Chapter 44

Chapter 44

The reset punishment hung over their heads like a sword, causing every android streamer to be unable to settle into the status quo. This was the truth in Yuntai, a truth that couldn't be spoken aloud.

So, although the eSports competition poster was plain and unremarkable, it was no different from a heavy bomb that destroyed the calm of this place in an instant.

However, the poster clearly stated the price: Except for the first place, everyone else would become cannon fodder even if they took the prize money. The cost was extreme.

As a result, the final number of sign-ups was very few, with most streamers choosing to wait and watch.

Despite it being lunchtime, there weren’t many expert streamers in the top-floor cafeteria.

The wide variety of delicious food went largely ignored, with only some business happening at the fitness meal corner. The reason was, of course, that everyone wanted to maintain a healthy body fat percentage to ensure a higher fitness value when they entered the game.

Xi Yu only took a serving of steak and a vegetable mix, sitting with Luo Xi, Xu Tu, and others, eating while listening to their discussion.

Xu Tu chewed a carrot, making a crisp sound, "I just ran into Xiao Siyan from the safety department. He said there have only been a little over a hundred sign-ups so far."

"Everyone’s waiting to see, but I think in the end, they’ll all rush in. People who play games for a living, don't they have the guts to take a gamble?" Bai Qi wiped his hands and said, "That’s why we signed up quickly, before it drags on too long."

"That's true." Xu Tu winked at Luo Xi, "Boss, then I'll team up with him. If we encounter him, we'll ask for a little mercy."

Luo Xi nodded.

He was flipping through a brain surgery book he borrowed from Dr. Wang. This book was considered a prohibited item in Yuntai, so he was reading it very quickly.

Xu Tu sneaked a glance at Xi Yu, curious, "When are you two signing up?"

Luo Xi also looked at Xi Yu.

Xi Yu lifted his head in confusion, "Whenever, isn't there no limit on the number of spots?"

Xu Tu thought for a moment, nibbling on his carrot.

Luo Xi’s attention returned to the pages of the book.

At that moment, an unexpected guest appeared in the cafeteria.

Xu Tu immediately coughed, whispering, "Isn't that Mo Yi? This guy's started moving around again. Is he planning to join the competition too?"

Bai Qi said calmly, "He’s no threat, Mo Yi is just good at fighting, but he can't even speak properly."Mo Yi, who was being discussed, still wore the same carefree look of sweatpants and a black tank top. He casually grabbed some meat, gloomily holding his plate as he sat not far from them.

Xi Yu seemed to want to avoid him, quickly finishing his remaining food before standing up. "I'm going to the reading room to buy a few new books. See you in the training room this afternoon."

Luo Xi thought for a moment and then stood up. "I'll go too."

"Mm..." Xu Tu watched them leave, his expression more subtle, murmuring, "Ah Qi, don't you think there's something odd between the boss and Xi Yu?"

Bai Qi looked confused. "What’s odd? Aren’t they together all the time?"

Xu Tu took another bite of carrot. "Based on my sharp female intuition, they both have some unresolved feelings. They’re not saying anything but are acting awkward together."

Bai Qi said, "That's impossible. I don’t know Xi Yu well, but the boss is direct."

"I think he’s more of a twisted person, right?" Xu Tu chuckled. "Anyway, no conflict means no progress. Let me figure out how to get them to talk!"

Bai Qi was speechless. "You should focus on yourself first."

Xu Tu laughed. "What do you mean, I’m taking care of myself!"

"..." Bai Qi looked down at the food on his plate, finding it tasteless. He sighed quietly, "You prepare well. No matter what, I’ll make sure you get to the end."

Yes, no matter how tempting the competition was, there could only be one grand prize.

Lovers, friends... Even if they could walk together, it would only make it harder for both of them.

Because, besides the victory, they also had to face choices.

Xu Tu silently chewed his carrot. After a long while, he gave a dry laugh. "Don’t worry about me. Everyone should rely on their own abilities. I’m fine that way."

The reading room in the junior streamer living area was rather basic, and it had been a while since Xi Yu had visited.

He had originally wanted to quietly pick some books, but Luo Xi insisted on following him, which ended up drawing quite a bit of attention.

