Volume One, Chapter 147: The Mastermind Behind the Scenes Has Been Found

On a typical university campus in Yanjing City, Wang Xunqing had just finished his class when a classmate approached him. “Xunqing, there are a few people under the tree over there. They say they’re your friends and have come to see you.”

His classmate, not being interested in e-sports, didn’t recognize them. But Wang Xunqing immediately identified the captain of Ghost and the captain of Dragon Squadron among them.

“I know,” Wang Xunqing replied quietly, lowering his head to hide the emotions in his eyes. “I’ll be out after I pack up.”

Once he gathered his books, he stepped out of the classroom. The captain of Dragon Squadron immediately approached him, his tone stiff. “Wang Xunqing, it’s been a long time.”

Wang Xunqing’s face was stern. “There’s nothing to talk about. What are you here for?”

The captain glanced back at Chi Xingwan, who subtly shook his head, signaling that Wang Xunqing was not the culprit behind recent troubles.

Relieved, the captain finally felt at ease. Looking at Wang Xunqing, he said with mixed feelings, “Xunqing, the misunderstandings of the past are behind us now. I don’t think we need to remain enemies forever.”

Wang Xunqing scoffed coldly. “But I want to sever ties with you for good. You treated me that way back then—do you expect me to just brush it off with a few light words?”

The captain of Dragon Squadron grew annoyed. “Xunqing, you were at fault too. Why can't we both take a step back?”

“Why should I? If you hadn’t talked behind my back and tried to sell me out, I wouldn’t have lost my temper,” Wang Xunqing’s emotions surged.

Xiao Rui, always curious, asked Ghost, “What exactly happened between you two? Look at how angry he is.”

Ghost pursed his lips before recounting, “He’s actually my neighbor. Years ago, we both joined the Dragon Squadron training camp, but things ended badly. After he quit, he focused on his studies.”

The incident involved Ghost as well. Back then, in the Dragon Squadron training camp, Ghost and Wang Xunqing were the two strongest rookies. Without surprises, both could have passed and become official members.

The problem was that both specialized in the same gaming role, inevitably drawing comparisons.

Technically, they were evenly matched; who won depended on state and performance. Personality-wise, Ghost was steadier, while Wang Xunqing was like a firecracker, quick to ignite.

Normally, this wouldn’t be a big deal, but at that time, the Dragon Squadron’s owner reached an agreement with another club’s owner to trade one of the two players.

In short, they wanted to sell one of them.

The decision was left to the coach, who called a meeting with all starting players to gather opinions. Almost all favored Ghost.

Wang Xunqing happened to overhear the meeting as he passed by. Unaware of what exactly was said, he misunderstood that Ghost was plotting against him. Hot-tempered by nature, Wang Xunqing confronted Ghost right then and there.

Xiao Rui sighed. “I already guessed how this would turn out.”

Ghost’s personality was rather reserved. He was fierce in games but slow to react in real life. When Wang Xunqing confronted him, he mostly listened expressionlessly, which Wang Xunqing took as provocation.

Unable to control his temper, Wang Xunqing hit Ghost. If not for others in the training room pulling him back, Ghost’s hand might have been seriously injured.

After this fight, Dragon Squadron wasted no time in deciding to sell Wang Xunqing. But he refused to accept this fate and quit the club, even vowing never to touch gaming again.

Chi Xingwan said, “Although he had motive, it wasn’t him. There’s no dark intent on him.”

Ghost nodded. “I also don’t think it was him. We’ve been neighbors since childhood. Despite his bad temper, he wouldn’t do something like that. But other than him, I can’t think of anyone else.”

Meanwhile, Wang Xunqing grew increasingly agitated. The captain of Dragon Squadron reached out to steady him. “Xunqing, calm down.”

Wang Xunqing shrugged off his hand. “Don’t come looking for me anymore. I don’t know you.”

Turning on his heel, anger clouding his mind, he didn’t watch his steps and was knocked down by a passing bicycle, scraping both palms.

The captain and Ghost hurried over to help him up, but Wang Xunqing snarled, “Don’t pretend.”

“What are you being stubborn for?” the captain said. “You’re hurt. Let us take you to the infirmary to get it treated.”

Wang Xunqing snorted, told the cyclist he was fine, and went to the infirmary alone. When he came out, both his palms were bandaged.

Ghost said, “I remember you usually bike to school. It’ll be inconvenient now. Let us take you home.”

“No need,” Wang Xunqing refused stubbornly.

Ghost hesitated, then threatened, “If you don’t agree, I’ll call your parents.”

“You!” Wang Xunqing nearly exploded. His parents were on a business trip out of town, and as long as he didn’t tell them, they wouldn’t know about his injury. By the time they returned, his hands would have healed.

But if Ghost called, his overly worried mother would definitely bother him for a long time over just a little scrape.

With no other choice, Wang Xunqing got into the car and let Ghost drive him home.

The captain of Dragon Squadron and Zhang Shaodan each drove a car. Zhang Shaodan thought for a moment and said to Chi Xingwan and Xiao Rui, “We don’t have anything else to do. Let’s follow their cars so we don’t have to arrange a meeting point later.”

Chi Xingwan agreed. “I have no objection.”

Xiao Rui also nodded. “Neither do I.”

Wang Xunqing’s home was not far from school—a ten-minute drive. Upon arriving, he didn’t want to stay another second in the car. Gritting his teeth against the pain, he opened the door and stepped out.

Ghost hurried after him. “Xunqing, can’t we go back to how things were before?”

“No,” Wang Xunqing said stiffly.

Ghost looked downcast. “I heard you’re doing well in school and planning to take the graduate entrance exam. You’re impressive. I hope you shine in your new field.”

Wang Xunqing clenched his teeth and didn’t dare look back. Deep down, he felt guilty toward Ghost, but his damned pride wouldn’t let him admit fault.

“Go ahead,” he said, unlocking the door. With a loud bang, he shut it, leaving Ghost alone at the doorstep.

Ghost lowered his head in disappointment and bumped into someone.

“Ah You, why are you home so early?” It was his mother.

“I was just taking Xunqing home. He fell and got a bit hurt, but it’s nothing serious. Please don’t tell his parents,” Ghost said.

His mother smiled warmly and took his hand. “Don’t stand at the door. Come inside.”

“No, I have to go back to the club for training,” Ghost shook his head.

His mother’s face stiffened instantly.

In Zhang Shaodan’s car, Chi Xingwan looked at the mother and son in the distance, her expression complex. “The mastermind has been found.”