Chapter Thirty: Uncultured

Lin Hui spent the entire way in distress, for the same reason as always: Zhang Shun was there.

After dragging Yuan Zhong along to play video games last time, Lin Hui felt her mission was accomplished and she could step back. But looking at the outcome on Yuan Zhong’s end, it was clear things hadn’t gone smoothly—far from it, in fact.

From the very beginning, Lin Hui’s rational mind told her that Yuan Zhong’s method of chasing someone by playing games together wasn’t reliable; of course, Yuan Zhong herself didn’t even dare call it “chasing”—she just wanted to get to know him better, and hoped he’d notice her.

In a way, Feng Duoduo was right: Yuan Zhong had the classic “invisible” quality. If you looked closely, she was actually quite pretty, with wonderful skin and features that grew on you, but for some reason, she found it difficult to draw anyone’s attention.

Sometimes, when all four roommates participated in an activity, even though they were all there, afterwards, people only remembered three of them. The one who got automatically overlooked was always Yuan Zhong.

Seeing Yuan Zhong’s spirits so low for so long, Lin Hui decided to help once more, inviting Zhang Shun to see a movie together, planning to slip away halfway through. But in the end, he left first.

Lin Hui thought the movie was mediocre, perhaps because she was in a bad mood.

Zhang Shun, however, was thoughtful and attentive, buying drinks and popcorn.

After the movie, Zhang Shun suggested, “Let’s grab something to eat.”

“No need, I’m heading back,” Lin Hui refused, but just then her stomach betrayed her with a loud grumble.

Zhang Shun laughed. “There’s a place right across the street. Come on.”

They sat down, and Zhang Shun scanned the code to order. Though it was nearly nine at night, the place was still pretty busy.

“We’ll have to wait a bit,” Zhang Shun said.

“That’s fine,” Lin Hui replied, figuring she was already seated, a little longer wouldn't matter.

“It was a good movie,” Zhang Shun began, filling the wait with conversation.

Lin Hui nodded, then added, “Yuan Zhong was supposed to come too, but something came up last minute.”

“There’s always next time,” Zhang Shun replied.

“Yeah, I’ll invite her next time,” Lin Hui said, determined to try again.

Zhang Shun nodded casually and changed the subject, asking Lin Hui about other things.

Lin Hui interrupted, “Do you remember Yuan Zhong?”

“Sure, she borrowed books from the library for you,” Zhang Shun said.

“She’s really good at games,” Lin Hui prompted.

Zhang Shun nodded, “That’s true—kind of surprising, actually.”

“What’s surprising?” Lin Hui wanted to know what Zhang Shun thought of Yuan Zhong.

Zhang Shun glanced at Lin Hui, considered, and said, “Watching her play, it’s hard to connect it to her in real life. She’s so lively in the game, but in person she always has her head down, like a startled rabbit.”

That comparison… Lin Hui thought about it, and it did seem accurate. “Since she’s so good, why not add her as a friend?”

“No need.”

Lin Hui thought Zhang Shun was being overconfident, so she pressed, “She’s better than you.”

Zhang Shun smiled, “I’ll admit that. I just don’t see the point in adding game friends. It’s just a game—if we end up together, fine, if not, it’s no big deal.”

It made sense, but… “But you added your other two friends,” Lin Hui said quietly.

Zhang Shun didn’t notice, getting up to fetch the food.

“Come on, eat while it’s hot—fried food gets gross when it’s cold,” Zhang Shun said as he tore open a ketchup packet and squeezed it onto the cola lid.

Lin Hui took a fry, popped it into her mouth, wanting to ask Zhang Shun what he thought of Yuan Zhong, but that seemed too obvious and might make things awkward for Yuan Zhong in the future.

Zhang Shun said something else, but Lin Hui kept her head down, not very interested.

So the two ate quietly, and then Zhang Shun walked Lin Hui back to her dorm.

“Goodbye,” Zhang Shun said.

Lin Hui said nothing, just turned and went inside.

The dorm was empty. Lin Hui went to the bathroom, and when she came out, she saw missed calls and messages from Yuan Zhong.

Now you remember me, she muttered, not bothering to reply right away.

The next day, Yuan Zhong called again, and Lin Hui finally picked up.

“Huihui, are you mad? I really had something to do,” Yuan Zhong apologized.

“You know if you did or not,” Lin Hui said.

Yuan Zhong sounded embarrassed, stammering.

Lin Hui sighed, “It doesn’t matter to me, but you need to know what you’re doing, so you don’t regret it later.”

“I know you mean well, I just… I’m the problem,” Yuan Zhong said.

Remembering Zhang Shun’s assessment, Lin Hui left it at that.

“You’re really not mad?” Yuan Zhong double-checked.

“I’m not mad. So, do you still want to play games with him next time?”

Yuan Zhong thought for a moment, then said, “Forget it.”

“What do you mean, forget it? Giving up on your crush?” Lin Hui asked.

“I’ll work up my courage and ask him in person before we graduate,” Yuan Zhong said.

“That’s the way—say what you need to say. If he agrees, you’re together. If not, ask him what it would take to change his mind,” Lin Hui encouraged.

Yuan Zhong laughed, “I’m not as brave as you. I just want to get it off my chest so I won’t have regrets.”

Lin Hui breathed a sigh of relief—it was progress, at least.

“By the way, I’m going to a game stream tonight,” Yuan Zhong told Lin Hui. “I met a streamer in-game, and I’m playing with him tonight. Want to watch? My apprentice will be there too.”

