Zuo Cheng stood in front of Zhejiang Universitys esports club members, leading the chants like a conductor. Zhejiang! he screamed at them. And they replied, Champions! The rest of the audience had stopped celebrating Zhejiang Universitys second win over Team Shanghai and were now waiting for the third game, but Zuo Cheng wasnt ready to stop yet. He glanced over his shoulder a couple of times and just smiled, proud. Thats the cap for you! Best player in the world! Such a shame he quit pro League If he starts again, hell yeah! Hed win the LPL no problem!

Zuo Cheng leaned back against the railing that separated the normal stands from the player seating area and sighed loudly. He shook his head and said, Guys, guys. What did I tell you guys? With cap on the team, were invincible! Team Shanghai? Team Guangzhou? Any of those other potential champions? Screw them all! Weve got the cap!

Heck yeah! Shi Hang is gonna carry us to a win!Were gonna have an invincibles run!If Sun Ruinian is the tiger, Shi Hang is the wings! Hell lift us up and send us flying to victory!AyDeeCee gonna wreck Goalie! Hahaha!They might as well give us the trophy already! This is our competition!The return of the KING!Shi AyDeeCee Hang carrying the shit out of these games!

The section of the audience occupied by Zhejiang University students was loud and proud. Everyone else could clearly hear them blasting over all other conversations. Heads turned and whispers and murmurs rang out through the stands. Everyone agreed that Zhejiang University was putting on a great performance and that with the way they were playing, winning the championship seemed incredibly likely. Then they turned their heads to look at the section with Team Shanghai fans, who were slumped back in their seats and staring at their feet.

It must suck to be them right about now.I just feel bad for them Imagine getting this far and getting all hyped, and then having to play a pro player! Its still stupid I think!Maybe the Shanghai Esports Association can give them a trophy for most effort, or something like that! They really deserve something with the show theyre putting on for us here!Heres to hoping they take at least one game from Zhejiang!Fat chance with AyDeeCee playing

Chu Fang sat in his private room backstage watching the large tv screen that showed the audience. He was biting on his lips and furrowing his brows. How did this happen? Did I push Lin Feng too hard? He scratched the side of his head and looked at a different screen that showed a replay of Game 1. I knew Zhejiang was a strong team and was going to be a lot better with Shi Hang, but I also thought I knew how good Team Shanghai was! Did I make a mistake? Theyre 2-0 behind after only an hour of playing. One more game and theyre out! Maple isnt going to learn much from this! He wont be back...

Chu Fang breathed out loudly and shook his head. Was I too impatient? Is that it? Am I pushing him too hard? Is Zhejiang going to kick him out early because I pushed him too hard? I thought he could still carry, that the added pressure from playing against Shi Hang would bring the best out of him! We need him better! We need him back to his old self! We need Maple! I only told Shi Hang that the Maple was back so that Lin Feng could get a real challenge! Why did I do that? He clenched his fist and hit himself on the knee. No! This isnt too much! Is it?

A staff member knocked on the door and another tried to reach Chu Fang through the walkie talkie, but he didnt notice them. His full attention was locked on the screen that was now showing a replay of Lin Feng picking up a solo kill on Shi Hang. Hes good! Hes picking up solo kills on Shi Hang! But thats thats not enough! Its not enough. Team Shanghai is going to get knocked out and theres nothing I can do about it! Its already far too late to do something about it! I shouldve never allowed Shi Hang to play! He bit on his lips and stared at the playercam at the bottom of the screen. I need you to make a comeback! Turn this around! Please! We cant have you dropping out now! We need you to win this and then quickly move on to the professional scene!

The players from Zhejiang University were relaxing in their soundproof booth, waiting for the third game to start. There wasnt a single trace of worry to be found, with even the usual cautious Sun Ruinian leaning back in his gaming chair. He turned to look at Shi Hang and said, Its a good thing you jumped in here. These games are going so smoothly with you on the team!

Yeah! the Jungler added, laughing. Its all thanks to you, Shi Hang!

The Toplaner nodded and chimed in, Your Ezreal dude, like holy shit! That was in-fucking-sane!

