Chapter 85 – Behind the Scenes Strategist (1)

This game between China and the United States caused the domestic e-sports circle to boil over. The reporters wrote about this event with enthusiasm. The Chinese team's victory over the US team took over the headlines of the major e-sports websites in an instant. The official organization was also very fast and released the highlights of the game, causing it to be forwarded on Weibo tens of thousands of times. Of course, the most concerning thing was the phrase 'behind the scenes strategist' mentioned by Yu Bing.

The strategist behind the scenes? Who the h.e.l.l was that?

Fans and journalists searched for clues and the Internet was bustling for a while.

However, Yu Bing didn't give any obvious clues. Everyone guessed for a long time, with some people thinking it was Chairman Nan Jiangang. But there were a number of people who held a negative att.i.tude towards this. After all, Chairman Nan might be chairman of the Miracle League but his tactical level was far belong the captains Ling Xuefeng and Su Guangmo. How could he be the behind the scenes strategist? He was most like a babysitter from the past.

Chairman Nan Jiangang was shot by these words and felt a pain in his knees.

Most people guessed wrong but don't forget, there were a few online experts who were good at reasoning and figuring out the truth!

Someone wrote a thousands of words long a.n.a.lysis on Weibo. The result actually pointed to Cat G.o.d Li Cangyu!

His reasons were very good. The strategist who helped against the US team must be a Chinese player. Since they weren't one of the great G.o.ds who went to the Carnival, they must not be an active player. Among the Miracle players who already retired, the most likely ones were the 'Five G.o.ds' in the first season with Ling Xuefeng.

The former Flying Feathers captain Song Yang had already left the e-sports circle while the former Time captain Xu Luo was said to have gone to Europe. The former Ghost Spirits captain Mo Quan only liked to attack and a.s.sa.s.sinate, he wasn't good with the complicated tactics of today. That left only Li Cangyu, former captain of FTD.

Li Cangyu led his team to Wulin after the end of the third season. His results hadn't improved but he could learn a lot of new ideas from another compet.i.tive game. The two tactics for Wulin and Miracle could be integrated and evolved. There would be a few novel tactical ideas, which coincided with the complicated and different tactical arrangement of today's ChinUS battle.

This was combined with the recent news of the Canglan team's disbandment. Captain Li Cangyu's whereabouts were unknown so he might just be in New York.

The blogger had sufficient arguments and a careful a.n.a.lysis. Many onlookers started to believe that today's behind the scenes strategist was Cat G.o.d, LI Cangyu.

There was a lot of mixed opinions on the Internet.

The current most controversial player in the Miracle League was crybaby Zhu Qingyue. It was because Xiao Zhu cried in the stadium and caused many people to scold him. However, there was another player who was more controversial than him in the past. That person was Li Cangyu.

Li Cangyu was the only captain in the Miracle League who didn't retire and instead led his team to transfer games. In the minds of many paranoid Miracle fans, he was a traitor. Not to mention, he didn't get any good results after going to Wulin, making the Miracle fans humiliated.

He had a large number of fans in the past but his popularity decreased after his transfer. Now there were a few fans left but he also had a lot of sunspots.

There were many netizens who thought his tactics were beautiful but there were also many people who ridiculed him.

[It turned out to be Cat G.o.d, the Cat G.o.d who went to Wulin!] [Isn't he the one who kept losing and then left?] [He lost face in Miracle and ran to Wulin. Did he lost face there and came running back?] [Does the Carnival need him to intervene?] [Isn't this deliberately searching for a sense of existence?] [Who told his team not to get a trophy? He can only hold into Ling Xuefeng's thigh to get a sense of existence.]

It was impossible to tell who was who on the Internet and this let to mobs indiscriminately targeting people. They felt refreshed after talking about someone else and didn't feel uncomfortable.

Cheng Wei was sitting in the audience and searching through Weibo. He had wanted to take a look at the evaluation of the game on the Internet. Then he saw a 'Who is the behind the scenes strategist?' post on the home page. The majority of comments were praising the game but many people also jumped out to ridicule Cat G.o.d, as if mocking the man who hadn't won a trophy would make themselves look better.

Cheng Wei almost coughed up blood and immediately vented on Weibo. [You want to taunt Cat G.o.d? If you have the ability to defeat America's Jack Josh and Thomas then speak again! You would probably pee your pants if you were put on the field. What qualifications do you have to mock Cat G.o.d who beat the US team? Do you have any shame?]

This Weibo post shocked the Miracle circle. There were those who didn't know Cat G.o.d was the strategist but Cheng Wei's Weibo confirmed it. The news that Li Cangyu helped the Chinese team develop a tactical plan was quickly covered by the major e-sports websites. Many e-sports reporters started to guess if Cat G.o.d was returning to Miracle, with different opinions being spoken.

……

Yu Bing hadn't expected that her casual words would actually trigger such a big storm and felt incredibly guilty.

Cheng Wei might be Cat G.o.d's number one brainless fan but Yu Bing was actually a hidden fan of Cat G.o.d. This wasn't because Li Cangyu's personal ability was so strong that she admired him. It was also because the original Red Fox team had some relations.h.i.+p with Li Cangyu.

In the second season, Yu Bing led the Red Fox team to join the Miracle League. The pure female team was initially questioned by the media and audiences, with several female teammates experiencing difficulties along the way. Li Cangyu forwarded many of Yu Bing's interviews and publicly expressed support for Yu Bing on Weibo. He also actively sent many e-sports training software to Yu Bing.

Yu Bing had been very grateful to him at the time but he smiled and said, "You're welcome. It isn't easy for everyone."

It really wasn't easy for a female player to take a team into the Miracle League that was full of masters. Li Cangyu knew Yu Bing's hard work and respected this tough girl.

Later, Yu Bing happened to pa.s.s by the FTD team in Hangzhou and offered to take Li Cangyu out to eat. The two of them had dinner at a restaurant and happily discussed tactical arrangements.

They didn't expect this scene to actually be photographed by a paparazzi pa.s.sing by. Were Li Cangyu and Yu Bing actually lovers? The two people's looks were very good and the picture of them sitting face to face was very beautiful and harmonious.

Yu Bing didn't know it had blown up on Weibo until she came back.

