Chapter 68

Chapter 68

That day, the internet was buzzing with news of an important large-scale esports tournament.

This event brought together several top-tier teams from the country.

With the world championships just around the corner, the organizers held this event to allow the teams to test each other's skills and familiarize themselves with their opponents.

The event was grand, and all social media platforms were promoting it.

Lin Yi wasn't particularly interested in esports tournaments; he simply enjoyed playing games but didn't want to get involved in such events.

However, because of Huo Shen, he paid more attention to the news about this tournament.

Huo Shen's team was naturally participating, but without their captain, the remaining members were leaderless.

This time, three official players and one substitute were participating.

As the camera panned over their young faces, it was clear that their eyes were filled with confusion.

Their captain had retired; what would they do now?

This once invincible team, now without Huo Shen as their backbone, was at a loss.

Some trolls on the live stream began to mock them.

"Aren't you supposed to have the championship locked down? With your disarrayed state, how can you win?"

"Without Huo Shen, where will they get their championship from? I bet this team is going to wither away."

"Serves them right. After winning a few world championships, they really thought they were gods? Let's see how badly they lose this time."

"Hahaha, as long as they don't cry and run home to mommy."

The team's fans tried to counterattack, but they too were uncertain.

They didn't know if their beloved team could continue their undefeated streak or even survive.

Only a few fans responded.

"So what if Huo Shen isn't here for now? The remaining four players can still do it!"

"I've been supporting this team for five years, watching them train hard and stand on the world champion stage. No matter what, I'll always support them."

"Trolls, stop jumping around. If you can, go win a championship yourselves."

At this moment, a fan asked, "Do you think Huo Shen will return to compete?"

This question silenced everyone.

Would Huo Shen return?

Since Huo Shen announced his retirement, this question had haunted every fan, casting a shadow over their hearts.

Lin Yi watched the argument between the trolls and the fans, feeling a deep sense of melancholy.

At this moment, he heard some movement behind him. Turning around, he saw Huo Shen coming down the stairs.

Huo Shen was also holding his phone, clearly following the tournament.

He was so engrossed that he didn't even notice Lin Yi as he passed through the living room and went into the gaming room with his phone.

Lin Yi raised an eyebrow at this sight.

Huo Shen couldn't let go of his team.

Indeed, Huo Shen joined the team at nineteen and had been the captain ever since.

He had built this team from scratch, dedicating five years of his life to it. Anyone in his position would find it hard to let go easily.

Lin Yi shifted his gaze back to the phone screen.

Soon, the match began.

Eight teams entered the game together, and whoever emerged victorious would be the champion.

Currently, there were two favorites for the championship: Huo Shen's Sky Team and another team called Mad Dragon.

In the past, Sky Team would have been the clear winner, but without their captain Huo Shen, they might struggle this time.

Mad Dragon, which had always been the second-best team in the country, had long been overshadowed by Sky Team and was eager to take advantage of Huo Shen's absence to finally claim victory.

When the players from both teams took the stage, their eyes met with icy determination.

The atmosphere was tense, and the chat was lively.

"Holy crap, so exciting!!"

"These two teams each have their strengths; it's hard to predict who will win."

"Ha, can't you tell? Without Huo Shen, Sky Team is just a bunch of scattered pieces. Even I could beat them."

"Go, Mad Dragon! This championship is definitely yours!"

"Sky Team has been the champions for a long time. I still think they have a better chance."

"Huo Shi hasn't played in matches for a while, yet Sky Team's fans are still talking nonsense."

Amidst the heated discussions online, the match began.

After the initial opening animation, everyone boarded the plane and parachuted down...

Then, the intense match started.

As soon as they landed, gunfire erupted continuously...

After about thirty to forty minutes, an intense and lengthy match came to an end.

The result of the match stirred everyone's emotions.

Sky Team, who had always been invincible, lost this time.

They lost to Mad Dragon and placed second.

The members of Mad Dragon immediately cheered and roared, even making provocative gestures towards Sky Team, such as flipping them off.

The youngest member of Sky Team couldn't hold back his anger and stepped forward to confront them but was forcibly pulled away by his teammates.

Their backs all carried a sense of dejection, clearly losing confidence in their future.

The event came to a close like this.

Sky Team ended their undefeated legend.

The haters of the team took the opportunity to come out.

"Mad Dragon is awesome!! Looks like they will represent us abroad this year!!"

"Hahaha, look at Sky Team's defeated appearance, it's hilarious."

"Where are Sky Team's fans? Come out and defend your team."

"Sky Team is history now. Let's welcome the new champion team—Mad Dragon!!!"

Seeing these comments, Sky Team's fans were naturally angry and anxious, but they were helpless.

Sky Team did lose, and even getting second place was barely achieved. No one could answer whether they would even get second place in the future.

