The solo lane has to withstand pressure.

The winter night in Jiangcheng was pierced by biting cold winds, but this did not affect the warmth and comfort inside the high-rise Ascott apartment at all.

The massive floor-to-ceiling windows shut out the noise of the outside world, and the underfloor heating kept the room at a perfectly comfortable 24 degrees Celsius. In the living room, the 98-inch Sony TV that Su Bai had specially ordered to be delivered was emitting a faint blue light, connected to the latest top-tier gaming console.

"Roll left, block, heavy attack."

A cool, calm, yet highly pleasant female voice rang out in the living room.

The speaker was Chen Yusheng.

She was currently sitting cross-legged on the expensive wool rug, wearing a light blue silk loungewear set. Her long hair was casually tied up in a bun, her legs clad in her signature black sheer tights, and her hands expertly manipulating the game controller.

Perhaps due to spending so much time with Su Bai, an aura of pleasing nobility had gradually begun to surface on Yusheng.

Beside her, Su Bai leaned back against the sofa, also holding a controller. Although his movements were fairly smooth, under Chen Yusheng's almost mechanically precise instructions, he was clearly the one being "carried."

On the screen, the characters controlled by the two were locked in a fierce battle with a massive ancient god boss in the latest hardcore AAA title.

"Watch the aggro, I'm about to use my ultimate."

Chen Yusheng's fingers flew across the controller, moving so fast they were practically a blur.

The Valkyrie character on the screen instantly turned into a streak of light, slicing into the boss's weak point from an impossible angle. A flawlessly executed combo followed, causing damage numbers to pop up frantically.

"Boom—!!"

With a final deafening roar, the nightmare-level boss that had tormented countless players crashed to the ground.

"Cleared."

Chen Yusheng put down her controller, pushed up her glasses, and turned to look at Su Bai. A faint, slightly proud smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "How was that? I told you, the mechanics of this stage are essentially just a mathematical model. As long as you calculate the frame rates and hitboxes, it's not hard."

"Amazing."

Su Bai gave her a genuine thumbs-up. "As expected of my Yusheng. You can even turn playing a game into solving advanced calculus. If it weren't for you, I probably would have died ten times just now."

"That's because your reaction time was 0.3 seconds too slow."

Chen Yusheng mercilessly pointed out Su Bai's mistake, but her body honestly snuggled closer into his embrace, like an aloof cat seeking praise from its owner. "However... as the tank, you did a good job of soaking up the damage."

Su Bai smiled and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, enjoying this rare moment of leisure.

These past few days, he had been busy with the dance troupe's affairs and dealing with various female admirers, so he had indeed neglected Yusheng a bit.

Returning to Ascott tonight was specifically to keep her company and play games.

"Want to keep going?" Su Bai checked the time; it was almost midnight.

"Let's rest for a bit."

Chen Yusheng yawned, stretching her back while rubbing the bridge of her nose.

Even with her brilliant mind, this kind of high-intensity focus was still quite draining.

Just then.

"Buzz—"

The phone resting on the coffee table suddenly vibrated.

Su Bai picked it up and saw a WeChat message.

The profile picture was a highly artistic black-and-white silhouette. It was Lin Qingyu.

[Boss, are you asleep? (Pitiful.jpg)]

Immediately followed by another:

[I've been feeling a bit stressed lately and wanted to find someone to play a few rounds of Honor of Kings to relax, but all the girls in the troupe are asleep... Boss, if you're free, could you carry me? I want to listen to your shot-calling, I feel like it would give me a lot of security. (Shy.jpg)]

Looking at these two messages, Su Bai raised an eyebrow.

Stressed?

Would the principal dancer, who was bursting with energy in the rehearsal hall just this morning and had executed five consecutive leaps, lose sleep over stress?

And looking for the boss to play games and relax?

This was clearly just her missing him but being too embarrassed to say it directly, making up such a clumsy excuse just to hear his voice.

"What's wrong? Which confidante is using this late night to soothe the bitterness of lovesickness?"

Beside him, Chen Yusheng hadn't even looked at the phone, but her sharp intuition was more accurate than a radar. She kept her eyes closed, her voice lazy, yet carrying a faint hint of sourness.

"It's Lin Qingyu."

