CH 56

Esports is a rapidly growing industry, and the professional careers of esports athletes are typically short, necessitating a continual influx of fresh talent.

Most teams have established their own talent development systems.

In fact, nearly every WPL team has its own second team and youth training department. Players from these teams are likely to appear in the WPL premier league in the future.

JW’s WOC branch was established less than two years ago, and the team’s operations have gradually stabilized. Therefore, Manager Shen Qi considered creating a youth training team and establishing a talent development mechanism.

In response, representing the players, mainly on behalf of Qian Yi, Yu Hao expressed his confusion, “Qi Ge, we’re still quite young. Can’t we take it slow with the youth training? Why rush to cultivate our successors?”

Shen Qi shook his head, “Who said the main goal of a youth training team is to cultivate your successors? I know you guys are currently stable, and with the addition of Sugar God, you all are revitalized like you’ve had chicken blood. I have no thoughts of replacing anyone for now. I believe Old Bai feels the same way.”

Yu Hao raised an eyebrow, “Then why…?”

Unexpectedly, Shen Qi rubbed his hands, and Yu Hao saw his familiar appearance of a money enthusiast, “Of course, it’s for making money!”

Yu Hao: “…”

Shen Qi excitedly said, “Think about it, AFK, although they seem poor at first glance, they’re actually quite wealthy! The key lies in their youth training! They make a decent profit every year by selling players from their youth training. It’s much more enjoyable than relying on sugar daddies!”

AFK’s youth training was indeed well-known in the league, and the players they cultivated were genuinely strong.

However, whether they actively sold players or players were poached from them, only AFK knew the details.

Shen Qi became more and more excited, “Just imagine, if we could also establish a comprehensive youth training system like AFK, we could also make a decent profit by selling players! Alright, I won’t talk to you about it anymore. I’m going to submit the proposal to Manager Ji!”

Shen Qi disappeared like a gust of wind at the stairwell, not bothering to wait for the elevator.

Yu Hao: “…”

As the manager of JW, a wealthy club in the league, Shen Qi’s money-focused attitude was indeed unique.

However, Shen Qi’s money-making had principles; it was all for the development of the club. Despite the members of the club frequently teasing him, they still respected him overall.

———-

Ji Xiu Yan’s office.

Ji Xiu Yan sat in front of the computer, dealing with some affairs from other companies. Lu Huai sat on the sofa opposite him, flipping through a magazine, occasionally glancing up at him.

Ji Xiu Yan had gradually become accustomed to the transition from Alexander. However, he didn’t understand why Lu Huai insisted on coming to his office when he wasn’t training.

Ji Xiu Yan finished processing a document and glanced at Lu Huai, pretending to casually ask, “By the way, Lu, how’s the training going for Fortune’s branch recently?”

The atmosphere in the office, with the two sitting silently, became too awkward. Ji Xiu Yan intended to find a topic.

Lu Huai: “It’s fine.”

Ji Xiu Yan: “… Lu, don’t your players need to play ranked games or something regularly to maintain their skills? I heard that players often need to play ranked to keep their feel for the game.”

Lu Huai: “No need. If you doubt my skills, you can try it yourself.”

Ji Xiu Yan: “…?”

Just then, a knock on the door interrupted their strange conversation.

“Come in.” Ji Xiu Yan, feeling strange, glanced at Lu Huai and then turned his gaze towards the door.

In came Shen Qi, holding a proposal.

“Manager Ji~~” Shen Qi, who usually had a playful and frivolous tone, froze instantly upon seeing Lu Huai in the office, staying still in his tracks.

The atmosphere in the office became even more awkward.

Ji Xiu Yan coughed twice, “Ahem, um, that, Manager Shen, do you have something?”

Shen Qi instantly understood that the boss was giving him a way out. Standing up straight, he resumed his usual appearance of acting formal, “Manager Ji, I’m here to submit the proposal for the establishment of the youth training department.”

He then turned his head to greet Lu Huai, “Hello, Captain Lu. What a coincidence, you’re also in Manager Ji’s office. Anything to discuss?”

