Author's Note: As expected, I will be writing the episode 20 scene another way with one of the ideas that I said at the end of the last chapter. For those of you reading, thank you! I honestly do appreciate the support seeing that I'm getting views and I hope you all continue enjoying my writing as that is all I strive for. Now, welcome old and new angels❤️Shall we start?

P.S. I do have two finals tomorrow but I have like no motivation so here I am. Pray for my grades y'all and I will reward you with more scenes hopefully.

Hierophant POV:

I was drying my hands in the bathroom when I started to hear faint voices outside. I stood by the door, listening more carefully.

"Let go-" "No" "I said-" "-sleep with-"

I pushed open the door just as I saw Tong Yao bite down on Dragon's arm. He took a step back, clearly shocked at the girl's action before walking forward and slamming her against the wall. I could've sworn I heard a crack beneath her cry of pain. I ran over, sensing this was only about to get worse. He raised his hand to strike at her again just as I stopped him, grabbing his wrist in the air. Tong Yao's arms were raised above her shaking body. I saw her tearful eyes look up after realizing her attacker stopped

"What do you think you're doing?" I was squeezing tight around his wrist, right where Smiling's bite mark was. I saw him wincing and only squeezed harder as if it was a lemon and not a human body part in my grasp.

"Let go! This is a personal matter between us. Who-"

"It's very obvious what 'personal matter' you're speaking of. Quit trying to play dumb. Not everyone wants to sleep with a pile of spare parts," I cut him off.

I threw his arm down, standing between him and Tong Yao. He gave her another glare before turning around, cradling his arm back to the DQ Five break room.

I faced the ZGDX mid behind me whose eyes were downcast.

"Thank you," She whispered.

"Are you okay? Does your shoulder hurt?" I went to reach out for it but, she flinched causing me to pull my hand back.

Smiling stood up straight, furiously wiping the tears that wouldn't stop. I glanced to the side, sensing she wasn't comfortable with anyone seeing her cry.

"It's fine." She smiled slightly. "I'll get back to the match, thank you." She rushed off. I looked at the clock on the wall. The match started in two minutes.

I went over to the ZGDX break room and found God Ming. The three guys were shocked to see me but, the match had started and they shifted their focus there. God Ming and I stepped out into the hall and I told him in a low tone what had happened.

"I'll be a witness to this when you report it. Let her play the matches, I don't think she'll like me telling you this but, I had to."

"Thank you for looking out. I can't believe he'd stoop that low." God Ming clasped my shoulder.

"Of course. Might want to get a guard dog for the lady," I chuckled.
We went our separate ways and I reached my front row seat in the audience just as the big screen showcased Xu Tailun's bandaged arm. I clenched my fists as I saw him gaining the pitiful sympathy from the audience. Tong Yao looked as pale as a ghost at her seat and was trying to hide behind the computer. I saw Lu Si Cheng staring at her. She was a really bad liar.

The match went on as the ZGDX captain vented his frustration at the opponent's jungler, repeatedly killing his character and even going back to the spawn to finish him off again. ZGDX had won the match, questionably but successful in the end.

Tong Yao POV:

God Ming had informed us he had to stay back to deal with some matters. I was a little suspicious but, couldn't get the chance to ask about anything. We were getting off the bus as Lao K was questioning me about my shoulder. He saw me grabbing it and my winces while we were playing.

"It's fine I just bumped into a wall," I lied as I bumped into another 'wall.'

"Let's go," Fatty and Lao K whispered to each other, rushing inside.

"Explain." Lu Si Cheng stood in front of me, arms crossed.

"I met the other team's jungler outside the bathroom during the break."

"And?"

"He asked why I didn't cover for him on the livestream." I carefully met his gaze.

"Okay, then?" His eyebrow was raised.

"I said I didn't have to. Then, I bit him and ran away." I said quickly.

"You what?" His eyes widened.

"I ran away,"

"Before that,"

"I said I didn't have to,"

"After that Tong Yao," He's starting to get annoyed.

"I bit him," I said in a smaller voice, breaking eye contact.

