Chapter 2

2

Getting headshot in front of everyone was humiliating for Josh, and he immediately left the game.

Unexpectedly, he messaged me later that evening.

"Come online, let's play another round!"

Apparently, he was determined to get his revenge. He had a temper.

I glanced at his teammates: "That ID looks familiar."

A lazy voice came from my headphones, "Professional player, for hire."

I was startled, fidgeting with my ear. This guy had barely spoken after playing with us for so long. But after standing up for me, he seemed to prefer voice chat over typing.

It took some getting used to.

Looking at Josh's newly acquired gear, I was a little worried: "Can we win?"

He was determined to make a comeback and had clearly spent a fortune.

The pro gamer asked lazily, "Do you want to beat him?"

I didn't hesitate: "Of course!"

Money doesn't buy skill!

He chuckled softly, "Okay."

Nine minutes later, Josh and his expensive hired gun were both dead.

Josh cursed and logged off.

After thinking for a long time, I finally messaged the pro gamer:

"Hey, does studying computer science at MIT make you as good as you are?"

"...Not necessarily," the pro gamer actually typed a whole sentence. "Depends on your aptitude."

I got it.

"Then I'll cover your breakfast for a month!"

The pro gamer went back to being aloof and didn't reply.

...

After the scores came out, my life got busy again. Interviews, college applications, driver's ed… there was so much to do that I barely played games for over a month.

Unexpectedly, Josh messaged me again.

"Sarah, we broke up amicably, you don't have to stop playing games just because of me, right?"

Me: ??? What are you talking about?!

When I logged back into my long-neglected account, I realized rumors were flying. Several of our regular teammates immediately messaged me.

"Sarah! You're finally back!"

"It's just a breakup! No big deal!"

"Josh is so shallow, only caring about looks! Good riddance!"

I was completely confused: "No, I've just been busy lately."

But no matter how I explained, no one believed me.

After a while, I finally understood why — Josh had a new girlfriend.

"That new account he's been playing with, that's her. I heard her profile picture is her. She's studying broadcasting."

I took a look and cringed. She was terrible, even with all the in-game purchases Josh was showering her with. It was painful to watch, and I felt bad for Josh having to carry her so patiently.

To cleanse my eyes, I went to find the pro gamer to team up.

Sometimes he seemed busy, sometimes free.

I was very direct about my needs: "Pro gamer, my eyes are burning. Need some pro plays to cleanse them?"

Five minutes later, the pro gamer and I teamed up and destroyed the other team.

Finally satisfied, I was about to log off when I heard that low, laid-back voice again.

"Seems like you really liked him."

I thought I was hallucinating, "What?"

The pro gamer explained, "They said you cried your voice hoarse the day he broke up with you."

Me: "..."

"But now he has a new girlfriend, and they seem pretty happy. You shouldn't dwell on it. He's not worth it."

Me: "..."

This was getting ridiculous.

I deadpanned, "Why would I bother chasing after him? There are plenty of guys at MIT."

Pro gamer: "..."

Realizing that sounded a little too eager, I corrected myself, "Actually, I shouldn't be greedy. I just want the cutest one!"

There was a pause before a low chuckle came from the other end.

"You have high aspirations."