Chapter 51 Part 2

Yun Qi looked utterly baffled. Su Yue slid the bracelet on; it was still a bit loose since his wrist was so slender.

The silver bracelet gleamed beautifully and delicately under the lights. Yun Qi was completely puzzled, but then he heard Su Yue say, “Looks good.”

Yun Qi touched his wrist and looked at her in confusion. “Auntie, this…”

Su Yue said, “This is yours.”

Yun Qi still didn’t get it.

Su Yue explained, “I bought it back when I found out Captain Yu had a boyfriend. I didn’t know it was a guy at the time, so I got a women’s bracelet. Luckily, it’s plain with no engravings, so it doesn’t look out of place. I never had a chance to give it away all these years, but now it’s good—it’s going back to its rightful owner. It suits you perfectly. Your skin is so fair, and your wrist is so slim—it looks great on you.”

Yun Qi glanced toward the kitchen.

The bracelet made his conscience ache. Even hearing Su Yue say that, he didn’t dare accept it—no matter how valuable or not, he had no reason right now to take anything from her. He started to take it off, but Su Yue saw and quickly pressed his hand down.

Yun Qi was truly torn.

Su Yue lowered her voice. “I know about you and Captain Yu, so don’t feel awkward. The bracelet was bought for you in the first place, so giving it to anyone else with any excuse would feel insincere. You’re the most fitting recipient. If you don’t like it, take it home and do whatever you want with it—but don’t leave it here with me. Every item has one owner; it’s not meant to be passed around casually.”

Yun Qi said, “He and I… we haven’t…”

Su Yue looked at him. “I know. I can tell. But you like him, don’t you?”

She had seen it.

In such a short time.

Yun Qi felt guilty.

Su Yue comforted him. “There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Feelings are like that sometimes—you can’t help yourself. What’s past is past. Now that you two can sit here together, it means it’s not as bad as all that. You’re both adults—be straightforward about it. We can’t just hold a grudge against you for hurting my son; we weren’t there, we don’t know the details. What if he hurt you too? Right? Just treat it like visiting an old friend’s house—relax.”

Yun Qi choked up. “…Yeah.”

Su Yue looked at Yun Qi appreciatively and started chatting idly with him. “So you’re on the same team as Captain Yu?”

Yun Qi nodded. “Yes.”

Su Yue was surprised. “Oh? You weren’t originally in KRO, were you?”

“He bought me onto the team.”

“Then it all makes sense,” Su Yue said, glancing toward the kitchen. “Captain Yu has a good eye for people. I’ve met two of his teammates—they’re all top-notch, real lookers. I don’t get the competitions much, but I know his team is awesome—domestic champions every year. Now you’re heading to the International Server too?”

“Go ahead,” Yun Qi said. “The Grand Tournament roster was announced today, and we’re in the same match.”

“That’s even better. I was just worried he’d have some lingering issues. His performance back in that Grand Tournament was really off, and even though he pulled off the World Championship win, it wasn’t easy. Having you there with him puts my mind at ease.”

Yun Qi looked up at Su Yue, curious about what she meant by feeling at ease. She didn’t spell it out, but he had a vague inkling.

“I’ll take good care of him,” Yun Qi promised her. “This year… I’ll make sure he’s in top form.”

Su Yue smiled warmly. “I believe you.”

“You’ve got this for sure.”

After chatting with Su Yue in the living room for a while, the time was right. She headed back to her room for a shower, and Yun Qi didn’t disturb her. Instead, he made his way to the kitchen, where he found Yu Jin standing by the stove.

“Can I lend a hand?” Yun Qi asked as he stepped inside.

Yu Jin glanced back at him, concern in his voice. “She didn’t wear you out, did she?”

Yun Qi shook his head. “Not at all. Auntie was lovely.”

Yu Jin chuckled. “She’s even nicer on a normal day. Today she was acting like she was meeting her new daughter-in-law—got a little overexcited. Don’t take it personally.”

“I won’t,” Yun Qi assured him.

