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Yu Wang and Shen Qingyu's relationship naturally changed. He would remember that she didn't like cilantro and pick it out of her aunt's soup beforehand. After she'd spent long hours in front of the computer, he'd quietly offer her a cup of hot milk and eye drops to soothe her tired eyes. When he walked her back to her room at night, a goodnight kiss on her forehead or the tips of her hair became an unspoken ritual.

The team members saw all of this, from the initial winking and whispering to each other, to later getting used to it and even occasionally making a few jokes.

"Brother Yu, do you still need to peel Manager Shen's oranges?" The fat man couldn't help smacking his lips as he watched Yu Wang peel the oranges skillfully and put the flesh on the plate in front of Shen Qingyu.

Yu Wang didn't even raise his eyelids and replied calmly, "Have you finished reviewing the training match data?"

The fat man immediately fell silent and ran back to the training room in shame.

Shen Qingyu felt a little embarrassed and gently touched Yu Wang's leg under the table. Yu Wang turned his head and looked at her slightly red cheeks. A smile flashed in his eyes, and he said in a voice that only the two of them could hear: "He is envious."

Shen Qingyu laughed. This feeling of being cherished openly and frankly was great.

On the other hand, Qu Shengsheng and Chen Chenchen seemed more roundabout and cautious.

They resumed contact on WeChat, but the conversations mostly revolved around games, tactics, and the occasional exchange about Xiao Y's training. Chen Chenchen, true to his promise to "start as friends," wasn't overly enthusiastic, but each exchange maintained just the right amount of concern and presence.

When she posted a photo of the night view outside the base on her WeChat Moments, he would comment: "It's windy at night, wear more clothes."

After she casually mentioned a certain snack she wanted to eat, that brand of snacks would appear at Qu Shengsheng's door the next day.

He even managed to order a signature cake from the notoriously difficult-to-book bakery, and during one of Qu Shengsheng's afternoon tea visits, he shared it with them, "celebrating a good performance in a training match." But when they cut the cake, the first person he handed was Qu Shengsheng.

Qu Shengsheng took the cake, her fingertips touching his warm skin, and they both paused. She looked down at the delicate cake on the plate, then back up at him. Chen Chenchen's eyes were gentle, with a subtle hint of anticipation.

"Thank you," Qu Shengsheng said softly, scooping a mouthful with a small spoon and putting it into her mouth. The sweet but not greasy taste melted on her tongue. She smiled and commented, "The taste hasn't changed."

The light in Chen Chenchen's eyes grew noticeably brighter, as if he was relieved, or as if he had received some kind of important affirmation. "As long as you like it."

Shen Qingyu saw all of this. She asked Qu Shengsheng privately, "How do you feel?"

Qu Shengsheng stirred the coffee in her cup, her tone somewhat complicated. "He... seems to have really changed a lot. He's more careful than before, and also... more capable than before." She paused, "I don't know if this is a good thing or a bad thing."

"At least he's trying." Shen Qingyu comforted, "Give each other a chance and see what time will tell."

---

In the following months, WIN team was invincible, making it to the finals of the World Championship. They faced the strong veteran team VIK team.

It was as if some mysterious switch had been pressed at the base. The training room was still buzzing with the atmosphere of intense preparations for the match. The clatter of keyboards, clicks of mice, and the players' concise and efficient tactical communications were constant, and the lights in the training room often stayed on well into the night.

Shen Qingyu could clearly sense their pressure, especially Yu Wang's. He spoke less, his brows often furrowed slightly, and even during breaks, his eyes held traces of thought. She felt a little distressed, but knew she couldn't help much. All she could do was try not to disturb him, sending him a simple greeting when he returned to his room exhausted from training, or standing with him in the quiet hallway for a while and handing him a glass of warm water when he occasionally came out for some fresh air.

One time, she woke up late at night to go to the kitchen to get some water. She saw the training room door ajar. Inside, only Yu Wang was sitting in front of his computer, his screen repeatedly playing a first-person video of the VIK team's ADC. He was wearing headphones, his expression focused, his profile looking a little cold and tired in the light of the screen.

Shen Qingyu did not go in to disturb him, but silently went to get a glass of water and placed it not far from his hand.

Yu Wang noticed the movement and turned around. Seeing that it was her, his tense expression softened a little. He took off one of his headphones.

"Why aren't you asleep yet?"

"Get up and drink some water." Shen Qingyu looked at the pale blue under his eyes, "Don't stay up too late."

"Well, go to sleep after reading this." Yu Wang held her hand and squeezed it gently, "Go to rest quickly."

His palms were a little dry, with a slight chill from operating the keyboard for a long time. Shen Qingyu shook his hand with his backhand: "You should get up early too."

The night before the match, the atmosphere in the base was noticeably more tense. During dinner, everyone was somewhat silent. Even Fatty, usually the most active, simply buried his head in his food, occasionally whispering with Hulu about hero selection.

