ARML CH98

How could Chi Shuo possibly forget Ye Shaoyang’s birthday? It was written very clearly in his registration files, and Chi Shuo had also overheard Cheng Xing and Tang Can secretly whispering about a “birthday.”

After returning to the dorm, Chi Shuo closed his bedroom door and turned on his computer to search online.

What kind of gift should he give Shaoyang? Chi Shuo felt a bit troubled.

After all, he had never prepared a birthday gift for anyone before.

Ye Shaoyang was also a little tycoon now. The 5 million signing fee from Tianhuan had long been deposited into his account, so he could buy whatever he needed himself. But buying things for oneself and receiving gifts from others were two different concepts; he should still give something practical.

Chi Shuo thought carefully and first eliminated a few options. Flowers, handicrafts, and the like were out. At first glance, Ye Shaoyang wasn’t the gentle Omega type who liked flower arranging and crafts; clothing items like clothes, belts, shirts, and cufflinks seemed too intimate, it wouldn’t be too late to give them later. Originally, Chi Shuo had planned to give him a laptop, but as a result, the Silver Dragon Group gifted one to everyone.

What else was relatively practical?

He looked down at his own smartphone—right, a smartphone.

If he remembered correctly, the smartphone Shaoyang currently used was a popular model from two years ago. A few days ago, the kitten was playing around and knocked his phone onto the floor; he wondered if it was broken.

The replacement cycle for electronic products was very fast. Having used his phone for two years, it was time for an upgrade.

Moreover, a smartphone was an indispensable item in daily life. Every time he took out his phone, he would remember who gave it to him—it was practical and would let Shaoyang remember his intentions.

Chi Shuo made up his mind right then and there. Early the next morning, he simply drove to an exclusive retail store.

At 8 AM, just as the exclusive store opened for business, the shop assistant saw a tall, handsome man wearing a hat and a mask walk up to the counter, pointing at the newest foldable smartphone and asking: “Do you have this smartphone in stock?”

Since it was the first business of the early morning, the shop assistant’s attitude was excellent. She smiled and said: “We do! This is our limited edition model launched this year, priced at 25,000. It’s equipped with the latest processor and camera, and the foldable screen uses our group’s newly developed technology without any creases. The body is also very thin and light, you can take a look.”

The shop assistant took out a display model from the counter. Chi Shuo opened it and tested it out; it was indeed quite good. The internet praised this smartphone to the skies, but the price deterred a large portion of people. This was a masterpiece of high-end models. When folded, it was very compact and could fit in a pocket, making it very portable. When unfolded, it was thin and light, making it very convenient to hold and watch live streams, look up information, scroll Weibo, and play mobile games.

Shaoyang would probably like it, right?

Thinking of this, Chi Shuo raised his head and said: “Give me the top-spec versions in Quicksand Silver and Soft-Light Gold.”

The shop assistant was stunned for a moment: “Sir, do you want both?”

Chi Shuo nodded: “Mhm.”

The shop assistant immediately beamed with joy: “Are you going to use it with your lover? Then the two colors you chose are truly too perfect, they are very matching couple colors.”

Chi Shuo coughed lightly, the tips of his ears growing a bit hot.

Lover? Not yet at the moment.

He didn’t intentionally choose couple colors; it was just that online reviews said these two colors looked the best. He truly couldn’t appreciate the other Rose Red, Forest Green, and Dazzling Blue.

The silver color of this smartphone model had undergone special treatment on the back. Under the light, it looked like a layer of fine quicksand. The gold was a relatively low-key dark gold, also with the same quicksand effect. The appearance value of both smartphones was very high.

The shop assistant simply brought over two smartphones. Chi Shuo paid the bill and carried the smartphones back to the base.

Soon it was March 25th.

The Silver Dragon Group’s efficiency was very high, delivering the customized mechanical keyboards and mice to the Tianhuan Club. The mechanical switches had already been made long ago; they only needed to change the exterior and keycaps, which didn’t take many days.

The members of Tianhuan received their new keyboards and arranged them neatly in the training room.

They opened the game and tested the feel of the new keyboards. Because the internal mechanical switches were the same as the keyboards they used before, adapting to them was very fast. After playing two games, they had adapted almost completely. Since there was still some time before the match, they could probably take them straight onto the stage.

Cheng Xing said excitedly: “I feel like I can get triple kills and quadra kills with this new keyboard!” Just then, Coach Lin walked into the training room, smiling as he said: “We have a night off tonight, everyone rest for a day. Let’s go out and have a meal together to improve our diet.”

Cheers erupted around him: “A day off, that’s great!”

Everyone else knew why they had a night off tonight; only Ye Shaoyang was kept in the dark.

At 6 PM, everyone walked to a nearby high-end restaurant where Tang Can had booked a private room in advance.

