If being mocked or underestimated only made Lin Meng angry, now Lin Meng should say her mentality has collapsed.
More than a year ago, she left the Kars team with nothing, and since then, she has tried to avoid associating herself with the phrase "professional gaming". Although this often caused her unease, it never made her as sad as she is now.
She used to be able to say to herself, "I'm not willing to play professionally, I don't want to," but now it's as if someone is solemnly telling her, "You don't deserve it."
Being forced to bow down in reality has caused a huge psychological gap for her.
She returned home and rushed into the bedroom, silently locked the door, and covered her head with a pillow.
It would be better not to listen, not to see, and not to think.
She didn't know how long had passed when she heard Lin Sitan knocking on the door outside.
"Bang bang bang"
"Bang bang bang"
Still knocking endlessly.
Lin Meng pressed the pillow hard, pretending not to hear.
But Lin Sitan persisted, "Lin Meng! Lin Meng!"
Lin Sitan: "Don't hide inside and be silent. I know you're inside, I saw you come home!"
Lin Sitan: "I have something to ask you, come out."
Lin Sitan: "Are you deaf, Lin Meng?"
Annoyed, Lin Meng lifted the pillow and threw it out, making a muffled sound as it hit the door, "Shut up! Don't bother me!"
Lin Sitan quieted for two seconds; it seemed like she hadn’t recovered from the rebuke, after all, this was the first time Lin Meng had shown anger since moving into her house two years ago. She angrily kicked the door, announcing, "I'm going to tell my mom that you're mean to me!"
Lin Meng couldn't be bothered with her, feeling as if, even if the sky fell now, it probably wouldn't stir any emotional upheaval in her.
Back from the Hengbo Internet Cafe to the base, Yu Mo didn't show a single trace of a good mood. When Pan Da wanted to call out "Captain" for an embrace, Yu Mo's expression frightened him off.
Zhong Xiang followed behind, pressing his brow slightly, his wrinkles showing. A group of internet-addicted youngsters successively raised their heads, sensing that the atmosphere was not right.
"What's wrong?" Old Mai, who had the most peaceful demeanor, asked on behalf of everyone. "Didn't the two of you go to see the venue? Was the venue bombed?"
Zhong Xiang stood behind Yu Mo and signaled discreetly to the old mai. Yu Mo threw the key onto the table and said coldly, "Let's have a meeting."
A group of people, including Zhong Xiang, sat straight on the sofa, like a group of primary school students waiting to be scolded, not daring to make a sound. Yu Mo brought over a chair, sat down with his legs crossed, and gave a sweeping glance. "Where's Xiao Xingheng?"
Directly mentioning the name of the Star God, Lu Lu and Old Mai exchanged glances, both swallowing hard, while Pan Da, with a mind as broad as his body, replied, "The Star God went to the headquarters to pick up the documents for the new team member --" Pan Da's words were cut off midway by Zhong Xiang's fierce pinching.
Yu Mo narrowed his eyes and said calmly, "Have I been too kind to you guys normally?"
In their memory, Yu Mo was indeed rarely prone to anger. He had received a good education, rarely got angry, and was particularly tolerant and considerate of family and friends.
The last time Yu Mo got angry… it seemed to be when their team lost in the round of 16 to number 8. Lu Lu and Pan Da, two impulsive young men, almost came to blows over the issue of carrying injury data, but Yu Mo picked them up and threw them harshly to the floor of the lounge.
That was the first time they had seen Yu Mo's serious side as the team leader.
It was so severe that Zhong Xiang still remembered that night, Lu Lu and Pan Da cried so much afterward that he had to run to the convenience store for tissues in the middle of the night.
Therefore, when Yu Mo spoke in such a manner, everyone was silent for a few seconds, shaking their heads like drums, "No, no…”
"Then who taught you to act first and report later?" Yu Mo said coldly, "Or do you think that I, as team captain, am no longer needed just because of my age? You all want to usurp my position, right?"
Silence reigned below.
Zhong Xiang couldn't stand the atmosphere and said, "Silence, don't scold them. The fact is, I was the one who primarily did it. If you want to blame someone, blame me."