Since the time they had mysteriously ended up in an embrace, the atmosphere when they were alone had grown more subtle.

The more Xi Yu wanted to say, the harder it became to speak. He could only download some e-books while advising, "Spending all this time with me for training has already wasted a lot of your time. You should prepare more for yourself."

Luo Xi responded, "I’ve already been preparing long enough."Xi Yu raised his eyes and silently exchanged a glance, but didn’t say anything.

Just as the air grew warm with unspoken tension, Tang Yanyan curiously approached from not far away. "Xi Yu, Luo Xi..."

Xi Yu snapped back to his senses and nodded in greeting.

"I thought you weren’t coming back. You two are definitely going to sign up, right?" Tang Yanyan pulled a sheet of paper from the reader's case in her hand. "I am too, just picked up my registration form."

Luo Xi raised an eyebrow.

Tang Yanyan smiled faintly. "I know I’m weak, but this could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I don’t want to give up."

Her words, though simple, echoed the feelings of most of the artificial human streamers.

Xi Yu didn’t want to dampen her enthusiasm and responded gently, "Good luck."

"I will," Tang Yanyan nodded and then lowered her voice, "By the way, have you heard about Wu Zhi?"

That kid had been missing for many days, and it seemed like he was really out of his mind.

Xi Yu’s heart skipped a beat, fearing he would have to accept the news of Wu Zhi being reset.

Tang Yanyan furrowed her brows. "Wu Zhi went for a ranking match. Although he barely won in the end, the dungeon was really scary. He’s a bit of a coward, so after the scare, he fell into a coma. Later, people from the security department came and took him away."

Xi Yu was naturally surprised. "Where did they take him? Will they treat him?"

"In theory, yes. But if he’s not treatable, the security department will apply for a reset," Luo Xi answered. "This kind of symptom should be dealt with by the laboratory."

Xi Yu knew he wasn’t a savior, but still wanted to express his concern. "The laboratory... can I visit him?"

Luo Xi shook his head.

Xi Yu helplessly pressed his lips together.

Tang Yanyan advised, "Xi Yu, to us, especially to Wu Zhi, you’re like an older brother. He’s always wanted to know how you’re doing and is very grateful to you. But the reality of Yun Tai is just like this. It’s not a simple game. It’s already good if each person can take care of themselves. As for others… just let things be."

Luo Xi spoke frankly, "Having that kind of awareness is good. At least it’ll help you go further."

Tang Yanyan gave a wry smile and waved her hand. "I’m going back to the dorm to rest. I won’t disturb you guys."Xi Yu watched her leave, then tapped the screen and suddenly exited the book purchase interface. He softly asked, "You've been a streamer for so long, do you often have to say goodbye to people?"

Luo Xi shrugged. "Better to not get to know people, then there's no need for goodbyes."

Xi Yu blinked slowly, like a gentle but distant cat. "...And me?"

Luo Xi chose to remain silent.

Though he never mentioned it, Xi Yu thought about his dream every day—the man in his dream, wondering if it was Luo Xi, thinking about where those memories came from.

Unfortunately, no matter how much these things filled his mind, there would never be an answer.

Xi Yu showed a beautiful smile, shook his head, and said, "It's nothing. Let's go to the training room. Please, don't hold back today."

Even though it had been a long time, Luo Xi still remembered how terrified he felt the first time he crawled out of the nutrition chamber.

Yun Tai, this unfamiliar prison, was filled with all kinds of artificial humans, each with powerful abilities, making the ugly and weak Luo Xi seem frail.

He was 1.9 meters tall, weighed only 70 kilograms, looking like a frail bamboo pole on the verge of toppling over.

He feared that if he encountered a physically superior opponent, there would be no chance to fight back.

So, desperately trying to survive, Luo Xi began, from that time until today, to train intensely every day, except for the live-streaming hours.

From basic muscle awakening to fighting techniques, and mastering various cold weapons in fierce duels, finding survival in the blade had become part of his daily life.

He had prepared long enough—this was not arrogance on Luo Xi's part.

Sweat dripped down Xi Yu's sharp chin, falling onto the boxing ring floor, splashing tiny water droplets.

