New Beginning and Future

Chapter 61: Dinner, Dynasty, and the Art of Controlled Chaos

Summary: In a room where every seat holds a champion, a strategist, or a legend, the lines between teasing and tradition blur into something louder, warmer, and far more dangerous than any press conference could prepare for. With laughter flying, old loyalties resurfacing, and the sharp edge of protectiveness never far behind, one thing becomes clear: this isn't just a team, it's a family, and every word, threat, and toast proves it.

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

Notes:

⚠️ Author's Note: Here is the next chapter!

Disclaimer: The Muse would like to remind everyone we do not own FIYS nor the beloved characters nor any dialogue from either the show nor the book...the Muse is very sad and not pleased with this continued reminder that they do not own them and never will!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Sixty-One

The Orchid's private dining room gleamed under soft golden lighting. A long polished table stretched the length of the space, already set with fine china, silver utensils, and steaming dishes that filled the air with the scent of roasted duck, spiced vegetables, and jasmine rice. Two teams, two families, and a handful of security staff filled the room with the low hum of conversation.

ZGDX occupied one side of the table; YQCB filled the other. Between them sat the interlocking web of family and history, Wei and Yeon, Madam and Mr. Lu, Hsia Yìchén, Ming, Rui, Jinyang, and Mia-Jia, all present and very much watching the players with the quiet satisfaction of adults observing controlled chaos.

Yao sat beside Sicheng, head propped against her hand, a faint smile tugging at her lips as she watched Yue and Hsia Li attempt to sneak extra dumplings onto their plates without the elders noticing. Across from her, Pang was in the middle of an animated conversation with Mia-Jia, his ears already red.

Lan set down her chopsticks delicately. "Well," she said, voice perfectly composed, "I must say it's pleasant to see everyone in one place. It's been far too long since we've all shared a meal without someone running off to practice."

Wei chuckled softly. "Give it an hour, and I'm sure someone will start talking strategy anyway."

Yeon leaned back with an easy grin. "You mean Cheng. He can't help it."

"I can," Sicheng said mildly, not looking up from serving Yao a portion of rice. "I just choose not to."

Yao elbowed him lightly. "Translation: he's already planning tomorrow's drills in his head."

"Guilty," he admitted, lips twitching.

Mia-Jia giggled, shaking her head. "You two are ridiculous."

Jinyang sipped her tea, smiling warmly. "Adorable, but ridiculous."

Wei's amused gaze swept the table before settling on her father, who had been uncharacteristically quiet throughout the meal. "Papa," she said softly. "You look like you have something on your mind."

All eyes turned to Hsia Yìchén. The elder Hsia dabbed the corner of his mouth with his napkin, then set it neatly beside his plate. His voice was even, calm, but carried the kind of authority that could still a room instantly. "I do."

A hush fell over the table.

He looked around slowly, gaze lingering on each face, the players, the coaches, the family members, before finally landing on Yao. "I've decided," he began, "that I will be attending the Championship live. In the front box, with Madam Lu, Mr. Lu, Wei, and Yeon."