"I will definitely blame you," Yu Mo said furiously, then sneered, "Zhong Xiang, you haven't realized how serious this matter is!"
"But we're short-staffed in our team, aren't we?" Zhong Xiang was genuinely confused.
"Did I ever tell you this wasn't urgent? Is it that we have to play in the autumn tournament tomorrow, or that the knife is already at our throats? Did the headquarters pressure you, to have you encounter such obstruction?" Yu Mo shouted, "Is it to withdraw funds or endorsements?" He slammed the desk in anger. "You tell me, you tell me the amount, and I'll talk to them. For every withdrawal they make, I'll make a deposit! We won't have to succumb to someone else’s threats over money!"
Zhong Xiang was puzzled by the extensive scolding; he couldn't understand why simply signing one of the headquarters' selected trainees had made Yu Mo so angry.
At that moment, the sound of the door opening was heard – Xiao Xingheng had returned.
Everyone burst into tears, calling out in unison as if they had seen a savior: "Star God!"
If there is anyone who still holds respect for the E-team's tyrant, Yu Mo, it's probably only "Team Mama" Xiao Xingheng.
Xiao Xingheng took off his baseball cap and looked at the scene as if it were a meeting with surprise, "What is going on here?"
Zhongxiang was close to tears by now, howling miserably, "Xingheng, come help me say something. I showed you Dragon's skill level in the recording before, it definitely isn't that bad. You have to testify for me, I agreed to sign him just for the good of our team."
Xiao Xingheng glanced at Yumo's expression, and then had a sudden realization. He placed the personnel materials in his hand on the table, casually tossed tissue paper into Zhongxiang's arms, and then smiled at Yumo, "Let's go, let's have a private chat. I have something to ask you."
Yumo supported his forehead, restrained his anger for now, and turned to look at the tearful Zhongxiang, "Go ahead and cry, reflect on what you've done. If you run out of tissues, ask them to buy for you, remember to reimburse me."
-
Xiao Xingheng was the first teammate that Yumo, after terminating the contract, had drawn over. He had provided significant help to Yumo when the E team was first formed.
At that time, Xiao Xingheng was already the starting support for the local frontline team, Winter. He was so popular that he made the top European Union military official, Doctor, envious, as seen from his high popularity. This was already a great platform, but he chose to not renew his contract after it expired due to his friendship with Yumo, and resolutely left his comfort zone to help Yumo start from scratch.
Unfortunately, during the championship tournament, Xiao Xingheng suffered a waist injury. He barely held on to win the championship, but ultimately had to choose to retire.
Xiao Xingheng was similar in age to Yumo, and had a more mature mindset. Unlike the other young teammates, Yumo did not reprimand him. They usually discussed and negotiated if there were issues.
Xiao Xingheng called Yumo to the rooftop sunroom, closed the soundproof glass door, and crossed his arms, "You shouldn't have lost your temper like that with Zhong Ge. Don't you know how bad the headquarters' attitude was before? When Zhong Ge said he wanted to ask you, the headquarters dismissed it as an excuse for delay, threatened to cut funding, and even talked about dismissing him."
"It seems that the headquarters is quite clear. If a person was presented to me, I probably wouldn't agree to let him join the team, so I'd rather have Zhong Ge come to me. Let's handle it in-house." Yumo snorted and opened the window, lighting a cigarette in the breeze. "Bringing in capital for the roster, quite impressive."
Xiao Xingheng said, "In the absence of suitable personnel, I think Dragon's level is usable. Or should I say... you had a more suitable candidate at the time?" He hinted with a meaningful look, "You did have someone else in mind."
Yumo was struck by Xiao Xingheng's mention. He sighed and said, "Yes."
"Was that MENG?"
"Yeah," Yumo closed his eyes, "I just settled with her today."
Xiao Xingheng pondered and said, "That's a pity, but, Silence, you have to admit that you were too emotional about this matter from start to finish."
"Do you doubt my decision?" Yumo raised his gaze.
Xiao Xingheng shrugged, "Although it sounds a bit harsh to say, it's indeed the case."
