YPHC Chapter 39

“I’ve never seen anyone like you…”

 

After the flashy opening ceremony ended, the teams entered the arena, and the Blazing Holy Grail S17 Global Finals officially began.

 

During the Ban & Pick phase, Yan Jie noticed that Jiang Nan’an was staring at the big screen quite intently, so he asked:

 

“Do you know these players?”

 

Jiang Nan’an shook his head.

 

It had been a long time since he had followed Blazing Holy Grail competitions:

 

“Not very familiar, but I remember NX is very strong.”

 

“Indeed. You should watch NX’s mid laner’s gameplay later, he’s very skilled, and your styles are somewhat similar.”

 

As Yan Jie said, NX’s mid laner was indeed impressive. Three minutes into the game, he solo-killed MZG’s mid laner to secure first blood. In the subsequent team fights, it was clear that both his mechanics and game awareness were top-tier. Even when his team briefly fell behind, he could find opportunities to even the score, almost deserving the title “game dominator.”

 

In the best-of-five finals, NX took the first game, bringing the score to 0:1. The atmosphere in the venue was noticeably less excited than at the beginning.

 

“How do you feel, Mr. Hang? Do you think Cat Paw can win?” During the break, Yan Jie chatted casually with Jiang Nan’an.

 

“Difficult.” Jiang Nan’an’s hand rested on his abdomen, unconsciously rubbing it slightly. Looking up at the highlights of the first game on the big screen, he said:

 

“There’s a gap in player skill, especially in mid lane.”

 

This assessment was objective, after all, NX was a veteran powerhouse from Korea. The trophies they had won over the years could form a small mountain, while MZG was a new team that had only emerged in the last two years. They were just the fourth seed from China’s region in this year’s S tournament, making it to the finals through a combination of skill and luck. Against a team like NX, they were somewhat outmatched.

 

Although MZG’s players regained their form after falling behind 0:2 and won two consecutive games to tie the score, they narrowly lost in the deciding game. The final score was 2:3, missing the championship trophy on their home turf.

 

Under the dazzling lights of the stadium, Jiang Nan’an watched as the five MZG players quietly left the stage amid applause and cheers, while NX’s players, with smiles all over their faces, walked to the center of all the lights and glory, lifting the silver championship trophy together with their teammates.

 

Jiang Nan’an stared somewhat absently at the five blurry figures bathed in light on the stage, then at their smiling faces broadcast on the big screen.

 

Until he heard Yan Jie’s voice beside him:

 

“What are you looking at? Time to go, Mr. Hang.”

 

Only then did Jiang Nan’an snap back to reality and rise from his seat.

 

“What, feeling a bit regretful? That our team couldn’t win the championship?” Yan Jie observed his expression.

 

“No.” That wasn’t what was on Jiang Nan’an’s mind:

 

“Winning and losing are normal in competitions. If you’ve tried your best, there’s nothing to regret.”

 

Yan Jie nodded in agreement, thought for a moment, and asked:

 

“Is this your first time watching a match live? Do you like the championship atmosphere?”

 

How to put it.

 

Actually, Jiang Nan’an didn’t understand why he had been staring at the screen in a daze. Now that Yan Jie mentioned it, he began to confront that overlooked moment.

 

So what was he looking at just now?

 

Thinking back, he probably just felt that those five people seemed genuinely happy when lifting the trophy. That happiness, exposed under the stage lights and the audience’s applause, was somehow so dazzling.

 

And that feeling was somewhat unfamiliar to him.

 

“I don’t know, probably not,” Jiang Nan’an habitually denied.

 

“Don’t say you don’t know! If you like it, say it out loud!” Yan Jie looked down at him, unconsciously curving his lips:

 

“Although the gold content isn’t on the same level, I see our show has a big trophy too. So, if you like it, just say the word, and we’ll take it! Shouldn’t our Mr. Hang experience the joy of victory too?”

 

Jiang Nan’an glanced at him: “Am I the heir of the mysterious Eastern speech sorcerer?”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“Words becoming reality, lips touch, and championships are claimed at will.”

 

Yan Jie laughed: “Well, you never know.”

 

“Oh, then you’re in luck.”

 

“How so?”

 

“If I really had such power, the first thing I’d say would be-”

 

Jiang Nan’an looked at Yan Jie expressionlessly, enunciating each word with devotion:

 

“Yan. Jie. Turn. Into. A. Mute-”

 

The contestants who came to watch the match gathered at the stadium’s backstage. The time was neither early nor late, and everyone was still energetic after watching an exciting best-of-five series, so the PD suggested that everyone have a late-night snack together before returning to the compound.

