Chapter 20: Brother, Calm Down

Yang Hao spoke these words, naturally intending to disgust "Brother Cheng"—after all, he was always haunting them like a shadow. He was also somewhat repelled by Brother Cheng's methods; to send a girl to do such a thing, there was clearly a measure of exploitation in his thinking. Little did he know, in this city rife with danger, there might well be enemies lurking in the shadows. What if Dongdong had met with misfortune on the way? Even if there were no other people, would that mean there was no danger? Dongdong was simply lucky this time; otherwise, it would have been more than just being knocked down. If she had been farther away and Yang Hao’s group had discovered her, she wouldn’t have had a chance to get close, let alone deliver the message—she wouldn’t even have had the opportunity to call for help.

In the game, after all, it’s hard to distinguish friend from foe.

While Yang Hao was busy sowing discord, three figures appeared in the distance, quickly drawing Lin Zijin and her companions’ attention.

“It’s Brother Cheng and his team!”

The fallen Dongdong naturally noticed their arrival, her voice tinged with excitement. No matter what, Brother Cheng and his group were Dongdong’s teammates, and their relationship was usually good. Though Yang Hao’s words had some effect, at most it only managed to disgust Brother Cheng a little. Besides, their appearance meant Dongdong now had hope of being revived.

The first to rush over was a black man with an explosive afro; Yang Hao recognized him. Wasn’t he the one who tried to strike up a conversation with Lin Zijin in the public square? He was apparently the infamous “Brother Cheng.”

This time, he didn’t immediately speak to Lin Zijin but went straight to help Dongdong. As he revived her, he spoke in a tone full of self-reproach: “Sorry, I didn’t think things through. When you volunteered to come, I should’ve stopped you…”

“It’s… it’s okay…”

Dongdong was stunned by Brother Cheng’s words. Only now did she remember that she herself had volunteered to come, and Brother Cheng had merely made a few suggestions. In this light, he couldn’t really be blamed. Thinking this, Dongdong glared fiercely at Yang Hao’s avatar on the screen, her heart full of annoyance. Only now did she realize she’d almost been misled by Yang Hao.

However,

Hearing Brother Cheng speak, Yang Hao’s heart skipped a beat.

Damn it!

He hadn't expected this guy to be so cunning. Clearly, Brother Cheng had heard what Yang Hao said earlier; otherwise, he wouldn’t have responded with those words. Even if Yang Hao didn’t know him well, based on past interactions, he could guess that while Dongdong had indeed volunteered, Brother Cheng had played an essential role.

Otherwise, Dongdong wouldn’t have come under the pretense of delivering a message. Yang Hao’s earlier protest had a purpose obvious to all, but it wasn’t without reason. Brother Cheng’s first words upon arrival immediately dispelled any dissatisfaction or doubts Dongdong might have had about him. He subtly emphasized that Dongdong had taken the initiative, and lightly admitted his own “mistake,” not only eliminating negative impressions but perhaps even making others think well of him.

With just a single sentence, Yang Hao could see this man was no simple character.

“Hello, Goddess, my name is Zhao Cheng. Everyone calls me Brother Cheng, but you can just use my name. I was too abrupt earlier; my words were thoughtless. I apologize!”

After reviving Dongdong, Brother Cheng moved to stand before Lin Zijin and said these words. Clearly, getting roasted in the live stream earlier had made him realize he’d acted arrogantly towards Lin Zijin.

Leading Lin Zijin to victory!

That was a phrase few dared to utter, and fewer still were qualified to say. The name Lin Zijin was a legend in itself.

After expressing his apology, Brother Cheng proactively introduced himself: “It’s great to meet you here. Let me introduce my teammates—this is Fox, and this is Tiger, both streamers from Tomato TV. Let’s get to know each other; maybe we’ll have a chance to collaborate at the platform event next week…”

Brother Cheng, ever ambitious, seized the opportunity to introduce his teammates and mention the upcoming platform event, shamelessly trying to ingratiate himself.

“Hello, everyone.”

Perhaps out of courtesy, Lin Zijin responded politely after Brother Cheng’s barrage of words. That simple reply made Brother Cheng’s heart blossom with joy.

He glanced at Lin Zijin and her companions’ gear, then pulled a rifle suppressor and three medical kits from his backpack, placing them at Lin Zijin’s feet. “Do you need anything else? I have a rifle suppressor and several med kits…”

In the game, the best way to win favor was, of course, to give resources. Having just finished a battle and flush with supplies, Brother Cheng wasn’t about to miss this prime opportunity to curry favor.

“No need.”

“No need to be so formal—why act like strangers? We’re all here, no gifts needed, it’s not like we’re outsiders…”

As Lin Zijin voiced her refusal, Yang Hao quickly interjected, acting the part of a courteous guest, while his hands moved with lightning speed, scooping up the rifle suppressor and three med kits from the ground.

Brother Cheng had barely registered Yang Hao’s cheeky voice when he saw the items disappear from the ground. He hadn’t even had time to be pleased before realizing that Yang Hao had snatched them, his expression immediately freezing.

How could this guy be so tactless? Anyone could see these items were meant for Lin Zijin!

At that moment—

In Brother Cheng’s stream, his expression was hard to describe, his face full of frustration.

“Damn, how can that guy be so shameless?”

“Who is he? Doesn’t he know this was Brother Cheng’s gift for the goddess?”

“Damn, he’s disgusting!”

“Isn’t he the guy who played that meme song on the plane?”

“Come on, Brother Cheng, pull yourself together!”

Watching Yang Hao brazenly collect the items intended for Lin Zijin, Brother Cheng’s fans were furious, cursing Yang Hao for his shamelessness.

Meanwhile,

In Lin Zijin’s stream, the scene was entirely different.

“Well done!”

“Hustler, you’ve got my thumbs up!”

“Hustler: They insisted on giving it to me—how could I not accept?”

“This is the hustler I know! Shameless—I love it…”

“So satisfying, let that guy try to curry favor…”

…

Two streams, two voices.

Yang Hao was still basking in the joy of receiving gifts, oblivious to all this. Right in front of Brother Cheng, Yang Hao fitted the “gifted” rifle suppressor onto his M416.

Bang!

Suddenly, the sound of a silenced shot rang out, causing Brother Cheng and his teammates to tense up.

“Is there someone nearby?”

“Take it easy, brother—I’m just testing the suppressor!”