Chapter Text
Tong Yao POV:
My bladder could not have been more thankful to me. The excruciatingly, long game had finally ended and I got the chance to immediately rush to the bathroom. I just had to hope the producers didn't take another quote of the match from me. I was on the phone with Jin Yang who was complaining about how Ai Jia hadn't visited her in the past week. Silly girl. We had competitions this week, of course he was constantly training. We were just about to get started on the latest gossip when it appeared right in front of me.
"I'll call you back." I ended the call and gave a glance to the man in front of me. I started to walk past, looking straight ahead. Unexpectedly, my wrist slammed into the wall. Ouch.
"What are you doing Xu Tailun?" I glared fiercely like a cornered cat.
"Why didn't you deny the rumors?" He stared right back, challenging me.
"I'm not obligated to cover up for your mistakes."
"And I'm not required to be kind to you." This man had some serious arrogancy issues.
"Let go." I squirmed in place, trying to remove my wrist from the strong grasp he held it in.
"No." His hand only tightened. My wrist was starting to hurt and I saw a pink tint peeking out on my wrist beneath his gripped hand.
"I said, let go."
"Chill out, how about this. You be a good girl and cover for me. Clear up what you said in the next livestream and I'll let your team win this match. Simple isn't it?" Does he think we need pity wins?
"I didn't say anything though. I made a general statement why are you so defensive if you've done nothing wrong." My eyes stared right into the dark abyss his eyes reflected.
He slammed my wrist again into the wall.
"Hey!" I yelled. Was this idiot trying to break my wrist?
"Stop moving! Do you want to be replaced by your substitute for the next round?" He wouldn't actually break it would he?
"Let go already!" I tried peeking around the corner hoping someone would hear us.
"Who are you looking for? Lu Si Cheng? No one is coming to save the damsel today. They're already in the lounge, probably walking to the stage."
An announcement came in the overhead speakers.
"Players. The match will commence in 3 minutes. Please make your way to your respective seats."
Xu Tailun twisted my wrist further.
"If it weren't for the match you'd be begging to sleep with me by the end of this," He whispered in my ears as his other hand grazed my leg.
I stomped on his foot forcing him to release my wrist and took the chance to scurry away. My heart was pounding like a thousand percussion instruments and I turned around to make sure he wasn't following before slowing down to a stop. A few feet away was our break room.
I examined my wrist, carefully rotating in a circle. I winced as I felt a sharp pain, cradling my arm. This needed some medical attention. Standing in front of the ZGDX break room, I carefully opened the door, eyes to the ground.
"Tong Yao?" God Ming was the first to spot me.
"What are you doing here? The match is about to start!" Xiao Rui exclaimed.
"What happened to your wrist?" Lu Yue asked. I'd never heard him so serious before.
I thought about what to say. If I said the other team's jungler did it they'd cancel the match and our team for sure would be flamed online. I couldn't let Xu Tailun think he got to me. I was stronger than this.
"Tong Yao?" Xiao Rui asked.
"I just slipped outside the bathroom there was water on the ground." I definitely said that too quickly, they're going to be suspicious.
"Can you still play?" God Ming asked.
"I just need to bandage it, I'll be fine."
"Lu Yue go grab the first aid kit, I'll call the front and tell them to delay the match a few minutes," Xiao Rui said.
God Ming stood up and lead me to the couch. Crouching down in front of me, he put his hand out to check my wrist but, I flinched. Of course, my instincts betray me. His eyes narrowed on me while I avoided his gaze.
"Are you sure you're alright?"
"I'm fine," I said a little too harshly. They definitely didn't believe me. Thankfully, the match was too close to starting for any of them to start interrogating me.
Lu Yue brought the first aid kit over and grabbed a roll of gauze.
"Grab the Biofreeze as well," God Ming said, carefully turning over my wrist to reveal increasingly redder skin. An outline of a handprint could be made out and I knew that he saw it.
