At 8:15 PM, the high-speed train arrived punctually at its final stop in Magic City.
Bai Ye carried his luggage out of the train station and immediately spotted XDD, who was as thin as a bamboo pole, standing not far from the entrance.
Walking up to XDD, who was frowning at him, Bai Ye smiled and said, "What, don't recognize me?"
"Damn, Bai Ge?!"
XDD finally confirmed that the person in front of him was indeed Bai Ye, and with a look of disbelief, he exclaimed, "Are you Superman or something?!"
As he spoke, XDD instinctively reached out to touch Bai Ye's chest muscles.
XDD was 182 cm tall but weighed less than 120 pounds, so thin that it seemed a gust of wind could knock him over.
Bai Ye used to be not much better, standing at 185 cm but weighing only 130 pounds.
But after two and a half years without seeing each other, Bai Ye had undergone a complete transformation, with a perfect and upright physique, and even his aura had improved significantly.
"Get lost!"
Bai Ye shivered with disgust, swatting away XDD's hand, and replied, "In Xinzhou, with nothing to do every day, I just kept working out, and this is the result."
A few years ago, when RNG was still in Magic City, Bai Ye and XDD would occasionally have drinks together.
Later, as the popularity of LOL waned, RNG sold their base in Magic City, rented a small office, and moved the rest of their operations to Xinzhou, Gan Province.
Since moving to Xinzhou, with fewer friends around and more free time, Bai Ye gradually got into fitness.
With the system's attribute points, the consumption increased the further he went. After reaching 95 points in various game attributes, Bai Ye felt it was enough and started adding points to strength, physique, and health.
Currently, Bai Ye's daily weight maintained around 180 pounds, and his overall physical fitness had reached 91 points, with pure physical fitness at a world-class level.
"Just working out? I almost suspect you took a super soldier serum!"
XDD said with envy and jealousy, wondering how they were both once as thin as bamboo poles, but Bai Ye suddenly became so handsome.
Bai Ye's current physique was so impressive that even a guy like XDD found it stunning, like a damn Superman from DC!
"Hello..."
At this moment, a female voice sounded beside them. The two turned to see a girl in her twenties, with a slight blush on her face, holding a phone and saying, "Um, could I... could I..."
As a domestic FPS star player, XDD was used to being asked for photos, so he immediately replied, "A photo? Sure..."
The girl gave him a strange look, thinking to herself what this chinless man was talking about, who wanted a photo with him?
The girl instinctively moved away from XDD and closer to Bai Ye, bravely asking, "Could I add you on WeChat?"
She had originally come to pick up a friend, but after seeing Bai Ye, she couldn't take her eyes off him.
With sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes, a high nose bridge, and a sharp yet not overly aggressive jawline, he resembled Zun Long, once hailed as Asia's most handsome man.
Combined with his 185 cm height, even the motorcycle jacket couldn't hide the full muscles under his sweater, exuding an intense masculine charm.
The girl could almost imagine that if the handsome guy in front of her took off his clothes, his physique would be incredible, and if only she could...
Gulp, just the thought made her mouth water.
"Sorry, I have a girlfriend, so it's not convenient."
Bai Ye politely declined, then nudged XDD with his arm, "Let's go, babe, didn't we agree to go eat?"
XDD, already embarrassed from the misunderstanding, quickly responded to Bai Ye's cue, "Let's go, let's go, my car's in the parking lot, and I've already booked the restaurant..."
"What? Them? Girlfriend?"
Watching the two walk further away, the girl looked bewildered, and after a long while, she internally lamented, "What a waste of talent!!!"
"If I had known, I would have gone along with that catfish's suggestion and taken a photo with him, maybe even added him on WeChat. If I could become his bestie, maybe I'd have a chance to steal him away in the future..."
Parking lot.
Bai Ye sat in the passenger seat of the Panamera, clicking his tongue, "After knowing you for so many years, I'm finally sitting in my Zuoshen's Porsche."
"Mocking me, huh? If you like it, I'll give you one later."
"Yeah, right, cut it out." Visit g.com for the full chapter.
"Haha."
XDD started the car and casually asked, "That girl must be questioning her life now, but she was quite pretty. Why didn't you even give her your WeChat?"
"I'm just focused on making money right now!"
"Alright!"
XDD said, "Let's head to the restaurant first. I've called a few people from the club for you to meet. My mom wants me to bring you home for dinner tomorrow and officially discuss the contract..."
"Sure, I'll follow your lead."
Magic City had a lot of traffic at night, and it took over an hour to reach the restaurant.
A few young people were standing crookedly at the entrance, and when they saw XDD's car, they quickly came over to greet them.
"Zuo Ge."
"Let me introduce you, this is my Bai Ge, Nightgod!"
XDD introduced, "Bai Ge, you know Lvse, this is Xiaobei, Bai, and Xiaoliu (for convenience, all use IDs)..."
"Damn, Nightgod, are you really this handsome?"
"It's over, my title as Pero's top handsome is in jeopardy..."
XDD didn't call many people today, but they were all close friends.
Some Bai Ye already knew, and although he hadn't met the others, under XDD's guidance, the atmosphere quickly became lively.
They were all young and internet-addicted youths, so there was no shortage of common topics.
