LOL: What does it mean to torture players?

Su Mo looked at the message sent by Nazha, along with the playful winking emoji that followed, and couldn't help but shake his head with a smile.

This top-tier actress is actually a netizen.

He thought for a moment, then typed a line on the screen, politely declining: "I've been busy all day and I'm a little tired. I want to rest early. How about we play together again next time?"

Not long after the message was sent, Nazha replied with a GIF of a wronged expression: "Okay... it's a promise then, the champion can't lie, remember to take me with you next time you have time!"

Su Mo gave an "OK" sign and put the phone aside.

As night deepened, the noise at the base gradually subsided.

After releasing their final bursts of excitement during the live stream, the teammates, exhausted, went back to their rooms to sleep.

Su Mo slept very soundly, without dreams, only a peaceful darkness.

The next day, when he was awakened by the glaring sunlight outside the window, it was already past ten o'clock in the morning.

He walked out of the room and found that his teammates were also getting up one after another, each with sleepy eyes but lazy, satisfied smiles on their faces.

At noon, Abu gathered everyone in the conference room.

"Everyone, great news!" Abu's face beamed with joy. "The club has decided to give everyone a two-week vacation starting today! Take a good rest, spend time with your families, and go wherever you want. All regular expenses will be reimbursed by the club!"

"Oh!!!"

"Long live Brother Bu! The boss is so generous!"

A cheer immediately erupted in the conference room.

Jiejie was the first to jump up: "Great! I want to go home! I'm going to print out a picture of my FMVP trophy—no, I mean Mozi's trophy—and show it to my parents!"

Meiko and Scout exchanged a smile. They planned to go to Japan together to soak in a hot spring and completely relax, something they had discussed in advance.

Hope also said she wanted to go home and spend some time with her parents.

Everyone had their own plans, and Su Mo was thinking about what to do in the next two weeks when his phone rang. It was Rita calling.

“Dear boss, are you awake yet?” Rita’s energetic voice came from the other end of the phone.

"I just woke up not long ago," Su Mo said with a smile. "What's wrong?"

“I have a suggestion!” Rita’s tone was tinged with mystery and anticipation. “Let’s go hiking! What do you say?”

"Hiking?" Su Mo was taken aback for a moment, then became interested. "Okay, where to?"

“I already checked it out!” Rita said excitedly. “We’re going to Sheshan National Forest Park. It’s not far from us, the scenery is amazing, and the air is fresh. The weather’s been nice these past few days, perfect for us to work up a sweat and get rid of all the stale air! Just the two of us!”

She emphasized the words "just the two of us".

Su Mo agreed without hesitation: "Okay, I'll do whatever you say. I'm fine with going anywhere as long as I'm with you."

"You know how to talk!" Rita snorted with satisfaction. "Then get ready, I'll come pick you up this afternoon!"

In the afternoon, Su Mo specially changed into a light sportswear outfit: a white quick-drying T-shirt, black sports pants, and a pair of comfortable running shoes. She looked refreshed and full of energy.

When Rita parked her red Mini Cooper at the base entrance, Su Mo spotted her immediately.

She was also dressed in sportswear, with her hair tied in a high ponytail. Her face was bare of makeup, which made her look even more youthful and beautiful, full of healthy charm.

"Get in!" Rita winked at him. "Isn't this car cute?"

"Cute!" Su Mo nodded in agreement. "It suits you quite well, why don't you go and buy one?"

"I can't afford it." Rita shook her head. "I'm too poor."

"Then I'll buy you one as a gift, as a reward for a good employee," Su Mo joked.

"Okay!"

"You really want it, huh?!"

"What else can we do? You're my good boss, after all," Rita said with a smug smile. "So when are we going to the dealership to pick up the car?"

"Tomorrow is fine too," Su Mo said casually.

Giving Rita a car is a piece of cake for Su Mo right now. He could even give her a Mercedes-Benz without any problem, given their relationship.

However, Rita quickly changed the subject: "I was just kidding. I don't really need a car. Parking is a hassle here. If I need to get somewhere, I might as well take a taxi."

"Forget about it," Su Mo said, no longer dwelling on it. "I'll just buy one myself then..."

"Sure, then I'll definitely hitch a ride with you!"

"..."

Soft music played in the car as the two chatted casually, reminiscing about the fun at last night's celebration party and discussing the various comments online. The atmosphere was relaxed and pleasant.

The car drove smoothly towards the suburbs, and the scenery outside the window gradually changed from towering buildings to lush green trees.

More than an hour later, they arrived at the foot of Sheshan Mountain.

As soon as I got off the bus, a refreshing scent of earth and grass filled the air, instantly putting me at ease.

Unlike the tense and exciting atmosphere inside esports venues, everything here seemed so quiet and peaceful.

"How was it? Feeling good, right?" Rita opened her arms, took a deep breath, and had a satisfied smile on her face.