God Ming looked up at me once again and I slightly shook my head, indicating him to leave it. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath before applying the medication. Once done, he wrapped the gauze gently around my wrist as Lu Yue handed him scissors to cut off the excess.
"Are you sure you can play?" Lu Yue asked again.
"Of course! Don't tell me you're trying to steal my spot again," I pouted.
The three guys slightly smiled. I thanked them as God Ming lead me out of the room. As we walked down the hallway to the stage, I looked over at him. His jaw was clenched and I knew I had to tell him something because he already saw the handprint. Knowing him, he'd probably find out otherwise.
"I met Xu Tailun by the bathroom." He suddenly halted, his body stiffening. I had to remind myself not to take a step back. He isn't Xu Tailun.
Gently, he held my shoulders.
"And?" The look in his eyes was soft despite his contrasting body language. I knew he wasn't angry at me but, it was still a scary sight to see.
I told him the whole conversation, knowing it had been over ten minutes since the match should've started. I cut out the part where the jungler had basically asked to sleep with me and his hand had not-so-accidentally brushed against my leg. It was too weird and embarrassing to describe. Once I finished talking, he silently stared at me before dipping his head down.
"Tong Yao, are you sure about this? There's nothing wrong with allowing Lu Yue to play this round. That doesn't make you scared." Of course a good coach can read minds. I clasped his hand in mine.
"It'll be okay, trust me. And thank you." I gave him a smile hoping to put him off for now. He returned with a slight nod and we continued walking.
I pulled my jacket over my wrist as we got on the stage. There was no need for more drama.
"Where were you? Do you think you're a princess to have the match delayed for you?" Lu Si Cheng questioned.
I saw God Ming about to say something but, I intercepted.
"I was in the bathroom. Did you want to hear me complaining about my bladder for the rest of the match?" I widened my eyes at him. He looked back at the screen.
I looked over at God Ming, shaking my head, hoping he understood not to say anything. He sighed and took a step back, assuming his position behind us.
I heard the commentators starting their speech and quickly sat down. I glanced over at the other team's jungler and saw him staring. Unbeknownst to me, as I lifted my arms to put on my headphones, the bandage peeked out from under the jacket. I heard the audience gasp and look around my computer to see why. On the big screen above was a replay of my zoomed in arm, injured arm.
My teammates glanced at me and Lu Si Cheng caught the staring contest Xu Tailun was trying to have with me. He looked away once his eyes met our captain.
"Were you collecting stamps back there?" This man.
"What? No! I was- actually forget it." I slumped back into my chair, internally cursing out the commentators and cameraman. Sometimes, this felt more like a drama set rather than a professional gaming league.
Lu Si Cheng gave me one last glance and noticed my avert gaze. Looking back to his left, the jungler was still trying to pierce me with his gaze.
"We'll talk about this after the match. Are you sure you can play?"
"I'm completely fine. Let's start, it's already been so late." I sighed. This was going to be a long day.
"God Ming, let's switch to the 4-protect-1 strategy." Before I could say anything the rest of my teammates agreed. Though I hate to admit it, I was grateful.
After picking our Shikigami, we started the match. I carefully treaded the mid lane, aware that the other team was going to gank me like the previous match; However, our captain had quickly farmed in the bot lane and was roaming the jungle now.
"Cheng-ge the jungler is here," Lao K announced. These men were telepathically communicating. The commentators were trying to keep up but, our team was doing nothing normally even though we were still ahead of the other team. The audience was quieter than usual, the tension from the on-stage players spreading down to them. Lao K and Lu Si Cheng quickly took down the jungler and went to the mid lane to push the towers. I joined them, staying at the back of the pack but, still ready to jump in. Swiftly, we reached the end where the inhibitor was. As the rest of our teammates pushed, Lu Si Cheng went around and waited at the other team's spawn. Dragon, the jungler, spawned in five seconds later just as our captain immediately attacked and sent him back to hell. I heard a frustrated groan arise from the other set of PCs. There was loud discussion all around the arena, clearly confused about our team right now. Behind us, the screen flashed in a flaming victory.
