Jing Mian thought he had misheard.
It took him several seconds to process what his husband’s words implied.
His slightly trembling lashes betrayed his surprise. Though reason subconsciously urged him to clarify the man’s meaning, his instincts reacted first.
He nodded and answered, “I can.”
“Then Husband wants to attend the match.”
Ren Xingwan murmured, “Does the player Sheep agree?”
…
Jing Mian’s mind erupted into chaos again.
His heart pounded uncontrollably.
This seemed to be the first time Mr. Ren had called him “Sheep.”
Though the address held no particular significance, it sent an electric shiver down Jing Mian’s nape, as if an invisible current had brushed past.
He pressed his dry lips together and replied, “Mm… agreed.”
Mr. Ren… was actually interested in Glory?
Or perhaps, out of concern for him, his husband had impulsively decided to accompany him through the remaining matches.
Either way, an irrepressible surge of joy bubbled up in his chest.
But soon, Jing Mian realized the proposal might not be very feasible.
He looked up and asked the man, “Won’t Husband’s identity be exposed?”
No one would fail to recognize Ren Congmian.
The venue Mr. Ren intended to attend was an internationally renowned esports event with a massive live audience and online viewership.
Even as a spectator, if his identity were revealed, he would undoubtedly become the center of attention.
Ren Xingwan: “Which identity?”
Jing Mian: “Huh?”
“Being recognized as Ren Congmian.” Mr. Ren’s voice was deep and unhurried, its tone unreadable in the dimly lit living room. The man asked, “Or as Sheep’s lover?”
Jing Mian swallowed lightly and whispered, “Neither is acceptable.”
He added, “Husband can attend the national tournament, but not with me.”
Jing Mian noticed that whenever his husband spoke to him, though his words were always cool and sparse, his gaze was silent yet focused.
The man asked, “Why are you afraid of us appearing in the same place?”
Jing Mian wasn’t sure how to answer.
After a few seconds of contemplation, he finally murmured, “…Because we wear matching rings.”
“Husband’s tie is tied by me.”
“And I often wear Husband’s jacket.”
His lashes, illuminated by the light from the floor-to-ceiling window, appeared delicate and long. Jing Mian said earnestly, “…These aren’t good habits.”
…
Under the cover of night, Mr. Ren suddenly let out a soft chuckle.
Though its meaning was unclear, the sound was cool and magnetic, making Jing Mian freeze momentarily, his heart skipping a beat.
Jing Mian: “?”
His Adam’s apple bobbed as he hesitantly continued, “If you’re recognized, Husband’s agent and company would be troubled.”
…
Sensing Mr. Ren’s unwavering gaze, the man didn’t refute. Instead, after a brief pause, he said in a low voice, “Then what must Ren Congmian do if he wants to appear at the national tournament with Sheep?”
Jing Mian’s brows lifted slightly in surprise.
The young man seemed to sink into thought. After a long moment, he carefully replied:
“The rings have to be removed.”
Mr. Ren: “Mm.”
Jing Mian pondered further. “Husband needs a simple disguise. No need to dress as formally as for other events.”
Mr. Ren: “Okay.”
This time, Jing Mian’s voice was quieter: “During the match, you can’t just watch me the whole time. You have to pay attention to the other players too.”
“……”
Mr. Ren fell silent for a few seconds before replying indifferently, “Fine.”
By the floor-to-ceiling window, a small potted plant stood tall and unwavering.
Half a year had passed, and the small elm tree was now lush with foliage, its slender branches entwined with deep green leaves swaying gently under the light. A few tendrils brushed against the edge of the coffee table, silently accompanying the quiet night.
Jing Mian picked up his phone.
He had calmed down enough now to call his Team captain, Xuan Cheng, back.
As the dial tone rang out, Jing Mian sat on the sofa, his soaked shoes and socks now exuding a chill, half-touching the floor and stealing away the warmth clinging to his skin.
“Jing Mian?”
Xuan Cheng’s voice came through the receiver.
Unconsciously, Jing Mian stiffened his back, his free hand pressing against the edge of the sofa. He took a light breath, his eyelashes trembling slightly.
Not because of Brother Xuan Cheng’s voice, but because…
His shoes and socks were being removed by his Husband.
The sensation of the man’s palm against his skin, his long fingers brushing over the arch of his foot, Jing Mian pressed his lips together and replied softly, “Brother Xuan Cheng.”
“MianMian, are you home already?”
Jing Mian watched as the man gripped his ankle, his fingers slender and well-defined, sliding down to the dripping heel before tightening his hold. Jing Mian’s fair ears turned crimson, his voice faltering slightly from surprise, “Mm… yeah.”
Xuan Cheng didn’t notice, his voice clear and cheerful: “The referee has already spoken to me. Since your absence was brief and didn’t affect the main schedule, and there’s precedent, the organizers aren’t imposing any competition bans. The fine is exactly as we expected, and it’s already been paid.”
“……”
Jing Mian’s breathing steadied.
Only then did the young man truly settle his emotions, dispelling the earlier dark thoughts, and he apologized earnestly to Xuan Cheng: “I’m sorry, Captain.”
Xuan Cheng paused, then laughed. “Didn’t you already apologize?”
Lightening the mood, he added, “If you really feel bad, just get me a few more ACEs in the next match and help ME. advance. The prize money will far outweigh that measly ten grand.”
Jing Mian couldn’t help but smile. “Mm.”
“The next match is the day after tomorrow. We’re up against ARE. from Luocheng.”
“MianMian, how’s your condition?”
“Can you still play as the starter?”
Jing Mian lowered his gaze, looking at Mr. Ren.
His eyelashes fluttered slightly, as if drawn by some invisible, tranquil force. He murmured, “I can, Captain.”
Jing Mian parted his lips:
“ME. will become champions.”
……
Soon after, the call ended.
Jing Mian leaned back into the sofa, his entire body sinking into the soft cushions.
A sudden, inexplicable thought crossed his mind.
Those two pills earlier, even if he hadn’t taken them, it might not have mattered.
The last time his episode flared up, it was soothed by that disabled Brother at the birthday banquet.
This time, it was his arranged marriage partner.
If only he could take Mr. Ren to meet that Brother whose face he could no longer clearly remember, the one who saved him, and thank him properly.
Jing Mian thought this to himself.
Then his eyelashes trembled again.
His other shoe and sock were also removed.