After the grand finals, the entire DT team, including both coaches and substitutes, stepped onto the stage to lift the trophy together.
Although Lin Lan had won many championships before, this time, it felt particularly special. Perhaps, as Xiao Shengjing said, winning was important, but winning with whom was even more crucial.
The commentator’s voice echoed through the arena: “Countdown, 3, 2, 1! Let’s lift the cup together!”
Golden confetti rained down from above as the entire arena watched them claim their glory.
Teammates handed the championship trophy to Lin Lan. Everyone’s faces were adorned with joyful smiles, infecting every fan in attendance.
Amidst the fervent atmosphere, the screen played highlights of DT’s spectacular plays, including their miraculous comeback in the final 10 seconds. Such moments of awe could only be achieved by DT!
At this moment, fans finally realized why they loved the DT team. It was because every game they played was a display of utmost effort, turning the impossible into possible!
The background music mixed with the commentator’s voice: “Let’s congratulate DT for their direct advancement, securing the first seed spot for the LPL team in the World Championship. Also, congratulations to ENG for obtaining the second seed spot with 120 points, earning the second qualification for the World Championship finals. There’s still one spot left for the third seed, which will be determined through a bubble match among the YTF, KIG, IB, and FO teams. The bubble match will commence in 5 days, on the 23rd. The specific schedule will be officially announced. Summoners, please stay tuned to the official announcements…”
At this point, no one cares about who the second-place team is or who will participate in the bubble match. In esports, besides the championship, nothing else matters.
During the post-match interview, the entire DT team, including both coaches and substitutes, stepped onto the stage to be interviewed together.
It was the first time everyone saw DT’s substitutes. They both looked young and somewhat naive. As soon as they got on stage, they stuck to the corner, constantly looking at their starting lineup teammates with an excited yet hesitant demeanor, showing their youthfulness.
Coach Zhang, who hadn’t been seen for a long time, had gained a lot of weight. He laughed so much on stage that his face seemed to glow, a complete contrast to his previous calm demeanor.
The host was tall and beautiful, speaking in very standard and clear Mandarin as she interviewed them: “First of all, congratulations to DT for winning the championship of the summer split, which is your second championship this year. I would like to interview your team captain, shenn. DT went from the LDL to the LPL, then won the spring split, and now the summer split. As the captain, what was your journey like?”
Xiao Shengjing took the microphone and confidently said in front of the crowd, “It feels incredible. Achieving this result wouldn’t have been possible without the effort of every member of DT. In the future, we will continue to work hard.”
He always responded like this during interviews, which caused the live chat to go wild: [Haha, so official!]
[Help! Is speaking so boring at such a young age?]
[Only Lin Lan can be cheeky in front of him.]
[Laughing to death. How can Lin Lan’s cheerful personality tolerate him?]
The host asked him again, “We all know that DT didn’t start off with good results, but now you’ve achieved such outstanding results. What do you think is the biggest change for DT?”
Xiao Shengjing was initially serious, but Lin Lan, who was beside him, leaned over and said, “It’s me.” Xiao Shengjing didn’t hold back either and smiled in front of the camera, “Yes, yes, it’s you.”
Not only was his tone indulgent, but the way he looked at Lin Lan was so gentle that it could overflow with water. Coupled with Lin Lan’s proud expression, the two of them together were simply too enjoyable to watch.
Not only did the live chat go crazy, but the host’s smiling expression gradually turned into an auntie smile that couldn’t be stopped, “Then I’d like to ask Kiner, you originally played support for DT, what made you decide to switch to AD, then to top lane, and finally determined to switch to mid lane? What was your journey like?”
Lin Lan replied without hesitation, “Because of some accidents, DT was short of players and couldn’t go on stage, so I stepped in to help. But I didn’t expect to get stuck there once I went up.”
Although knowing that Lin Lan was forced to do so, hearing him say it himself, the helplessness in his tone made fans want to laugh like crazy.
[Laughing to death. Being forced to carry the whole team on stage. Not bad at all.]
[Damn. If it weren’t for these accidents, would I still not be able to see you play!]
[It’s all skill, no emotion, right?]
[Damn it. Can’t Salted Fish Lan rise on his own?]
[Now everyone knows what kind of salted fish you are.]
[Hahaha, embarrassing nationally.]
[No no no, it’s embarrassing globally.]
At this moment, several overseas regions also have many people watching this interview, and they are all confused by what they’re seeing.
What kind of Chinese-style underperformance is this?
“However,” Lin Lan suddenly changed his tone, “switching to mid-lane was my own choice. I always felt that mid-lane is a position with a lot of pressure and very tiring. I never wanted to actively engage in it. It was these teammates of DT who made me let go of the burden and decide to take a risk. So far, I have no regrets about my decision.”
