Chapter 6, Before the Finals
Lin Peng? Xiao Menglou looked at his accomplice in surprise
"Mr. Xiao! Haha, I guessed you must have fallen asleep in the bathtub!" Lin Peng's enormous head appeared in the floor-to-ceiling glass mirror in front of the bathroom, as Xiao Menglou's phone automatically connected the video call to the LCD screen system of this glass mirror.
Xiao Menglou let out a long, contented sigh, gently closed his eyes, and quietly enjoyed this rare moment of leisurely warmth. This comfort, which made him forget everything, relaxed all the muscles in his body, and an overwhelming sense of fatigue swept over him. Before he could even resist, the god of sleep had already taken him into a distant dreamland.
Ladies and gentlemen, it is with the utmost pride that I introduce to you the most favored contender for the championship in this competition, the mirror demon Ouyelian, who has eliminated the once-dominant Zeus, Arthur, with an indisputable and absolute advantage. She is the first female contestant in the history of the Solar System eSports Championship to qualify for the finals, and she is also the most talented player with the least suspense surrounding her potential victory, as well as the highest acclaim for winning. If you have been following the betting trends, you would be astonished to find that Ouyelian's odds of winning have now changed to eighty to one. As Ouyelian appeared on the competition stage, the unique and stirring voice of Wu Deweide resonated throughout the venue, prompting all the spectators who anticipated Ouyelian's continued brilliance to rise to their feet and erupt in fervent cheers towards the competition stage. Wu Deweide's distinctive and stirring voice echoed throughout the venue, and all the spectators who looked forward to Ouyelian's continued brilliance stood up, cheering wildly towards the competition stage.
Indeed, whichever club can bring Ouyelian under its wing will dominate the Solar System Club Cup.
"Cannot! Cannot! Cannot! Cannot!" The audience below the stage shouted hoarsely, a tremendous wave of sound surged forth, as if the relentless tides of the Qiantang River were brutally crashing against everything on the competition stage
"Mr. Xiao, hurry to bed after your shower. If you fall asleep in the bathtub, your hands and feet will become soft, and you will be in danger for the finals tonight," Lin Peng said with concern.
Having witnessed the one-sided semifinal between Zeus and Mirror Demon, everyone was decidedly pessimistic about Xiao Menglou's chances of winning the championship. Ouyelian's strength far exceeded the common understanding, and her imaginative strategies and ever-changing maneuvers elevated esports to a new level. She brought a wave of innovation to the esports industry. It remains to be seen whether Xiao Menglou, representing the high standards of the older generation of esports, can halt this impending tide
With the enthusiastic cheers and applause of the audience resonating throughout the venue, Ouyelian smiled as she raised her hands high, gently swaying them to salute the audience below. She still wore a half-mask resembling a bat, with a seemingly cold smile on her lips. However, Xiaomenglou noticed a spark of excitement in her eyes, as if a child were about to receive their most cherished toy
The scene at the Ceres Arena at night is even more frenzied than in the morning, as countless enthusiastic gamers gather in front of the arena, holding up a giant portrait of Ou Yelian and shouting the name of the Mirror Demon at the top of their lungs, resembling numerous battle flags fluttering in the wind, demonstrating against Xiao Menglou. This once-obscure legendary girl seems to have gained countless supporters overnight, with tens of thousands of admirers donning T-shirts emblazoned with Ou Yelian's image, using laser lights to project the words "Long live Ou Yelian, the Mirror Demon will surely win" into the sky. Countless fireworks, resembling flying fish with golden tails, dash into the sky, bursting into a dazzling array of colors, forming the phrase "Ou Yelian will surely win" in midair.
Cold sweat streamed down Xiao Menglou's face, his heart pounding violently. He involuntarily took a step back, his legs staggered, one in front and the other behind, barely managing to support his wavering body amidst the shouts of the crowd.
Understood. Xiao Menglou impatiently nodded, his thoughts still immersed in the dream he had just experienced. It had been a long time since he had such a vivid dream about his childhood. The freshness and longing unique to childhood seemed to suddenly fill his heart like a long-lost companion, making him tremble with joy. He truly did not wish to be disturbed by outsiders at this moment, not even Lin Peng.
Returning to the hotel from the Ceres Arena, Xiao Menglou used her last bit of strength to remove all her sweat-soaked clothes and, with great difficulty, climbed into the bathtub filled with hot water. She gently snapped her fingers. The heat and water in the bathtub began to roll and surge rhythmically, perfectly impacting Xiao Menglou's sore and soft muscles.
