Author's Note: Do I have many chapters in pending for part 2? Yes. Today though we will be addressing SaphireBlue26's suggestion on chapter 8: Please Don't Ignore Me. Now, they wanted to know what would happen if Tong Yao managed to leave the base so it's time to explore the idea. We're going to start off from the point Tong Yao nearly passes out, but she doesn't. She'll just stumble to the stairs. The first few sentences are going to be copied from that chapter. I suggest reading that one at least right up until God Ming's POV for I guess background.
Originally I was going to rant really depressingly here, but I realized I was being dramatic and now that I'm almost done the chapter (I've spent all day on it because I get distracted by the family lore discussions) I've come to the realization nothing is ever that deep. Instead, I would like to inform you all that once the semester starts I will have a heavy course load so these updates sadly won't be frequent, if I do get to update. I will tell you though that I've updated a story after a year before so although it takes a while, eventually I will return. For now, you got like two more months before I disappear (maybe). I appreciate you all for your support, honestly and truly love you guys for that❤️❤️
That being said, I get really excited reading your comments and that's what's motivating me to push out all these chapters so for you, I shall write more. And I will take breaks as needed don't worry, we do not overwork ourselves around here, we just go with the flow and I am in the opposite of a writer's block right now which google says is hypergraphia, but writer's sphere sounds better to me (I just made it up). You know like a block is stationary, but a sphere just rolls around like my thoughts currently are. Anyways, continue on before I write a mini chapter up here of my rambling.
Cedezbenz: First off, thank you so much for all of your reviews! Heads up that this is also all on ao3 now so you may choose the website you prefer to read :) I'm glad you seem to enjoy the chapters and much as I enjoy writing them. I will definitely consider your ideas though I have many in pending now. I agree with the fact that ZGDX and YQCB characters deserved more interactions. Thank you again! 3
Tong Yao POV:
I felt I had spent hours staring at the wall. My attention had been completely diverted from the television and it was only when a loud roar arose that I glanced again to see our team had won the match. They were smiling and high-fiving each other. So harmonized, like it should be. That was my cue to go back upstairs. I couldn't face the team when they came back. I was only able to reach halfway to the stairs before I had to stop. My vision was starting to blur and black spots danced at the corners of my view and the base seemed distorted, the stairs more curved than I remembered. This wouldn't do. I can't pass out right now.
I stumbled my way into the kitchen to find a quick snack. I saw an apple and took a few bites, gaining back a tiny bit of energy. Reaching for the first aid box, I took a pain killer as well and grabbed a few granola bars for the journey. I had to hurry now, I didn't want to be caught by the team. I went back upstairs to gather the last of my stuff, zipping up the metallic pink suitcase. Picking up the note, my eyes glanced over it one last time, the paper shaking in my grip. My arms lifted the suitcase down the stairs, the bumps of it against the staircase echoing in the base. I had told Jin Yang to come pick my cat up later. She tried to press the issue, but I told her I didn't want to discuss it. She agreed to take Da Bing in until I could come get him.
"I'll see you again," I said to Da Bing, stroking his head.
His big eyes seemed to sadly gaze at me. I looked around the base one last time: at my gaming chair, at the couch, the review room, the kitchen, the cat tree, Cheng-ge's goldfish. All the memories flashed in front of my eyes, tainted with smiles and laughter that I had no hope of seeing again. Lu Si Cheng, I'll miss you. I wiped a tear on my sleeve as I rolled the suitcase out of the base, whispering a silent goodbye taken away by the wind.
I walked out of the base and told the security guard I wouldn't be back for a while; I had to deal with something. He simply smiled and wished me well, not seeming to notice anything was wrong. My feet wandered into the city, just taking steps with no direction. I looked around the shops, buying a few more snacks and a bottle of water. I had found a park to sit at and relaxed myself on a bench. Children were playing tag, running around in their battered down tennis shoes. A group of what I presumed to be mothers sat on a blanket, sharing snacks and cooing at each others' babies. I saw the fathers only a few feet away, grilling food for their families. It was nice seeing such freeness and affection among people. My heart yearned for it.
Lu Yue POV:
Everyone was excited to win the match. Most of our excitement was due to the fact that everything was nearly solved now. Our team had an empty hole that needed to be filled with Tong Yao's presence. As much as I hate to admit it, she is the better choice of the team. The difference before and after Smiling's entry was strongly evident. She had turned the team into a family with her heart, making all of our bonds stronger. I knew everyone was skeptical of her when she first joined, but she proved her spot was well-deserved. Truthfully, I didn't want to see the others moping around anymore. My brother was quite a miserable person without his mid. I already discussed with mother not to set up more blind dates, my sister-in-law was going to arrive soon. Hurrying off into the base, I called out for our mid.