She usually looked cold and tough but she was still young. She wasn't familiar with the Miracle League and didn't know how to deal with this scandal. She was also afraid of troubling Cat G.o.d.

However, Li Cangyu quickly came forward and wrote on Weibo: [Friends sitting together for dinner and chatting, don't think too much. Yu Bing is still single. Don't talk nonsense since this type of gossip can have a bad effect on women.]

Li Cangyu's words were too blunt and his face was as calm as usual, with no signs of a guilty conscience.

This gossip storm gradually calmed them. Later, some people would photograph Yu Bing and Li Cangyu eating together. But in order to avoid suspicion, Li Cangyu would call his good friend Bai Xuan for every meal and no rumours spread.

This was only a small matter and perhaps Li Cangyu had long since forgotten it. Nevertheless, Yu Bing always remembered it in her heart. When she was in a difficult situation and helpless, Li Cangyu was like a brother as he supported her. The Red Fox could continue to the end and Yu Bing was very grateful to Li Cangyu.

This time, Yu Bing had been too excited after knowing that Li Cangyu was back. She was eager to share the joy with everyone. She wanted everyone to know that this powerful person had return to Miracle and leaked the 'behind the scenes strategist' from her mouth.

She really underestimated the ability of the netizens to gossip. She didn't expect people to actually guess Li Cangyu's ability and to ridicule Cat G.o.d.

Yu Bing worried about it for a while before deciding to call Cat G.o.d.

She asked for Li Cangyu's number from Liu Xiang and called him. The voice in her ear was low and gentle, exactly like she remembered.

"h.e.l.lo, who is this?"

Yu Bing's eyes were slightly hot as she choked out, "Cat G.o.d… I am Yu Bing."

Li Cangyu was a little bit surprised but he soon laughed. "Yu Bing?  Why did you call me all of a sudden?"

“Sorry, I accidentally said some things I shouldn't and the netizens guessed that the behind the scenes strategist of this game is you. Cat G.o.d, I caused you trouble." Her voice was calm but the fingers holding the phone were trembling slightly.

Li Cangyu was silent for a moment before saying easily, "It doesn't matter. This would've been guessed sooner or later so you don't have to mind it."

She clearly troubled him but she was being comforted by him. Yu Bing felt really ashamed and didn't know what to say.

"By the way, I didn't expect you to become a commentator after retiring. Are you accustomed to the change?"

"I'm fine."

“I've seen a few games that you've explained and your a.n.a.lysis is very thorough. You are quite suited to be a commentator." Li Cangyu praised.

"Thank you." Yu Bing was silent for a moment before adding with no confidence, "Cat G.o.d, the behind the scenes strategist matter…"

“Oh, you don't have to worry about this. Li Cangyu said with a smile. "The netizens' gossiping ability is too strong. Even if you didn't say it, they would have a way to pull me forward. Besides, since I have taken action, I have no intention of hiding. I didn't do anything bad so what is there to be afraid of?"

Yes, he didn't do anything bad so what was so scary?

Cat G.o.d was right. His conscience was clear and those mocking him were just acting like clowns in front of him.

Yu Bing finally sighed with relief and smiled. "Once you return to China, can I invite you out to eat?"

Li Cangyu agreed. "Okay, I will save your phone number and see you later."

The media reporters had once said they were a very good match but Li Cangyu had always seen Yu Bing as a sister. Yu Bing also highly respected him. He didn't expect Yu Bing to call today to apologize. Was the matter that serious?

Li Cangyu thought this and immediately entered Weibo on his phone.

He hadn't looked at his Weibo for a long time after his disbandment. This time, the unread comments and private messages had broken through into the thousands. Li Cangyu temporarily ignored them and looked at the home page. '…Xiao Wei, can't you calm down a bit?'

This topic blowing up could really be contributed to Cheng Wei.

Unexpected, Ling Xuefeng also forwarded the Weibo with a simple sentence: [Cat G.o.d came out to help me. If you want to curse someone then come here to curse me.]

Fans, "…"

Li Cangyu, "…"

Was that necessary Ling Xuefeng? Cheng Wei was already acting emotional so why did he have to interject as well?

Li Cangyu never paid attention to the mocking voices on the Internet. After all, he couldn't make everyone like him. Even the highly popular Ling Xuefeng and Su Guangmo had many sunspots. In addition, his actions of leaving Miracle were controversial. It was impossible for him to be welcomed by everyone when he came back. It was normal for netizens who weren't pleased to say a few mocking words.

Li Cangyu was ridiculed and Cheng Wei immediately jumped out to scold the people. Ling Xuefeng also took the initiative to act as a s.h.i.+eld. It wasn't necessary but the caring of these two people made Li Cangyu feel very warm.

A moment later, a new message appeared on the Weibo of Cat G.o.d who had disappeared for a long time.

Li Cangyu: [I want to go back to Miracle. I will see you again in the seventh season next year and will give you a surprise [Smile].]

Everyone, “…”

He didn't mention anything about being ridiculed and it was clear he didn't care about these remarks at all.

In the first season, the elf summoner appeared for the first time. Many people expressed doubts but Li Cangyu's elf summoner swept through Miracle's arena, with no one able to face him.

Cat G.o.d had such a straightforward personality. They might scold him but one day, he would make them kneel with a swollen face.

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Chapter 86 – Behind the Scenes Strategist (2)

Ling Xuefeng headed to the backstage contestants area and took out his mobile phone to check Weibo. He saw that post that Cheng Wei made and anger suddenly rose in his heart. It was strange since he had many sunspots. He was abused by the sunspots every time Wind Colour lost and he didn't mind at all.  However, when he saw Li Cangyu being smashed by them, he wanted to use the big move of the demon G.o.d on them.

He actively wrote a post to support Li Cangyu. He knew that Cat G.o.d didn't mind these things but he couldn't help wanting to take care of this person.

At this time, the official reporter Yao Rong came over for an interview. Yao Rong obviously learned about the monstrous wave in the domestic Miracle circle and excitedly held up her microphone to Ling Xuefeng. "Captain Ling, can you tell us if the person who made the tactical arrangements in this game is really Cat G.o.d Li Cangyu?"

Ling Xuefeng spoke calmly to the camera. "Yes. The three US contestants are very strong when it comes to output. I am the same style as them, along with Su Guangmo. It is very difficult to fight them with this style so I asked Cat G.o.d to come over and discuss a plan. He came up with a better tactic and I used it. I want to thank Cat G.o.d for giving the Chinese team advice."

