Honorable Sacrifice - FIYS

Chessman can't get enough of his Fire Kirin

As the group made their way back to the gaming house, the conversation flowed effortlessly, with Tong Yao engrossed in a lighthearted discussion about shikigamis with Ming. Lu Sicheng walked beside her, his arm draped casually over her shoulder, keeping her close in a way that felt both protective and natural.

Just as they were nearing the entrance, K suddenly cursed under his breath. "Damn it! It's already 7! My drama's on!"

Lu Yue, who had been distracted on his phone, looked up with mild confusion. "What's at 7?"

Without missing a beat, Tong Yao flashed a teasing grin and quipped, "Apparently, your bedtime."

The comment hung in the air for a moment before laughter erupted from the group. K rolled his eyes, grumbling about drama addiction, while Lu Yue shot her an irritated look. "Very funny, Tong Yao."

Tong Yao simply shrugged, her grin growing wider as she nudged Lu Sicheng. "What can I say? He gives off that early-to-bed energy."

Lu Sicheng looked down at her, the corners of his lips twitching with faint amusement. "And you give off the energy of someone who spends too much time thinking about other people's bedtimes instead of working on her mid-game plays."

Tong Yao gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her chest. "Excuse me, my mid-game plays are impeccable. You, on the other hand, should worry more about your aging reflexes."

Lu Sicheng raised an eyebrow, his gaze darkening just a fraction, but Tong Yao didn't flinch. She'd become used to the imposing presence he carried with him like armor—sharp, cold, and nearly unapproachable. Nearly. "Aging reflexes, huh?" he said, his voice low, a challenge beneath the surface.

Tong Yao smirked, not backing down. "That's right. You might be the king of the lane, but even kings get rusty."

Lu Sicheng leaned in closer, his height casting a shadow over her. His voice was soft, dangerous, just for her. "Careful, or you might just find out how sharp this king's reflexes still are."

Instead of backing down, Tong Yao tilted her chin up, meeting his gaze head-on. "Bring it on, Your Majesty. But don't blame me when you lose."

The group had gone quiet, the tension electric, but it was clear from the smirk playing on Lu Sicheng's lips and the defiance in Tong Yao's eyes that this was just their usual dance. Tong Yao's sarcasm met his sharpness in a way no one else dared, and instead of being irritated, Lu Sicheng seemed... pleased. It was as if she was the only one who could get under his skin and make him smile at the same time.

From the nearby couch, a soft chuckle broke the spell. Madam Wang had been seated, waiting patiently for them, her sharp eyes observing the exchange with quiet amusement.

"Well, that's certainly a new one," she said, her voice filled with playful humor. "It's been a while since I've seen someone handle my son with such ease."

Lu Sicheng straightened, his usual cool exterior slipping back into place, but there was a glimmer of something softer when he glanced at Tong Yao, something Madam Wang didn't miss.

Tong Yao blinked, recognizing Madam Wang immediately from the stories Lu Yue had shared and from the bits and pieces she had picked up from their conversations. While Lu Sicheng hadn't spoken much about his mother, Tong Yao had figured out enough to know who she was. "Madam Wang, I presume?" she greeted with a polite smile, her charm still very much intact.

Madam Wang raised an eyebrow, impressed by Tong Yao's composure. "You presume correctly," she replied, her tone a mix of curiosity and approval. "And you must be Tong Yao—the girl my son has been rather tight-lipped about."