Ai Jia didn't want his team in trouble but also didn't want to be the reason that someone else was unfairly punished so he turned to the third option. Enter Smiling the only girl that might have the guts to approach an enraged Chessman.
Her sacrifi...
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Tong Yao trudged downstairs, her hair a wild mess, rubbing her eyes as she shuffled toward the kitchen like a zombie. She hadn't had coffee the entire previous day, thanks to Ming's ridiculous ban on caffeine after her marathon intake during training. She needed her fix, and she needed it now.
Ignoring the others scattered around the living room, all glued to their screens, Tong Yao squinted, cautiously poking her head into the kitchen. She scanned the area, checking for Ming—her personal caffeine nemesis. He was nowhere in sight.
Good. The coast was clear.
She practically skipped into the kitchen, unaware that her little coffee escapade had caught the attention of her teammates. The guys exchanged amused glances as Tong Yao started rummaging for coffee beans like she was on a life-or-death mission.
"What's she up to?" Lao K whispered, leaning back in his chair to get a better look.
"Looks like someone's defying orders," Old Cat muttered with a grin, his eyes never leaving his game.
Oblivious to her growing audience, Tong Yao expertly set up the coffee machine, a focused gleam in her sleepy eyes. This wasn't just a drink—it was her lifeline. She watched as the coffee brewed, the rich aroma filling the room, her lips curling into a contented smile. With a victorious sigh, she poured herself a cup, completely unaware of the looming danger behind her.
Just as she brought the cup to her lips, savoring the moment, a throat cleared behind her. She froze mid-sip.
Oh no. Oh no. Oh no no no no
Very, very slowly, she turned around; cup still raised, and came face-to-face with an unimpressed Ming.
"You're not supposed to have coffee," Ming said flatly, arms crossed, his brow furrowed in disapproval.
Tong Yao blinked, her brain still half-asleep, trying to process her options. She glanced at her coffee, then back at Ming. Coffee... Ming... Coffee...
A flash of rebellion sparked in her eyes.
In one swift, ridiculous motion, Tong Yao tucked the mug close to her chest, and with surprising agility, she vaulted over the kitchen counter in a near-flawless acrobatic flip. The team startled at the flawless execution both impressed and more than little amused as she landed gracefully on the other side, cradling her cup like it was a prized possession.
"Is she for real?" Old Cat asked, eyes wide in disbelief and amusement.
Ming just stared, mouth slightly open. "Tong Yao—"