Su Bai didn't hide it, openly handing the phone over to Chen Yusheng. "She says she wants to play Honor of Kings with me."

"Lin Qingyu?"

Chen Yusheng opened her eyes and glanced at the conversation on the screen, her gaze flickering.

As the smartest woman by Su Bai's side, she naturally knew what major moves Su Bai had been making lately regarding the acquisition of the dance troupe, and she had also heard of this exceptionally elegant principal dancer.

"Wants to listen to your shot-calling? Looking for security?"

Chen Yusheng scoffed lightly, a playful smile curling her lips. "It seems this principal dancer isn't just good at dancing, she's also quite skilled at having ulterior motives."

"So, what do you think I should do?" Su Bai asked with a smile. "Refuse?"

"Why refuse?"

Chen Yusheng sat up straight, took Su Bai's phone, and quickly tapped the screen a few times.

"Since she's an employee of the dance troupe, it's only right for the boss to do some team-building with his staff. Plus, that single-player game we just played was a bit mentally exhausting. Switching to a brainless MOBA game to relax sounds good too."

"However..."

Chen Yusheng turned her head, a competitive glint shining in her beautiful eyes. "If we're going to carry her, then we'll do it together. I haven't logged on in a long time either, I wonder if the current Epic tier still poses any challenge."

Su Bai looked at her little "main wife declaring sovereignty" act and couldn't help but pinch her cheek.

"Alright, I'll listen to you. Tonight, we'll give her some 'mixed doubles'."

...

In a shared apartment near Jiangcheng University.

Lin Qingyu was lying on her stomach on her bed, wearing a pale pink slip nightgown. She clutched her phone tightly, her heart pounding.

Right after sending that message, she regretted it.

It was so late, the boss was probably already resting, or... accompanying another woman. Wouldn't bothering him so rashly make her seem too immature? Too clingy?

But ever since Su Bai had cured her waist injury on the Jiangcheng University campus the other day, and they had established that subtle relationship of "belonging," her mind had been filled with his silhouette.

That attachment welling up from the depths of her soul made her crave his voice on this cold winter night.

Even if it was just him yelling "Group up" in a game.

"Ding-dong."

Her phone rang.

Lin Qingyu picked it up almost as if she were spring-loaded.

[Su Bai: Log on. My friend and I are here, we'll queue up as three.]

Friend?

Lin Qingyu froze for a moment. This late at night, the friend by the boss's side...

Before she could think too much about it, a game invitation link was sent over.

Lin Qingyu took a deep breath, calmed her nerves, and clicked the link.

The game entered the lobby.

Besides Su Bai's profile picture, there was another one she had never seen before—an aloof-looking Ragdoll cat. The ID was Rain on Bamboo Flutes.

"Hello? Can you hear me?"

Su Bai's familiar, magnetic voice came through the earpiece.

I hear... I can hear you! Hello, Boss! Lin Qingyu quickly turned on her microphone, her voice a bit nervous.

Mhm, do not be nervous.

Su Bai smiled and then said, Let me introduce you. This is Chen Yusheng; she is very good at games.

Hello.

Immediately after, a cold female voice sounded. The voice was not loud, but in these two simple words, there was a sense of alienation that kept people at a distance, as well as an... inexplicable sense of oppression.

Lin Qingyu's heart skipped a beat.

A woman.

And judging by this voice and tone, they were definitely not just ordinary friends.

Thinking back to the gossip Little Ya and the others had shared before... this must be the legendary aloof campus belle of Jiangbei University, Chen Yusheng?

The one recognized as the strongest competitor for the position of Su Bai's main wife?

Hello... I am Lin Qingyu.

Lin Qingyu greeted cautiously, instantly swallowing all the coquettish words she had prepared.

How was this a sweet duo queue? This was clearly a three-player battlefield!

Starting.

Chen Yusheng did not waste any words and directly clicked to start matchmaking.

Entering the champion selection screen.

Boss, what are you playing? Lin Qingyu asked subconsciously. I... I can play support and follow you.

Although she was usually busy practicing dance, she played a lot of Honor of Kings. She was a very dedicated enchanter support player, playing heroes like Yao and Cai Wenji incredibly well. Her specialty was attaching herself to a top-tier jungler like an accessory.

However.