Captain Ling publicly expressed his grat.i.tude, his att.i.tude towards Cat G.o.d obvious.

Yao Rong then asked, "Is Cat G.o.d currently in New York? Does his help mean he is returning to Miracle?"

“Yes, he will be back for the seventh season next year." Ling Xuefeng smiled faintly. "He will definitely bring you more wonderful scenes."

Ling Xuefeng then turned away and left. Once this interview video emerged, the domestic Miracle circle exploded once again.

Cat G.o.d was coming back?

Many new Miracle fans might not know Li Cangyu but those following the game since the first season not only knew Cat G.o.d's name, they also knew he was the same level of player as Ling Xuefeng! Su Guangmo and Tan s.h.i.+tian were the apprentices of Song Yang and Xu Luo. This meant they could be regarded as Cat G.o.d's juniors. Zhu Qingyue also cried after being abused by Cat G.o.d and Cheng Wei was Cat G.o.d's fanboy!

Many of the great G.o.ds currently in the league had some origins with Cat G.o.d. The legendary Cat G.o.d had returned? What club did he sign with? What type of team would he bring? Would he have the strength to compete for the trophy?

Many people started to speculate about Cat G.o.d's return.

Li Cangyu's concise post was on that day's hot topics and was widely reprinted by e-sports reporters.

***

After the game, Ling Xuefeng wanted to go to Li Cangyu immediately, only to be stopped by Chairman Nan Jiangang. "Is Old Cat really in New York?"

The chairman liked gossip so he quickly knew the domestic trends.

"Yes, he came to watch this Carnival." Ling Xuefeng explained.

Chairman Nan suggested with a smile, "Since he is here, how about having a meal together?"

Ling Xuefeng couldn't refuse the chairman's personal invitation and had to say, "I will ask him and see if he is free."

Li Cangyu was certainly free. He took his teammates to watch the Carnival so he had a lot of spare time. He was a bit surprised when he received Ling Xuefeng's text message.

[Chairman Nan told me that he wants to see you. Would you like to have dinner with us?]

Chairman Nan Jiangang was someone who tried to stop Li Cangyu when he led his team from Miracle. Li Cangyu thought of the scene at that time and couldn't help laughing. [Where is it? I will head over now.] Ling Xuefeng sent him the address and Li Cangyu soon arrived at the booked restaurant.

To his surprise, only Nan Jiangang and Ling Xuefeng were in the restaurant's private room. There were no other captains.

Li Cangyu consciously walked over to the chairman and stretched out a hand. "Chairman, long time no see!"

Nan Jiangang seriously reached out to Li Cangyu and lamented, "Cat G.o.d, you really disappeared for three years!"

Li Cangyu was returning to Miracle. As chairman, Nan Jiangang naturally know a long time ago that Liu Chuan had transferred Li Cangyu's player data back to the Miracle League. Apparently Li Cangyu signed with the Dragon Warriors Club after the disbandment of Canglan and was going to return to Miracle.

Over the years, the talents in the Miracle League had blossomed but the most regrettable player in Nan Jiangang's heart was Li Cangyu.

The spirited teenager who was invincible in the arena was the best elf player he had seen.

At that time, Li Cangyu hadn't been as mature and stable. When he laughed, his youthfulness and simplicity could be seen. Nan Jiangang knew the glorious stories of how he would s.n.a.t.c.h fish from the next table.

The other people in the Five G.o.ds received trophies but Li Cangyu couldn't even make the playoffs. He shouldered the burden of the FTD team, causing Chairman Nan to feel pained.

Nan Jiangang's age meant he felt like a father to these players. Thus, he always tried to show the kindness and care of an elder. When Li Cangyu left with his team, Nan Jiangang gave advice and scolded him but he couldn't convince this stubborn teenager. He even pointed at Li Cangyu and said, "What good is it if you go to Wulin?  One day, you will still have to return to Miracle!"

He remembered that at that time, Li Cangyu smiled and said, "Chairman, if I really roll back to Miracle, you have to continue to take me in."

……

It had been three years.

The young man's straightforward smile from that time was still imprinted in his mind. Today, the man in front of him didn't have the freshness of youth. This man experienced hards.h.i.+ps in many years. He wasn't discouraged and became more mature. The calm and wise eyes were still full of self-confidence. He was a typical frustrating person.

Nan Jiangang sighed in the bottom of his heart and whispered, "It is good… it is good that you came back!"

He was like a father waiting for his child to return.

Li Cangyu's departure was once the biggest regret in his heart. Now his favourite talented player had returned from afar.

The chairman's words made Li Cangyu feel very touched.

Apart from Ling Xuefeng, the chairman was the one who treated him best in the Miracle League. Nan Jiangang was a hard-working person and he was especially fond of Li Cangyu who had unpredictable tactics and strong individual strength. In its final year, the FTD team had difficulties with funding and couldn't afford hotels for the away games. Nan Jiangang helped them out personally. Unfortunately, Li Cangyu failed to meet his expectations and left Miracle.

There were too many teams and compet.i.tors in the Miracle League. Chairman Nan had grown a lot of white hair and looked much older than before. Li Cangyu couldn't help feeling a bit sad and came over for a hug. He smiled and said, "Didn't you say that I would return to Miracle one day? Now that I back, shouldn't you be happy?"

Nan Jiangang made an angry expression but he couldn't help patting Li Cangyu on the shoulder. "You took a long time to come back."

Li Cangyu sat next to him and poured him a cup of team. "It isn't too late to come back. You are still the chairman of the Miracle League so isn't this good? In the seventh season next year, you can personally put the trophy in my hands."

Ling Xuefeng heard this and couldn't help asking, "Wanting to win the champions.h.i.+p, shouldn't you ask me first?"

Li Cangyu looked at Ling Xuefeng. "Why should I ask you? You won't let me take it? Watch and see how I clean you up on the field."

They were clearly provocative words but Ling Xuefeng's eyes inexplicably became gentle and he even smiled. "Perhaps I will be the one cleaning you up?"

Li Cangyu replied, "Wait and see."

