Closer Than Brothers

At 7 PM, Taikang Restaurant

Taikang Restaurant is a moderately sized eatery known for its good food and has a good reputation in H City.

Liu Hao arrived at the gathering spot right on time in Chen Guo's Ferrari. To his surprise, Chen Guo turned out to be quite wealthy. The red Ferrari they were in was worth over three million. Sitting in the passenger seat gave Liu Hao the illusion of being kept.

It's no wonder she could support Ye Qiu in founding an esports club, being the owner of an internet café with thousands of machines. Chen Guo usually kept a low profile, did not show off her wealth, and often used a shared bicycle for daily commutes. However, knowing she was about to meet the despised Golden Princess, she didn't hesitate to take out her long-unused Ferrari keys.

As Chen Guo parked the car and was about to enter the restaurant, a sharp, mocking laugh came from behind, like a knife scraping glass.

Liu Hao turned around to see a girl with dyed blonde hair approaching, followed by a group of guys in their early twenties. He recognised the girl—Golden Princess. Pictures of her had circulated within the Excellent Era Dynasty. She was pretty but without any standout features. Chen Guo's enduring beauty could easily outshine her.

Golden Princess looked proud upon seeing Chen Guo, but when she noticed Liu Hao and the red Ferrari, her smile froze and turned sour as if she had swallowed a bottle of vinegar.

"Guoguo, are you being kept? No wonder you never want to hang out with us," Golden Princess mocked, eyeing Liu Hao. She didn't recognise him and couldn't believe Chen Guo could afford a Ferrari, assuming it belonged to Liu Hao and that Chen Guo was being kept.

Chen Guo's face turned red with anger, just about to retort when Liu Hao stepped forward, "Actually, I'm the one being kept."

"Hey, what nonsense are you talking about!" Chen Guo chided playfully.

"Just kidding. When I was a kid, I imagined being kept, but by a pretty lady, not an old aunt," Liu Hao joked.

The two of them bantered, ignoring Golden Princess, treating her like air.

"Is this your car?" Golden Princess asked incredulously.

"Of course, I specifically chose the red colour. There's proof inside if you need to see it," Chen Guo boasted, feeling as victorious as if she had won twenty consecutive matches in the arena.

Golden Princess's face turned black with jealousy and defeat. She wanted to mock Liu Hao but was interrupted by Chen Yahui rushing up.

"Hao-ge, you're here," Chen Yehui greeted, acting like a loyal subordinate. "Come, let me show you the way. I've reserved a private room, and knowing you like seafood, I ordered three Australian lobsters."

Liu Hao gave Chen Yehui a deep look, appreciating his efforts to curry favour. Despite his modest salary, Chen Yahui had gone all out for him, recognising Liu Hao's rising status as Jia Shi Team's vice-captain.

Liu Hao smiled, "No need to be so formal. We're good brothers. Besides, you helped me out before, so I should treat you. How about I pay for this meal?"

"No way, Hao-ge. You're my honoured guest. How could I let you pay?" Chen Yehui insisted.

"Alright, I won't steal your thunder. Next time, I'll treat you to a drink."

"Deal, Hao-ge." Chen Yahui was relieved that Liu Hao hadn't distanced himself despite his promotion. He turned to the others, "What are you standing around for? This is my big brother. Call him Hao-ge!"

"Hello, Hao-ge!" the group chorused, like a street gang, though they were just core members of Excellent Era Dynasty's seventh team.

Golden Princess was dumbfounded. What was happening? Why was Chen Yehui so respectful to this so-called kept man?

Chen Guo watched silently, stifling her laughter at Golden Princess's complex expression of jealousy and confusion. This trip was well worth it.

Everyone went upstairs to the private room. Liu Hao's arrival changed the nature of the gathering. Originally meant to strengthen bonds among the seventh team members, it became a different kind of event. Chen Guo and Tang Rou chatted excitedly, like sisters. Liu Hao and Chen Yehui drank together, calling each other brothers. Golden Princess, on the other hand, spent the entire meal with a dark expression.

Golden Princess had imagined being the centre of attention. Still, instead, the men talk about the wealthy Chen Guo, and Chen Yehui never glances her way, focusing only on drinking and laughing with Liu Hao.

Golden Princess felt wronged, shedding tears that went unnoticed.

After the meal, Chen Yehui was so drunk he needed support. Still, he kept calling Liu Hao "brother," closer than his real brother, making others think there was some forbidden love.

Liu Hao was slightly drunk but still clear-headed. The meal had been worth it for winning over Chen Yehui.

"Sir, here is your bill," the waitress said. Chen Yehui was too drunk to pay, and the others pretended to be busy, whistling.

"I'll take care of it," Liu Hao said, scanning to pay over six thousand yuan. Though it was supposed to be Chen Yehui's treat, it was no big deal, given the benefits Liu Hao had gained.

By the time they finished, it was nearly 10 PM. Chen Guo and Tang Rou left after saying goodbye. Seeing Liu Hao's unsteady steps, Chen Guo quickly supported him.

"You smell like alcohol. How much did you drink?" Chen Guo frowned, half complaining, half concerned.

"Not much. I'm not drunk."

"Not drunk? Your face is as red as a monkey's butt."

"Sorry, I might need you to take me home. Sorry for the trouble." Liu Hao felt drowsy.

"Hey, don't fall asleep! I can't carry you!" Chen Guo shouted.

"Don't worry, I won't fall asleep before getting in the car. We just need to hurry."

Chen Guo helped Liu Hao to the Ferrari, got him into the passenger seat, and buckled him in. Liu Hao immediately dozed off.

"Like a big pig," Chen Guo sighed. Sitting in the driver's seat, she looked at the sleeping Liu Hao and smiled, "You sleep so much, even during matches. I thought we could chat on the way… Now, where should I take you? Maybe Excellent Era so that I can meet Su Mucheng and Ye Qiu!"

Excited at the thought, Chen Guo started the car and drove off.

Author Notes: The eighth season's schedule is about to start. I'm not dragging things out; I'm just setting up the story. 

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 61 is up on my Patreon

Pat reon.com/ReidAstrea

Unfortunately, I have been sick for the past four days, so I have not been able to update the files. As compensation, I have uploaded four chapters on Patreon as well as Webnovel…