Chapter 252 - Let's Win!

Heiz gaped at Sofia with a puzzled expression on her face. "E-Sports? I've never played virtual games. I'm not fit to join your group, sis."

"Oh, this position does not necessarily require for you to play virtual games. We need an assistant manager. There is a regular salary and you can stay with me in this unit with your baby so that you can earn money. Once you are capable of finding a new place, you can go anytime," Sofia answered.

"Ahhh..." Heiz hesitated. She lowered her gaze and briefly thought of the offer. 'Assistant manager! Less than an hour after our encounter... yet, she did not even bat an eye to take me as assistant manager?! Such an offer seemed to be the answer to my prayers!'

Claire was also taken aback by the sudden proposal of Sofia. She could not help but stare at Heiz and silently wondered who the lady was. 'I've never met her before. And if she is not a gamer, then how did Sofia meet her?'

"Is it hard to work as assistant manager in gaming club? I have no work experience of this job," Heiz questioned in a soft tone. Her eyes shifted from her sleeping baby, then to Sofia and Claire.

"We are forming our E-Sports club to comply in the tournament. As far as I am concerned, there are no strict requirements to manage us. Our squad has a bare minimum of five members including me and Claire. At most, what you will be going to do is check our social media accounts and respond to necessary inquiries," Sofia described.

"I see. From what I have heard earlier, your squad can play without any club backing your group?" Heiz mumbled.

"That's right. We can participate in the tournament without listing a club," Sofia answered. Somehow, she could guess where their conversation is going.

"Then, there is really no need to form a club," Heiz stated.

"We need the club as a protection for our group. If we don't list a club and become the champion of the tournament, those opponents that were groomed and trained by the clubs would be insulted. And they may cause unnecessary trouble in our group. Or, they might complain to the organizer of the tournament," Sofia said.

Claire and Heiz felt like they have widened their horizon as they listened attentively to Sofia's explanation. Somehow, they have lost the words that they were about to respond to her. 

"Besides, we are close friends that share the same interest in playing games and pursuits. So, we can train at our own pace and form strategies to win the competition. If we join a club now, there is a chance that the management would separate us. If the club demands that only selected players can play, we have no choice but to obey their arrangement. That's not what we want. We want to play together and enjoy every battle we fight," Sofia added after the two did not say a word.

"Yes, I agree! We enjoy playing games because we have familiarized our habits and gameplays," Claire nodded. 

Sofia smiled and looked at Heiz. "What's your decision?"

"I... sure! But, I have a condition. I don't want to reveal my real identity. Is that okay?" Heiz asked.

This question garnered different reactions from Sofia and Claire. On Sofia's side, her eyes landed on the baby and she gave her a considerate look. "That's fine!" she agreed.

Consequently, on the other side, Claire instantly frowned and looked suspicious to Heiz. She also managed to speak, "Why not?"

"I just want to live a life away from the limelight. My baby needs a peaceful life," Heiz shrugged.

"I don't see any problem with your condition, sis. You can keep your identity hidden. Clubs are an internal matter. If we don't want to reveal personal details of the staff, the tournament organizers won't force us," Sofia said.

"Sof, you just trust her easily? If she wants her identity hidden, there is something wrong with her! Where did you meet her? When did you become so trusting?" Claire leaned on Sofia's ears and whispered worriedly.

"It's okay, Claire. She sold me a watch, earlier. And I trust her," Sofia said as she remembered the first time she had eye contact with Heiz. The sense of desperation that is reflected in this single mother's eyes is still fresh in her mind. She was not naïve to trust a stranger that easily. But, for some unknown reason, she felt that Heiz had earned her trust despite their too short encounter.

"Okay," Claire said and stood straight. She took a deep breath then forced a smile when she looked at Heiz again. "Sofia is our squad leader. In other words, she will be your boss if you agree to be the assistant manager of our club. She is not strict so it's better if you agree to her offer, sis."

"Really?" Heiz's face lit up.

"Of course! Even if you make mistake, she will not fire you! And Ms. Jing Jing, the one we mentioned who will be the club manager, is also friendly. You are lucky to meet Sofia!" Claire chuckled.

"Ahh... what a sweet-talking! I did not know you are capable of overly complimenting me, Claire!" Sofia joked.

"She is just modest. Sofia is not strict. She is a reliable boss," Claire told Heiz in defense.

"Not strict? Hmm...that depends! When it comes to regular rules, I am reasonable. As long as my kindness is not taken advantage of and used against me or the people I value, I'm fine. After all, we are protective to the people and things we love," Sofia slightly laughed.

"True. For the people we value, we protect them unconditionally." Heiz said and glance at her baby with gentle expression on her face. "When can I start?" she inquired.

"We have scheduled appointments and have not registered in the tournament. Maybe, by next week, we can finalize our arrangement as well as your salary," Sofia answered.

"You don't need to pay me as assistant manager. Since you let me stay here in your place, I'll take this as my salary," Heiz stated but Sofia was quick to shake her head twice about her idea. No way!

"Sister, if I don't give you salary, how are you going to earn and save money for your baby? Don't worry, this world does not lack money. My squad will find a way to gather them for us to afford your salary. Hahaha," Sofia playfully said and suddenly became excited about the opening of their business.

Claire joined her and laughed too. "Hahaha... Yes, I will give my best in the tournament to be the champion again. Then, we can pay your salary Heiz! It's unfair if we don't pay you!" Unlike Sofia, Claire's mindset was simply on the prize money. 

"That's a good motivation, Claire! Let's win!" Sofia giggled and clapped her hand.

"We will win! Our squad leader is great! Heiz, if you have time, I can teach you how to play online games too! Hahaha," Claire grinned.

Hearing their stifled laughter, Heiz's shoulder also vibrated as she tried to contain her laughter. If only gathering money was just as easy as Sofia said!

'Insisting to pay.... What an odd character! If this is the new form of selfishness, may this kind of character multiply,' Heiz secretly thought while she remembered the scene when Sofia said she is being selfish when she invited her to take a temporary shelter.