Nan Jiangang, "…"

The two men were quarreling like an old husband and wife. Nan Jiangang felt that a long time might've pa.s.sed but many things hadn't changed. He had felt worried about their relations.h.i.+p when Li Cangyu and Ling Xuefeng were often compared by fans. Then he saw Ling Xuefeng give Li Cangyu a fish at dinner and finally understood. They were the strongest opponents but also rare confidants.

Nan Jiangang looked at the two of them arguing and smiled. "Old Cat, this is what you said. If you can't make the playoffs after coming back next year, I will be the one to clean you up!"

Li Cangyu smiled and waved his hand. "You can rest a.s.sured Chairman. This time, my teammates are very powerful and I will definitely make the playoffs."

Then he talked to the chairman about the formation of the team and briefly introduced Bai Xuan, Xie Shurong, Gu Siming, Zhang Jueming and Xiao Han.

Nan Jiangang was more surprised the more he listened. This time, the team was much stronger than Li Cangyu's FTD team. Such a team really did have hope for winning the champions.h.i.+p. It was no wonder that Li Cangyu could be so confident.

Nan Jiangang thought of next year's world compet.i.tion and suddenly said, "By the way, the 16 countries invited to this Carnival will make up next year's World Compet.i.tion. It will be held after the end of the China Miracle League's seventh season. Each player must join the national team through an open trial, so as to ensure fairness."

This was similar to basketball and table tennis in the Olympics. The national team represented the honor of the country. The holding of a public selection will put an end to doubts about a 'black curtain' and ensured the strength of every player who joined the team.

Nan Jiangang paused before continuing. "The players of the national team have to be selected but the Miracle League has a rule. The captain of the seventh season's champion team will automatically take over as captain of the World Compet.i.tion's national team. Do you know what I mean?"

Li Cangyu and Ling Xuefeng looked at each other, both of them feeling excited.

The Carnival's 3v3 event was just an appetizer for the Miracle League to test the waters. The real meal was the World Compet.i.tion next year. Once all the masters gathered, the large-scale team battles would truly test the tactical qualities and strengths of the players.

Nan Jiangang's early disclosure of this information was undoubtedly to inspire Li Cangyu.

Li Cangyu understood the chairman's thoughts and smiled slightly. "The national team… and the selection trials, it sounds like a ha.s.sle…"

The chairman glared at him and Li Cangyu immediately changed his words. "Then I will work hard."

Then he looked at Ling Xuefeng. "I came back just in time for the World Compet.i.tion. I haven't won before and to take such a heavyweight trophy… Something like World Champion, isn't this addictive?"

Nan Jiangang laughed and praised him. "You have ambition."

Li Cangyu asked, "Chairman, didn't you invite me here to eat fish? I watched the game all night and only had a light meal."

The topic change was too fast, causing Nan Jiangang to feel stunned. Then Ling Xuefeng took the initiative to find a waiter to order fish for Li Cangyu to eat. This evening, in order to facilitate the negotiation of tactics, Li Cangyu had gone to a Western restaurant to eat steak and he obviously didn't eat enough.

The fish soon arrived and Li Cangyu smiled. "Do you want to eat?"

Both of them said they weren't hungry so Li Cangyu calmly brought the fish in front of him and immersed himself in eating it.

Nan Jiangang couldn't help saying, "Today's game with the US, the tactics you came up were really surprising."

Li Cangyu looked up at the chairman, meaning 'my tactics have always been surprising.'

Ling Xuefeng couldn't help smiling softly. Li Cangyu's mind was very clever and the tactics he could come up with were varied. He would act and deliberately make a few mistakes in previous matches. Therefore, todays 3v3 match was unexpectedly easy to think of a strategy.

Nan Jiangang saw him eat the fish quickly and couldn't help saying, "Eat slowly! Be careful not to eat a bone."

The chairman previously had a broken heart because of this special player.

"I have the best technique for eating fish." Li Cangyu stated before quickly eating the fish and wiping his mouth with satisfaction. "I'm full so shall we go?"

Nan Jiangang was literally speechless.

The chairman personally paid and the three people left the restaurant. Ling Xuefeng took advantage of the chairman's need to drive back and was left alone with Li Cangyu. He patted Li Cangyu's shoulder and said, "Today's tactic was very successful."

"I saw."

Ling Xuefeng continued saying, "But a few people in the US team aren't convinced. Jack told me that he would definitely win next year."

"Next year? He wants more?" Li Cangyu laughed. "I will play in person next year and his crying will be even worse."

The confidence on this man's face was really dazzling. Under the streetlights, his whole face seemed to s.h.i.+ne. Ling Xuefeng looked at him seriously and after a moment of silence, he gently wrapped an arm around Li Cangyu's shoulder as a 'good friend.'

“We'll be together next year." Ling Xuefeng stated calmly.

"Yes." Li Cangyu looked at him with eyes that were as bright as stars. "I haven't won against you in a duel Ling Xuefeng."

“Why can't I be the winner?" Ling Xuefeng also looked back at him.

"If you face me then I must be the winner." Li Cangyu declared.

“Is that right?” Ling Xuefeng said, "Don't forget, I can summon the undead to die with you."

"Oh… that summoner's skill is too wicked. You really harm others."

"I learned it from you."

"Really?"

"In the team battle, you found that you couldn't win against Wind Colour so you used the undead to make me die together with you."

"Is that so? I don't remember." Li Cangyu deliberately pretended not to know.

Ling Xuefeng looked at him and a hint of tenderness filled his eyes. Ling Xuefeng reached out and grabbed his shoulder, saying softly, "This time, you were exposed. I didn't consider think that your return to Miracle would be leaked."

“It doesn't matter. It will be exposed sooner or later." Li Cangyu smiled and added, "After I was ridiculed, you didn't have to stand up and help me. I don't mind those comments at all."

"But I mind." Ling Xuefeng whispered.

Li Cangyu was stunned by this man's eyes and froze in place.

He suddenly remembered a certain night three years ago

At that time, the FTD team disbanded because of poor results and the sponsors completely disappeared. Li Cangyu refused many high paying invitations from other teams, stating that he would lead his team and transfer to Wulin. Then he traveled to New York. Ling Xuefeng followed all the way to New York, wanting to stop Li Cangyu.

"There are so many teams in Miracle inviting you. Do you really need to change to Wulin?"

"I have something I need to bear."

