"Congratulations Mister Duan,"Bai Yiran chirped,a blissful sensation spreading throughout the body.
Everyone was exhilarated not because of Duan Yu's success but because they would finally be able to gain freedom from the pressure of ridiculously high expectations and rigid rules.
Beihai Games was planning on extending its company. The plan was to introduce game designing to the company. They would be able to create and design their own games. There was a training program for game designers and the company had appointed Duan Yu to attend on behalf of the company. It was also something Duan Yu had been yearning to attend and when he got the opportunity he couldn't help but express his joy.
"Thank you,"the older man said widening his smile.
The RDS members flashed smiles at him but they were smiles with a twisted meaning. They were absolutely pleased with his departure.
"When are you leaving?...I mean maybe we can prepare a parting gift for you?"Bai Yiran asked trying to hide his excitement at the thought of the man leaving.
"My flight is on Saturday afternoon. The program is supposed to start on Monday."
"You're leaving the day after tomorrow?"
"Yes,"the manager confirmed.
"O-Okay."
"Who will be our manager?"
"Miss Shu will manage both teams for the meantime and Gong Jun will assist her."
"Oh ...yes,"they almost squealed with joy.
"I'll be calling occasionally to check up on your progress so don't you dare slack off,"The older man stated sternly.
"Yes of course Mister Duan."
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On Saturday,Duan Yu left leaving the members having their own Liberation Party.Bai Yiran organized the party at their building. He ordered sumptuous foods from restaurants and drinks . The members assembled in Bai Yiran's room to celebrate their liberty from Duan Yu's claws.
"Manager Duan I will miss you so much "Bai Yiran said, fake sobbing and then drank a mouthful of liquor.
Li Yang laughed at his friend's antics.
"From now on we can organize our own celebratory dinners after winning matches,"Zhang Wei ,one of the members said.
That night everyone drank alcohol carelessly with an aim to black out. The feeling was too good to be expressed in words.The feeling of liberation,freed from a cage Duan Yu had built for them.
Someone knocked at the door and for a minute they almost got sober.
"Did Manager Duan sense we misbehaved and came back? Or maybe he missed the flight?"Bai Yiran cried dramatically.
"Oh God let it not be him,"Zhang Wei joined the dramatic sobbing. The members who were usually quiet were now howling like excited wolves.
"I'll get the door,"Li Yang said.
"Wait ! Let's clean up this mess first,"Bai Yiran said in a panic stricken voice and crawled on the floor, fumbling while collecting the empty beer cans and alcohol bottles. The others began cleaning the floor getting rid of the left foods and torn boxes and aluminium foils.
"Whoever it is I'll handle him,"Li Yang assured them.
"Okay tell them I'm in a state that I can't let anyone in my room!"
"Okay."
Li Yang got up from the floor and dusted his clothes, straightening them before walking towards the door. The others nervously held their breaths as their leader advanced towards the door.
Li Yang grabbed the door handle and opened the door slightly just to get a glimpse of the intruder but opened it wider having found out the visitor was absolutely harmless.
Bai Yiran dropped the beer cans he had already collected and let them roll on the floor. He opened a beer can and gulped down the liquid and smacked his lips in satisfaction.
"It's good that's it's you,"Bai Yiran said feeling relieved.
"Come in,"Li Yang ushered the Ocean Emblems' leader inside.
"Do you want to join our party?"Bai Yiran offered.
"What's the occasion?"the younger questioned curiously with a smile.
"I guess you heard the Mighty Duan is no longer in China and won't be ,for quite a while and I guess that calls for a celebration,"Zhang Wei informed.
"I guess it doesn't sound so bad joining your party then,"Chen Hao said with a smile and sat on the floor beside the RDS leader who handed him a beer.
While others blacked out ,Li Yang and Chen Hao remained a little sober.
"What do we do with them?"Chen Hao asked in an amused voice and glanced at the older.
"Leave them on the cold floor till they become sober," the older said in an equally amused voice.
"Are you that heartless?"Chen Hao joked.
"It's not about being heartless . They are suffering from the consequences of their actions,"the older argued.
"I suggest we throw them on the bed."
"Okay if you say so."
Grabbing one by one they threw the drunk RDS members on the bed and threw a quilt over them.
"Let's go to my room,"Li Yang suggested.
"O-Okay..."Chen Hao mumbled nervously.
"Is everything okay?"Li Yang asked seeing how the younger was behaving awkwardly with him.
"No everything's fine. I'm just looking forward to see your room,"Chen Hao exclaimed in a high pitched voice that he cringed at his own actions.
" There's nothing interesting there ,just soft mattress and fluffy duvet."
They walked over to the older's room and the younger followed inside right behind him.
"Your room looks cool,"the younger gasped in amazement,his widened eyes absorbing every detail.
The room featured a modern and stylish with a dark, sophisticated color scheme. The space was thoughtfully designed to balance comfort and functionality, creating an inviting yet structured atmosphere.
It contained a large bed, dressed in dark gray bedding with a matching throw blanket, serving as the room's centerpiece. In front of the bed, a round, gray bean bag chair rests on a light gray area rug, complementing the wooden herringbone-patterned floor.
A large window on the left side let in soft, moonlight through sheer white curtains. Nearby, a potted plant added a fresh, organic touch.
The most eye-catching part of the room is the built-in desk and shelving unit along the opposite wall. The desk was neatly arranged with a computer monitor, keyboard, lamp, and speakers, making it a functional workspace. Above it, framed pictures—including a graph and a silhouette—added an intellectual and aesthetic appeal. The shelves were filled with books, decorative pieces, and additional greenery.
A small wall-mounted television was positioned to the right of the desk, accompanied by a low console table underneath holding decorative items and plants. The ceiling featured a modern chandelier with multiple bulbs, enhancing the contemporary aesthetic.
The room exuded a sleek and sophisticated vibe, dominated by a dark yet harmonious palette of grays, blacks, whites, and greens. The blend of textures—from the soft bedding to the structured wood flooring—created a refined, comfortable environment.
"I designed it myself,"Li Yang said proudly.
"It looks good can you help me decorate mine like this?"Chen Hao asked expectantly.
"Sure but I don't think this style suits you."
"Why?" Chen Hao asked in confusion not sure whether he should be offended or not.
"You're bright and cheerful so I think a bright themed room should suit you with light colours like white,pastels tones or even some airy shades of blue,"Li Yang
"Those are girlish colours and I'm not into girlish things I want to be cool,"the younger said in disgust.
"Who said it's girlish? Even if you decorate your room in pink it's not a problem,"the older remarked.
"I just don't like girly things,"the younger declared his voice changing to a frustrated one.
It's not like the older hadn't noticed how Chen Hao refused favours,acts of service or even being babied and he figured there was a reason why the younger acted that way.
"We can work with beige and gold tones I'm sure it'll look great ."
"Isn't beige a girlish colour?"
"Where did you even get the concept of girlish colours?"