Chapter 98:

On the day of the final, the two teams arrived at the final venue early in the morning.

Unlike for a usual regular season game, the two teams had already visited the stadium and done a dress rehearsal the day before. No other people were allowed to use the stadium. The players spare peripherals too were placed in the stadium and adjusted the day before. The teams logos were also posted on their respective lounges a few days ago. Compared with the regular season and semi-final matches, the overall arrangements had improved by several levels.

Perhaps theyd been influenced by Team Saints display of self-sacrifice or perhaps it was because the relationship between the members of the NSN and Free has always been close or perhaps it was because they didnt want to put too much pressure on the two teams before going to the World Championships but the air around this seasons finals was not filled with the smell of gunpowder. Gone was the fans usual posture of being irreconcilable adversaries. Regardless whether they were ordinary players or fans of either teams, most people had a very gentle disposition before the game. Normally during that period after the audience has entered the stadium but before the game starts, fans of the two teams would be chanting slogans and cheers, trying to outdo the other. This time, these yelling noises were gone. After NSN fans shouted some cheers, Frees fans didnt try to rally their forces to yell their own cheers louder. They merely shouted a few cheers as well and then stopped.

Today, Yu Suis girlfriends and Shi Luos older sisters are so gentle. The assistant referee was coming to Frees lounge to ask for Zhou Huos signature. Hearing a few shouts from the fans outside, he stopped unexpectedly and said, NSN fans actually dared to shout their cheers first? Normally, your fans wouldnt tolerate this. When did they suddenly have such good tempers?

Zhou Huo signed one by one on the pages for the manager in charge. Pretending innocence and disinterest after success, he smiled, Our fans have always had very good tempers. They would never get into some meaningless cheering one-upmanship.

The assistant shrugged. He glanced at Yu Sui and Shi Luo who were reading the coachs notes together not far away. He whispered to Zhou Huo, Now, theyre standing aloof from worldly strife? When you played against the Bison in the regular season before, your fans overwhelmed the other teams fans so loudly that we couldnt even get proper audio. All we could get were audio from your team.

Zhou Huo said in his heart, can it be the same for those they have old enmities with?

Zhou Huo signed everything he needed to and smiled, Were making less trouble for you guys, right? Isnt that good?

Of course its good. But when it comes to the world stage, we dont mind you giving us more trouble. The assistant referee winked and smiled. Fans in foreign competitions are amazing at boo-ing the competition to mess with their morale. Dont be bullied by them, you hear?

Certainly.

Zhou Huo sent off the assistant referee and walked in front of the players who were relaxing with their eyes closed. How is it? No problems, right?

What problem could there be? Chen Huo said with a relaxed expression. He said helplessly, Dont think we arent nervous enough. Its f-ing NSN who isnt nervous enough, alright? That little brat Wawa even contacted me last night and asked me if we wanted to eat out after the competition. He even asked me what we wanted to eat. I swear, doesnt Old Gu care about this? Were going to compete in a match, okay?! What does he think hes doing playing happy families?

Really, in all my years of playing this is the first time Im playing a final with such a low smell of gunpowder. Its good enough that we dont have any enmity between us but getting along so well like were in-laws is just too much. Puppy glanced at Shi Luo and tsk-ed. I dont understand why Wawa is so at home with our team, its like he considers it as half his home.

Shi Luos expression froze. He pretended to not understand that Puppy was insinuating that Wawa was Yu Suis brother-in-law. He took Old Qiaos coaching notes and looked down.

What nonsense. Old Qiao was the one who hated it the most when the older ones bullied the little ones in the team. He pushed Puppys head down to prevent him from messing with Shi Luos mentality, Isnt harmony good? Isnt it less pressure on you? You think weve got this match already in the bag. Dont you know how ugly it looks when you talk big before the game only to lose it?

Puppy sneered. Lose?

Dont be arrogant, just play according to your experience from the regular season. Old Qiao hurriedly wrapped up this topic and turned to Chen Huo, Did you already agree to Wawa?

No, how could I agree? Didnt Yu Sui book a hotel in Hangzhou? Chen Huo said innocently. Didnt you say we were going to Hangzhou for a vacation after the game?

Old Qiao was completely unware of the situation. He turned to look at Yu Sui. You booked a hotel?! How many days did you book it for?

Three days. Yu Suis expression looked completely at ease. It takes less than an hour to go to Hangzhou by high-speed rail. So, its not like youd disagree, right?

It doesnt matter if I agree or disagree, just please tell me in advance. Old Qiao frowned. Which dates did you book it for? Who did you discuss this with?! Although there is a holiday after the finals, you&#k2026;

Zhou Huo reminded in a low voice, The nine-thousand a night villa suite in that hotel you have mentioned before. The one youve always wanted to stay at. That classical type one that fits the aesthetics of the elderly like you.

But you, but you Old Qiaos anger fell to half in an instant. Position not quite stable, he said, Then, you still should have discussed it with me. I could have scheduled another practice match, now, you

Zhou Huo again whispered, Members of the team will also be reimbursed for any other expenses throughout the process.

If its all reimbursed Then what Old Qiaos voice became smaller and smaller, Ah Well, its not out of the question to take a break once in a while.

Chen Huo and Puppy smirked.

Why did you think of going to Hangzhou? Tired of staying in Shanghai? This city cant hold you anymore? Old Qiao still didnt understand, Although I want to go to Hangzhou for a few days too

Yu Suis expression was relaxed: I was afraid you were getting bored at the base. I discussed it with Zhou Huo a few days ago. After the finals, all the staff will be on paid leave and the team members will go to Hangzhou for vacation.

Thats okay then. The more Old Qiao thought about it, the more excited he became. He still hid his happiness though. Frowning, he said, You should be thinking so much when the game isnt even over yet! Focus! Theres still half an hour before we need to be one stage. Either look at the notes or take a short nap. Dont just think about vacationing. Isnt it more fun on vacation after we win rather than after we lose?

Thats right. Chen Huo sat up straight and snatched Old Qiaos notebook from Shi Luos hand, flipping through it. Its better to win

Puppy leaned on Chen Huo to read the notes. Seeing that no one was paying attention to him, Shi Luo picked up his mobile phone to search for Hangzhou hotels.

Yu Sui was sitting next to Shi Luo. He saw what Shi Luo was looking at a glance. He whispered, Looking for where youre going to sleep with me?

Shi Luo quickly put away his phone. He looked around and pretended not to hear him.

Yu Sui rubbed Shi Luos head: Relax, youre just nervous.

Shi Luo pressed his lips tightly and didnt say anything. Inwardly, he said, No kidding! Youre all thinking about the World Championships and Im the only one whos still worried about that bet.

Half an hour passed quickly. Everyone got up and Zhou Huo patted each of their shoulders. Just play normally. Dont be nervous but dont relax too much either. Even if you lose, youre headed to the World Championships. But winning would be considered handing in a perfect test paper for our region. Jia You

Everyone left the training room one by one and walked to the stage with the staffs guidance.

The final venue was more than ten times larger than the semi-finals venue. Before Free even exited the backstage, they already heard the cheers of the fans that crashed down like a tsunami. Chen Huo jumped slightly and said with a smile,