"If you go to Wulin, it will definitely be more difficult than Miracle."

"I know, I'm mentally prepared."

Ling Xuefeng didn't speak again. He knew that Li Cangyu had made up his mind and wouldn't waver.

The two men walked side by side to a crossroads and Ling Xuefeng suddenly said, "If one day you are tired and want to return to Miracle, remember to tell me."

Li Cangyu smiled and agreed. "Okay."

After a moment of silence, he looked at Ling Xuefeng seriously. "Thank you for coming all this way to find me. I have received this love."

There were many voices in China asking him to stay but Ling Xuefeng was the only one to directly chase him to New York. Li Cangyu was actually very moved. He had such a friend and felt that his many years in Miracle had value.

……

Now it was night and they were once again walking side by side in the streets of New York.

They walked to a crossroads and Ling Xuefeng stopped again. He looked at Li Cangyu and said, "My words from that year came true. I am really happy that you came back."

“Well, I will be content if I get the trophy for the domestic league. However, I actually want to go the World Compet.i.tion. The chairman said that the national team will be selected through trials. This sounds very strict." Li Cangyu thoughtfully touched his chin. " I don't know how many people will be chosen for the national team but there will definitely be a limited number of summoner spots. Still, I hope…" He turned and looked seriously at Ling Xuefeng. "I hope that both of us can be selected."

Ling Xuefeng replied calmly, "I hope so too."

Li Cangyu smiled and reached out. "Shall we join hands for next year's World Compet.i.tion?"

"Okay." Ling Xuefeng smiled and gently held his hand, forming the most tacit agreement.

Ling Xuefeng always had a cold face and an abstinence look. Today, Li Cangyu found that the smiling Ling Xuefeng was really handsome and couldn't move his eyes away.

The two men stood face to face, the warm yellow street lights s.h.i.+ning on them and making their shadows very long.

The tall men, one handsome and indifferent and the other handsome and straightforward. They were usually always alone but when they looked at each other, their eyes became soft.

Outstretched hands clasped gently together, it was a simple agreement but this scene gave off a different type of warmth.

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Chapter 87 – Carnival Finale

On the first day of the World Carnival's 3v3 event, the Chinese team consisting of Ling Xuefeng, Su Guangmo and Chu Yan defeated Australia and the US in Group C, directly scoring four points.  On the side of Group D, the Chinese team of Tan s.h.i.+tian, Lou Wushuang and Liu Xiang only had one game and successfully defeated the Swedish team to score two points.

The next day's 3v3 event still had too many teams and the schedule was quite tight. In particular, the Chinese team 2 played three games in the afternoon. Fortunately, the strength of the other teams in Group D weren't high. Tan, Lou and Liu cooperated and won three consecutive games. They received first place and achieved the qualifying place to advance in Group D.

Relatively speaking, Group C was a lot harder.

After defeating the strong enemy of the United States, the Ling Xuefeng trio met this Carnival's powerhouse, the South Korean team.

South Korea had always been a powerhouse in e-sports and placed great importance on e-sports. They were many luxurious clubs and countless excellent players. The South Korean team often won champions.h.i.+ps in games such as Warcraft and League of Legends. China and South Korea were old opponents in the field of e-sports. They played many times in other games and had won and lost.

The 3v3 event at the Carnival was directly by Ling Xuefeng himself. The two sides fought fiercely and dragged the battle to 30 minutes.  However, there were many tactical G.o.ds in South Korea. After studying the match between the Chinese team and the US team last night, they specifically developed an a.s.sa.s.sination tactic for Chu Yan. At the beginning, they dragged Ling Xuefeng and Su Guangmo away and quickly killed Chu Yan.

Chu Yan died and the Chinese team immediately fell into a disadvantage.

Ling and Su supported each other to kill two people on the opposite side but in the end, the South Korean team's a.s.sa.s.sin used stealth to escape at a critical moment and successfully killed Ling Xuefeng. The Chinese team regretfully had to admit defeat.

The domestic evaluation of this game was mixed. Sensible viewers thought that Ling Xuefeng and Su Guangmo performed very well. It wasn't easy to kill two enemies in a 2v3 situation. It was good that regardless of winning or losing, they did their best. There were also radical netizens who said about things about the three players on the Internet.

[I already knew that they couldn't beat the Korean team.]

[The Chinese team is really humiliating. Do you have to lost to South Korea every time?]

[The great G.o.ds are like this.]

Of course, these people were pushed back by the fans of the trio.

Cheng Wei couldn't help sending a Weibo: [Every time you lost the game, you always talk about how humiliating it is and how they aren't great G.o.ds. I won't ask for the reason behind it. I just want to say: You can you up，No can no BB!  This is the English sentence I am most familiar with! [Laugh]] (Link if you want an explanation for that saying: )

Fans, "…"

Cheng Wei was always straightforward and hot tempered. If something happened in the league, he would be the first one to jump forward. He didn't care about his ident.i.ty as a great G.o.d and didn't think before he spoke.  People just needed to follow his Weibo to know what was happening in the Miracle League recently. His reaction was almost faster than official reporters.

Tan s.h.i.+tian saw this post and gave a smiling emoji followed by this line: [Touch your head and ignore them.]

Every time Cheng Wei became angry, he would be comforted by Captain Tan touching his head. The abuse of some fans were hard to hear but everyone had long become used to it. In particular, the great G.o.ds of various teams already practiced the 'automatic filtering' and 'disregard all negative remarks' methods.

Since they were professional players, they must have a strong psychological endurance. These words weren't enough to affect them.

Ling Xuefeng's expression was very calm. When the South Korean players came to their room to shake hands, Ling Xuefeng only said, "See you next year."

It was just like Jack Josh's words to him.

There were many reasons for losing this game. After playing the US team yesterday, the South Korean team specifically studied the defects of the Ling, Su and Chu lineup. Winning was really hard for the Chinese team when the auxiliary was targeted. Su Guangmo had acted great yesterday as the movie emperor against the US team. The South Korean team naturally couldn't fall for the same mistake.

It was comforting that the China team 1 still entered the top eight by winning second place in their group.

During the post-match interview, Reporter Yao Rong took the initiative to ask, "Captain Ling, what do you think is the key reason for losing this game?"

