Chapter 147 – Post-Match Interview

Li Cangyu wrote his signature on the form handed over by the referee and took his teammates to the opposite soundproof room to shake hands with the members of the Time team.

As soon as he entered the soundproof room, he saw Cheng Wei's sullen face. Li Cangyu smiled slightly and walked up to him, rubbing his head. "Are you still depressed?"

Cheng Wei suddenly raised his head and stared at Li Cangyu. "You are too cunning!"

There was almost fire coming from the clear eyes and his cheeks were also bulging. His emotional state looked a bit cute. Li Cangyu's smile deepened and he rubbed Cheng Wei's head in a counterclockwise manner. He told Cheng Wei bluntly, "I have to be cunning on the field. Otherwise, how can I win against you?"

Cheng Wei, "…"

How was this possible? There was no need to abuse him to win!

Cheng Wei continued to stare at Li Cangyu, who softened and straightened out the disorderly hair. "The next match at Canglan's home, you can try to win against me."

Cheng Wei immediately formed a fist and vowed, "That's for certain!"

Li Cangyu turned around and saw Tan s.h.i.+tian coming to shake his hand.

Tan s.h.i.+tian was very calm compared to Cheng Wei. Despite the unexpected score of 1:2 at home, the young captain didn't show any disappointment. Instead, he smiled and reached out his hand. "Congratulations on Cat G.o.d's victory."

Li Cangyu shook hands with him and said, "Captain Tan is very polite."

The two people exchanged greetings and the players on both teams shook hands. Then Li Cangyu took his teammates back to Canglan's soundproof room.

***

In order to cooperate with the media's publicity, the Miracle League asked that all teams in the first division send at least two players to attend the post-match interview.

Today was Canglan's first match. Li Cangyu thought about it and decided to bring Bai Xuan, Xie Shurong and Xiao Han to the interview. The combination of Bai and Shu played well in this match and Xiao Han's performance was very bright. Li Cangyu also wanted to take the opportunity to introduce his apprentice to the reporters. The remaining four were led by Uncle Zhang to a good restaurant where they could freely order what they wanted.

There was an interview room specially arranged backstage and the Time team was interviewed first. Tan s.h.i.+tian and Cheng Wei were the only ones to attend. The two people received a camera flash baptism as soon as they arrived.

A female reporter stood up and asked, "The Time team played a 1:2 score at home. I believe that Captain Tan isn't satisfied with this result. Can you a.n.a.lyze it for us? What do you think is the key reason for your loss in the fist game and the third game?"

Tan s.h.i.+tian smiled and said, "We lost the first game because Cat G.o.d's tactics were too unexpected. I didn't realize the threatening the east while striking in the west strategy and fell into the trap he set." Tan s.h.i.+tian paused as he stared calmly at the reporters. Then he continued, "In the third game, I wanted to wait for the best time in the early stage. As a result, I wasted time and gave Cat G.o.d an opportunity. Moreover, this was the first time I played against Cat G.o.d and didn't notice him setting up for Cataclysm. I let him open this skill at the critical moment. I was too careless."

Cheng Wei heard him say this and couldn't help feeling a bit sour.

Since taking over as captain of Time, Tan s.h.i.+tian always smiled and shouldered all responsibilities whenever the Time team lost and were interviewed. His popularity was very high but there were still people who blamed him.

Previously, Cheng Wei hadn't thought there was anything wrong with this. However, after he was scolded by Cat G.o.d at the Carnival, he discovered that he was actually an unqualified vice-captain.

In the past few years, he hadn't done anything for the team. Even Lu Xiao was responsible for the training of newcomers while all Cheng Wei did was play the game, train and go out to play when he was idle…

He never helped Tan s.h.i.+tian so was he truly the vice-captain of Time?

How could he hide like a coward behind Tan s.h.i.+tian whenever he was in trouble?

Cheng Wei took a deep breath, picked up the microphone and said, "I also made a lot of mistakes in this match."

The reporters were immediately caught by him and Tan s.h.i.+tian also looked over at him.

Cheng Wei continued, "For example, when Cat G.o.d used a big move against me, I immediately hit back and didn't notice there were two teammates missing behind him. In the arena in the third game, I clearly knew that Cat G.o.d's strongest skill is Cataclysm. However, I was too excited chasing him and ignored the cooldown of his pet summoning skills."