Though his speed could match Luo Xi's, his strength was far from enough, so training meant taking hits. His body was covered in bruises, and he didn’t know how many times he had shakily gotten up, supporting himself on trembling legs.

Luo Xi focused on Xi Yu's face, dodging his attack and saying, "Don't rush, you should know what you need is time."

Xi Yu panted. "But I don’t have that much time!"

With that, he swung his fist toward Luo Xi again.

Luo Xi barely dodged and was just about to turn around and push the exhausted Xi Yu down.Xi Yu suddenly became fierce, desperately hooking Luo Xi's waist from behind. With a forceful grunt, he took Luo Xi down with him to the ground.

Luo Xi pressed down on his arm and used his strength to flip over.

After a few awkward exchanges, Xi Yu was eventually caught by Luo Xi around the neck. With his sweaty hand gripping Luo Xi's arm, Xi Yu struggled to use the last of his strength, ultimately collapsing, panting and too exhausted to focus his eyes.

Luo Xi scoffed. "Who taught you these moves? You're like a little madman."

Xi Yu frowned in pain, barely able to make a sound in reply. "I... don't remember..."

"Alright, overtraining is meaningless. Just stick with it, in three to five months, you'll be back at your best, and Mu Yuan may not even be your opponent." Luo Xi finally let go of him, helping Xi Yu up. "Don't lie down. Get some rest and go see the technician for a massage. Otherwise, you won't be able to stand tomorrow."

Xi Yu shook off his arm, holding onto the column by the boxing ring. He coughed a couple of times and said, "You... wait for it. Before the competition... I'll definitely beat you."

Luo Xi wiped the sweat off his face. "Alright, alright. If you can really beat me, I'll give you a good gift."

At that moment, Xu Tu finished her yoga class and strolled over. "Oh, the great battle's over?"

"Perfect timing. You go eat with Xi Yu," Luo Xi said, not in the mood for jokes, as he climbed off the boxing ring. "I have something to do."

With that, he walked away without looking back.

Xi Yu's legs were still shaking as he tried to stand up straight. He softly said, "You don't have to force yourself to stay with me. You should have your own plans, right?"

Xu Tu snorted. "Xi Yu, you're too careless. You can't be alone these days. Do you think Mu Yuan's lackeys will just let you go easily? He's still lying in the medical room!"

Xi Yu knew she was right. Creating trouble now wouldn't help at all. He could only sincerely nod. "I understand. Thank you."

Xu Tu grinned. "No need to thank me. I'm just curious, why haven't you signed up with the boss yet?"

"I'm not planning to team up with him. I want to go on my own," Xi Yu unexpectedly answered.

Xu Tu froze. "Why? The boss is pretty reliable. He doesn't even bother with anyone else."

Xi Yu's gaze shifted, and he smiled faintly but didn't explain.

In fact, Luo Xi wasn’t busy with something of his own. He had actually returned to the laboratory once again because of the unconscious Wu Zhi.

There was a special ward for those "difficult cases" among the streamers, and thanks to Dr. Wang's influence, it was not difficult for Luo Xi to get a visit.Tang Yanyan's news was correct—Wu Zhi had indeed been severely affected by the danger to his life and, inexplicably, had not been able to wake up.

The female researcher responsible for caring for him was about to give birth, holding her waist and shrugging her shoulders. "This kid is a new artificial human that arrived this year. He was just manufactured… originally meant for teaching young children. But because the company needed participants for the competition, they brought him from the factory to Yun Tai... It turns out his mental strength isn’t that strong. If he doesn’t wake up before the competition, the only option will be a reset."

A preschool teacher…

Luo Xi furrowed his brows, immediately feeling the unfairness of fate towards this fool, Wu Zhi.

He was supposed to be a companion for kids in a human kindergarten, but now, he was forced to face the iron rule of a game that devours people without spitting out bones?

The female researcher checked the time. "I finish at 6. Hurry up."

Luo Xi nodded, then entered the room alone, walking over to Wu Zhi, who was surrounded by various medical devices.

Wu Zhi’s face was pale and ghastly, motionless, like a vegetable.

Luo Xi sighed helplessly. "Hey, I know you can’t hold on for long, but giving up this quickly is too much, don’t you think?"

