even though they were still the worst off since they lost their core and ace player. With one exception: 

Tyranny.

Tyranny became a terrifying, indomitable presence in the new season. Han Wenqing, who chose to focus on the team, has laid the groundwork and strengthened the foundation for when Zhang Xinjie and Zhang Jiale returned abroad, the adjustment was relatively smooth and seamless, all the while the veterans were still doing rotation. 

And Qiao Yifan was entrusted as the commander in the team competition in their first match in the regular season against Tyranny. 

It wasn’t his first time commanding in a team competition. However, in the new team arrangement, the commander was still most often either Su Mucheng or Fang Rui. The latter was actually a surprise to many. He protested vehemently, but neither the captain nor vice captain budged with their decision. Qiao Yifan felt the pressure keenly.

To no one’s surprise, Happy suffered a crushing defeat at the team competition. It could even barely be called a fight. Their only saving grace was they got points off from individual competition and group arena. It didn’t stop the reporters from descending upon them like vultures. Qiao Yifan insisted on coming to the post-match press conference, and if it hadn’t been for Fang Rui and Su Mucheng, he would’ve caved under the pressure.

They were hit hard with the loss. It has been a while since they felt so powerless. Qiao Yifan found himself looking at the places where Ye Xiu used to be, and he realized that he was not the only one. He had even been staring at Ye Xiu’s number on his phone, opening and closing the chat box. He couldn’t help thinking and wishing badly for his senior’s reassuring presence and words.

Only for the wishful thinking to be crushed immediately by their new captain and vice captain in the strategic meeting. From the beginning, it was intended as a harsh wake up call from Su Mucheng and Fang Rui, to lose their dependence on Ye Xiu. 

Before, Ye Xiu has taken care of everything for them, so they didn’t need to worry about anything and only focused on themselves. It was time for them to return the favor, for them to take care of everything so he could focus on himself.

Qiao Yifan felt so ashamed and embarrassed of himself at the reminder that he really wished he could dig a deep hole and hide inside it forever, his body hunching over as if he could do so. A warm, affectionate hand messed up his hair before settling on his shoulder.

“Bad news, we’re hitting rock bottom. Good news, the only way to go is up.” Cheerful, lively voice broke through the gloom. This voice and the owner of the voice later became among the reliable constants in Happy.

He’s very clever and very adaptable. And he’s a very strong team player. There’s a lot that I would like to learn from him.

There is no single untruth in his words. Fang Rui was and is all of that and more for Qiao Yifan and for Happy. 

Su Mucheng is really the captain, the leader they need after Ye Xiu, it was only a matter of time until Happy saw her no differently than Ye Xiu and proudly claimed her as their captain. 

But Fang Rui… Fang Rui has been everything that they asked of him. His adaptability is not limited onstage, but also offstage. For Qiao Yifan, he is his senior, his vice captain, his teacher, his friend… and his brother. 

And so, even in front of his most admired, respected and beloved captain, to whom he owed his life twice over, and the least likely to think badly of Fang Rui, Qiao Yifan will readily and staunchly defend his brother.

“Senior Fang is more than just the master of dirty playing.” The words slip out easily from his lips. Qiao Yifan cannot recall how many times he has defended Happy’s best vice captain and he will not stop doing so. “He’s the master at understanding people’s psychology and utilizing them to make opportunities. And as a Ghostblade, especially a Phantom Demon whose skills need casting, he’s the best I can learn from.” 

Ye Xiu shows a surprised, but pleased smile. Dirty playing is looked down on by most, particularly by the younger generation. And yet one of them actually sees the value in the playstyle and is willing to learn and use them for themselves. It makes him look forward to the future of this young man. He already had a good impression of Qiao Yifan with his courage to switch classes and his willingness to learn, and now he also displays wisdom and maturity rarely seen in younger players. 

Most of them are unable to understand the reason why such a disdainful playstyle can be so difficult, so oppressive. It’s only possible due to Fang Rui’s masterful grasp of his opponent’s psychology. Simple, straightforward rookies are the easiest for him. For Qiao Yifan to be able to see the value of Fang Rui’s dirty playing and go toe-to-toe with him in the Rookie Challenge sets him apart from other rookies.

“Indeed. Excellent choice.” Qiao Yifan couldn’t help the pleased flush at the acknowledgement for himself and Fang Rui. Ye Xiu continues, “It’s impressive how you’re able to deal with Fang Rui’s dirty playing tactics. Rookies tend to have difficulty going against him.”

Except Happy rookies, that is. Qiao Yifan silently adds. They are fortunate not to have experienced Fang Rui as an opponent onstage. By the time they got to know Fang Rui, it was as the senior pro player in the middle of the pains of changing classes. They even had their turn in beating up his Qi Master. Then once after he reclaimed his title as god, he was their vice captain and teammate first. He will not treat them as an opponent and neither will they, not like Zhao Yuzhe.

“Ah, I suppose I’ve been watching his videos as much as Senior Li's.” That’s not exactly a lie, at least not in his previous life.

“Too bad Fang Rui never faced Li Xuan. It’ll be an interesting study for me and you both.”

“I’ve thought so too.” Qiao Yifan agrees wholeheartedly. Wu Yuce is the Ghostblade that most often ends up as Fang Rui’s opponent, especially as a Thief. Though after transforming into Qi Master and becoming Happy’s defending general, Fang Rui has encountered all the other core players at least once, including Li Xuan. It has been such an eye-opening match for Qiao Yifan in particular, who looks up to them both. It inspired his breakthrough.

Then Qiao Yifan realizes he shouldn’t have recognized the reclusive god and chatted so casually like this. “Um, Senior… Do I know you? Your voice sounds familiar…”

“What do you think, Little Qiao?”

“God Ye Qiu!” Qiao Yifan nearly bites his tongue, barely avoiding the mistake of calling the Glory legend by his real name. “Why is Senior here?”

“Sightseeing. Getting a feel of being an audience.” Ye Xiu shrugs nonchalantly. Qiao Yifan has to push down the amusement at such Ye Xiu-like answer, but at the same time is at loss what else he can say to his senior. While the rest of his memories around this time are hazy, the memory of his first face-to-face meeting with Ye Xiu is one of the most clear and vivid, and he’s not sure how to bring it up when they barely know each other. Qiao Yifan’s grown a lot since he met Ye Xiu and he has become a captain and a god-level player in his own right, but in front of his most respected and admired seniors, he always feels like he was back as the young, inexperienced junior.

“What is it, Little Qiao?” Ye Xiu breaks his conundrum with ease, noticing the little Phantom Demon player struggling with something.

“...Is it really okay?” Qiao Yifan blurts out what first comes to mind. He clarifies at the confused blink from Ye Xiu, “Being an audience.”

Nothing changes in his expression, but somehow Qiao Yifan feels like Ye Xiu is truly, truly looking at him, like an all-seeing god looking from above. Instinctively he draws himself up, not wanting to be found lacking. When Ye Xiu smiles, Qiao Yifan finds himself released from the pressure.

“Of course not. Even though I’m a bit old, I’m not done yet!”

“You’re going to come back?” Qiao Yifan barely keeps his excitement in check.

“All I need is an opportunity. Just like you’re looking for yours. Keep up the good work, Little Qiao.” Ye Xiu says as he turns around. He waves his hands at Qiao Yifan and slips away into the darkness.

“...Yes, Senior!”

Once Ye Xiu leaves, Qiao Yifan unconsciously stands tall, his eyes bright and determined in the darkness. It is no longer young, inexperienced Qiao Yifan standing there, instead it is Captain Qiao Yifan of Team Happy.

“I’ll create that opportunity for you, Captain.”

It’s a promise.

***

Fang Rui walks out from the hotel room he’s staying in with Lin Jingyan with an easy heart. In the previous life, in the future-past, in the past-future, or whatever, the silence was oppressive, the conversation was awkward and stilted between them. For once, words eluded Fang Rui. He could never hate himself as much as he did back then. 

This time around Fang Rui doesn’t really need to say anything, Lin Jingyan takes all the words that can be said from his own mouth. He has been the one to bring up his own declining condition and his determination to bring Wind Howl to the playoffs. All Fang Rui needs to do is give his whole support and help in whatever way he can. He might need to brush up his skills again and get used to high-intensity matches after such a peaceful retirement life, but he’s confident with his much younger body it’s only a matter of time. Unconsciously he raises and flexes his left hand. 

However, what he can offer now is the invaluable experience from high-level matches, both domestic and abroad. He’s no master tactician, but spending much of his time around the master tacticians of old and new, two of whom are his captains, Fang Rui learns more than a thing or two. Though it’ll be harder to explain, especially to Lin Jingyan who knows him so well. Well, that’s a worry for another day. Let’s just take one step at a time.

Fang Rui puts on a beanie over his short hair and non-prescription glasses as he goes to the milk tea shop that Happy often frequents during their visits to Shanghai as their meeting place. It doesn’t take him long to find Qiao Yifan in the relatively deserted shop. Being the transparent Tiny Herb player, he doesn’t really need any disguises. Though honestly, Fang Rui would recognize him anywhere, disguise or no disguise.

Seeing his serious expression, Fang Rui silences his steps as he approaches the younger man who is busy writing on the table. Sneakily, not unlike Doubtful Demon and Boundless Sea in his hands, he stands behind the oblivious Qiao Yifan.

“Boo!” Fang Rui whispers close to his ear.

“Ah!” Qiao Yifan jumps in surprise, the pen slips from his fingers. Fang Rui, expecting the reaction, quickly catches it from the air. “Brother Rui!” His little captain scolds him, but Fang Rui cannot maintain a straight face, he bursts into laughter instead.

It’s been a while he’s seen his little captain so young and chubby-cheeked. He cannot resist pinching those cheeks. Being too preoccupied with his time travel or whatever this is, only now he notices how adorable young Qiao Yifan is. 

“Can you stop pinching my cheeks?” It might be because he returns into his younger body, Qiao Yifan’s protests are more like a petulant teenager’s, and thanks to professional hand speed, this time it is the hair that’s gotten ruffled.

“Your fault for being so cute and adorable.” Fang Rui being Fang Rui, he’s not apologetic. If anything, he’s very satisfied having pinched those soft cheeks and ruffled the still-relatively-long and boyish haircut. Fang Rui plops down on the empty seat across Qiao Yifan, picking up the drink placed on the table, unsurprised that it is exactly as he likes it.

“So, what you’ve got so far in that notebook of yours, Little Captain?” Fang Rui asks as he chews the boba with a sense of nostalgia. Chinese milk tea is sure different, he mulls absently as he glances at the notebook, a habit Qiao Yifan picks up from Yu Wenzhou.

“I think… It’s my fault?”

“How do you come to that conclusion?” Fang Rui gives him an incredulous look, “Last time I checked you didn’t have supernatural power to send us back to the past.”

“Um.” Qiao Yifan rubs his nose, an all too familiar gesture of discomfort and vulnerability. He’s grown out of that habit slowly as he took over captaincy, but it has the tendency to show up under tremendous stress or complete unpreparedness, which this time travel situation certainly counts as both.

“Start from the beginning.” Those familiar words ground Qiao Yifan, he finds himself calming down easily when he has actually been stressing himself out while waiting for Fang Rui. Those words and the person have helped him many times when he overthinks things, getting him out of the spiral he’s fallen into and finding the right words and action. He breathes in, and starts with a question.

“What did you remember last?” Before jumping to conclusion, Qiao Yifan needs to make sure of a few things first. Fang Rui tries to recall what he was doing. He really hasn’t thought about it.

“Hmm… I was at the airport, texting Old Ye on the phone.” Qiao Yifan blinks in surprise at the unexpected answer. “Our Yifan is retiring. Of course we’ll be coming to celebrate in person.”

Qiao Yifan gets choked up. Several times he tries to speak only to stop.

“We’ve been so busy that we barely visited or kept in touch. Old Ye is even worse, considering he’s based on China. So I just decided to hell with it when I saw your press conference to go back and force that irresponsible guy to pick me up and visit the team together. You know how bad he is at taking initiative. I also managed to get Little Tang on it.”

“Sister Rou too?” Qiao Yifan laughs in disbelief.

“She’s not as bad as us, but it’s been a while for her too. And she’s in Beijing, so she’s the best person in case Old Ye needs to be strong armed.”

“Oh.” Qiao Yifan’s heart feels so full that he’s at a loss of words. 

Fang Rui can only feel sad and regretful to see how happy and bright the younger man’s expression is. Qiao Yifan has always been a kind and considerate child. He might have wanted to see them more, but he wouldn’t say anything and be understanding when the older members of Team Happy cannot keep in touch regularly. He might have thought that his retirement is not important enough for him to ask for them to come and visit. Somehow, Fang Rui has a feeling that their current situation is not unrelated.

“We had a small party after the press conference back in Forest Park. It was late after I returned to the room. I…” Qiao Yifan pauses, glancing at Fang Rui. Encouraged by the quiet and patient understanding, he continues. 

“Everyone keeps asking why I am retiring when I could have played longer, that I’d come to regret it… I don’t, I’m really sure I won’t.” Qiao Yifan speaks animatedly, as if he’s trying to convince Fang Rui, when the older man is the last person he needs to convince. “I just think it’s time, the team can and will do well without me.”