Lu Si Cheng took a deep breath before flicking my forehead.

"Stay out here,"

"But-" He was already gone behind the locked door before I could protest.

I slid down against the wall, frustrated he didn't listen to my reasoning. He'll regret this. I sat outside, swatting mosquitos away who couldn't get enough of my sweet blood. An hour later, Jin Yang was walking by the base when she saw me.

"Tong Yao?" She called out.

"What are you doing here?"

"I came to see Ai Jia. It's hot out here what are you doing? You'll get sun burned!"

"Lu Si Cheng locked me out," I replied begrudgingly.

"That idiot. Come with me." She wrapped an arm around my shoulders and lead me to the neighbor's base.

On the walk there, I explained to her fully what happened. When we got there, Ai Jia opened the door obviously surprised to see me.

"What are you doing here?"

"Ai Jia move aside. Her captain locked her out; poor girl is burning up." I glanced at Jin Yang for her exaggeration.

As we walked in, Hierophant spotted us.

"Tong Yao,"

"Hierophant." We stared at each other.

"Lu Si Cheng locked her out so Jin Yang brought her here," Ai Jia spoke up.

"He didn't listen to you?" He directed his question at me. He knew how his best friend was.

I shook my head. He sighed deeply before motioning me to follow him. I glanced at Jin Yang and she took Ai Jia to his room. She'd probably tell him what happened.

I followed Hierophant to a room with a screen hooked up to the wall and a black rectangular table taking up most of the space. This must be where they review matches.

"Take a seat," He said, pulling out the one across from me to sit down.

"I told God Ming what happened." My eyes widened. I should've expected it but, now this was going to be a bigger issue and put our team on tomorrow's headline again.

"He's filing a complaint. Do you want to get your shoulder checked out? Our leader said he was a medic before joining the team,"

"Fine." I'm already here might as well do it.

He held up a finger indicating to give him a second and went to fetch Liang Sheng.

"Tong Yao can you remove your jacket so I can see your shoulder."

Hesitantly, I took it off and folded it before placing it on the table. Liang Sheng took the chair to my right as Hierophant hovered behind him.

"I'm going to roll your sleeve up a little bit, okay?" I nodded.

As gentle as a flower, Liang Sheng rolled up the already short sleeve and pulled the shirt a little to the side. I used my other hand to hold it in place. Two gasps arose from behind me.

"Is it bad?"

Hierophant snapped a picture and showed me, I grimaced at the sight.

"I didn't realize he pushed that hard."

"I told you to get it checked out before. Did you tell any of your teammates?" Hierophant eyed Liang Sheng's hands as he applied ointment before placing a large-sized bandage on the darkening purplish-blue bruise.

"The reason I'm here in the first place is because they didn't listen." Hierophant sighed.

"Can I send God Ming the picture? It'll make it easier to charge Xu Tailun in addition to the CCTV."

"Go ahead," I replied, a little sullen that none of my teammates bothered to check on me.

I could see the sun setting outside the window.

"Oh my god!" Jin Yang's voice echoed as she entered the room.

"Announce it to the world why don't you?" I gave her a small glare but seeing her concerning look I dropped it.

She walked around the others and took the other seat next to me. By now, the rest of the YQCB members had walked in to see what the commotion was. Ai Jia was explaining to them the story that Jin Yang had retold him.

"He has to be banned!" X Bang exclaimed.

"Right now my teammates are about to be banned." I lifted my phone only to see the charging had died.

Ai Jia's phone started ringing, the tone bouncing against the walls like a ping pong.

"It's Lao K,"

"Give it to me." Hierophant took the phone and put it on speaker.

"Hello? Is Tong Yao at your base Ai Jia? We've been calling her but, she won't pick up!"

Hierophant glanced at me. I nodded. No use in hiding my location.

"Yes. You guys are quite the dimwits to leave the only female member not only on your team but in the whole OPL out this late at night. If you don't want her then say it, plenty of teams will take her in as their mid," Hierophant ranted.

"We- I-" There was silence for a moment. "Can you bring her back?" That was Lu Si Cheng's voice.

