Happy 100th chapter!!! Yay~
DT has just finished discussing contract details with IB, and immediately, industry insiders rushed out to disclose: DT has signed a new top laner, and Lin Lan is highly likely to leave.
This revelation instantly stirred up a storm of controversy online. It’s unclear whether IB was behind the scenes fanning the flames, but the speed at which the news spread was staggering, and public opinion flooded in.
IB fans couldn’t contain their laughter, saying IB hit the jackpot. Swapping Lin Lan, a substitute top laner, for someone else, is like trading a three for someone else’s king.
Some streamers even said that if this is true, IB is set to soar this year, with a guaranteed spot in the world championships.
Some industry insiders also expressed that this is good news for the entire LPL because Lin Lan going to IB clearly boosts the top-tier strength of the league.
At this point, DT fans have already cried their eyes out, expressing disbelief in droves.
[This can’t be true! I don’t believe it!]
[Where did this leak come from? Is there any real evidence?]
[I won’t believe anything except official news. DT, please don’t let me down…]
[Why hasn’t the official spoken yet?]
[DT isn’t coming out to clarify this? You’re letting the shit hit the fan!]
Under the relentless bombardment of public opinion, DT couldn’t hide this matter anymore and had to hurriedly release the news of Jiang Xu’s official signing, confirming the online leaks.
Nothing hurts more than being slapped in the face by the official statement. Fans cried out in frustration: [I’m so sad. You really gave up on Lin Lan…!]
[Why not fight for it? I think Lin Lan wants to stay in DT more!]
[Lin Lan hasn’t left yet, and you’re already signing a new top laner???]
[Is it possible that he doesn’t even want to leave…? What you’re doing is forcing him!]
[Lin Lan might just be hesitating, and by doing this, aren’t you just pushing him away?]
[Is this how DT operates?]
[I originally didn’t want Lin Lan to leave, but now seeing your attitude, I’d rather he leave…]
The online argument escalated, and between the camps of “supporting Lin Lan’s departure” and “not supporting Lin Lan’s departure”, a third perspective emerged: it was rumored that Lin Lan maliciously demanded a high price, causing DT to have to give up on him and sign a new top laner.
As the public opinion fermented, Lin Lan didn’t even dare to start a live stream anymore. Some fans worried that Lin Lan might never stream again in the future, and they got into heated arguments with those who kept pestering about the situation.
The online debates continued unabated, while Lin Lan, at the center of the controversy, was currently playing in Xiao Shengjing’s room.
He took a sip of the milk Xiao Shengjing placed beside him, took a bite of the apple Xiao Shengjing peeled for him, and then glanced at the data spreadsheet Xiao Shengjing was working on. “Shouldn’t I respond now? I can’t wait to see IB in a frenzy.”
Xiao Shengjing calmly typed on the keyboard and told him, “Responding now would mean admitting that you’ve been teasing IB. It’s best for you not to intervene at all and just wait for Brother Mu and the others to make an announcement. This way, it’s just reasonable competition between two clubs, without implicating you.”
Thinking about it this way, Lin Lan got off the table and casually sat on the armrest next to Xiao Shengjing, habitually playing with his hair. “The IB manager has approached me many times, and I’ve responded to the messages, but I’ve always declined private meetings. Is this the right thing to do?”
Xiao Shengjing: “Yeah, what you’re doing is good. Private meetings could put you in a risky position. You could also shift the blame to DT, making them think DT intentionally suppressed you, which would be better for you.”
In this way, even if IB loses the competition, they will only think that DT’s methods are superior, without realizing that it’s actually a trap.
Lin Lan couldn’t help but curl up his lips and pinch Xiao Shengjing’s ear. “Xiao Shengjing, you’re really naughty.”
The hands typing on the keyboard suddenly stopped, and Xiao Shengjing took off his glasses. He reached out to pull Lin Lan’s waist and effortlessly lifted him onto his lap. “Are you scolding me?”
Lin Lan: “I’m not.”
Xiao Shengjing poked Lin Lan’s waist, a ticklish spot for him, and he sprang up like a spring. “I’m not!”
Xiao Shengjing grabbed his waist, pinning him back onto his lap. The imminent threat of being tickled made Lin Lan’s face turn red with anger. “Xiao Shengjing, let go!”
Xiao Shengjing smiled, his eyes gleaming. “Free yourself.”