The pot bubbled steadily on the stove, stewing chunks of ribs that filled the kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma. Yun Qi inhaled deeply. “Smells incredible.”

Yu Jin lifted the lid for a quick check before covering it again. “I’ll dish you up a bowl first once it’s ready.”

Yun Qi laughed softly, his gaze fixed on Yu Jin. “First time I’ve seen you cook.”

Yu Jin sighed with mock exasperation. “World Championship hands, reduced to handling pots and pans. Mom’s got a real knack for that.”

“Then let me help out,” Yun Qi said, moving closer.

“I’m just messing with you,” Yu Jin replied. “This is small stuff—I’m used to it. Most of the dishes are already done anyway. No room for you to jump in.”

Yun Qi glanced around. “There’s still a pile of veggies on the table that haven’t hit the pan.”

Yu Jin shook his head. “We’ll skip those. Dad’s not coming home for dinner tonight, and it’s too much for just the three of us—especially since you don’t eat a ton.”

At that moment, Yu Jin’s eyes drifted down to the bracelet on Yun Qi’s wrist. He turned back to the pot with a quiet laugh, not saying a word.

A short while later, the food was on the table. Ms. Su had finished her shower and changed into elegant silk pajamas.

The three of them gathered at the dining table. Yu Jin served the rice while Yun Qi set out the dishes. Su Yue arrived a touch late, her hair wrapped in a towel, and said to Yun Qi, “Sit down and eat. Let Captain Yu take his time.”

Yu Jin shot back, “And here I thought I was your real son.”

Su Yue settled into her seat with effortless grace, every movement radiating poise. “Of course you are. The World Champion can strut around outside, but at home? He waits on his mom hand and foot. Was carrying you for ten months a walk in the park? No wonder the birth was so rough—who knew I had a future World Champion in there?”

Her expression softened into a beaming smile as she pulled out a chair for Yun Qi. “Come on, Yun Qi, take this seat. We’ll have Captain Yu sit right next to you later.”

Once all the dishes were served, they dug in.

It was Yun Qi’s first time tasting Yu Jin’s cooking, and he was genuinely surprised by how good it was. The presentation was spot-on, the flavors rich and balanced—right up there with what the chefs at SK Base whipped up. Or maybe it was just the bias, but Yun Qi swore it tasted even a smidge better.

Ms. Su, however, sipped the rib soup and tsked. “Too much salt.”

Yu Jin glanced at Yun Qi. “Salty?”

Yun Qi shook his head. “Feels perfect to me.”

Yu Jin shrugged. “Mom prefers it bland.”

Su Yue chimed in. “Your rib soup still doesn’t hold a candle to your dad’s. His is the real deal. Wonder what he’s eating out there tonight—or if he’s knocking back drinks.”

“If you’re that worried, just call him.”

“You do it.”

“Not calling.”

“Why don’t you care about your dad?”

“Why don’t you admit you’re hovering over him too much? Keep it up and he’ll push back.”

Mother and son traded playful barbs.

Yun Qi kept his head down, eating slowly and savoring every bite.

Yu Jin didn’t let him off the hook. “What’s with you? My cooking too good to talk through?”

Yun Qi nodded earnestly. “It really is delicious.”

Yu Jin turned to Ms. Su. “See, Mom? Someone gets it.”

Su Yue laughed and placed a piece of meat in Yun Qi’s bowl. He thanked her politely.

“Don’t mention it,” she said. “Care for some wine?”

The table sat by a wide window with a stunning view—Yun Qi could look up and take in the endless sky and sea beyond. Her question caught him off guard, and he replied quickly, “I’m not much of a drinker.”

But Su Yue was already on her feet, heading for the wine.

She returned with a bottle. “This is some red wine I brought back from France—super smooth. Even your dad, the old stick-in-the-mud, raved about it. Give it a try; low alcohol content, perfect even if you’re not used to drinking.”

Yun Qi didn’t refuse. When the wine glass was placed in front of him, he steadied it as Su Yue poured a small half-glass. She cautioned him, “There you go. If you can’t hold your liquor, don’t drink too much. Captain Yu and I can drink anyone under the table, but this little bit should be fine for you, right? I wouldn’t want you thinking Auntie is bullying you.”