“In fact, in the third game, I should've used more control skills to interfere with him while leaving the output to Captain Tan. Cat G.o.d's movement techniques are first-cla.s.s. Many skills can't hit him if he isn't controlled. I didn't complete the task of a white magician to control the opponent. Instead, I allowed Captain Tan to waste a lot of output. This is the key to why we failed to kill Cat G.o.d."

"In addition, at the end we both had less than 10% blood left. I was too anxious to kill Cat G.o.d and didn't accurately read my key skills. Instead, I was killed by him. This is also my fault."

"After this match, I won't be so impulsive. I'll try to calm down and observe my opponent's cooldown time, taking advantage of any opportunities that show up."

Cheng Wei seriously looked at the reporters. "I'm done. Please unleash your criticisms."

Tan s.h.i.+tian, "…"

The reporters, "…"

The venue was suddenly silent.

Many reporters wondered if Cheng Wei was possessed by someone else. Had their souls changed bodies? Why did his personality suddenly change?

In previous post-match interviews, Cheng Wei's answers were generally, "Our Time team is the strongest!" "I think we will definitely win the next match." “Today was very enjoyable to play!" He shouted the same words.

Today, not only did he seriously a.n.a.lyze the game, he self-reflected in front of everyone…

It felt like an emotional cat suddenly lying in front of them and saying earnestly, "I was wrong."

He looked very serious but they couldn't help wanting to rub his head and bully him.

The reporters could only think this but Tan s.h.i.+tian put the thought into action. He reached out to gently pat Cheng Wei's head and said softly, "Not all the blame can be put on you. You haven't played against Cat G.o.d in a long time. We both neglected his outbreaks and unpredictable tactics. It is enough that you are aware of your shortcomings and will continue to improve in the next match."

Cheng Wei immediately nodded in agreement. "Yes, that's right!"

Tan s.h.i.+tian stared at him and the positive emotions in his eyes deepened. It seemed that Cheng Wei's mentality had stabilized through this match. Cat G.o.d returned to Miracle with new teammates. It was time for the boy who idolized him to grow up.

The reporters saw Tan s.h.i.+tian gently touch Cheng Wei's head and felt touched. The feelings between Tan and Cheng were really good!

A male reporter stood up and asked, "Captain Tan, how would you evaluate Cat G.o.d after this match?"

Tan s.h.i.+tian retracted his hand and smiled. "Cat G.o.d is an admirable contestant. Whether it is his firm will that made him not give up after twists and turns or his calm att.i.tude in the game, I really admire him. Moreover, his hand speed is in the first-cla.s.s standards. In particular, the outbreak of the Cataclysm skill is very handsome."

Cheng Wei listened to Tan s.h.i.+tian praising Cat G.o.d and couldn't help smiling. "Yes, very handsome!"

The reporters, "…"

'Vice-Captain Cheng, do you only exist as a prop to be attached to Captain Tan? Mindlessly nodding next to him, don't you know that you look silly and foolish?'

Tan s.h.i.+tian was very fond of Cheng Wei sitting next to him and echoing him. This feeling of 'following the husband' was great.

***

Backstage, Li Cangyu heard the interview and couldn't help smiling. "Since Tan s.h.i.+tian praised me so much, I will praise him later."

In the interview with the Canglan team, a reporter asked, "Cat G.o.d, when I was interviewing Time, Tan s.h.i.+tian said that you are a very admirable player. Then what do you think of the young captain of Time?"

Li Cangyu didn't hesitate to praise Tan s.h.i.+tian. "As the youngest captain of the Miracle League, Tan s.h.i.+tian has a good temper and a sense of humour. He doesn't put on airs and writes small stories on Weibo. He is very calm on the field and can smile whether he wins or loses. Such a young and promising captain, I really have no problems with him."

The reporters, "…"

Did the two of them give red envelopes to each other? What was this feeling of being 'trusted' by the other person?

The reporter asked again, "Then what does Cat G.o.d think about Cheng Wei, the vice-captain of Time?"