They drank until half-past eleven, and XDD finally said with satisfaction, "Let's go, brothers, for a foot massage? My treat!"
"Let's go!"
......
The next morning, Bai Ye and XDD, who kept yawning, walked out of the bathhouse.
"Hey Bai Ge, we only slept after four, aren't you tired at all?"
"Not really, I have pretty good sleep quality."
"So envious..."
"Envious? Then let me take you to the gym, I guarantee you'll fall asleep as soon as you hit the bed every night."
"No thanks, I'd rather lie in bed and play on my phone with that time."
Since they were going to his house for a meal, it wouldn't be appropriate to show up empty-handed. On the way, Bai Ye asked XDD to find a place to stop and bought a few boxes of milk and other gifts.
By the time they arrived at XDD's house, it was almost noon. As soon as they reached the door, an enticing aroma greeted them.
"I'm back!"
"Why are you so late? Mom's been asking about you several times."
Hearing the door open, Pipi came out to greet them. She paused for a moment when she saw Bai Ye, then said, "Wow, Bai Ge, I almost didn't recognize you!"
"Little Bai's here?"
Zuo Ma came out of the kitchen upon hearing the voice, and was surprised to see Bai Ye, "Little Bai, what have you been doing these years to grow so strong?"
"Haha, there's been quite a bit of change these past few years," Bai Ye replied with a smile.
"Didn't I tell you, you shouldn't have brought anything..."
"I just picked them up on the way, nothing valuable."
Zuo Ma chuckled and said, "Alright, you three sit in the living room and rest for a bit. The last dish is almost ready." New chapters come out on g.com first.
Before long, Zuo Ma had the meal prepared.
Sweet and sour ribs, braised sea cucumber, an old explosive dish, a big pot of tender stewed beef ribs, and two vegetable dishes.
Zuo Ma served Bai Ye a bowl of rice first, "Little Bai, I remember you used to love my sweet and sour ribs. I specially bought some ribs this morning, you must eat more."
"Absolutely."
Bai Ye replied, "I've missed your cooking so much these past two years in Xinzhou. Today, I must have at least two bowls of rice!"
Back when he was in Magic City, Bai Ye often came over for meals.
To be fair, Zuo Ma's cooking was indeed delicious, and her dishes were no worse than those in restaurants.
Especially the beef ribs, clearly stewed for a long time, tender and falling off the bone, with a rich, oily flavor that was indescribable.
Seeing Bai Ye enjoy the food, Zuo Ma felt a sense of accomplishment and occasionally used communal chopsticks to serve him more.
Watching this, XDD couldn't help but complain, "Ah, the real young master has returned home, and the fake young master has become invisible..."
"Been watching too many short dramas, huh?"
Zuo Ma glared at him and said, "Look at Little Bai, that's how you eat. Unlike you, eating like a cat, getting full after just a few bites, and still can't use chopsticks properly at your age!"
"Geniuses and ordinary people are always different. Some people can't even tie their shoelaces at thirty, but it doesn't stop them from achieving great things in other areas."
Bai Ye chimed in, "Among his peers, Little Zuo is already very outstanding. Auntie, you shouldn't set your expectations too high."
"Look at this kid, knows how to talk."
Zuo Ma's smile widened, "Little Bai, try this sea cucumber, it's good for your health..."
The meal was a delightful experience for everyone.
Afterward, Zuo Ma sliced some fruit and chatted with Bai Ye in the living room.
"Little Bai, you've known Little Xuan for so many years, I've watched you grow up. We're all very happy you've agreed to join Pero."
Once the atmosphere was right, Zuo Ma got serious, "But as the saying goes, clear accounts make good friends. It's best to discuss the specific terms and conditions in advance to avoid any disputes that might affect your friendship later."
Here it comes.
XDD started his career early, and when he first began playing professionally and streaming, he was still a minor. Many of the streaming and club operations were handled by Zuo Ma.
"Auntie, I understand what you're saying."
Bai Ye nodded and replied, "Business is business, and Pero isn't just Little Zuo's. Let's handle it properly."
"I'm glad you understand. Of course, Auntie won't let you suffer."
Zuo Ma said, "Yesterday, Little Zuo told me about offering you a base salary of 100,000. I have no objections to that price; you're worth it."
"Though I don't understand games, I understand the market. Little Zuo says your skill level is T0 Tier in the country, and for such a top player, 100,000 a month is not much."
"In addition to the base salary, the club will take a 10% cut from escort services as basic operational costs. I've set your escort rate at 980 yuan per hour, which is top-tier in the industry."
"You don't need to worry about not getting orders. The club will provide you with the necessary resources and support to build your reputation..."
"Finally, regarding streaming, the company requires at least a three-year contract, with a 20% cut from streaming income. However, our club has a partnership with TikTok, which takes a 40% cut..."
A 100,000 base salary, a 10% cut from escort services, and effectively only a 10% cut from streaming, along with resource support.
Except for the requirement of a minimum three-year contract, the terms Zuo Ma offered were even more favorable than Bai Ye had imagined.
But then again, with a guaranteed annual salary of 1.2 million, what more could he ask for?
"No problem, I can accept all of that." Bai Ye immediately replied.
"Great!"
Zuo Ma stood up and extended her hand, saying seriously, "Little Bai, welcome to the Pero family!"