"Tong Yao! Salty Fish Maiden come down here!"
"Is she asleep?" Fatty questioned.
It almost seemed as if the base was empty. That couldn't be right.
"I'll check upstairs," I said handing my stuff to him.
Everyone else started unpacking at their desks as I went to grab our mid. Knock knock. The door didn't open. Despite me practically yelling her name, no response was heard. At this point, I tried the doorknob to find it unlocked.
"Oh my God." I stared in shock.
The room seemed to be deserted. Although the bed was nicely made, the closet doors were all opened and upon further inspection were empty. On her desk, a single paper was placed that I glanced over. Oh no.
"Guys!" I pounced down the stairs.
"She didn't take her cat?" I paused, staring at Da Bing in Xiao Rui's arms.
"What do you mean? Where did she go, isn't she in her room?"
I held up the letter in my hands before replying, "she left us."
The team stared at me before God Ming snatched the note from my hands.
"Dear team ZGDX,
Thank you all for the memories you allowed me to be a part of. When I first entered the base, I never thought I'd feel so accepted or loved before. I feel terrible for having let you all down; I'm not fit to be the mid. Entering e-sports, I had big dreams of basically conquering the world. I should've known I wasn't made to do that. Xiao Pang, I am thankful that you decorated my room without even knowing me. Please stay healthy and eat many more crayfish to celebrate your future wins. Lao Mao, you've been kind and a jokester. I appreciate the lightheartedness you brought to the team. Lao K, you are the best jungler I've ever played with; you truly are king of the jungle. I apologize for not being on par with you as the mid, I wish I could've been a better teammate. Lu Si Cheng, you're perfect. You don't have to worry about your sons now, Jin Yang will pick up Da Bing in the evening. Now that I know we won't see each other again, I'll tell you a secret. I love you." God Ming paused to catch his breath as the team stared at Lu Si Cheng, who seemed as if his world has just been pulled out from underneath him.
He continued, "I know you don't like me back, I never hoped for that. It was nice to admire you from up close. Thank you for being such a great leader. I know I messed up for the team; it was never my intention. Xiao Rui, though you seemed like a scammer at first," The teary-eyed teammates laughed. "I have come to know you as a great manager. To make it easier on all of you, on the team, I'm leaving. God Ming, I wasn't fit to be your successor. I can't meet anyone's expectations, not even my own. With my departure, train Lu Yue for the mid position. Lu Yue, you don't have to stare at the drinking machine anymore, train hard. Consider this my resignation from the team. I apologize for the mess I've created and I hope team ZGDX wins the championship now, I know you will. Fighting!"
The letter had been signed off with a messy signature by Tong Yao. The paper crinkled in our coach's hands and I could tell he was holding back tears. In fact, all of us were.
"We messed up," was God Ming's comment.
Lu Si Cheng slouched into his chair, holding his head in his hands. He had been hit the hardest. I knew he had fallen in love with the midget way before, but had no idea she was in the same boat. What have we done.
"You know I didn't actually want to be mid, it was just fun to tease Shorty," I muttered loud enough for the others to hear.
"The sun is setting, where could she have gone?" Lao K glanced at the entrance.
Lu Si Cheng suddenly stood up and said, "I'm going to go find her."
God Ming said he'd go too and the two left to start the search. Lao K called Ai Jia to see if Tong Yao had walked over there, but he said no. We tried to think of where else she could've gone. We knew she didn't have many friends in the city besides Jin Yang. She'd come over soon to pick up Da Bing. It was best to tell her this in person.
Jin Yang POV:
"She did what!?" I was in utter disbelief as Lu Yue read me the letter left behind by Tong Yao.
I knew she was upset, but not to this extent. I had no idea she was hurting so badly inside and because I was caught up in my own business, I couldn't check in properly on my sister. I had no clue where she'd be wandering right now, all alone. I felt the tears building up as I leaned into the couch. It was nearly midnight by now and Lu Si Cheng and God Ming had returned after searching for hours. Tong Yao seemed to have disappear into thin air.
"It's all your fault," I said staring pointedly at Lu Si Cheng.
He gulped. I knew I was just directing my anger at him as there was no immediate solution because the look on his face told me he was just as desperate to find Tong Yao.
"Jin Yang, you know how the clubs can be; your boyfriend is in one after all. Lu Si Cheng was working day and night to make sure Tong Yao doesn't get kicked off. Who knew his efforts would go down the drain like this?" Fatty said sullenly.
"What... what has been happening. I go on one vacation and now my best friend has vanished like some sort of magic trick. Do you all know how much she fought her parents to get on the team?" I suddenly stood up, enraged at how they let this happen. "She would tell me all the time how she was constantly in fear of losing her position. How have you played so many matches together and still haven't convinced her that she has a spot with the team? You can't look me in the eye and tell me you're innocent. No person thinks they will lose their career out of the blue." I glared at all of them, resting my feline-like gaze onto the leader.
