Jian Rong knew that Lu Boyuan smoked. Before, when he was eavesdropping on the balcony, Lu Boyuan had come back inside carrying an ashtray.

With a cigarette in his mouth, Lu Boyuan lost the gentle aura that he usually gave off, and it felt like he merged entirely into Shanghais wintry night.

When Jian Rong walked over, he heard XIU ask, You called him here?

Lu Boyuan gave a mild en and deposited the cigarette onto a napkin on the table. He pulled out the chair next to him and gestured for Jian Rong to sit down.

Jian Rong didnt ask any questions. He tugged once at his jacket and sat.

Tch, isnt that just a waste? XIU looked regretfully at that unlit cigarette.

Lu Boyuan said, I said I wasnt going to smoke, but you insisted on giving it to me.

Whats the fun in smoking by myself. XIU glanced at Jian Rong and tossed his cigarette pack over to him. Soft, you

Jian Rong tossed the cigarette pack back. I dont smoke.

XIU:

XIU had never watched Jian Rongs streams, but he had heard of this person before.

Only those same old phrases: arrogant, egotistical, foul-mouthed, condescending. Rumor had it that there werent many professional players who could escape being ridiculed by him.

But XIU had never paid much attention to the antis opinions. He believed that everyone who entered the world of the internet had to lower their own bottom line, including himself. When he was young and played different games, he had also insulted people behind their back, so he didnt really have any conflicts or disgust towards Soft.

However, with an outsider present, it naturally wasnt as easy to chat casually anymore. XIU chuckled. Why did you call him out here? You should explain yourself quickly.

Before Lu Boyuan could say anything, a girl suddenly walked over to their table. She was carrying a bag and, after spotting the number printed on the table, she hesitantly asked, Hello, may I ask if you were the ones who called the delivery service?

Lu Boyuan said, Yes, thank you.

After the girl left, Lu Boyuan placed the bag in front of Jian Rong.

Jian Rong asked, stunned, What is it?

Dinner. Lu Boyuan said, Arent you hungry?

how did he know?

Jian Rong opened the bag. Inside was a steaming bowl of crab roe noodles, and it looked like there was more crab roe than there were noodles.

Jian Rong was starving the entire night, and his stomach couldnt help but rumble the moment he saw food.

XIUs face was filled with question marks. Hey, no way, arent we at a barbeque restaurant? You wont eat the skewers, but youll call for delivery and make them buy crab roe noodles for you??

Lu Boyuan didnt say anything. He only shot a look at the barbeque stand owner standing not too far away. The man had just picked up a handful of sesame seeds and sprinkled it over the food without even wearing gloves.

Damn. No wonder you havent touched any of the food up until now.

XIU said, Then couldnt you have delivered it straight to the base? You had to order it and eat it right in front of me??

Jian Rong, having had the same misgivings, pricked up his ears.

Lu Boyuan actually had considered that.

Except he was worried that this person would go try to solo Hezi again after eating his fill, so he decided that he might as well just call Jian Rong out.

The sound of the phone ringing interrupted their dialogue; the caller ID showed Ding-ge. Lu Boyuan listened for a few seconds after answering the phone before he got up and walked over to the entrance.

XIUs tobacco addiction emerged again, and he took out a cigarette. You can handle the smell of smoke, right?

Jian Rong pulled apart the chopsticks. Yes.

Just like that, XIU smoked while he watched that blue-colored head in front of him duck lower and eat noodles.

How come he got the impression that Soft really did seem to be quite well-behaved? He came over when he was told to come over, he ate noodles when he was told to eat noodles, and he also spoke politely and normally.

Maybe Lu Boyuan hadnt lied to him, and Soft only acted that way in his streams in order to sell a persona?

XIU was a bit of a chatterbox, and he couldnt quiet down. With that train of thought, he started to speak like an elder. How did you get over here?

Jian Rong was focused on eating noodles, and he didnt lift his head. Took a taxi.

