Chapter 711
Exquisite
The stadium erupted in thunderous cheers as EDG fans waved their light sticks wildly, shaking the entire arena.
The director very considerately switched the camera to EDG's match area.
In the video, Su Mo, who secured the first blood, showed no excitement. He calmly pushed the minion wave and pressed the recall button under the tower. Then, he released the mouse, calmly picked up the black thermos on the corner of the table, and slowly took a sip of goji berry water.
His leisurely stroll made it seem as if he hadn't just solo-killed a top-tier top laner in the league, but merely casually cleared a cannon minion on the roadside.
The live stream chat exploded instantly:
[This is what you call real lightning-fast Q&A! It brings back so many memories!!]
[Bin: I'm going to solo kill him! Mozi: Let me drink some water to calm down.]
[Is this the all-Chinese super team you guys were talking about? In the top lane, it looks like a paper boat!]
[A devastating blow! An absolute devastating blow! Mozi's gaze was like that of someone looking at a mischievous child.]
Six minutes later, Riven, who had reached level six, tower-dived and killed Aatrox, who was at full health and had activated his ultimate.
Fifteen minutes in, BLG's mid and jungle coordinated, with Xun's Kindred and Knight's Taliyah ganking the top lane. However, Su Mo, using his positioning and Bloodthirster's sustain under the tower, pulled off an incredible 1v3 comeback, killing two and severely damaging one.
After 25 minutes, the outcome of the match was no longer in doubt.
Faced with Riven's terrifying mobility and explosive damage, BLG's backline was like lambs to the slaughter.
2:0.
EDG won this highly anticipated "battle for supremacy" without firing a shot.
The match ended, and the two players shook hands.
When Su Mo walked up to Bin, the usually arrogant and talented top laner was now keeping his head down, his eyes even a little red. His pride had been completely crushed by the man carrying the thermos in these two games today.
Su Mo reached out and gently shook his hand.
"Your Sword Demon proficiency is very high, but being too eager to prove yourself makes you more likely to expose weaknesses." Su Mo's voice was calm, without sarcasm, only the objective evaluation of a senior to a junior. "Minion waves are fundamental. Don't lose lane control for the sake of killing. Try again next time."
After saying that, Su Mo let go of his hand and continued walking forward.
Bin stood there, staring at that tall, slender figure, biting his lip tightly. He finally understood that the gap between himself and that god-like figure was far more than just skill; it was also about the unfathomable depths of their minds.
……
In the post-match interview, Yu Shuang was the one who conducted the interview today.
She wore an elegant black modified cheongsam that accentuated her full and graceful curves, and her long hair was pulled back, making her look dignified and intellectual.
When Su Mo walked onto the stage and stood beside her, a layer of tenderness and pride instantly welled up in Yu Shuang's eyes, which were as clear as autumn water, and only the two of them could understand.
"Congratulations to EDG for winning today's tough match and maintaining their undefeated streak. Today we have with us the player everyone has been looking forward to, Mo!" Yu Shuang handed over the microphone, her voice gentle and pleasant, "Brother Mo, today you picked Riven, a very unpopular champion in professional matches, and delivered a dominant performance. What were your considerations at the time?"
Su Mo raised the microphone, looking calmly at the camera: "There wasn't anything particularly special about it. The other team picked Aatrox, and I thought Riven's mobility would make her easier to counter. And..."
He paused, then unusually added a touch of humor to his voice: "It's almost dinner time. Let's pick a hero with high damage so we can leave work earlier."
The audience erupted in good-natured laughter and cheers.
Yu Shuang couldn't help but cover her mouth and chuckle, her gaze lingering on Su Mo's cold and handsome face: "So, what special preparations does EDG have for the increasingly packed schedule ahead?"
"Take things step by step and do every job well." Su Mo's answer was still the same unchanging "work theory".
As the interview ended and the camera cut away, Yu Shuang naturally took half a step closer to Su Mo, and in the brief moment when the lights dimmed, she softly murmured something that only the two of them could hear:
"The pork rib soup is ready tonight. Our hero's 'overtime pay' can be collected from me when you get home."
Su Mo turned his head to look at her slightly shy yet bold eyes, the corners of his mouth turned up slightly, and he softly replied with a "okay".
……
Nine o'clock in the evening, at a river-view penthouse apartment.
Pushing open the door, the room was warm and filled with the rich aroma of pork rib soup.
