The tournament official arrived moments later, their stern expression silencing any further protests. "This is unacceptable conduct. Both of you, come with me." Reluctantly, the two players backed away, glaring in Chaihong's direction before following the official.
The four of them turn to Wang Chaihong, even with the cap and mask, Zhang LiQiang notices the faint tremble in her hands as she pulls her cap lower, trying to shield herself from prying eyes.
"Maybe next time," he murmured, glancing at Lu Yufei.
Pulling a business card from his pocket, Zhang LiQiang took a step closer, careful not to intrude on her space. He held the card out toward her, his voice calm and steady. "It might not mean much, but I like your playstyle, let's play together. Let me know by next week. "
Glancing at the card underneath the cap, the light caught the embossed gold emblem of the Heavenly Jade Gaming logo. Her fingers twitched involuntarily as if drawn by it. 'Is this… do I deserve this?' Her body moved on her own and she accepted the card from Zhang LiQiang.
Zhang LiQiang and Lu Yufei stepped back and walked away. Though she didn't look up, seeing Wang Chaihong stare at the card in her hand but the gesture was enough for him.
Yang Jinbao turns around and hugs her friend "Are you okay?"
Wang Chaihong wraps her arms around her friend, and her trembling slowly stops "Yeah…I am"
Kang Dal pats her head, trying to cheer her up "Let's go eat some good beef alright?" Wang Chaihong chuckles at his effort and nods "Yes~"
Lu Yufei trails behind Zhang LiQiang, " The discrimination against female pro is more serious than I thought."
The commotion earlier replays in his mind, Zhang LiQiang pulls out his phone and goes through his contact list "If I want her on the team, we will have to be prepared."
"You gonna alert the PR team? Damage control before there's even damage?" Lu Yufei glances at him, he is already texting the team's coach.
"It's better to be prepared than wait for a controversy to happen." Zhang LiQiang's tone was serious, he already experienced something similar once, and he did not want to go through it again.
___________
The smoky aroma of sizzling meat filled the air, the sound of crackling fat mingling with the hum of chatter and laughter around the crowded BBQ restaurant. Wang Chaihong sat at the corner of the table, with her shoulder tensed up, eyes fixed on the meat as it sizzled on the grill. The golden juices bubbled and popped, but she didn't seem to notice.
Across from her, Yang Jinbao and Kang Dal were locked in a lively discussion about their favorite plays from the tournament, their voices animated as they recalled the intense final moments.
"And that clutch from our Xiao Hong during the second match? Insane!" Yang Jinbao exclaimed, gesturing wildly with his chopsticks.
"Right? That shot to secure the ring—perfect timing," Kang Dal agreed, laughing as he loaded a lettuce wrap with grilled beef and kimchi.
But their chatter slowed down when they noticed Wang Chaihong hadn't moved. Her chopsticks remained untouched, her gaze distant as the meat began to crisp. 'It's probably the incident earlier' they both thought.
"Um…Xiao Hong?" Yang Jin Bao leans in, Wang Chaihong blinked as she was snapped back to reality.
Kang Dal tilted his head, studying her. "You've been spacing out for the past five minutes. What's going on? Meat's ready, and you haven't even grabbed a bite."
"Ah…yeah…I will eat now." Wang Chaihong frantically picks up her chopstick.
Yang Jinbao with a worried expression, "I hope you are not thinking about those bastards earlier.", clenching her fist 'I should have sent them to the hospital !'
Wang Chaihong shakes her head "I'm not…", her other hand still in her pocket. Her thumb repeatedly caressed the card's emboss.
"Then are you thinking about the invitation earlier?" Kang Dal tilts his head, he glances over at his cousin.
Wang Chaihong picks up her chopstick once more and poked at the piece of beef on her plate absently "Who is he?"
"The one that gave you the card? Zhang LiQiang?" Yang Jinbao places a piece of kimchi on her plate.
"Who?" Wang Chaihong looks puzzled.
Kang Dal's eyes widen, and he forcefully swallows his food "He is the one that established Heavenly Jade Gaming!"
"Again…who?"
Yang Jinbao laughs "I forgot you don't go on social media anymore. Make sense you are disconnected from the gaming community." she pulls out her phone to search for Heavenly Jade's latest profile page.
She showed it to Wang Chaihong "Four years ago, Zhang LiQiang established Heavenly Jade Gaming. Their team has been winning tournaments and they are famous for their aggressive playstyle. Currently, they only have a team for Underground War."
"But… a few months ago, there was an allegation! One of their former members was caught in fixed matchmaking*!" Kang Dal continues to grill a fresh batch of meat.
Yang Jinbao takes her phone back from Wang Chaihong "Their reputation isn't doing good since then. I guess they are looking for a new player to replace the former."
"Was the allegation true?" Wang Chaihong's appetite to eat slowly came back, she places a piece of beef into her mouth.
Kang Dal shrugs "I am not sure myself. Our coach told us that Heavenly Jade is an honest company, he is close to someone there."
"If you are curious about Heavenly Jade, are you thinking about joining them?" Yang Jinbao furrowed her brow, a playful grin tugging at her lips.
Wang Jinbao stiffens at her friend's question, her expression filled with a mix of uncertainty and fear "No. I'm merely just curious."
Yang Jinbao's expression softens " Xiao Hong, we know you shine the most when you are up there competing."
"I just…I am afraid…all of it happening again…It's scary…" she lowers her head.
Yang Jinbao and Kang Dal place down their chopsticks, giving her space to gather her thoughts.
" It's not about the thought of playing again—it's… everything that comes with it." her eyes fixed on the table. For the past few years, people around her have encouraged her to play again, she has no doubts wants to as well. After years of constant judgment of her gender rather than her efforts has drained herself. 'It's tiring…'
It was the breaking point when she was taken advantage of in an environment she thought was her safe space.
"It's like walking into a room, and everyone's already made up their mind about you. Even when it's quiet, their voices are still there—judging me, doubting me, reminding me of every mistake." her voice faltered.
Yang Jinbao looks away, she knows the feelings all too well as well but she was lucky to have met good people. Wang Chaihong started in the professional scene at a young age, she barely had anyone to support her. She exhaled and placed her hand on Wang Chaihong's hand over the table. "But now, you have us. We will protect you and support you."
"Bao jiejie is right. I will beat up anyone who dares mock my teacher " and starts to do imaginary boxing movements in the air to cheer her up.
Wang Chaihong chuckles at Kang Dal's stupid movements, the knot in her chest loosening slightly. She smiles at her friends "Thank you for listening to me. I…will think about it."