fanqie novel
Chapter 202
Chapter 202
Before he could finish, Yates suddenly lunged forward, grabbing Floyd by the collar in a swift motion.
Floyd, always the epitome of grace and gentility, towered slightly over Yates. Being two years his senior, his build was more robust.
Yet, he didn't retaliate. Instead, he let Yates push him until his back slammed against the wall with a loud "thud!"
As his back hit the wall, Yates swung a fist at him, yelling, "What right do you have to bring up the past!"
Floyd could have dodged it.
He might look slim, but he was far from frail. However, he chose not to, waiting for Yates's blow to land on his face, thinking it might be good to let him vent.
But-
Just as the punch was about to connect, Yates suddenly redirected his fist, smashing it into the wall beside Floyd's face with a resounding "bang!" Floyd blinked in surprise.
The corridor fell into an eerie silence, so quiet you could hear their heartbeats.
Yates and Floyd stood close, the heat of Yates's angry breath brushing against Floyd's face.
Floyd looked at him, seeing no longer the boy who used to follow him around, calling him "brother" years ago.
Floyd lowered his gaze, "Yatesy, you've grown taller."
Yates's anger seemed to dissipate with that punch. Hearing Floyd, he sullenly lowered his head, but before he could respond, the door to the private room burst open, and Merry rushed out.
She was holding her phone, looking somewhat anxious, but the sight that greeted her the two men standing so close-left her utterly baffled.
Merry's eyes widened, pointing first at Floyd, then at Yates, stammering, "You, you two... what's going on here?"
Yates glanced at her impatiently, pushing Floyd against the wall again as he let go of his collar, making him stumble back.
As Yates turned to leave, Floyd sharply inhaled in pain, "Ah," making Yates halt and look back to see Floyd rubbing his shoulder, saying, "Yatesy, you hurt me."
Merry: ???
As an avid fan of romance, her mind was already spinning tales-ahem, stories!
Seeing Floyd's calm demeanor, Yates knew he was exaggerating and headed towards the bathroom without another word.
Once Yates was gone, Floyd's expression sobered, and he began to sweat, rubbing his shoulder.
Merry, concerned, asked, "Are you okay? Yates didn't mean it."
Floyd gave a wry smile, "Even if he did, it's fair. I hurt him back in the day; it's only right he gets to hurt me now." Merry: ???
Damn it!
Can you not speak so ambiguously!
Anyone would think something happened between you two!
Merry was about to say more when Floyd gestured to her phone, "Aren't you going to answer that?"
Only then did Merry remember her husband had called. Excited, she moved aside, "Hey, honey!"
Bland Sullivan's voice came through, "Have you arrived? Why didn't you contact me? I can arrange a welcoming dinner tonight."
Just hearing his voice made Merry melt, "Someone already invited us out. Aren't you busy filming?"
"I took the day off to come back and arrange accommodations for you now that you're in Ontoky City."
"What? Where am I staying?"
"In my studio apartment, yeah, it's a bit messy, you don't mind, do you?"
Merry's eyes went wide, "Your apartment? I don't mind at all!"
The idea of staying in her idol's place was a dream come true for any fan!
"I haven't arrived in Ontoky City yet. I'll send you the address in a bit. You can head over there early if you finish up, or wait for me to pick you up if it's
late."
Merry quickly said, "No need, I'll find my way!"
Back in the dining room, only Cordelia and Everard remained.
As Cordelia enjoyed her meal, Everard took care of her, preparing slices of roast chicken dipped in honey, a delightful treat. Watching the little girl eat brought joy to Everard.
Cordelia, after swallowing a mouthful of the delicious chicken, asked, "How do you know Gamer?"
Gamer, a prominent figure in the Pioneers Group and a celebrated esports player, was an unexpected acquaintance for Everard.
Everard shared, "We met in a game, ended up playing a few rounds together."
"Oh," Cordelia nodded, then looked at Everard curiously, "Both of you played?"
Given Everard's age, she wondered if Gamer was helping him level up in the game.
Everard, puzzled by her question, simply stated, "Not anymore."
Cordelia reassured him, "That's okay, I can play with you next time."
Everard: ??
Their conversation seemed to be on different wavelengths, but as long as the kid was happy, it didn't matter.
Their quiet moment was interrupted when Yates, Merry, and Floyd returned.
Yates's hand was slightly injured, a hint of blood visible, but it wasn't serious. Cordelia caught a glimpse but decided not to comment, sensing the tension.
Merry, however, seemed triumphant.
The group resumed their meal, the room settling into a comfortable silence until the door swung open, revealing a young man with a tough demeanor. He locked eyes with Floyd, "Heard you were hosting a dinner, thought I'd check it out."
Floyd's expression darkened at his entrance.
Yates's brow furrowed in concern.
He was always tuned into the world of professional gaming, so he recognized the man standing before him right away. It was Wade, the captain of Team CM!
Team CM and Floyd's squad, EW Club, were arch-rivals in the scene.
EW Club had once assembled a dream team of the top five players in the gaming world, clinching the national championship three years in a row and becoming legends in the esports arena. Meanwhile, Team CM had been the runner-up f for those same three years, earning the nickname "Forever the Bridesmaid." Content held by NôvelDrama.Org.
But this year, fate dealt a harsh
blow. A car accident involving EW Club's van and Team CM's
manager's car left all of EW Club et
players injured. With no time to groom newcomers, they had no choice but to compete while injured, leading to a string of losses.
During the group stages, EW Club hit rock bottom.
Esports can be brutally unforgiving, and they had fallen from grace.
Wade, with a hint of malice in his voice, broke the silence, "Hey, I heard your star player is out for the count. Looking for a new marksman, are you?"