This incident is known to his familiar fans.
Lin Lan’s least favorite position to play is mid-lane. But whenever he plays with the team captain, he always chooses mid-lane.
He joked, “Playing mid and jungle with the captain is so reassuring.”
He has changed positions countless times for DT, but only mid-lane is the position he truly wants and commits to without hesitation.
Because of love, and because these teammates are worth it.
Salted Fish Lan’s image in their hearts suddenly became towering.
Watching Lin Lan on stage laughing with his teammates, so relaxed, so at ease, you could genuinely feel the joy that the game brings him.
He shines on stage, like the center of the world.
Yet he also resembles every ordinary person, finding joy in an interesting game, with a group of like-minded teammates, the things that make him happy.
Below the stage, Qi Rong is ecstatic, constantly telling her friends how amazing Lin Lan is, how carefree he is, loving every aspect of him.
The host asked a few superficial questions again, and finally got to the last team fight: “In that incredible turnaround within 10 seconds, you five showed perfect coordination, killing the enemy bot duo and ending the game in an unbelievable manner. How did you communicate during that crucial moment?”
All eyes turned to Lin Lan, who picked up the mic: “They positioned themselves just where we could engage them, and Zilean’s ult was just 6 seconds away. I believed we could take them down, so I quickly organized the team fight. Fortunately, my teammates trusted me and followed up on the damage output.”
In that particular position, with such an unbelievable timing, his teammates unconditionally trusted him?
The host’s eyes widened in astonishment, and even through the screen, her shock was palpable. Both on and off the stage, the audience was dazzled by this response.
They couldn’t imagine the weight Lin Lan carried in their hearts. Was their trust in him really that high?
The chat exploded once again. Seemingly, Lin Lan didn’t show off. But in fact, he almost suffocated them with his prowess.
Even ENG fans were saying: [Wow, how did he calculate the 6 seconds?]
[Suddenly, it doesn’t seem unfair for ENG to lose.]
[Is DT really this strong?]
[Just a moment ago, I felt really sorry for Qi Mo’s loss. But now, I don’t feel sorry at all. Lin Lan is just a god!]
[I’m really going to cry. My poor ENG had the strongest year, and yet they had to run into DT…]
[When there’s Lin Lan, why bother with anyone else?]
[It’s all fate…]
As the interview segment concluded, the screen started playing high-energy clips of DT again. Suddenly, the audience realized that DT didn’t just look good, but every aspect of their gameplay was commendable.
Take Jiang Xu, for example. His top lane playstyle is innovative, and he’s willing to embrace new strategies. The clutch moment when he swapped smite for teleport laid a solid foundation for DT’s subsequent push.
Or look at Jiang Jin, the support. His vision is always ahead, always supporting his team one step faster than the opponent. Each time, he decisively maneuvers to help his teammates secure unexpected victories.
And then there’s Xu Shengwei in the bot lane. He dares to fight, fearlessly taking on the big stage of such a major tournament. Countless times, his extraordinary plays in team fights have made him DT’s most reliable damage dealer.
Not to mention the jungler, Xiao Shengjing. After experiencing so many matches and facing so many outstanding junglers, he still manages to exert such dominance in the jungle area. His skill level is almost on par with Lin Lan in the hearts of fans. If it weren’t for his somewhat dull and boring personality, he would have even more fans!
It’s because of this group of teammates that Lin Lan can play with such confidence and decisiveness.
Just as he mentioned in the interview earlier: “I can’t do without DT. I might not even be able to play mid-lane.”
They initially thought it to be modest words. But, it turns out they were sincere.
Now, looking back at Lin Lan’s casual smile, it’s clear that it’s filled with many emotions toward DT.
These five individuals have been creating excitement in the esports community!
They will carry this spirit into the World Championships, along with ENG, and showcase the strength of the LPL to the world.
With the match over, it’s time for DT to head back.
On their way back, fans surround them, creating a massive crowd that even the venue’s security struggles to manage.
Lu Shi laughed like a fool, secretly saying to them, “I feel like our fans are catching up to ENG. What do you guys think? Hey, are we going to become a top-tier team?”
Lin Lan imagined the size of his fanbase in the original world and shook his head, “We still have a long way to go.”
Occasional peaks of success are just fleeting moments; the current DT is not yet capable of completely impressing the esports community.
Only by winning the World Championship can they truly establish their reputation.
He remained calm, while Lu Shi, who was not calm, seemed ignorant. Scratching his head, he wondered, “How come Lin Lan hasn’t boasted about winning two championships? My social media feed is flooded. Is it my problem or his?”
Xiao Shengjing coldly replied, “Of course, the problem is with you. How could there be anything wrong with Lin Lan?”