Not training during this hour?

No.

I heard that back when you used to stream, you were pretty accomplished. How come you suddenly wanted to play competitively?

Jian Rong picked up a napkin and wiped his mouth without answering him.

XIU thought that the other person hadnt heard him. He blew out a cloud of smoke. You

Jian Rong: Champion Times, issue 46.

XIU was startled. What?

My interview. If youre curious, you can go take a look. Jian Rong said coolly.

Sure enough, Road was lying to him.

Right after Lu Boyuan finished his call and came back, XIU got a call from his coach telling him to get back to the base.

Before leaving, XIU got up and patted Lu Boyuans shoulder. Im going now. You and your teams wellbehavedmidlaner, enjoy your meal.

Jian Rong choked and swiftly swallowed the noodles in his mouth.

It was just the two of them left at the table.

Lu Boyuan calmly watched him eat. Jian Rong didnt say anything either, and it was silent between them for a while.

All the way up until LoLs sound effects came from Lu Boyuans phone.

Lu Boyuan seemed to be watching a stream. Jian Rong concentratedly listened for a while, and when he heard, I know I cant beat him in solo hes just a friend, dont go and friend request him, youll trouble him, he abruptly raised his head.

If he hadnt misheard it that sounded like Hezis voice.

Whats wrong. Lu Boyuans gaze remained on his phone.

Jian Rong knew that he couldnt hide it anymore. He swallowed the noodles and said after a long pause, I didnt know that he was streaming.

Lu Boyuan gave an en and finally looked up to ask, Why solo with him?

The color of Lu Boyuans eyes was very dark. Jian Rong met his gaze for a few seconds before he averted his eyes and said, extremely quickly, He wasnt willing to acknowledge me.

If Hezi wasnt convinced, then Jian Rong would beat him up until he was. It was just that simple in esports.

Lu Boyuan already knew the whole story. The reason why Ding-ge called him earlier was to tell him about that incident.

He asked, Hezi sought you out?

Jian Rong shook his head. I looked for him. He was having a talk with Ding-ge in the meeting room, and I overheard a bit of it.

Just because of that? Lu Boyuan paused. Hezi played as a substitute for the team for an entire year. If a new starter suddenly appears, its very normal for him to be unable to accept it for a while.

Jian Rong spoke naturally. Im very petty.

Lu Boyuan laughed. He closed the stream replay and placed his phone down to the side. Are you angry because he wasnt convinced, or are you angry because he thought that I let you in through the back door?

Jian Rong put down his chopsticks and slowly wiped his mouth clean before saying, Both.

Lu Boyuan nodded and suddenly asked, Then what do you think, did I open the back door for you.

Jian Rong pressed his lips together and stayed silent.

If it werent for Lu Boyuans recommendation, he didnt think that TTC wouldve discovered him. In addition, that email it was true that Jian Rong hadnt gone through the official channel and had sent it directly to Lu Boyuan instead.

Lu Boyuan hadnt expected Jian Rong to hesitate for so long over it. He couldnt help but laugh and say, his voice dropping, Dont think about it anymore, I didnt.

Jian Rong watched him quietly, and when he heard that, he blinked.

If I had to put it in words, then it should be I discovered you. Lu Boyuan said mildly. I felt like your skill and familiarity with the champions were professional-level, so I recommended you to the team. This was to give you an opportunity, and also to give the team an opportunity.

But after that, you fought through the tryouts on your own. The team was the one who nodded and let you become a starter, not me. If you played well, then you would get the position; if you couldnt, then you would have to leave. From beginning to end, there wasnt really a back door to open. After saying that, Lu Boyuan paused. But if this kind of thing happens again in the future, dont go trying to solo them again. Right now, youre a professional player, so you have an even better way to respond.

Jian Rong blurted out, What is it?

Winning competitions. Lu Boyuan spoke concisely. If someone isnt convinced by you, then you just have to beat them before walking over and shaking their hand.

