[Have you noticed that every game Wish plays, they always win? SVP team can win even without Xia Zeyu. Just make Wish a regular starter, why let Xia Zeyu play and lose a match for nothing?]
[Without Xia Zeyu, SVP team might have achieved a perfect unbeaten record. So, is Xia Zeyu paying actor Chi money? Or is Xia Zeyu a relative of actor Chi, and SVP refuses to give up on this player? Also, Tao Zi, if they replaced the mid and jungle earlier, SVP would have won the World Championship earlier.]
[So, how about letting Wish start in the semifinals? I’m really afraid Xia Zeyu might lose the first match again.]
At 2:30 in the morning, the players had already returned to their respective rooms to sleep, preparing for the upcoming matches. Xie Ning tossed and turned, unable to sleep. The food today was too salty, making him feel thirsty. He got up to go downstairs for some hot water. On his way upstairs, he noticed the lights in the training room were still on. Approaching, he saw Xia Zeyu still sitting in front of the computer, with the screen displaying match records.
Xia Zeyu didn’t continue playing ranked games; instead, he stared at his phone, lost in thought.
“What are you looking at?”
Xie Ning’s voice startled Xia Zeyu, making him lift his head in panic, his voice trembling, “N-nothing.”
“You’ve been spending too much time with my brother; now you’re picking up his stuttering habit?” Xie Ning laughed heartily.
Xia Zeyu: “…”
Xie Ning continued, “Why aren’t you sleeping? We have a match tomorrow. Be careful not to affect your performance by not getting enough rest.”
“Um… I’ll go to sleep soon.”
Xie Ning noticed something off in Xia Zeyu’s voice, his smile fading as he carefully observed Xia Zeyu’s expression.
The way Xia Zeyu looked now was exactly the same as before Jiang Mo arrived. Xie Ning thought Xia Zeyu had changed, but once on the big stage, did it all start again?
Without hesitation, Xie Ning snatched Xia Zeyu’s phone and, just before the screen automatically dimmed, lit it up. Xia Zeyu was reading a forum post where he was being criticized.
Xie Ning sneered, “People praise you, and you don’t look; you insist on reading the ones that criticize you. Do you have a masochistic tendency? Why do you have to look at these?”
Feeling guilty, Xia Zeyu stuttered, “I couldn’t resist…”
Xie Ning interrupted, his tone heavier, “What thoughts do you have after reading it? If I hadn’t noticed, would you have gone to the competition tomorrow with anxiety again?”
Xia Zeyu stammered, “But there’s still the master, he…”
Xie Ning’s voice intensified, cutting off Xia Zeyu’s excuses, “Don’t mention Jiang Mo. Jiang Mo is Jiang Mo, but now you’re the team’s starter. Didn’t you say you would work hard? I thought Jiang Mo’s presence was meant to motivate you.”
Xia Zeyu pursed his lips, choosing not to speak.
Xie Ning: “Do you know why the team kept you even when you were doing nothing, even when you were criticized the most harshly?”
Xia Zeyu looked at Xie Ning in bewilderment. This was the first time Xie Ning had gotten angry. During Xia Zeyu’s Spring Split, he gave away two kills due to a cerebral hemorrhage, causing the team to lose, but Xie Ning had never been angry before.
Xie Ning continued, “We were lucky to join a team with a good owner, a good manager, and a good coach. Boss Chi didn’t put much pressure on us. When the idea of replacing someone was brought up initially, it was Coach A’kang who convinced the manager not to replace you. A’kang said you were still young with room for improvement, and you had talent. It was just the psychological pressure that was too much. Once adjusted, you would become a promising talent…”
These words were accidentally overheard by Xie Ning when he saw the manager and coach talking. He never told Xia Zeyu because he believed what Coach A’kang said “Xia Zeyu had the ability, he just needed to make adjustments.”
Even when the coach and manager were looking for candidates for the second team, they chose substitutes. They never thought of moving Xia Zeyu from the starting position. Coach A’kang assured the manager that Xia Zeyu would get better. If the Summer Split didn’t go well, they would let Xia Zeyu go to the second team, and he wouldn’t interfere.
“We all know how skilled Jiang Mo is. He defeated so many professional players. Why would he come to be your substitute? Why would he unconditionally teach you so much?” Xie Ning took a deep breath.
“When A’kang said all that, I should have fucking stopped him. That way, if Jiang Mo came, he could have been in the starting lineup, and you wouldn’t have to worry. Go to the second team and be anxious there!”