Player one, Chen Yusheng, instantly locked in an assassin jungler—Jing.

This was a hero with extremely high operational difficulty, requiring immense hand speed and game sense.

Su Bai, you play mid lane or marksman, pick something simple. Chen Yusheng commanded indifferently. Just lie back this game, I will carry you.

Alright, then I will pick Xiao Qiao, simple and brutal. Su Bai obediently chose a mage.

Lin Qingyu looked at the remaining positions, a bit embarrassed.

They had a jungler and a mid laner.

Normally, she would definitely pick a support to follow the jungler or the marksman. But now... that woman named Yusheng picked the jungler, and her aura was so strong. If she picked Yao and rode on her head... the image was too beautiful to look at.

Moreover, if she picked a support to follow Su Bai... would that woman get angry?

Just as she was hesitating, Chen Yusheng spoke:

Player five, you play the clash lane. Pick a tank, one that can withstand pressure.

Her voice was calm, but it carried an unquestionable tone of command.

Ah? Clash lane?

Lin Qingyu was dumbfounded. She usually only played enchanter supports and mages; how could she play the clash lane, where she might even have to engage in hand-to-hand combat with burly men?

What? You do not know how?

Chen Yusheng's voice carried a very subtle hint of provocation. If we want to win, this composition lacks a frontline. Besides... I want the boss to play comfortably this game, he does not need a support sharing his gold. Can you hold the line?

As soon as these words came out, Lin Qingyu's unyielding spirit instantly flared up.

Even if you are the main wife, even if your aura is strong, I, Lin Qingyu, am still a principal dancer who has seen big scenes!

Want me to absorb pressure? Fine!

I can!

Lin Qingyu gritted her teeth and directly locked in the only warrior she had ever played—Xiahou Dun.

I can hold the lane.

Very well. Chen Yusheng replied indifferently.

The game began.

Welcome to Honor of Kings.

Just as Chen Yusheng had said, in this match, Lin Qingyu completely experienced what it meant to be in the orphan lane.

The enemy jungler and support seemed like conjoined twins, ganking the top lane right from the start.

Requesting backup!

Lin Qingyu looked at her Xiahou Dun shivering under the tower and could not help but ping a signal.

However, on the minimap.

Chen Yusheng's Jing was in the mid lane helping Su Bai contest the river spirit, even beating the blue buff down to low health and yielding it to Su Bai's Xiao Qiao.

Thanks, Yusheng~ Su Bai's voice sounded very content.

Good boy, take the blue and go support the bottom lane, do not worry about the top lane. Chen Yusheng said gently.

Lin Qingyu: ...

How was this playing a game? This was clearly displaying their affection right in front of her!

Moreover, Chen Yusheng's mechanics were truly terrifying.

That Jing seemed to come alive in her hands, moving like a flying thunder god, darting in and out of the crowd seven times. But all of her pacing and rhythm revolved entirely around Su Bai.

Someone trying to assassinate Su Bai? She arrived instantly, killing them in one combo.

Su Bai being ambushed in the brush? She checked the vision in advance and counter-killed two people.

As for Lin Qingyu's top lane...

First Blood! (Lin Qingyu gave away the first kill)

Three of them dove the tower... Lin Qingyu explained aggrievedly.

It is fine, play safe, just do not feed too much. Chen Yusheng's voice remained calm. As long as the tower does not fall, you have done a great service.

Lin Qingyu took a deep breath, her fingers turning white from gripping her phone.

She felt like she was the superfluous nanny in this family of three, braving the wind and rain outside while watching the husband and wife inside being all lovey-dovey.

But...

As a mature woman who had struggled and survived in the great dyeing vat of society, Lin Qingyu soon tasted something else from this emotion.

Was Chen Yusheng targeting her?

Yes, and no.

If she truly hated her, she could have simply not let her join the lobby, or directly kicked her out.

But Chen Yusheng did not.

She made her play the clash lane; although it was to absorb pressure, it also acknowledged her as a member of the team.

Furthermore, when Lin Qingyu was ganked and killed by the enemy jungler for the third time, and the enemy jungler started mocking in the public chat that the top lane is a breakthrough point.

Double Kill!

The system notification sounded.

Chen Yusheng's Jing, at some unknown point, had crossed more than half the map and appeared in the top lane.