Lu Si Cheng took his headphones off and turned his chair to me. He reached out to see my wrist but, did it so quickly that once again, I flinched.
"What was that?" Lu Si Cheng aimed his questioning gaze on me, his eyes darker than usual.
"N-nothing." That stutter was doing me no favors.
Thankfully, God Ming entered the scene quickly and ushered us to shake hands with the other team. i could see Dragon's evil glint from miles away. I looked down and walked directly behind our captain, making him a pretend shield. We shook the hands of our opponents and as I approached the jungler, I had to grasp his outheld hand. He squeezed it a little too hard, and definitely on purpose causing me to wince. Luckily, Lu Si Cheng was looking forward but, behind me Lao K saw. He glared at Xu Tailun and squeezed his hand back. Finally, we made our way to the center, bowing before taking off. The team was clearly tensed but, had to wait till we got to a quieter place.
God Ming was waiting at the door of the break room and ushered the rest inside while I stood outside with him. Lu Si Cheng was at the MVP interview so he'd be gone for at least a couple minutes.
"I got the CCTV footage. I've already filed a report with the police and complaint at this arena. They definitely will be taking action. I'll have to stay back to help them finish up. Go back with the team and rest, you're safe Tong Yao," he told me in a hushed tone.
I let out a sigh of relief, unaware that I had been so tense.
"Thank you, God Ming." I gave him a quick hug.
"Don't worry either. I told Xiao Rui and Lu Yue to keep their lips sealed. They don't know how you truly got injured but, they won't reveal what they do know. You can do it when you're ready. For now, focus on resting. They'll keep the others from asking questions."
"I'll head to the bathroom to fix my makeup, I'm sure the fans are outside and we wouldn't want to worry them more." God Ming wiped the tears on my cheek that had fallen without me realizing.
"Should I come with you?"
"He wouldn't attack again, would he?" God Ming was about to reply when the door to our break room started wiggling. We took a step back and I quickly wiped my cheeks with my sleeve.
"What are you two so seriously discussing out here?" Xiao Pang questioned.
"Nothing, I'm going to the bathroom I'll meet you guys on the bus." I pivoted on my heel and nearly ran out of there.
I heard the fading chatter of God Ming saying he'll walk them all to the bus and explaining how he has some things to deal with so he'll return late.
Once in the bathroom, I made sure no one was in the other stalls. I locked the door and slid down against it, sitting with my back leaning on it. I started crying. There were too many pent up emotions and my body was extremely overwhelmed and exhausted. At least no one can see me right now.
After what seemed liked hours, I got up and washed my face. I'd just have to apply some lip gloss back in the break room before leaving. My mood wasn't in agreement to do a full face of makeup at this moment. I walked out, carefully eyeing the side walls for any strangers. Of course though, the jungler had positioned himself right behind the door and pulled my bad wrist right into him.
"What the h-" I yelped as he clamped a hand over my mouth.
His other arm was snaked around my waist but, I couldn't see him as my back was to his chest.
"I already warned you, did you decide on an answer yet?" I felt a cool breeze on my stomach. His rough, calloused hand had made its way beneath my shirt, lifting it to the cool air. I started wiggling, desperately trying to escape his hold.
"Stop moving already!" I flinched at the loud voice next to me ear. He had painfully grasped the hand around my waist which was sure to leave a mark.
Suddenly, he flipped positions grabbing both of my hands in one and pushing them above my head. His other hand touched my face, utterly disgusting me. I spat on him causing him to slap me.
"Let's do this the hard way shall we," He said. Let's not.
"HELP M-" I tried yelling but, once again he placed a hand over my mouth. This time I bit him hard, causing him to take a step back and release me. I took this chance to run back down the hallway.
God Ming POV:
I had seen Lu Si Cheng leaving the interview and told him to go on the bus where the team was.
