Not for Sale, but Our CP Value Is Off the Charts [Esports]

[This is a coming-soon story. Please add it to your collection! I haven't gathered enough material yet, so writing will be delayed. I'll write I'm Hoarding a Mountain in the Apocalypse first.]

Esports is a ruthless industry. After their former organization collectively "optimized" them out, Ye Cheng and his teammates went their separate ways. Three years passed, and they had not won a single award.

Once a mid-lane prodigy, Ye Cheng became an aging free agent. Everyone was waiting for news of his retirement, but he refused to give up. He would build his own team and become its owner. He would win the championship that had once been within arm's reach!

No long speeches were needed. His former teammates returned one by one. The base, the paperwork... everything was ready, except for one "sugar daddy."

His teammates offered suggestions:

"Put Ye Cheng on a variety show to sell his looks. He's a guaranteed moneymaker."

"If you ask me, Qin Chuxiao could livestream. His fans' donations would cover the down payment."

The manager delivered his verdict, his eyes gleaming with the light of capital: "Their CP fans are the real core asset! Trust me, sell the bromance!"

Ye Cheng narrowed his eyes dangerously. "You don't understand esports! Esports rejects bromance-baiting!"

Qin Chuxiao looked coldly at him. "Esports also rejects being bundled together."

The manager lamented, "You don't understand business!"

The plan was rejected, but unexpectedly, the team's popularity rose instead of falling.

On camera, Qin Chuxiao carried Ye Cheng's gaming gear bag.

On livestream, Ye Cheng casually pinged, and Qin Chuxiao knew exactly where to go.

One trending topic followed another. Their CP hashtag grew unbelievably popular, and sponsors rushed to the team's door.

The manager grinned so hard his mouth nearly split. "And you still say you're not selling it?"

Qin Chuxiao turned his chair toward Ye Cheng, the corners of his mouth lifting in a smile. "What's the point of selling it? The real thing is what matters."

Reader's notes:

1. Esports story, lighthearted, 1v1, happy ending.

2. The author's gaming skills are terrible, so we're going for pure, mindless fun.

3. MOBA game setting, drawing inspiration from characters and abilities in various games.

4. The characters aren't based on real people, so please don't make that connection. Team strategies and tactics will be referenced.

5. The blurb may be revised, but the core content will remain the same. (A screenshot of the blurb was saved on April 30, 2026.)

Theme: Age is no obstacle. Charge ahead in esports.