Yun Qi smiled. “Sure, I’ll drink it.”

Su Yue passed the bottle to Yu Jin. He shook his head. “I’m good. I’ve got to drive back.”

Su Yue frowned. “Drive back? Look how dark it’s gotten outside. That’s nearly half an hour each way—what’s the point of all that hassle? There’s plenty of room here if you need to crash.”

Yu Jin refused all the same. “If you want to drink, go ahead. Don’t worry about me.”

Su Yue didn’t press the issue and settled back down to drink by herself.

Yun Qi couldn’t really tell good liquor from bad; to him, it all tasted pretty much the same. But Su Yue’s bottle wasn’t quite as harsh—it didn’t burn his throat much—and beyond that, he couldn’t pick out any other flavors.

Before long, Su Yue spotted the scar on Yu Jin’s palm and asked sharply, “What happened to your hand?”

Yun Qi looked up with concern.

Yu Jin shrugged it off. “Just a scratch. It’s almost healed.”

“Almost healed?” Su Yue grabbed his hand and flipped it over. “It’s this long, and you’re calling that almost healed?”

Yu Jin gently pressed her back into her seat. “It’s fine now. No need to make a big deal out of it.”

Su Yue grumbled, but she was worried deep down. She knew her son’s stubborn streak, so she let it drop and turned to Yun Qi instead. “Do you know about this, Yun Qi? Did Captain Yu get into it with someone at the SK Base?”

Yun Qi was caught in a bind. Bringing it up would drag him into the mess indirectly, but staying silent felt like lying to Su Yue. He hesitated, set down his chopsticks, and wasn’t sure how to reply.

Yu Jin clicked his tongue. “Mom, it was seriously just a scratch—I wasn’t paying attention. You’ve met some of those guys at the base. Grown men don’t go around fighting over every little disagreement.”

“You—” Su Yue said with knowing exasperation. “You got into plenty of scraps back in high school. Don’t think you’re fooling me just because I wasn’t around. I’ve still got your old teacher’s number on speed dial, and she keeps me in the loop on everything. You just went feral living with your grandma—never learned to rein it in.”

“I’ve reined it in plenty.”

“You’re better now, sure, but heaven knows what happens when your temper snaps,” Su Yue said, turning to Yun Qi. “You’re on the same esports team as him these days, Yun Qi, so keep an eye on him. Talk him down if you can. He’s mellowed out a lot, but he could still blow up sometime. Better to keep things peaceful in the team—no real conflicts.”

“He’s pretty level-headed about that kind of thing,” Yun Qi said, coming to Yu Jin’s defense—and meaning it. “You don’t need to worry, Auntie.”

Yu Jin set down his chopsticks and shrugged off his jacket. The dinner table felt charged: his mom chattering away on one side, Yun Qi right there beside him on the other.

Yu Jin reached for the wine bottle next to Su Yue’s hand and topped off Yun Qi’s empty glass. “You should drink a little less yourself. Dad hates when you drink, and I don’t want you two fighting when he gets home tonight.”

“As if he’d dare,” Su Yue shot back.

Yun Qi watched his glass fill and murmured a quiet reminder. “That’s enough.”

Yu Jin stopped pouring, lifted the bottle to his nose for a sniff. “Doesn’t smell low-proof.”

He glanced at the label—yep, not exactly light stuff—and slid the bottle aside with a nod of reassurance.

“Oh, right,” Su Yue said, remembering something else. “That Ziwu from your team—give me his contact info, will you?”

Yu Jin kept his head down over his food. “Why?”

Su Yue explained, “I thought he was handsome last time I saw him. That kid’s got real good looks. There’s this girl from a coworker friend’s family—gorgeous, tall, fair-skinned, studying abroad at some fancy school. She’ll probably be back this year. They’d be perfect together, a real power couple. And Ziwu’s just the type—she’d go for him for sure.”