Everyone fell into unprecedented confusion.

Whether it was the members of Sky Team or their fans, no one could see a clear path ahead.

Lin Yi watched the entire match.

Not only the players and fans, but even he, an outsider, felt a sense of emotion.

Could Sky Team return to the peak?

Lin Yi put away his phone, then got up to get some water.

He poured a glass of water, took a sip, and glanced at the gaming room.

Huo Shi must be feeling terrible right now?

After all, seeing the team he had nurtured fall into this situation must be heart-wrenching.

When Lin Yi looked at the gaming room, he saw Huo Shi sitting in front of the computer with a tense expression.

Clearly, he knew the results already.

A moment later, Huo Shi turned on his computer, ready to continue practicing.

Even though he had retired and returned home, he hadn't missed a single day of practice.

Now that he saw his team fail, he was even more motivated to intensify his training.

However, Lin Yi spoke up to stop him: "Didn't Xu Zheng tell you? Your wrist strain is too severe. You can't train for now; take some time to recover."

That day, when he heard Xu Zheng describe Huo Shi's wrist injury, he was shocked. It was much worse than he thought.

This kid was still training every day, not taking care of himself.

Huo Shi, still immersed in negative emotions, turned around upon hearing Lin Yi's voice but didn't speak.

Lin Yi continued, "If you really want to go back to playing matches, there's no rush. Wait until your wrist recovers."

Huo Shi lowered his eyes and said, "Can I still go back to playing matches?"

His voice was low, unsure if he was asking Lin Yi or himself.

Seeing Huo Shi about to fall into negative thoughts again, Lin Yi interrupted him, "Snap out of it. Come here, I need your help with something."

Huo Shi looked up in surprise, "What is it?"

Lin Yi: "Just come with me."

Soon, Lin Yi led Huo Shi out and walked in a certain direction.

Ten minutes later, they arrived at the field planted with watermelons and cantaloupes.

These seedlings had grown lush and green, and it wouldn't be long before they bore large fruits.

Lin Yi was very satisfied looking at his melon field.

But Huo Shi was still confused, not knowing what Lin Yi needed him for.

At this moment, Lin Yi casually instructed him: "See those weeds in the field? Go clear them out."

Huo Shi: "…"

So his sister-in-law was making him work for free?

Seeing Huo Shi standing there motionless, Lin Yi urged, "Hurry up, what are you waiting for?"

Huo Shi: "…"

After a brief pause, he walked into the field and started weeding.

This was the first time Young Master Huo had done such work, and he was quite unskilled.

But even if one hasn't eaten pork, they've seen pigs run. Pulling weeds wasn't that difficult.

He bent over, using his left hand to pull the weeds one by one.

As the supervisor, Lin Yi lazily sat on the grass nearby, watching Huo Shi work.

Huo Shi didn't slack off either; he worked diligently at weeding.

His mind had been preoccupied with something, feeling somewhat oppressed, but once he started working, he had no time to dwell on it.

Time passed, and finally, Huo Shi finished pulling all the weeds from the melon patch.

He straightened up and took a long breath.

After the labor, he felt completely relieved of his worries, though he was exhausted.

But this kind of exhaustion was refreshing—his body was tired, but his mind was at ease.

Huo Shi went to the faucet nearby to wash his hands, then came to Lin Yi's side.

At this moment, Lin Yi was sitting relaxedly on the grass, basking in the sun, his hands supporting his sides, one leg bent, his eyes slightly squinted, looking almost asleep from comfort.

At this moment, Huo Shi called out, "Sister-in-law, I'm done."

Lin Yi opened his beautiful almond eyes and praised, "Not bad, deserves praise."

The corner of Huo Shi's mouth curved upward. "Sister-in-law, thank you."

Lin Yi asked, puzzled, "For what?"

Huo Shi said solemnly, "Thank you for helping me relieve my emotions and taking me out for a change of scenery."

If his sister-in-law was willing to do this, it meant she considered him family.

But after hearing this, Lin Yi said, "You're overthinking it. I just needed free labor to weed the field."

Huo Shi: "…"

Lin Yi looked at Huo Shi's frozen expression and laughed, "Ah, you're still too young. You don't understand the complexities of adult life."

Huo Shi: "…"

After a moment, he couldn't help but laugh as well.

Huo Shi felt incredibly light-hearted now.

Being with his sister-in-law was truly enjoyable.

In the afternoon, Xu Zheng came again to treat Huo Shi's hand.

While checking the recovery of Huo Shi's wrist, he said, "It seems to be recovering well so far, but remember to rest properly. If it worsens, surgery will be necessary."

Huo Shi seemed indifferent to these concerns, acting nonchalant.

Soon, Xu Zheng re-applied the medicine and left.

