“Dad, I’m back!” The teenager rushed up to the middle-aged man like a gust of wind, a bright, sunny smile lighting up his handsome face.

“Did you win?” Old Thompson put the lid on his cup. If he didn’t leave soon, the store clerk’s glares would kill him.

“Of course! When have I ever lost?”

“Remember what you promised. Your old man staked his position as head of the family to guarantee it to your mom. You must get into a top university—best if you can become an official in the future. Don’t take advantage of my lack of education. Your old man’s fists aren’t just for show.” Old Thompson waved his fist, as big as a sandbag. He didn’t understand anything about games, only that raising a kid was like doing business: you had to offer some sweetness to get what you wanted.

“Don’t worry.” David Thompson was just about to pledge his loyalty when the sleazy guy from the internet café rushed over.

“Kier, let’s talk. I’m really sincere!” Eric Bennett said anxiously. The genius who beat Ook was definitely SSG’s only hope for salvation—he had to get him.

Old Thompson suddenly stood up, waving his fist. “Kid, are you looking for trouble? Trying to lure my son away? Believe it or not, my fists will smash you flat!”

Five minutes later, the three of them were seated, and Eric Bennett had ordered food for everyone. The waitress’s attitude had softened considerably.

“So, you’re the boss of a big Korean company?” Old Thompson said with a smile. Little David sat quietly to the side, knowing that whenever his dad smiled like that, it meant his shrewd businessman side was about to start scheming.

“Not the boss, just a manager. But don’t worry, I have the authority to make decisions. You can look up our company online—it’s totally legit. The signing bonus is 500,000 RMB. And I guarantee, under our training, Kier will become a top e-sports star. In Korea, e-sports is as big as soccer or basketball—annual salaries in the millions are common.” Eric Bennett secretly breathed a sigh of relief. As a professional manager, he could tell from their clothes and expressions that the family wasn’t well-off. As long as there was a weakness, negotiations would be easy.

Old Thompson glanced indifferently at the Korean, slapped the contract on the table. “I don’t understand all this mumbo jumbo, but my son is too young. I won’t let him go abroad.”

Eric Bennett gritted his teeth. “Six hundred thousand.”

“One million. I hate haggling. Makes it feel like I’m selling my son. Take it or leave it. If you don’t want to, get lost.” Old Thompson looked thoroughly disgusted. Little David had become completely invisible. Dad, the only thing you care about is the price, right?

Eric Bennett had a headache. He looked at Kier, and the scene of that amazing play where he wiped out Ook with a single move flashed through his mind. Life is about taking risks. He’d come all the way to China—he couldn’t go home empty-handed.

“Fine, it’s a deal. But according to our rules, the contract is for five years. During that time—”

Old Thompson impatiently waved his hand. “Tomorrow, here. Cash for the goods, hand to hand.”

Old Thompson left with Little David, leaving an excited Eric Bennett behind. He could front the money—no problem. Just thinking about SSG’s potential rise filled him with energy. And with the Chinese market maturing, this was definitely a wise move.

On the way home, David Thompson couldn’t hold it in any longer. “Dad, am I really your biological son?”

Bang!

Little David got a knock on the head. “Dummy, you think I don’t know what you’re made of? You get to play games every day—aren’t you thrilled?”

“What if he’s a scammer?” Little David pouted, unconvinced. Going to Korea to play professionally—just the thought was exciting. Crushing pros sounded like so much fun. But to help Dad bargain, of course he wouldn’t say that. Back when Old Thompson sold vegetables at the market, they used to play this double act: usually, when David Thompson said, ‘Auntie, these veggies just came in today,’ they’d sell out fast.

Old Thompson rolled his eyes. “You really think foreigners are all rich and stupid? Just tell me if you want to go or not.”

David Thompson grinned. Are you kidding? This was a total turnaround, a light at the end of the tunnel.

The next day, both parties signed the contract smoothly. Eric Bennett paid 300,000 up front—he had to return to Korea to make arrangements, and would bring the rest in a month to pick up David Thompson. This made Old Thompson feel a bit more at ease.

However, a month later, Eric Bennett didn’t show up. Another month passed, and Old Thompson got a call from Eric Bennett. After a long-winded explanation, the gist was that SSG had been acquired, and the new boss opposed the deal. According to the contract, Old Thompson was supposed to refund part of the money. Was that a joke? The house had already been bought—there was no money left. In the end, Eric Bennett had to swallow his loss, but David Thompson was not allowed to participate in any official or unofficial gaming events during the contract period.

That year’s events really changed the family’s fate, but for David Thompson himself, it was quite an obstacle. Still, Little David was nothing if not naturally optimistic—a trait inherited from Old Thompson. Besides, he wasn’t old at all—still a total heartthrob.

Staring at the date in the bottom right corner of the screen, David Thompson couldn’t help but grin foolishly. Only twelve days left on the contract. By then, he’d be like a Hokage with full chakra, ready to QWER anyone he met.

“David Thompson, all you do is play on that stupid computer! Get out here right now!” A lion’s roar from his mom snapped David Thompson out of his sentimental mood, and he scrambled out of the room.

“Mom, your son has a weak heart—can you not yell so loud?” It was mealtime, and David Thompson immediately hustled out.

Off to the side, Old Thompson set his thermos down and couldn’t help but chuckle.