I continued seeing they all remained silent.
"I know what happened at the anime convention. I know you ignored her since. In what world did you think the silent treatment would get your point across?" I crossed my arms.
The temperature of the room had dropped strikingly as the moon started showing itself. The stars were hidden in the fog, as if they were afraid to paint the sky with their shine.
"I admit," Lu Si Cheng said. "I was wrong. We all made a mistake, most of all I did. As a leader, I could've handled the situation in a better way. No matter what reasons I present, I don't think it will lighten my case. I apologize, and I'll also say it to Tong Yao. Please though, help us find her. You know her better than any of us." He was nearly pleading with me.
I knew Tong Yao loved him and never expected to see her directly write it out like she did in the letter. The leader's beeswax-colored eyes had softened and looked weary of all the pressure. I knew it was hard for him too. The look on his face clearly showed the reciprocation of Tong Yao's feelings. I sighed and agreed, first forcing them to all go to bed. If any of us fall ill from lack of sleep then we'd be at the hospital before finding my sister. Tomorrow, we'd regroup and form a plan.
Lu Si Cheng POV:
I'd like to say I listened to Jin Yang and slept, but I couldn't without envisioning Tong Yao. The last look of hers I saw was when my mother told her she was banned from the next match. She had stared at me in shocked, wanting to protest as her doe eyes were rimmed with tears. I felt terribly sick to my stomach to think I was the cause of her leaving the team. She left before I could even say anything. How could she assume I didn't like her? Had she looked in a mirror before? Tong Yao, where are you?
As we all nibbled on our breakfasts that we forced into our mouths, we looked over the list Jin Yang had sent. We had collectively decided to not tell her parents yet; that would make this situation far too out of control. Jin Yang had gave us various places that she and Tong Yao liked to visit. We split up and spent the next couple of hours searching every nook and cranny of these areas. The park only had families playing with their children. All her favorite shops were either too crowded with customers or nearly deserted; Still, there was no sign of her. In the end, we had all begrudgingly returned back to the base. Jin Yang had informed us that Tong Yao hadn't showed up at her apartment either.
"We won't actually continue without Tong Yao as our mid will we?" Fatty questioned by the time the clock struck twelve.
As of now, the second night had passed. Tong Yao had been missing for nearly thirty-six hours, but her note clearly indicated her departure by will so the police wouldn't help us much.
"She worked too hard to just leave like this, we have to find her," Lao K muttered frustratingly.
"Get some rest. I know it's hard to sleep, but for your own health please try." Xiao Rui managed to usher us back into our rooms even though a while later I heard the entrance door shut. I figured our coach and manager were going to conduct a night search.
The next day we all woke up and immediately started back up the search. The team's patience was like a tightrope and the acrobat had not reached the other side yet. I had informed mother of the situation and she was trying her best to keep the club at bay, stalling her questions about our mid. We had to cancel one of our matches and said a member was too sick to play. If this went on any longer, it would be hard to keep up the facade. Today, as a desperate measure we called up shelters and hospitals. Jin Yang provided us with more identifying information about our mid and went to visit Tong Yao's parents. She regularly visited them without Tong Yao as well so they wouldn't suspect a thing as long as Jin Yang held up her cover. She was going to try and see if Tong Yao had shifted back to her parents' residence.
After nearly a million calls we seemed to be hearing redundant statement.
"No sorry, we don't have a female of that name admitted here."
"We apologize, we can't disclose this information over the phone."
"I can't find a Miss Tong Yao in the system here sir."
Every variation of these words had been ingrained into our minds.
"I'm going to try the shops again. She has to buy something eventually." I left the others to continue the calls and made my way out the base.
Tong Yao POV:
I was lucky that my account still had quite a bit of cash. I should start searching for new jobs. After catching the nearest bus from the park, I got off at the first stop and spotted a hotel. I managed to book it for a few nights and was able to relax. Luckily, they had medicine at the front desk for emergencies and I was able to stop the headaches that were forming. I realized my health was deteriorating and managed to scrounge around the surrounding area of the hotel for restaurants. I was able to get deliveries and managed to strengthen up again. It felt much easier to take a step and my skin was slowly reviving with color when I looked in the mirror. Perhaps Jin Yang's apartment was the easier route, but I couldn't burden my sister with my troublesome issues. My current problem was that I had run out of snacks now so on the third day since leaving the base, I went out to one of my favorite shops. I figured if the team did even search, they wouldn't go to the same areas twice. Boy, was I wrong.
"Tong Yao." A very recognizable deep voice called my name.