Of course, Wu Zhi didn’t respond.

Luo Xi spoke again. "Xi Yu is really worried about you, but he can’t come. You’ll have to be strong for yourself. The company is holding an esports competition soon. The winner can stop being a streamer. Everyone has a chance. You’d better not give up."

Wu Zhi remained completely still.

Luo Xi raised an eyebrow. "I won’t come back. Now you only have yourself to rely on, and that’s how it will be in the future. If you can’t do it, you might as well die. Understand?"

Having said that, he immediately turned and left the dim, desolate hospital room.

The female researcher was outside, packing her bag.

All the natural humans had access cards and went through multiple checks at the underground garage to leave Yun Tai. Luo Xi had figured this out long ago, so he didn’t look back but instead went to the counter and took some nutritional supplements.

The female researcher looked up. "Hey, why are you taking our stuff again?"

"I’ve been training hard recently, need to replenish my energy," Luo Xi said, raising the box of supplements. "Thanks."

These government-issued items weren’t expensive, and adding a few more daily doses would easily cover it.

The female researcher didn’t stop him, instead smiling. "Good luck! We all hope you win the championship. I’ll be watching the stream.""This isn't good, it’s not beneficial for prenatal education. If you win, I’ll treat you to a meal." Luo Xi said with a wicked smile, as if it were the easiest thing in the world, before opening the door and leaving.

That night, Xi Yu sat by the floor-to-ceiling window reading a math book, quickly jotting down the knowledge inside while imagining the possible applications of the concepts in the game. His expression was very serious.

Luo Xi returned late, tossing the nutritional supplements to him. "Drink it like water."

Xi Yu turned around with the book. He wanted to ask why Luo Xi had disappeared for several hours but then thought it might be too much, so he just nodded.

Luo Xi glanced at him coldly and entered the bathroom.

Xi Yu: "?"

Soon, the faint sound of water from the bathroom could be heard, bringing a slight sense of activity to the room.

Xi Yu pondered for a moment, then resumed flipping through the book, trying to focus on memorizing formulas, but he started feeling uneasy.

Luo Xi usually took just a few minutes for a shower, but this time, he had been running the water for half an hour and still hadn’t come out.

Unable to bear it any longer, Xi Yu stood up and walked over to knock on the door. "Are you okay? Did you get hurt?"

To his surprise, the water stopped immediately, and Luo Xi opened the door wearing only a towel. He raised an eyebrow and said, "What injury?"

If it weren’t for the unexplainable scars, his perfectly toned muscles would have made any man envious, and there was a strong aura of pressure around him.

Xi Yu awkwardly stepped back. "You were in there for so long, I thought..."

Luo Xi hesitated, then said, "I was thinking about something."

Xi Yu: "What?"

Luo Xi, who was not one to hold things in, immediately asked, "Xu Tu said you didn’t want to team up with me for the esports competition. Why?"

"...Oh, that. Why do you care?" Xi Yu suddenly realized, took a few steps back, and quietly said, "Because I realized that I’m not as strong as I thought. Although it’s hard to admit, it’s the truth."

Luo Xi, who had been slightly upset, looked a bit surprised. He stepped forward and asked, "That’s it?"

Xi Yu, holding the book, replied seriously, "What else? It’s really simple. You should find a more reliable teammate."

"Hah, just because Mu Yuan beat you up a couple of times, you’ve already started thinking you’re not trustworthy? I really overestimated you." Luo Xi grabbed Xi Yu’s hand. "Then I don’t understand. If you think you’re not strong enough, why do it? Are you trying to die?"Xi Yu refused to answer.

What Luo Xi couldn't tolerate the most was when others hesitated. He immediately mocked, "I bet the old you would be furious seeing the current you."

The beautiful expression in Xi Yu’s eyes became complex and subtle. Fearing surveillance, he stiffly and anxiously moved closer to Luo Xi, raising his head and speaking near his ear, "What if I’m not the Xi Yu I used to be…?"

Luo Xi was stunned.

Xi Yu spoke in an even softer voice, "What if I say I’ve regained some memories, but none of them happened at Yun Tai? Would you believe me?"