This was one of LoLs competition rules. The winning team had to get up and shake hands with the losing team, reflecting the importance of camaraderie in esports team spirit.

Jian Rong was silent for a few seconds before he nodded, expressing that he understood.

After paying for the barbeque, they called a car and went back to the base.

Once they arrived at the bases front door, Jian Rong was in the middle of entering the password when Lu Boyuan suddenly remembered something.

He lowered his eyes and asked, How come you havent been asking to duo queue with me lately?

It couldnt be any more normal for a teams mid laner and jungler to duo queue together. In fact, it was even customary in some teams; after all, those two positions had to practice coordination.

The door lock beeped twice as Jian Rong pressed the wrong number.

Why else.

Ever since Xiao Bai brought up that incident, Jian Rong had continued to frantically flip-flop between two thoughts: Im a pervert and how the fuck could I possibly be a pervert.

Jian Rong didnt look up. I saw that you were playing on the Korean server, so I didnt ask.

Its because you didnt ask that I went to play on the Korean server. Lu Boyuan saw that Jian Rong was about to hit the wrong number again and he grabbed his hand, moving it aside. He input the last number in the password, and the door opened. In the future, call for me at any time.

After that, Lu Boyuan entered first.

Jian Rong loitered around at the entrance for a few minutes. He only put on his slippers and walked inside once the wrist that Lu Boyuan had grasped stopped burning.

During the next few days, TTCs members spent their time playing practice match after practice match.

When the practice matches were finished, then it was playing ranked. In that week, nobody left the base. Jian Rong realized that it was about time for him to cut his hair only after it started to prick his eyelids.

After another practice match with MFG, Kongkong asked for his WeChat in the chat. Jian Rong sent it over before he left the lobby.

You guys played pretty well tonight. Ding-ge paused for a moment. The next practice match is tomorrow, with Squid.

The practice room quieted briefly at the mention of that team name. Xiao Bai, who was prattling on about something, also abruptly stopped talking and subconsciously frowned.

Yuan Qian was the first to speak. Ding-ge why did you agree to a practice match with them ah?

Pine: I dont want to play them either.

Theyre one of the rare teams who go all out during a practice match. I want to try a new setup, so theyre perfect to test it out on. Ding-ge said, Dont be picky, its just a practice match, its the same as with anyone else. The schedule for the spring season is about to come out, so I have to hurry up and test its effectiveness beforehand.

Jian Rong didnt understand what was going on, and he couldnt resist asking, Whats wrong with them?

Yuan Qian inquired, You know this team, right?

Jian Rong thought a bit and said honestly, I only remember that their mid laner is an ATM1.

Yuan Qian:

Jian Rong: What exactly is their problem? Is there an issue with the way they play?

Its not their playstyle Yuan Qian dithered. Their teams reputation isnt very good.

As if they have a damn reputation. Xiao Bai clicked his tongue. Theyre just bad and have dirty mouths, especially their teams ADCif the two of you were put together, then you would basically be like an angel descending to the mortal world to save mankind.

Jian Rong said coldly, I give you my thanks.

Im serious. Xiao Bai said, At the most, you just roast someones gameplay during a competition. But all he does are personal attacks! He constantly shades other players appearances in his streams, and he was even fined for it recently by the LPL.

Jian Rong searched through his memories. Squids ADC did seem to be fairly good-looking; every time during their competitions, the barrage was filled with squealing from fans of his face.

However, he only remembered the barrage. He didnt remember what the person himself looked like.

Ding-ge furrowed his brows. Ive already agreed, its not like I can cancel last minute on them.

Lets just play them then. Lu Boyuan said indifferently, Well still have to face off against them during competitions anyway. If you really dislike them, all you have to do is not interact with them when the time comes.

The next afternoon, the practice match with Squid went ahead as scheduled.