“...but?” Fang Rui gently nudges Qiao Yifan.

“I do have one regret, one wish,” Qiao Yifan finally speaks out. His voice trembled, betraying his nervousness. 

“I wish I had more time.” As if losing his courage, Qiao Yifan ducks his head down. 

Fang Rui looks at the bowed head, his eyes soften in understanding. Qiao Yifan doesn’t need to say more, he understands very well. Quite possibly what he feels is the shared feelings among the early members of Team Happy, many of them either started late or only had a few years left in the professional stage.

Being the youngest, Qiao Yifan is among the last of the original members of Happy to remain in the team. Having been there himself, he remembers how it felt like being left behind, abandoned even when it was simply a natural course of life. That feeling was gone as soon as it appeared, reason quickly kicking in. Although the feeling would come at his weakest moments, he’s learned to deal with it.

However, it must be harder for Qiao Yifan, knowing his circumstances. For him, Happy is the only home he has. Having them leave one by one must not be easy. That was why he chose to stay for another year when Qiao Yifan made the plea before he was about to announce his retirement after the finals in the Golden Season, or what Season 13 was known as with many of the Golden Generation giving their best, most dazzling performance, like a burning star at the end of its life. 

Fang Rui was no different, having changed classes and reclaimed his old class alongside his new one, led Happy through the most difficult time in the wake of Ye Xiu’s retirement and competed in domestic and international league year after year, he was burned out, like Su Mucheng and Ye Xiu before him.

By then, Happy’s rookies were no longer rookies, they were gods in the making, if not already, he would be only a hindrance for them. He didn’t need another championship. He wanted more, of course he did, he would never lose his desire and pursuit of victory, but his definition of victory is and has never been limited to all the trophies and awards. What he also considers as a victory is when the team he has come to love and cherish, to grow and flourish, to surpass their predecessors and stand in their own glory. 

Team Happy lost in the finals, but Fang Rui had seen a glimpse of the future, a shining, glorious future… and he didn’t see himself in that future. He was actually happy at the realization, barely suppressing his smile when he saw the frustrated faces on his team. He already made up his mind back then, only for one sentence from one person to change it.

“Can you not go?”

The words didn’t come from the youngest member of the team. They didn’t come from the successor he intended to take over Boundless Sea. They didn’t come from their soft-hearted boss. Instead it came from the strong, reliable captain of Happy.

Fang Rui’s heart broke for this young man. At that moment, he looked like a lost child.

“Okay.” He made the concession. He had only eyes for his little captain, but he didn’t fail to notice how everyone in the room perked up, including their lady boss. “However, I will mainly stay on the bench. You’re going to carry me to the finals. I’m expecting another Championship for my retirement.”

And he did. 

Happy did it.

Happy matched the old Excellent Era’s record. Fang Rui and the remaining members of the original team are the first to have three championship rings in the domestic league, second only to Ye Xiu who have four of them, beating Zhou Zekai of his generation and the Golden Generation. Happy also made their own record being the only team that have won both domestic and international league.

Team Happy had converged around him when they won the finals of Season 14. His bold, daring little Captain dared to put their oldest senior who didn’t play as frequently as before in the all important match of the finals and of course, Fang Rui didn’t fail to live up to his captain’s expectation. He had made sure to do so since Ye Xiu picked him of all people to be Happy’s Qi Master. It was a beautiful sendoff, a perfect ending that he could ask for. He wasn’t oblivious to realize that Happy had managed to send away every single of their senior members of the original team with a championship. He was, is and always will be proud of them, the team that they are, and the captain that Qiao Yifan is.

Fang Rui places his hand on Qiao Yifan’s head gently.

“Then we will have more time.”

“That’s it?” So surprised with his response, Qiao Yifan dislodges Fang Rui’s hand at the speed he cranes his neck.

“Eh. We can try to sleep tonight and see if we go back to our timeline, then have a good laugh and celebrate your retirement with all Team Happy members. Or…

“We don’t, and make sure we’ll have more time this time around.” Fang Rui states simply.

“It can’t be that simple.” Qiao Yifan frowns.

“It can.”

“It can’t.”

“Why not?”

“W-Well, there might be conditions?” Qiao Yifan offers. “Of going back, I mean.”

“So? How will we discover that unless we keep going? Or changing things up?”

“Should we even change things?” Qiao Yifan asks. He isn’t sure what he’s feeling, one side he’s afraid, terrified even. But on the other side, he’s excited, eager to change the future. 

“Eh,” Fang Rui merely shrugs. Qiao Yifan can only laugh at the nonchalance. It’s so Fang Rui. It’s so like his senior to make light of the absurd situation, which to be fair, Happy is a team that often encounters absurd situations, their own existence is one. The reminder actually brings a smile to Qiao Yifan’s face. His cautious nature can be detrimental at times if it goes unchecked. He’s learned to let go and take risks in the years in Happy, but in this current situation, when his actions could have changed things, could have made him lose everything precious to him, he was unwilling to do so.

“We’ll just keep things simple. We set a goal for ourselves, and deal with others as they come.”

“Happy.” They say it at the same time, which brings a huge relief to Qiao Yifan. He knows how important Lin Jingyan and Wind Howl are for Fang Rui, and considering what happened to them, he has wondered if Fang Rui wishes to do more for them and stay until his contract expires instead of transferring. Reading his mind, Fang Rui chuckles.

“Happy is home.” And Fang Rui meant it. 

He’s met many people, have been in different teams and workplaces, but Happy is the only place that feels like home besides his own. It doesn’t occur to him not to join Happy. If anything, he’d love to join earlier, and take part in the creation of the team.

“Wait… has Team Happy been created?” The thought only occurs to him.

“Oh. Not yet. It should be tomorrow.” Qiao Yifan looks at the rough timeline he has written in the notebook. Fang Rui leans forward to take a peek.

“...the Dragon Raises its Head?” Fang Rui can only recall that incident from this year’s All Stars.

“Because of that, Boss Chen figured out Senior’s true identity and decided to create the team to support him.” Qiao Yifan himself only knows their beloved boss’ retelling.

“That really sounds like Boss Chen, alright.” Fang Rui smiles fondly at their lady boss and big sister. “So the team only had Old Ye and Little Tang?”

“Senior didn’t ask me to join until I told him my contract with Tiny Herb expired.”

“Hmm, by then Steamed Bun and Old Wei have already joined.”

“Brother An, Luo Ji and Mo Fan joined around the registration period.”

“Old Ye really worked hard…” Fang Rui has heard the stories. Something else nags on him, though. “...Yifan, you wished for more time right?”

“Yes?”

“Did you think of anything specific when you wished for that? Because, usually in typical time-travel/regressor/reincarnation/isekai stories, it’s usually only the protagonist who comes back in time. Why am I too? Am I even the only one?”

“No, Senior Ye didn’t come back.” Recalling their earlier exchange, Qiao Yifan is sure of it. “I did think of you first when I suddenly found myself back in All Stars Season 8 Rookie Challenge, in the middle of the stadium floor, microphone in hand.”

“That must be nerve wracking.” Fang Rui raises his eyebrows in surprise. “But really? Of all people, me? Not Mucheng? Or Wenzhou?” He is merely teasing Qiao Yifan. He isn’t really surprised that in Qiao Yifan’s panic and confusion, he picked the one he’s spent the most time with, his old vice captain. He doesn’t really expect a response. However, looking at his expression, there might be another reason. It is brief, but Fang Rui has always been good at catching the slightest change and he thinks he can make a guess.

Fang Rui lays down his left arm on the table, turning his hand palm up.

“I’ve suspected that you knew.” Fang Rui smiles kindly, but it only makes Qiao Yifan upset. Knowing it is one thing, acknowledging it is another. Right now there’s only smooth skin, but in their past-future, there was a faint scar, a thin line across Fang Rui’s wrist, which was often covered with bracelets and wristbands. 

Qiao Yifan was only aware of it when Mo Fan came to him. He has noticed and wondered about the change of Fang Rui’s playstyle. It was not really obvious, even for those who were familiar with him. Only when Qiao Yifan paid attention to his hand speed and rhythm, he realized that Fang Rui had slowed down. Everyone hardly noticed because of the nature of the dirty playstyle, and later on, because of the rising skill level of Happy individual members. 

Regardless, Fang Rui remained an indispensable member of Happy and the national team. His flexible playstyle and high adaptability, not to mention his casual and playful nature, made him compatible with many players and strategies that he was more often than not master tacticians’ first choice. Qiao Yifan was not so naive to think that it wouldn’t impact Fang Rui’s condition, so he didn’t think much in the beginning. He was actually relieved that his vice captain took the steps to prolong his career lifespan. While his speed might decline, his performance did not. It didn’t cross his mind that Fang Rui’s condition had reached the point that he needed surgery.

Qiao Yifan was hit hard with the discovery. He had been angry at Fang Rui, at Mo Fan, but most of all, at himself for failing to notice that his vice captain had been injured so badly. He understood very well why Fang Rui did it, so he swallowed all the hurt and anger and channeled them into winning the championship, fearing the season would be his senior’s last. He wanted to prove that Happy was worth all the painstaking effort Fang Rui put in. Only to have his hopes shattered when Happy lost to Blue Rain in the finals, and Fang Rui announced his retirement to the team before the press conference.

He hadn’t wanted to be selfish. He really couldn’t ask Fang Rui to stay when he has given everything and more to Happy. He shouldn’t have asked him to stay.

But he asked anyway. 

He was prepared for the refusal, he could even imagine the gentle and kind words. He didn’t expect the concession. Fang Rui only agreed for another year, but it meant the world for Qiao Yifan.

Looking at the person in front of him, Qiao Yifan knows very well why it was Fang Rui of all people who was brought back to the past with him. But he cannot find the words.

“Well, I’m definitely not turning down the chance to do everything again. Even though it’s going to be a hassle to adapt to what… Level 70 skills?” The stinky face Fang Rui made elicits laughter from Qiao Yifan. 

Fang Rui never fails to find a way to lighten up the atmosphere. It’s also his subtle reminder that he has their back, that he understands even when there are no words between them.

“Damn. It looks like I’ve got a lot of work to do. It’s no different than having a new team, a new account, and a new class.” Fang Rui is already having a headache at the mere thought. He does miss the Glory competitive days, but he can do without the daily training.

“...I’m sorry.” Qiao Yifan winces, he hasn’t thought that far. He might be just a “water dispenser” in Tiny Herb but Fang Rui definitely isn’t. He has tried to take account of everything but the memories are hazy the further to the past they are, and he was limited to his own knowledge of the events. Qiao Yifan was only recently retired so he would have less difficulty in getting back into the competition mindset. Fang Rui waves his hand, knowing it cannot be helped.

“I’ve got a week until the next match. I’m going to need help to get into shape and find a somewhat believable explanation for the sudden changes in playstyle. Old Lin is sure to notice. You also need to be careful. Wang Jiexi might not realize any changes in you, but Old Ye certainly will.”

“Um… I think it’s a bit too late.” Qiao Yifan speaks out, showing the message Gao Yingjie sent to him earlier, telling him that the captain wanted to see him when he returned to the hotel. 

“Well, shit.” That pretty much summed up their current situation.

“Okay, change of plans. Let’s start with how you’re going to deal with good ol’ Wang, then we do the rest.”

“I should not call him Captain Wang then.” Qiao Yifan mulls over.

“Definitely not.” Why would a member of the team call their own captain by their last name? “Don’t let it slip and start calling him Big-Eyed Wang, either.”

“I’ve never-” Qiao Yifan coughs and splutters.

“Really?” Fang Rui raises an eyebrow.

Cunning and resourceful.

Those two words describe Happy best. They can be said to be the words Happy team members live by. They lay down the foundation of Happy’s individual and team playstyle. 

While Qiao Yifan remains polite and respectful as he comes to be Happy’s captain, which makes him a favorite among Happy team members of old and new, particularly for the reporters, he is still Happy’s captain who has received guidance and learned from Ye Xiu, Wei Chen and Fang Rui. He doesn’t often resort to dirty play enough to be considered a dirty player and doesn't often engage in trash talk to provoke others that people often forget. So at the most unexpected times, Qiao Yifan will pull an incredibly dirty play or a provocative sentence that is so unlike the calm and stable captain that opponents never fail to fall for it.  

Qiao Yifan definitely has called Wang Jiexi “Big-Eyed Wang” at least once. It doesn’t even matter if he never did it to his face.

“Careful. Don’t show your black heart yet, Little Captain.” Fang Rui teases Qiao Yifan, his eyes twinkling with mirth. This time Qiao Yifan genuinely and freely laughs.

“Says the person who taught us how to pull unexpected plays.” Being the longest-serving senior in the team, Fang Rui left his mark the most on Happy team members. His dirty playstyle shows up even in the aggressive Tang Rou, upright An Wenyi, and even textbook Luo Ji.

“That means I’m a good teacher, no?” Fang Rui considers that as his greatest achievement. Qiao Yifan doesn’t disagree, giggling at his senior’s proud face.