These two sentences completely caught Luo Xi off guard, and he didn’t know how to respond. Naturally, he placed a hand on Xi Yu’s trembling shoulder and looked into his eyes. "Then you…"

Xi Yu took a deep breath. "No, I haven’t remembered anything. But there’s always been a voice inside me, telling me over and over since the moment I woke up, that I need to take someone out of here."

Luo Xi couldn’t help but think of the blazing fire in his dreams, and that entirely unpredictable person, A Yu. He asked hoarsely, "…Who?"

"I don’t know. I know nothing about him." Xi Yu frowned, his expression pained. He couldn’t help but look into Luo Xi's deep, dark eyes, hesitating before saying, "I only remember his eyes… his eyes…"

Unable to explain clearly, and because thinking about it caused a dull pain in his heart, his eyes and the tip of his nose reddened. He suddenly lowered his head and said, "Maybe I can't remember because I can't bear it. Even now, with only vague impressions, it's more painful than being beaten up by Mu Yuan. So don’t be curious anymore."

Luo Xi’s emotions were more complex than ever before. Thousands of words swirled in his mind, but they eventually condensed into three very simple words.

He gently lifted Xi Yu’s face. "Don’t cry."

Xi Yu was surprised. His colorless lips trembled before he smiled. "I’m not crying. What nonsense are you talking about?"

The distance between the two was almost nonexistent, and even their breaths mixed together.

Luo Xi, seemingly out of instinct, lowered his head.

At that very moment, someone suddenly began knocking loudly on the dormitory door: "Help! Help!"

Xi Yu instantly snapped out of his daze, pushing Luo Xi away to greet the guest. However, in his haste, he accidentally knocked off Luo Xi’s towel.

Luo Xi: "…"

Not yet realizing the situation, Xi Yu opened the door slightly and saw Xu Tu jumping outside. "Where’s the boss? I still haven’t figured out the problem he solved earlier!"

Luo Xi: "…………"Xu Tu peeked her head in, immediately letting out a sharp scream. She covered her eyes with her hand but peeked through a crack to spy, saying, "What are you two doing?! Can you sell me a seat? I understand the rules! I won’t make a sound!"

Xi Yu finally snapped out of his daze. After the uncontrollable confession and the awkwardness of the moment, he quickly left the room in a hurry.

Xu Tu slowly looked at Luo Xi, who was picking up his towel, and stammered, "B-boss, did I interrupt something? Were you forcing yourself on him?"

What am I doing?

Everything still felt unclear, but he had shared everything with Luo Xi, only complicating things further!

Maybe seeing him in the dream was just because he spent too much time in the day with Nan Feng, but that didn’t prove anything.

But...

Confused, Xi Yu sat in the corner of the 24-hour coffee bar, staring blankly at the Yun Tai building outside.

In reality, his registration for the e-sports competition wasn’t about fighting for the spot. Instead, it was more about using it to calm the persistent wish in his heart.

Xi Yu hoped that as time passed, he would remember more. Whether he found out it was all a misunderstanding or truly found the person he wanted to protect, at least he would have a chance to send them away.

As for himself...

He had never really considered his own needs.

Xi Yu drank the coffee in one gulp, trying to regulate his emotions with deep breaths.

At that moment, quiet footsteps sounded behind him.

He immediately turned around and saw the cold, strange Mo Yi. He instantly stood up, on guard, "What do you want now? I told you I don’t remember you."

Mo Yi furrowed his brows, frustrated, and asked, "Why are you so afraid of me? Even if you don’t remember, aren’t you curious about the past?"

Xi Yu widened his eyes slightly, "Do you know why I was reset?"

Mo Yi's frown deepened, and the muscles in his arm tensed so much it looked painful.

Xi Yu was prepared for him to suddenly explode with anger.

But in the end, Mo Yi relaxed his strength, his shoulders slumping slightly, and he said, "Forget it, it doesn’t matter if you don’t remember. I’ll accompany you to the e-sports competition. I’ll help you win."Xi Yu: "...Huh?"

His vague response wasn’t due to Mo Yi’s incoherent words, but because he saw Luo Xi, who had already put on his clothes, standing not far away, carefully observing him. As a result, he started to feel a headache from the situation at hand.