The major bars on Ceres have already prepared a celebration banquet in advance, with photos of Ou Yelian and the Cupid trophy from this competition pieced together by those computer geeks and displayed in all prominent locations. Lin Peng whispered beside Xiao Menglou, "Everyone is convinced that Ou Yelian will surely win"
Lin Peng ... ... Xiao Menglou took a long breath and softly said, "I must win"
The odds for this competition have risen to 1 to 70. Everyone is convinced that Ouyelian will win, so why don't we take this opportunity to make a fortune
As they walked down the long corridor, both Xiao Menglou and Lin Peng began to sweat at their temples under the immense psychological pressure exerted by the frenzied shouts of the gaming enthusiasts surrounding them
A melodious electronic ringtone gently rang from the portable phone, cruelly awakening Xiao Menglou, who was immersed in a dream. The muscles in Xiao Menglou's body relaxed slightly as he slid into the warm, rushing bathwater along the edge of the tub
Lin Peng, cough cough! Xiao Menglou struggled to rise from the bathtub, having choked on a few mouthfuls of water as her head had submerged, and couldn't help but cough, "You scared me to death"
Xiao Menglou sighed and shook his head, then lowered his gaze to take out his wallet, grabbing all the cash inside and stuffing it into Valentine’s hands
Gazing at these faces, grotesque as demons, Xiao Menglou felt his heart convulsing in waves, as if an unseen giant hand was mercilessly kneading his heart.
Ladies and gentlemen, the pianist known as Chopin, Xiao Menglou, has overcome the final obstacle on the path to victory for Ou Yelian, defeating the formidable opponent, Octopus Valentine, to enter the finals! Wu Deweide, who had focused all his attention on Ou Yelian, hardly noticed Xiao Menglou's appearance on stage and only reacted much later, exclaiming loudly
This is quite crazy, isn't it? Haven't you heard of diversification? Let me think it over; perhaps I will only invest ... ... " Lin Peng said, tightly gripping his wallet and hesitating.
Arthur has completely fallen apart; there is really nothing to celebrate about this third place. I think he will need some time to calm down. Valentine scoffed, "Do you all have cash on you? Hand it all over to me."
Upon hearing his words, Ou Ye Lian was momentarily taken aback. She turned around and saw that the always humble and low-key Xiao Meng Lou suddenly had a glint of cold light in his eyes. Ou Ye Lian felt a chill run through her body; in that instant, she had a strange illusion that she was like a lost lamb caught in the hunting path of a bloodthirsty beast.
"One to seventy?" Lin Peng was taken aback, "It was only one to thirty-nine when I left."
Oh, and then there is Valentine. They decided that no one cares about the third and fourth place match. People always admire the strong, focusing on those performers who stand on the most glorious stage. Such is the coldness of the world, Xiao. Lin Peng shrugged and said, "The turnover in the esports industry is too rapid. A thrilling match, a brilliantly talented player, can determine the landscape of the esports industry within a year. Just watch, the rise of Ouyelian heralds another major reshuffle among esports giants. God bless us, may our club, For Everyone, stand firm amidst this storm as it always has."
"Hehe," Ouyelian, standing beside Xiao Menglou, suddenly chuckled, "Mr. Xiao, it seems that this place has turned into my home ground."
"Mr. Xiao, the semifinals were spectacular. Our I for Everyone Club's popularity has been completely elevated by you this time. The club's homepage received over 3 million clicks in just one morning. In the finals, do not carry any burdens; just play with style and spirit, and that will be considered fulfilling the mission. Regardless of the outcome, all of us at the club fully support you." Lin Peng said with a smile.
Now, contestants please enter the egg chamber to prepare! At that moment, the host's enthusiastic voice echoed in the air, instantly cooling the fervent atmosphere of the arena. The entire venue fell silent, with a hundred thousand pairs of eyes focused intently on Xiao Menglou and Ou Yelian.
Xiao Menglou and Lin Peng turned around and found that Valente, Xiao Menglou's formidable opponent from the semifinals, was approaching with a smile
Perhaps he is indeed a descendant of the Vikings; just look at the way he snatched my wallet, it was absolutely professional. President Xiao, it's all up to you, www.hetushu.com, good luck
Xiao Menglou and Lin Peng exchanged a glance, inexplicably raising their eyebrows
"Do not say more, take out all the money you have on you. I will place a bet right now, betting entirely on Xiao Menglou's victory," Valentine said loudly.
