Chapter 104: The Sin of Keeping a Low Profile

The entire first floor of the bar spanned a vast 2,000 square meters, capable of accommodating several hundred guests. The best booths in the whole venue—those facing the stage—were all reserved by Pepsi, who had six of them lined up consecutively.

Each booth comfortably held ten people without feeling cramped.

Such a grand scene and imposing presence naturally drew a great deal of attention. With the soaring fame and skyrocketing value of esports stars, Pepsi’s most renowned players had already gained considerable renown throughout the Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, attracting many fans eager to ask for autographs.

As the bar filled up, the manager, worried about potential disturbances, stationed several security guards wearing white helmets on either side of Pepsi’s area to hold back the surging crowd.

Having grown accustomed to it, no one minded much. Gradually, everyone’s attention was captured by the electrifying singing and dancing performances, and few paid further notice to the group. Pepsi’s team members were thoroughly enjoying themselves, raising cups and dancing along to the music.

Naturally, casual conversations were inevitable.

In fact, since the afternoon, a rumor had circulated within the club’s upper management: the CrossFire (CF) squad was about to recruit a powerful foreign player.

To outsiders, this was nothing unusual—roster changes happened all the time. But to insiders, it meant something far weightier. The CF squad was currently facing a do-or-die elimination match; changing personnel at this crucial juncture was, whether in terms of morale stability or team cohesion, far from an ideal move.

Just how strong could this new foreign player be?

Even if the current top gun, “Muddy Waters” Yang Yu, personally came, the outcome wouldn’t be optimistic. After all, this was a team game, not a solo showcase like kart racing.

“Gangzi, didn’t you say that foreign player was supposed to arrive tonight?” whispered He Mingming, the League of Legends (LOL) team captain, as they clinked glasses.

Li Gang, captain of the CF squad and a formidable player, responded with a dark and sour expression, “I don’t know. Probably close.”

He Mingming understood Li Gang’s mood well. Judging by the club’s attitude, that foreign player might even take the captain’s seat, which was hardly good news for Li Gang.

“Don’t worry, we’ve got your back.”

“Thanks.” Li Gang drained his glass of red wine, a flicker of ruthless determination shining in his eyes.

If the newcomer was humble and only focused on helping the team advance, that would be fine. But if he was arrogant, Li Gang wouldn’t hesitate to humiliate him.

If worst came to worst, they’d fail this year but have plenty of chances next year.

A temporary foreign player—did he really think he could threaten Li Gang’s spot?

Thinking this, Li Gang’s mood lightened considerably. Soon, he was drunk, carefree and uninhibited.

Jiang Chuxue clinked glasses with a few managers, then retreated to a corner near the corridor in the second row. Clutching her phone tightly, she awaited a call from her cousin.

The Hearthstone squad was the club’s only all-female team. Its captain, Zhao Xue, was Jiang Chuxue’s old classmate and former vice-captain of the top Hearthstone team Siwa. Upon learning that her friend had founded a club, she gave up a lucrative position to return home and join Pepsi.

Zhao Xue was well aware of Jiang Chuxue’s anxiety. Furrowing her delicate brows, she grasped her friend’s hand and softly reassured her, “Don’t worry. He’ll definitely come.”

“Mm.” Jiang Chuxue smiled faintly, feeling somewhat eased.

Suddenly, her phone rang. Seeing it was Jiang Ke’er, the two exchanged smiles and rose to leave side by side. This immediately caught the attention of the Pepsi players, who all realized the foreign player had arrived.

Go out to greet him? What a joke. He was just a temporary recruit; he hardly deserved such treatment.

Among the senior executives, only two went outside; the others remained drinking. They held little confidence in the CF squad.

Outside the TNT Bar, Jiang Ke’er had just stepped out of the car and eagerly ran forward.

“Sis, Sister Xue, I’ve brought the guy.”

“Good. We’ll reward you handsomely if this works out.” Jiang Chuxue affectionately ruffled her sister’s hair as she led a few others to meet him.

A sturdy man emerged from the car, his gaze sharp and piercing.

There was little exchange between them. Li Xin preferred to keep quiet, unwilling to say much. He had come solely to help Pepsi secure a spot in the regional finals. Beyond that, he wanted no further entanglements. After ten years at Dongjia, he knew the club’s inner workings better than anyone.

Cold shoulders met his warm enthusiasm. Several senior executives of Pepsi were displeased, but upon seeing Jiang Chuxue shake her head, they dared not speak further. This foreign player had been highly recommended by Vice President Jiang; they couldn’t afford to offend her.

As they entered the bar, Zhao Xue trailed behind, glancing at Li Xin with a furrowed brow, her thoughts unclear.

“Xue’er, what’s on your mind?” Jiang Chuxue suddenly asked.

“Nothing…” Zhao Xue replied, “Just that he looks somewhat familiar.”

Jiang Chuxue smiled mysteriously but said nothing, leaving Zhao Xue even more puzzled.

Inside the bar, Jiang Ke’er quickly blended in with the female team members. Jiang Chuxue intended to formally introduce Li Xin but was refused by him. Seeing him sit alone at the back of the second row, she finally let it go.

With his status, this was only natural.

Though Li Xin kept a low profile, he still stirred discontent among the CF squad members. After all, his arrival meant that any of the five starters could lose their positions.

By 11 p.m., the bar’s lively atmosphere had long since descended into drunken revelry. Intoxicated and provoked by alcohol, unpleasant incidents were bound to arise.

After hours of restraint, the CF squad members exchanged glances and rose simultaneously, heading toward the second row.

“Hey, you must be the new foreign player,” sneered a tall, lean man.

“Yes,” Li Xin nodded.

“Since you’ve joined the CF squad, there are some rules you need to know.”

“Let’s discuss work back at the club,” Li Xin replied directly, his tone flat.

The tall man was taken aback, about to lash out, but was stopped by Li Gang.

“This is Brother Gang, our CF squad captain.”

“Hello, Captain,” Li Xin stood and smiled politely.

As the saying goes, you can’t pick a fight with a smiling face reaching out in friendship. They had no choice but to say a few simple words before sitting back down.

Jiang Chuxue’s expression was awkward; her brows knit tightly. Just as she was about to comfort him, Li Xin excused himself to the restroom and quickly left.

“General Jiang, these idiots are way too arrogant.”

“Acting like some big shot, as if he’s the top gun.”

“Damn, I’ve been gaming for years and never met someone so full of himself. Pretends to be low-key but clearly isn’t. It’s infuriating!”

The Pepsi club members muttered curses under their breath. Jiang Chuxue wanted to explain but found no words.

Instead, Zhao Xue leaned close, gripping her hand tightly.

“Don’t worry. Nothing will happen.”

…

“Hey, come here and give me a kiss!”

“Mm… mm… let go!”

Just as he reached the restroom entrance, Li Xin’s eyes caught a disturbing scene. A sudden surge of cold, terrifying fury flared within them.