Lu Huai closed the boring magazine, “No, just here to sit. Since you guys have matters, I’ll leave first.”

After saying that, he was about to get up and leave.

“Wait.” Ji Xiu Yan suddenly stopped him, “Since it’s about establishing a youth training department, I think the captains of each gaming division should also participate in the discussion. Today, Captain Lu happened to be here. It’s not bad to let him give some opinions.”

Shen Qi nodded, and Ji Boss’s words were like divine decree — whatever he said was right!

So, Lu Huai stayed behind, discussing the specific details of establishing the youth training program with Ji Xiu Yan and Shen Qi.

———-

JW won two consecutive games in the WPL Spring Tournament, temporarily leading in points.

However, since the opponents in these matches were not considered strong teams, there was nothing to be particularly proud of.

The players continued their daily routine of training, spending the whole day sitting in their gaming chairs as soon as they woke up.

One day, early in the morning, Manager Shen Qi called the members of the WOC branch.

“What’s up, Qi Ge, it’s early,” Qian Yi complained, rubbing his still sleepy eyes.

Even the twins were tilting their heads, one to the left and the other to the right, dozing with their eyes closed.

Shen Qi adjusted his suit. Even though he was the club manager, he rarely looked so presentable. It seemed like there was some important event today.

“It’s not early,” Shen Qi said. “It’s almost 10 o’clock. How can that be considered early?”

“We only slept at 4 in the morning yesterday, Qi Ge,” Qian Yi couldn’t help but complain, looking drowsy. “You woke us up after just 5 hours of sleep.”

Jiang Min also looked tired. He was called up from his dreams early in the morning, forced to get up, put on the team uniform, and hadn’t even had time to wash his face. His hair was messy, and there was even a tuft of disheveled hair sticking up on his head.

Seeing him in this cute state, Yu Hao couldn’t help but reach out to press down on that tuft of hair.

Unexpectedly, the stubborn hair couldn’t be pressed down for a moment.

Yu Hao tried several times without success and eventually gave up.

However, the feeling of rubbing Jiang Min’s hair was really good, and Yu Hao couldn’t help but want to put his hand on Jiang Min’s head.

Surprisingly, the latter didn’t resist and allowed Yu Hao to do as he pleased.

“So, Qi Ge, what’s the matter?” Wei Yabo asked, stretching his neck.

Shen Qi rolled his eyes, “Didn’t I tell you guys before? We’re going to establish a youth training department!”

“…So what? What does the youth training have to do with us?” Qian Yi scratched his head.

“You guys are the face of our WOC branch. How can we motivate those enthusiastic young trainees if we don’t take you out for a stroll?” Shen Qi said matter-of-factly. “Among them, many are here because they admire you, coming for you.”

He finished the sentence and deliberately glanced at Jiang Min.

Yu Hao noticed his gaze and immediately understood the meaning behind his words.

The WOC branch of JW was established only two years ago. Except for Tang Tang (Sugar God), their individual abilities were not top-notch, but their coordination was decent.

Among the kids in the youth training, very few joined because they admired them. The only one attracting kids to join the youth training because of “having admired players here” was Jiang Min.

Thinking about having those who tried to revolve around Tang Tang every day in the club, Yu Hao felt somewhat annoyed.

“…Forgive me for being straightforward, Qi Ge, but isn’t scouting talents the job of your recently established youth training department?” Wei Yafeng said.

Shen Qi, “Of course, we’re scouting, but you guys still need to be the face and encourage the younger ones!”

“…So, calling us up early today is for…?” Wei Yabo had a bad feeling.

He and his brother Wei Yafeng were not products of the youth training, so they didn’t have a deep understanding of the youth training students.

But they were all afraid of trouble, always finding it bothersome to communicate with the youth trainees and give encouragement.

“Today is the opening day of our JW Youth Training Camp!” Shen Qi adjusted his tie. “So, as members of the WOC branch, you need to stand by the club!”

“…,” except for Jiang Min, who was still in a dazed state, the members of the WOC branch all showed expressions of disdain.

They were forced to “work” again. Being a professional player wasn’t easy.

Everyone had the same thought in their minds.