There’s so much work to do. There are so many familiar people, accounts, teams that they need to get to know again. There are their own younger bodies with their older selves; faster speed and reflexes but in discordance with their experienced minds. There are so many things to unlearn and relearn. There are events that cannot, should not be changed, and they do not know which events they are and which actions they are allowed to take.

When he was standing on the stage, as his mind kept thinking of all the ripple effects he might be causing, Qiao Yifan was absolutely frightened, and felt very lonely. However, right here right now, with his most reliable vice captain and senior…

Qiao Yifan no longer feels afraid.

Chapter Text

Qiao Yifan finds himself standing in front of the door to the room of Wang Jiexi–his current captain, he reminds himself again. While he has learned to be thick-skinned, Qiao Yifan is still an honest person and acting doesn’t come to him naturally. He cannot pretend to be someone he’s not. His current, older self is so much different than his younger self. His younger self might be a transparent Tiny Herb reserve player, but as his team captain, Wang Jiexi still has enough measure of his character and strength. 

Fang Rui has asked him if it was difficult to recall the memories, the feelings might be easier to recover in order to help him to be in the proper mindset of 18-year-old Qiao Yifan. He knew his hesitation showed, so he quickly assured Fang Rui he could do it. His senior didn’t buy it and suggested a script instead, but again, Qiao Yifan was no actor, he was sure he would come off wooden and forced, which would not help his case.

Qiao Yifan doesn’t like to linger on the past. The main reason is that it's unproductive. The other reason is… his memories in Tiny Herb weren’t pleasant. He never admitted it to anyone, not even himself. 

Qiao Yifan doesn’t remember his parents. The only memories he has of them is the vague impression of gentle hands and warm smiles, and their disappearing backs. All he has of them is the picture of the three of them, his mother’s handkerchief and his father’s watch. His grandfather took him in alongside his other cousins and distant relatives who had parents that were busy or neglectful. His grandfather loved children, and he had a lot of love to share. However, having so many children with such backgrounds to take care of didn’t make things easy. 

His grandfather was no longer young, and he was not a particularly wealthy man. He tried his best, though. They had a roof over their heads, and they never went to bed hungry. They also went to school. Qiao Yifan knew how fortunate he was. So he always tried his best to lessen his grandfather’s burden, trying to help in whatever way he could, however small it might be. He never missed a day of school. He got good grades. He helped with the chores. He never asked for more money. He never started an argument. It did get him into trouble at times, but his grandfather always noticed and acknowledged his efforts. His best memories were spending time with just the two of them, even doing something as mundane as doing groceries shopping and gardening.

However, eventually age caught up with him, and Qiao Yifan lost his last connection to his parents, the only relative that truly cared for him. His eldest cousins stepped up, but with little to no support from other adults in the family, it was too much for them, not when they were barely able to take care of themselves. It caused a lot of tension in the house, and Qiao Yifan often ended up staying out late to escape the stifling atmosphere. It was how he ended up discovering Glory, and finding out that professional gamer was a real job. 

It wasn’t difficult to get his cousin to sign him up for the training camp. Young Qiao Yifan did his research. Tiny Herb was a championship team, so their training camp was the best in Beijing. The students were guaranteed food and shelter. He also had enough savings to cover the registration fee and any expenses he would have. For them, it was one less mouth to feed. With almost all his personal belongings packed in the sole luggage he has, he entered Tiny Herb training camp.

He couldn’t remember what his original class was because when he mentioned his short time playing Glory, the training camp instructor seemed rather keen to see what class suited him best. Being rather a naive and obedient child and having no particular attachment to his account and class, he did as he was told and gave different classes a try. He was sure other students didn’t receive the same treatment. Many of them brought and used their own accounts in the training camp.

Now when he looked back, they all shared the same classes with the active members of Tiny Herb team, and none of the team members were in need of a successor. Until Gao Yingjie showed his potential as a Witch, they were looking for malleable talent, which Qiao Yifan was. 

For the first time, Qiao Yifan found that he was good at something. He also made a friend in Gao Yingjie. In less than a year, he was promoted to the team. He remembered how he felt back then. When he wore the Tiny Herb uniform and received his account and member card, everything felt surreal. The future, for once, looked bright. He shut down his cautious and pessimistic side, and allowed himself to hope.

Only to have it squashed not long after.

Qiao Yifan found himself struggling from the first day. He actually had a brief hesitation when he was assigned the Assassin account. From the different classes he tried, it was among the few that felt awkward in his hands. But he thought his captain and instructor knew better, and thought it would get better with training.

It did not.

From the top of the class in the training camp, Qiao Yifan became the worst performer in the team, whether it was in individual or team practice. In the first evaluations, Captain Wang Jiexi still gave him his personal attention. However, the longer he went on without clear progress, Vice Captain Deng Fusheng took over guiding him. It didn’t help that he had Gao Yingjie who joined the team at the same time. While they had similar personalities, their abilities were vastly different. He ended up always falling short. He was further cast in the shadows against the light of his best friend. Before long he became the transparent Qiao Yifan.

Qiao Yifan recalled the many nights spent training and reviewing videos from his own practice and Assassin players’ matches, only to have nothing to show in the team’s practice in the day. Only Gao Yingjie was willing to be his partner during free individual practice.

Qiao Yifan is and has never been a dreamer. Life made him cautious and pragmatic. He didn’t expect to be a famous pro player or the main roster of a championship team. However, he did expect himself to be part of a team, to contribute as a team member… to matter.

He didn’t pose enough of a challenge to become a training partner. He wasn't good enough to be played in a match. He gave no value to the team.

Those days before he met Ye Xiu had been the darkest time of Qiao Yifan’s life. He kept questioning his own worth. Whatever confidence he had built before joining the team seemed to vanish without a trace. He could even barely remember his grandfather’s warm touch and encouraging words. He had no one to turn to. He was close to no one else in the family, and no one else besides Gao Yingjie in the team. He felt incredibly lonely. He wasn’t even sure why he kept going, when he didn’t know his place in the team, or whether there was a place for him in the first place.

Qiao Yifan doesn’t realize as the recollections are coming back, his body is slowly hunching over as if there are invisible weights. However, he is cognizant enough to know he’s treading on dangerous waters. Before the memories can sweep him away, he forces himself to knock on the door.

“Come in.” The response comes not a second later.

“Excuse me.” Qiao Yifan enters the room cautiously. His eyes are everywhere but on the Tiny Herb captain, standing close to the door.

Wang Jiexi frowns at Qiao Yifan’s behavior. He doesn’t regard himself as an intimidating person, but the way Qiao Yifan is unable to look at him and to come closer makes him question himself. He remembers Qiao Yifan being a shy and reserved child, but he doesn’t completely avoid eye-contact and interacting with people. He is better than Gao Yingjie in that respect. He actually looks more comfortable than his successor on the stage despite the obvious apprehension and discomfort. He didn’t act this way around Fang Rui, either.

His choice in using Ghostblade and challenging Fang Rui was certainly surprising, but what was more surprising was how well he used it, better than he is as an Assassin and against the master of playing dirty, nonetheless. 

Wang Jiexi cannot remember Qiao Yifan showing any preference or inclination towards a certain class or player. He does notice his lack of presence which made him think that he was suitable to be an Assassin. It doesn’t occur to him that Qiao Yifan might be more suitable for other classes, which explains his lackluster performance in the team. As a captain he tries his best to know everything about his team members, but when it comes to Qiao Yifan, he encounters too much of a blank space, which doesn’t sit right for him.

“Come and sit down.” Wang Jiexi gestures towards the closest seat to the door. Being seated should make the conversation easier. Qiao Yifan hesitates for a bit before doing as he was told.

“Would you like anything to drink?” Wang Jiexi reaches towards the fridge.

“Oh no. I couldn’t possibly- Captain, no need to bother.” Qiao Yifan quickly refuses. Wang Jiexi takes out two cans of soda and juice each and brings it to the table between them. From his experience with Gao Yingjie, refusal does not necessarily mean actual refusal. 

“Just in case you’re thirsty, you may help yourself.”

“Ah yes. Thank you Captain.” Qiao Yifan nods, but makes no further move, if anything his hands are tightly clenched on his lap.

“I’m not aware you can play Ghostblade.” Wang Jiexi decides to cut to the chase before the silence can stretch on for too long.

“I… only started playing casually in-game.” Qiao Yifan answers cautiously.

“How long ago?” Wang Jiexi caught on to the choice of words.

“Um, a month ago?” Qiao Yifan answers hesitantly.

If Wang Jiexi is a lesser man, his shock will be obvious. Qiao Yifan’s Ghostblade is already at professional player level. Unless they are Tiny Herb team members and those who closely follow the team and remember their roster, no one will think that Qiao Yifan is the owner of the Assassin account, Dusty Miller. They might even think that he’s the one behind the Ghostblade account, Rangoon Creeper. He also looks much more at ease and comfortable with a Ghostblade than an Assassin. While he’s thinking about all of this, he takes note of the time Qiao Yifan picked the new class. 

“Is it Ye Qiu?” Qiao Yifan makes a deer-caught-in-the-headlights look, confirming his guess. His mind also picks up how oddly easy it is to read the expression of the rookie who managed to hold his own against the master of playing dirty.

“Your Phantom Demon is good.” Wang Jiexi is telling the truth. 

There might be some mistakes here and there, but Qiao Yifan managed to show the qualities that made an excellent Phantom Demon: ability to grasp the overall situation, to make quick decisions in unexpected situations, and to utilize wretchedness to create opportunities. By choosing Fang Rui as his opponent in Rookie Challenge, Qiao Yifan was able to showcase his abilities. Phantom Demon’s greatest value is in the team, but what he has shown in the 1v1 match is already promising, so promising that Li Xuan himself contacted him to ask about Qiao Yifan. The acknowledgment from the number one Phantom Demon speaks for itself. Wang Jiexi will be a fool if he doesn’t retain the talent for his own team.

“Unfortunately, players and characters cannot be changed after the season started. For now, you will take turns with Zhou Yebai in using Rangoon Creeper during practice.” 

“...I don’t understand?” Qiao Yifan asks in confusion. 

“Phantom Demon is not suited for 1v1s, but you did very well for your first time against a professional player. Zhou Yebai couldn’t do as well. His Phantom Demon was only played in team competitions. However, this will change if you are able to coordinate with the team well.”

Wang Jiexi expects any reaction from Qiao Yifan, but he doesn't expect how Qiao Yifan’s head and shoulders only seem to droop lower with every word he says.

“Captain, you couldn’t possibly mean that I’ll be taking Senior Zhou’s place.”

“Tiny Herb doesn’t need two Phantom Demons.” Wang Jiexi is merely stating a fact.

“What’s wrong?” Wang Jiexi cannot understand why Qiao Yifan reacts this way. He has expected for the kid to be excited at the prospect, at the possibility of finally being on stage, to play an official match like any other pro players.

“...I’m afraid that’s not possible.” Qiao Yifan speaks quietly. 

“Why is that?” Wang Jiexi frowns. Rarely he’s so perplexed, most often it is the other way around.

“Phantom Demons are most valuable in a team, when they cooperate with their teammates. But…” Slowly, hesitantly he raises his head to look at Wang Jiexi.

“For Tiny Herb, am I their teammate?” Am I considered as one of your own? is the unspoken question.

Wang Jiexi is rendered speechless. He knew that Qiao Yifan is having a hard time meshing with the team. Considering his lacking performance, it is natural for the others to have difficulty to count on him during team competition or consider him as a challenge in individual practices. His personality doesn’t help, either. To say that it's reached to the point that they don’t regard him as a teammate…

“That doesn’t matter. They will acknowledge you when they see your abilities.”

“Do you really believe that Captain?” Qiao Yifan asks calmly, almost placidly, which actually manages to make Wang Jiexi reassess the situation.

Wang Jiexi is used to making snap judgments. He is able to take in a lot of information at once, make a quick and accurate assessment and to come to the best decision for the team on and off the stage. He is also decisive when he makes up his mind and regardless of the difficulties, he has the ability to follow through. It is how he gained the title of Magician. It is how he led Tiny Herb to win two championships.

It’s not to say that he’s always right. He recalls his incorrect first impression of Fang Shiqian. He committed many mistakes in his early captaincy. However, he had his seniors, particularly his former vice captain and God of Healing, to guide and challenge him. As he gained more experience, his judgment grew more reliable. His current and former teammates, and even himself, rarely questions his decisions. Furthermore, with the retirement of Fang Shiqian and other seniors, Wang Jiexi is left as the oldest and most experienced member of the team. He is also the captain and ace player of Tiny Herb, the championship team. His attention is constantly needed not only for team-related matters, but also club-related matters. This season is particularly tough and demanding with so many changes to the team and expectations from the club and for the club from fans and sponsors. 

Then, there’s Gao Yingjie.

Gao Yingjie is unlike anyone he knows, definitely not like himself. Yet, he is the most promising successor to Vaccaria. He is certain he cannot treat him like any ordinary member of the team, so he dedicates the most attention he can give between his duties and responsibilities to Gao Yingjie. He doesn’t think it through how it appears to the team.