Xia Zeyu’s face turned pale. He wanted to say something, but Xie Ning turned around with a stern face and walked away, not giving him a chance to speak.
…
The quarterfinals ended, and just like SVP, RAG smoothly advanced to the semifinals. However, RAG faced EK team in the semifinals, while SVP’s opponent was the number one seed from Europe, ALT team.The match day arrived quickly. When Jiang Mo woke up in the morning, he felt dizzy, his head heavy, and his throat parched.
Sensing something was wrong, Chi Yu touched his forehead, finding it a bit warm.
“You have a fever,” Chi Yu frowned, recalling what Jiang Mo had been doing these past few days. He had been watching so attentively, how did Jiang Mo catch a cold?
Chi Yu suddenly remembered the time when he was fooling around with Jiang Mo in the garden corridor. Jiang Mo had sweated a lot, exposed to the cold wind outside, and when he came back, the sweat had dried. Jiang Mo didn’t immediately take a shower…
“It’s my fault,” Chi Yu was filled with regret and self-blame. He should have listened to Jiang Mo’s advice, patiently endured until the end of the World Championship, instead of messing around outside with Jiang Mo.
“I-I’m fine, just need some cold medicine.” Jiang Mo shook his head, looking weak and lacking energy.
Chi Yu led Jiang Mo to sit in the dining room, then turned to ask Da Tian for a thermometer and some spare cold medicine.
“Do you have a fever?” Da Tian rushed over as soon as he heard the news, expressing concern.
“37.5 degrees, it’s okay, just a slight fever,” Chi Yu put down the thermometer and handed the cold medicine to Jiang Mo.
Jiang Mo obediently took the medicine, swallowing it with the hot water Chi Yu handed him.
“A slight fever is not acceptable. How about you stay at the base to rest? It’s raining outside, and the wind is strong. If you get soaked, it could worsen your condition,” Da Tian suggested.
“After taking the medicine, I’ll be fine in a while. It’s just a slight fever, won’t affect anything,” Jiang Mo said.His cheeks were rosy, not out of embarrassment.
Da Tian became even more worried after seeing this.
Jiang Mo: “I’m just going to watch the live match. I don’t necessarily have to play. Besides, there’s still Xiao Yu, right?”
Xie Ning and the others hurried to the dining room upon hearing the news. Upon hearing Jiang Mo’s words, the expressions of Xia Zeyu and Xie Ning changed simultaneously.
Xie Ning, who had slept in anger after returning last night, woke up still upset. He hadn’t spoken a single word to Xia Zeyu today. Unless Xia Zeyu apologized to him, he wouldn’t say a word to Xia Zeyu. If Xia Zeyu took the initiative to speak, he would be like a little dog!
Xie Ning sneered, “Are you counting on him? He’s still counting on you.”
Xia Zeyu: “…”
“What’s wrong?” Da Tian furrowed his brows. Jiang Mo having a fever was one thing, but why were these two starting a verbal battle again?
Xie Ning sneered and said unhappily, “Ask him. He didn’t listen last night, refused to go to sleep, and insisted on browsing some messy forums. Instead of looking at something good, he had to look at all kinds of nonsense.”
Da Tian covered his chest and glared at Xia Zeyu. “Didn’t you say you wouldn’t look anymore? The match is about to start. How do you plan to play?”
“How to play? Play normally!” Jiang Mo’s voice was hoarse, but it seemed to be full of confidence. Everyone was stunned and looked at him.
Jiang Mo’s gaze fell on Xia Zeyu’s guilty and uneasy face, speaking softly, “I am Xiao Yu’s master, but also his substitute. I’m happy to have the opportunity to play, but substitutes also get sick. At this time, who should the substitute rely on?”
Xia Zeyu tightened his lips, staring at Jiang Mo without blinking.
Jiang Mo continued, “In my absence, can’t you play normally? Before I came, didn’t you still manage to get to the World Championship and even reach the finals? Since I arrived, did I become a burden to you?”
“No!” Everyone responded in unison.
“Well, then, play well,” Jiang Mo glanced at everyone in the team, “I will cheer for you properly from the sidelines.”
Before leaving, Chi Yu went upstairs to get a thick coat for Jiang Mo to wear. On the way, Jiang Mo snuggled in his arms, closing his eyes as if dozing off.
Chi Yu occasionally touched Jiang Mo’s forehead and cheeks. The fever had subsided, but Jiang Mo still lacked energy.