Ling Xuefeng explained, "It should be a lineup problem. 3v3 isn't as good as 6v6. The South Korean team consists of three melee, which isn't very good when Chu Yan and I are remotes."

Yao Rong was their official reporter and wouldn't ask too many harsh questions. She actively helped the players by saying, "I believe that the sensible audience members will understand that the three great G.o.ds tried their best in this game! Congratulations to both  Chinese teams for entering the quarter-finals. The system for the quarter-finals will change. Captain Ling, do you feel confident?"

Ling Xuefeng's eyes were firm. "Of course."

This sentence was full of confidence and brought great hope to the domestic audience.

***

After the game, Ling Xuefeng returned to the backstage lounge and sent a text message to Li Cangyu: [I made it into the top 8.]

Li Cangyu smiled and replied: [Congratulations.]

The Carnival only had three days left. Today would be the quarter-finals while the highlights of tomorrow were the semi-finals and finals.

After determining the qualifying quotas, the six Carnival players prepared for the quarter-finals. Eight teams from the upper and lower division drew lots again. Ling Xuefeng drew the French team while Tan s.h.i.+tian drew the British team.

The quarter-finals had changed to a three game two victory battle. The two sides would each choose a map. If it was a draw after two battles, they would play a third round as a tiebreaker.

The players on the Chinese team had a very thorough understanding of the game maps. Both teams won the home maps without any surprises. In the away map, Ling Xuefeng won and advanced directly with a 2:0 score. Tan s.h.i.+tian's team lost the away map but won in the third round with a random map, advancing with a score of 2:1.

Both Chinese teams had made it to the semi-finals. The remaining two teams were South Korea team 1 and Group B's US team 2.

In the semifinals, Tan s.h.i.+tian's team met South Korea team 1. This team's captain was the strongest tactical player in South Korea. He controlled Liu Xiang in the opening and rushed to the back row to kill the archer Tan s.h.i.+tian. It was really strong.

Tan s.h.i.+tian's team lost in the semi-finals, meaning the situation of both teams meeting in the finals that Nan Jiangang had hoped for was unlikely to happen.

In fact, this year's Carnival had many masters. The Chinese team was strong but the possibility of dominating the World Carnival was very small.

The chairman was just wis.h.i.+ng. In a situation where there were as many strong teams as clouds, it was already a good result for both teams to enter the semi-finals. There wasn't much controversy at home in China.

In the other game, Ling Xuefeng met the US team 2 from Group B. The style of this team was completely different from Jack Josh's team and it took half an hour to win.

As a result, the Ling Xuefeng trio once again met the South Korean time in the finals. This time, the Korean lineup wasn't the same as the team they encountered in the group stage.

Would China lose to South Korea twice in a row? Many domestic viewers were worried about this. In the previous LOL and other compet.i.tions, the Chinese team often lost to South Korea. Thus, many domestic viewers had a psychological shadow regarding ChinSouth Korea confrontations.

However, Ling Xuefeng told everyone that he wouldn't make the same mistake!

The Korean team had studied the defects in the Chinese team's lineup. In the opening, they quickly tried to kill Chu Yan. This time, Ling Xuefeng used this lineup defect and had Chu Yan play the role of 'bait.'

Chu Yan was the trap and he used his own death as an opportunity for his teammates. Under Su Guangmo's strong control of the field, Ling Xuefeng let out a burst of hand speed and killed two people. The remaining a.s.sa.s.sin wanted to enter stealth but was. .h.i.t by Ling Xuefeng's black crows and finally fell helplessly under Su Guangmo's sword.

The word 'Winner' popped up on the screen and Ling Xuefeng, Su Guangmo and Chu Yan stood up to celebrate.

The final result of the Carnival 3v3 event was: Ling Xuefeng's team won the champions.h.i.+p, the South Korean team was the runner-up and Tan s.h.i.+tian's team was the third runner-up.

The Chinese team took two prizes, this was a perfect ending.

Still, in order to fully focus on the 3v3 event, no Chinese players signed up for the 1v1 event and the winner was the American blood kin summoner Jack Josh.

Once the match ended, Ling Xuefeng headed backstage and sent Li Cangyu a text message: [We won the champions.h.i.+p.]

It was originally an encouragement to give praise. The strange thing was that Li Cangyu never responded. Ling Xuefeng thought it was too noisy at the venue and he didn't hear it. Therefore, Ling Xuefeng temporarily put away his phone.

***

The closing ceremony and awards ceremony was held at 8 in the evening. The two teams from China went on stage to receive the prize. Ling Xuefeng, Su Guangmo and Chu Yan raised the gold medals together while Tan s.h.i.+tian, Lou Wushuang and Liu Xiang won the bronze medals.

The gold medal was very memorable but Ling Xuefeng knew that the Carnival 3v3 event didn't represent the strength of the Chinese team. The 3v3 event was a direct fighting between the two sides. It wasn't as complicated and changeable as a team battle, where the team's cooperation and tactical arrangement were tested.

The real champions.h.i.+p trophy would be the World Compet.i.tion.

Ling Xuefeng raised the trophy and calmly looked at the seats under the stage.

The lights at the venue today were too strong and dazzling. He couldn't see Li Cangyu but he believed that next year, he would stand on this stage for the awards ceremony and Li Cangyu would be beside him.

***

The awards ceremony ended and Chairman Nan Jiangang took the initiative to invite everyone to a celebration banquet at the hotel.

The six partic.i.p.ants of the Carnival and their teammates filled a large private room in the hotel and Chairman Nan Jiangang personally treated them.

The 3v3 event was just a temporary team so the organizers were thoughtful enough to give every person a special commemorative trophy.

Cheng Wei took the third place trophy that Tan s.h.i.+tian received and carefully studied it. Then he bit it with his teeth and asked, "Is it made of copper?'

Tan s.h.i.+tian smiled and rubbed his head. "Captain Ling's one is gold-plated. Do you want to bite it?"

Cheng Wei raised his head and saw Ling Xuefeng's cold eyes. He shrank back and said, "I don't want to."

Zhang Shaohui took his brother's trophy and said, "Brother, I'll take care of this for you. You often lose things but don't lose this."

Lou Wushuang's lips curved in a rare smile and he whispered, "Okay, help me keep it."

Yu Pingsheng didn't like to talk and still followed behind his brother like a ghost. His eyes were curiously staring at the trophy in Su Guangmo's hand so Su Guangmo handed it over, causing him to hold it carefully.