"Your opinion is wrong. On the contrary, I lost my temper with Zhongxiang precisely because I was too cautious. Do you remember how long it took me to find all of you? It took more than eight months, didn't I start contacting you right after I was discharged from the hospital?"
Xiao Xingheng thought about it and realized that was true.
"When PANDA first joined, his performance wasn't great. And ALU's temper in team fights was like a ghost entering a village." Yumo said, "But I chose them. Why?"
Xiao Xingheng remained silent.
Yumo continued, "Not only because they had potential, but because they had a sense of responsibility. Only those who take responsibility and reflect on themselves can continue to improve in team tasks. I value this quality more than technical skills."
"Dragon helped his friend, violating league rules, and I can't just let it slide." Yumo said, "Although I can't punish everyone for one person's mistake, Xiao Xingheng, there's a saying in China, 'Not kin, no entry'. There's some truth to it."
Xiao Xingheng considered and said softly, "But the contract has been signed, it has legal effect. You can't just act rashly because of an unsubstantiated occurrence. The team won't allow it, and the league definitely won't allow it."
Yumo looked somber. "Understood," he said quietly, deeply inhaling the cigarette.
"I sometimes feel very powerless." A pale blue smoke ring was exhaled, and Yumo's face became a bit blurred in the background, "Is it only people like Tang Jinhai who have enough control over everything?"
Xiao Xingheng was suddenly taken aback.
"You can't think like that!" he said softly, "Kars still ended up being let go in the end, didn't he?"
"That's because Mr. Tang was a fool himself!" Yumo said, "But at least all his decisions are implemented, no one can oppose, and no one will oppose."
"But he still couldn't keep you." Xiao Xingheng said softly, "He still couldn't control you, could he?"
Yumo chuckled, "I paid a heavy price for that."
"But you really can't compare yourself to Tang Jinhai." Xiao Xingheng said, "He never regarded anyone as one of his own. They were just pawns to him."
"I'm angry that Zhongxiang doesn't trust me." Yumo extinguished his cigarette in the potted plant soil, "If he doesn't sign the contract, I have a way to make them yield. And if the headquarters wants to dismiss him, they have to ask me first. If I don't agree, see if they dare to take action against him."
"Zhong Ge doesn't want to trouble you with everything, he meant well."
Yumo sighed, coldly saying, "The headquarters is being outrageously arrogant. They dare to threaten the cash cow. Don't they see who created the club's commercial value? Who are they to give them face?" He paused and still felt unsatisfied, "Why is Zhongxiang so cowardly? We've been working together for so long."
"Once the power dynamics become complicated, it's inevitable that these things will happen. Zhong Ge is just a poor little manager."
Xiao Xingheng unexpectedly laughed, "Captain, why not buy the club and become the boss yourself?"
"Easy for you to say, I'd love to." Yumo rolled his eyes and shook his head helplessly, "Not hiding anything from you, my father has been eyeing the eSports club industry for a long time. He brought up the financing matter the day before yesterday, and I rejected it. Now I'm starting to regret it. Once this opportunity is gone, it's probably gone for good."
"Why did you refuse?" Xiao Xingheng asked in surprise.
"My father has a strong desire for control..." Yumo looked indescribable, and changed his words, "Firstly, I kind of look down on him, feel he's outdated, not worthy of investing in emerging industries. He used to look down on this industry." Yumo laughed, "There's also... " He lowered his head, glanced at his wrist, and murmured, "I'm not over my anger yet."
-
Lin Meng lay on the bed for a while, trying to gather her scattered thoughts.
It seems like playing professionally was all just a dream. She told herself that she needed to return to normal life.
It's not bad to keep boosting accounts. There are no rules to follow, you can swear at anyone you want, and it pays well.
As for the future... let's think about it later.
She packed up, left the house, and found a nearby branch of the Hengbo Internet cafe, logging into her gaming and live streaming accounts.
Compared to the bleak worries of reality, the fans in the live broadcast room are still lovely as ever, with dense barrages and a lively atmosphere.
["Ah, ah, ah, the missing person has returned!"]
["Throw flowers, throw flowers!"]
["Welcome back, Lemon Boss Orz//Orz//Orz"]
["Lemon, where have you been? It's been so long, I really miss you!"]