Luo Xin and Xiao Yu are still away on a business trip and haven't returned yet. Rita has an official debriefing program to record tonight. At this moment, in the apartment, only Yu Shuang, who has left work early and rushed back, and... Lin Xuan, who is wearing a white turtleneck sweater and is sitting on the sofa reading a book.
Upon hearing the door open, both women looked up at the same time.
"You're back?" Yu Shuang, wearing an apron, walked out of the open kitchen and naturally took Su Mo's coat and hung it up.
Lin Xuan put down her book, stood up, and a gentle smile bloomed on her cool and bright face: "Teacher Su, congratulations on your winning streak. I didn't have any rehearsals today, so I shamelessly came to freeload a meal. I happened to run into Sister Yu downstairs, so we came up together."
Two equally outstanding women, each a top figure in their respective fields, were in this room without the slightest hint of tension.
Under Su Mo's absolute tolerance and openness, they had long since reached a wonderful tacit understanding—this man was so outstanding and so reassuring that they were willing to share this warmth rather than endure loneliness alone in the cold night.
"It's windy outside, are you not cold?" Su Mo changed into slippers, walked into the living room, placed the thermos on the coffee table, and looked at Lin Xuan with gentle eyes.
"It's alright, I'm dressed warmly." Lin Xuan looked at him, her eyes softening unconsciously. She realized that no matter how many cameras and praise she faced outside, as long as she returned to this house where he was, she just wanted to be an ordinary woman being taken care of.
"Go wash your hands, dinner is ready," Yu Shuang said with a smile as she placed two plates of delicate cold dishes on the table.
The three sat around the dining table. The usual hustle and bustle was gone, and the atmosphere was exceptionally warm and peaceful.
Yu Shuang served Su Mo a bowl of pork rib soup, carefully skimming off the surface oil. Lin Xuan then naturally picked up the water glass in front of Su Mo and poured him a cup of warm barley tea.
The two women moved with fluid grace, as if they had rehearsed together countless times.
"The match was so intense today, are your wrists sore?" Yu Shuang asked softly while eating. "I'll put a hot towel on them for you after we finish eating." "No need, it's just normal intensity." Su Mo placed a piece of pork rib in Yu Shuang's bowl, then turned to give Lin Xuan a piece of stir-fried vegetables. "Have you been feeling any better with your stomach lately while filming on set?"
"Much better. I've been drinking the health tea you taught my assistant to brew every day." Lin Xuan ate the food he picked for her, her heart filled with sweetness. She slightly raised her head, her watery eyes looking at Su Mo, "However, the crew's boxed lunches are too greasy. Your food is still the most to my liking."
"Come anytime you want to eat. You know the password." Su Mo's tone was calm, yet it sounded like he was giving the most solid promise.
After the meal, Yu Shuang went to the kitchen to clear the dishes, and Lin Xuan volunteered to help. The two women chatted and laughed by the sink, and occasionally, Yu Shuang could be heard instructing Lin Xuan on how to select fresh ingredients.
Su Mo sat on the sofa in the living room, turned on the TV, turned down the volume, and watched a boring documentary.
After a while, Yu Shuang dried her hands and came out. She glanced at the clock on the wall and said softly to Su Mo, "I have to go back to the station later for a planning meeting for tomorrow's event, so I might not be back for a while. Lin Xuan, you can stay here tonight. I've already changed the beds in the guest room to be clean."
These words were extremely considerate, not only giving Lin Xuan face but also cleverly providing the two of them with some space to be alone.
"You still have a meeting so late? I'll take you there." Su Mo frowned slightly and prepared to get up to get her car keys.
"No need." Yu Shuang walked over, placed her hand on his shoulder, and gently kissed his cheek, her eyes full of tenderness. "You just finished a high-intensity match today, get some rest. I called a private car myself, it's very safe. See you tomorrow."
After saying that, she waved to Lin Xuan in the kitchen, changed her shoes, and went out.
The apartment fell silent instantly, with only the deep narration from the television set remaining.
Lin Xuan came out of the kitchen carrying a plate of cut fruit. She walked to the sofa, sat down a little distance away from Su Mo, and placed the fruit plate on the coffee table.
A faint sense of ambiguity and tranquility filled the air.
"Sister Yu... is really gentle and understands you very well." Lin Xuan picked up a strawberry, took a small bite, her eyes fixed on the TV screen, and spoke softly.
