The prime period for esports players lasts only a few years.
No more than that.
Even the most prodigious talents can't remain brilliant forever.
Fang Yibai is thirty-two now, and according to the unwritten rule of the esports world where players retire around twenty-five, he should have already quit.
If it weren't for the club's lack of new talent, he wouldn't have persisted for so long.
To be completely honest, his eyesight and reaction time have diminished significantly.
The only reason he can still hold his own on the competitive stage is entirely due to his years of experience.
"I think Jiahe is excellent and can definitely take on the captain's role."
Fang Yibai has been recognized as a genius player in the esports circle for many years.
Fast hand speed, strong ability, capable of playing any position.
Xu Kexin smiled and closed her laptop, extending her hand to him.
"No rush."
Xing Jiahe took her hand and affectionately stroked her palm, "Let's go grab something to eat first."
Xu Kexin thought about the gift in her pocket and nodded, "Okay, what do you want to eat?"
Xing Jiahe curved his lips into a smile and said mysteriously, "You'll know when we get there."
They drove to a Chinese restaurant nearby.
It wasn't a large place, but it was crowded.
Colorful lights hung outside, creating a lively atmosphere.
Looking around, all you could see were heads.
Xu Kexin inexplicably felt a sense of returning home.
"I really didn't expect there to be a Chinese restaurant here."
She had always thought there wasn't, and she had been eating Thai food recently. Her stomach, however, was typically Chinese; she felt uncomfortable if she didn't eat Chinese food for three days.
Xing Jiahe pulled the car door open for her and took her hand as they got out.
"I knew you hadn't been eating comfortably lately. The owner of this place is Chinese and specializes in stir-fries. The cooking is quite good, want to try?"
"When did you find it?" Xu Kexin thoughtfully put a mask on him.
He was now an esports star, and he had just won a championship. There might be people here who recognized him.
Xing Jiahe slightly hunched his back, letting her fuss over him.
"Yesterday, but I tasted it, and it's good."
The hotel food was good, but they preferred the taste of home-cooked meals.
From the few meals they had, she ate sparingly, and he knew it must not have suited her taste.
But he didn't admit it.
He just pressed her shoulders, motioning for her to sit.
Just then, a server came in to bring the menu.
"You can order, I'm going to make a call," Xing Jiahe patted her head, his tone requesting permission.
Xu Kexin knew his preferences, "Okay, come back soon."
She started to look through the menu.
"Mm-hmm."
Xing Jiahe responded, taking his phone and leaving.
However, he didn't return even when the dishes were served.
Xu Kexin was busy with work. It wasn't until the last dish was placed that she realized how much time had passed.
"Try it."
Xing Jiahe held chopsticks in one hand to feed her and the other underneath to prevent it from falling.
Xu Kexin opened her mouth and took a small bite, tasting it.
"It's good, really good."
Her eyes sparkled, a natural reaction when she tasted something she liked.
Xing Jiahe couldn't hide his smile and coaxed her, "If it's delicious, eat more."
"Mmm," Xu Kexin took a big bite, swallowing the rest of the potato.
Then she picked up her chopsticks, ready to feed him a piece.
Unexpectedly, he leaned in directly and tasted from her mouth.
Then slowly deepened the kiss.
It was indeed a bit rougher than before.
"When did you learn? You don't have to do this."
Hands used for esports are so precious.
He also plays the piano.
Using them for cooking is such a waste!
Xu Kexin glared at him.
"But I want to marry you," Xing Jiahe caressed her face and smiled, "How can I do that without some skills?"
"Marry...?"
Xu Kexin was a little taken aback.
To be honest, she hadn't considered this issue.
But if he genuinely wanted to start a family, she was willing.
"If I remember correctly, the legal marriageable age in our country is 22 for men and 20 for women. It's perfect, I'm 21 this year, and you..."
Xu Kexin looked at him frankly and asked, "Are you willing to get a marriage certificate with me?"
This time it was Xing Jiahe who was stunned.
Not out of unwillingness, but pure surprise.
He had prepared a lot of words.
Now, it seemed, they wouldn't be needed.
"What?" Xu Kexin raised her eyebrows playfully, "You're not willing? Then..."
Fearing she might change her mind, Xing Jiahe quickly said, "Willing! Very, very willing!"