As a consequence, he… has left Qiao Yifan to fend for himself on his own, and by extension, he failed to foster cooperation and comradeship in the team. He has wanted to encourage competition within the team so they would keep striving to be the best and to aim for the championship, but not to the point that they will only see each other no more than competitors, that they will see their team members, their comrades’ progress and ability, but only see a threat to themselves and their place in the team. Instead of an opportunity for growth and betterment of the team.

This… is not what Tiny Herb is supposed to be. This is not what the Tiny Herb Captain Lin Jie has entrusted to him.

“Captain… I don’t think I’m suitable for Tiny Herb.” Such a sad, helpless expression doesn’t belong to such a young face. “And I don’t think Tiny Herb is suitable for me, either.”

This thought has actually crossed his mind, but to hear them spoken out loud, by the very person himself only makes it worse, especially when it is no fault of his own. Wang Jiexi can tell that Qiao Yifan is nervous, if not the slightest bit afraid, but he speaks out anyway. The boy is much braver than he can give him credit for. And right now, ironically, he’s embodied Tiny Herb more than anyone else.

Wang Jiexi closes his eyes and sighs in regret. 

“Then… What do you want to do?” Qiao Yifan blinks in surprise, not expecting Wang Jiexi to concede so easily.

“I… just want to keep practicing my Ghostblade if it’s possible, and find a team who’s willing to take me in.”

“Team Void is interested in you. Li Xuan has contacted me.”

“Senior Li has?” Qiao Yifan’s surprise is genuine. He does not expect such a response from Wang Jiexi. He and Fang Rui have come up with various scenarios, but they all share similarities in that there is some resistance from Wang Jiexi. Qiao Yifan doesn’t look a gift horse in the mouth if Wang Jiexi is willing to accommodate him even though he’s made it clear that he won’t be staying in Tiny Herb.

“I can give you his contact number. However, if you’d like to keep your options open, the club can contact other clubs on your behalf and see whether they’re interested in Phantom Demon. Maybe… Wind Howl?”

Qiao Yifan jolts up in response, completely taken aback. Wang Jiexi truly lives up to his name as the Magician, Qiao Yifan cannot really follow his train of thought. He has never worked with the number one Witch since he retired before Qiao Yifan joined the Chinese Glory team, and back then Li Xuan was still the most capable Phantom Demon to keep up with him.

“It seems you’re quite a fan of Fang Rui.” Wang Jiexi cannot help but notice the most honest reaction from Qiao Yifan throughout their conversation.

“Ah.” Qiao Yifan finds himself blushing. He’s never good at concealing his admiration for his seniors. Wang Jiexi finds himself smiling at how much Qiao Yifan acts like his age at the mention of his idol. His smile turns sad when he realizes he only discovers this now.

“There’s still five months left in your contract with Tiny Herb. During individual practice you may use your own Ghostblade account.” Wang Jiexi raises an eyebrow at that. Qiao Yifan ducks his head bashfully. He doesn’t comment on that and merely continues on.

“However, for team practice, you will alternate between Zhou Yebai in using Rangoon Creeper, whether in individual sparring or team competition. Forcing you to continue using an Assassin is not beneficial for yourself and the team. However, we only have one Phantom Demon account, I hope you understand.”

Tiny Herb’s young Qiao Yifan might not fully understand, but Happy’s Captain Qiao Yifan can understand Captain Wang Jiexi’s decision. 

It is a pragmatic approach, but also a kind gesture.

Professional gaming is no different than any other jobs. Just because they are playing games, it doesn’t mean they don’t have professional ethics. Qiao Yifan signed a contract when he was promoted to the team. With his lackluster performance, it can be said that he’s not upholding his part of the deal. He is the one at fault. There’s no reason for the club to accommodate him. They have all the rights to force him to keep practicing as an Assassin, or to change his class and use Rangoon Creeper during his term of contract. 

However, Wang Jiexi chooses not to. He respects Qiao Yifan’s decision to change class and not to stay in Tiny Herb. But at the same time, he still expects Qiao Yifan to give value to the team as Ghostblade even only in practice sessions, whether as a sparring partner or as team support. It’s also likely that he’s to use Rangoon Creeper as an incentive for the team, particularly Zhou Yebai, to learn and grow.

That’s good enough for Qiao Yifan.

While his sharp, analytical mind goes through all this, Qiao Yifan retains his shy, meek self who is alarmed at the unexpected gesture from Tiny Herb’s God.

“Ah ah. How can I?” Qiao Yifan flails around in embarrassment. “I know I haven’t been performing well, Captain. This is already too much. I’m really grateful. I do not wish to impose further.”

Somehow Wang Jiexi looks sad at his words.

“We’ll discuss more in detail when we’re back in Tiny Herb. I’ve kept you up too long. It’s already late, Yingjie must be worried.” Wang Jiexi stands up, making Qiao Yifan unconsciously follow suit. Only then he realizes how late it has been. 

“Thank you, Captain, for your time.” Qiao Yifan bows slightly as Wang Jiexi shows him to the door. He is about to open the door when Wang Jiexi speaks up.

“Qiao Yifan, I’m sorry. I’ve failed you as your captain.”

Wang Jiexi has failed this boy in many ways. He has failed to see his true potential, assigning him a class that didn’t suit him. He hasn’t bothered to look further, to understand why he wasn’t performing well. He has failed to pay attention to the substitutes other than Gao Yingjie.

The boy’s clear eyes round up in surprise, completely speechless. He certainly doesn’t know what to say to his captain’s words. Honestly, if Captain Lin Jie said the same thing, he wouldn’t know what to say either, so Wang Jiexi isn’t surprised that Qiao Yifan excuses himself in a small voice and hurriedly opens the door and leaves.

Wang Jiexi is left staring at the closed door.

Meanwhile, Qiao Yifan stands dazedly in front of the door. He takes a step, another step, and another, but doesn’t know where he’s going. 

He just needs to go somewhere, anywhere but here. 

His breathing is short and quick, as if he’s been running. But he isn’t running. 

He’s just in the hotel that he’s staying with his team. Tiny Herb, not Happy. Not his team, not his Happy.

Wang Jiexi, Tiny Herb’s captain. Not his captain.

Wang Jiexi, who has just apologized to him.

God Wang, who has just acknowledged his failure to Qiao Yifan.

Qiao Yifan doesn’t know what to think. He doesn’t know what to feel. He-

“Yifan?” He turns sharply towards the voice, his eyes wide and wild. Fang Rui looks at him concernedly.

“...Brother Rui?” Qiao Yifan’s voice is dry and hoarse. He doesn’t understand, he hasn’t even spoken that much. Fang Rui approaches him carefully, he telegraphs his movement so he can see what he is about to do. Qiao Yifan only stares blankly as his senior holds his wrist gently, guiding him to the emergency exit. He blinks, adjusting to the contrasting silence and dim lighting. He still doesn’t remove his gaze from Fang Rui’s hand on his wrist.

“Can you tell me what happened?” Fang Rui’s voice is quiet. This time he takes both of Qiao Yifan’s hands on his own, the warm touch grounding him.

“...It went well. Captain… Wang Jiexi, allows me to keep practicing Ghostblade, and not to renew my contract with Tiny Herb.”

“That sounds great.” Fang Rui’s voice is a gentle, calming timbre. Qiao Yifan watches dazedly, humming absently in response as the older man rubs comforting circles on his smaller hands.

“Is that all?”

“He…” Qiao Yifan falters. “He apologized.” Fang Rui doesn’t stop his movement even though he’s obviously surprised. Qiao Yifan is infinitely grateful.

“He said he was sorry that he had failed me.” It only hits him then and there the weight of the words as he repeats Wang Jiexi’s words.

“...Did you accept his apology?”

Qiao Yifan’s instinctive reaction is to say there’s nothing to apologize in the first place, there’s no need for apologies, but those words die the moment Qiao Yifan’s eyes meet Fang Rui’s.

This is the person who has seen him at his worst, when he was starting out as Happy’s commander and later, captain, seeing him struggling and failing. This is his senior who has defended and stood by him when Happy performed badly, when the press and the public dragged his name through the mud. This is his brother who has listened to his worries and insecurities throughout the years, who has understood him best. 

“I-I don’t want to.” The first tears fall. “Does that make me a bad person?”

Fang Rui pulls the younger man–no, the boy–into his arms.

“Not at all. Not at all.”

“I just- I don’t ask for much. I know I’m not as good as Yingjie. I’m not a Witch. I don’t mind being just an ordinary team member. I just want to know what I did wrong, what I should do to be better. I just- I just want to be good enough to help, to stand beside everyone.” 

The words that he keeps buried finally spill out. The hurt and loneliness that he has carried all those months in Tiny Herb.

“I don’t understand. Why now? Why not before? What’s so different? What makes me deserve an apology? Why my other self didn’t receive one? Why? Why? ”

Fang Rui can only hold Qiao Yifan close as he lets out heart wrenching sobs, burying his face against his neck, his hands gripping the back of his shirt tightly.

This is an old wound that never quite healed.

Fang Rui is really, really glad that he stays nearby in the case of the worst scenario. He never doubts Qiao Yifan’s strength, but he also knows that the strongest people are most often people who have experienced many lows and yet managed to pick themselves up over and over again. It doesn’t mean they don’t have moments of weakness. It doesn’t mean they are completely unaffected, untouched by all the hardships. It doesn’t mean they don’t bear any scars.

He has noticed that Qiao Yifan rarely mentioned his time in Tiny Herb, and when he did it was rarely of his own initiative. He only spoke at length of Gao Yingjie, but precious little of others. There was nothing personal when he described the other team members, not even Wang Jiexi. He was not the only one. Ye Xiu and Su Mucheng certainly noticed. Other Happy team members picked up on it, Bao Rongxing was no exception.

Qiao Yifan was only 17, and he had lost his last and closest relative. He was looking for somewhere to belong, which Tiny Herb and Wang Jiexi were ill-equipped to provide. They might be a team, but they were also a workplace. Tiny Herb did nothing wrong, they did what was best, and Qiao Yifan, young as he was, realized it. He understood, to an extent, but it didn’t make it easier to accept. It felt like a personal rejection, that he was not enough, that he was unworthy.

Fang Rui understands, because he has been there. He was even younger than Qiao Yifan when Blue Rain didn’t promote him to the team. He managed to take the news calmly and even discuss his options with the manager and Yu Wenzhou. But behind closed doors, there was hurt and disappointment, there was even envy and jealousy. Everyone said that Blue Rain is the most inclusive team in the Alliance, why was I the exception? Why couldn’t you accept me?

It might be easier if he was lacking in skills and ability, but he wasn’t. His only flaw was his personal style was too distinctive, too dirty, too unsuitable for the team. When one’s personal style was so closely linked with their personality, how couldn’t he take it as a rejection to himself?

Fortunately, Wind Howl and Lin Jingyan quickly proved him wrong, reminding that he was wanted and needed. His compromise was not as much as compromise but an expression of gratitude for allowing him to be himself, a returning of favor for taking a chance on him, for believing in him. It didn’t matter that he changed classes from Qi Master to Brawler to Thief, changed roles from potential successor to partner. What mattered most was that he was allowed to stand on the stage and fight for the ultimate glory.

However, Qiao Yifan was not as fortunate. He was left questioning himself and his worth on his own for a long time until Ye Xiu appeared. He cannot imagine what the younger man went through. But he imagines it must be worse than his time in Wind Howl during Tang Hao’s captaincy. He was older then, and he was not completely alone. It didn’t mean he wasn’t hurt or tired.

Fang Rui still bears the scars. Some scars still hurt, some others barely register. Time heals all wounds, that is true. However, all wounds need to be allowed to heal before they can turn into scars. These wounds should be acknowledged first, to let them bleed.

Fang Rui sincerely hopes that with this, his little brother can finally start to heal.

Qiao Yifan doesn’t know how long he has been crying. All he knows is that his eyes and his throat hurt, that his nose is stuffed, and… he has been hugging Fang Rui.

At the horrified realization, Qiao Yifan hastily pulls back in embarrassment, nearly hitting Fang Rui’s chin. His face turns red when he sees the huge wet and soggy patch on his senior’s shirt and jacket. Before he can start apologizing, a playful flick on his forehead stops him in his tracks.

“Ah ah ah. If it’s an apology I don’t want to hear it.” Fang Rui then proceeds to take off his shirt and zips up his jacket instead. “Since it’s already wet, why don’t you use it as well to clean up your face? Don’t worry, it’s fresh out of the luggage and it doesn’t smell. I didn’t even sweat.”

Qiao Yifan blinks dumbly, before dissolving into laughter. He just can’t help it. He can imagine Chen Guo scolding him for being insensitive. It has happened before. Fang Rui isn’t being insensitive, he’s actually being considerate, treating his breakdown as if it was something normal, nothing to be embarrassed about. The older man also knows that he’s not willing to go outside with obvious signs of crying. Ergo, the most practical solution is sacrificing his shirt, which is already going to the laundry anyway. Pragmatic Qiao Yifan takes it, and without further hesitation uses it to clean his face from tears and snot.

“Feeling better?” After a while, Fang Rui breaks the silence.

“...Actually, yes.” Qiao Yifan admits, looking down at his hands. It feels like a huge weight off his shoulders. He doesn’t realize he has been carrying this for a long time.