…
The competition venue was already filled with spectators.
Xia Zeyu went to the restroom. On his way back to the rest area, he secretly took a glance at the situation in the venue.
It was packed with people, several times more than during the summer tournament. Playing under the gaze of these spectators added immense pressure.
Thinking about Jiang Mo’s expression and words, he took a deep breath, turned around, and, after only a few steps, bumped into Xie Ning at the corner.
“Are you blind? You hurt me,” Xie Ning complained with an annoyed expression.
“What are you doing here?” Xia Zeyu covered his throbbing forehead.
Xie Ning frowned, “What does it look like I’m doing?”
After being tense for a while, Xia Zeyu finally smiled, “Don’t think of me as so fragile, okay?”
“Fragile? I find you quite terrifying,” Xie Ning retorted.
Xia Zeyu sighed, “It’s not as serious as you think.”
“Not serious? Have you forgotten how nervous you were in the finals last year, and in the spring tournament…” Xie Ning was interrupted by Xia Zeyu.
“It’s different now,” Xia Zeyu interrupted seriously. “I admit I performed poorly before, but since Jiang Mo came, he has taught me a lot, including how to change my mindset. I was just trying to motivate myself by looking at those things last night before the match.”
Xie Ning was bewildered, “What… what are you saying?”
“I mean, I looked at those things to motivate myself,” Xia Zeyu clarified.
Xie Ning reached out and touched Xia Zeyu’s forehead, then her own, saying, “Strange, no fever.”
Xia Zeyu remained silent.
Xia Zeyu waved away Xie Ning’s hand and explained, “Jiang Mo told me that if I can’t overcome it, then, for every game we win, I should read the comments of those who criticize me behind my back. I perform so well in the arena, yet they still spread rumors about me. They are the ones being unreasonable, and I don’t need to apologize to them for my occasional mistakes.”
Xie Ning retorted, “Then why were you so guilty last night? I asked you, and you were even shivering.”
Xia Zeyu replied, “Wouldn’t you be startled if you suddenly heard someone talking in the middle of the night?”
“…”
As for Xie Ning’s accusation of guilt, Xia Zeyu did feel a bit, but it was just a little.
Because he used to be caught by Xie Ning while browsing forums late at night, his body had an instinctive reaction, leading to Xie Ning’s misunderstanding.
“Don’t worry,” Xia Zeyu patted Xie Ning’s shoulder. “What Jiang Mo’s master said is right. If there are special circumstances for the substitute, then as the starting player, I am Jiang Mo’s substitute. At this time, I have to perform well. We can’t let Jiang Mo, who is still feverish, go on stage, that would be embarrassing!”
Xie Ning breathed a sigh of relief, and Xia Zeyu finally came to terms with it.
After the two returned to the rest area, the staff came to notify them that it was time to go on stage.
“Good luck, I will be watching you guys closely,” Jiang Mo said.
Coach A’Kang added with a stern face, “This match is crucial. If you don’t complete it, don’t expect a good holiday until Chinese New Year. Jiang Mo also told me he’s willing to train with each one of you.”
The five members of the team collectively tensed up.
D*mn, they absolutely couldn’t let Jiang Mo become their training partner!
D*mn, they absolutely couldn’t let Jiang Mo catch them!
D*mn… they must win!
Losing wasn’t scary; what was scary was the hellish punishment that would follow.
“Have you noticed that they are all afraid of you now?” After everyone left, Chi Yu turned off the nearby camera, pushing Jiang Mo into his embrace.
Jiang Mo blinked, puzzled, “Afraid of me? Do I look fierce?”
“Yeah, very fierce,” Chi Yu, feeling itchy, couldn’t resist and lowered his head, biting Jiang Mo’s blushing cheek.
Jiang Mo: “…”
…
Perhaps Coach A’Kang’s words had an effect, not only Jiang Mo and the commentators, even the audience could see it.
The five members of SVP were in a different state today compared to usual.
Previously, they would usually warm up or play for ten minutes before unleashing their full power. However, in the first round today, each of them performed exceptionally well.
Xie Ning has exceptional talent, dominating the top lane in LPL and maintaining his title on the world stage. Even when the opposing jungler came to gank him, he didn’t flinch, holding his ground and leading the two opponents into the river bushes. Coordinating with Xia Zeyu, who came to support, they turned the tables. Even Tao Zi, who usually stayed in the mid lane, learned to provide timely assistance. The opposing jungler didn’t expect that what started as a 2v1 situation would suddenly turn into a 2v3, resulting in their defeat. The mid-laner retreated quickly halfway through the fight.