"Be patient. She'll come back when she's ready. Don't you dare trying coming to our base or I'll have you thrown out." Hierophant hung up and handed Ai Jia back his phone.

We all stared at this new side of YQCB's ADC.

"What?" Hierophant questioned.

"Lu Si Cheng is not going to be happy," Ai Jia said.

"He should've thought about that before throwing out the mid. Tong Yao, I consider you as my sister just as many players of OPL do and your man is going too far this time."

"Thank you Hierophant. Is it okay if I stay here till tomorrow?" I glanced at the team.

"Of course! Ai Jia can you sleep on the couch tonight? The two young ladies can take your room for today," Liang Sheng said.

I was about to protest as I felt bad kicking him out of his room but, he spoke first.

"Yes leader!" Ai Jia saluted him earning a chuckle from the rest of us.

"I'll update God Ming on the situation. Don't worry about your team they'll have sense knocked into them before sunrise," Hierophant said.

"Right this way ladies," He said bowing as Jin Yang linked her arm with mine, both of us giggling at his silly antics.

We waved goodnight to the rest of the members and I heard the fading chatter including the call Hierophant made to God Ming.

God Ming POV:

I was driving to the base as Hierophant's call popped up on the car's display. I picked up, not knowing the rollercoaster of emotions he was about to put me through.

"Thank you," I said with a tight voice. "Can you convince her to come back tomorrow afternoon? I'll have all the members apologize. They are in for an overdue scolding, these imbeciles."

"I'll try. I don't think she'll refuse but, I won't force her to come back. You guys better pray she remains your mid." Hierophant's static voice filled the car.

"I know. Tell her I'm truly sorry. She doesn't have to worry either as Xu Tailun will be kicked from the team. His actions can't be excused this time." I paused for a second. "Is her shoulder okay?"

"Yes. Liang Sheng bandaged it."

The call ended as I pulled up outside the base. I sighed as I unlocked the door, ready to scold them all. Clearly, the gentle coaching wasn't working and I needed to remind them what a coach actually was. The teammates were sitting at the kitchen table and snapped their heads as they saw me walk in.

"God Ming you're back!" Xiao Rui quickly stood up offering his seat and then went to grab another chair.

I glared at our team.

"God Ming, what's wrong?" Xiao Pang hesitantly asked.

"Do you guys not know?" Lu Si Cheng was averting my gaze. "Captain do you know how badly you screwed up this time?"

The tension in the air was so thick it could've been sliced with a butter knife. After Hierophant had informed me that Tong Yao was at their base, I sent the CCTV footage to Lu Si Cheng. The regret was reflected in all of the team's eyes.

"I know," he replied hoarsely.

"You can't go on a power trip with every member just because you're the leader. All you're teaching our mid is to save the team's image even if she's being attacked! What were you going to do if she got seriously injured? Even now her shoulder is bruised and rather than her team being her safe space our neighbors are the ones comforting her. What happened to the team image when you started mistreating the only female member of the whole industry?" I exploded on them, the chair falling as I quickly stood up.

The response was silence. I took a frustratingly deep breath.

"Will she be okay?" Lao Mao questioned in a quieter than usual voice.

"She's fine. Hopefully she comes back tomorrow afternoon. All of you will apologize to her and this better not repeat again," I said.

I glared at Lu Si Cheng who nodded, still looking down. I told myself to calm down because though the matter had been blown out of proportion, I know it was none of their intentions to hurt Tong Yao. I sat back down and filled in the rest of the details, answering the questions the members had now that I was less tensed.

"Thank you for being a good coach. At least our mid can count on you," Lu Si Cheng said with the others nodding their head in agreement.

"She doesn't hate you guys; don't be so dramatic. Work hard to build that trust back up and protect her. We don't want a repeat of the Spring Playoffs." I'm sure my point was emphasized now.

"We won't let anyone touch our mid. She won't go anywhere alone from now on!" Lu Yue said, standing up from his chair.

The next hour we spent reflecting and strategizing more ways to make our mid comfortable. After what happened today, she was going to receive princess treatment and nothing less. We just had to hope we hadn't lost our mid this time.