However, appearing in front of people with their unwashed and uncombed hair would damage the club’s image.

Therefore, Shen Qi gave them some time to tidy themselves up before bringing the players to JW’s activity room.

Although it was called an activity room, consistent with JW’s generous style, it was built more like a small auditorium.

When the JW Youth Training Camp opened for registration, many aspiring young individuals submitted applications. Today was the start of the WOC training camp, and the young people who passed the layers of screening and were sitting here were carefully selected.

When the players arrived at the entrance of the activity room, the opening ceremony and orientation were already underway inside.

Naturally, JW’s owner, Ji Xiu Yan, was responsible for the opening speech.

After Ji Xiu Yan’s brief speech, it was the players’ turn to take the stage.

As the doors of the activity room opened, everyone’s attention was immediately drawn.

The five individuals wearing the new season’s black and gold team uniforms, standing in the middle of the activity room, were the five JW players who ranked third in the previous season and currently held a prominent position in points this season.

Among them, the most eye-catching was the mid-laner, Sugar God, Jiang Min. Whether in terms of strength, popularity, or appearance, he was a top-tier player in WPL.

Several young people in the audience had their eyes wide open. If not for the occasion, they might have rushed up to ask for autographs.

Jiang Min, playing professionally for four years, although he hadn’t lifted the top trophy, had outstanding personal skills. Many players and fans were his fans.

Seeing this situation, Yu Hao understood that, as expected, there would be many crazy fans of Sugar God in the youth training.

It seemed that the club wouldn’t be safe in the future, and they had to keep a close eye on Sugar God at all times.

In this situation, without Jiang Min’s knowledge, Yu Hao had already developed a series of plans to consolidate his dominance in the fishpond.

———-

Don’t be fooled by how flamboyant esports youngsters are in game voice chats; in reality, most of them are “silence is golden” individuals.

The five of them stepped onto the stage, all wearing expressions that seemed to say, “Don’t mess with me.”

Of course, it couldn’t be ruled out that their grumpy expressions were due to being forced to wake up and participate in the event so early.

The host for the opening ceremony was A Xin, the club’s official spokesperson who often served as the host for internal club events when not engaging in official spokesperson duties.

“Ah, now we can see that our players are here,” A Xin, who had spent a lot of time with the players, knew that their mood was not great. In her heart, she was calculating how to shorten their appearance time and have them come out for a quick round before swiftly returning.

“Although I believe everyone is familiar with them, let’s have the players introduce themselves,” A Xin said, handing the microphone to the first player in line, Qian Yi.

Since the argument over positions before the opening match, JW’s positions and seating arrangements had become fixed.

When standing, Jiang Min was always in the center, and when sitting during matches, Yu Hao was in the center, with Jiang Min sitting between Yu Hao and Mouse.

“Hello, everyone, I’m Qone, JW’s position 3,” Qian Yi said emotionlessly.

“Hello, everyone, I’m JW’s position 4 and also the team captain, Honor.”

When professional players introduce themselves in public, they always use their professional IDs.

For them, their IDs are their lives, shared in glory and disgrace.

Applause echoed in the hall.

The microphone came into Jiang Min’s hands, and he calmly said, “Hello, everyone, I’m JW’s position 2, mid-laner Lollipop.”

The young people who were about to enter the JW Youth Training Camp immediately erupted in cheers.

There were even confessions.

“Sugar God, I love you!”

“Sugar God! I want to lane against you!”

“Sugar God! Can I have your friend request? I want to be a happy fish in the fishpond~”

Yu Hao: “…”

…These ignorant young enthusiasts.

Jiang Min smiled awkwardly.

A Xin finally managed to calm the scene.

Wei Yafeng: “Hey, Sugar God’s popularity is beyond comparison. But let me introduce myself. Hello, everyone, I’m JW’s position 5, Maple.”

Wei Yabai: “I’m position 1, Cypress.”

After the player introductions, A Xin spoke again, “I believe many of you have come to the youth training with the goal of participating in the ongoing first-level league played by our players. Now, please ask the players to say a few words of encouragement to your future junior teammates!”