"Yes, it feels very comfortable," Su Mo exclaimed sincerely.

The two began their mountain climbing journey by following the paved stone steps.

The road was flat at first, with dense bamboo forests on both sides. Sunlight filtered through the bamboo leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground.

Rita was initially in high spirits, like a happy little bird, hopping and skipping ahead, occasionally turning back to urge Su Mo to hurry up.

"Brother Mozi, are you sure you can handle this? Your stamina is so poor, how are you going to protect us, your amazing employees, in the future?" she teased playfully.

Su Mo followed behind at a leisurely pace, replying with a smile, "I'm saving my energy so I can carry you when you can't walk anymore."

"I don't need you to carry me!" Rita said defiantly, but she was secretly delighted.

Half an hour later, the mountain road began to become steep. The continuous uphill climb made Rita's breathing gradually become rapid, and fine beads of sweat appeared on her forehead. Her pace slowed down significantly.

Su Mo walked to her side, naturally reached out his hand, and took hers.

"Ah..." Rita exclaimed, her cheeks flushing slightly, but she did not break free.

Su Mo's palm was broad, warm, dry, and strong. Holding his hand, a sense of security instantly spread throughout my body, and even my fatigue seemed to lessen considerably.

"Let's go, I'll hold your hand." Su Mo's voice was steady and gentle.

"Mmm." Rita responded softly, lowering her head and letting him lead her up the mountain step by step.

The two fell silent, and only the sounds of their footsteps and each other's breathing echoed through the mountains.

Sunlight filters through layers of leaves, casting golden dappled patterns on them. Occasionally, the clear chirping of birds drifts through the woods, accompanied by the babbling of a stream. Everything is as beautiful as a painting.

After climbing for a long time, when they finally reached the viewing platform at the top of the mountain, a breathtaking view opened up before them.

In the distance, the outline of Shanghai appears and disappears in the thin mist, with rows of high-rise buildings resembling a mirage.

Below, rolling green mountains and shimmering lakes stretched out before you, the expansive view instantly making you forget the fatigue of the climb.

"Wow...so beautiful..." Rita couldn't help but exclaim.

The wind was strong at the mountaintop, blowing her ponytail and also the hem of Su Mo's clothes.

The two found a clean, large rock to sit on, gazing at the distant scenery side by side, enjoying this rare tranquility. After a while, Rita gently rested her head on Su Mo's shoulder.

Her hair, carrying the fresh scent of shampoo, tickled Su Mo's neck, but he remained motionless, afraid of disturbing this beautiful moment.

“Brother Mozi,” Rita’s voice was soft, tinged with emotion, “you know what? This feeling right now makes me feel more at ease than when you were on stage holding the championship trophy.”

Su Mo turned his head to look at her serene profile, a slight smile playing on his lips.

He reached out and gently put his arm around her shoulder, making her lean more securely against him.

“Then I’ll be kind and let you lean on me a little longer,” he said, then gazed into the distance.

The two of them nestled together quietly, without saying another word.

As the sun set, it dyed the clouds on the horizon a magnificent orange-red, and also gilded their figures with a golden outline.

They sat for a long time, until the sun gradually set, before preparing to descend the mountain.

"Let's go, Brother Mozi, it'll be dark by the time we get down the mountain," Rita urged.

The setting sun painted the sky a brilliant orange-red, the last glimmer of light disappearing below the distant horizon. The two, still hand in hand, strolled leisurely down the stone steps, their hearts filled with an unprecedented sense of ease and joy.

More than an hour later, the two finally made it down the mountain and arrived at the parking area.

"I'm starving!" Rita patted her flat stomach and shook Su Mo's arm playfully. "Hiking burns so many calories, Mr. Champion, you have to feed me!"

Su Mo smiled and squeezed her hand: "I saw a private restaurant in a nearby ancient town on the map. The reviews say the environment is very quiet and the food is absolutely delicious. Let's go check it out."

"An ancient town? That sounds so appealing!" Rita's eyes lit up. "Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!"

Following the navigation, the car drove through winding mountain roads and into a dimly lit ancient town in Jiangnan.

The cobblestone paths, the small bridges and flowing water, and the ancient buildings with white walls and black tiles, all bathed in the warm yellow light of lanterns, exude a special charm.

In the restaurant's small courtyard, there were a few green bamboos and a wooden table by the window, offering a perfect view of the quietly flowing river outside.

After the two went inside, they immediately started ordering, and then ordered several of the restaurant's signature dishes.

The dishes were served quickly. The squirrel-shaped mandarin fish was sweet and sour, the Dongpo pork was fatty but not greasy, and several delicate side dishes were also very tempting. The two enjoyed the food while chatting, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere.

something unexpected may happen any time.

Just as they were halfway through their meal, a sudden gust of wind swept in from outside the window, rustling the bamboo leaves in the yard. Immediately afterward, a blinding flash of lightning ripped through the night sky, followed by a deafening clap of thunder!