Lin Lan jumped up suddenly but was firmly held down by Xiao Shengjing’s hands. Now, he couldn’t move or struggle, and after getting tired and breathless, he could only sit on Xiao Shengjing’s lap and admit defeat. “I give up, let go.”
But Xiao Shengjing still didn’t release him. He even used his legs to clamp down Lin Lan’s, immobilizing him completely and continued to smile. “This isn’t working for you?”
Like teasing a cat, Lin Lan admitted that he had been provoked by the other party. So, at the moment when Xiao Shengjing showed a slightly smug smile, Lin Lan got up and fiercely bumped his head against Xiao Shengjing’s.
The world’s number one mid-laner never gives up!
“Ouch!”
Xiao Shengjing grunted, holding his nose and unable to smile anymore.
Indeed, teasing a cat comes with a price.
…
As the transfer window was about to close, Lin Lan’s situation still hadn’t been confirmed, and IB’s fans were starting to get anxious, urging desperately.
But IB’s boss was obviously very confident in his own strength. When someone said, “Lin Lan and Wulen together are a winning combination,” he replied openly: “Thanks for the compliment. Wulen and Lin Lan get along very well.”
His tone seemed to imply that Lin Lan had already signed with them. Coupled with DT’s silence, which made them look like a defeated rooster, IB’s fans were directly plunged into excitement.
They immediately launched a massive campaign on the internet. Soon, two or three hot searches emerged, making it widely known to all.
But on the night when IB’s fans were celebrating and the hot searches were trending, DT’s official blog suddenly posted a big list.
It was a list of players to be submitted to the event organizers for the upcoming summer tournament.
The starting top laner was Jiang Xu, the starting jungler was Xiao Shengjing, and the starting bot lane was Jiang Jin and Xu Shengwei, followed by two substitutes promoted from the youth training camp, whose names were unfamiliar. Everyone instinctively looked for Lin Lan’s name, and those with keen eyes quickly spotted it. The position for the starting mid laner prominently displayed: Kiner-Lin Lan!
You see, this is the lineup for the summer tournament, and since Lin Lan’s name is in the starting lineup, it means he has already reached an agreement with the club.
Oh my, Lin Lan is staying with DT!
And he’s going to play mid-lane!
Those who have watched Lin Lan’s live streams know that he’s pretty laid-back and never expressed any intention of switching to mid-lane. It’s unexpected that DT not only kept him but also convinced him to play in the mid-lane!
With this development, DT will be assembling a truly terrifying lineup.
The top lane is manned by Jiang Xu, known as “Little Wulen”; the jungle is dominated by Xiao Shengjing, who has terrorized many LPL junglers; the mid lane belongs to Lin Lan, who slaughters all opponents; the AD carry is Xu Shengwei, hailed as the most adept at playing Jhin; and the support is the esports pioneer Jiang Jin.
If the top laner doesn’t mess up, DT’s strength can easily rival that of ENG!
It turns out that DT’s silence wasn’t a sign of defeat but rather a sign of prosperity!
Countless industry insiders offered their congratulations, and the comment sections were filled with “666”. Even the official account of Cool Cat Livestream came to congratulate them.
The IB boss, who had just posted in the morning, was embarrassed, and the entire team became the subject of ridicule. They couldn’t wait to lower the price and send their substitute top laner to DT, hoping to force Lin Lan to leave. Instead, they ended up pushing Lin Lan into the mid-lane, creating for themselves a formidable opponent akin to a galactic battleship!
Some netizens even went to ask the IB boss if his heart hurt.
Netizens joked that just thinking about it made their hearts ache.
At this moment, the tide of public opinion has once again reversed. The IB fans who were previously arrogant and mocked DT for not being able to retain their players are now left with no place to hide, wishing they could find a hole to crawl into.
And DT’s fans finally received earth-shattering good news!
[Oh my, is this for real?]
[Am I dreaming?]
[The moment I saw the roster, my mind went blank.]
[Things I didn’t dare to dream of, DT made them real!]
[Quick, someone tell me, is being on the roster secured? Is there any possibility of being poached?]
[The roster is something submitted to the official organizers, how could it not be secured.]
[Sob sob, why is DT so amazing, actually signing Lanbao for three years to play mid, I will be moved for a lifetime…]
After the roster was released, some people went to check Lin Lan’s contract expiration date on the official website and were shocked to discover that Lin Lan had actually signed a three-year contract with DT in one go, which couldn’t be more secure.