“You know you’re allowed to feel hurt and angry, right?” It is an echo of a past conversation. He didn’t fully understand what Fang Rui meant back then. He had even been confused because he never saw Fang Rui truly lose his temper. His senior has always been quick to bounce back. He was the mood maker of the team. But Qiao Yifan knows better now.

“...Even though it has been a long time ago?”

“Even then. Everything has its own time.” Warm, gentle hand is a comforting weight on his head.

“I suppose… I’m a bit angry at Captain Wang, and at Tiny Herb.”

Fang Rui’s thoughts are written all over his face. No shit. Qiao Yifan purses his lips to hold back his giggles.

“I know I was performing badly, but I deserve better than being left to flounder alone. I was just a rookie… I was just a kid.” Qiao Yifan’s voice was quiet in the beginning, but slowly it got stronger and firmer at the end. The calm, determined expression is actually a familiar one to all Happy team members, this is the expression of their captain when he staunchly defends the team. 

Fang Rui smiles. It’s about time for Qiao Yifan to learn to stand up for himself. 

“Good.” His little captain looks so confused at that, Fang Rui chuckles. One step at a time, he reminds himself. This is not a lesson that should be rushed. He didn’t even realize there was still something he could teach this amazing young man.

“Let’s go back to your room, shall we? Yingjie must be worried sick, looking at the buzzing of your phone.”

Only then Qiao Yifan notices the buzzing coming from his phone. He pulls it out to find out that Gao Yingjie has been sending him messages. He resorts to calling him since it’s close to curfew. Qiao Yifan coughs and clears his throat before picking up the call.

“Yingjie? I’m fine. I’m just about to go back to the room. I’ll be right there soon.”

Qiao Yifan puts back his phone in his pocket. He reluctantly returns the folded shirt to Fang Rui.

“See you tomorrow.” Fang Rui reminds him. Whether they remain in the past, or return to the present, they will see each other again tomorrow. The thought brings a smile on Qiao Yifan’s face.

Qiao Yifan hesitates before he opens the door. Fang Rui tilts his head in confusion, before somebody barrels into him, giving him a brief hug before disappearing into the hallways. Fang Rui chuckles in amusement, inwardly relieved that Qiao Yifan recovers quickly.

It may not be a bad thing for them to return to the past, it seems.

***

Qiao Yifan finds himself unable to sleep despite the late hours and the darkness of the room. After his breakdown he actually expected to fall asleep the moment his head hit the pillow. He turns around in his bed, his gaze falling on the sleeping form of Gao Yingjie.

When he returned to the room last night, it was obvious that his best friend had waited for him, most likely keeping himself up in a state of anxiety. However, he only took one look at him and told him to go to sleep, swallowing all the questions he wanted to ask.

He is undeniably glad for the reprieve. He doesn’t know yet what to say to his friend. It doesn’t help that his conversation with Wang Jiexi left him feeling raw and vulnerable. He is not ready yet for another difficult conversation, and he doesn’t want to keep his friend's hopes up. This Gao Yingjie is still hopeful for the chance for them to fight side by side. He might see his performance in the Rookie Challenge and the captain looking for him as a good sign. They will eventually have their chance, but not in Tiny Herb. 

It was only for World Invitationals, and only for three times, which might be nothing in comparison to the times they faced off against each other as opponents. And in those times, Tiny Herb most often loses against Happy.

Gao Yingjie is definitely a genius, he is worthy of inheriting the god-level account Vaccaria. In his hands, Vaccaria remains the undisputed number one Witch in Glory. 

…But he’s no Wang Jiexi.

It was not immediately evident after Wang Jiexi retired, since Gao Yingjie had Xu Bin as his vice captain, alongside Yuan Baiqing and Liu Xiaobie, who have only become more reliable with age and experience. It was not exactly a problem of skill and ability. It was just that Wang Jiexi’s influence was too strong, too deeply ingrained in Tiny Herb, which would take more than to stop seeing him as a crutch to remove.

Qiao Yifan is not privy to the details, but he strongly suspects that Tiny Herb suffers similar problems with Excellent Era. The title of two time championship team that was led by the Magician, God Wang Jiexi has become a double-edged sword.

Thinking of the worn and aged Captain Gao Yingjie in the future, his heart hurts. 

This is not something a rookie and a former transparent team member can tackle. It is pure arrogance to think that he can even make a significant change in the remaining time he has.

“I haven’t talked with Yingjie.” Qiao Yifan ends up texting Fang Rui, not expecting a response. “I don’t know what to say.”

“It’ll come to you.” A chat bubble surprisingly pops up. “You’re best friends, aren’t you?”

Qiao Yifan smiles ruefully at the reminder.

“You might not need to worry about that if we return to our time after we went to sleep.”

Qiao Yifan blinks. The possibility that they might return to their timeline slips his mind even though he has been the one who brought it up.

“Is that why you’re still awake?” Qiao Yifan asks.

“I am leaving a note for my past self so he’s not too confused.”

“And playing Glory.”

“Of course.” A snort escapes Qiao Yifan at the matter-of-fact response. Fang Rui does have the All-Star Competitions to prepare for.

“I am telling him that a rookie challenged me. His name is Qiao Yifan from Tiny Herb. He is such a shy and quiet kid, but he is a Ghostblade, and he can play dirty. He’s only played for a month. His future is bright.”

Qiao Yifan feels his face heat up. Seriously, he cannot recall blushing this much before. It may be the effect of his younger body that he is so easily flustered.

But thinking of young Qiao Yifan reading this message when he wakes up in the morning, from another pro player that was not Ye Xiu… he must be very happy. His eyes soften at the thought, but he also thinks how much it would mean for Qiao Yifan of that time.

“We’re changing the future, aren’t we?” In just one day, there are pretty significant changes to their past selves and teams. They did agree to stick as much as possible to their past in the case they did return to their present. Lin Jingyan will leave Wind Howl. Qiao Yifan won’t have his contract with Tiny Herb renewed. Those two main events are unlikely to change. It can be said the changes are merely changes in attitude and behavior, but they are also the kind of change that is most difficult to predict.

“Thinking of the butterfly effect?” Fang Rui asks, easily catching on to his train of thought.

“Yes.” Qiao Yifan responds somberly. There’s no immediate response from Fang Rui.

“Ultimately all I can think of is that our opponents are going to be different. That’s it. You’re the master tactician, you might already have several scenarios in mind.”

Fang Rui is right. Qiao Yifan has run through multiple scenarios and discarded many others in his mind. However, the most extreme scenarios are when ultimately people are in different places, either weakening or strengthening certain teams in particular or the Alliance in general, which will completely change the past as they know it.

“I did.” 

“You’re not worried?” Fang Rui’s question makes him stop and stare. The people they care about, and they are considering changing the past for, are the people that also happen to be their future opponents, and it’s not limited to Lin Jingyan and Gao Yingjie. They have grown to care for many others in their path of glory.

They all strive for the championship, for the ultimate glory. But the journey matters as much, so do the people, the companions they made along the journey. Their companions are not only their teammates.

Glory is never meant to be played alone.

Even so, Happy still is and will always be the most important, more than anyone or anything else. So why isn’t he worried that might make things more difficult for his beloved team?

“I believe in Happy.”

Qiao Yifan’s fingers move before his mind catches up. There’s no single doubt or hesitation, so long Happy exists, so long they’re together, they can deal with whatever comes their way.

“I believe in Happy, too.” Fang Rui’s agreement comes only a second later.

In the face of irrevocably changed future, in the possibility any wrong step will have enormous consequences, it's easy to buckle under the weight.

However, some things will never change, will never falter.

It is their belief in themselves, and their belief in Happy.

Chapter Text

Fang Rui breathes out a relieved sigh. Finally, the adjustment to Wind Howl’s strategy and his personal playstyle bear fruit. After several dismal showings which threatened Wind Howl’s bid for the playoffs, they are back on track with the bright, glowing score of 10-0 for the team and against not just another team, but a playoff regular, Misty Rain. 

Once they had returned from the All Stars, Fang Rui brought forth some suggestions for the team from a Master Tactician–who was actually his little captain, but Lin Jingyan interpreted as Yu Wenzhou, whom Lin Jingyan knows Fang Rui remains close to. For Blue Rain which current position is near untouchable in the regular season’s rankings, Wind Howl that is struggling even to place 8th is not much of a concern for the team. If anything, Blue Rain might gain help in taking out troublesome opponents such as Xiao Shiqin’s Thunderclap, which pretty much sold Lin Jingyan on the cover-up. 

Fang Rui has no guilt in letting Lin Jingyan believe it came from the Blue Rain captain. Yu Wenzhou has only himself to blame for being so black-hearted. Admittedly, he was relieved, his old captain has always been the most difficult to fool, having known him the longest. Lin Jingyan might have his suspicions, but his trust in Fang Rui made him dismiss them. He owed both Qiao Yifan and Yu Wenzhou, even though the latter doesn’t know it. He trusts Lin Jingyan completely, but he and Qiao Yifan want to keep the changes minimal, being all too aware of the butterfly effect. Still, letting Lin Jingyan in the know is still in the cards. It’s the same for Ye Xiu.

Fortunately, Qiao Yifan won’t be in contact with Ye Xiu anytime soon, due to One Inch Ash still being power-leveled. So Qiao Yifan’s change in skill and personality can be explained by the time he has been away, which is where Fang Rui comes in. Just like Fang Rui used Yu Wenzhou to cover up his more tactically-advanced suggestions, Qiao Yifan will use Fang Rui to cover up his growth, with the sole difference that it’s not actually a lie. 

While he was waiting for Qiao Yifan during his talk with Wang Jiexi, Fang Rui put in an order for Glory account cards–24 Heavenly Domain characters of each class with Orange and Purple equipments on them–to be delivered the next morning. His inner Happy vice captain and team member actually balked at the amount of money spent, which was no different than Qiao Yifan’s reaction when he received the cards.

For a championship team, Happy wasn’t as wealthy as other top teams. At least, not as rich as the public expected from such a high-profile team. They didn’t take many appearances or endorsement offers. Learning from Ye Xiu and Excellent Era (and their Season 11’s mistakes), with the support of Chen Guo, Happy was really selective in doing business activities, particularly those that required the participation of their players. They demanded from the sponsors or any interested parties that any business activities would not disrupt practice or affect the players’ condition. This requirement actually made them quite unpopular in the industry in the beginning. 

That was also why they still operated like a grassroots team, because all the money they got was used to kick start Happy’s training camp and to further develop their characters and supporting departments, and that was after making sure all their players received salaries worthy of their achievements, leaving just enough for operational expenses. That didn’t change much even after they won their second championship title, even after Happy’s training camp came to be as renowned as Blue Rain’s, finally providing the club with a steady revenue and extra funds to splurge should they want it. However, by then, it was too deeply ingrained for them to solve every problem coming their way using their wits (and wiles) first, money last. To her chagrin, Chen Guo was no exception.

Fortunately Fang Rui has been retired for a while so he can quickly suppress the instinct and continue with his purchase. It helps that he has a hefty amount in his bank account. He recalled that in order to familiarize himself better with all 24 classes in Glory as Happy’s commander, Qiao Yifan had his own stack of Glory account cards that he bought by himself. His little captain is the closest to Ye Xiu in being Glory Textbook and master of all classes. Having only recently retired, Qiao Yifan is his best choice as a sparring partner to whip him back into shape.

And Qiao Yifan proved him right.

Fang Rui felt like he was thrown back in time when he went through a rotating battle session against Happy’s entire roster on his first day visiting the team. Qiao Yifan’s playstyle for the other classes than his own closely resembles their teammates. Fang Rui knows it was intentional on his junior’s part, because Qiao Yifan by nature and design is not particularly aggressive. Being Happy’s commander and a Phantom Demon, Qiao Yifan prefers to keep his distance to maintain overall view of the field. It doesn’t mean he can’t, he can be aggressive when it’s needed, but it does mean that he’s performing better in classes that suited him. However, it’s more than enough to prepare Fang Rui when team practice resumed after the All Stars. Qiao Yifan’s help is not just for giving Wind Howl a strategy better suited with Lin Jingyan’s and Fang Rui’s state, but also getting Fang Rui into shape or as close to it. 

Considering his job, he still kept up with Glory, both online and professional games. His alt accounts were all in Guild Happy. At times, he was even involved in Boss hunting and stealing. He was not the only one, he often encountered familiar faces when he arrived on scene. When he had time he would watch the official matches, whether live or recorded. His mind could still keep up with the changes in tactics and strategy, with the new skills that come with the changes in the level cap. He was only limited by his own physical condition, of which now is completely removed by returning to his younger body.

If Fang Rui has to describe his current situation, it is like riding a wild, powerful stallion with him barely holding on to the reins. The solution that he comes up with is to tighten the reins, or in this case is to limit the skills he used, so he can reduce the number and complexity of the inputs, thus reducing operational mistakes for trying to summon nonexistent skills. It can be said that he was handicapping himself, but he’d rather borrow his good friend Yu Wenzhou’s words that he’s solidifying his foundation by returning to the basics. 

Or in other words, like his former captain and team leader’s style: crude.