It was! You kept the Fizz down early and made him completely useless after the laning phase! the Support said.

Shi Hang took a deep breath and replied, Careful, guys. This isnt over. He then turned his head to look across the stage at Team Shanghais soundproof booth. Im only playing here because of you, Maple. Youre still good. Even after your four year break, youre matching me in lane! Thats damn impressive! He knitted his brows and curled his lips. But its not enough. It just isnt. Your team is worse, simple as that. Your top and ad-carry are way worse and your Jungler isnt doing all that hot either. Theyre costing you these games. Still, the real Maple, the one from four years ago, the one that kicked the everloving shit out of me? He wouldve carried these games! That Maple wouldve found a way to help his teammates win their lanes and carry the game!

Maple, Maple, Maple Shi Hang mumbled. His teammates glanced at him, but he ignored them. He was still staring across the stage at Lin Feng. Youre the successor to One, you were the best Midlaner in China, you made it all the way to the World Finals! This is a kiddy tournament! So what if its me youre playing against? You can kick my ass any day of the week! I know you can! I felt it four years ago! He breathed in deeply and narrowed his eyes. Youre Maple! Youre better than this! So much better! If this is really all you got? Then its for the best you lose. With just this skill, youre not going to get very far. You wont even get close to where you got before! Come on, man! Give me a real show! Give me a good asskicking!

There was a 15 minute break between each game. Team Shanghai used the first few minutes just sitting behind their computers, staring at the post game lobby that explained exactly how badly theyd lost the second game. Zeng Rui finally got up from his gaming chair and said to the others, Come. Were going to the backstage room.

Yeah, lets do that. Nothing good is going to come from sitting here, An Xin replied, nodding.

The five from Team Shanghai left the soundproof booth, the cheers for Zhejiang University slamming into them, and quickly made their way off the stage to the small break room backstage. There was a table with a couple of chairs. The only real difference with the soundproof booth was that they couldnt look at the post game lobby. But Zeng Rui, Tang Bingyao and Zhang Hao still sat down and stared into the space in front of them, lost.

Its over, isnt it? Zhang Hao mumbled.

Mhm, Tang Bingyao replied, nodding.

Zeng Rui looked at his two teammates and gritted his teeth. Its not over until He breathed in and then sighed loudly. Are we really going to get knocked out of the Collegiate Cup here? After all of our hard work? We were so close to the main tournament! This isnt how its supposed to end! He glanced at Lin Feng from the corner of his eyes. Whats he thinking anyway? Since when has he ever shut up? Stupid thundering dumbass!

Lin Feng stood off to the side, leaning with his shoulder against the wall and staring at his feet. Its not their fault were losing this game, its mine! Its all my fault! I am better than this! Whats stopping me? Why cant I play like I did four years ago? Whats missing!? I was good enough to beat Shi Hang and still help my teammates! And now, now Im struggling to beat Shi Hang in lane! I basically went even last game! One for one. One for one. One for fucking one! He shook his head, frustrated. What do I do? What can I do to beat Shi Hang and help my teammates? They need me if we want to win this! But what can I do? What can I possibly do to make this work? He grimaced, tapping his fingers on his forehead. I dont know I dont fucking know!

An Xin stood at the door of the backstage room. She looked from Lin Feng at the other three and then back at Lin Feng again. He doesnt look like hes given up yet He hasnt given up yet! But hes struggling. I can see hes struggling! I know that look better than anyone! He needs me! She took a long, deep breath and then walked up to Lin Feng. She forced her lips to curl upwards and her eyes to start shining. She then straightened her back and said, Were still in it, right?