Cheng Wei immediately p.r.i.c.ked up his ears, wanting to ear Cat G.o.d praise him. As a result, Li Cangyu just smiled and said, "Cheng Wei? His hair is very soft. It is no wonder why Captain Tan likes to touch his head."

Cheng Wei, "…"

'You won't praise me? Boast about my keen responses, amazing outbreak and first-cla.s.s operations! What do you mean by my hair is soft? Is soft hair a compliment? I'm going to become a black fan!'

Tan s.h.i.+tian saw Cheng Wei's exasperated look and couldn't help touching his head.

'Cat G.o.d is right. His hair is really soft!'

***

After getting Li Cangyu's opinion on the Time team, the reporters changed the topic. "The Canglan team won the first match with a score of 2:1 at an away match. What does Cat G.o.d want to say to the fans?"

Li Cangyu answered decisively, "Today we managed to win two games. Apart from the tactics that surprised Time, some of it was due to luck. After today's match, my Cataclysm will certainly attract the attention of other teams. The next match might not be so lucky. I hope that all fans supporting Canglan will be able to treat the next match with a normal heart."

"There is still a long way for Canglan to go. You just have to believe that no matter how much difficulties we encounter, the eight players of Canglan will definitely try their best to reach the finish line."

His eyes were very calm and every word he spoke was worthy of a person who was a captain. His aura wasn't ordinary when he talked business.

The meaning of these words were obvious. Even if Canglan lost, people shouldn't rush to scold them. No matter how many ups and downs there were on the road, Li Cangyu would firmly walk forward with his teammates.

The reporters at the venue excitedly applauded the return of the old player.

Once the applause ended, another reporter glanced at the mixed-race boy sitting next to Li Cangyu and asked, "Xiao Han, many people are curious about your origins. Can you tell everyone where you are from?"

Xiao Han replied seriously, "I am a Chinese mixed-raced."

The reporter was stunned and asked, "What about your other lineage?"

Xiao Han wondered, "What do you mean by other lineage?"

Li Cangyu reminded him, "They are asking about the countries your parents are from."

Xiao Han suddenly realized. "Oh, my mother is American."

"…" The reporter was relieved at finally getting an answer. Then he asked, "Didn't you use to live abroad? Can you tell everyone how you ended up joining the Canglan team?"

Xiao Han said, "In the online game, I was hunted and killed by Master and Vice-Captain Bai until I was down to my underwear and couldn't play anymore."

Li Cangyu, "…"

Everyone, “…”

'Boy, do you have to be so honest?'

Bai Xuan and Li Cangyu helplessly looked at him. Li Cangyu seemed like a person who bullied his apprentice!

Xiao Han saw his master's gaze and seemed to perceive that he had said the wrong thing. He immediately corrected himself, "However, I volunteered to join the Canglan team because I like playing the game and wanted to become an e-sports player."

The reporters felt a bit strange. This young man seemed to talk a bit awkwardly? Did he have to use so many related words in one sentence?

Another reporter stood up and asked, “Xiao Han, are you satisfied with your performance today? Cat G.o.d and Captain Ling have always been compared. Then between you and Captain Ling's apprentice Qin Mo, who do you think is stronger?"

This 'who do you think is stronger' question was a favourite with reporters.

An ordinary player would laugh and say one or two sentences but Xiao Han was different. He bowed his head and thought for a few seconds before answering seriously, "I don't want to answer this question because Qin Mo is my sparring partner but also my good best friend, if I say that I am stronger than him, he will be angry with me, but I don't want to admit that I am weaker than him so I won't answer."

The reporters, "…"

Qin Mo, "…"

'd.a.m.n, come here for a PK! Why tell them about the sparring thing? In addition, saying such long sentences. Don't say that your Chinese was taught be me!'

Ling Xuefeng saw this interview and glanced back to find his apprentice was so angry he formed fists as he glared at Xiao Han on the TV. However, his eyes showed a hint of joy. Presumably because Xiao Han said that Qin Mo was his best friend?

At the beginning, he sent Qin Mo to be a sparring partner in order to raise the two people's PK standards. He didn't expect the feelings between the two young apprentices to become so good. It was unexpected for Ling Xuefeng that they became such good friends.

