My Xiao Zong went through all kinds of channels, spending money, energy, and effort to organize things. Do you think you can just walk away with a casual remark?
Chu Qianze: “You taking care of it?”
Another message came from the other side.
Coach Niu: [After all, XYZ used to be your old team. Now that it’s in trouble, you should lend a hand, right? We all would appreciate it.]
Chu Qianze savored the meaning, glanced at Zong Xinjue, “After you provided them with training last time, the performance was quite good, wasn’t it?”
If memory serves right, it was the best performance since Zong Xinjue was 19.
Zong Xinjue also saw the latest message, said nothing, just took a sip of water.
Chu Qianze: “During the training, did Coach Niu pay you?”
“I was invited to visit them, and I took the opportunity to train the younger generation.” Zong Xinjue put down his water cup, his gaze shifting to the person beside him. He felt that Chu Qianze in this state was particularly incisive.
The answer was no pay.
Chu Qianze remembered that in later interviews, there was hardly any mention of Zong Xinjue in the battles. Instead, Coach Niu seemed quite delighted, eager to portray himself as a successful mentor.
“Did they let you go after the team’s victory?”
Chu Qianze understood everything from Zong Xinjue’s expression and couldn’t help but laugh.
“This freeloading skill is impressive. Found someone with a thicker face than mine.”
At this point, the other person seemed a bit agitated, continuously sending messages.
Coach Niu: [I know you’ve seen it. Just asking for some information, it’s not a big deal. Are you unwilling to provide even this? After all, we can be considered teacher and disciple. It was me who brought you in originally. Now, the team is in a critical situation. You should make some effort.]
Ignoring the person’s agitated comments, Chu Qianze unfolded the screen of his device, leaned back in his chair, and looked lazy: “How do you plan to handle this?”
“We won’t beat around the bush. Just one question: do you want to or not?”
Zong Xinjue: “Don’t want to.”
“Alright, I’ll take care of the rest. Any objections?”
Seeing the other person looking irritated, Zong Xinjue’s eyes flashed with a hint of amusement, “No objections, feel free.”
“Someone’s causing trouble, and you’re here laughing? Keep it to yourself,” said in a fierce tone.
The other party continued to send messages, trying to assert their presence. Chu Qianze tapped his fingers on the virtual keyboard twice.
[Not giving, scram.]
Blocked, deleted, a whole set of dragon moves.
The world is peaceful, and I’m feeling good.
Seeing Zong Xinjue staring at him, Chu Qianze raised an innocent smile. Then, he casually said, “Oops, accidentally deleted a friend.”
His tone was exaggerated and theatrical.
Zong Xinjue felt a tug at his heart but covered it up by biting his lip. “You don’t have to do this, actually.”
Zong Xinjue meant that Chu Qianze didn’t have to go to such lengths—refusing or blocking the person.
“Just blocking is enough; no need to reply,” Zong Xinjue said, earning Chu Qianze’s admiration.
“You dismissed them directly, impressive move,” he said, giving a thumbs-up.
“Actually, even if I had replied, it wouldn’t have mattered. The data is categorized based on our abilities, and their situation is completely different from ours. Their capabilities are not on the same level. If they really use it, it’s likely to backfire,” Zong Xinjue brought his attention back to the holographic screen, leisurely continuing to handle documents.
“Can’t I be angry?”
Chu Qianze pulled the corners of his mouth, leaned to the side, and directly tilted over, leaning against Zong Xinjue.
“You can,” Zong Xinjue coughed lightly. Although he enjoyed the other’s care, there were some things that needed to be addressed.
“Um, I want to show you something.”
Chu Qianze lifted his eyelids, adding a playful tone, “Hmm?”
As soon as the words fell, a holographic screen appeared in front of him, displaying a document file with a familiar name, XYZ Team.
Chu Qianze raised his hand and swiped a few times, making a surprised sound.
Scrolling through, it was the list of XYZ Team’s practice members.
“Do you want to expand the team?”
“I’m thinking of establishing a club; it will need a lot of people. What do you think of these few?”
Upon hearing this, Chu Qianze’s brow furrowed.
While Coach Niu was eyeing your data, you’re here eyeing their human resource reserves.
“Are you trying to poach talent?”
Zong Xinjue calmly stated, “The demand for XYZ Team is currently close to saturation, and the chances of new talents emerging are not high. These individuals have potential; they just haven’t been discovered yet.”
XYZ Club adopts a wide-net approach. After signing contracts with individuals, it’s more of a free-range system, and the future depends on individual circumstances.
“If they can’t be a patron for these talents, at least don’t bury them. The esports career is only a few years, and delaying during the prime years is quite irresponsible.”
Many young people dive into the industry with passion, sacrificing for their dreams, but only a few succeed. For most, they invest all their time and energy but end up with nothing in the end.
The golden time for esports coincides with the golden development stage for young people. Investing it all in training means inevitably missing out on other possibilities.
When Coach Niu had him do training for others, perhaps it was to save costs or maybe he had other intentions. The methods weren’t particularly sophisticated, but each party got what they needed.
“Smart! Convenient and efficient,” Chu Qianze flipped through the data, letting out a yawn.
Zong Xinjue nodded, “Exactly, that’s the key.”