In this game, Xia Ze Yu didn’t stop. The jungle monkey roamed both top and bottom lanes, and Tang Zi and Li Yuan in the bottom lane were the most stable. With Xia Zeyu’s support, they quickly gained an advantage.
The pace was too fast, with five kills exploding within the first ten minutes. This momentum continued into the second game, with SVP showing a strong performance, taking two consecutive victories, leaving the commentators in awe.
Commentator Xiao Yang: “SVP’s performance today is really good. It seems they’ve had a good rest these past few days.”
Commentator Chang Feng: “I heard that Xia Zeyu and Tao Zi improved so quickly because of our substitute player Wish’s efforts.”
Commentator Xiao Yang: “I really want to know what homework Wish did for them.”
Commentator Chang Feng: “Haha, that’s a secret. I think the coaches of other major teams might be more curious.”
[“Is this still the Xia Zeyu and Tao Zi I know?”]
[“Xia Zeyu, what happened to you? How did you become a counter-jungler? How did you start picking fights? Tao Zi, how did you start supporting? You finally gave up on guarding that broken lane of yours? D*mn, my youth is gone!”]
[“I… suddenly feel a bit teary-eyed. What’s happening to me? I’m watching the World Championship, and I’ve witnessed their growth all the way. It’s so moving. Is this the joy of cultivation?!”]
[“Wuwuwu, you really got a treasure. What substitute did you buy? Clearly, you’ve picked up a diamond. Buying a substitute and getting a teacher as a bonus, you’ve hit the jackpot!”]
[“SVP is really lucky! No, they have a good eye!”]
Seeing these barrage comments, the managers of various major teams: “…”
…
In the third game, due to a mistake in the Baron Nashor pit, the opponent secured the Baron, reversing the situation.
What was supposed to be a 3:0 victory turned into the fourth game.
The audience was getting nervous. In the LOL World Championship, turning a 2:1 lead into a 2:3 defeat was not unheard of. Until the final result came out, even if one team had a slight advantage, it was still uncertain, and no one dared to confidently claim a victory.
“The Baron Nashor fight was my fault. I didn’t keep an eye on the opponent’s mid-laner, and Little Cherry died,” Li Yuan said.
Tang Zi endured and swallowed the phrase “Don’t fucking call me Little Cherry,” maintaining a stoic expression. “The third game is over. It’s useless to talk about it now. Just make sure to protect me well in the next one.”
Li Yuan responded, “I will.”
“In the next one…” Coach A’Kang looked at Jiang Mo. Jiang Mo’s cheeks were rosy, and he seemed in good health, but his eyes lacked energy, and his eyelids drooped. The fever had subsided, but he still felt dizzy.
“Coach, I’ll go in the next one,” Xia Zeyu stepped forward, speaking seriously. “In the third game, I made fewer mistakes than Little Cherry, so I can go. I can bring back a win.”
Coach A’Kang was surprised; this was the most confident statement Xia Zeyu had made.
He quickly recovered and said with relief, “Alright, you go. If you don’t bring back a win, don’t expect a break until Chinese New Year.”
Xia Zeyu nodded, “Understood.”
Tang Zi muttered, “…Addicted to calling me that, huh!”
Tang Zi took a deep breath but restrained himself.Before going on stage, Xia Ze Yu walked up to Jiang Mo and hesitated, “Master, um…”
“Hmm?” Jiang Mo raised his head, looking at Xia Zeyu with confusion.
Xia Zeyu spread his hands, trying not to look at Chi Yu’s expression, and cautiously said, “Can I, um, hug you for encouragement?”
Without hesitation, Jiang Mo stood up and accepted Xia Zeyu’s hug.
Xia Ze6u took a deep breath and hugged Jiang Mo tightly.
Was this the power of a wild dad? It felt soft when hugging, but somehow, Xia Zeyu felt more energetic.
Before Chi Yu could get angry, Xia Zeyu, with trembling hands, released the hug, shivering as he spoke, “Boss, please don’t use this to punish me if I win the game. I’ve made a contribution to the team!”
Without waiting for Chi Yu’s response, he rushed out of the training room.
Jiang Mo: “…”
Chi Yu’s lips curled, letting out a cold laugh.
“Um, Boss, can I also…” Xie Ning approached, rubbing his hands eagerly.
Chi Yu smiled, “Get lost!”
Xie Ning: “…”