IROAWTMTFL Extra 7

Orange 2

Cheng Cheng mentioned he didn’t read the contract carefully so Qi Rong suggested he sit beside him, and they started reading from the beginning. Qi Rong patiently explained each point, focusing on the responsibilities, obligations, and breach clauses of both parties, as well as asking about relevant details.

Amidst the questions, Cheng Cheng suddenly said, “Lawyer Qi, you’re really kind.”

Qi Rong smiled and was non-committal. In the adult world, it’s challenging to categorize someone as simply good or bad. What he showed to Cheng Cheng was far from being good. He merely saved a little face for his junior, Yan Yan, based on commission.

“So, how long is your daily training?”

“It starts at one in the afternoon and goes until one at night, sometimes two or three, excluding meal times.”

Before Cheng Cheng could finish, Qi Rong furrowed his brows and interrupted, “It’s definitely over ten hours. Do you know about the ‘Esports Industry Management Law’ enacted last year?”

“I’ve heard about it, but I didn’t read it. I’m too busy with matches.” Cheng Cheng met Qi Rong’s gaze, feeling more and more uneasy as he spoke.

If Yan Yan were here, he would definitely mock him. Cheng Cheng could imagine that tone: “You are so capable? Why think of finding a lawyer to terminate the contract now? Why not continue working hard?”

Cheng Cheng was a bit afraid that Qi Rong would scold him. Though he was the one hiring a lawyer and it stands to reason that the one paying should not fear the one being paid, Qi Rong’s presence was too imposing. When he stared at him, it felt like a stern elder who could discipline him at any moment.

However, Qi Rong didn’t scold him, he simply said, “After the enactment of the Esports Management Law, it provides legal grounds for industry norms. For instance, on the subject of flexible working hours, it stipulates that esports athletes must rest at least one day a week, with no fewer than six days of rest per month. In cases where regular holidays are disrupted due to events or training schedules, compensatory rest is mandatory.”

Cheng Cheng’s mouth formed an “O,” and he said, “But everyone doesn’t follow this… I see other teams are working hard too.”

“Considering it voluntary overtime is acceptable, but if you’re going to file a contract termination lawsuit, you must uphold your rights within the law.”

“Oh…” Cheng Cheng felt a bit confused now. He was straightforward and didn’t really think much about the extra training.

Qi Rong continued, “The Esports Management Law also sets limits on daily training hours, generally not exceeding eight hours, and during critical event training phases, it shouldn’t exceed ten hours.”

Cheng Cheng: “That’s impossible, this time is too short. After completing basic training, we can’t even play a few practice matches.”

Qi Rong: “That’s why many retire at a young age. The country mandates athletes to retire before the age of 29, some athletes in the United States retire at 40, but the average retirement age for esports athletes is 24. Is it genuinely because their reaction speed can’t keep up after 24?”

“Isn’t it?” Cheng Cheng retorted. After asking, he quickly closed his mouth. Although Qi Rong’s expression seemed normal, his gaze was a bit cold.

“The physical wear and tear from excessive training, irregular routines, and diet are all depleting your professional career.”

“Gulu…gulu…” Cheng Cheng’s stomach betrayed him, making sounds just as Qi Rong finished speaking, as if providing evidence.

Qi Rong raised his wrist to check the time, and Cheng Cheng’s gaze unintentionally fell on his watch—it was a brand unfamiliar to him. Silver chain, white dial, deep sapphire-blue hands, it was simple, elegant, and sophisticated, much like the impression Qi Rong gave.

“It’s only ten-thirty. You haven’t had breakfast?”

“Yeah. I usually don’t get up this early. I forgot…” Cheng Cheng didn’t dare to lie in front of him.

On hearing this, Qi Rong put away his pen, closed the notebook, returned the original contract to Cheng Cheng, and took the copy as he stood up.

“Lawyer Qi?”

“Let’s eat first, we can discuss the contract in the afternoon.”

“Oh, okay. Having lunch at this time is too early anyway so let’s just talk at noon.”

Qi Rong who was already near the door, turned to look at him. A glance from Qi Rong silenced Cheng Cheng; he felt like if he uttered another word, Lawyer Qi might get angry on the spot. What would happen if he got angry? Would he refuse to take his case?