 

Having twenty or thirty people gather for a late-night snack would likely lead to another lively evening. After confirming this wasn’t mandatory filming content but just a regular team-building activity, Jiang Nan’an quietly raised his hand:

 

“Can I go back first? I’m a bit tired and want to rest early.”

 

The late-night snack was just a spontaneous idea from the PD, not a scheduled event. The intention was simply to gather everyone for some fun since they were already out, and naturally, no contestant would be forced to participate.

 

“Of course, I’ll arrange a car to take you back.” The PD nodded, then announced loudly:

 

“Let me clarify that this late-night snack is not mandatory. Any teacher who wants to return early to rest, please let me know, and we’ll arrange separate transportation!”

 

The show had gathered a group of energetic young people, most with playful and lively personalities. Irregular sleep schedules were common, and after sitting in the arena for four or five hours, everyone was hungry. Now faced with an opportunity to fill their stomachs, build relationships, and relax, why not join in?

 

No one responded to the PD’s announcement, suggesting everyone was interested in this midnight meal.

 

Jiang Nan’an wasn’t in high spirits and was about to follow the staff to take a car back to the compound when he heard a familiar voice say:

 

“I’m tired too. I’ll go back with him. You all have fun!”

 

Yan Jie waved to everyone, then turned to follow Jiang Nan’an.

 

The two rode back to the compound in the production team’s commercial vehicle. While going upstairs, Jiang Nan’an glanced at Yan Jie and asked:

 

 

“You can get tired too?”

 

Yan Jie knew he was referring to the excuse he had casually made to the PD earlier, so he replied brazenly:

 

“Of course, anyone would get tired. No matter how radiant Little Spring appears, in the end, I’m just an ordinary person with a mortal body.”

 

“But you look like the kind of ordinary person who could spend a day dating ten girlfriends and still have energy left to look for an eleventh one.”

 

Jiang Nan’an sharply commented on his stereotype.

 

Yan Jie discovered that after living half his life, in Mr. Hang’s heart he was still a scoundrel and emotional con man. He instantly lost all energy and means to respond:

 

“Ah, we’re not getting past this joke, are we? When will you let go of your prejudice against me, teacher? I’m a good young man, but you’re making me sound like I’m juggling ten relationships. Am I an octopus?”

 

Hearing his dissatisfaction, Jiang Nan’an thought for a moment and refined his statement:

 

“Then you can take it as me complimenting your abundant energy and vigor.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

Yan Jie smiled and shook his head, then in a flash of inspiration suddenly thought of another possibility, so he changed his approach and asked:

 

“What’s going on? Is this kind of thing common in your circle? Making you think that when you see a lively, cheerful, universally loved, friendly, and high-EQ young man like me, you assume I must be a player.”

 

“Mm, quite a few.”

 

“Oh? For example?”

 

Jiang Nan’an thought briefly and quickly pulled out a classic case from his memory:

 

“…The male lead in my last drama. During three months in the crew, he was visited by his girlfriend eight times, and each time it was a different person. Besides that, strange women without the ‘girlfriend’ title would also come in and out of his room, one to three at a time. He often delayed the filming schedule because of this.”

 

Yan Jie was somewhat surprised: “You pay attention to these things?”

 

His Mr. Hang didn’t seem like someone who would gossip about scandals on set.

 

“No,” Jiang Nan’an said coolly:

 

“Hong Jie told me. When she was with the crew, she often used that person as a negative example to educate me that men should keep themselves clean.”

 

Yan Jie nodded vigorously, raising both hands and feet in agreement: “Hong Jie is right!”

 

As the two chatted casually, they had already climbed the stairs to the second floor. Jiang Nan’an was about to turn left toward the dormitory area when Yan Jie suddenly called out to him:

 

“Wait, don’t rush off. Let’s go to the cafeteria and I’ll make you some porridge.”

 

“?” Jiang Nan’an raised an eyebrow and looked back to see Yan Jie glancing at his abdomen:

 

“I noticed you rubbing your stomach while watching the match. Stomach discomfort, right? This afternoon was so busy with makeup and styling, and I saw you barely touched the food your assistant bought you. Are all you actors so good at enduring hunger? Come on, let’s get something warm and mild to drink, you’ll feel better.”

 

Jiang Nan’an instinctively wanted to say “no,” but what Yan Jie said was indeed true.

 

But how did Yan Jie notice?