When only Lin Yi and Huo Shi were left in the living room, Lin Yi asked Huo Shi, "Did you remember what the doctor said?"

Why did this kid seem so unconcerned about his own health? It was worrying.

Hearing Lin Yi's words, Huo Shi subconsciously touched his right wrist with his left hand and said, "As long as it gets treated adequately, it won't affect me much if I'm not competing."

Lin Yi raised an eyebrow. "Why aren't you competing? You seem passionate about esports."

If Huo Shi had truly given up on his esports dream, he wouldn't have been training every day or cared so much about the team's matches.

Huo Shi opened his mouth but didn't say anything at first. After a moment, he said, "Does it matter whether I'm passionate about it or not?"

Lin Yi didn't expect such a response and immediately replied, "Of course it matters. How many things in life can make us throw caution to the wind? We should definitely pursue them."

Huo Shi had never heard such a statement before and was momentarily stunned. Then he said, "Even if it means sacrificing some things along the way?"

Like when he dropped out of school to pursue esports, everyone around him opposed it.

Of course, his brother Huo Jihan didn't oppose it; he simply said, "Adults must take responsibility for every decision they make."

Huo Shi had dropped out of school without hesitation, cutting all ties with his family, and devoted himself to his passion for esports. In the process, he gained a lot but also lost a lot.

He even missed his parents' last moments when they passed away, never knowing what final words they might have had for him.

This had become a deep-seated knot in Huo Shi's heart.

He began to doubt himself—was his unwavering choice to follow his dreams really the right one?

After asking, Huo Shi looked at Lin Yi with confusion, hoping to find an answer from him.

Lin Yi replied, "In life, we encounter many things, and not all of them can be judged as right or wrong. Some become regrets simply due to unfortunate circumstances, which doesn't mean anyone did anything wrong. Huo Shi, you need to understand that many people carry pain with them, and you won't be an exception."

After hearing this, Huo Shi fell silent for a long time.

After a while, Huo Shi spoke up, "If I go back to compete again, would you support me?"

Lin Yi smiled, "Why wouldn't I? It's a significant part of your life's meaning."

Huo Shi continued, "What about my brother? Would he support me too?"

Lin Yi laughed, "You seem to have a big misunderstanding about your brother. He's just a bit strict, not some old-fashioned stick in the mud. Besides, he cares about you a lot."

In Lin Yi's view, Huo Jihan was just emotionally reserved and didn't engage in overly intimate interactions with family members. However, he was the most solid support in the family.

Thinking about it, it was clear that Huo Shi could live so freely outside for the past few years without any family constraints because his brother Huo Jihan must have taken on a lot of responsibilities.

Huo Shi recalled the things he had deliberately ignored after hearing Lin Yi's words.

He should have stayed home to help his brother manage some of the Huo Group's affairs, as his parents expected him to do.

But he left those responsibilities behind to pursue his dreams, leaving everything to his brother.

His brother was the one who bore the most burdens.

Seeing Huo Shi silent, Lin Yi teased him, "How about it? You must feel how much your brother loves you for not killing you."

Just as Huo Shi was about to reflect on his actions, Lin Yi's words interrupted him, making him laugh and nod. "Yeah, I feel it."

He realized that being around his sister-in-law always lifted his spirits.

His sister-in-law was so open-minded that she influenced others to relax, making everything seem less daunting.

After their conversation, Huo Shi became determined.

He decided to return to his team and pick up his dreams once more.

Carrying the pain in his heart, he would set sail anew.

With clarity, Huo Shi transformed back into the confident and rebellious young man, his eyes shining with light.

He said to Lin Yi, "Sister-in-law, to celebrate my return to the field, let me cook a big meal tonight."

Lin Yi looked at him in surprise, "You can cook?"

It was hard to believe that the second young master of the Huo family had learned to cook.

Huo Shi nodded, "Yes, it's not that difficult."

Lin Yi was still stunned, "Then dinner is yours to handle."

Soon, Huo Shi entered the kitchen and dismissed the chefs.

It was evident he intended to prepare a grand meal by himself.

Lin Yi watched this scene in amazement.

It was hard to imagine what dinner would be like tonight.

By six o'clock in the evening, Huo Mianmian, who had been playing outside all day, came in.

He looked quite happy, his usually pale face now rosy, like a plump peach.

As soon as he got home, he went straight to Lin Yi and lay on her lap, looking incredibly cute.

Lin Yi poked his chubby cheeks, "Mianmian, what did you play today?"

Huo Mianmian propped his chin with both hands and said in a soft voice, "I played on the fake mountain and saw a group of ants moving. I squatted there watching them."

Curiously, he asked Lin Yi, "Dad, why do ants move?"

Lin Yi replied, "Because it's going to rain."