Well, not that crude, dirty playstyle won’t be complete without the seemingly unnecessary psychological tricks after all. However, by simply being around Ye Xiu, Team Happy have the constant reminder of the importance of solid foundation and the advantage of skill diversity. That’s why their character’s skill points have a unique distribution of not only the subclass’ but also the class’ low-leveled skills together with the higher-leveled ones depending on their playstyle, and at times, depending on their need. It also helps that skill points are what Happy has in abundance. From the eleventh season onward, Wu Yuce wasn’t the only pro player changing his character’s skill point distribution for matches, though admittedly his fellow Fifth Year debutant was still the most frequent. 

Fang Rui ends up significantly changing the skill points on Doubtful Demon that it resembles more of Three Burrows, the last Thief account he used on the professional stage. He is still a Trap Thief, but in the adjusted system, in order to reduce the burden on Lin Jingyan, Fang Rui’s Thief is more proactive, leading the rhythm of Wind Howl. Lin Jingyan is also no longer guarding the ring, instead it is Zhao Yuzhe with Fang Rui starting. Lin Jingyan is put in the individual competition, but not always the first. His old partner is not Ye Xiu after all. 

In that strategy, Lin Jingyan is entrusted to win one point, while he and Zhao Yuzhe are entrusted for the two points in the group arena. The purpose is to give more resting time for Lin Jingyan, to get Fang Rui used to the competitive scene quicker in the guise of a new playstyle, and to give more responsibility to Zhao Yuzhe. Fang Rui remembered how the rookie–it’s weird to treat Zhao Yuzhe as a kid again–puffed up his chest in pride when he was told of the new arrangement, only to receive a harsh wake up call by finding out how much responsibility being the group anchor is. Fang Rui wanted to hit himself, his old self in particular, for not having thought of this in the previous timeline. Once again there’s respect, begrudging as it is, towards the captain and vice captain, and that’s not limited to their rookie, but also the rest of the team.

Lin Jingyan in the later half of his career has never been a particularly flashy or a powerful player, but he is a calm and reliable player and a solid, steady presence of a captain. With the wisdom that comes with age and experience, he doesn’t waver easily and can find ways to fight back regardless of the odds. This adjusted tactic allows Lin Jingyan to shine by playing to his strength. This lack of trust and respect in their captain and ace player can be said to be the main reason behind Wind Howl’s declining performance in the past, his own awful performance didn’t help. He still gets secondhand embarrassment whenever he recalls that period. He got overzealous then, doing too much and too little at the same time. He’s learned a lot since then. He considered himself a better vice captain to his captains after Lin Jingyan (and the best if he can say so), and now that he can be one for Lin Jingyan himself…. Fang Rui exchanges smiles with Lin Jingyan as they lead their high-spirited team back to their hotel. He won’t waste this chance.

Fang Rui checks his phone as he enters his hotel room after parting with Lin Jingyan. The text he received makes him frown and go directly to the computer to check for a certain team’s match. At the same time, he logs into Glory with his alt. It has become a habit to meet up in the arena even though they are only giving updates on each other’s situation. Especially considering how busy he is as Wind Howl’s vice captain and core player, Qiao Yifan is in a better position to keep track of Happy and the professional alliance. Tiny Herb is a championship team and Wang Jiexi is a prominent figure in the Alliance, after all. From last he heard, Wang Jiexi started to communicate and interact more with the substitutes, giving the others no less attention than Gao Yingjie. Only Qiao Yifan and the only female member of Tiny Herb, Liu Fei, seemed to have adapted to the change well, though. This change can also help to explain Qiao Yifan’s growth.

“I’m watching the VOD right now.” Fang Rui says as a greeting. When his Thief account arrives in the room, a Level 70 Phantom Demon is already there. Qiao Yifan merely hums in response.

“... what the fuck ?” Fang Rui curses with a feeling, he cannot believe what he is seeing. He vaguely recalled watching the Excellent Era vs Thunderclap match, wanting to know how it could cause such a huge uproar among the pro players and the public alike. It was not just a crushing defeat, but it was also such an ugly match. It was like none of the players were trying . It was a huge disgrace to the dynasty they have created and the greatest disrespect to the game that Fang Rui didn’t bother to watch the whole match in full, let alone the press conference.

But now… having insider’s knowledge of what was actually going on with Ye Xiu and Excellent Era, Fang Rui can see more beyond the mess.

“Is it because of Lord Grim’s debacle?” Fang Rui frowns. That is the only explanation he can think of. It was quite a media circus, too. It was entertaining then, and it is no less entertaining now.

“I don’t think so.” Qiao Yifan answers. “At least, not directly.”

Fang Rui and Qiao Yifan were quick to log in to the online game before Huang Shaotian even managed to get a match with Ye Xiu. Since they have been practicing together before, they were not far away from each other. They stayed together when they entered the room and stood a good distance away from other spectating pro players so their conversation wouldn’t be overheard.

They had laughed at how Huang Shaotian was used as free labor by Ye Xiu. It didn’t happen only once or twice in the past–in the other timeline. He wasn’t the only victim to Ye Xiu’s shameless ploy, but he was the most frequent. Lu Hanwen, his successor, suffered the same fate in Qiao Yifan’s hands. To be fair, he was not the only one. Qiao Yifan was too gentle and reliable, it was easy to drop their guard against him. Fang Rui, Wei Chen and Ye Xiu all shed tears of pride when they found out, with seething Chen Guo being held back by Su Mucheng and Tang Rou in the background. 

However, they soon fell into a nostalgic silence as they witnessed the legendary account and sole unspecialized character in Glory history. As Ye Xiu and Yu Wenzhou had predicted, the unspecialized class grew weaker as other classes gained more skill. By the time the level cap reached Level 85, Lord Grim completely retired from the professional stage. However, Lord Grim could still be found in the online game, maintaining the tradition from their grassroots' days. It has been the last test and a rite of passage for potential recruits to successfully wield the account before they were promoted to the team. All and any members of Happy were capable of using Lord Grim, so they could accurately judge that Ye Xiu were still holding back. Lord Grim was still Level 52 and Myriad Manifestation Umbrella was at its Level 45 form. Since they were already familiar, they took the time to pay attention to the spectators. Qiao Yifan was the one to spot the four Excellent Era characters: One Autumn Leaf, Total Darkness, Emotionless Magic, and Qi Breaker.

Only three out of the four spectators performed incredibly badly, alongside their Striker and Cleric.

Wait, five people?

“The only likely explanation is that they had a five-men team to chase after Lord Grim in the online game, and they were beaten so badly that it affected their competitive state.” Qiao Yifan comes to the same conclusion. 

“Seriously?” Fang Rui responds incredulously. The Level 75 update isn’t here yet. There should be no reason for pro players to get involved in guild matters. These are no rookies, they should be able to adjust their state quickly.

“...they’re really afraid of Old Ye, aren’t they?” Fang Rui sighs, leaning back on his seat.

“And they don’t even know it.” Qiao Yifan smiles helplessly.

“It explains a lot honestly. No wonder they crash and burn so badly after this.”

Fang Rui and Qiao Yifan go silent. They cannot imagine Ye Xiu’s feelings right now.

“There’s nothing we can do for Excellent Era.” Fang Rui speaks their thoughts out loud.

“Qiu Fei will do well.” Qiao Yifan puts up the reminder that Excellent Era will regain their former glory.

“Just make sure Big Eye won’t steal him away for Tiny Herb.” Fang Rui adds, Qiao Yifan laughs. It has been a bit of an inside joke on how Wang Jiexi kept trying and failing to poach Ye Xiu’s Battle Mage disciples, while Ye Xiu successfully poached from his own team (and in addition to Blue Rain and a special mention for Tyranny’s guild).

“Oh, West Riding Wind just told me there’s a BOSS sighting.” Qiao Yifan reads the message he just received aloud.

“Ooh nice. Give me the coordinates. I’ll join you.”

There’s only so much they can do by sparring against each other. They are too familiar with each other. They need variety, or to be exact, chaos . Which can be easily found in the online game, either BOSS fight or dungeon raid.

Fang Rui as a Thief is too recognizable, so whenever he helps out the guild, he uses a Brawler account instead. Being of the same Fighter class, it’s a good exercise for his Qi Master. Both his Thief and Brawler alt belong to Howling Heights. His Qi Master is purposefully kept unaffiliated for matters unrelated to guild. Meanwhile, Qiao Yifan has joined Wind Howl’s guild as a Spellblade and left his Ghostblade unaffiliated for the same reason. Initially he wanted to use Warlock, but Fang Rui quickly shut him down. His Warlock is an unholy combination of Yu Wenzhou and Wei Chen. 

It will be a matter of time until Blue Brook takes notice of him and brings him to Blue Rain captain’s attention. Fang Rui knows better than anyone else how persistent Yu Wenzhou can be, and in some ways, he’s more annoying than Huang Shaotian. Qiao Yifan has looked at him in confusion since it sounded like from experience. His tired expression kept his little captain from pursuing the line of questioning. He would have told him though if Qiao Yifan asked, especially if he asked him back in their original timeline. Their (future) Yu Wenzhou has been eyeing Happy’s captain and national team’s vice captain as his successor as the Alliance’s Chairman. He has actually mapped (seriously, mapped !) Qiao Yifan’s professional career from captaincy to retirement, from pro player to Alliance employee, and eventually Chairman. Having known and worked with Yu Wenzhou well, he and Ye Xiu saw this coming and acted accordingly so Qiao Yifan won’t be overwhelmed and remain oblivious. They also made it clear that it should be Qiao Yifan’s choice , should he choose to work for the Alliance. Knowing Qiao Yifan, their junior would have preferred to remain in Hangzhou and work for Happy. Fang Rui immediately shakes off the thought when familiar figures come into sight.

West Riding Wind and the rest of the guild elites quickly surround them when they arrive, their excitement palpable. “There you are, Never-Setting Sun and Frosty Blade!”

“Congrats for the win!” “That was an exciting match!” “God Fang, you were awesome!” The guild elites congratulate Fang Rui for Wind Howl’s win with hushed whispers, careful not to be overheard by others, even their own guild, particularly their own guild. 

Wind Howl’s performance has been worrisome after Lin Jingyan’s defeat in the Rookie Challenge, but last match brought the much needed assurance and excitement. Fresh from their latest victory, the guild is in high spirits. Unfortunately, they were not the first to see the BOSS, Tyrannical Ambition was. By the time Howling Heights managed to gather enough people, Herb Garden and Blue Brook had joined in. Usually they wouldn’t force it, but the BOSS was of a Fighter class, so the drops would definitely be useful for the team, so they asked for Qiao Yifan’s help. They were pleasantly surprised that Fang Rui came along. 

All they know of Qiao Yifan is that he is a promising youth that shows tactical talent that Fang Rui discovered. The guild people connected the dots themselves that Qiao Yifan was not from their training camp, so they have been very welcoming, trying to make Team Wind Howl appealing to the talented player, more so when they saw his abilities themselves. The Guild has never reaped so many materials until Little Frosty Blade leads them. He is such a nice and polite boy, too. The Guild leaders sing so much praises to Fang Rui should Qiao Yifan hear them he would definitely resemble a tomato.

“Is it really okay for you to join the BOSS fight? You’ve just had a match tonight.” West Riding Wind asks concernedly. Fang Rui smiles, West Riding Wind is a good man. He is originally from Wind Howl’s training camp, so he’s better informed than an ordinary player how important rest is for pro players.

“I haven’t quite wound down from tonight’s match. I’m good to go.” Cheers come from all around. “Let’s go and steal a BOSS, everyone.” Fang Rui and Qiao Yifan exchange a look, knowing they have identical grins on their faces despite the characters’ emotionless face.

“Little Frosty Blade, take the command.”

“Yes, Senior.”

Stealing BOSSes, Happy’s forever favorite pastime.

***

Fang Rui closes the door behind him as he leaves the R&D department. He spent longer time than expected, catching up with Old Xu until they passed dinnertime. He drops by from time to time to visit the few of the old faces that still remain in the club alongside his routine checks on supporting departments, but he has long learned not to disturb the researchers so he makes sure he doesn’t show up unannounced and take more of their time than necessary. He decides to pack up his dinner from the cafeteria and brings it back to his room.

Lately he can be always found in the online game, since they will be reaching an important milestone. Qiao Yifan has taken One Inch Ash back from the power leveler and currently is undergoing the Heavenly Domain challenge. Then there’s the bounty for Lord Grim and Deception.

This should be the events happening right before Wei Chen’s ambush of Lord Grim.

Fang Rui’s presence isn’t really necessary considering the current Qiao Yifan was not the inexperienced rookie in the past. Qiao Yifan will be more than enough to support Ye Xiu and Chen Guo against Wei Chen and his band of brothers. However, there’s a huge amount of luck (or fate) involved in getting Wei Chen to join Happy. Death’s Hand was the sole reason Ye Xiu got a hold of the elusive former Blue Rain captain. There’s no certainty that the Warlock’s Scepter will drop again with Windward Formation’s death. Should it not happen, Wei Chen will be less likely to hear Ye Xiu out.

He will be needed for the worst case scenario, since he still keeps in touch with the man who has recruited him from the Challenger’s League, which also happens to be Wei Chen’s vice captain (and weakness): Fang Shijing. 

