Volume One, Chapter 57: Xiao Rui's Swagger Grows Strong

Xiao Rui immediately felt wronged. “Grandma, you knew all along—why didn’t you stop my dad? If you had, I could have joined the team I wanted ages ago. I wouldn’t have had to go through all this trouble.”

His grandmother replied matter-of-factly, “You never tell me anything. Why should I help you?”

Xiao Rui was left speechless. All this time, he’d been struggling on his own—if he’d asked for his grandmother’s help earlier, he might already be training with his teammates now.

“Grandma, I was wrong.” Xiao Rui’s voice was full of grievance.

Seeing his pitiful expression, his grandmother’s heart softened for once. She turned to Secretary He and said, “Go and fetch the third one.”

Xiao Peiyu was already at home, so he arrived at the villa quickly. He’d been uneasy lately, unsure what he’d done to draw his mother’s attention.

The moment he entered and saw Xiao Rui sobbing miserably, he felt he’d guessed the reason.

“So, it’s you, you little troublemaker, making Grandma angry again. What did you do this time?”

“I… hic… I… hic…” Xiao Rui was crying so hard he couldn’t get a whole sentence out, hiccupping between words.

Grandma tapped the table. “It’s not Xiao Rui who’s upset me, it’s you.”

Xiao Peiyu immediately fell silent and sat down like a quail. “Mom, I’ve been going to work like I should, I haven’t done anything.”

She fixed him with a stern look. “Tell me, did you stop Xiao Rui from becoming an e-sports player?”

He answered righteously, “Of course I did, Mom. That’s just a pastime for idle kids. Xiao Rui is in college now—he should focus on his studies so he can graduate and help out at the company.”

“Does he look like someone who could help me?” Her question was so direct that both Xiao Peiyu and Xiao Rui were stunned. Xiao Rui knew his grandmother didn’t think highly of his abilities, but he hadn’t expected her to say it so bluntly.

“Besides, e-sports is a legitimate profession, not some frivolous occupation as you claim. Since Xiao Rui has a passion and can turn it into a career, as his father you should support him, not stand in his way.”

Xiao Rui instantly forgot her earlier scolding, and, moved, began to cry again.

Xiao Peiyu studied his mother’s face carefully. When he was sure she wasn’t joking or testing him, he said, “Mom, I was wrong. I won’t stop him again.”

Xiao Rui, emboldened, snorted at his father, “You’d better keep your word.”

Grandma tapped Xiao Rui on the head. “Rui, I may agree to let you pursue e-sports, but you can’t neglect your studies. If you fail your exams, I won’t let you off.”

Xiao Rui immediately became obedient. “Don’t worry, Grandma. If I fail, I’ll… I’ll quit the team myself.”

For him, that was a deadly vow.

Grandma was satisfied and waved her hand. “Alright, off with you all. Don’t bother me anymore.”

As they left the villa, Xiao Peiyu ignored the kids and went his own way. Xiao Rui was so excited that he bounced around Chistar, unable to contain himself.

“Sis, you’re my second mother, the kindest and most beautiful person in the world. Our second brother getting engaged to you is a blessing our family earned over generations—”

“That’s enough, aren’t you just being nauseating?” Chistar shivered with goosebumps.

Xiao Rui stared at her with wide eyes. “I mean every word, it’s not flattery.”

Xiao Yu and Xiao Ming walked behind, trying not to burst out laughing.

Just then, Xiao Jin hurried over, curious. “What’s so funny?”

Usually, Xiao Rui and Xiao Jin bickered endlessly and seemed like sworn enemies, but they didn’t truly dislike each other.

In his good mood, Xiao Rui said kindly for once, “I just talked to Grandma—she agreed to let me become a professional gamer. When the new season starts next year, you’ll see me on stage.”

Xiao Jin was incredulous. “She actually agreed?”

“Of course! I’m Grandma’s favorite grandson, after all.” Xiao Rui was brimming with pride.

Xiao Jin rolled her eyes, then glanced at Chistar. “Shall I treat you all to afternoon tea to celebrate?”

“Great! Xiao Jin, I didn’t think you’d be so generous this time,” Xiao Rui agreed at once.

Chistar checked the time. She’d made plans to discuss cultivation with President Xu of the Spiritualist Association, but was already running late. Just then, Daidai flew over. She waved him down, and the little creature obediently landed on her shoulder.

“I have something to do, so I’ll go ahead. You all enjoy yourselves.” She waved goodbye.

“She’s leaving already?” Xiao Jin watched Chistar’s retreating figure.

Xiao Rui grinned. “She must be busy. We’ll ask her out again some other time. The three of us can have afternoon tea now.”

Xiao Jin glared at him, “All you think about is eating. You’re so annoying.”

She left the three boys behind, storming off in a huff.

Xiao Rui scratched his head in confusion. “What’s with her? She was just talking about celebrating, and now she’s mad.”

Xiao Yu and Xiao Ming, however, understood. Xiao Jin had just been looking for an excuse to spend time with Chistar, hoping to improve her image in Chistar’s eyes. With Chistar gone, she’d lost interest.

Xiao Ming slung an arm around Xiao Rui’s shoulders. “Forget her, bro. The three of us can celebrate. It’s your treat!”

Xiao Rui already had his eye on a particular team, and they were equally interested in him. With Zhang Shaodan’s help, he completed his registration as a professional player in just one workday.

He called Chistar, voice trembling with excitement. “Sis, I’m officially a pro now! The school agreed to let me live off campus, so whenever I don’t have classes, I’ll be training at the club. Once the new season starts, I’ll be competing on stage—you have to come watch me dominate!”

Chistar was genuinely happy for him. According to league rules, you had to be at least eighteen to go pro. Xiao Rui may have missed a season, but he’d only be nineteen next year—no later than anyone else.

Besides, from what Chistar knew, Xiao Rui had real talent and skill in this field. He might well make a name for himself.

“Of course, I’ll be there,” Chistar promised with a smile.

Not long after she hung up, Zhang Shaodan called.

“Chistar, do you have plans for Christmas?”

“No.”

“Perfect! A friend of mine just returned from abroad, and we’re throwing her a welcome party that night. Would you like to join us?”

Chistar was about to decline, but then Zhang Shaodan added, “Her name is Qiao Qingyun. Xiao Yue and Chen Qifan both know her too—we all grew up together.”

The moment she heard that name, Chistar’s expression changed. She answered, “Alright, I’ll be there.”