Liu Hao paced around the camp base, his movements sharp and restless. His usual confident demeanour had faded, replaced by something distant. He hadn't spoken much since their last strategy session, and it was beginning to draw attention. Ye Xiu, ever perceptive, watched Liu Hao out of the corner of his eye, sensing that something was off.
"Liu Hao," Ye Xiu called out, his voice cutting through the quiet room. "You okay?"
Liu Hao froze for a moment, then quickly shrugged it off, not meeting Ye Xiu's gaze. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... something from back home," he mumbled, running a hand through his hair. His response was brief and dismissive, but it was enough to shift Ye Xiu's attention back to his game.
Satisfied that Ye Xiu wasn't pressing him further, Liu Hao hurried toward the door, his hands trembling slightly as he grabbed his jacket. He had dressed differently today—an unusual choice for someone who normally opted for casual hoodies and sweatpants. Instead, he was wearing a fitted black blazer over a crisp white shirt, dark jeans, and polished shoes. The look was sharp, almost too sharp for a simple outing. His hair was slicked back, and there was an air of urgency in the way he moved.
Once outside, Liu Hao exhaled deeply, glancing back at the camp base to ensure no one was watching him. The cool night air did little to calm his nerves, but he couldn't waste time. He had a meeting, and he couldn't afford to be late.
The café was a quiet, upscale spot far from the bustling camp. Its modern design, sleek wooden furniture, and dim lighting gave it a sophisticated air. Liu Hao pushed open the glass door, stepping inside with a sense of trepidation. His eyes scanned the room until they landed on a man seated near the back corner, dressed in a tailored charcoal-grey suit. A cup of espresso sat untouched on the table in front of him, steam still rising gently from the surface.
The man looked up as Liu Hao approached, a small, knowing smirk forming on his lips. His eyes were sharp, and calculating, as if he already knew everything he needed to about Liu Hao before he even sat down.
Liu Hao hesitated for a moment, then forced himself to walk over, his footsteps echoing in the quiet space. He introduced himself with a slight bow of his head, his voice low. "Liu Hao."
The man didn't stand, merely gestured with his hand toward the empty seat across from him. "Take a seat," he said, his tone smooth, almost too friendly. Liu Hao complied, sitting stiffly as the man lifted his cup and took a slow sip of espresso.
"So, Liu Hao," the man began, setting his cup down with deliberate care. "I watched your last match. Impressive playstyle. You've got real talent. It's a shame… you're not leading Excellent Era."
Liu Hao's jaw clenched at the comment, but he didn't respond. He kept his gaze fixed on the table, unwilling to engage. The man's smirk widened slightly, sensing the tension in the air.
"You and Ye Xiu... your styles aren't that different, are they?" the man continued, leaning back in his chair. "Some might say you've got the makings of a leader yourself. So why is it that you're still in the background, letting him take all the glory?"
Liu Hao remained silent, but his fists tightened under the table. The words stung, not because they were untrue, but because they struck at the core of something he had buried deep within himself—a resentment he didn't want to acknowledge. He had always admired Ye Xiu's skill, but a part of him wondered, why not me?
The man tilted his head, watching Liu Hao's reaction closely. "You don't have to answer that," he said, his voice soft but insidious. "I think I already know. Ye Xiu... he's cast a long shadow, hasn't he? You've got potential, but as long as he's around, you'll never get the chance to lead."
Liu Hao's breath hitched, and for a brief second, doubt flickered in his eyes. The man's words were playing on his insecurities, on the very things he had struggled with since joining Excellent Era.
"I'm not here to cause problems," the man continued smoothly, his expression almost sympathetic now. "I'm here to offer an opportunity. You don't have to live in Ye Xiu's shadow. You can be more than that."
Liu Hao finally looked up, his eyes meeting the man's for the first time since he sat down. Something was unsettling about the man's gaze, something that promised power and danger in equal measure. But the seed of doubt had already been planted.
"I don't want to make this difficult for you, Liu Hao," the man said, leaning forward slightly. "You deserve more. And I can help you get there. All I'm asking for is... a little cooperation."
Liu Hao's heart raced. He knew this wasn't just about his skill or leadership—it was something bigger. Something that involved Ye Xiu, Excellent Era, and the future of everything they had worked for. But at the same time, the offer was tempting. The idea of finally stepping out of Ye Xiu's shadow, of proving that he could be just as good—if not better—gnawed at him.
The man saw the conflict in Liu Hao's eyes and smiled, knowing he had found the thread he needed. "Think about it," he said, standing up and adjusting his suit jacket. "You don't have to decide now. But just know... opportunities like this don't come often."
With that, the man gave Liu Hao a small nod and walked away, leaving him alone at the table with nothing but the sound of his rapid heartbeat and the weight of the decision before him.
Liu Hao sat there for a long time, staring at the empty cup in front of him, his mind swirling with doubts, fears, and ambition. The path ahead was unclear, but one thing was certain: whatever choice he made next would change everything.