Honorable Sacrifice - FIYS

Smiling plays an UNO reverse

Xiao Rui stood outside the heavy, black door to Lu Sicheng's office in the basement of ZGDX's base. The door was locked with a keypad, a thin panel glowing faintly in the dimly lit hallway. It always made Xiao Rui a little nervous, even though he knew the code by heart—it was a small reminder of the fortress that lay beyond. Lu Sicheng's sanctuary. Untouchable.

He keyed in the passcode, the door sliding open with a soft hiss. The moment he stepped inside, he was greeted by the low hum of the aquarium that took up the entire right wall, filled with dark, dangerous fish gliding through the water. Sharks and other predators circled silently, their cold, predatory presence mirroring the atmosphere of the office itself. The space was sleek, modern, dominated by shades of black and white. The minimalist design only heightened the cold, almost sterile air in the room.

Lu Sicheng sat at his desk on a raised platform at the far end, bathed in the soft glow of his computer screen. He didn't look up as Xiao Rui entered, fingers moving steadily over the keyboard. Behind him, one wall was lined with shelves, filled with books, documents, and items meticulously organized. To the left of the desk was another wall—white and clean—leading to a small door that Xiao Rui knew opened into a bedroom where Lu Sicheng sometimes slept instead of the team dorms. It was as much a home as a command center for the captain.

The silence was thick, almost oppressive, as Xiao Rui approached. Lu Sicheng didn't need to say anything to command attention. His very presence—cold, composed, and untouchable—was enough to make anyone cautious. Xiao Rui wasn't exactly afraid of him; after all, he was his secretary. But there was something about Lu Sicheng that kept even those close to him at a distance. The calm, controlled demeanor. The lack of unnecessary words. The way he seemed to see through you without even glancing your way. It was intimidating in a way that didn't require any effort on his part.

"Lu Sicheng," Xiao Rui started, trying to keep his voice steady. He held up a folder, clearing his throat before continuing. "TAT sent a request. They want a friendly match before we face them in the arena."

Lu Sicheng didn't even look up from his screen. His voice, low and indifferent, cut through the silence like a blade. "No."

Xiao Rui blinked, taken aback by the immediate refusal. He had expected some deliberation, maybe a discussion about the pros and cons, but Lu Sicheng was as decisive as ever.

"She is not ready," Lu Sicheng added, his tone still flat. It wasn't just about Tong Yao. He could see the cracks in the team's cohesion. His job was to win, not to play nice with old acquaintances.

Xiao Rui sighed, knowing there was no arguing with him. "Alright, you're the captain," he conceded. "It's your call."

He turned to leave but hesitated, remembering the other thing he had to deal with. "Before I go..."

Lu Sicheng finally glanced up, his dark eyes locking onto Xiao Rui with a look that sent a chill down his spine. "What?"

"Madam Wang's order," Xiao Rui said, bracing himself. He really hated this part of the job. He had high respect for Madam Wang but sending him to try to get their captain to do anything was something he'd rather not do.

Lu Sicheng's expression remained inscrutable, but a flicker of annoyance crossed his features. With an exaggerated sigh, he reached into his pocket and produced a small stash of candies, which he handed over with evident reluctance. "It's xylitol," he muttered, though his tone suggested he found the entire affair tedious.

Xiao Rui took the candies, noting the distinct lack of warmth in Lu Sicheng's demeanor. He couldn't help but compare this interaction to the way Lu Sicheng behaved when Tong Yao was around. With her, Lu Sicheng seemed different—almost human. She brought out a side of him that was rarely visible. Where he was usually a figure of cold, intimidating efficiency, Tong Yao managed to paint him with vibrant colors, like splashes of brightness on a stark black canvas. The contrast was striking. He was softer, more approachable, and even the atmosphere seemed to shift subtly in her presence.