Chapter 264 Rookie
"Don't go, I know how to play." Charles's voice was cold, but his eyes were locked on her.
He had definitely messed up earlier, mostly because he hadn't paid attention to a word of Diana's explanation of the game.
The vibe between them had finally become so chill, and he naturally wanted to enjoy it a bit longer.
Diana pouted, hesitated for a moment, and then gave in. "Alright, you can play another round. But if you die that quickly again, I'm not playing with you anymore."
The game was already open, and it would be a shame not to play.
Charles nodded, let go of her hand, and started the next round.
Smart people learn quickly. Although he lost earlier, he had familiarized himself with the skills, and this time his movements were much smoother.
After a short burst of cheerful music, the word "Victory" popped up on the screen.
Charles turned his head, raising an eyebrow slightly.
He didn't say a word, but it was clear he was quite pleased with himself.
"Not bad, no wonder you're the CEO of the Percy Group. You learn everything so quickly."
Her compliment made him smile slightly, and he confidently started the next round.
Back in school, he didn't play many video games, but he did play basketball.
Back then, girls would flock to cheer for him, filling up half the gym.
But he found it all noisy, channeling all his emotions into the game.
Now, however, Diana's praise excited him.
He played the next round quickly and skillfully.
After the game ended, Charles turned to look at her again.
Diana raised an eyebrow, suddenly feeling he looked just like Snowy when it brought back a ball.
Was he expecting a reward?
Thinking about how she was going to crush him next, Diana's eyes sparkled as she said, "You're really good, so impressive. I'm so scared I won't be able to beat you later."
'The best way to destroy a gaming newbie is with excessive praise.' Diana laughed inwardly, planning to make him beg for mercy soon!
Charles, pleased with the compliment, selected a harder mode and continued practicing, saying, "No worries, I won't let you lose too badly."
"Charles, you're so sweet!" Diana held back her laughter, her tone sugary and seductive, making Charles's heart flutter.
This time, the game took a bit longer, and although it was challenging, he managed to win.
"Let's play together." Charles couldn't wait any longer. Playing with Diana was more important than the game itself.
But since he had been practicing, and she hadn't even picked up the controller, she might lose.
No matter, he could go easy on her. Winning or losing didn't matter in a game.
With that in mind, Charles started the next round with Diana.
Diana sat cross-legged, warming her hands with her breath and rubbing them together, ready to go.
As the music started, their characters appeared on the screen. Diana was on the right, Charles on the left.
He moved his character and said, "I'll let you have a couple of moves. Don't cry if you lose."
Diana raised an eyebrow, chuckling.
Let her? What a joke. Back in her Sword of Damocles days, she was always at the top of the leaderboards.
Charles, a beginner, had no idea how brutal the world of esports could be.
"Alright, thank you, Mr. Percy."
With that, Diana moved her character, and in the next second, a smooth combo took away half of Charles's character's health.
He fell silent, gripping his controller a bit tighter, and asked, "Did you practice beforehand?"
Diana, feeling great as she imagined the game character as Charles, replied, "How could I? I can't predict the future. How would I know you'd play with me? Want to switch characters?"
Charles pursed his lips, then naturally took her controller. Losing was embarrassing, and switching controllers was too, so he might as well go all in.
Diana didn't mind. Now their characters matched their real-life counterparts. "Let's start."
This game wasn't turn-based; it relied entirely on reaction time and understanding of the game.
Charles's character was now a black-haired prince with much more health than the little girl.
As the characters moved on the screen, Diana found the lower health more challenging. She skillfully dodged his attacks, landing hits whenever she could.
After a long battle, their health bars finally evened out. Charles became unusually serious, sitting up straight and staring at the screen as if it were today's stock market.
Diana, on the other hand, was much more relaxed, her lips slightly parted, biting her tongue to stay focused.
Finally, the prince fell, and the little girl jumped on him, the victory sign popping up.
Diana laughed so hard she couldn't sit up straight, her voice breaking, "Thank you, Mr. Percy, for going easy on me!"
Charles squinted, pausing, a competitive spirit rising within him. He had never lost at anything.
Smart people excel at everything they do. How could he lose at a simple game to a woman?
"Again."
Diana was more than willing. For her, the fun was just beginning. "Sure, Mr. Percy, don't hold back this time. Show me your true skills."
The war was on. Diana no longer held back, defeating Charles faster than she would a difficult boss. She didn't know how many times she won before Charles finally had enough.
He put down the controller, gritting his teeth, "Diana, are you pretending to be weak on purpose?"
He wasn't smiling, but Diana was beaming. Her eyes curved, her tone light and teasing, "How could I? It's all thanks to you going easy on me. It's all luck!"
Her voice trailed off, clearly provoking him.
The next second, her shoulder was pressed down, and with a yelp, Diana found herself pinned to the bed, Charles looming over her with a dangerous look in his eyes. "Winning against me makes you that happy?"
"Why wouldn't it? When the Percy Group lands a big deal, aren't you happy, Mr. Percy?" Diana retorted, pushing against his chest to create some distance.
Her palm felt his rapid heartbeat through his skin and bones, making her hand tingle. She instinctively tried to pull away, but he grabbed it, pressing it firmly against him.
Charles's voice was low, "Happy, but it's wrong to deceive me. You clearly know how to play."
Praising him on purpose, teasing him, then crushing him. What a naughty girl!
Charles's breath was hot, his eyes locked onto her rosy, glistening lips. "I didn't lie. I just have a natural talent..."
Before she could finish, Charles's face was suddenly close, their lips meeting. His tongue teased her teeth, making her neck tingle.
Sensing her attempt to escape, Charles clasped her hand, their fingers intertwining, inseparable.
Diana couldn't break free, her focus forced onto the kiss.