Lin Feng raised his head to look at An Xin, then slowly nodded. He looked back down at his shoes and moved his head around, chewing on his lips. He finally opened his mouth, hesitating briefly, and replied, Its all my fault. Im not good enough yet. If it was the me from four years ago, wed be 2-0 up right now

An Xin raised an eyebrow, surprised. That idiot! She narrowed her eyes and felt anger and annoyance intertwine and burst forward. Why does he always have to throw everything at himself!? This is a team game! How many times do I need to remind him!? She bit on her lips and then focused on her breath. Hes putting all that pressure on himself again. Why cant he see that he has us? Were all here, together! She looked up at Lin Feng and said, Youve already done more than enough. Stop putting all that pressure on yourself. How many times do I need to remind you? Lin Feng? Look at me. Youve got me here. There, see those three sitting over there sulking? You have them. Were all here, together, as a team!

Lin Feng rubbed his eyes before looking at his teammates. I know you guys are all trying! I do know that! He closed his eyes and said, I know, but

No. No buts, An Xin interrupted. She looked him straight in the eyes and continued, You need to stop doing this. Youre not Superman. Youre Lin Feng. Youre Maple. Youre human. If you keep putting all this pressure on yourself, its going to be like four years ago all over again! Youre going to burn yourself out and youll leave the team with one more thing to worry about! She placed her hand on his shoulder and smiled before adding, Youre not alone. Youre really not! You have us. Let us in.

Lin Feng looked back into An Xins eyes, a knot twisting tightly in his stomach. I know. I know! I know all of that! And I want to! But...

An Xin stared intently into Lin Fengs eyes and said, League of Legends is a team game. Youre never going to win it all by yourself. Remember how you picked us, all four of us, as your teammates? The least you can do is to actually view us as your teammates. Trust us! She stopped for a brief moment before concluding, You remember how you trusted Fatty? Eleven? Silent and Autumn? You remember the way you guys played together? Were the same. Were your teammates. Trust us like how you trusted them!

The knot uncurled in Lin Fengs stomach. The pent up breath escaped and frown disappeared from his face. He blankly looked at An Xin and nodded. Shes right. Shes right I did it again. Just like back then, just like against Shanghai International, just like I keep doing this! When I heard Shi Hang was playing, I lost trust in my teammates. I knew they arent at that level, so I wrote them off. And then I decided that I have to do it all myself! But I dont. Thats not how to win at this game! Solo carrying is just stupid! Im only making it harder on myself by doing that! He balled his hand into a fist and curled his lips upwards. Its not my responsibility, its ours! All of us! And if we play together, use each others strengths, we can win this! We can!

An Xin let go of Lin Fengs shoulder and smiled. Thats what I wanted to see. She then turned to look at the other three and said, You guys dont wanna go out like this, right? Right? She waited for the lost and dazed expressions from Tang Bingyao, Zhang Hao and Zeng Rui to focus on her before continuing, Were two games down. So what? This is a best of five. As far as Im concerned, we played two warm-up matches and are now going in for the real deal!

You want to reverse sweep this? Zhang Hao asked.

An Xin raised an eyebrow. Guess that wasnt enough She placed her hand before her mouth and giggled, then said, Oh, another thing. You see this idiot over here? He thinks we lost those two games because of him. You know, because he couldnt carry you guys hard enough. Hes seeing us as dead weight!

What the fuck? Zeng Rui blurted out. He narrowed his eyes and said, Dont get ahead of yourself, thundering dumbass! Youre not some kind of messiah! Arrogant shithead!

Zhang Hao shot up to his feet and slammed his fist on the table. He turned to look at Lin Feng and shouted, Yeah! What Zeng Rui says! What do you take us for? Jesus Christ, you arrogant dick!

Tang Bingyao bit on her lips and glanced at Lin Feng. He played with Fatty, he Mnh-mnh! I want to play with him, not get carried by him! She narrowed her eyes and nodded. Mhm! What they say!

Lin Feng scratched the back of his head and bit on his tongue. Its not like that at all! Or maybe, just a little bit He grimaced. Theyre right.

An Xin suddenly clapped her hands, grabbing everyones attention again, and said, Alright! I say a punishment is in order for him! Well have to think of something fitting. But lets worry about that after we win this series!

Zeng Rui snorted and replied, Yes. Were going to win the next three.

Zhang Hao added through gritted teeth, Ill be damned if we dont pull a reverse sweep here! Im going to fucking carry your sad ass, Lin Feng!