Cheng Cheng hurriedly put on his mask, retrieved his hat, and in his haste, his hair became disheveled. He quickly caught up with Qi Rong and reached the doorway. However, Qi Rong didn’t move, instead, he pointed to Cheng Cheng’s head, indicating that he should fix his hair.

Cheng Cheng completely misunderstood him and said bluntly, “It’s not good to be seen coming to the law firm. There are rumors online about issues between me and the team. Even though I don’t understand legal matters, I know that if these things are mixed with public opinion, it can get tricky. Lawyer Qi, please don’t mind. I didn’t mean to act suspiciously.”

Qi Rong disapproved of his disregard for his health, but hearing his words softened his stance. He was a straightforward and innocent young man, why blame him when he worked so hard? It wasn’t intentional. Besides, this was his client. Was it appropriate for the lawyer handling this matter to be upset?

“I meant your hair is messy.”

“Where?” Cheng Cheng asked, making his hair even messier as he tried to fix it.

“Don’t move.” Qi Rong reached out helplessly. He removed the hat, used his fingers to smooth Cheng Cheng’s hair, then pressed the hat back onto his head.

Cheng Cheng blushed. The warmth of Qi Rong’s hands and the firm fingertips brushing against his scalp and resting on the top of his head brought an irresistible sense of control. When Qi Rong removed his hand, Cheng Cheng quickly lowered his head, afraid to look. Thankfully, the mask covered his face; otherwise, he would be in trouble.

“Since it’s inconvenient to discuss matters here, let’s find another place this afternoon.” Qi Rong suggested.

Cheng Cheng nodded like a chicken pecking at food. As long as he didn’t have to lift his head, whatever Lawyer Qi said was acceptable.

“Where would you prefer?” Qi Rong asked while opening the door.

Cheng Cheng didn’t think much and blurted out, “My home, let’s go to my place.”

Two colleagues were standing in the corridor outside the door, and upon hearing Cheng Cheng’s response, they looked over with subtle smiles. Qi Rong stopped in his tracks, blocking Cheng Cheng behind him.

Cheng Cheng was still unaware of what was happening. He continued, “Home is the safest place, there’s no need to worry about being photographed. Lawyer Qi, is it okay?”

Those two colleagues’ expressions became even more subtle, showing a knowing look as if they had eaten a big melon.

Qi Rong halted, turned to look at him, and said, “I’ll go find Yan Yan and we’ll have lunch first. Wait for me here.” After saying that, Qi Rong decisively pushed him back into the meeting room and closed the door, blocking the colleagues’ view.

“Lawyer Qi, is love blossoming?” The moment the door closed, the colleagues teasingly commented.

“That’s a client, don’t tease.” Qi Rong responded.

“The client is inviting you home?” The colleagues clearly didn’t believe it, and Qi Rong didn’t want to explain; some things became more unclear the more you explained.

He went to find Yan Yan and the colleagues chatted for a while before leaving.

One of them said, “Our Qi Rong indeed attracts attention. Remember how that client, Miss Fang, pursued him with such fanfare last time but he remained indifferent.”

“Of course he remained indifferent, I heard he prefers men.”

Cheng Cheng stood by the door that wasn’t tightly closed, and heard every word. He thought to himself that the soundproofing of this meeting room isn’t really that good. He could hear everything standing here.

Lawyer Qi is gay, and so is he… He had just invited someone home… The heat on Cheng Cheng’s face was receding, but it immediately surged back.

Ten-thirty was indeed too early. Yan Yan was still busy with work, not yet at a point where he could go out for a meal. Since it was just a meal, and Orange wasn’t insisting he accompany him, he directly requested his senior to take care of it.

“Orange’s stomach isn’t great, but he is from Sichuan-Chongqing and loves spicy food. Senior, could you watch over him and order something mild?”

“He has stomach issues?”

“It’s because of his habit of staying up day and night, coupled with irregular eating. It was like this even when he was livestreaming before. He would forget about time when playing games. Later, when he became a professional player, it got even worse. I still remember one time when he was streaming, and other anchors were screen sniping him, killing him several times. He was so angry that he kept playing and didn’t eat the whole day until he defeated those people. His stomach problems have been going on for years.”

“You’re his good friend, why don’t you talk to him?”

