He loved playing games, so he studied computer science. He ended up winning the national computer competition and earned direct admission to Yanbei University.
That’s... incredibly inspiring.
Xue Yang couldn’t help but give her a thumbs-up. "Kexin, you’re really amazing."
"It’s nothing. If you love something, you strive to do your best. Aren’t you the same, Xue Yang?"
To pursue the girl he liked, he had worked his way up from last place in his class to become the city’s top scholar, getting into Yanbei University. Although he didn’t end up with the girl, at the very least, Xue Yang had indeed done his absolute best.
After the match, Yu Kexin said goodbye to her teammates and logged off. She shut down her computer, picked up the fried dough stick that had gone cold, and started to eat. After one bite, she frowned slightly. A cold fried dough stick really wasn’t very good, but she didn’t throw it away, finishing it instead.
Xue Yang smiled faintly; he had to admit, Yu Kexin really knew how to comfort people.
If it had been anyone else, they would have probably said something like, "You worked so hard to get into Yanbei for Chen Ying, so what’s the point if she doesn’t even like you?"
"Kexin, have you ever thought about making your own game?"
Xue Yang believed that with Yu Kexin’s abilities, it was entirely possible.
Because she loved it.
Sometimes, passion can overcome any hardship.
Hearing this, Yu Kexin’s eyes widened and sparkled. "I have! But... how should I put it? Gaming is something that, when you talk about it, most people seem to think of as... well, a frivolous pursuit."
Speaking of this, Yu Kexin felt quite helpless. Sometimes, she didn’t even know how to talk to people about her passion.
"That’s true. Esports is a field brimming with passion and competition, but it’s easy for people to misunderstand it if you don’t strike the right balance," Xue Yang said.
Yu Kexin nodded. "I’ve always believed that the spirit of esports isn’t what most people assume—that it’s just addictive. In reality, it’s about surpassing yourself and striving for excellence. Esports isn’t just a contest of skill; it’s a test of teamwork, strategic thinking, and reaction speed. Did you know? Every time I’m in a game, working closely with my teammates and fighting together, that pursuit of excellence inspires a positive spirit in me. It’s through gaming that I’ve shaped a new outlook on life and a new set of values. But I have to admit, many people truly misunderstand the spirit of esports."
Yu Kexin felt a bit helpless. Even the ancients had many forms of entertainment, so she didn’t understand why playing games was considered such a terrible thing.
Shouldn’t the focus be on self-discipline? If you can’t even manage yourself, how can you ever hope to achieve anything great? It’s impossible.
"You’re right. In that case, why don’t we try to change that perception? We can get most people to accept the spirit of esports. An example like yours, Kexin, is very inspiring."
In fact, it was exceptionally inspiring.
Yu Kexin had been considering this for a while, but she had never made a firm decision because no one seemed to understand. Now, hearing Xue Yang’s words, she felt as if she had suddenly seen a glimmer of light. "Xue Yang, maybe this is our chance to work together. What do you think? Are you interested in doing this with me?"
"Very interested."
Xue Yang had been thinking a lot about his future lately, and now it seemed he had found a path.
He was a man of action. Once he decided to do something, he would pour all his energy into doing it well.
Coincidentally, Yu Kexin was the same kind of person.
The two immediately began discussing the feasibility of the idea, only stopping when other members of the Student Union arrived.
"Hey, Ying Ying, don’t you think Yu Kexin and Xue Yang seem a little strange together?" Zhou Wenqian whispered in Chen Ying’s ear.
Chen Ying said dismissively, "Really?"
"Don’t tell me Yu Kexin is Xue Yang’s girlfriend."
"Impossible!"
Chen Ying’s voice was suddenly so loud that it startled everyone present.
"Uh... sorry. Ying Ying, let’s talk outside." Zhou Wenqian pulled Chen Ying out of the room.
Xue Yang and Yu Kexin were both a little bewildered.
"Ying Ying, why were you so loud?"
"I just think what you said is impossible." Chen Ying couldn’t believe she would lose to someone as ordinary as Yu Kexin.
"So what if it’s impossible? Why did you have to shout it?"
Zhou Wenqian gave up. Is she trying to make sure everyone knows we’re gossiping about them right to their faces?
「That evening.」
When Cui Hao returned to the dorm, he was surprised to find Xue Yang playing a game. He walked over in disbelief.
"Xue Yang, why are you suddenly playing League?"
"I was bored and felt like playing."
"If anyone else said that, I’d believe them. But coming from you, I just can’t."
Xue Yang’s time was usually scheduled down to the minute. There was absolutely no way he would have time for games. Besides, if he had free time, he would be doing online research or reading a book—definitely not playing games.
"Hold on, let me finish this match and then we’ll talk."
Not bothering someone mid-game is a code only fellow players understand.
"Xue Yang, I never knew you were this good! You’re so good with Yasuo. I’ve played this champion forever and I still can’t figure him out. He’s too hard."
Xue Yang replied, "If you’re bad, you’re bad. Don’t blame the champion."
"Wow, just you wait! I’m getting my laptop. There’s no way a King Rank player like me can’t beat someone at Platinum Rank."
Cui Hao frantically grabbed his laptop to battle Xue Yang.
An hour later, Cui Hao, thrashed to the point of an existential crisis, didn’t feel like moving anymore.
"Xue Yang, you’re not even human."
You’re already good at everything else, and now you’re a god at gaming too? Are you even trying to let the rest of us live?
"There’s no shame in admitting you’re terrible."
"..."
If I weren’t so sure I’d lose, I’d challenge him to a rematch right now.
"Weren’t you just trying to figure out how to convince your dad to give you one million in startup capital? I have a plan. Want to hear it?"
Cui Hao immediately perked up. "Spill it."
"You know Vice President Yu from the Student Union, right?"
"You just called her the Vice President of the Student Union. Of course I know her."
"I’ve been running into her when I go to the Student Union in the mornings, and we’ve talked a lot. I found out she plays games too."
Cui Hao thought for a moment before saying, "So... you’re planning to break up with your girlfriend and throw yourself at Vice President Yu? Live out your romantic fantasy with her in the game? Wow, you’re such a player."
Just last night he was drunkenly pining for his girlfriend, and now that he’s sober, he’s ready to just drop her. What a guy.