When Ye Shaoyang arrived at the VIP private room on the 3rd floor and pushed open the door, a party popper suddenly exploded with a “bang” above his head. Countless colorful fragments fell from the sky, fluttering down onto Ye Shaoyang’s head.

Ye Shaoyang: “…”

What’s the situation? Did I walk into the wrong wedding venue?

“Happy birthday, Shaoyang!”

“Happy birthday, Brother Yang!”

Holy crap, with such a huge spectacle, are you sure this is a surprise and not a scare?

Ye Shaoyang stood there stunned. Only after a moment did he scratch his head in confusion: “It’s my birthday today?”

Chi Shuo looked at him helplessly: “Yes.”

To not even remember your own birthday, are you broad-minded or just scatterbrained?

Ye Shaoyang thought carefully—March 25th, it was indeed his birthday! He had been so busy with training these past few days that he forgot all about it. The birthday party venue meticulously prepared by his teammates was very festive. The room was hung with colorful ribbons, the wall had the words “Happy Birthday Tianhuan Lieyang” pasted on it, along with a few cute balloons, and a large cake was placed in the middle of the table… This was probably decorated by Qu Jiang and Cheng Xing.

Ye Shaoyang smiled and said: “Thank you everyone.”

Applause rang out around him.

Coach Lin walked up to Ye Shaoyang and said gently: “Shaoyang, this is your first birthday since joining Tianhuan. Everyone decorated the birthday venue for you, wanting to properly celebrate for you.”

In the past, when Ye Shaoyang was on Team GD, he celebrated his birthdays quite casually. Sometimes he wouldn’t even buy a cake; treating his brothers to some skewers was considered celebrating. He wasn’t particular about these things.

However, the effort of his Tianhuan teammates still moved him somewhat.

Ye Shaoyang’s gaze swept over the birthday party venue. These balloons, colorful ribbons, and the like must have been secretly bought and decorated by them, right? The character “Yang” in Tianhuan Lieyang was even pasted crookedly.

Ye Shaoyang walked to the table and looked at the three-tiered cake, unable to help but sigh with emotion: “Isn’t this cake too big?”

Cheng Xing said excitedly: “For my Brother Yang’s status, the birthday cake has to be the biggest.”

Ye Shaoyang turned to look at him: “Xiao Xing, did you accidentally order a wedding cake?”

A roar of laughter erupted around them.

Cheng Xing lowered his head, blushing as he said: “I went to the cake shop and told them I wanted the biggest and most expensive cake, so they made it like this… Does it look a bit like a wedding cake?”

Ye Shaoyang didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. He gently patted the little guy’s shoulder: “Not bad. Growing up, I’ve never seen such a big cake. This birthday truly has enough status!”

Watching this joyous scene, the corners of Chi Shuo’s mouth couldn’t help but slightly turn up.

He walked to Ye Shaoyang’s side and whispered: “Make a wish first.”

Several candles were inserted into the cake. Chi Shuo took the initiative to step forward and light them with a lighter. Cheng Xing turned around and turned off the lights, and everyone’s chorus immediately rang out: “Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you…”

Who knows which bro was too excited, but they sang off-key and their voice cracked.

In the dark private room, the warm candlelight illuminated the surroundings and the faces of these young people.

Ye Shaoyang looked at these familiar faces. It had been over half a year since he was reborn into this world. From his initial maladaptation to his complete acceptance of the new world, the new game, and these lovable teammates around him.

His luck was truly good, to be able to join such a warm big family like Tianhuan.

These teammates treated him really well, respected him, recognized him, and called him “Brother Yang” and “Yangyang” every day, just like an intimate family.

Ye Shaoyang’s nose felt a bit sour. He clasped his hands together and made a wish.

—No matter how difficult the road ahead, he hoped that this season, Tianhuan could overcome all obstacles and return to the championship throne, and that he could also realize the World Championship dream he failed to achieve in his past life.

After making the wish, Ye Shaoyang blew out the candles in one breath.

Applause rang out. Cheng Xing ran to turn on the lights, and Ye Shaoyang took a knife to cut the cake. Cutting a three-tiered cake was really strenuous. Chi Shuo actively stepped forward to help him. Ye Shaoyang cut it layer by layer, distributing a piece to everyone.

Everyone returned to their seats to eat cake.

Chi Shuo hated sweets very much, but this was a birthday cake personally distributed to him by Shaoyang. Giving him face, he ate his entire portion.

The waiters started serving dishes. As the birthday boy, Ye Shaoyang was seated right in the middle, wearing a “Happy Birthday” headband, looking quite cute.

Cheng Xing actively handed him a beautifully packaged box: “Brother Yang, a birthday gift.” Ye Shaoyang asked curiously: “There are even gifts?” Qu Jiang also handed him one: “I prepared one too.” Qin Yizhu: “I have one too!” The young boys of Team 2 collectively handed him a large box: “This is a token of our appreciation!”