Tong Yao POV:

The next morning, Jin Yang and I had breakfast with the YQCB members. Hierophant had informed me that God Ming requested I come back today. He added that I can stay at their base as long as I want and they'd understand. The issue would've been dragged out so I told him I'll head back. Unexpectedly, the whole YQCB team along with Jin Yang tagged along. I had gained extra brothers who all reassured me that I could come to them anytime there was trouble or if I needed a break from my team. I thanked them all for their time and care which they brushed off as nothing. Hierophant was at the front of the group and knocked on the door. God Ming opened the door, stepping aside allowing us all in. Standing at the gaming desks were my teammates whose eyes locked on me as the YQCB team lined up on other side of me across from them. My teammates all looked like racoons with the severe dark eyes and I could tell they hadn't slept properly out of worry.

"We're sorry Tong Yao!" My teammates to my shock, were bowing in front of me. Even Lu Si Cheng had swallowed his pride this time.

Lu Si Cheng took hesitant steps toward me, stopping a few feet away.

"I'm sorry I didn't hear you out the first time. I realize my mistake and I was wrong to punish you." He bowed his head.

I gave my teammates a quick glance before focusing back on the man in front of me. His hands were tightly clasped in front of him.

"Tong Yao, I assure you that you won't be punished for defending yourself. Don't think you have to sacrifice yourself for the club's image," God Ming spoke up.

"I'm lucky Hierophant saw us because I wouldn't be here if he hadn't saved me." I gave him a grateful glance which he returned with a shy smile.

"I should buy your team out and make Tong Yao the leader to really punish you guys," Jin Yang huffed.

"Tong Yao, are you going to leave the team?" Xiao Pang questioned. The team glanced at me, evidently hoping I would stay. Lu Si Cheng stepped forward taking my hands in his.

"Please forgive us,"

I gave a glance to the YQCB members, settling my gaze on Hierophant who gave a nod with a smile. I looked over at Jin Yang who although looked mad to the others, mouthed at me to forgive them.

"Why on earth would I leave without a world cup?" I said, opening my arms for a hug.

The team rushed me into a group hug, apologizing repeatedly. Behind us the YQCB smiled, and Jin Yang stroked my back comfortingly. The ZGDX team had YQCB stay over for lunch. We all enjoyed the meetup and as they were leaving they warned my members to be careful.

"We can always switch our mids if she wants," Hierophant joked with Cheng-ge.

"Hey!" Ai Jia exclaimed, appalled at his teammates.

An awkward silence fell as the base was left with just the ZGDX members. Our phones buzzed and we pulled them out to see the DQ Five management announcing the ban of Xu Tailun. An apology to me was listed at the end of their notice. I gave a grateful nod to God Ming for seeking out justice. I could hear the faded cheers from the YQCB team as they had also read the news on their way back.

"Shall we play a ranked match?" Lu Si Cheng questioned.

My teammates looked at me expectantly, clearly hoping I wasn't still mad. I nodded with a bright smile and we played hours into the night. Over the next few days, my teammates didn't dare say no to any of my requests which I was enjoying a lot. I even got Cheng-ge to give Da Bing a bath when I didn't want to. One glare from God Ming zipped up any potential refusal anyone thought about. Our club's management also released a notice on the members' safety. They stated that no member would be punished for self-defense and charges would always be pressed to protect the team.

Our bond with the neighbor team had strengthened and although they were our opponents, we didn't let it cause resentment. Once a month, we all had a group dinner. Hierophant had assumed a role as my elder brother and warned- more like threatened- Lu Si Cheng to take care of me. I only found out about that after Lu Si Cheng confessed and showed me the message a few days later. In fact, practically the whole industry had messaged Lu Si Cheng after he decided to impulsively kiss me at the arena.

"Should I be worried?"

"Of course not. Unless you plan on breaking up with me?" I narrowed my eyes at him.

"Oh God no. I would never even in my dreams think to do that." Lu Si Cheng pulled me into a hug on the couch as we rested there. The so-called grizzly bear was actually just an undercover teddy bear.