With that, he followed Lin Lan.
Lu Shi, who was left behind: ??
His teammates burst into laughter, making Lu Shi feel even more embarrassed.
Him against the two big shots, what chance did he have?
As they made their way through the crowd, Lin Lan was about to get into the car when Jiang Xu suddenly stopped him.
He scratched his head a bit embarrassedly, “Um, Lin Lan, I have a friend who wants to give you something. Are you available to meet her for a moment?”
Lin Lan knew who it was with just a hint. He smiled and deliberately asked, “Your girlfriend?”
Jiang Xu’s face instantly turned red, shaking his head repeatedly, “No, no, just a regular friend. Um, I, you, her…”
Lin Lan had a knowing look on his face, and then, following the principle of “helpfulness”, he went to meet Qi Rong.
Qi Rong didn’t expect to actually meet Lin Lan. Her face flushed with excitement. She was wearing a cute yellow duck overall dress. Her usually breezy personality turned shy in front of Lin Lan. “Lin Lan, congratulations on winning the championship. This is a small gift I prepared for you. I hope you can go far in the World Championship. It’s just a little something, I hope you don’t mind!”
The box was beautifully wrapped, and Lin Lan could guess what was inside: blue light-blocking glasses. However, he didn’t need them anymore.
He pushed the box back to her and told her, “You should focus on your studies now. I won’t accept the gift. I’ll take it when you successfully get into university.”
Qi Rong’s eyes suddenly lit up, she stared at him without blinking, “Really? When I get into university, can I become your qualified fan then?”
Lin Lan nodded, casually responding with a “yeah”. “Fans with higher education can help me curse people without getting banned, right?”
Qi Rong’s eyes instantly became brighter. She was actually recognized by Lin Lan!
In that instant, she seemed to suddenly find the meaning of her struggle. Excitedly, she promised him, “I’ll study hard! I’ll do well on my exams! I’ll become a fan you can be proud of! I’ll make sure those haters who bully you get driven off the internet. I’ll be your strongest supporter!”
Lin Lan nodded with a smile. He never doubted Qi Rong’s words. “I know you can do it.”
In that moment, the spotlight shone on him, dazzlingly bright.
The status and position seemed to become equal at that moment.
Qi Rong in front of him was as happy as a little duck, hopping around excitedly. Suddenly, she saw something, said goodbye to Lin Lan, and then happily ran off to another direction.
Under the lights, Lin Lan saw Qi Rong rushing into Qi Mo’s arms, not knowing what was said.
Then Qi Mo looked up at Lin Lan. Despite the distance of over ten meters and the dim light, they couldn’t clearly see each other’s expressions, but Lin Lan still felt Qi Mo smiling at him.
So Lin Lan returned a friendly smile to him.
In the two worlds, there were two different Qi Mos. The Qi Mo in this world was obviously a bit stronger than the one in that world. This kind of Qi Mo made Lin Lan even more unable to ignore him.
But fortunately, the summer split ended, and they were not opponents for the time being; they were teammates.
Just like before, they would once again embark on the journey to the World Championships together.
Lin Lan returned to the car in a good mood, sitting down next to Xiao Shengjing. Xiao Shengjing didn’t say anything for a while, then suddenly spoke in a sour tone, “You smiled at Qi Mo just now.”
At first, Lin Lan didn’t react, “Did I?”
“Yeah,” Xiao Shengjing looked at him with lowered eyes, a bit gloomy, his face showing a need for comfort, “Not only did you smile, but you also kept looking at him as if you two were very familiar.”
The sourness was suffocating, but Lin Lan didn’t indulge him, “We are already quite familiar. We often chat for no reason, and we even play tutorial matches together.”
Xiao Shengjing: “What tutorials?”
Lin Lan: “We have all sorts, but mostly solo matches.”
Xiao Shengjing: “What do you guys talk about every day?”
Lin Lan: “Everything.”
Xiao Shengjing suddenly felt a bit sour, “Do you really have that many topics to talk about?”
The sourness was about to overflow, and Lin Lan suddenly wanted to tease him, “Of course! Both of us are mid-laners. So naturally, we have a lot to talk about. Unlike you jungle players, your conversations must be really boring.”
Xiao Shengjing’s face darkened, “Lin Lan, are you asking for trouble?”
He was about to tease Lin Lan a bit, but their teammates suddenly crowded around, chatting loudly and making a commotion. He quickly withdrew his hand from Lin Lan’s waist.
Forget it, let him be arrogant for a few more days just after winning the championship.
Xiao Shengjing propped his head up, feigning indifference with his gaze. Yet, he couldn’t help but constantly keep an eye on Lin Lan.
Tsk. He suddenly realized that having an exceptional boyfriend could also be a kind of trouble.