Nan Jiangang looked at the scene and couldn't help smiling. "When we divided into two teams, we always declared that we wanted to meet in the finals. However, the players from other countries aren't rookies. My real idea at the time was to just get a trophy, I didn't expect that you could actually win two trophies. It is really gratifying!  Let's make a toast!"

The chairman took the initiative to toast and raised a gla.s.s of red wine with everyone.

The group happily drank the wine.

Nan Jiangang turned his head and said, "Don't be too proud that you won the grand prize this year. The Carnival is just a project for the World Miracle League to test the waters. The main purpose is to let the players get to know each other. Next year's seven season is when people would go all out. As you know, the e-sports compet.i.tors in other countries are making rapid progress. If we are complacent, we will eventually be eliminated by others."

The chairman's words made everyone's joy at winning the trophy calm down.

After this Carnival, everyone was well aware that the players in other countries weren't any worse than them. For example, the combination of Jack, Thomas and Edmund. If Su Guangmo's acting hadn't been so realistic, wouldn't they have won the game? It was hard to say.  South Korea's best killer was also very strong. Lou Wushuang saw his a.s.sa.s.sination technique and felt admiration.

Recognize the opponent in order to see their own shortcomings.

Everyone knew this truth but the chairman woke them up in time.

"Once you return, you will face the playoffs of the sixth season. The temporary teammates at the Carnival will become opponents on the field. I hope that everyone can concentrate on the game and bring the sixth season to a perfect end. Then we will go into the seventh season." Chairman Nan Jiangang said earnestly.

Lou Wushuang heard this and couldn't help asking, "Chairman, is the system in the seventh season going to change?"

Captain Lou had a high IQ and immediately a.n.a.lyzed this from the chairman's words.

Chairman Nan smiled slightly at him. "Yes, the next system is completely different from the old one.  Once the sixth season is over, I will call you to discuss this matter in detail. After you go back, be prepared. The playoffs of the system is the last trophy using this old system. Everyone must try hard to grasp it!"

The group was stirred by the chairman's words. The last trophy of the old system. This meant winning the champions.h.i.+p had great significance!

These temporary teammates would be opponents after returning home. They should carefully consider how to kill them.

The atmosphere of this celebration banquet was very happy. Everyone ate and chatted about the Carnival. Only Ling Xuefeng never said anything, his face very serious. But Captain Ling usually had such a face and they were long used to it. They didn't notice anything wrong.

In fact, Ling Xuefeng's face was blank because he was in a bad mood. He still hadn't received a reply to the text message he sent Li Cangyu.

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Chapter 88 – Accident

Ling Xuefeng returned to the hotel in the evening and took the initiative to call Li Cangyu, but no one picked up. He slightly frowned and made several consecutive phone calls. Then a strong sense of uneasiness rose in his heart.

In the previous few days of the Carnival, Li Cangyu had been watching at the venue. Every time Ling Xuefeng texted him after a game, Li Cangyu would basically reply back in a second. Li Cangyu was still there when the quarter-finals finished last night. It was reasonable to say that he should've come to the venue for the finals. It was unreasonable that there would be no reply to the message Ling Xuefeng sent him.

Did something happen and he didn't see the text message?

Ling Xuefeng thought this and searched for Bai Xuan's number on his phone, directly calling it.

There were two rings and the call connected. Fortunately, Bai Xuan hadn't changed his number and Ling Xuefeng also hadn't changed his.

Bai Xuan was surprised when he saw the called ID and asked, "Captain Ling? Why are you calling me?"

Ling Xuefeng asked directly, "Do you know where Li Cangyu is?"

Sure enough, he called to ask about Cat G.o.d's whereabouts. Bai Xuan didn't conceal it and spoke bluntly, "His dad was in an accident. He went to the hospital to accompany his father."

Ling Xuefeng was startled. "What is Uncle's situation over there? Is it serious?"

"He isn't out of the danger period yet. He is in the ICU."

"Which hospital?"

"I will text you the address."

"Thank you."

He hung up and received a text message from Bai Xuan. Ling Xuefeng no longer hesitated as he put on his coat and left.

***

The awards ceremony ended at 10 o'clock in the evening and then the chairman held the celebration feast. It was already midnight but fortunately, there was a taxi outside. Ling Xuefeng stopped a car and told the driver the hospital address in fluent English.

The hospital looked very deserted in the middle of the night, with only some emergency patients and sporadic medical staff.

Ling Xuefeng went to the nurse's station and asked for the location of the ICU. He followed the nurse's instructions and walked down a long corridor, turning at the end. He saw the ICU sign and the man sitting outside the door was Li Cangyu.

He looked very tired, with thick black circles under his eyes and his handsome face was haggard.

Ling Xuefeng's impression of him was always a strong and confident person, whether it was Li Cangyu in his straightforward youth or the Li Cangyu frustrated from all the setbacks.

This was the first time he saw such a stunned and helpless expression, making Ling Xuefeng feel particularly distressed.

This man always showed his strongest side in front of everyone. He was his brothers' most trusted captain and no matter what setbacks he faced, Cat G.o.d could go forward…

But there were also some things he couldn't bear.

For example, his loved one was now lying in intensive care with an uncertain status. He could only sit outside and do nothing to help. At this time, the strong outer sh.e.l.l was peeled away to reveal his most vulnerable parts.

Ling Xuefeng quickly walked over to him.

Li Cangyu heard footsteps and raised his head with alarm. He was stunned when he saw Ling Xuefeng and asked, "How did you come here?"

Ling Xuefeng sat down beside him and softly explained, "I texted you and you didn't reply. I guessed that something might've happened and called Bai Xuan. He told me you were in the hospital."

"Ah." Li Cangyu nodded and spoke in a hoa.r.s.e voice. "Is the Carnival over? What happened?"

“We took first place and Tan s.h.i.+tian's team won the bronze medal." Ling Xuefeng replied calmly.

Li Cangyu smiled. "Congratulations."

Ling Xuefeng didn't mention the Carnival again. He looked at Li Cangyu and asked softly, "How is your father?"

Li Cangyu was silent for a moment before whispering, "He was driving home at noon today when he got into a car accident. He was in the hospital for an hour when the doctor said that he has an intracranial hemorrhage. He needs to be observed in the ICU for a while. If he wakes up tonight then nothing will happen."