The reporters at the scene didn't know if they should laugh or cry at Xiao Han's answer. They always felt that this mixed-race child's brain circuits weren't the same as normal people.

The reporters had to give up on interviewing Xiao Han and handed the microphone to Bai Xuan instead. "Vice-Captain Bai, the netizens gave you many nicknames after today's match. Some people call you a super dad and others are calling you an invincible c.o.c.kroach. What do you think about this?"

Bai Xuan had a good temper and smiled. "The nickname doesn't matter. It is good as long as everyone is happy."

The reporter added, "Do you often practice the combination with Ah Shu? The two of you played particularly well today in the arena."

Xie Shurong immediately grabbed the microphone and replied, "Today is the first time I cooperated with Vice-Captain Bai in the arena. It was great because I have a special understanding with Vice-Captain Bai, right?"

He looked at Bai Xuan with a smile and Bai Xuan had no choice but to agree. "Yes."

Xie Shurong happily wrapped an arm around Bai Xuan's shoulder and said to the reporters, "In the future, we will often appear in the arena. The Shu Bai combination sounds particularly smooth. With Vice-Captain Bai in the arena, it doesn't matter how much I'm hit. He can add blood back. It is really great to have a healer in the family."

Bai Xuan was praised by him and had to smile. "My teammate also gives me strength."

He was speaking the truth. If it wasn't for Ah Shu's outbreak, bringing a healer to the arena would be too inadequate. As long as the healer was killed, it was too easy for the other side to use the 2v1 situation to kill the remaining person. Today, Xie Shurong protected Bai Xuan in a quiet manner. This allowed the Shu Bai combination to reverse the situation in the arena.

Bai Xuan thought this and looked over at Xie Shurong, meeting Xie Shurong's deep eyes.

He didn't realize that in the sentence just now, he had been privately included into Xie Shurong's 'family.'

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Chapter 148 – Like

The interview finished and Li Cangyu took his teammates backstage while planning to join up with Zhang Jueming and the others. He had just gone backstage when he saw Qin Mo and Ling Xuefeng walking towards Li Cangyu. Ling Xuefeng took the initiative to say, "Today you played very well."

Li Cangyu pretended to be serious. "Thank you for Captain Ling's praise."

Ling Xuefeng smiled slightly. He had scruples due to the teammates present and didn't do anything special. He just patted Li Cangyu on the shoulder and said, "I will be leading the team back to Shanghai tomorrow. The next time we meet, it will be the Wind Colour match against Canglan."

Li Cangyu looked at him earnestly. "I won't be polite to you."

Ling Xuefeng also stared him in the eyes, equally earnest. "I won't be polite to you either."

Li Cangyu smiled and took the initiative to extend his arms for a hug. "See you on the field."

They were each other's most cherished lovers but the game was related to the honour of the entire team. No one could show mercy, regardless of personal feelings. This was a principle that all e-sports players should have.

Li Cangyu was well aware that the match against Wind Colour would be the toughest in the regular season. He wasn't worried about the match against Ling Xuefeng. Rather, he was looking forward to the direct confrontation between them that had somehow been avoided for six years. In the seventh season of the Miracle Professional League, they would fulfill this wish.

Qin Mo waited here with his master because he wanted to say a few words to Xiao Han. The young teenagers looked at each other and consciously came together. Qin Mo whispered in Xiao Han's ear, "In future interviews, don't be straightforward and tell everything to the reporters. Understood?"

Xiao Han looked at him doubtfully. "What does straightforward mean?"

Qin Mo rolled his eyes and explained, "It means you are too direct and honest!"

"Oh." Xiao Han nodded thoughtfully before wondering, "Isn't honesty a good quality?"

"…" Qin Mo felt it was too hard to communicate with this person whose brain circuits were different from ordinary people. He gave up trying to convince Xiao Han and changed the topic, "Cough, when you talked today, you used too many related words."

Xiao Han looked at him innocently. "Related words can make the sentence more complete. This is what you taught me."

“…" Qin Mo almost coughed up blood.

They could make the sentence more complete but there was no need to use them all in one sentence!