Lin Hui wasn’t interested, but if Yuan Zhong could find some fun, that was good. “Don’t forget to be brave—take some risks,” she reminded her before hanging up.

That evening, Unreliable was streaming live. He played two games solo; the first went well, but the second was a bit of a mess.

“Hey, hey, hey, Yujie, why are you running? Just a couple more hits and he’s done!” Unreliable yelled, “Unbelievable—you don’t know how much damage you do?”

A fan joked: Unreliable met his match.

Unreliable said, “Relax, everyone, my reinforcements will be here soon. Though there’s a deadweight, we can still scrape out a win or two.”

After a while, Don’t Be Stingy and Former Noble Heavy both logged on and were invited to team up.

Former Noble Heavy was curious. “Are you really streaming?”

Unreliable: “Yeah, you can check out my channel.”

A fan teased: Unreliable, calling in the girlfriend for backup—can you handle it?

Unreliable quickly said, “Let’s not use words like ‘handle’ okay? But seriously, don’t stir things up—she’s got a temper, so keep quiet and watch the gameplay.”

Former Noble Heavy greeted the fans openly: “Hello, Unreliable’s fans.”

Fan 1: He’s unreliable, but we’re dependable.

Fan 2: Show us your face, miss!

Former Noble Heavy replied, “I make a living with my skills, not my looks.”

Unreliable: “Hear that? That’s confidence. You all should learn from her—stop asking for face reveals. Don’t make those requests, okay?”

Don’t Be Stingy remained quiet and low-key.

When a fan asked, Unreliable said, “That’s the deadweight—he’s a bit self-conscious, just ignore him.”

As the game started, Former Noble Heavy picked Sun Wukong with a touch of aggression.

Unreliable said, “This hero’s new skin is great—the sound effects are awesome.”

“I don’t have it, but the old skin works,” Former Noble Heavy replied.

Unreliable: “I’ll gift you one after this.”

Former Noble Heavy adjusted their build and runes, indifferent: “No need.”

Fans mocked Unreliable for failing to curry favor.

Don’t Be Stingy said, “I’ll gift it.”

Fans: Wow, wow, wow! Is there something going on between these three?

Unreliable explained, “Don’t overthink it—they’re master and apprentice. The apprentice is just being filial. It’s normal.”

A fan asked: So what are you to her? Why are you being so attentive?

Unreliable: “Just game friends, keep it pure—don’t get the wrong idea.”

Former Noble Heavy added, “Right now, he’s technically my employer—I’m working for him.”

Don’t Be Stingy chimed in, “Yeah, but Unreliable’s stingy, won’t pay up.”

“Who says I don’t pay! Don’t Be Stingy, don’t ruin my reputation,” Unreliable protested. “Heavy, you need to back me up.”

Former Noble Heavy laughed, “Sure, get fifteen kills this game, and we’ll talk.”

Fans: Wow, so cocky!

The game began. Sun Wukong secured the blue buff, invaded the enemy jungle, stole some camps, moved to mid to take the river crab, then smashed the opposing squishy mage for first blood.

Don’t Be Stingy played as Yao, sticking close to Sun Wukong.

Unreliable complained, “Guess I’ll be the lone marksman—time to play safe!”

Former Noble Heavy said, “Yao will stick with you late game—right now the monkey is strong.”

Don’t Be Stingy countered, “Not even late game—still not following him.”

Fans: Oh wow, it’s official! Something’s up with these three.

Former Noble Heavy, playing Sun Wukong, led the pace, playing exceptionally well. Soon, even the mid-laner started trailing him, teaming up for kills all over the map.

Former Noble Heavy laughed, “Unreliable, I’m starting to doubt your character.”

“What do you mean?” Unreliable retreated under his tower again.

“Even the mage won’t stick with you,” Don’t Be Stingy explained.

“Ah, high-level players are destined to be lonely,” Unreliable sighed.

“The real pro is here!” Former Noble Heavy arrived at the gold lane, waiting in the bushes. “Unreliable, go bait them.”

Unreliable resigned himself.

The enemy mage took the bait and was immediately crushed by Sun Wukong with Yao.

“Yao is really useful,” Former Noble Heavy said. “No wonder she’s the most expensive support in the game.”

“Thank you, master,” Don’t Be Stingy replied.

Unreliable couldn’t take it anymore, “Don’t Be Stingy, this has nothing to do with you. I meant the hero Yao, not you—don’t get it twisted.”

Because of that, Yao didn’t support the marksman for the rest of the match.

“Your name suits you perfectly, Don’t Be Stingy!” Unreliable commented.

“You too—at your level, the name Unreliable fits,” Don’t Be Stingy shot back.

The fans cheered them on: Keep going, don’t stop!

Maybe the first game was too smooth—next round, their two teammates seemed a bit slow.

Former Noble Heavy was losing patience: “Hey Daji, don’t just stand there shaking your hips—use your skills!”

After a while, she switched targets: “Hey Lü Bu, stop chasing after Diao Chan and use your ult! No help for it, Lü Bu really isn't that bright.”

Unreliable was curious, “Is Lü Bu really not that smart?”

Don’t Be Stingy replied, “Historically he’s always been seen as brave but not clever. Just shows how little you know.”

Unreliable: “Can you trust unofficial history?”

Don’t Be Stingy sighed, “Ignorance is scary. It’s not from unofficial history—it’s from novels.”

Former Noble Heavy: “Jungler, less talk, more action. Their Zhuge Liang is at half health.”

Unreliable didn’t catch up.

Former Noble Heavy: “Are you jungling with your mouth? How could you not finish him?”

Unreliable: “…I shouldn’t have brought you two along!”