Well, that’s the main reason, but Fang Rui will never miss the chance to bully the older man… and to meet the original members of Team Happy. 

Despite Ye Xiu not having appointed anyone as vice captain, Fang Rui and Wei Chen with their experience as former team leaders had been Happy captain’s main helpers when it came to the management of the team and the club. In the wake of Ye Xiu’s retirement, as the remaining pioneering generation, Wei Chen was indispensable. Captain Su Mucheng, Vice Captain Fang Rui and Boss Chen Guo of the new championship team would have been lost and overwhelmed without his guidance.

Happy’s girls were not and have never been just a pretty vase. Happy’s guys knew this better than anyone else, but unfortunately, the world didn’t necessarily think the same. Striking the balance between protecting and supporting them was quite a challenge. They wanted to help them but at the same time didn't want to undermine them. The juniors were still too young and inexperienced, so the task often fell on the two of them, with Wu Chen sometimes being roped in. He and Wei Chen have built a revolutionary friendship from the experience. They will be strangers this time, so he hopes he can get to know the legendary Blue Rain captain earlier.

A system prompt pops up, catching his attention.

System notification: Friend Deception is online.

With pro players’ hand speed, Fang Rui sends him a message for him to set his status as invisible and to check the public announcement, which the other responds with a confused emoji, but nonetheless the scrap-picker changed his status, to his pleasant surprise.

“500 yuan?!” Mo Fan expressed his shock so clearly, even only in text.

“What item did you pick that the guilds put up for such a reward for you? I don’t think I’ve seen that kind of announcement before.” 

There are several curses and multiple annoyed emojis, making Fang Rui chuckle. Mo Fan might be cold and detached in real life, but he’s expressive online. It took the team by surprise when he participated actively in Happy group chat, and to roast Old Wei at that. Later on the professional stage, he was not only renowned as God killer, but also the God with killer one-liners, which the team often brought up to tease him about, to the younger man’s embarrassment. By the end of Season 11, they all learned that he was actually capable of speaking in long, complete sentences, and that the length he spoke corresponded to the level of comfort and closeness he felt with others. Fang Rui has been the first to be granted that special privilege in Team Happy. 

That’s why Fang Rui was the one assigned the task of befriending Mo Fan. After Happy’s senior members retired, the younger ones were becoming much closer and more tight knit. However, it didn’t change the fact that Mo Fan still was most comfortable around Su Mucheng and Fang Rui. What Qiao Yifan didn’t know–and it was not his secret to tell–was that the main reason why Mo Fan opened up so easily to him was because he had made Ye Xiu apologize to Mo Fan when he found out the circumstances of how Mo Fan joined the team. 

From the initial retelling, it did sound like such a hilarious tale, especially when Tyranny–Zhang Xinjie and Lin Jingyan!!–got involved. When he heard the throwaway line from Wei Chen, “We thought he’d come for real-life PK,” he thought the older man had exaggerated as he was wont. 

Fang Rui has always been good at respecting boundaries once he has them figured out, and to his knowledge, so is Ye Xiu. If anything, that man excels at maintaining proper distance. What people know about him is only what he lets others know, which is close to none . Team Happy knows more than other pro players and definitely much more than the general public, but most of the knowledge they have is from Chen Guo who happened to be at the right place and time when Ye Xiu was willing to share more about himself. Even Ye Xiu’s retirement was a surprise to all of them. Except for Su Mucheng… and for him, because they saw the signs.

However, once he got closer to Mo Fan and got to know him better… he understood where he was coming from, why he became a scrap-picker and what Glory meant for him. Glory was not only his escape, it’s his safe haven .

And Ye Xiu took that away from him.

Fang Rui had no doubt that Ye Xiu had no malicious intentions, and Mo Fan as Deception was difficult to communicate with. But to make him unable to enjoy playing Glory because every time he logged in he was pursued and killed…. It was not fair to him. It was downright cruel .

Being pressed for time was not enough of an excuse. Sun Zheping joined their team before the offline matches (although to be fair, he was a former pro player, he needed little adjustment). Providing guidance and training should also be still possible while building rapport in online games. Due to the lack of rapport, Mo Fan ended up mostly self-taught in Happy. He never truly (and was willing to) received proper guidance from Ye Xiu. Su Mucheng and Fang Rui did their best, but they couldn’t really compare to the Glory Textbook. 

Mo Fan did end up settling well in Happy and thriving in the Pro League. He was much better suited for the pro scenes than online games. He was a good friend, a reliable teammate and an important member of Happy. Due to his independent nature, he often provided a different perspective and clearer insight of things. Fang Rui enjoyed their late night chats when they shared a room together.

But it could have been better.

So that’s what he is doing this time around: building rapport and providing guidance to Mo Fan.

“It’s that Lord Grim.” What follows is the longest conversation he has with Mo Fan, and not to mention the most gossip he has ever heard to the point he even brings out the snacks and munches on them while giving appropriate responses. It’s nice being part of history that he used to be unaware of, that even Qiao Yifan is not privy to. More so to being told by the person involved directly and willingly.

Mo Fan has come so far… inwardly Fang Rui sheds tears of pride.

“Who is he?” Surprisingly, Mo Fan asks at the end of his rant. Fang Rui’s eyebrows fly up in surprise. It’s always a significant occurrence whenever Mo Fan takes initiative.

“Who? Lord Grim?” Fang Rui really needs to restrain himself before he responds. Pro player’s hand speed can be quite a curse. Otherwise, he’d come on too eager.

“Who is he that the guilds make such a ruckus over him?” 

“No one really knows. At least no one is saying anything with concrete proof.” Fang Rui sends out a shrugging emoji. “There’s even rumors that he’s Ye Qiu.”

“Who?”

Fang Rui just sends out a speechless emoji, while his stomach hurts trying to hold back laughter. For Mo Fan who has little interest in people, unless they are his teammates and opponents, this is his most common expression. Even for fellow pro players, he remembers their accounts more than the person behind them.

“You don’t even know Ye Qiu?? I know not everyone follows the Pro League, but I thought everyone should know Ye Qiu at the least.”

“Why is that?”

“You know Excellent Dynasty, right? Their professional team and club, Excellent Era created a dynasty by winning three consecutive championships, and it’s all thanks to its captain and core, Ye Qiu and his Battle Mage character, One Autumn Leaf. That’s why there are so many Battle Mage players and why its guild, Excellent Dynasty, is considered among the big guilds in online games.”

“Oh. So that’s why.” Only now, Mo Fan connects the dots. He has wondered, but since it has no relevance to him, he put them aside for more pressing concerns, such as scrap picking and killing. He doesn’t really care about the top guilds. They are not really that special in his eyes. He can defeat their experts just fine. He did notice that there were certain guilds, like Excellent Dynasty, that were more inclined to throw out the name of their guilds as if it was worth something. If any of those guilds can hear Mo Fan’s thoughts, they’re likely crying tears of frustration and anger.

“There are other championship teams and players, but none that have pulled off similar achievements. He’s pretty much a legendary figure in Glory.”

“So this guy, this Ye Qiu, is supposed to be Lord Grim?”

“As I mentioned before, no one is sure who he is, but everyone agrees he’s definitely a pro-level player, even some say he’s god-level. Considering Ye Qiu has just retired and is no longer competing in the Pro League, it does sound plausible.”

“What’s the difference?” Mo Fan notices the differentiation. He has heard other players addressing those pros as gods in conversation. He dismissed them as typical meandering of weak players to the strong or fans to their idols.

Fang Rui mulls over his answer. He knows this is a momentous occasion. The continuous questions are a really, really good sign from the usually aloof Mo Fan. If he does this right, Mo Fan will grow an interest in the Pro League by himself.

“How to say it… Do you consider yourself an expert?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“I’m better than others.” Fang Rui quirks a fond smile at the matter-of-fact answer. Mo Fan is indeed an expert among ordinary players in the online game.

“Then that’s what pro players are: the expert of the experts.” Fang Rui pauses. “And Gods… are those who stand out among the pro players.”

There is no response for a long time.

Fang Rui finds himself completely calm, not the slightest bit nervous at the silence. He only has limited interactions with this Mo Fan. He has been careful not to overwhelm his old roommate, quietly following his lead. It was already a miracle that he was willing to add him as a friend. Their initial exchanges were curt and businesslike. Once their business was over, whether it was scrap-picking or playing dungeons, Mo Fan did not stay around to chat. However, after quite some time in their cooperation together, Mo Fan finally couldn’t restrain his curiosity and started asking questions about his actions, mostly about skills utilisation and game strategy. It is not uncommon for Mo Fan to go silent or to go offline afterwards.

Fang Rui recognizes this habit of Mo Fan very well. He had the same habit back in Happy. Once he was more comfortable around the team, it was clear that he did not refuse guidance, but he did prefer to do things at his own pace. He would come up to the teammate who would most likely help him, then afterwards he preferred to be left alone to mull things over. Usually he went over the recordings over and over again, doing his own research and then practicing on his own. He would balk at any offer of help in the process even though it would make everything faster and easier for him. He accepted hints reluctantly, and even then it could go both ways, they never really knew for sure. Though it was almost a guarantee if it came from Wei Chen (and Ye Xiu, when he was particularly moody), Mo Fan would always do the opposite.

Fang Rui takes this silence as a good sign. He guesses that Mo Fan is currently doing his own research about Lord Grim and Ye Qiu. Since he doesn’t go offline, Fang Rui decides to hang around in case Mo Fan comes back with questions and busy himself with the preparation for the next Wind Howl match. 

Fang Rui is so engrossed in watching and taking notes of their next opponent that it takes him a while to notice the new message in his chat box. There’s only a single line, but the content is enough to surprise him.

“Are you a pro player?”

“You think I’m an expert among experts? I’m flattered.” Fang Rui doesn’t miss a beat.

“Free field. Room 23948. Password 1030.”

“How bold of you.” Fang Rui gives a token protest, while smoothly switching to the arena and entering the room number and password. He has actually been waiting for this moment.

Plan “Drag Mo Fan into Pro Scene” has officially kicked off.

***

Qiao Yifan blinks at the message in his phone. He has just woken up and washed his face, so he hasn’t had the time to check his phone. He’s so excited at the news that he instinctively presses the call button instead.

“Well, good morn’ to you.” A familiar drawl comes from the phone. Qiao Yifan has a brief moment of embarrassment before his previous excitement quickly covers it up.

“Is it true?”

“Yup.” Fang Rui pops the p. “Our Mo Fan finally shows interest in the big leagues.”

“He figured out that you were a pro player?” Qiao Yifan is amazed. He knows how careful Fang Rui is in dealing with Mo Fan. Whenever he plays online together with Mo Fan, Fang Rui tends to play support, and support’s value tends to be harder to notice. For Mo Fan who is unfamiliar with teamwork, being able to notice not only the value of Fang Rui’s support but also his level is quite an achievement.

“It seems he gained a lot from his time with Lord Grim.”

“Senior is an excellent teacher.” For Qiao Yifan, this is an irrefutable truth.

“So long the student is willing.”

“That’s… unfortunately true.” Qiao Yifan cannot help but feel rather sad at the acknowledgement. Excellent Era finally encountered their deposed and supposedly obsolete captain in the online game, expecting to win against him and a bunch of nobodies he was leading, only to be trounced badly. It should be clear evidence that so long they are willing to listen to Ye Xiu, victory should be a matter of course. They are Excellent Era’s pro players, they should be better than aspiring pro players like Heavenly Justice, who received a mere fraction of Ye Xiu’s direct and constant guidance. And yet… they were busy blaming others but themselves.

“Considering our luck, what are the chances we’ll be meeting Old Wei tonight?” Fang Rui disrupts the melancholy mood before it could linger.

“I’d say, a very good one. Senior Wei is quick at catching opportunities.” Fang Rui’s amused cackle at the other end of the phone makes him chuckle, lifting his mood.

“See you tonight then Brother Rui.”

“See ya.”

Qiao Yifan shakes his head. He might be the one calling, but he ended up being checked up on by his senior. To be honest, his current situation is a significant improvement from his previous life in Tiny Herb. Being allowed to play as Phantom Demon instead of Assassin makes him feel much more at ease and comfortable. He also receives guidance from Wang Jiexi himself. The Tiny Herb captain is not too familiar with the class as Ghostblade doesn’t play a prominent role in the team, but playoff regular Team Void has Ghostblade duo as their core players. They are opponents that Tiny Herb and its captain have studied intensively. Being the Magician, he provides an unique, refreshing insight even for Qiao Yifan who has been hailed as the number one Ghostblade in the future-past. In addition, Wang Jiexi involves him more in individual and team practice. Now, he has more than Gao Yingjie to practice with. 

Then when the official training is done, Qiao Yifan usually goes back to his room to refresh his knowledge of the current teams’ and Alliance’s situation, and to practice more with his alternate accounts online, whether by himself or with Fang Rui. Sometimes he also takes advantage of the free time to either practice or play with Gao Yingjie and fellow Eighth Year rookies. This time around, Tiny Herb’s Qiao Yifan is living a busy, yet rich and fulfilling life. Fang Rui needs not worry about him at all.

It is not to say there’s no awkwardness at all in the team. How can there not be?

