New Beginning and Future

Chapter 42: Challenge Issued/Challenge Accepted

Summary: Yao shows exactly why she is the perfect one for her husband because she has no fear of the damn stubborn man.

Overprotective: ZGDX
Overprotective/Possessive/territorial: Chessman
Chessman is literally his own warning when it concerns his girl

Notes:

Author's Note: The Muse says everyone needs to get popcorn for the next chapter!!

Chapter Forty

Ming sighed as he stretched his arms over his head, rolling his shoulders before settling back into his chair, the strategy board laid out before him covered in detailed notes, statistics, and diagrams that had been formulated based on every possible scenario that could unfold during their upcoming match. Across from him, Yao sat cross-legged on the couch, her laptop balanced on her thighs, fingers tapping steadily against the keyboard as she cross-referenced strategies, eyes flickering between her screen and the board in front of them. Despite her outward focus, Ming didn't miss the way her dark gaze would flicker toward where their Captain was seated at his desk on the other side of the room, posture deceptively relaxed, but his right wrist flexing slightly, fingers curling before being stretched out again in what was clearly an unconscious attempt to alleviate discomfort.

"You know, if you stare any harder at his wrist, you're going to burn a hole through it."Ming finally spoke, drawing Yao's gaze back to him as he tapped the edge of the board.

Yao hummed under her breath but didn't deny the accusation, instead tilting her head slightly, resting her chin against her palm as she drummed her fingers against her cheek. "He's stubborn. You know it. I know it. Everyone knows it." She sighed. "He won't say anything until it actually affects his gameplay. Which means we have to prepare for that in advance."

"I agree. That's why I want you practicing ADC more intensively from now until the match. I need you ready to step in the second I make the call." Ming nodded, exhaling sharply as he leaned forward, hands clasped between his knees.

"I've been practicing. Alternate account, ADC role, sublaner synergy. Yue's been covering me in-game when we're not scrimming with the team." Yao reminded him, lips quirking slightly as she gestured toward her laptop.

"Good." Ming smirked faintly, shaking his head. "You're always prepared, aren't you?"

"I don't like uncertainty. Besides, if I don't plan ahead, I'll have to deal with an even grumpier Devil Spawn, and no one wants that." Yao replied smoothly, before clicking her tongue.

Ming snorted, shaking his head. "That's fair." He glanced back toward Sicheng, watching as the man subtly flexed his fingers again before returning his attention to his own notes. "We're keeping this between us for now?"

"For now. But if it gets worse, I'll make the call whether he likes it or not." spoke Yao as her gaze darkened slightly, her fingers tapping idly against her laptop.

Ming studied her for a long moment before nodding in agreement. "Understood."

They lapsed into silence, the only sounds in the room the soft hum of the AC, the occasional click of a keyboard, and the faint sound of Sicheng shifting in his chair. Yao sighed through her nose, forcing herself to focus, though she couldn't help but glance toward her husband once more, eyes narrowing slightly as she caught the faintest hint of tension in his jaw as he lifted his cup of coffee with his right hand, fingers tightening ever so slightly before he switched to his left. A tiny action, barely noticeable but she noticed everything. Her eyes darkened. If he thought he could hide this from her, he had another thing coming.