Bro Gou…

What kind of message did he send me?

Hmm… Without even realizing it, a faint flicker of anticipation stirred inside her.

How strange. Why?

Lin Lin pressed a hand to her chest, lightly clenching her fist as she felt that odd, fluttering rhythm.

But she couldn’t quite name the reason.

Could it be…?

“Nah, impossible,” she muttered. “I’m a tough guy!”

Besides, she’d never even met Bro Gou face to face.

Only one possibility remained.

Hmm…

He’d spent money on her.

He was her very first viewer, after all—and that eye-catching ID had stuck in her mind.

That was all.

Sure, plenty of comment IDs felt familiar, but Bro Gou? He was the one Lin Lin recalled instantly.

Bro Gou—LookAgainOrImADog.

What private message had he sent? Hmm…

Could he be having a rough time?

No way. Bro Gou had been so generous with gifts before—he seemed wealthy. How could *he* be struggling?

Lin Lin mused: if she could lounge in bed daily, casually tossing a Super Rocket to other streamers like spare change—spending that much money as effortlessly as breathing—

Wouldn’t she be living the dream?

What troubles could possibly remain? She’d just stay home all day watching streams, gaming, and catching anime.

Ahem…

Why were her ambitions so modest?

Oh…

So *this* was the gap between her and the rich guys? Hmm. She got it now.

Even rich guys must have their worries.

Still… she should check for him.

“Help… I’ve lost the courage to open it. Feels like my perspective’s too narrow…”

Hmm…

Finally, Lin Lin reluctantly tapped the private message button. Instantly, the live chat erupted. Seeing her zone out, viewers swarmed with guesses:

[Whoa—did someone send lewd pics to my Yaya? Yali-chan’s speechless! You can *see* it!]

[Suspect the commenter above. Classic thief crying “stop thief”!]

[Not me! I sent “Yali-chan, smells so nice and feels so soft~”]

[Whoa, copying me? 100% plagiarism!]

[So what’d the streamer see? Who messaged her? Streamer, say something!]

“Ahem…”

Noticing the chat spiraling, Lin Lin cut in and quickly scanned Bro Gou’s message:

[LookAgainOrImADog: Yali, are you still in school? I got a weird new deskmate—also a girl. Can’t figure her out. Help analyze?]

Huh?

Actually… pretty normal? Her perspective wasn’t so different after all?

Eh?

Lin Lin perked up. *She* had a “strange” deskmate too—suddenly, she was genuinely curious.

Perfect. Plenty of viewers were students, or at least remembered school days.

Who hasn’t had a weird deskmate?

This topic? Gold. Stream heat would skyrocket.

Good, good, good…

She copied Bro Gou’s words into a TXT file.

But then—her brow furrowed. Something felt off.

Mainly…

No follow-up.

Just “weird female deskmate,” then silence.

How to discuss *that*?

Uh…

Lin Lin replied straight to the point:

[Yali-chan: Bro Gou, could you elaborate? Or jump in the chat? Hard to analyze without details!]

Gao Liang blinked at the reply.

Truth was, he hadn’t *wanted* to share this. He’d just seen Yali-chan’s update earlier—worried a new streamer might feel awkward with zero messages. So he sent one. (Turns out, unnecessary—her fans were fiercely loyal.)

But choosing *what* to write took ages.

Family stuff? Off-limits. Business-sensitive. And… ugh, too messy.

Only option left: his oddly cat-like deskmate, Lin Lin.

A faint, confusing worry about her—but he couldn’t even sort his own thoughts.

So he’d sent two vague lines.

Who knew Yali would latch onto it? Uh… tricky.

Private reply? Clearer, but drafting a full story would freeze the stream. Deadly for live engagement.

Right now, the room was already stalled waiting for him.

Better to comment live—fast, real-time, crowd-involved.

Hmm…

For his favorite new streamer’s vibe? Chat it is.

…Though kinda unfair to Lin Lin? He hadn’t asked.

But he wouldn’t name her. It involved him too. Should be fine… right?

Well. He was just… a little concerned about that little cat.

He typed back: [Sure! I’ll explain in-chat—boost interaction!]

[Yali-chan: Awesome! Thanks, Bro Gou!]

Satisfied, Lin Lin nodded and faced the camera:

“Ahem! This PM’s from my top patron—‘LookAgainOrImADog,’ Bro Gou! He’s got a *mysterious* new female deskmate~ What’s the deal? Even *I* don’t know! Bro Gou, enlighten us!”

She locked eyes on the chat. Viewers, hooked by “top patron” and “female deskmate,” buzzed:

[Blind guess: obsessive fangirl stalking him.]

[I had a nightmare deskmate too!]

[LookAgainOrImADog: Ahem… We only started sitting together recently. But… I feel like she’s not exactly friendly toward me.]

“Hm?”

Lin Lin smiled slightly. “Oho~ Now *this* is interesting. My gossip instincts are kicking in! Bro Gou—spill the details. Let’s analyze *why* she’s giving you the cold shoulder~”