Given the level of detail in this data, it’s clear they’ve been plotting for a while.
Chu Qianze pondered for a moment, “Should we consider understanding other clubs?”
Since they were already planning to poach talent, why not expand the scope and benefit from various sources.
Zong Xinjue hesitated for a moment, stroking his chin, “It’s worth considering, but the workload might be a bit much.”
“Let’s give it a try then.”
Chu Qianze moved the data aside, “Once this competition is over, King will stand at the top of the stage, known to everyone. At that time, we’ll have the confidence to compete with other clubs. If you spot a player you like, just put our contact information out there and say, ‘We’ve set our eyes on you. Interested in joining our team?’ Haha, it feels like acting in a skit.”
Thinking about it, he found it amusing and couldn’t stop laughing.
Seeing his expression, Zong Xinjue couldn’t help but curl the corner of his mouth, finding himself strangely looking forward to it.
The idea was good, but they also needed to consider the practical situation.
“In reality, the risk is quite significant. No one can predict exactly what might happen. I might end up losing everything.”
“If I lose, I lose. Money is just paper if it’s not circulating.”
Chu Qianze stretched lazily, “If you go bankrupt, come warm my bed. I can’t guarantee much else, but I can provide food and lodging.”
…Warming the bed.
Zong Xinjue’s face turned slightly warm. “Break time is over; let’s continue the analysis.”
“So soon—”
Chu Qianze leaned forward, resting on the table. Two seconds later, he sat up straight, “Alright, I’m ready.”
Actually, Zong Xinjue was quite eager too, but considering his training progress…
It might be better to take it easy during the competition; he had some self-control usually, but once he started, he wasn’t confident he could resist.
With a light cough, he began, “Now, let’s talk about this—”
In the packed audience stands, the atmosphere was electric.
“Welcome, everyone, to watch the semi-finals of the Prosperous World League, the second match! The teams competing this time are Elite Assault Team—”
“Facing off against Team King!!”
Chu Qianze and Zong Xinjue appeared on the big screen, and as soon as the crowd caught sight of them, cheers and applause echoed through the square.
After a brief introduction, the host swung the microphone, “Alright, no more nonsense. The competition officially begins!”
As the system prompt sound faded, Chu Qianze lifted the heavy sniper rifle.
The first gunshot marked the beginning of the match.
Chu Qianze was responsible for long-range attacks, while Zong Xinjue handled close combat. The two collaborated seamlessly, suppressing their opponents tightly.
With guns aimed at the enemy, the competition concluded amid the sound of gunfire.
[Team King Victory!]
In the third match, Team King emerged victorious!
“The winner of this round is Team King! Congratulations to them!!”
From mountaintops to valleys, from forests to beaches, the competition venue constantly changed. Each time a round ended, the two would lift their hands for a high-five, then gesture towards the audience. In the stands, the fan base gradually grew larger, with cheers, posters, banners, slogans, and flowers…
Every match was a clash of power, a visual feast. Each game was a chorus of fan shouts and celebrations.
“The winner is Team King!”
“King! Truly deserving of the title of champions!!”
“Another victory! King! Tonight belongs to them!!”
As the tournament progressed, King, this dark horse, entered the public’s view with a strong presence, making a powerful impact.
On the homepage of the forums, King gradually dominated the rankings, and the discussion threads quickly turned into towering skyscrapers.
More and more people learned about this team, more and more people became fans, watching the live streams, replays, and even buying tickets to attend in person—all to support the two players.
King never disappointed their fans, always marching forward with victory!
In the arena, as the giant shield flew out, the opponents fell.
Chu Qianze walked to Zong Xinjue’s side, shook his hand, and raised it towards the audience.
“Congratulations to Team King for entering the finals!!!” The host led the cheers, and in the audience stands, people had already stood up, their faces flushed, waving their hands and shouting.
The suspended city, a venue specially created by the official for the finals.
The city floated in the sky, with the sky above and the city shrouded in clouds and mist. The architecture had a steampunk style, appearing ancient and solemn. Looking around, it provided an unparalleled visual experience. Players kept appearing in the open space, logging in one after another. After surveying their surroundings, they followed the system’s instructions, heading towards the competition venue, preparing to take their seats in advance.
In the waiting area, the teams were assigned to different zones. They engaged in various activities according to their needs, trying to adjust their conditions to the best.
In the lounge, Chu Qianze was enjoying an Oreo sundae he ordered. He glanced at Zong Xinjue, who was sitting upright beside him, and offered a spoonful. “Want a bite?”
Zong Xinjue was momentarily taken aback but quickly composed himself. “Including opening performances and such, we probably have to wait a bit longer.”
“Got it, as planned,” Chu Qianze lifted the spoon in his hand, gesturing with an unknown sign.
The virtual projection activated, displaying the scene. Broadcasting the live situation to various lounges.
“Hello, everyone! This is the live scene of the grand finals of the Sheng Shi World League!” The host stood on the floating platform, introducing the process and teams of the championship to the audience.
The spectators sat in their designated seats, eagerly awaiting the start of the competition.
[Please proceed to the preparation area.]
The game panel issued instructions.
Chu Qianze fed the last bite to Zong Xinjue. After choosing to dispose of the trash, he stood up and stretched.
“Let’s go,” he said to the person beside him.
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