The IB boss, who previously boasted of signing Lin Lan, couldn’t figure it out. What exactly attracted Lin Lan to DT? Isn’t forming a powerful combo with Wulen appealing enough?
In a fit of anger, the IB boss fired the team manager, vowing never to hire them again.
After being fired, the manager suddenly went crazy online, attacking IB furiously. After finishing with IB, they turned their wrath towards Lin Lan, accusing him of deliberately stringing IB along, intentionally hovering between two teams to negotiate a high price!
However, based on the chat records they leaked, Lin Lan hadn’t even met with them, let alone quoted a price. All they had exchanged were pleasantries. Where did they get the nerve to think Lin Lan was stringing them along? Could it be that everyone from IB was just arrogant?
Not only did DT fans mock them, but even IB fans went into a frenzy attacking them, believing they lacked the capability to sign Lin Lan.
After the roster was released, Lin Lan also started streaming.
It was evident he was in a good mood. When asked in the barrage why he stayed at DT, he answered, “Because I like DT.”
No one knew how DT pulled it off. Everyone mentioned it saying, “DT is really amazing. How could they be so amazing? Can’t even imagine they could sign Lin Lan to play mid.”
With the release of this roster, it was enough to stir up discussions in the community. Everyone said LPL might be changing, even ENG urgently held a meeting that night: “Attention, our Spring Split points are simply not enough for us to go to Worlds. This time, DT has assembled a galactic warship again. We absolutely cannot let our guard down, lest we lose our spot in Worlds…”
Other regions are also discussing the DT team, believing they might become formidable opponents at the World Championship.
With the transfer window closed, all teams began to focus on training, and the media frenzy temporarily subsided.
Four days after signing the contract, Jiang Xu arrived at the DT club for duty.
Carrying a large backpack and a big suitcase, dressed in a white hoodie, he looked like a newcomer with bright eyes. He greeted everyone warmly, showing himself to be a cheerful young man.
Lu Shi took him to drop off his belongings and gave him a tour around the base. “If you have any questions in the future, you can come to me. I’m the jack of all trades here. I can chip in on anything.”
“Okay, thanks.” Jiang Xu was full of curiosity about everyone. When he saw Jiang Jin, he asked, “Does Jiang Jin not talk much?”
Lu Shi: “He used to be a bit quiet when he first came, but now he’s gotten better. Sometimes he talks so much he’s like a chatterbox and can’t stop…”
Jiang Xu nodded, looking both nervous and excited. “What about your captain? Is he very serious? Does he scold people?”
Lu Shi: “He used to be a bit strict, but not anymore. He’s always smiling now and even jokes around with us. You should really thank Lin Lan for that. Before he came, the captain rarely spoke to us.”
Jiang Xu breathed a sigh of relief; DT seemed much better than he had imagined.
Suddenly, he remembered something and hurriedly ran up to Lu Shi, whispering, “I heard from Coach Zhang that it was Lin Lan who specifically wanted DT to sign me. Is that true?”
Lu Shi: “You were indeed recommended to Coach Zhang by Lin Lan, but I’m not sure about the rest.”
“But,” Jiang Xu was eager to know, “why would Lin Lan recommend me? I don’t even know him…”
Before he could finish, he saw Lin Lan at the corner, causing him to inhale sharply.
Lin Lan looked at him, speaking in a familiar tone as if they were old friends. “Oh, Jiang Xu. Come on, Coach Shi is looking for you. Come with me.”
“Alright!” Jiang Xu followed along, his heart beating a bit faster.
Seeing Lin Lan in person was different from what he had imagined; the other person seemed to have a natural aura. Jiang Xu felt nervous as if meeting a big celebrity, but at the same time, Lin Lan’s casual demeanor gave him a comfortable feeling, as if they were easygoing friends. This discovery made Jiang Xu eager to immediately take out his phone and tell Qi Rong.
Lin Lan walked ahead, occasionally asking him, “How do you feel about DT?”
Jiang Xu quickly expressed his feelings, “I think it’s great, better than I imagined. It feels like a small family, very warm!” After saying this, he worried that Lin Lan might think he was too flattering and quickly added, “I’m not just saying this to please anyone, I really feel that it’s great, very comfortable here…”.