If he can't wake up, he might became a vegetative person.

Li Cangyu didn't say these words but it was implied as he rubbed his temples.

Ling Xuefeng wasn't a doctor but he knew the severity of an intracranial hemorrhage. There were many nerves in the brain that were also attached to the spinal cord. If the location of the bleeding was dangerous, it would cause convulsions, hemiplegia or even a loss of consciousness forever.

He saw Li Cangyu's drooping head and couldn't help reaching out. One hand patted Li Cangyu's back as Ling Xuefeng whispered, "Uncle will be fine. I will wait here with you and he will be sure to wake up by tomorrow morning."

"No." Li Cangyu barely managed a smile. "I appreciate it but you must be tired after playing the game. Go back and sleep."

"I'm fine." Ling Xuefeng said stubbornly. "I will stay with you."

Once Ling Xuefeng decided on something, it was difficult to make him change his mind. Since he was determined to stay here, Li Cangyu no longer persuaded him.

If he stayed, Li Cangyu could chat with him and time would pa.s.s faster. It wouldn't be so hard on him.

Li Cangyu was silent for a moment before saying softly, "My father's personality is very serious but he… he cares a lot about me. After I became a professional player, I heard my sister say that he will take time to watch my games, despite not understanding it."

Ling Xuefeng knew that Li Cangyu felt very uncomfortable and silently listened.

“In fact, I was very naughty when I was a child. My parents are doctors. When I was a child, I would use coloured pencils to secretly draw all over my father's anatomical map. I was beaten by my dad…"

“The year I met you, I was 17 years old while is the worst rebellious period…"

“My father is a very good doctor. He graduated from a prestigious medical school, gained a doctorate in medicine and became an expert in gastroenterology. My mother studied traditional Chinese medicine, mainly acupuncture. My sister was also forced to enter medical school by my father…"

“My sister is eight years older than me. After graduation, she want abroad to continue her graduate studies. I was still in high school and my father wanted me to go to medical school and become a doctor. I asked him what was the meaning of the whole family becoming doctors? Then I set up an e-sports team and played in the first season of the Miracle League, making him extremely angry."

"However…"

Li Cangyu was silent for a long time before whispering, "I don't regret my original choice."

Ling Xuefeng heard this and pressed tighter on the shoulder he was holding, as if giving Li Cangyu strength.

Li Cangyu took a deep breath and then said, "I knew that I'm wasn't the right material to become a doctor but I have talent for the compet.i.tive game. My hand speed is very fast… I might have never won a trophy but I always believed that one day, I can get the prize and prove that I was right at the beginning…"

"I wanted to stand in front of him with the trophy and say, Dad, look at your son. I didn't become a doctor like you but I still achieved something…"

Li Cangyu couldn't help lowering his head and covering his face with his slender fingers.

He was a man and men shouldn't shed tears until they bled. But at this moment, he looked at the tightly closed door of the ICU ward, waiting for his old father to leave the dangerous period and suddenly had the urge to sob.

In the beginning, he was more rebellious and proud than the current Xiao Han. He always felt that his life was his own and he shouldn't copy his father's path. Therefore, he firmly opposed his father's opinions and didn't enter medical school.

Later, he met Ling Xuefeng in the game and the first season of Miracle started. He decisively set up the FTD team with his brothers and joined the Miracle League. He was always stubborn, even if his father strongly opposed it.

If he had gone to medical school, perhaps he would be a doctor right now.

However, he chose the harder road.

Getting ahead while playing e-sports wasn't an easy thing to do.

After so many years, he didn't get a trophy and failed to prove himself.

Yet he always had a firm belief in his heart. He told himself, 'Li Cangyu, one day you will stand in front of your father with a champions.h.i.+p trophy and let him know that your original choice was right.

You have to tell him that his son is worthy of pride, even if his son isn't a doctor!'

Now his father was lying in the ICU…

What if he never woke up? Then what was the point of his persistence in the past few years?

In the past few years, he had been working hard in China and rarely got a chance to visit his father in New York. Even if he came to visit, the father and son were very stubborn and often bickered.

Thinking about it carefully, he was too unfilial…

A heavy stone pressed at Li Cangyu's chest, making him almost breathless.

Suddenly, his body entered a warm embrace.

Li Cangyu raised his head and found that Ling Xuefeng was holding him in his arms.

“Don't question yourself.” Ling Xuefeng gently stroked his back and said softly, "Li Cangyu, you aren't wrong. You just chose a different path from others. Since Uncle is willing to watch the games, he is actually very concerned about you and acknowledges you."

"…" Li Cangyu heard this and couldn't help feeling sad, his eyes slightly red.

Ling Xuefeng looked at him and tightened his arms. He held Li Cangyu tightly and said seriously, "Listen to me, you didn't enter medical school according to your father's hope. You shouldn't be sorry to him but responsible for yourself. In the past few years, you have been fighting with your teammates, doing your favourite thing and never giving up. You might not have received a prize but in my heart, you have always been… the best compet.i.tor."

“…" Li Cangyu was silent.

In fact, he understood all of this but Ling Xuefeng's words of comfort gave him more motivation and confidence.

He didn't question his decision and he didn't regret it when he chose this road…

He just felt sorry that he had let his father down.

Originally, their Li family was a medical family. His father and sister were excellent Western doctors. His mother was currently studying Chinese medicine in China and had made great achievements in acupuncture treatment. Only he ran to play a game so it was normal for his family to not understand him.

Fortunately, someone understood.

Ling Xuefeng was a friend for many years and also the one who understood Li Cangyu the best.

Now, at a critical juncture when his father was seriously injured, Ling Xuefeng came to the hospital to accompany him.

The corridors of the hospital were originally very deserted at night. The light above shone white, making people feel a bit of fear and despair. Li Cangyu couldn't predict how his father's condition would progress and could only wait.

Fortunately, there was a person beside him, waiting with him.

As he was tightly hugged by Ling Xuefeng, his cold and stiff body seemed to gradually warm him.  Li Cangyu knew that no matter what happened tomorrow, at least one person who understood him would face it with him.

Li Cangyu didn't push Ling Xuefeng away and hugged him back. Then he tiredly closed his eyes.

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