Chapter 97: I'm a Genius**
Lv Long was so confident in his skills that he didn't bother preparing. Amidst the crowd's cheers, he took Wu Yifan's seat and launched a 1v1 CS match against Tang Bao'er.
Counter-Strike was a game of quick reflexes, precision, and practice—thrilling and competitive, unlike those Chinese online games that boiled down to endless leveling up. That's why CS had stayed popular worldwide for over a decade, while most Chinese-made games fizzled out after two years, leaving developers with huge losses. "Flash in the pan" was the only way to describe them, a stark reminder of how far China still had to go in innovation.
Earlier, Tang Bao'er had dominated Wu Yifan, savoring the rush of victory. But now, the tables had turned. Her skills were child's play compared to Lv Long's. She'd empty a full clip without grazing him, while he'd take her down with two bullets max. Furious, she jumped to her feet, waving her little fists. "You—you're cheating!"
"Cheating? Sweetheart, this is *his* computer. We're on a LAN you set up. How could I cheat?" Lv Long tilted his head, grinning triumphantly.
"T-then why can't I hit you? It's not fair!" Tang Bao'er knew he was right, but frustration gnawed at her. Why had she crushed Wu Yifan but struggled so badly against Lv Long?
"Your aim's okay, but it's basic. You just stand there shooting—easy to hit, but easy to get hit. I move *and* shoot. That's how you survive." Lv Long preened, enjoying the chance to show off.
"Shut up! Let's keep going!" Tang Bao'er snapped.
Even Wu Yifan, a total noob, could see she was outmatched. The other guys snickered, already imagining Tang Bao'er kissing Lv Long. Panic set in—she lost two more rounds, and the gap widened.
Thirty rounds to decide the winner. She'd lost 14 straight. One more loss, and she'd have to kiss a stranger. Her first kiss!
"Wait, I need water. Take a break." She grabbed a tissue, dabbing sweat from her forehead, stalling for time.
Lv Long was on a roll. He shrugged. "Sure."
"Wu Yifan, come with me to buy a drink. I'm thirsty." Tang Bao'er plotted her escape.
"There's drinks here. I'll buy you one if you're broke." Lv Long saw through her, smirking.
"Y-you…" Tang Bao'er stomped to the counter, bought a bottle, chugged it, then marched back, determined. "Let's go. I just had bad luck. This time, I'll win."
"Can't wait." Lv Long could smell her desperation.
As the 15th round loaded, a hand landed on Tang Bao'er's shoulder. She tensed, ready to snap—until she heard Wu Yifan's voice. "Lollipop, let me take over."
"You?" She gaped, her anger fading into confusion.
Lv Long and the others stared, baffled. Wu Yifan was worse than Tang Bao'er—why challenge Lv Long? Heroic rescue? He didn't stand a chance.
Wu Yifan put on a cocky air, tilting his chin. "I'm a noob, sure. But I can take this guy. He's worse than me."
The café fell silent.
CS took *skill*—reflexes, practice, muscle memory. Guys like Lv Long lived in internet cafés, honing their aim for years. Wu Yifan had gotten demolished earlier. How could he beat Lv Long?
*He's showing off*, everyone thought.
Tang Bao'er groaned. "You idiot, stop messing around! You'll embarrass us both!" She'd rather lose with dignity than watch Wu Yifan get crushed.
Wu Yifan patted her shoulder, savoring the softness, and didn't move. "I wasn't trying before. Thought I'd let you save face. Now I'll show you what a *real* pro looks like. Watch and learn."
"You—!" Tang Bao'er wanted to scream.
He was arrogant, sure, but he *was* good at a lot. Basketball, bartending, fighting… Could he really master CS too? If so, other guys might as well give up.
"Two choices," Wu Yifan said, eyeing her tiny waist. "One: you move, and I play. Two: I carry you away." He secretly hoped for option two.
"Pervert!" Tang Bao'er knew he meant it. He'd spanked her—he'd *definitely* carry her. She stood, grumbling, and let him sit. Deep down, she knew she'd lose. Let him humiliate himself instead.
"Oh, and Lollipop—if I win… can I get that kiss instead? We're practically friends. Better than kissing a stranger, right?" Wu Yifan winked.
"Y-you—blackmail! I'll kill you!" Tang Bao'er's face flamed.
"I'm helping you, aren't I? A little reward? C'mon." He feigned innocence.
"Hmph. Help first. Then we'll talk." Tang Bao'er crossed her arms, certain he'd lose.
Wu Yifan grinned, logging into the game.
Lv Long scoffed. "This'll be quick."
The round started.
Wu Yifan's fingers hovered over the keyboard, calm as ever.
Let the show begin.