The water dispenser player suddenly shows them up, completely overturning their previous perception of him and themselves. The subtle hierarchy they have established is now broken. Before, it’s never a question of who is the worst player among them, who might be kicked out of the team. Now, it could be any of them.

The newfound interest and attention of Wang Jiexi don’t help matters. Instead of cherishing the opportunity to receive guidance from the great god and captain of Tiny Herb, they are too focused on not making any mistakes, on not doing worse than other reserve players. This strategy often backfires on them, making them commit more mistakes than they should have.

Qiao Yifan doesn’t fail to notice how it makes the atmosphere around the reserve players tense and suffocating, but he’s helpless about it. It’s not like he doesn’t want to help, it’s simply he can’t. It’s not only because he’s the main cause, but also because it’s a matter of mindset. It’s not something that can be easily changed.

All he can do is to make sure that Gao Yingjie is not affected by their attitude and focus on helping to build his best friend’s confidence instead.

“Good morning, Yifan!” Gao Yingjie greets him as he opens the door of his room, the other boy is just exiting his own room across from his. 

“Good morning, Yingjie.” Qiao Yifan smiles as they fall in step with each other.

Qiao Yifan finally gained the courage to talk with Gao Yingjie about his situation, determined to come clean before they returned to Tiny Herb. His best friend deserves to know the whole truth from him, and not the incomplete one from Wang Jiexi. 

The conversation had gone easier than he expected. 

His best friend was sad and disappointed, that had been his greatest fear and worry. However, his sadness and disappointment was more directed to himself than Qiao Yifan.

“I’m sorry Yifan.” Gao Yingjie’s expression was as if he was close to tears.

“Yingjie?” Qiao Yifan was confused.

“I know your circumstances better than anyone else. However, I have been too afraid to do anything.” 

“No Yingjie.” Qiao Yifan shook his head vehemently. “We’re just rookies. We’re just doing the best we can.”

“But-but I could’ve just talked with the captain-”

“And then tell him what?” Qiao Yifan gently spoke to his distressed friend. “I was the worst performer in the team. I did not show any improvement for half a season. Even if you spoke well for me, I really had nothing to show. I had been so desperate that I was willing to try out a new class. It was a huge gamble for me. I really didn’t know how it would turn out. 

“I did not tell you not because I did not trust you. It was myself I did not trust.” Qiao Yifan looked straight at Gao Yingjie, not hiding all of the doubt and uncertainty he had been feeling in those dark times. “I wanted… I wanted to prove to myself, and to everyone else that I deserved to be a pro player. And it was something I needed to do myself.”

“Yifan…” Gao Yingjie’s wide eyes were filled with tears. Not wanting to see his friend cry, Qiao Yifan tried to lighten things up.

“I must admit I got a bit arrogant since I received God Ye’s direct guidance. I foolishly thought that was enough.”

Unfortunately it didn’t seem to work as Gao Yingjie still burst into tears, sending him into a panic. Qiao Yifan could only sit next to his friend and comfort him helplessly, promising him that he would not hide things from him anymore. 

Qiao Yifan still doesn’t quite understand what drove his friend to tears, but just like Gao Yingjie who has waited patiently until he was ready to talk, Qiao Yifan will do the same for him.

“Yifan, did you read the group chat?” Gao Yingjie starts after they’ve sat down with their breakfast.

“Do you mean Jade group chat?” Qiao Yifan watches in amusement as Gao Yingjie flails in embarrassment whenever the name is brought up, which is why he did it. Inspired by Fang Rui who wormed his way into Tiny Herb’s seating section during the All Stars, Qiao Yifan spent the rest of the event making friends, taking Gao Yingjie along with him. Soon he was reacquainted with Dai Yanqi from Thunderclap, Yu Nian from Samsara, Li Yuan from Blue Rain, and He Weitang from Royal Style, the ones among the Eight Year debutants he was the closest to and later became the core members of the New Generation. 

Among the newly debuted pro players, their similar background and temperament made them click with each other quickly. None of them were particularly arrogant or ambitious. It was not like they didn’t want to make a name for themselves, but they understood Glory isn’t that simple. They understood how heavy the weight of expectations was. They were also aware of their own strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately they understood that everyone had their own challenges, and there was no use of being envious of others.

They were such good kids. Qiao Yifan was honored to have known them. 

However, it took him until Season 10 to get to know them, and even then it was Dai Yanqi and Li Yuan who reached out first. They took all of Happy's rookies, the odd bunch that they were, under their wings. Before they knew it, they had smoothly integrated with the younger pro players of the Alliance.

It was Dai Yanqi who created the chat group, but it was He Weitang who gave the name of Jade Generation then. It is the same now. Despite the pretentious name, they consist of the most down-to-earth personalities, but also the same people who need frequent reminder to boost their confidence and to know they have people in their corner, who understood all the difficulties being the youngest generation in the current pro scenes and whom they could go to for help, whenever they needed it.

Their generation is in the unique position of nothing they have achieved will be truly original, that they will always be compared with their predecessors and they will always have the shadows of them hanging over them, found within themselves. Even if they do not have any predecessors to compare with, there is the unspoken expectation that they can’t only be ordinary, they need to be outstanding, to be godly . This becomes much harder, and near impossible with the longer career span of pro players, with the difference of experience as a chasm that is difficult to overcome.

But at the same time, for the new generation of Glory fans ushered in by the World Invitationals and Olympics, they have also become the only pro players these fans know. They have become what the Golden Generation was in the early years of the Alliance. They are hauled as Gods, the best of the best, while wondering whether those who bestow that title upon them are making fair comparison with their admired and respected predecessors. Just like less and less people remember Ye Xiu’s One Autumn Leaf, and more and more people remember Sun Xiang’s One Autumn Leaf, that it seems that One Autumn Leaf has always been Sun Xiang.

The Yangtze River forges ahead waves upon waves, the new generation will invariably surpass the old, as it should be. It is an inevitability. It is something their predecessors have learned to accept, to embrace, and it is something they should also learn.

However, the younger generation seems more sensitive in this regard. While their mind understands, their heart remains unwilling. Qiao Yifan is no exception. 

The Jade Generation chat group has been a source of comfort and strength for many of its members.

And to see this remains unchanged brings him great relief, that his return to the past does not irrevocably damage the good things they had.

With their earlier involvement with the Jade Generation, he can see the changes in Gao Yingjie. Getting to know more pro players of his age and of different teams really does him good. Gao Yingjie is getting out of his shell. It is not immediately obvious, but as his best friend, Qiao Yifan can see it clearly. 

So can Wang Jiexi. 

Somehow the man also managed to unerringly pinpoint Qiao Yifan as the cause. He nearly had a heart attack when Wang Jiexi randomly popped out and complimented him for getting Gao Yingjie to join the chat group. Honestly, Qiao Yifan much preferred Ye Xiu to Wang Jiexi as his captain. He can still make heads or tails of Ye Xiu’s thoughts than Wang Jiexi’s. He can understand his current captain just fine during games, but outside them? 

Inner Qiao Yifan is waving a white flag, but Tactician Qiao Yifan is admittedly tempted to dig into the Magician’s brain and compare notes with Fang Shiqian, the God of Healing who has won Tiny Herb’s two championships with Wang Jiexi. He’ll just settle watching and observing Wang Jiexi in his remaining time in Tiny Herb.

“Do you think the pea cakes are ready?” Gao Yingjie asks him excitedly. Qiao Yifan has tried (been dragged to) other teams’ cafeteria, so he can say with confidence that while Tiny Herb cafeteria cannot really compete with a certain team’s cafeteria, their desserts are to die for. It doesn’t matter whether you have a sweet tooth or not, just like himself. It helps that they are the youngest (and cutest) members of the team, so the lovely aunties often let them know ahead of the others if there are freshly made desserts, even going as far as packing them separately for them. 

“Aunt Li did say it should be ready by the time we finished.”

“I’ll go check. If they’re done, I’ll also take your share for you.” Gao Yingjie offers, already standing up before Qiao Yifan can make the offer himself. 

“Okay.” Qiao Yifan can only chuckle in amusement at his best friend’s sweet tooth. Nothing can stand between Gao Yingjie and sweet desserts, not even Wang Jiexi.

Qiao Yifan is about to finish his glass of milk when a snide voice speaks up behind him.

“You’re such a big hotshot now that you can order around Gao Yingjie, huh?”

Qiao Yifan doesn’t blink. His expression remains unchanged even as his seniors come up to his table, looming over him, trying to intimidate him. He is far too old and experienced to be easily provoked with such a pitiful attempt to assert dominance. He is also no longer that Qiao Yifan who is uncertain of his place in his team and questioning his own worth, so all he can feel is sadness for them that they need to resort to such tactics.

He is not surprised to see that Xiao Yun is the one who made the remark with a sneer on his face, but is surprised to see that Zhou Zebai next to him doesn’t seem to share the same sentiment. He actually looks… uncomfortable? 

Due to the new arrangement, he and the senior Ghostblade player cannot help but spend a lot of time together. Zhou Yebai couldn’t hide his discomfort and dislike at first, but once they start interacting more and discussing about Ghostblade tactics and strategy, Qiao Yifan can say that their relationship is not that bad. It’s still a work in progress, and it can be said that the main reason for that is the one senior who cannot hide his hostility, who also happens to be the person Zhou Yebai is closest to in the team.

“Good morning Senior.” Qiao Yifan greets them politely with a smile. “Have you had breakfast?”

Xiao Yun narrows his eyes at his calm response.

“Quit with all that nice guy act. You might be fooling the captain, but you’re not fooling me.”

“I’m afraid I don’t quite understand what you mean, Senior.” The helpless look on his face is not faked. Qiao Yifan really doesn’t understand the conclusions Xiao Yun comes to.

“Hah? Still pretending to be a pig, aren’t you? You managed to make yourself so pitiful that the Captain and Gao Yingjie now all bent over backwards for you.”

Qiao Yifan is rendered speechless. It’s not only the incredible mental gymnastics required to come up with that, but also the blatant display of hostility, suggesting that anything he does will only further add fuel to the fire.

“That’s what friends do. But I suppose you won’t understand that, Senior.” 

It’s only due to years of experience being captain that Qiao Yifan can maintain his composure. Otherwise, he’ll be making the same expressions as Xiao Yun and Zhao Yebai who are gaping in shock, in complete disbelief that the words are coming from their supposedly shy and quiet junior.

Gao Yingjie has returned to their table without their notice. Qiao Yifan doesn’t know how much he has heard, but from the flat and stony expression… he has heard enough. Qiao Yifan does not expect to witness this rare sight so early, when Gao Yingjie is still so young and immature.

“Senior Xiao, you can say anything about me, but can you really say that about the captain?”

Never had Qiao Yifan seen someone turn so pale so quickly the way Xiao Yun does. Zhou Yebai is no less pale next to him but he has better presence of mind to pull frozen Xiao Yun away before he can open his mouth and make things worse, especially now that more people have arrived in the cafeteria for breakfast.

Gao Yingjie’s expression remains unchanged, his body is taut with tension, his hands are clenched on his sides, his gaze not leaving the two older members of Tiny Herb until they completely leave the vicinity.

Right before his eyes, Gao Yingjie deflates like all the wind is taken out of his sails, dropping so heavily on the table that Qiao Yifan is worried that his friend has hit something. Gao Yingjie buries his face on his arms so that only his curly hair can be seen.

“Yingjie?? Are you alright??” Qiao Yifan’s hands hover over his friend’s slumped figure, unsure how to comfort him. Suddenly Gao Yingjie’s reddened face suddenly popped up, taking Qiao Yifan by surprise.

“How can you just listen to all of that Yifan? How can you not be angry? I thought… I thought things were getting better.”

Qiao Yifan stares at Gao Yingjie’s misty eyes and trembling lips, reminded of his friend’s expression when burst into tears. Gao Yingjie had the same expression back then, it was sadness mixed with anger at the injustice, at his own helplessness…. Even now and then, the only times Gao Yingjie will and can only be driven to anger only when someone else he cares about is wronged. This is where the two best friends are the most similar.

Qiao Yifan’s heart is filled with pride and affection.

“They are, Yingjie. They are.” Qiao Yifan makes sure to look Gao Yingjie in the eye when he says this. “I might not be able to stand on stage with you, but I can be part of the team’s practice, to help you prepare for competition, so when you go out there, standing on the stage, it’s like I’m there too with you.

“I’m no longer afraid. But unlike me, they are. So that’s why they act like that. And I’ve been in their position. So who am I to be angry at them?”

“You should be angry.” Gao Yingjie frowns, but with his baby face it only looks vaguely threatening.

“Well, I think you’re angry enough for both of us.” Qiao Yifan is relieved to see his friend is no longer looking so sad and angry.

“That’s not how it works.” Gao Yingjie pouts. Qiao Yifan has to resist pinching his cheeks. Now he understands very well why Fang Rui did that to him. He still has his own chubby cheeks.

“Really? You were pretty cool, you know.” Qiao Yifan teases Gao Yingjie.

“ I can’t believe I just said that... ” A whine can be heard as the future captain of Tiny Herb buries his head again, this time out of embarrassment at the realization of what he has done.

Qiao Yifan can’t help it, he laughs.