 

He really hadn’t eaten much in the afternoon, which made his stomach uncomfortably hungry. Although the PD suggested going for a late-night snack after the match, he was truly tired after sitting in the arena for four or five hours. Since the late-night snack wasn’t mandatory filming, and he didn’t like participating in such high-intensity social activities anyway, he preferred to return early to rest.

 

As for the late-night snack, it didn’t matter whether he ate or not. After all, controlling his diet on set was much more difficult than occasionally skipping a meal. He was long used to it and had originally thought that going to sleep early would make him forget his hunger. Who would have thought Yan Jie would see through him?

 

Why did this person like to stare at others all day instead of properly watching the match?

 

While Jiang Nan’an was puzzled, Yan Jie came over and put his arm around his shoulder, leading him toward the cafeteria:

 

“Let’s go, what are you standing there for? Don’t just think about it, take action! Let me tell you, the stomach is a very important organ, you can’t let it suffer. By the way, do you prefer sweet or savory porridge? Or should I make it with milk?”

 

Jiang Nan’an lowered his eyes: “No need, I’ll make it myself.”

 

“No way, how can I let you do it when I’m here?”

 

“Why not?”

 

“…” This question stumped Yan Jie, so he started talking nonsense:

 

“I have a service personality, okay? In my past life, I was a Filipino maid. I just like serving people, especially good-looking people. You are my chosen master, so please indulge me!”

 

Yan Jie requisitioned the cafeteria kitchen and ingredients to make a simple milk porridge for Jiang Nan’an, then went back to his dormitory to dig out some marinated eggs and corn sausages from his snack box to serve as side dishes.

 

Jiang Nan’an didn’t have to do anything, just sit at the table and wait obediently for his meal. Yan Jie had originally thought Jiang Nan’an would read a book or daydream to pass the time while waiting, but when he brought the late-night snack to the table, he discovered that Jiang Nan’an wasn’t looking at a book, but at his phone.

 

This was truly like the sun rising from the west.

 

“What are you looking at?” Yan Jie asked as he placed a bowl of porridge in front of him.

 

Jiang Nan’an took the utensils he handed over, said “thank you,” and then answered:

 

“Your Moments.”

 

“Oh?” Yan Jie was really surprised.

 

He was as excited as a small slave being favored by the emperor:

 

“Doesn’t Mr. Hang dislike seeing people share their lives? What sparked your interest to grace my humble abode?”

 

“Didn’t you ask me to look?”

 

He wasn’t happy when Jiang Nan’an said he hadn’t looked, acting as if he was ready to die on the spot.

 

Since he had nothing else to do anyway, Jiang Nan’an decided to take a look, not expecting that he wouldn’t be able to stop for a while.

 

Yan Jie loved sharing his life. His Moments were filled not only with interesting things from daily life but more so with photos from his travels around the world-the Sahara Desert, Iceland’s beaches, lions on the African savanna, and the sun-lit mountain in his profile picture.

 

“You’ve been to many places,”

 

Jiang Nan’an said, looking down.

 

“Not that many,”

 

Yan Jie simply sat down beside him to look together:

 

“But there are quite a few interesting stories. If you want to hear them, I can tell you slowly later.”

 

“Why did you go to these places?” Jiang Nan’an asked again.

 

“Why?” Yan Jie repeated these three letters, then chuckled:

 

“Why so many questions about reasons? I just went because I wanted to.”

 

“No reason at all?”

 

“Wanting to go is the reason.”

 

After saying this, seeing that Jiang Nan’an didn’t quite understand, Yan Jie explained further:

 

“If I want to see wildlife, I go to the African savanna. If I want to see how kangaroos fight, I take a trip to Australia. If I think July is too hot and want to play in the snow, I fly to Northern Europe. That’s the reason. Since I have the idea, the time, and I’m not short of money, naturally I do whatever comes to mind. Why make myself suffer otherwise?”

 

Acting on every whim, fulfilling even the most outlandish ideas for himself, like becoming an esports player and achieving the highest honor in just one year to prove himself to his family, or being able to let go and walk away from everything when he wanted to leave.

 

These were things Jiang Nan’an had never even considered, but for Yan Jie, this was his attitude toward life, his daily existence, a part of what made him who he was.

 

“I’ve never seen anyone like you.”

 

Jiang Nan’an’s fingertip slid across the screen to the next photo, which showed the spectacular Northern Lights.

 

“Well, that’s hard to say! You should look at me more in the future. Little Spring has many surprises you don’t know about, waiting for you to explore anytime.”

 

Yan Jie finished peeling the marinated eggs and corn sausages, placed them on a plate, and pushed it to Jiang Nan’an:

 

“Now, eat first.”

 

#

 

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(advanced chapters available on kofi)