["Lemon, let me take a look at your hands! Slurp!"]
["Lemon Boss, quickly go to the border jungle and conquer all sides!"]
...
As for professional gaming, can those so-called "Yu Mo" pig's trotters compare to one-thousandth of the cuteness of the fans? Absolutely not.
Lin Meng glanced at the barrage, feeling a bit calmer, and casually sent out a wave of red packets.
"I had something to deal with before," she said, "I won't bail in the future. Thanks for the rocket from 'Lemon's Butterfly Fingertips'."
Saying that, she logged into the game account, and as soon as she did, the new message notification in the lower right corner of the friend system started jumping.
Lin Meng opened it with confusion.
[POP_Doctor has sent a friend request.]
[SN_Wildwind has sent a friend request.]
Lin Meng: "......"
These two? ???
Lin Meng was completely bewildered, but the barrage had already exploded.
["What the heck did I just see?"]
["Both top teams extended olive branches to me, Lemon?!"
["Am I finally going pro!? Am I going pro!"]
["Ah, Lemon's fans finally made it out, 1551"]
["Oh my god, Wild Wind is my idol!"]
["Doctor, mom loves you, boo hoo, Mom also wants to add you as a friend!"]
["What's going on?"]
["Do they know each other?"]
["WTF, what's this wonderful smell? Warning about the demon realm?"]
["Demon realm! Demon realm! Let's fight! Let's fight!"]
Lin Meng's hands trembled, and she clicked "agree" on both.
Soon after.
[POP_Doctor invites you to team up]
[SN_Wildwind invites you to team up]
Lin Meng: "......"
She didn't know what these two were up to, but she casually clicked "reject", yet the chat messages in the friend list started to jump frequently.
[POP_Doctor: Come on baby.]
[POP_Doctor: I will carry you! I will carry you!]
[SN_Wildwind: Little Lemon, get on board.]
[SN_Wildwind: I'll take you flying.]
So, what exactly were these two planning?
The rhythm soared, and Lin Meng swallowed her saliva. As a precaution, she stopped the live broadcast, picked up her phone, and dragged these two troublemakers into a group chat.
Lin Meng: [What are you two up to? Don't you know I'm live?]
SN_Wildwind: [Huh, you're live? We didn't know, sorry for causing you trouble.]
POP_Doctor: [Let's duo! Oppa is here to give you some love treatment!]
SN_Wildwind: [Are you blind? She said she's live.]
POP_Doctor: [So? It's perfect for Lemon's fans to see how big my chest is as the number one healer in the EU server.]
Lin Meng: [...... Your national server account is only at Gold 6, we can't duo.]
SN_Wildwind: [Oh snap, Kim Yunhui, you're out of the group.]
POP_Doctor: [???]
POP_Doctor: [Lemon, aren't you the team's substitute? Carry me to a higher rank.]
Lin Meng: 【?】
Lin Meng: 【Don't bring, go away, deal with it yourself.】
POP_Doctor: 【LEMON, what's wrong with you?】
POP_Doctor: 【Why do you always have this attitude towards me!】
SN_Wildwind: 【Okay, you've lost, remember to buy me the newly released skin ：）】
POP_Doctor: 【Wildwind, you jerk!】
Lin Meng: 【???】
Lin Meng: 【Are you two secretly engaging in some shameful deal behind my back?】
SN_Wildwind: 【No, no, absolutely not, we just made a bet.】
Lin Meng: 【What?】
SN_Wildwind: 【Jin Yunhui said that your attitude towards him in private is actually very friendly. I bet with him that you would make him leave within three sentences.】
Lin Meng: 【...Have you both retired collectively? You're so bored?】
SN_Wildwind: 【Haha.】
POP_Doctor: 【Are you feeling better now?】
Lin Meng was slightly taken aback.