"Boom!"

"Oh!" Rita exclaimed in surprise, "Brother Mozi, it's going to rain."

"What a coincidence, I noticed it too." Su Mo smiled.

He had barely finished speaking when large raindrops began to pelt down outside the window, instantly creating a layer of white mist on the bluestone pavement.

The rain intensified, turning into a downpour in the blink of an eye. Rainwater formed streams that flowed wildly along the eaves, as if the whole world was shrouded in a giant curtain of water.

"It seems we won't be able to go back anytime soon." Su Mo looked at the torrential rain outside the window and shrugged helplessly.

They waited in the restaurant for more than an hour, but the rain showed no signs of letting up. On the contrary, it intensified, accompanied by thunder and lightning, as if it would rain all night long.

The weather forecast on my phone also indicates that there will be continuous heavy rain tonight.

“It’s too dangerous to drive back to the city in this heavy rain.” Su Mo frowned and made a decisive decision. “Let’s find a place to stay nearby tonight.”

Rita knew that safety came first, and obediently nodded.

Su Mo took out her phone and started searching for nearby hotels and guesthouses.

However, the outcome was not optimistic. Perhaps due to the sudden downpour, the few accommodations near the ancient town were almost instantly booked.

He made several calls, but the reply was always the same: "Sorry, there are no rooms available."

Just as Su Mo was about to give up and consider spending the night in her car, a call came from the last hotel called "Antique Charm," bringing good news:

"Hello sir, we have only one room left."

Su Mo paused for a moment, then asked, "What type of room?"

“It’s our best suite with a view. The room is very large, but… there’s only one king-size bed,” the receptionist replied.

"Okay, I understand. Please wait a moment while I discuss it with my friend." Su Mo said, then temporarily ended the call.

After hanging up the phone, he looked at Rita somewhat awkwardly: "There's only one room left, and... there's only one bed. You see..."

He gave the choice to Rita.

Rita's cheeks flushed red instantly, like clouds dyed by the sunset.

She lowered her head, her heart pounding uncontrollably, and her fingers unconsciously twisted the hem of her clothes.

A lone man and woman, on a stormy night, alone in a room, on a large bed... This is a classic scene that only appears in romance novels.

The silence that lasted only a few seconds felt like an eternity.

Finally, Rita took a deep breath, looked up, casually brushed her wind-blown hair aside, and smiled playfully: "What else can we do? I can't just let you sleep in the car alone. You'd better call and book one quickly, or there won't be a room left!"

Her tone carried a hint of carefree nonchalance, which actually eased the awkwardness between the two.

Su Mo couldn't help but smile as he looked at the sly glint in her eyes.

So, after Su Mo made a reservation by phone, he and Rita quickly drove to the "Antique" Hotel, which was 1km away, and checked in at the front desk while the rain was getting lighter.

The hotel room was indeed as spacious and elegant as the receptionist had described.

The rustic wooden furniture, soft and comfortable carpet, and warm yellow lighting create a cozy and private atmosphere.

The most eye-catching feature was the enormous double bed that occupied nearly a third of the room, with its snow-white sheets and fluffy pillows seemingly telling a silent story.

Outside the room's floor-to-ceiling windows, the torrential rain continued to rage, the raindrops pounding against the glass with a dense sound, a stark contrast to the tranquility inside the room.

"I...I'm going to take a shower first." Rita put down her bag and pointed at Su Mo. "Brother Mo, don't peek!"

"Am I that kind of person?!" Su Mo rolled her eyes.

"I think it is."

"..."

Seeing Su Mo's speechless expression, Rita turned around smugly and walked towards the bathroom.

Soon, the sound of rushing water came from the bathroom. Su Mo sat on the sofa, listening to the sound of water, and looking at the huge bed in front of him, his mood couldn't help but become a little complicated.

A dozen minutes later, the bathroom door was gently pushed open.

Rita emerged wearing the white bathrobe provided by the hotel.

The large bathrobe wrapped around her shapely figure, and the V-neck revealed her delicate collarbone and a small patch of fair skin.

Her long, freshly washed hair hung damply over her shoulders, carrying the scent of steam and shower gel, with a few playful strands clinging to her flushed cheeks.

Under the light, her skin resembled the finest mutton fat jade, radiating a lustrous sheen. Her long, straight legs were faintly visible beneath the hem of her bathrobe, making her appear exceptionally alluring.

Su Mo's gaze inadvertently swept over it, and his breath hitched. He quickly looked away, feeling his heart rate suddenly become a little too fast.

"Um... Brother Mozi, why don't you go wash up?" Rita didn't dare to look him in the eye, quickly walked to the sofa and sat down, picking up her phone and pretending to look at it.

"Okay," Su Mo replied, and went into the bathroom. (End of Chapter)