The Wind Heard Her Confession - Chapter 12: An Obviously Secret Crush part 1

In the morning, Lin Yuran had been drawing for about an hour when she hit a creative block. Chewing on a lollipop, she pondered her dilemma. Chi Ye approached her. “Out of ideas?”

Lin Yuran nodded. “Yeah.”

“Come on,” Chi Ye said, “I’ll take you somewhere to find inspiration.”

Without asking questions, Lin Yuran packed her things and followed him.

“As the producer of the Limitless Duel, our company has its own e-sports club,” Chi Ye explained as they walked. “I’ll take you to the training base to get a feel for the atmosphere.”

“Sounds good.”

The e-sports base was in a building next to RanYe. They arrived in just a few steps.

The base’s design differed greatly from RanYe’s, exuding a futuristic and technological vibe. The space buzzed with young people in a relaxed atmosphere.

When Chi Ye brought Lin Yuran inside, the team members were in the middle of training. They erupted in excitement upon seeing her.

A group of young men bombarded them with questions. “Brother Chi, is this your girlfriend?”

Before either could respond, a blonde-haired young man bounced up to Lin Yuran and teased, “Wow! Brother Chi’s girlfriend is gorgeous! Like an elf!”

Chi Ye gave him a playful kick. “Get back to your training.”

“Tsk tsk, look at Brother Chi being protective!” the blonde teased. “I’m just looking, you can’t stop me!”

Lin Yuran smiled awkwardly. “I’m not a girlfriend. I’m a blind box designer collaborating with your company.” She introduced herself briefly, “My name is Lin Yuran.”

“Ahoy! Big Designer Lin has come to visit me at the base?” Qin Lang’s voice called down from upstairs. He bounded down the stairs, his voice brimming with amusement. “I just knew it! Big Designer Lin would come our way sooner or later.”

Chi Ye shot him a glance before turning to Lin Yuran. “I brought you here not only to experience the game atmosphere for inspiration, but also to familiarize you with the Lone Wolf Squad members. This season, they’re poised to win the championship. When that happens, the company will release a blind box series featuring each member’s likeness.”

Following his lead, Qin Lang gestured for introductions. “Come on, everyone – introduce yourselves to Designer Lin.”

The team members obediently stood one by one, offering brief self-introductions.

After the round of introductions, the little blonde-haired guy gazed at Lin Yuran with puppy-dog eyes. “Sister Ran, you have to make me look both cool and handsome in the design! I’ve got a whole army of wife fans waiting!”

Chi Ye shot him a frosty glare. “Getting familiar already, are we?”

Ji Mo, standing nearby, chuckled. “That’s actually slow for him. He’s the self-proclaimed romance expert Yanxi. Brother Chi, you’d better keep an eye on Designer Lin.”

Yanxi clicked his tongue. “I’m simply stating my design preferences to Sister Ran. Don’t make it sound so scandalous!”

Ji Mo: “You don’t need to tell me that. When the company’s official website announced the collaboration, I checked out Designer Lin’s work. Her ‘Night Mister’ series is both stylish and edgy, deeply loved by fans. She’s clearly got experience.”

Yan Xi: “I know that. I have a girlfriend who’s obsessed with collecting dolls from that series.” He turned to look at Lin Yuran. “Sister Ran, can I ask a question on behalf of my girlfriend?”

“Of course, go ahead,” Lin Yuran replied with a smile.

“Does the Night Mister series have a real-life model?”

“Yes,” Lin Yuran admitted. “When designing dolls, we always need some reference points. Purely imagined designs are rare.”

Yan Xi nodded in understanding. “The Night Mister dolls are so lifelike, every expression and pose is perfectly captured. Could it be based on your first love or secret crush?”

“Uh…” Lin Yuran hadn’t expected this question. She instinctively glanced at Chi Ye before answering sincerely, “No, at most I might have had a fleeting interest.”

Hearing this, everyone grew excited again. “Wah~, if the doll that made the fairy sister’s heart flutter is already this handsome, the real person must be unbelievably gorgeous!”

Ji Mo laughed, “I think Brother Chi is already handsome beyond reason. Could anyone possibly match his looks?”

Lin Yuran couldn’t help but shift her gaze toward Chi Ye.

Chi Ye stood there, looking pensive.

“About the same,” Lin Yuran replied dismissively.

Yan Xi chimed in, “To be honest, I think Night Mister’s expressions and movements are quite like Brother Chi’s.”

“…” Lin Yuran pressed her lips together, glancing at Chi Ye again.

“Alright, enough chatting. Everyone, focus on your training,” Chi Ye interrupted their banter, his tone turning serious. “Also, watch your words and actions carefully. Designer Lin will be observing everything you do. Your character traits will be reflected in his final designs.”

“Ouch! Is that so?” Qin Lang interjected. “Then let’s start over, Great Designer Lin. Don’t judge me by my earlier performance. When I’m not talking, I’m actually quite aloof and cool.”

Lin Yuran smiled.

True enough. When Qin Lang wasn’t being his usual talkative self, he could be quite handsome. His thin single eyelids framed a high nose bridge, his lips were of perfect thickness, and his features were strikingly defined. Standing slightly shorter than Chi Ye, Lin Yuran estimated him to be around 186cm tall. In formal attire, he carried himself with a dandy’s elegance.

Chi Ye teased, “Right, provided you don’t speak a single word.”

Qin Lang: “……”

The group of young men dissolved into giggles.

Chi Ye turned to Lin Yuran. “Want to play a few rounds of games?”

“Sure,” Lin Yuran agreed.

Chi Ye pointed to a computer station. “This is my spot. I come here to play when I’m free. You can use it.”

“Okay.” Lin Yuran settled into his seat.

“Are you playing Huo Qubing?” Chi Ye opened his computer. “Use my alt account. My main has him at a high level.”

Lin Yuran waved her hand, embarrassed. “No thanks. I’m too bad at this. I’ll ruin your record.”

Yan Xi’s station was right next to them. He chimed in, “Don’t worry, I’ll guide you.”

Chi Ye glanced at Yan Xi, logged her into the account, then found another machine across from her. Lin Yuran played with Yan Xi. The boy was enthusiastic, leaning over to help with her keyboard now and then. Their hands occasionally brushed, but she didn’t mind.

In the second round, Lin Yuran stumbled into an enemy ambush. “What do I do? Help!”

A shadow suddenly loomed over her. A crisp, woodsy scent with a hint of soapbean enveloped her. Lin Yuran looked up.