As Gu Yicing reflected on the game, she realized that without Xiao Xiao's guidance, they probably would have lost. The large screen displayed the end of the game, and uncertainty flooded her mind as she turned to Xiao Xiao.
"Did we win?" she asked, urgency lacing her voice.
Xiao Xiao's eyes sparkled with excitement as Gu Yicing handed her back the phone. "We won! You can check the replay later!"
"Ah! We actually won? How did that happen?" Xiao Xiao squealed, practically bouncing in her seat.
Gu Yicing chuckled at her exuberance. "It was a lucky win, really. Nothing to write home about."
"Wow, you're amazing! A pentakill! You must be a hidden gaming prodigy!" Xiao Xiao continued, scrolling through the game records with an air of disbelief. "What's your account name? I want to add you!"
"I don't have a personal account, and I don't play much anymore," Gu Yicing replied, feeling slightly shy about her gaming skills. "But let me formally introduce myself: I'm 'Lemon Not So Cute' from the Gossip Network, and my real name is Gu Yicing." She extended her hand in greeting.
Xiao Xiao stared at her for a moment, processing the information, before suddenly shrieking, "Oh my gosh, you're 'Lemon Not So Cute'? I'm 'Xiao Xiao Won't Date'! My real name is Xiao Xiao! I can't believe we're schoolmates! This is such a coincidence! Let's take a selfie and post it in the group!"
Xiao Xiao's enthusiasm was infectious as she hugged Gu Yicing, her excitement radiating in waves. Gu Yicing felt a mix of surprise and amusement at this lively girl's energy.
Gu Yicing took the phone from Xiao Xiao and shook her head, "Maybe not. They're just online friends, and I don't think it's necessary to post our pictures. Besides, I don't think I'm that pretty."
"What? You're gorgeous! Don't say that about yourself!" Xiao Xiao pouted, clearly offended by the comment. "By the way, which department are you in? I'm a sophomore in the Performing Arts department."
"I'm in the Computer Science department, and I'm in my third year."
"Wow, a senior!" Xiao Xiao exclaimed, her admiration palpable.
Gu Yicing couldn't help but laugh at Xiao Xiao's enthusiastic reactions. She had never met someone quite so exuberant.
"What's the deal with your mom wanting you to drop out?" Gu Yicing asked curiously.
"Oh, my mom is the CEO of Xiao Entertainment. After my dad passed away young, she's been focused on running the company and thinks it's too exhausting for a woman. She wants me to marry early and have a grandson to help her take over when she's still young. Can you believe it? I'm only nineteen, and she's already pushing me to get married! It's like she has no compassion! I've sabotaged several blind dates, and now she's gone to the principal to threaten me. Either I date the guys she picks for me, or I'll be forced to study abroad. Woe is me! You have to feel sorry for me!"
Gu Yicing stifled a laugh, finding Xiao Xiao's dramatic flair entertaining. "Yeah, that does sound pretty rough," she sympathized.
After all, both of them shared a common struggle of being pressured into early parenthood.
"So how did you get around it? You seem to have returned quite quickly," Gu Yicing inquired, genuinely curious.
"Oh, I just agreed to go on a few blind dates. It's a temporary solution to buy some time and figure things out."
"But that's not a long-term plan," Gu Yicing pointed out, her voice gentle but firm.
"I know, but I haven't met anyone I like yet! Why should I date or get married? Plus, childbirth seems painful! No thanks! I'd rather play games; that's what I enjoy most!" Xiao Xiao exclaimed, her eyes shining with enthusiasm for gaming.
Gu Yicing suppressed a smile; it was clear that Xiao Xiao was a self-proclaimed gaming addict.
She felt a wave of happiness wash over her as she bonded with Xiao Xiao. Their conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter and shared experiences, until the afternoon bell rang, signaling the end of lunch.
As they gathered their things and prepared to head back to class, Gu Yicing felt a sense of warmth from her newfound friendship. The world of online gaming had brought them together, and she was grateful for the unexpected connection.
Leaving the cafeteria, they shared a few more laughs, promising to meet again for future gaming sessions and perhaps to discuss the challenges of their lives, forming the beginnings of a friendship that would surely last beyond their school years.