A Xin looked expectantly at the five JW players.

However, she quickly regretted her request.

The other four didn’t want to speak, staying silent and implicitly passing this task to the team captain, Yu Hao.

Yu Hao took the microphone and said with a poker face, “I’m not here to dampen your spirits. You can join the youth training, sure. But replacing us in playing in the first-level league for JW is probably impossible. On the other hand, establishing a second team to play in the second-level league is an option. Oh, by the way, if other teams come to poach players, you can consider it. It’s a way to find an exit for yourself and make some money for our club. That’s it.”

A Xin exploded on the spot.

She shouldn’t have trusted that these guys, who were still waking up early and likely dealing with morning grumpiness, could say anything positive.

She could only try to salvage the situation, “Ah, haha, Captain Yu has quite a sense of humor. Everyone, work hard, and you will surely stand on the stage of the first-level league in the future!”

The brief meeting ended.

The JW players were ready to leave and go back upstairs to the dormitory for some more sleep.

The day in esports started in the afternoon, with training matches and daily training scheduled for the afternoon. They had enough time to rest.

“Sugar God.”

Jiang Min was about to leave when a young trainee approached courageously.

Turning around, Jiang Min thought that although this trainee was only a member of the youth training camp, unsure if they could stay, they were currently a member of the club, so he should treat them with courtesy.

“Sure.” He stopped in his tracks.

“Sugar God, do you remember me? My ID is NATY. We encountered each other in the top-tier rankings, and I even added you as a friend,” the young boy said hesitantly.

“Ah…” Jiang Min recalled for a moment, as if it did happen. “Yeah, I remember.”

The stars in the young boy’s eyes lit up. “Sugar God, I’m really your crazy fan! I joined JW’s youth training just for you!”

When facing his enthusiastic fans, Jiang Min always felt a bit reserved. Others being too passionate was a burden for him.

Strangely, Yu Hao’s enthusiasm didn’t seem to carry that burden.

After all, Yu Hao was different from others in some ways, but Jiang Min hadn’t fully recognized this fact yet.

“Oh, that’s nice.” Jiang Min tried to say gently. “Good luck, and I hope you succeed.”

The goal of this Youth Training Camp was to establish a second team for the second-level league, essentially what is commonly known as a youth training team. About twenty young trainees participated, and among them, including substitutes, only seven would secure a spot in JW’s second team.

“Alright, Sugar God!” The young boy straightened his posture. “I’ll definitely work hard!”

“Let’s go, Sugar.” Seeing Jiang Min not catching up, Yu Hao went back and took his hand, leading him out of the activity room.

“Wow, Yu Hao and Sugar God have such a good relationship. So jealous,” the young boy expressed an admiring expression on his face.

“Damn, Yu Hao really calls Sugar God ‘Sugar’ as rumored online. Honestly, I want to call him that too, but I don’t dare,” another youth training member said.

“Sugar God looks really handsome in person. If I can lane against him during the training period, my life will be complete.”

“Those who can play in the first-level league are undoubtedly the cream of the crop among professional players. To catch up with our seniors, we have to double our efforts!”

The young trainees were filled with enthusiasm.

———-

The Spring Season continued.

After JW’s four consecutive victories with a score of 2:0, the team was about to face a rather special opponent in the fifth match.

Jiang Min’s former team, CC.

CC had a decent performance this season, currently ranking high with three wins and one loss, indicating that their new lineup was harmonizing well.

On the way to the Storm Esports Arena for the match, Yu Hao sat beside Jiang Min.

Jiang Min rested his chin on his hand, gazing out the window lost in thought.

“Sugar, are you worried?” Yu Hao suddenly asked.

“Hmm?” Jiang Min turned to find Yu Hao staring at him. “Worried about what?”

“About the match against CC.”

“…Not really.” Jiang Min maintained a tough exterior.

“When we played the previous matches, you weren’t this nervous.”

“…I’m not nervous.”

“Sugar, we’ve been together for a few months, and I know you fairly well. When you get nervous, your left hand unconsciously keeps relaxing and clenching,” Yu Hao said.

