Fish Mint

Xu Yitong is a wealthy, sheltered young woman from Shanghai who is known for her confident and chatty personality. Despite her privileged background, she has never been interested in the professional esports scene until she develops an immediate and intense crush on Yu Ge, a cold and aloof ADC player for the top-tier team OG. Yu Ge is renowned for his skill and his complete lack of romantic interest in fans, earning him a reputation as an unattainable figure. Xu Yitong’s pursuit is complicated by a pre-existing feud between her cousin, Chen Yuzheng, a cocky pro player for the rival team TG, and Yu Ge. Chen Yuzheng had previously mocked Yu Ge online, leading to a fierce backlash against him, which Xu Yitong initially dismisses as the work of people with too much free time.

Through a mutual friend named Yi Yi, who is dating another OG player, Xu Yitong manages to enter the social circle of esports players’ girlfriends. She learns that Yu Ge is considered impossible to win over, with rumors suggesting he has no interest in anyone. Undeterred, Xu Yitong attempts to woo him by creating a massive, custom gift bouquet filled with his favorite cookies and a handmade glass fish pendant, referencing his player ID. However, her initial attempts are met with indifference. Yu Ge mistakes her for a flower seller and coldly rejects her gifts, leaving Xu Yitong humiliated and heartbroken. Despite these rejections, she persists, driven by a stubborn belief that sincerity can eventually win him over.

A significant turning point occurs when Xu Yitong encounters Yu Ge late at night, sitting alone and eating cookies after a family crisis. Yu Ge is visibly distressed due to the recent death of his grandmother and ongoing conflicts with his father’s side of the family. During this vulnerable moment, Xu Yitong shows him kindness and companionship, even sharing a brief, playful interaction where he calls her "SpongeBob" and later "baby." This encounter softens Yu Ge’s demeanor, and he begins to respond to her messages, agreeing to return an umbrella she lent him. Xu Yitong also discovers that her cousin Chen Yuzheng is secretly dating Yu Ge’s younger sister, Yu Nuo, creating a tangled web of family and professional rivalries.

As the story progresses, Xu Yitong decides to open a handicraft shop near the OG base, ostensibly for business but primarily to be closer to Yu Ge. She navigates the complex dynamics of the esports world, witnessing the intense pressure and public scrutiny that players face. The rivalry between OG and TG escalates, particularly as Chen Yuzheng’s provocative behavior continues to draw criticism. Xu Yitong finds herself caught between her loyalty to her cousin and her growing affection for Yu Ge, who gradually becomes more aware of her persistent presence.

The narrative explores the contrast between Xu Yitong’s open, expressive nature and Yu Ge’s reserved, guarded personality. While Yu Ge remains largely indifferent to most fans, Xu Yitong’s unwavering attention and genuine care begin to penetrate his emotional barriers. The story highlights the challenges of pursuing someone who is emotionally unavailable and the social complexities of dating within the high-stakes environment of professional gaming. Xu Yitong’s journey is one of persistence and self-discovery, as she learns to balance her romantic ambitions with her own identity and independence.

Key conflicts include the fan wars between OG and TG, the family drama surrounding Yu Ge’s lineage, and Xu Yitong’s internal struggle to maintain her dignity while chasing an elusive target. The story builds towards a potential resolution where Xu Yitong’s consistent support and understanding might finally reach Yu Ge, challenging his long-held stance on keeping others at a distance. The narrative concludes with the ongoing tension between their worlds, leaving the outcome of their relationship uncertain but hinting at a gradual thawing of Yu Ge’s icy exterior.