Qin Mo took a deep breath and endured the impulse to hit him on the head. "You can't use it too much or it will be c.u.mbersome. You can watch the TV dramas and see how they talk… Forget it, I can't tell you what to say."

Xiao Han continued to watch him innocently with clear black eyes while golden hair hung over his ears. The beautiful mixed-race teenager make people want to rub his head…

Qin Mo didn't dare do this action. He guiltily looked away and said, "Don't tell reporters in the future that Qin Mo is your good best friend."

Xiao Han wondered, "Isn't it true?"

Qin Mo felt that he was going crazy. "The good best friend is repeating words. You only need one of them."

Xiao Han suddenly realized. "Oh, then I should say you are my good friend?"

Qin Mo was silent for a moment before scratching his head with embarra.s.sment. "Keep the other word."

"Best friend?"

The satisfied Qin Mo suppressed a smile and nodded. "This is more like it."

At this point, Ling Xuefeng suddenly said, "Qin Mo, let's go."

Qin Mo glanced over at Xiao Han. "Next time we will be meeting in Shanghai. Have you been to Shanghai before?"

Xiao Han shook his head. "No."

"Then I'll show you around."

Xiao Han suggested seriously, "Once I beat you on the field, take me to play."

Qin Mo, "…"

'd.a.m.n it, I want to have a real PK with him! Who said that you will beat me? Don't cry and beg for mercy when the time comes.'

Qin Mo scoffed and said, "Perhaps I will beat you. Prepare well for the next game and don't tell people that I'm your sparring partner!"

Xiao Han nodded. "Yes."

Qin Mo calmed down and waved his hand. "Goodbye."

"Goodbye."

Li Cangyu saw the two little guys seriously saying goodbye and patted Xiao Han on the shoulder. "Do you think it is useful to have Qin Mo teach you Chinese?"

Xiao Han thought about it in a distressed manner. "I think it is a bit useful? At least I know many related words and I know what context means."

Li Cangyu laughed. "Never mind, learn slowly. However, he is right. You can't be so straightforward in future interviews. Saying that Master killed you down to your underwear… well, don't you know that Master chased you for your own good?"

Xiao Han nodded. "Yes."

He thought there was something wrong with the logic of 'chasing you for your own good' but he knew that Master was always right.

***

Li Cangyu's quartet arrived at the restaurant. Zhang Jueming and the others had already ordered the dishes. The eight people sat around the table and chatted with excited expressions. The fact that they could win two games at an away match made everyone feel satisfied.

Zhuo Hang and Li Xiaojiang hadn't played well in the arena but the Shu Bai combination reversed the situation and Canglan ultimately didn't lose points. Gu Siming's performance today wasn't great but Li Cangyu didn't hurry to scold him. It was because Xiao Gu clearly realized the shortcomings of his impulsiveness and this would be improved in the next match.

The meal ended in a happy atmosphere. Everyone returned to the hotel by car. Li Cangyu told everyone to rest early because they would catch a flight back to Changsha tomorrow.

For the away games, the rooms were arranged as Li Cangyu and Xiao Han, Xiao Gu and Old Zhang, Zhuo and Li, and Shu and Bai. This arrangement was to facilitate the exchange between combinations.

Bai Xuan had no opinions on this room arrangement. Ah Shu didn't snore or have any other bad habits. Apart from his love of praise, it was quite good to live together.

However, after returning today, Xie Shurong seemed somewhat abnormal. He didn't hang around Bai Xuan or ask the vice-captain to reward him with a plate of ribs. Instead, he sat quietly on his bed and looked down seriously at his iPad.

Bai Xuan also ignored him and went to the bathroom to wash up.

He didn't realize that the game interface on Xie Shurong's iPad was already showing game over!

The sound of water from the bathroom made Xie Shurong uneasy. In the past, he only needed to move his fingers to clear the game but today he failed repeatedly. He closed his iPad with some irritation and p.r.i.c.ked his ears to listen to the movements in the bathroom.

He thought of that gentle-looking man taking a shower, water drops dripping down his body and Xie Shurong's heartbeat accelerated!

He looked down to check the time but found that his wrist was empty. Xie Shurong was stunned and remembered that when he had washed his hands, he took off the watch and placed it next to him. This was a birthday gift from his mother. It was very expensive but not very waterproof. Xie Shurong thought this and immediately got up to get back his watch.