"She's a very thoughtful person." Su Mo leaned back on the sofa, her left hand casually resting on her knee.
Lin Xuan turned her head and looked at his sharply defined profile. In this quiet night, without the disturbance of outsiders, the seed that had already sprouted in her heart began to grow wildly.
She mustered her courage and moved slightly closer to Su Mo until their shoulders were almost touching. She could clearly feel the clean, cool temperature emanating from him.
"Su Mo..." Lin Xuan's voice trembled slightly, revealing a hint of nervousness that she herself did not realize.
"Hmm?" Su Mo turned his head, his deep eyes meeting her gaze.
Lin Xuan bit her lower lip, her usually aloof and elegant face now flushed with a captivating blush. Instead of using those high-sounding excuses, she reached out her slender, white hands and gently placed them on Su Mo's left hand, which was resting on his knee.
Her fingertips were slightly cool, but her palms were burning hot.
“You said before… that whenever I felt lonely after a night shoot, I could come to your house for a meal anytime.” Lin Xuan stared intently at him, her breathing becoming slightly rapid, her voice soft as if afraid of shattering this fleeting dream, “What if… I want more than just a meal?”
This was the most straightforward love confession she could utter. For a film queen accustomed to being admired and fawned over, at this moment, she had let down all her defenses and pride, seeking only a peaceful haven under this man's wings.
Su Mo looked into her eyes, which were filled with trepidation and anticipation.
He did not pull his hand away.
Instead, he took Lin Xuan's slightly trembling hand in his own large, warm palm. The calluses from years of using a mouse gently caressed the back of her hand, bringing a sense of reassurance that almost brought tears to his eyes.
"Then it's not just about freeloading meals."
Su Mo's voice was deep and magnetic, like a glass of mellow red wine, flowing slowly in the quiet night.
He turned slightly to the side, reached out his right hand, and very gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind Lin Xuan's ear. His rough fingertips inadvertently brushed against her warm cheek, causing Lin Xuan to shiver.
"The lights here will always be on for you, whenever you want to come."
These words completely shattered Lin Xuan's last line of defense.
Her eyes welled up with tears, and she threw herself into Su Mo's arms. She wrapped her arms tightly around his strong waist, pressed her cheek against his broad chest, and listened to his steady, powerful heartbeat.
"Su Mo..." she murmured softly in his arms, like a stray cat that had finally found its home.
Su Mo didn't speak, but simply reached out and put his arm around her slender back, gently patting it.
The spring rain outside the window started to fall again, pattering against the large French windows and making a soft, pattering sound.
Inside, under the warm, dim light...
Lin Xuan tilted her head back slightly, closed her eyes, and her long eyelashes trembled slightly.
Su Mo lowered his head and placed a gentle yet irresistible kiss on her soft lips. There was no fierce, plundering kiss, only a gentle, tender caress like a spring breeze.
The spring rain outside the window fell all night and only stopped at dawn.
A sliver of light filtered through the gaps in the curtains and fell onto the carpet. Su Mo opened his eyes precisely at 7:30; his biological clock, ingrained over the years, was like a sophisticated instrument.
A soft, warm touch came from his arms. Lin Xuan, like a lazy cat, was half-curled up in his arms, breathing evenly, fast asleep. Her face, flawless even under a high-definition camera, had shed all its guardedness and aloofness, leaving only an unreserved dependence.
Su Mo did not get up immediately, but quietly watched her. His right hand, which was used to holding a mouse for many years, gently pulled up the cashmere blanket that was scattered to the side, covering her exposed rounded shoulders.
Perhaps sensing his movement, Lin Xuan's long eyelashes trembled slightly, and she groggily opened her eyes.
Seeing Su Mo so close to her, she was stunned for a moment, then memories of last night flooded back, and two blushes instantly rose to her cheeks. Instead of panicking like in idol dramas, she buried her face deeper into Su Mo's warm chest, her voice hoarse and soft from just waking up:
"What time is it...?"
"7:30." Su Mo's voice was steady and deep. "You can sleep a little longer. I have a debriefing meeting at the base this morning."
Lin Xuan shook her head, propping herself up from his embrace. The straps of her silk slip dress slipped slightly, revealing glimpses of her skin. "I have to get up too. I have a magazine cover shoot scheduled for nine in the morning." (End of Chapter)