This match was mainly so they could practice a newly developed strategy. Xiao Bai and Pine were both on champions that they werent good at, so they frequently made mistakes. Meanwhile, Squid directly used their competition team composition. In less than twenty minutes, the bot lane was starting to crumble.

Because the bot lane lost its momentum, Lu Boyuans jungle was simultaneously invaded by the enemy ADC, jungler, and support. Jian Rong was being entangled by the enemy mid laner and couldnt go to assist.

Although Lu Boyuans gameplay was superb and he wasnt ganked to death a single time, even stealing a Baron Nashor from the other team, they still lost the game at forty-eight minutes.

After they wiped during the last team fight, Jian Rong was about to withdraw from the game when he saw that the other team was continuing to tear down their base. A few seconds later, their Nexus exploded, and DEFEAT popped up on the screen.

Dammit! Xiao Bai cursed. What are they doing? With the match history, wont this strategy be leaked?

Ding-ge hadnt expected this to happen either. He frowned and called the captain of Squid. The other side gleefully apologized and offered to make amends, saying that the members got too into the game and accidentally destroyed the Nexus.

Like hell. After the phone call ended, Yuan Qian spat, They can get too into the game when its just a practice match??

Xiao Bai: Theyre still laughing around in the chat, I wanna throw up reading it.

Everyone else left the game. Only Jian Rong was still in the custom game lobby.

Squids ADC had been talking the entire time.

[YY-Doufu2: Hahaha sorry sorry, my hand moved too fast, you guys arent angry right?]

[YY-Doufu: Qian-ge? Say something?]

[YY-Doufu: Qian-ge? Big fatty? Chubbers? Fatty?]

[YY-Doufu: Whyd you leave ah]

With a chilly expression, Jian Rong had already placed his hands on the keyboard.

Jian Rong, pack up your stuff and go review the practice matches from these past few days. Lu Boyuan picked up his equipment and stood up, his face mostly expressionless. As he passed by Ding-ge, he said, Those two bot lane champions arent suited for the current meta. If they cant even beat a team like that, this composition shouldnt be used.

With the strategy abandoned, the incident wasnt that big of a deal anymore.

Everyone in TTC just thought of it as an annoying practice match, and after a few hours of feeling disgusted, they got over it.

But nobody expected a post to suddenly appear on a certain famous esports Tieba the next day.

The posts subject was: [The result of TTC using a newbie mid laner: being crushed by Squid!]

A match history screenshot successfully gave rise to a discussion consisting of several hundred replies.

After TTCs and Squids fans fought with each other and created a five hundred story building, the original poster also uploaded a video clip showing what Squids ADC Doufu had said last night in his stream

Ah right, we had a practice match with TTC today.

The new mid laner? Mn haha, Ill just leave it at that, it wouldnt be good for me to keep going.

We were just playing casually, we didnt expect to win so easily.

Ai, we got too into the game and couldnt hold back, so we destroyed their Nexus, my fault.

The mid laner himself? I havent seen him before, but I did hear that he doesnt look as good as he does in his streams. Short and skinny, not much different from a monkey, right.

I have seen Qian-ge recently, hes still fat. Every time I see him, I can fast for two days.

Jian Rong finished reading through this skyscraper while he brushed his teeth.

Notifications from the TTCs Workout Club group chat continuously popped up at the top of his screen, but Jian Rong wasnt in a hurry to click on them.

After he wiped his face dry with a towel, he opened Weibo and randomly selected a comment that he had received this morning.

[I heard that you were crushed by Squid last night??]

Jian Rong clicked repost.

[TTC Soft: What the hell is Squid again oh, I remembered. The team thats always beaten to a pulp during official competitions, making even their fans want to cover their eyes when they see it are you talking about that practice match champion team?]

As in Jian Rong can just farm the hell out of him and get gold (like getting money from an ATM) LOL ^For the sake of consistency (i.e. Shiliu/Hezi), Ill be leaving his name as Doufu, but it means Tofu ^