His voice grew softer as he spoke, feeling a bit inferior in front of someone like Lin Lan, who had been in the scene for so long.
Lin Lan turned to him and smiled, with no hint of condescension in his eyes. “Really? That’s exactly how I felt the first time I came to DT. Can you believe it? This team used to sleep until 11 am, but not anymore. With the new coach, our schedule is as strict as ever. We even have to time our bathroom breaks…”
Jiang Xu gradually relaxed upon hearing Lin Lan’s words. So Lin Lan felt the same way when he first came to DT? Was this also why he chose to stay with DT?
His heart raced faster, feeling excited. This team had brought him so many surprises. He didn’t know which one to tell Qi Rong about first.
Lin Lan led him to the office. “Go on, Coach Shi is looking for you. I have to go for training, so I won’t be able to accompany you.”
Jiang Xu: “Okay, go attend to your business.”
Jiang Xu bid farewell to Lin Lan, took a deep breath, and pushed open the door to the office. “Coach Shi, hello, I’m the new top laner, Jiang Xu.”
Shi Quan raised his head, smiling warmly at him. “Ah, Xiao Xu, come here. Your task for the next few days is to transcribe this.”
Jiang Xu received a thick stack of papers, feeling reassured by its weight.
He knew that DT had invested millions to sign him, and he was afraid he wouldn’t live up to their expectations. Seeing such a hefty pile of tasks actually relieved him.
Jiang Xu: “Okay, Coach Shi. When do you need this completed?”
Shi Quan: “Whenever you can. It’s up to you.”
“Okay,” Jiang Xu held the stack of papers, unsure of what to do next. “Coach Shi, is there anything else, or should I…”
Shi Quan: “Nothing else. You can go.”
As soon as Jiang Xu left, Coach Zhang asked Shi Quan, “What do you think of him?”
Shi Quan remained cheerful, taking a sip of tea. “Youngsters, full of energy. I like that.”
Coach Zhang: “Good that you like him. Boss Mu signed him with a heavy heart. The moment the money left the account, he was at home with a headache…”
Shi Quan: “Hahaha, really? Are you sure it’s not from drinking?”
Coach Zhang: “How could it be? He’s so broke he’s talking about quitting drinking.”
Shi Quan: “Oh, then he must be really broke…”
As Jiang Xu transcribed the documents, he gradually became familiar with the members of DT.
In addition to the starting four, DT also had two substitutes promoted from the youth training camp. One was Xiao An for the top lane, and the other was Ah Yan for support. Both were very young. Although they were listed as substitutes, they mainly trained with the youth camp. Occasionally, they joined the main team for practice sessions. Both of them had cheerful personalities and treated Jiang Xu respectfully as a senior.
Initially worried about being on the bench for a year without much playtime, Jiang Xu was pleasantly surprised by the harmonious atmosphere within the team. Moreover, because he was recommended by Lin Lan, everyone assumed he was a hidden talent. Even in casual matches, his teammates would gather around to watch his gameplay.
Jiang Xu didn’t want to disappoint his teammates, so he played with great seriousness, even more so than during his trial with DT. Sometimes, he even played exceptionally well.
Everyone was amazed: “Wow, you’re so good!”
“No wonder Lin Lan recommended you.”
“Absolutely. Brother Mu’s money was well spent.”
“Can’t he replace ten?”
“Hahaha, he could replace a hundred and still have room to spare…”
“Why are you guys praising Jiang Xu?”
Watching them banter, Jiang Xu couldn’t help but laugh along. His hands gripping the mouse were sweaty, but he genuinely felt happy.
He had never experienced normal camaraderie with teammates. During his year at IB, there was always a hierarchy between starters and substitutes.
No chance to play, no right to speak, no qualification to scrimmage with them. Always feeling like an outsider, always… detached from the team…
In truth, he was very grateful to DT because they provided him with a normal team environment. So when the DT manager approached him, he almost immediately grasped this lifeline without hesitation.
Jiang Xu: “I can forgo the signing bonus, just give me the base salary.”
Team manager: “Huh? Are you sure? That’s too unfair to you.”
Jiang Xu: “It’s okay, I just want to compete.”
In the end, he signed a wager agreement with DT, stipulating that DT must at least qualify for the World Championship for him to receive his normal signing bonus. Otherwise, he would only receive the base salary of an ordinary player.