Huo Mianmian nodded but quickly had another question, "But how do ants know it's going to rain?"

Lin Yi smiled, "Didn't the ants tell you after you squatted there for so long?"

Huo Mianmian shook his head, "No."

Lin Yi said, "Then go ask the ants again."

"Okay."

Huo Mianmian obediently ran out the door.

A moment later, he came back, slightly out of breath, and told Lin Yi, "Dad, I asked, but the ants didn't tell me."

Lin Yi sighed, "Too bad. Those ants are so stingy, not even telling our little Mianmian."

Huo Mianmian nodded in agreement, "The ants are really stingy."

The steward and servants listening to their adorable conversation couldn't help but smile.

Since Mr. Lin came to their house, it was always filled with laughter, no longer the cold place it used to be.

Huo Mianmian had been playing outside all day and had just run two rounds, so his stomach started to growl.

He rubbed his little belly and asked Lin Yi, "Dad, when are we having dinner?"

Lin Yi replied honestly, "I don't know. It depends on your Second Uncle's speed."

Huo Mianmian opened his round eyes wide and tilted his head curiously, "Is Second Uncle cooking?"

How strange, Second Uncle actually knows how to cook.

Lin Yi nodded, "Yeah, your Second Uncle wants to show off his cooking skills."

Hearing this, Huo Mianmian sat down on the sofa, curious and waiting for his Second Uncle to finish cooking dinner.

But as he waited, his stomach rumbled twice, and dinner still wasn't ready.

He pitifully patted his belly and asked Lin Yi again, "Dad, when will Second Uncle be done with dinner? My tummy is getting flat from hunger."

Lin Yi couldn't help but laugh at Huo Mianmian's pitiful look and patted his little head, "Wait a bit more, Dad will go check."

Soon, Lin Yi arrived in the kitchen.

As soon as he entered, his eyes widened slightly.

Huo Shi had indeed made several dishes.

There were boiled sliced pork, braised pork, stir-fried clams, tofu with vegetables...

And each dish looked quite appetizing; they should taste good too.

Lin Yi exclaimed, "Wow, I didn't know you had such skills!"

Huo Shi explained, "When I first went to the base, conditions were tough, so my teammates and I took turns buying groceries and cooking because it was cheaper."

At that time, he chose to leave home to pursue his dreams and returned all the money his family gave him to prove himself completely. He went to the base with nothing.

No one at the base knew he was the second young master of the top-tier Huo family. After all, who could imagine that the silver-spoon-fed second young master of the Huo family could endure such hardships?

Initially, Huo Shi struggled to adapt. He had grown up in luxury and had never experienced hardship. The conditions at the base were extremely poor, and he had never faced such difficulties before.

But eventually, he gritted his teeth and got used to it, persevering through the hardships.

Lin Yi hadn't expected Huo Shi to have such an experience, and his understanding of Huo Shi deepened.

Indeed, the children of the Huo family are all exceptionally talented.

Soon, dinner was ready.

Lin Yi helped Huo Shi bring the dishes to the dining room.

At that moment, Huo Jihan also returned.

The family sat down in the dining room.

Huo Shi looked at his brother hesitantly and said, "Brother, I plan to return to competitions."

His tone carried uncertainty and a hint of probing, as if he wanted to gauge Huo Jihan's reaction.

It was a long-standing habit for him to both respect and fear his brother, and it wasn't something he could change easily.

Huo Jihan looked at him with dark eyes, "Have you decided?"

Huo Shi nodded firmly, "Yes."

Huo Jihan stared at him, "Is this after careful consideration?"

Huo Shi paused, then nodded firmly again, "Yes!"

Huo Jihan said sternly, "If you've decided, then no one will interfere with your life."

Huo Shi hadn't expected Huo Jihan to agree so easily and looked at him in disbelief.

Huo Jihan noticed this and said, "You're an adult now. Walk your own path, and as long as you don't regret it, it's fine."

Although Huo Jihan's tone was still cold, the content of his words carried a hint of warmth, which was rare for him when speaking to Huo Shi.

Huo Shi was momentarily stunned, staring at Huo Jihan.

Huo Jihan didn't say anything else, "Eat."

Huo Shi snapped out of it, "Oh, okay."

He picked up his bowl and started eating, looking obedient, truly embodying the role of a younger brother.

Lin Yi watched the interaction between the brothers.

Their interaction was too formal, wasn't it?

Thinking about this, he said to Huo Jihan, "Say a few more words, your brother is going back to competitions. Can't you give him some encouragement?"

Huo Jihan nodded, then turned to Huo Shi and said, "Your sister-in-law told me to say, 'Good luck.'"

Lin Yi: "..."

Huo Shi: "Cough cough cough..."

He choked suddenly.

How could it feel to him as though he was not eating a meal, but rather, dog food?!