However, Bai Xuan was in the shower…

Or should he take a peek when getting his watch?

Once this evil thought popped up, it was like a small flame that suddenly burst. It burned all over his body and he couldn't bear it anymore. Xie Shurong went to the bathroom and took a deep breath to keep himself calm. Then he gently knocked on the door and asked, "Vice-Captain Bai, my watch is inside. Can I come in and take it?"

Bai Xuan's gentle voice was soon heard. "Okay."

Xie Shurong stepped in and thought he could see the beautiful scene of a beauty was.h.i.+ng up. The result… d.a.m.n! The shower was blocked by frosted gla.s.s. The designer of this hotel room simply had no brains!

Vice-Captain Bai was taking a shower with the gla.s.s door closed and the frosted gla.s.s blocked most of his body. Xie Shurong could only see a faint outline.

However, this outline showed that Bai Xuan's figure was excellent, especially his pair of long legs…

Bai Xuan turned off the nozzle and asked doubtfully, "What's wrong? Did you find it?"

"…Cough, I found my watch." Xie Shurong coughed awkwardly, picked up his watch on the sink and fled.

After returning to the room, Xie Shurong took a deep breath to calm his heartbeat. Was he really a devil? He had been to a public bathhouse before and he didn't feel anything at the sight of many people squeezed together in the bath. However, today when he saw Bai Xuan's blurred back, he was so excited that his body became hot.

This was so strange. Did he like Bai Xuan?

Xie Shurong shook his head and felt that his IQ wasn't enough.

He sat on the bed and started to carefully recall the details of what he knew about Bai Xuan. When he was young, he chased Bai Xuan and killed him 10 times. When they shook hands in the soundproof room, he felt that this man was very gentle but his impression of Bai Xuan wasn't deep.

Later, after meeting Cat G.o.d and Bai Xuan in New York, he found that not only did Bai Xuan have a good temper but also excellent cooking skills. Bai Xuan usually liked to smile and he made people feel warm and gentle. He would show his sorrow and frown because of his stomach problems. He also steadfastly declared that they would return to Miracle together.

That vague image gradually became clearer in Xie Shurong's mind, making Xie Shurong want to get along with Bai Xuan and become closer to him.

In particular, he always felt that Bai Xuan was warm and soft when hugging him. It was more comfortable than the big pillow Xie Shurong slept with every day, making Xie Shurong reluctant to let go.

He thought there was nothing wrong with this until today when he found himself wanting to peek at Bai Xuan was.h.i.+ng up…

Xie Shurong jumped into bed and covered his face with a pillow.

G.o.d, why did it seem like he had the negative IQ of a pervert?

This was the scene that Bai Xuan saw after coming out of the bedroom. Xie Shurong had covered his head with a pillow and was rolling around the bed… rolling around…

It was unknown how many times he rolled back and forth. Bai Xuan couldn't help smiling at these childish actions and took out his phone to take a small video. Then he went to the bed and gently touched Xie Shurong's head. "Xie Shurong, are you exercising on the bed?"

Xie Shurong heard this and suddenly stopped like he pressed the brakes. Xie Shurong's face was red as he turned over and saw Bai Xuan's smile.

Bai Xuan wondered, "Why are you blus.h.i.+ng?"

"I, I… I'm too hot!"

Then he ran away from Bai Xuan into the bathroom.

Bai Xuan, “…”

Xie Shurong saw his red face in the mirror and angrily slammed his fist against the sink. Why couldn't he be more mature in front of Bai Xuan? Blus.h.i.+ng? What was good about blus.h.i.+ng? Was it necessary to be so nervous after discovering that he liked Bai Xuan?

Xie Shurong washed his face with cold water to lower the heat on his face.

This was his first love and it was natural to be nervous. He understood the excitement of liking a person for the first time.

Xie Shurong smiled into the mirror and touched his chin while thinking, 'I am handsome even when blus.h.i.+ng? I don't know if Vice-Captain Bai likes this type of handsome person? I will wash the dishes, warm the bed, s.h.i.+p packages to your door and not waste money! All my wealth will be yours!'

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