He knew what this wager agreement meant for him. It involved not only a substantial signing bonus but also risking the remainder of his professional peak period.
But as long as he could compete, he was willing to give it his all and take the gamble.
After copying the documents, Shi Quan was very satisfied with Jiang Xu’s comprehension and quickly allowed him to join the main team for training matches.
Under the intense training regimen, Jiang Xu, who hadn’t played for a long time, still demonstrated extraordinary endurance. Soon, he gained everyone’s approval, and Brother Mu, pleased with the training results, happily took them out for a good meal.
Everyone was in high spirits, drinking a little wine.
Lin Lan also drank a bit too much. He came to the balcony to get some fresh air, and Xiao Shengjing followed him. He ruffled his hair without any reservation, “Are you feeling dizzy from the alcohol?”
“No, I’m okay.” Lin Lan took his hand down and glanced at the teammates behind him. “Be careful, don’t let them see.”
Xiao Shengjing smiled. He had also had a bit too much to drink and reached out to rub the back of Lin Lan’s head. “They’ve all had a bit too much, they won’t notice us…”
As he spoke, he began to stroke Lin Lan’s neck, liking what he saw more and more. His Adam’s apple moved slightly, leaning in to kiss him. Lin Lan, feeling a bit dizzy, didn’t refuse. Just as he was about to lean in, he suddenly heard a voice: “Captain, Coach Zhang is looking for you.”
Xiao Shengjing immediately pushed Lin Lan’s face away, coughing once and returning to a serious expression. “Okay, got it.”
Lin Lan, who was pushed away: ???
Does this guy change his demeanor so quickly?
After delivering the message, Lu Shi trotted back to Lin Lan’s side. He had had too much to drink and was a bit tongue-tied. “Why aren’t you drinking with us?”
Lin Lan: “I can’t handle alcohol. You guys go ahead.”
“What’s the matter? You’re not holding up well already?” Lu Shi affectionately draped his arm around Lin Lan’s shoulder. “This won’t do. We’re supposed to be celebrating Jiang Xu joining our team. Everyone’s chatting with him, and here you are hiding away. People might think you’re being aloof, and they definitely won’t like that…”
Lin Lan shook his head with a smile. “You don’t understand Jiang Xu.”
“You act like you know him so well. You’ve only just met him.” Lu Shi criticized Lin Lan, then noticed Jiang Xu fetching drinks for his teammates and quickly called out to him. “Jiang Xu, Lin Lan wants to talk to you. Put down the drinks, come over here…”
Jiang Xu nodded and hurriedly set down the drinks, jogging over.
Lu Shi ushered Jiang Xu over, patting his shoulder. “Have a good chat.” Then he staggered away unsteadily.
Lin Lan shook his head in resignation. “Lu Shi really had too much to drink.”
Jiang Xu chuckled along, unsure why Lin Lan wanted to talk to him. “So, uh, Lu Shi said you wanted to talk to me?”
After a moment’s thought, Lin Lan asked him, “Are you getting used to being at DT?”
Jiang Xu quickly nodded. “I’m very used to it, much better than I expected. And I’ve learned a lot at DT, things I couldn’t learn even after a year at IB. I think it’s great.”
After finishing, he turned to Lin Lan, a bit nervous but still asked the question that had been on his mind: “Why did you recommend me to Coach Zhang?”
Lin Lan looked up at Jiang Xu, though a bit woozy, his gaze was very serious. “Because I feel like we’re the same kind of person. Whenever there’s even a tiny chance, we’ll do everything to seize it.”
He spoke as if chatting with an old friend, his tone familiar. “Jiang Xu, I have a feeling that as long as you’re given the chance to play, you’ll seize it and prove yourself, just like I did back then.”
Such high praise made Jiang Xu’s heart race even faster. Why was Lin Lan so certain about him?
For a moment, he even thought of Lin Lan as an old friend they’d known for years…
Jiang Xu blurted out, “Have you known me before?”
“Cough…” This question caught Lin Lan off guard, and he quickly rubbed his forehead. “Sorry, I’ve had too much to drink. I don’t even know what I’m saying…”
![Poor Little Thing Reborn as a Spoiled Child [ABO]](https://www.freenovels.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/529280897e9ecfdd9f221749897bd3c6.jpeg "Poor Little Thing Reborn as a Spoiled Child [ABO]")