Ye Shaoyang felt extremely flattered: “It’s really not necessary to have such a grand spectacle for a birthday. Thank you everyone, you’ve spent too much!”

Chi Shuo whispered: “I’ll give you mine when we get back.”

Qu Jiang joked from the side: “Captain Chi, what are you giving him that’s still a secret?”

Chi Shuo coughed lightly: “It’s nothing, just something relatively practical.”

Just as Ye Shaoyang was about to open the gifts, Cheng Xing hurriedly stopped him, blushing as he said: “Brother Yang, open them when you get back.”

Ye Shaoyang had no choice but to suppress his curiosity.

After dinner, he and Chi Shuo carried these gifts back to the dorm together.

Xiao Bai thought Ye Shaoyang had gone out hunting for it and excitedly meowed around the gifts. Ye Shaoyang carried Xiao Bai to the balcony, sat cross-legged on the sofa, took a pair of scissors, and began opening the gift boxes.

He first opened Cheng Xing’s gift, and then the smile on his face slightly stiffened.

Inside the box was a beautiful crystal ball.

After turning on the switch at the bottom, the crystal ball would automatically rotate and play music, with seven lighting colors to choose from.

Ye Shaoyang: “…??”

Cheng Xing, your aesthetic sense has a serious problem, giving your brother a colorful crystal ball?

Immediately after, he opened Qu Jiang’s. Inside the box was a cute Blue Buff keychain. Ye Shaoyang picked up the plush keychain and smiled: “Qu Jiang is still a bit more reliable, knowing I like the Blue Buff, he bought me a Blue Buff keychain.” This was official limited edition merchandise, so it should be quite hard to buy. Perhaps it was even from Qu Jiang’s collection? After all, Qu Jiang used to play mid-laner and also liked the Blue Buff.

Opening the Team 2 kids’ gift next, a super large box, inside was a pile of parts, similar to Lego bricks, that needed to be assembled by himself. There was a picture inside; once assembled, it was a 3D model of the Gods’ War rift.

This was probably a limited edition collaboration between the building block manufacturer and Gods’ War officials, quite valuable for a collection.

It was just that assembling the entire rift couldn’t be finished in less than a month; he would take his time assembling it during the offseason.

What did Old Qin give him? Curiously, Ye Shaoyang opened it and took a look… It was a blue thermos cup. Ye Shaoyang almost spat out. Old Qin also liked to bring a thermos cup during regular training, brewing tea, and setting out peanuts, melon seeds, and walnut kernels. At such a young age, he had already entered retirement life early.

Ye Shaoyang rubbed his temples and said: “The gifts I received today truly cover all sorts of styles.”

He looked up at Chi Shuo: “By the way, Captain Chi, did you prepare a gift too?”

Chi Shuo turned around, went back to his bedroom to fetch a box, and handed it to Ye Shaoyang: “Happy birthday.”

Ye Shaoyang opened the box, his eyes lighting up: “A smartphone?”

Chi Shuo said: “Mhm. You’ve been using your smartphone for two years, right? It’s better to get a new one.”

Ye Shaoyang excitedly opened the packaging while saying: “My phone got knocked a while ago, and there’s a slight crack on the screen. I was just thinking whether I should replace it… This one is very expensive, isn’t it?”

He had seen advertisements for this smartphone recently. It was currently the most high-tech smartphone, priced at over twenty thousand. The body was thin and light, capable of multiple folds, and when unfolded, it could be used as a tablet. Browsing webpages and watching videos were particularly convenient.

Ye Shaoyang pressed the power button, lowered his head to study the new smartphone, looking very fond of it.

Watching him study it seriously, Chi Shuo’s heart softened slightly, and he asked softly: “Do you like it?”

Ye Shaoyang nodded: “I like it a lot… it’s just too expensive.”

He had never used a smartphone worth over ten thousand before.

Chi Shuo said: “The price is nothing, I know you aren’t short of this little bit of money.”

Ye Shaoyang looked at Chi Shuo with a smile: “Thank you, Captain Chi. Then I won’t be polite and accept it. To be honest, I never expected you guys to celebrate my birthday and make so many preparations. I’m really happy to have met you all.”

Chi Shuo said gently: “Of course your birthday is very important. Every year from now on, I will accompany you for your birthday.”

Ye Shaoyang was stunned for a moment; wasn’t this sentence a bit off? Of course, his birthday was in March, which happened to be during the regular season, so Chi Shuo keeping him company at the team base seemed perfectly fine.

So Ye Shaoyang nodded and asked: “When is Captain Chi’s birthday?”

“Late December.”

“Then that’s when the season is almost over? I’ll also prepare a gift for Captain Chi when the time comes.”

Chi Shuo thought to himself: Could we skip the physical item and ask for a gift with more commemorative significance?

Like our first kiss with each other?

After all, we’ve already marked each other twice. Kissing once to confirm our relationship should be quite normal, right?