After dinner, the coaching staff called all the players together for a final tactical meeting. Qu Shengsheng happened to be there that day, so Shen Qingyu and Qu Shengsheng consciously stayed in the public area and didn't disturb him.

Qu Shengsheng looked at the closed door of the training room and suddenly whispered to Shen Qingyu, "I suddenly understand why he 'ignored' me on my birthday because of training."

Shen Qingyu looked at her.

Qu Shengsheng smiled, a hint of relief in her smile. "Under such high-pressure circumstances, one's energy and focus are indeed compressed to the extreme. A single oversight could lead to a chain reaction of misunderstandings." She paused. "Of course, understanding doesn't mean complete forgiveness, but at least... it gives me a more comprehensive perspective."

Shen Qingyu held her hand: "There will be a competition tomorrow, let's go and cheer for them together."

Qu Shengsheng nodded: "They will definitely win."

---

At the League of Legends World Championship finals, the massive stadium, capable of seating tens of thousands, was completely packed. The roar was like a tsunami, threatening to overturn the dome. A massive circular screen hung in the center, broadcasting real-time draft and player footage. The air was filled with a breathtaking mixture of excitement and tension.

Chen Qingyu and Qu Shengsheng sat in the back area of ​​the contestant's booth, very close to the stage. Chen Qingyu clutched Yu Wang's cheering banner tightly, her palms sweating slightly from nervousness. Even though she had seen many grand occasions, she was still overwhelmed by the grandeur of this world-class final.

Qu Shengsheng was holding the mini flag with Chen Chenchen's ID "SUN" printed on it. She seemed calm, but her tightly pursed lips revealed her inner unrest.

The host's voice spread throughout the venue through the top-notch sound system, introducing the two kings' teams that will be facing off tonight in an exciting tone - the WIN team from the LPL region and the legendary team VIK from the LCK region.

The VIK team has won the championship for three consecutive years and is the ace after the TX team in the LPL region.

When the VIK team was introduced, the spotlight swept over the young, resolute faces of the players one by one. When the words "WIN—ADC, CAT!" were read, the cheers reached a crescendo. Yu Wang stood beneath the beam of light, his black and gold uniform accentuating his towering figure. His expression was stern, and a simple nod to the audience elicited countless screams.

Shen Qingyu looked at the man on the stage who was carrying millions of expectations, and her heart almost jumped out of her chest.

However, just as the game was about to begin, the host's voice rang out again, with a pause that was evocative:

"Ladies and gentlemen! Before this peak showdown begins tonight, we are honored to invite a special guest, a true legend who once defined an era. He is the idol and goal pursued by countless professional players—"

The lights suddenly dimmed, leaving only a single spotlight at the stage entrance. A thrilling highlight reel began playing on the large screen in the background: extreme counter-kills, exquisite flanks, masterful rhythm-making... Each move was a work of art, accompanied by the stirring music, instantly transporting everyone back to an era dominated by the name "Zenith."

"—Let us give the warmest applause to welcome the immortal legend in the history of League of Legends, the world's best jungler, known as 'Zeus, the Chief of the Gods'—Zenith! Jiang Ye! Jiang Shen!"

"boom--!"

The venue was completely boiling! Applause, cheers, and screams resounded through the air, and many old audience members even stood up in excitement.

Zenith, the name itself is a legend - he dominated the Korean server at the age of 17, founded the TX club at the age of 19 and led the team as a jungler and captain. In his five-year professional career, he helped TX and the LPL region win an unprecedented five consecutive global finals championships. With his extremely aggressive, fast, accurate and creative playing style, he is known as the "jungler ceiling" and is the undisputed world's number one jungler.

His retirement was once seen by countless people as the end of an era.

Amidst the spotlight, a figure in a black suit slowly emerged. He stood tall and straight, his demeanor composed. He had lost the youthfulness and shrewdness of his pro days, becoming more composed and reserved. But his eyes remained sharp and penetrating, as if they could see through everything.

"Jiang Ye..." Shen Qingyu looked at the radiant figure on the stage, a flicker of surprise in her eyes at the realization of recognition. They did know each other, but that was just an acquaintance. Jiang Ye's mother's family, the Rong clan, was prominent. She had only met this legendary young Rong clan member a few times at a few high-profile gatherings, thanks to her uncle's family in Beijing. It was just a passing acquaintance.

Hearing the voice, Qu Shengsheng turned around curiously: "Qing Yu, do you know him?"

Shen Qingyu nodded gently: "Yeah, I've seen him a few times at some parties. Not very familiar with him."

On the stage, Jiang Ye took the microphone and spoke in a low and magnetic voice: "Hello everyone, I am Jiang Ye. It's been a long time since we last met. I am very happy to return to this familiar stage in this way." His eyes swept across the audience steadily, and he did not make any special stops when passing the direction of the WIN team.

The first game begins:

The Ban/Pick interface appeared on the big screen, and all the lights in the venue focused on the battle seat.