"I'll bring Tong Yao she's in the bathroom." Lu Si Cheng looked like he wanted to say something but, he kept silent and went the other direction.
The security team of the arena was following me as I lead them to the place of Tong Yao's attack. We had just passed the breakroom when I heard a scream and rapidly increasing footsteps. I rushed forward to see Tong Yao who skidded to a stop in front of me.
I knew I should've gone with her.
I held her by the shoulders and saw that she was crying again. Immediately, I pulled her into a hug and she melted in my arms. A second later, Dragon appeared from behind the corner but, quickly stopped at the unexpected group. I hugged Tong Yao protectively as the security team went and arrested the jungler. He's definitely getting banned.
Security ensured they'd handle him so I lead Tong Yao back to the break room.
"Are you okay?" I sat next to her on the couch.
She shook her head, unable to get words out. It was strange to see the strong girl crying. She had become the little sister of the team- except for Lu Si Cheng who was too proud to admit he was in love- and was sometimes even rougher than the boys to keep up. I let her cry into my chest, stroking her hair to calm her down. I messaged Lu Si Cheng to take off and I'd bring Tong Yao home after getting her wrist checked at the hospital. He had even less self-control than me and would've killed Xu Tailun, security or not.
"He wanted me to sleep with him," Tong Yao said as she sat up straight, her eyes downcast.
That jungler would've been murdered if I found him by myself. He was lucky security got to him first.
"You have nothing to be ashamed of. Tong Yao, look at me." She lifted her doe eyes, shining like crystals from the fresh tears. "This isn't your fault. I'll make sure firsthand he is thoroughly punished. I'm so sorry this happened, I should've gone with you just now."
"Thank you God Ming, for saving me."
"Anything for my sister," I replied giving her another hug.
"What do you want to tell the team? You have to get to a proper hospital first and- wait." My eyes focused on her cheek. I held her chin carefully as I turned her face to the side.
"He slapped me," She whispered. I took a deep breath, reminding myself he was getting punished at this very moment.
A knock came at the door as the president of the arena entered.
"I heard what happened. Young lady, I sincerely apologize that you went through this treatment at my arena. Rest assured, this will never happen again. For your future appearances I have hired a personal female bodyguard to be with you at all times. Once again, I am deeply sorry." The man bowed.
Tong Yao stared at him, still unsure.
"Thank you. I believe the man has done more than just attack my teammate though," I replied. Tong Yao shifted nervously beside me. Even if she was uncomfortable, Xu Tailun needed to get charged with his crimes.
"Oh my! Please allow us to take a statement then, I don't want any charges to be missing. I'll call the police chief right now." The man turned to make the call and I took Tong Yao's hand comforting her silently.
Soon, the chief arrived.
"Ma'am please describe in detail what happened in both attacks. You're completely safe now there is no reason to be afraid. Don't hesitate with your answer, the assailant has already been arrested."
The chief sat across from us. I gave Tong Yao a reassuring nod and saw her take a deep breath, briefly closing her eyes before she spoke. As she described the first attack, she paused for a second, clearly pondering over something.
"And then he asked to sleep with me." Tong Yao was staring hard into the floor. I felt her squeezing my hand and realized she was too afraid to tell me the first time.
She started the description of the second attack as the chief scribbled into his notepad. The head chief stood by the door, alarmed that all of this had happened in his arena. Tong Yao struggled with the second description, tripping over some of the words as she described the jungler's actions. I looked at her in horror as she explained how he sexually assaulted her. I rubbed soothing circles into her palm as I could tell she was doing her best to not to cry again.
"Thank you for your time and I'm truly sorry you had to experience this. We will make sure the arena is more fit for your safety." The police chief stood and I shook his hand before he walked out with the president, immediately discussing implementation on safety measures.
Just then, our team walked through the door. Tong Yao looked back to the ground.