Once Qi Rong said this, Yan Yan’s eyes changed slightly. How did these words sound slightly accusatory? In matters like these, Yan Yan was exceptionally sensitive and immediately detected some signs. If we’re talking about love at first sight, he was exactly like that toward his Dr. Zhuang, so it was not surprising.

His senior, Qi Rong, graduated from a prestigious university, is professionally competent, and impressive in appearance and demeanor. It is said that his family is either in the military or politics, so he had a good family background. If it’s to talk about age, he is thirty, a little older than Orange, but an eight-year age difference wasn’t that significant.

Yan Yan hadn’t thought about this before, but now that the idea was brought up, it suddenly seemed fitting. If that’s the case, he really couldn’t go to this meal.

Yan Yan remained calm and composed as he answered, “It’s not that I won’t talk to him, he won’t listen. Senior, you see Orange as soft-spoken and easy to talk to, but he can be quite stubborn. Being a professional player is his fate and his job. He’s a workaholic, he thinks he’s young and healthy enough to endure it all. Senior, you’re not close to him, so he won’t argue with you face-to-face. When you order, please go for something light to ease his stomach. He probably won’t say he doesn’t want to eat it.”

This statement was really nonsense. Qi Rong and Cheng Cheng are not familiar with each other, and they should respect each other’s wishes rather than delve into personal matters. However, Qi Rong surprisingly agreed. He felt that health was important and that Yan Yan was right.

Cheng Cheng and Qi Rong sat in the restaurant, and the waiter came to take their order. Both had their own thoughts. One was contemplating what was both delicious and good for digestion, while the other was discreetly observing whether Lawyer Qi was truly gay. In reality, whether he was gay had nothing to do with Cheng Cheng, but he couldn’t help thinking about this question.

Considering the privacy of esports stars, they sat in a private room with romantic and soft lighting, which enhanced Qi Rong’s already handsome features. Cheng Cheng was looking intently when Qi Rong suddenly looked up and asked, “Do you eat pigeon?”

Their eyes met and Cheng Cheng was so flustered that he didn’t really hear what Qi Rong said. He nodded randomly.

“Give him a bowl of Tianma pigeon soup. Dim sum can be served shortly, and let the dishes be light. Cheng Cheng, what else do you want to eat?”

Cheng Cheng randomly pointed to two common dishes and handed the menu back to the waiter. He couldn’t focus on the menu; Lawyer Qi calling his name sounded too good.

“Cheng Cheng, may I call you that?”

“You can…” he replied. ‘If you say my name again, I’ll become too infatuated!’

While lost in thought, the dishes arrived, making him snap back to reality. When he saw the table filled with stir-fried, stewed, and steamed dishes, Cheng Cheng was utterly bewildered. What was this? A Sichuan-Chongqing native got lost at a Cantonese dining table?

He wanted to refuse and order a new set of dishes, but he couldn’t bear to waste it. Most importantly, Lawyer Qi was serving him dishes and soup. He even introduced the dishes. When Qi Rong talked about a dish, it looked unappetizing, but with his explanation, it became appealing. Cheng Cheng was absent-mindedly being taken care of, fed, and only realized when he was almost full.

Qi Rong had never been so presumptuous with a stranger, but as he arranged the food, it felt addictive. Cheng Cheng was very obedient, not like Yan Yan described, stubborn and not listening to advice. Whatever he asked him to eat, he ate. It was evident he didn’t like some dishes, and he didn’t even want to pick up his chopsticks, but as long as he mentioned it, he would comply.

“Don’t eat too much, it will burden your stomach. If you’re hungry around three or four in the afternoon, I’ll make you something to eat.”

“You’ll make me something to eat?” Cheng Cheng was surprised.

“We’re going to your place this afternoon, right? Don’t you cook at home?”

“I do, sort of…” It’s just that all the pots and pans are brand new.

“Is there a problem?”

‘There’s a big problem. Are we really going to my place? And you’re going to cook for me? Qi Rong likes men, right? Is this appropriate?’

“How can I make Lawyer Qi cook for me?”

Qi Rong put down the tissue in his hand, belatedly realizing that what he said about cooking for someone was inherently wrong! What’s their relationship that he could go to someone’s house and cook for them? Why did he subconsciously say such a thing?

At that moment, his gaze towards Cheng Cheng changed a bit.