With a silky-smooth combo, she directly harvested the arrogant enemy jungler and top laner.

Farm well, do not be afraid.

Chen Yusheng's voice was still cold, but the protective undertone was very obvious. Although you are in the pressure lane, do not let them bully you too miserably. Otherwise, it is Su Bai who loses face.

Hearing this, Lin Qingyu was stunned.

She looked at the handsome assassin figure helping her clear the minion wave, and a very complex feeling suddenly surged in her heart.

This empress, although she was establishing her authority and declaring sovereignty to tell her who was the one beside Su Bai capable of controlling the overall situation.

But at the same time... she was also accepting her.

As long as she, Lin Qingyu, placed herself in the correct position and did what she was supposed to do (such as absorbing pressure, such as being obedient), then in this circle, she could receive protection.

How was this playing a game?

This was clearly an extremely brilliant teaching session on harem management!

Thank you... Sister Yusheng.

Lin Qingyu subconsciously changed her form of address, her voice carrying a touch of genuine awe.

Mhm. Chen Yusheng responded indifferently, maneuvering Jing to turn away and continue heading to the mid lane to protect her Princess Xiao Qiao.

On the other end of the voice chat, Su Bai had not spoken the entire time, only occasionally letting out a light chuckle or two.

But his heart was as clear as a mirror.

This girl Chen Yusheng was helping him keep the gates, and also helping him train his people.

She had both given Lin Qingyu a subtle warning not to become arrogant from being favored, and tossed her a sweet reward, letting her know that as long as she followed Su Bai, she would always have someone backing her up even when she was targeted.

Such tactics, such emotional intelligence.

Su Bai could not help but marvel at his own incredible judgment.

With Chen Yusheng around, the probability of any drama erupting in his backyard was practically in the negatives.

...

They played three games and won them all.

Even though Lin Qingyu had the lowest score in every single match because she was constantly left alone to absorb the enemy's pressure, the feeling of being effortlessly carried to victory, along with the reassuring sense of being accepted, put her in a surprisingly wonderful mood.

"Um... it is getting late, so I will not disturb Boss and Sister Yusheng's rest any longer."

Lin Qingyu tactfully took the initiative to log off. "Thank you, Boss, for taking me along, and thank you, Sister Yusheng, for carrying the games. You two rest early. Goodnight!"

"Goodnight," Su Bai said gently.

"Goodnight. Remember to practice playing under pressure tomorrow," Chen Yusheng added one final jab, though there was no real malice in her tone.

After exiting the game.

The living room of the Ascott apartment returned to silence.

Su Bai put down his phone, pulled Chen Yusheng into his arms, and let her sit on his lap.

"So? Examiner Chen, how are the interview results?"

Su Bai pinched her jade-smooth chin and asked with a smile.

"Not bad."

Chen Yusheng's voice sounded like a lazy cat. "Although her gaming skills are a bit lacking, she makes up for it by being obedient and resilient. When told to hold the line, she holds it without complaining. Her personality is decent enough. Not like some two-faced girls who cry at the drop of a hat."

"Moreover..."

Chen Yusheng looked at Su Bai with a somewhat complex gaze. "When she called me Sister, I could tell she truly meant it. It seems she really treats you as her whole world, which makes her revere me just as much by extension... even though I think she is actually older than me?"

"That is because our Shengsheng has an absolutely commanding aura."

Su Bai kissed the tip of her nose. "That wave of support you provided in the top lane just now was incredibly cool."

"Give me a break."

Chen Yusheng rolled her eyes at him, but a blush spread across her cheeks. "I just did not want people to think our people are easy to bully, that is all."

"Yes, yes, yes, this is what they call being fiercely protective of your own."

Su Bai buried his face in the crook of her neck, taking a deep breath to take in the faint scent of her body wash.

"Shengsheng."

"Hmm?"

"It is so good to have you here."

This was the honest truth.

With a presence as rational yet emotional as Shengsheng around, no matter how much his lineup of female confidantes expanded, Su Bai would always feel completely at ease.

Chen Yusheng paused for a moment, then the corners of her lips curled up slightly as she reached out to wrap her arms around Su Bai's neck.

"Since you know I am so good, should there not be some kind of reward?"