Lu Si Cheng was first to come around and sit next to Tong Yao on the other side. She leaned into his chest as he protectively hugged her.
"What happened, Tong Yao?" This was the gentlest his voice had ever been.
The rest of them gathered around, occupying the surrounding seats and the remainder standing. I glanced at Tong Yao who gave a quick nod before snuggling further into the captain who adjusted to make her more comfortable. Lu Yue brought out a blanket that he draped over the two and Tong Yao thanked him with a nod. Facing the rest of them, I slowly started explaining everything, occasionally glancing to the side where Tong Yao had drifted off into slumber. By the end, the room was silent except for her light snores.
"That bastard!" Lao Mao exclaimed earning a glare from everyone not for the comment, but the fact that Tong Yao was sleeping. She stirred a little as Lu Si Cheng stroked her head, allowing her to relax again. Poor girl had had a long day.
"Let's get back to the base first. Thank you God Ming for handling this all. You're a good coach." Lu Si Cheng glanced at the girl in his arms, who lay with a peaceful expression that hadn't been visible all day.
"I'll grab her things." Xiao Pang picked up the pink duffel bag as Lu Yue helped him stuff it.
Lu Si Cheng carefully lifted Tong Yao as Lao K opened the door. It was past nine and it was dark outside. The other team and the audience had gone home long ago. Only a few staff members roamed the place. We all exited the room and boarded the bus in silence. No one was goofing around or talking. None of the members teased the captain either for his obvious liking to the mid. The event had taken a toll on all of us, Tong Yao the most.
At the base, the captain brought Tong Yao to her room as the rest of us settled downstairs. He climbed down the steps as the rest of us joined him at the room where we typically discussed match strategies.
"The police has already taken her statement and Xu Tailun is definitely going to be kicked from the team. We have a match tomorrow but Tong Yao is definitely in no position to play. Our club has to release a statement before Xu Tailun can do anything to turn the situation into a mess." I said.
The team agreed even though no one was happy with the situation.
"Will she be okay?" Lao Mao questioned.
"Hopefully," I said glancing at the stairs.
"We will implement the buddy system, especially for Tong Yao. No member should go anywhere alone. Only walk in pairs. Our club has faced one too many accidents with members alone," Lu Si Cheng affirmatively announced. Everyone knew he was referring not only to Tong Yao, but his own brother who had been caught up in a mess not too long ago, that wasn't his fault.
The next day, Tong Yao woke up early and came downstairs to the whole team playing ranked matches.
"You're up shorty." Lu Si Cheng was the first to spot her.
Xiao Pang jumped from his seat, running to the kitchen.
"We ordered you breakfast, we already ate." Fatty pushed a cup of oatmeal into her hands before heading back to his seat.
God Ming came to join her at the table in the kitchen as they both watched the members play. A second later, Lu Si Cheng's screen lit up with the victory banner as he pushed his chair out to walk over and join the two. Tong Yao flinched at the loud yell from Lao Mao that Lao K quickly quieted down, sending an apologizing glance behind him. As they finished up their matches and Tong Yao had her breakfast, the whole team was seated silently around the shiny, white table. Suddenly, everyone's phone buzzed revealing the news that the jungler of DQ Five was banned from OPL and the team permanently. They emphasized in the notice that the club does not tolerate misbehavior towards any other player. At the end, a sincere apology from the club had been written to ZGDX. They barely finished when another news dinged their phones, this time from the ZGDX headquarters. This notice told the brief events regarding their player Smiling, and stated that charges will be pressed regarding the safety of any and all members of the club. Tong Yao let out a relieving sigh, allowing the rest of the members to relax by her calm presence.
"Do you guys want to play a match?" Tong Yao met their gazes for the first time since yesterday. Of course, no one denied the baby of the group and immediately rushed over.
"Put these on. We don't need our mid catching a cold this season." The captain placed slippers by Tong Yao's chair.
"Oh." The rest of the team snickered at the openly loving display.