Jiang Min: “…”

Yu Hao hugged Jiang Min’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, I know what you’re concerned about. That guy, You Guanyu, I don’t like him either. Always acting like he’s the king of the world. We won’t lose to him!”

Jiang Min: “…”

Claiming not to be worried was, of course, a lie.

He wasn’t a saint, nor was he a fool.

When he left CC, even though he said it was the club owner’s decision, he was sure that it was closely related to You Guanyu.

In the esports industry, instances of team captains picking teammates or coaches were not uncommon; in fact, they were quite frequent.

However, Jiang Min never thought that one day he would be pushed out of the original team by a team captain.

In reality, he was not someone who liked to compete or contend. Back in CC, when You Guanyu was the team captain, he knew they didn’t get along, but considering they were in the same team, he never had direct conflicts with You Guanyu.

But now, he had left CC and joined JW.

In this upcoming match, he not only wanted to win but also wanted to prove himself.

It wasn’t about proving something; he just didn’t want to lose to CC, to You Guanyu.

Jiang Min looked at Yu Hao’s extremely confident eyes and nodded slightly. “Yeah, we will win.”

———-

The Storm Esports Arena was, as always, packed with spectators.

When JW arrived at the venue, CC was already there.

JW’s position 5, Jian Ran, spotted Jiang Min and walked over first.

“Sugar,” Jian Ran looked somewhat exhausted.

“Yeah,” Jiang Min and Jian Ran had a good relationship.

Seeing the members of CC approaching, Yu Hao looked at them with a vigilant expression.

He knew this was CC’s position 5, a young player who had a good relationship with Jiang Min back when Jiang Min was still with CC.

When he went to CC to pick up Jiang Min, it seemed he had seen this young player.

Although he was not much younger than Jian Ran, Yu Hao unconsciously treated him as a child.

“… Yu Team, hello,” Jian Ran greeted with an uneasy tone, feeling uncomfortable under Yu Hao’s scrutinizing gaze.

In his eyes, JW took away his “Sugar.”

Originally, he entered CC with admiration for the professional gaming scene and idolized Sugar. With Sugar’s help, he grew.

He thought he could play with Sugar for a long time. Even if they couldn’t achieve good results for a while, he was young, and he could accompany Sugar for many years, even until Sugar retired.

However, Sugar was suddenly poached away, taken by JW.

Initially, after You Guanyu joined CC, Jian Ran always felt bossed around by him with a commanding tone, which was annoying.

If it weren’t for the fact that Sugar was still there, he would have left long ago.

Now, Sugar was gone, and due to contractual obligations, he had to continue being teammates with You Guanyu.

Jian Ran cast a somewhat resentful look at the other members of JW.

“What’s up with this kid?” The twin brothers following the team were puzzled.

“Jian Ran, what are you doing?” A familiar voice sounded; You Guanyu appeared in everyone’s sight.

As usual, he was wearing CC’s blue and white uniform, with a proud demeanor.

“Oh, isn’t this JW?” You Guanyu walked over. “I hope you’ll guide us through today’s match.”

His tone was very unfriendly, even carrying a hint of mockery.

“You’ve won three and lost one. We’re undefeated. Why do you have the arrogance to look down on us?” Hao Qianyi couldn’t hold back and spoke out.

“You’re just playing against teams at the bottom of the rankings. Do you have the nerve to flaunt it?” You Guanyu sneered, tilting his mouth.

“You…” Impulsive and hot-headed, Hao Qianyi wanted to step forward but was stopped by Yu Hao.

“Let’s settle this on the battlefield, and we’ll see how strong you really are,” Yu Hao said.

You Guanyu didn’t say anything more, just glanced at Jiang Min, who remained silent, then turned and left.

“Sugar, I…” Jian Ran hesitated, as if wanting to say something.

“Go, Jian Ran.” You Guanyu turned back impatiently.

Jian Ran pursed his lips and, in the end, said nothing, following You Guanyu as they left together.

—–

Author’s note: The showdown with the former team CC is about to begin!

1TL: YSIAD “You can support me if you like my translations by leaving a comment below, or by sending me a Ko-fi. Thank you ️”