Xiao Menglou gave a bitter smile and shook his head, pressing his lips tightly together
"Why not give up like Arthur? You look very weak, very tense, your whole body is tightly wound, like a balloon about to burst; just a gentle prick with a needle and it will deflate," Ouyelian said with a smile.
The soft sound of the door opening revealed a bustling arena before Lin Peng and Xiao Menglou. Even though they had mentally prepared themselves, the sight before them still left them speechless.
All clubs wish to recruit Ouyelian, which is the least sign of goodwill. Our club is no exception; at this critical juncture, any moral standards such as loyalty and self-love have been set aside. Lin Peng said with a bitter smile, "I think, on the entire competition field, I am the only one supporting you, General Xiao."
After saying this, he smiled spontaneously and turned to disappear into the noisy and crowded passageway of the stands
Many people have once been your admirers Lin Peng said helplessly in a low voice but now their thoughts are all focused on Ou Ye Lian
Xiao Menglou did not expect Ouyelian to speak to him at such a critical moment, and he could not help but gasp for breath. He quickly lowered his head and clenched his teeth, not wanting anyone to notice his extreme nervousness at that moment
When they arrived at the arena, the sight before them made them involuntarily smile wryly at the same time
Undoubtedly, after this thrilling and exhilarating esports competition, the name Ouyelian will resonate throughout the entire solar system, and her affiliation will determine the prospects of the next club cup tournament. Just listen to the synchronized cheers from the thousands of cheerleaders on site; they represent their respective clubs in extending a goodwill invitation to Ouyelian. Although the competition has not yet begun, the giants of the esports industry have already started to mobilize actively. Every club with vision and financial resources will do everything in their power to recruit Ouyelian, marking a turning point where esports will no longer be a male-dominated realm and narrative. Jenny's tone was filled with excitement and pride
In the dream, the spring breeze brings warmth, and snow-white petals dance in the air. Under the shining sun, these dazzling white petals reflect brilliant sunlight, resembling the twinkling stars in the night sky's Milky Way, dreamlike and ethereal, poetic and picturesque. Clouds with golden edges float in the sky, and beams of sunlight sweep through the clouds, continuously passing before Xiao Menglou, causing a series of snow-white halos to appear in his eyes. In a vision that alternates between clarity and blur, a figure of a girl, entirely clad in white, suddenly emerges. The clouds with golden edges continue to float in the sky, and beams of sunlight sweep through the clouds, causing more and more snow-white halos to appear in Xiao Menglou's eyes. In a vision that alternates between clarity and blur, the figure of a girl, entirely clad in white, suddenly appears. In the dream filled with halos, Xiao Menglou can only see the girl's faint outline, a simple yet elegant silhouette, with slender fingers gracefully holding a white flower, standing beneath a flower tree covered in white petals. A series of soft, elusive laughter drifts in the wind, as if this youthful girl is mocking Xiao Menglou's current infatuation.
Valentine, congratulations on achieving third place. Xiao Menglou quickly extended his hand and shook hands with him
The cheerleaders from various clubs have all changed into outfits supporting Ouyelian, as if they were a single cheerleading team from the same club, cheering her on enthusiastically
"Hehe, a little gambling is just for fun, right, President Xiao?" Lin Peng said with a hint of embarrassment
The soft sound of the door gradually echoed, and the hatch belonging to the two slowly opened. At the moment when both turned around to walk towards the hatch, Xiao Menglou suddenly faced Ouyelian and whispered, "This time, I am determined to win the gold cup in the competition"
The one hundred thousand spectators present were almost all wearing T-shirts emblazoned with images of Ou Yelian, and a giant portrait of Ou Yelian seemed to cover the entire arena like the radiation panels of a solar collector. Countless pale-faced gaming enthusiasts gathered on both sides of the aisle, frantically shouting slogans proclaiming Ou Yelian's victory, while directing demonstrations and intimidating roars towards Xiao Menglou
"Hand it over." Valentine unceremoniously snatched the wallet from Lin Peng's hand, rummaged through it for all the cash, and then tossed it back to him. "Xiao Menglou, perform well; our entire fortune depends on you to safeguard it."
"Has Arthur already been forgotten?" Xiao Menglou asked softly
"And there is me." As soon as Lin Peng's words fell, a robust voice immediately resonated behind the two.