SN_Wildwind: 【Do you want to consider joining SN?】
POP_Doctor: 【Yeah, go to SN. Although it's been second place for years, maybe you’ll join and beat Team E on the ground!】
SN_Wildwind: 【Are you cursing me to die as the second place team?】
POP_Doctor: 【Are you biting me?】
Lin Meng: 【So, did Team E sign a new member after all?】
SN_Wildwind: 【Don't you know? They promoted a rookie named Dragon, specializing in playing support. I estimate they’ll make an official announcement soon.】
Lin Meng paused for a moment and said: 【I probably guessed it.】
SN_Wildwind: 【It's not your fault, you're very exceptional.】
Lin Meng: 【Yeah.】
SN_Wildwind: 【Silence is such a scumbag.】
POP_Doctor: 【Silence is such a scumbag.】
Lin Meng felt that these two people were quite unusual.
Lin Meng: 【I have a question, where did you two find out about my ID?】
A while later
SN_Wildwind: 【Silence told us.】
-
In the end, Lin Meng declined Wildwind's invitation.
The live barrage was still frantically creating an unspeakable relationship graph between the three. She was afraid that their images would be affected, so she chose to solo queue.
Winning a few games in a formulaic manner, she felt it was not very meaningful. She got up to buy some milk and came back to rest. While resting, her phone vibrated, and Yu Mo sent her a message.
Since yesterday, Yu Mo had not contacted her. Instead, he had given his Eddie to Wildwind and Doctor, which Lin Meng found quite strange.
Don't try to figure out men's minds?
She picked up her phone and took a look.
Yu Mo: 【Don't want to join SN?】
Yu Mo: 【Which team do you want to join? Any top domestic team, just tell me the name, and I will contact them for you.】
Lin Meng looked at the phone screen, feeling indescribable.
For so long, she had been blaming Yu Mo one-sidedly, questioning why he had come to provoke her in the first place, and how he could easily withdraw from the situation.
But she never considered that Yu Mo might also have his own difficulties. In such a massive commercial system, even Yu Mo couldn't do as he pleased and would often be criticized.
It was not that she didn't want to consider these things, but she didn't dare to. Once she started thinking in that direction, her heart would endlessly soften, feeling pain for Yu Mo.
Then she wouldn't be the icy Lin Meng who was so cool and didn't care for it. She hated that.
She held the phone in her palm and wondered if she would have pursued a professional career without Yu Mo.
Probably not, right?
She was not someone who enjoyed flattery, nor did she have any greed for money. If it weren't for wanting to fight alongside this person, what would be the difference between playing professionally and being a substitute?
Without this person, she wouldn't have any admiration for this industry.
If she joined another team, she would eventually have to face Yu Mo.
She doesn't want to lose, but even if she wins, she won't be happy.
Lin Meng knelt on the gaming chair, disheartened, and messed up her hair.
Too difficult.
In fact, it's a very simple multiple-choice question.
She took a deep breath, feeling that she had figured it out, and sent a message to Yu Mo.
【No need. I'm really not that interested in playing professionally.】 She bit her lip while typing, leaving a mottled tooth mark on her lower lip. 【Silence, you shouldn't always assume you're making decisions for others. I'm not 16 anymore, can't I lead a peaceful life? Why do I have to be pulled into the public eye? Would you feel better watching me get criticized?】
This hurts.
She pressed the send button, feeling a pang in her heart.
I really want to play professionally...
I really want to walk onto the champion's stage with Yu Mo...
No! Lin Meng, you don't want to.
She shook her head and saw Yu Mo reply with a "Sorry."
What did he do wrong?
He has always tried his best to provide the best platform for her.
Are you a hypocrite, Lin Xiaomeng?
She wiped her eyes with her hand, feeling hopeless. This time, Yu Mo probably gave up on her completely.
No one will stubbornly pull her anymore.
No! He will!
Have never seen someone handing over their wife to others to coax, Yu Shen, what kind of iron-clad fool are you?
Our Lin Xiaomeng must have been a difficult math problem in her past life, stuck with such a straight guy.
Say hello to the cuties. I have something to do tomorrow, so the update will be early. The update on the 31st will be delayed, and on the 1st, there will be a burst update as compensation, love you all.
Thanks to the little angels for voting for me or irrigating me with nutrients~
Thanks to the little angels for irrigating:
Hard to endure 3 bottles; Wu Yanzu 1 bottle;
Thank you all very much for your support, I will continue to work hard!