"Um, Pres we thought you didn't know how to play?" Wu Longnian asked hesitantly.
"I don't but I have a good aim. I've even won an archery competition before." Xie Yang said with a hint of pride evident in his tone.
"But Pres, Good aim is not the only you need to win." Qiao Mingyu remarked absentmindedly still reeling from the shocking display of victory.
"Oh, I don't know about that. Kai distracting them also helped me." Xie Yang replied while shaking his head in a confused tone.
No one doubted him because Xie Yang really was too busy with work and not to mention, the incident with Mrs. Sheng which probably made him even busier.
Also, they once heard him mention in passing that he doesn't even have a computer which is why, the school is always helping him sign up for competitions.
Hmmm….. Xie Yang did appear in a programming competition and quite possibly took first place but that can be explained as well. Maybe he used an internet cafe? Anyways, he only said that he was unfamiliar with video games and not the computer or the internet cafe.
They all concluded that Xie Yang might just be gifted in video games.
"Wow Pres! That was awesome!" Wu Longnian exclaimed belatedly feeling the excitement from having won against strong opponents.
"After all it's Pres we are talking about! The all-rounder!" Qiao Mingyu added, thrilled.
"Truly! That's a top student for you! Even casually playing games can still snag victory!" Li Zhen chimed in though his praise earned him the glare of Wu Longnian and Qiao Mingyu.
Even Qin Weisheng praised him and thanked him for avenging their deaths.
Revelling in the praise, Xie Yang looked towards his husband with sparkling eyes. Clearly, he wanted to hear praise from him as well.
Zhou Kai saw the look and was overwhelmed with the desire to kiss him. He managed to hold himself back but still raised his hand to rub Xie Yang's head while sincerely praising, "You did great sweet- Pres. Always beyond the expectations."
Xie Yang nuzzled into his palm while laughing and thanked them. After this, they all went back to gaming though this time, they didn't try to baby Xie Yang.
Xie Yang sucked on his lollipop, swinging it about on his tongue as he one-shot killed their enemies, earning more praises which brought a smile to his face.
"Well, well, well our diligent Student Xie is such a liar." Leo remarked sprawled out on the sofa.
Technically speaking, the Xie Yang of this timeline indeed hadn't been exposed to games. But how could the Xie Yang of the future who developed an ultra high tech 3D game where one can experience all the senses just like in the real life be unfamiliar with games?
In fact, having created one himself, he understood the graphics and technical stuff far better than the people who play for fun. He could tell at a glance, which places could be improved, which places were done ineffectively and which places have been perfected.
He effortlessly played several rounds with them, engaging in friendly banter and occasionally eating the snacks his husband got for him.
At around 8:00 PM, everyone decided to call it a night. Usually, they stayed until the midnight but they ended it way early in consideration for Xie Yang.
Moreover, tonight they had gained a newfound respect for him. They had never seen someone consistently head shot enemies without missing a single one.
Pres really was a top student through and through. Winning the whole game single-handedly on his first try and carrying them almost completely throughout every single game.
Also, how come they never knew that Pres had such a sharp tongue! He shot back every insult with a harsher burn without using a single swear word, not even giving them the chance to report him.
On the way back out, Wu Longnian, Li Zhen and Qiao Mingyu were all over Xie Yang asking him for tips and tricks. Zhou Kai still held Xie Yang's hand as he shooed away the bunch of annoying flies bothering his sweetheart.
Qin Weisheng, having learned his lesson earlier, helped Zhou Kai control the group while walking ahead. Leo also followed his lead and walked ahead.
Xie Yang didn't mind and casually explained a few easy to use tricks which got him another round of flattery.
The manager was surprised to see them out so early and hurriedly inquired whether the service was unsatisfactory.
The EM internet cafe primarily catered to wealthy second and third generations with a membership tier system and Zhou Kai's group were the VVIP members of their cafe.
If they left and cancelled their membership on his shift, then the manager would undoubtedly be fired.
The group explained that they had prior engagement somewhere else which calmed the manager who politely escorted them out and invited them to come again.
Outside, Qin Weisheng went to get his car and Zhou Kai called his driver to come over. The other three discussed where to eat and invited Xie Yang for dinner as well.
Xie Yang really wanted to agree but unfortunately he still needed to go back home despite his reluctance and pretend for a few more days.
He can't remember how he managed to pretend for so long but after having been without a mask for decades now, pretending has become absolutely intolerable for him.
His husband has really spoiled him. Now, even the slightest discomfort feels unbearable.
Xie Yang unceremoniously blamed his husband who can't speak up for himself.
Qin Weisheng and Zhou Kai's driver, Uncle Huang came with the car. Xie Yang bid farewell to the bunch and got into the car with Zhou Kai.
Inside, Zhou Kai handed him some water which he declined and rubbed his strained eyes. Zhou Kai noticed this and got him to stop rubbing his eyes.
Zhou Kai told Xie Yang keep his eyes closed to relieve the discomfort and offered his shoulder for him to rest which Xie Yang readily accepted. He found a comfortable position and leaned in while Zhou Kai gently rubbed his back.
Xie Yang felt as if he had been transported back to the present while being surrounded by the familiar scent, familiar warmth and familiar concern but he knew that wasn't true.
Suddenly, Xie Yang really missed his husband even though, he was right next to him. He didn't understand where the longing came from but he didn't wanna be separated from him, not now, not ever.
Zhou Kai noticed the off mood of his beloved and felt him bury deeper into his embrace.
"What's wrong Pres?" Zhou Kai asked gently while continuing to rub his back.
For once, Xie Yang didn't wanna lie to his husband and told him the truth.