My hand froze before it reached the bottle of water at the bottom shelf. I nearly snapped my neck as I whipped around, finding myself face to face with the man I had been trying to forget for even a second in these past three days. I straightened up, realizing there was no use in lying because I had forgotten my cap and jacket I was using as disguise. Of course, the one day I forgot it.
"Excuse me." A stranger had interrupted our intense eye contact to reach the shelf I was blocking.
"My apologies," I said bowing and stepping out of the way, unknowingly stepping closer to Lu Si Cheng.
"Are you okay?" His eyes were hesitant, as if wanting to stop himself from something and failing.
"If I say yes would you believe me?" I met my gaze back with his, strongly aware that he was towering over me.
I knew if he tried to drag me back by the arm I'd be unable to get away. In this moment, I appreciated he was still giving me a choice. After buying the bottle of water, I lead him outside to the nearby park. We sat down on the bench, him scooting closer and our knees grazing one another.
"Why?" He didn't look at me.
"Why what?" He sighed at my question.
"Tong Yao." He shifted to face me, gently lifting my hands in his. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to ignore you."
I stared at him. The man in front of me seemed vulnerable, his eyes shining like crystals with the tears filled in them. I'd never seen Lu Si Cheng cry before. Truthfully, I didn't think it was possible yet, here we were. I didn't have words to reply to him. Did I want to forgive him? Yes. Would it erase all the pain away? I don't know.
"Tong Yao, the team needs you. We can't replace you, even Lu Yue doesn't want to. You were never bothersome to us, never a burden, never anything but a lucky charm for the team. We all make up parts of a bigger heart and you came in and glued the last piece in with your stubborn fierceness. How could you slice a heart back into pieces with the same dagger you protected it with?" Tears were running down his face.
I wiped them off with my sleeve as he held my hand on his cheek, closing his eyes.
"I don't want to leave the team," I whispered causing his eyes to suddenly open.
"I..." I took a deep breath. "I didn't like how you ignored me. I know I made a mistake, but you could've scolded me, punished me, but ignoring me? I couldn't bear that from you," I said looking away.
"I really am sorry." His hand gently held my chin, turning my head back towards him. "Please don't leave us. We truly can't live without you. There is no ZGDX without Smiling. The championship can only be won with you by our side."
I saw the hopeful look in his eyes, a dream that was asking to be brought to life. I'll give it another chance. Without thinking, I pulled him in for a hug. I cried out all my emotions that had been pent up since last week. He patted my back as his shoulder soaked up all the salty tears.
"I love you." Those words made me pull back in shock.
"I saw the letter. Why would you assume I don't like you? Has nothing I've done told you the opposite?" Though his gaze seemed accusatory at first, I saw the mischief it was laced with.
"Because you're Lu Si Cheng. An unbeatable ADC, handsome, intelligent, tall. Why would you like me?"
"Because Shorty," he said cupping my face in his palms. "You are able to beat me in a 1v1. Your determination and absolute unwillingness to lose is what first caught my eye. You cried after the match with TAT; you trained all night and then went out to get drunk the next day. The innocence that you didn't know a Long Island Iced Tea was an alcoholic drink. Every look, every action, I'm in love with everything you do and say." He leaned in closer to my face, my eyes nearly popping from the shock.
"May I?" I saw his gaze focused on my lips and couldn't hold back, so I nodded.
Right there on the park bench, we shared a gentle kiss. If I didn't believe his love before, this was even more unbelievable. I'll have to pinch myself to make sure this isn't another one of my dreams. When we pulled back, he removed the strands of hair that had blown into my face.
"The team will be excited, let's go." He stood, locking his hand with mine.
Back at the base, I was met with very cheerful teammates and one very gloomy sister.
"Jin Yang, I won't do it again. I promise." I swung my best friend's hand back and forth attempting to gain her attention.
Miffed, she pulled me into a hug and whispered in my ear, "I forgive you only because managed to finally wrap the captain around your little paws."
I guess walking into the base holding hands was a bit too obvious. I had to brace myself for the upcoming weeks of teasing, though with the immediate pillow throw to Lu Yue, it felt just like home.
"Tong Yao don't ever leave us again! We can't bear to play with Lu Yue. He absolutely sucks," Fatty pouted.
"Hey! I only gave back the position because my brother would kill me otherwise. Salty Fish Maiden," he said clasping his hands in front of him. "Protect me from the slippers and I'll hand the trophy to you myself."
I failed successfully as his face thudded with a sudden slipper.
"Forget it," Lu Yue grumbled.
"If you doubt my choice of successor again, I will personally hunt you down and have you suffer through endless training matches," God Ming said before pulling me into a hug.
Yes, I'm finally home.
The End!
I really need to fix my sleep schedule😭😭like why am I not asleep rn it's 2 am and though I was supposed to do my assignments the idea just was in the front of my brain. It had to be released. Hope you guys enjoy!❤️