Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation Chapter 1640 - 895: Twice in Bloom
Previously on Rebirth: Slice-of-life Cultivation...
New·Yucai Internet Cafe.
Following her victory over the acclaimed 'Star Player' Nie Ze, Chen Siyu was promptly credited with 500 yuan in internet fees.
The terminals at Yucai Internet Cafe are equipped with versatile software; these credits function not only for connection time but also for purchasing refreshments. While many hope for the lovely net admin Xiao Yu to brew their instant noodles, the task often falls to the shop's rugged manager instead.
With her prize secured, a radiant Chen Siyu made her way back to her previously unnoticed, yet now highlight-reel worthy, corner seat.
Nie Ze, the Star Player, trailed behind her. "Hey there!"
Locking eyes with Chen Siyu, his gaze intense, he asked, "I’m curious, what does your champion pool look like?"
A formidable competitor, truly! Despite years of league play, Nie Ze had never encountered a female player who outclassed him by two tiers, let alone one as naturally gifted as the girl before him.
How could Nie Ze be anything but exhilarated?
Beyond his gaming career, he maintains a pragmatic view of his future. He hasn’t neglected his academics; his scores are on track for a 211 university, a testament to his forward-thinking nature.
Chen Siyu paused briefly before inquiring, "What is a champion pool?"
Nie Ze was momentary taken aback. Was it possible for someone with such superior mechanics to be unfamiliar with such foundational terminology?
"It refers to whether you play characters other than Ezreal, such as junglers," he clarified.
Chen Siyu answered with complete confidence, "Oh, jungle? Yes, my jungle is quite standard."
Nie Ze gasped, caught off guard. "You play jungle as well?"
In his experience, female gamers often lean toward passive or support roles, with very few taking on the AD carry position. Yet, here stood a genius who also dominated the jungle.
Judging by her nonchalant tone, it seemed her jungle ability might be even more devastating.
Nie Ze felt a surge of adrenaline. He appraised Chen Siyu as if she were a rare, untapped treasure. If he could recruit her for the club, her potential would be limitless.
Even a brief contemplation of the possibility sent a thrill through him. To have a world-renowned talent like her as his own junior sister would be a dream.
Taking a steadying breath, Nie Ze continued, "May I ask how long you’ve been practicing Ezreal?"
"This was my first time playing," Chen Siyu replied.
Nie Ze blinked in confusion. "First time? Then how was your performance so surgical?"
Chen Siyu mulled it over for a moment, then cast him a look of profound seriousness. "Perhaps, upon selecting this champion, I had already surrendered my spirit to the Divine."
Nie Ze hung on every word of his potential junior sister. He understood. It was clear now. Famous prodigies often arrive on the scene by dismantling top-tier opponents in their very first matches, cementing their fame overnight.
Reflecting on this, the parallels to the day's event were striking.
The realization ignited a fire in Nie Ze. Hadn't he defied his own family to pursue a professional career, fueled by nothing but an unyielding passion for eSports?
He had once vowed to claim the Worlds title and an FMVP, carving a path for thousands of aspiring youths...
Wait, Nie Ze suddenly recalled that it was he, the veteran, who had just been solo-killed by this girl.
Though his heart sank for a heartbeat, it immediately reignited. He stated with firm conviction, "Talent, pure talent! You possess an extraordinary gift!"
Chen Siyu was delighted by the praise; she knew a genuine compliment when she heard one.
Beaming with self-assurance, she added, "Indeed, I’ve always believed I have a certain flair for things, like remembering to carry an umbrella whenever it rains!"
Nie Ze: "?"
After a brief conversation, Nie Ze returned to the front desk. He had accepted a gig from Boss Wei, and playing the rest of his matches would be a breeze compared to his usual rigorous club training.
Xiao Yu, the attractive internet admin, kept her eyes glued to Nie Ze. Beyond his gaming prowess and decent grades, he was tall, handsome, and impeccably groomed.
She had also overheard that his appearance fee for the night reached the four-figure range.
Who could resist a man who had wealth, style, and skill? Yet, this same Nie Ze seemed entirely fixated on that girl.
He was usually sparing with his words, yet he spoke freely and animatedly with her.
Xiao Yu served him coffee, receiving only a polite, detached "Thanks" before he returned to his stoic demeanor.
"I don't know," Xiao Yu whispered conspiratorially, "she seems kind of clumsy and slow, hardly the type to be a gaming master."
Nie Ze blew on his coffee, remarking coolly, "She might appear clumsy on the surface..."
Xiao Yu felt a smug sense of satisfaction.
"...but once you truly understand her," Nie Ze finished, "you realize that her dullness is merely a mask, and such foolishness is but a veil for her genius."
Xiao Yu felt a sharp pang of annoyance.
...
Chen Siyu settled back into her corner—a spot that felt less like a desk now and more like a spotlight-drenched stage.
Cui Yu approached her, his face twisted in visible frustration.
Memories of his past ridicule toward her haunted him, and unable to process the reality of her skill, he sneered, "Well, well, hogging the limelight entirely for yourself, aren't you?"
The girl who had once been the target of his mockery had rebounded with a single victory. She replied calmly, "I'm not hogging the spotlight; I am simply sharing my natural radiance with the world."
"Damn it!" Cui Yu blurted out.
He had to concede—he had been completely outmatched by Chen Siyu’s composure.
Still, he couldn't grasp why she had suddenly become so formidable. It defied all logic.
"Why?" Cui Yu demanded. "How?"
Chen Siyu replied, "If you don't understand, you really should check my QQ Farm."
"QQ Farm? What is that supposed to mean?" Cui Yu asked, completely lost. He hadn't touched those types of social games in ages.