Mhm! Tang Bingyao hummed. She clenched her fist and nodded. Im going to show him that I can face an A grade! Im going to beat Sun Ruinian and show him!

Lin Feng was completely caught off guard by the intense reaction from his teammates. He looked at them in turn, finding a fire blazing in their eyes. Maybe I was wrong He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, letting the air fill his lungs. His eyes suddenly shot open, blazing with that same determination! He breathed out and said, Thats the spirit! Im loving this! You guys are right! Im the ass! Its all of us together! Lets win this!

An Xin nodded and smiled. Good. Morale is back. That just leaves me She looked at her teammates and said, Weve still got a few minutes before the next game starts. You guys head back to the soundproof booth, Ill be there in a bit. I just need to go to the ladies room. Be right back!

An Xin walked into the washroom with her purse strapped around her shoulder. She checked the stalls to make sure no one else was there before she walked up to a faucet and turned the water on. She then reached into her purse and retrieved a cup and several vials with medication, which she placed down in front of her. Just a bit. Itll help, the doctor said. I shouldnt, though Its too early. She looked up into the mirror, her reflection staring right back at her. But I promised Lin Feng. I made a promise! Im not going to give up now!

An Xin filled the glass with water, then took the medicine her doctor had prescribed her and swallowed it all. A few minutes and I should feel better. This should be enough to get me through three more games! Why didnt I do this at the start? Maybe we wouldnt have had to She bit on her lips and shook her head. I shouldnt at all, but But I made a promise and Im keeping it!

The sounds of people talking came from the entrance to the washroom. An Xins eyes went wide and she quickly stuffed her medication back into her purse. She then turned her head and smiled at the two women who walked into the washroom before turning back to look at her reflection in the mirror. Why cant it just all work out for once? Why does it always have to go like this? I know what the doctor said! I KNOW! BUT I JUST WANT She closed her eyes and forced herself to take long, calming breaths. All I want is to play with him, just for a little longer. Thats all Im asking. She shook her head and then walked out of the washroom, the whispers from the two girls reaching her ears.

Thats the girl from Team Shanghai, right?Yeah, I think its their Jungler.Did you see all that medication she stuffed away?Are you thinking drugs?Maybe something to help her focus? Some Adderall...I wonder if they do drug tests

An Xin pushed the door to the soundproof booth open and walked in. She flexed her right hand a bit and smiled. This should work. It will! She then looked at the others and said, Lets give it our best! Were going to win this one! Starting with Champion Select!

Zhang Hao grinned and shouted, Heck yeah!

Zeng Rui glanced at An Xin and then at Lin Feng. Ill show them how good we can be! Fuck the thundering dumbass! Hes the dead weight! He put on his headphones and said over the teams voice chat, Get ready. Were going to be banning Fizz, Yasuo and Ahri!

Lin Feng looked up from his screen and raised an eyebrow. Is he really mad? Ah, whatever, maybe itll help his play! He grinned and said, Sounds good! Ill play LeBlanc then!

Were going to play a late game team comp with some early game potential, Zeng Rui continued, ignoring Lin Feng. He turned to look at Zhang Hao and said, Mundo for you. He then turned to Tang Bingyao and continued, Something like Vayne for you. He nodded at An Xin and said, Something strong for you, Rengar maybe?

An Xin nodded and replied, Thatll work!

And as for you? Zeng Rui said, glaring at Lin Feng. Thundering dumbass picking what I wanted him to pick, dammit! He glowered and concluded, Yeah, LeBlanc.

Both teams locked their Champions in and it didnt take long before they moved to the loading screen. The large LCD screen above the soundproof booths shot to life and showed the audience the lineup for Game 3 in the best of five series between Team Shanghai and Zhejiang University!

Game 3 of the East China Regional Quarterfinals

Team Shanghai (Blue) versus Zhejiang University (Red)Top: Dr. Mundo vs. IreliaJungle: Rengar vs. MaokaiMid: LeBlanc vs. OriannaAd-Carry: Vayne vs. JinxSupport: Leona vs. Janna