VIK displayed the terrifying strength of a seasoned champion, gradually chipping away at WIN's living space through precise operations and vision control. Yu Wang's Xayah was targeted, and his last-hitting was suppressed. Chen Chenchen's Jarvan II tried several opportunities, but was thwarted by VIK's skilled vision.

In the audience, LPL fans began to feel anxious.

At that moment, a turning point suddenly arrived. Fifteen minutes into the game, the first Rift Herald spawned. VIK, leveraging their vision advantage, was the first to secure the Dragon Pit.

Just when everyone thought WIN was going to give up the fight, Chen Chenchen's Prince used an extremely tricky EQ flash, passing through the wall like lightning, and accurately knocked away VIK's Aphelios and Lulu!

"It's on! Yang Shen is on! This position is perfect!" the commentator shouted excitedly.

Almost at the same time, Yu Wang's Xia flashed forward without any hesitation, hooked and controlled, and all the damage was poured onto the controlled VIK double C in an instant!

Flash sale!

"CAT! He killed VIK's double Cs in seconds! WIN is going to win this team battle!" Jiang Ye's voice became noticeably louder.

The subsequent team battle turned into a one-sided pursuit. WIN made a beautiful 0-for-4 exchange and took down the Rift Herald and the First Blood Tower.

This teamfight completely ignited WIN's morale. In the subsequent matches, Yu Wang's Xia equipment rapidly matured, becoming nearly unstoppable. Chen Chenchen also fully unleashed his rhythm, constantly plundering resources and expanding his advantage.

In the end, the WIN team won the first game steadily!

“Victory!”

The blue victory sign lit up, and the WIN team members took off their headphones and smiled. Yu Wang and Chen Chenchen exchanged a glance and high-fived.

Game 2:

However, the powerful VIK quickly adjusted in the second game. They capitalized on WIN's aggressive positioning in the bottom lane, allowing the jungler's Lee Sin to land a precise Q, spinning kicking Yu Wang's Kai'Sa back under the tower and securing first blood. VIK's mid and jungle then coordinated, continuously targeting the bottom lane, severely limiting Yu Wang's development.

Despite Chen Chenchen's attempts to help other lanes, VIK's defense remained impenetrable. The economic gap gradually widened. WIN fought tenaciously until the 35th minute, but ultimately lost the second game due to the significant equipment gap.

The score is 1:1.

Halftime break:

The atmosphere in the backstage lounge was somewhat solemn.

Yu Wang leaned back in his chair, eyes closed, fingers rubbing between his brows. Chen Chenchen looked at the game data, brows furrowed.

Lu Hu's gaze fell on Yu Wang, his tone calm but direct: "VIK is studying you. Their strategy in the second game was very clear: strangle the bottom lane and disconnect you from the team."

Yu Wang pursed his lips and nodded.

Lu Hu continued, "Xiao Yu, your laning ability is fine, but sometimes you rely too much on your own mechanics to open up the situation. Facing VIK, you'll need more patience." He then looked at Chen Chenchen, "Xiao Chen, you can be more adventurous with your thinking. Don't let their vision lead you completely. Sometimes, thinking against them and attacking where they feel safest can be very effective."

Game 3:

In the third game, WIN's tactics changed significantly.

Yu Wang chose the more stable Ezreal, preferring to give up some last hits in the early game rather than give up opportunities easily. Chen Chenchen's Ruined King showed amazing aggressiveness, making several counter-intuitive invasions and disrupting VIK's jungle rhythm.

Twenty minutes into the game, a teamfight erupted at the dragon pit. Chen Chenchen's Ruined King seized the opportunity, flashing his W ability to control VIK's mid laner, Sylas. Yu Wang's Ezreal, from a safe distance, dealt tons of damage. WIN executed a 1-for-3 trade, establishing their advantage.

Afterwards, WIN did not give VIK any chance, playing steadily and steadily, expanding the advantage step by step, and finally successfully won the third game!

The score becomes 2:1! WIN gets the match point!

All the LPL fans in the stadium went crazy!

Before the fourth game:

During a short break, Yu Wang found Shen Qingyu backstage.

"Are you okay?" She asked softly, looking at the sweat on his forehead.

"It's okay." Yu Wang held her hand with a bit of strength, but his eyes were unusually bright. "Next round, I will definitely win."

His eyes were filled with determination to win. Shen Qingyu shook his hand back firmly: "I believe you."

On the other side, Chen Chenchen walked up to Qu Shengsheng and handed her a WIN team badge: "Here, get some good luck."

Qu Shengsheng took the badge. The metal felt slightly cool. She looked up at his profile and whispered, "Keep going."

Game 4 (match point):

This could very well be the final game. Both teams brought out their best lineups, and the atmosphere was tense to the extreme.

During the BP phase, WIN team made subtle adjustments:

"Monsoon, I'll give you Ornn in this round. We need a front row." Luhu said in the voice chat.

"No problem." Ji Feng nodded calmly and chose this solid top laner who could build equipment for the team.

"Xiao Y, is your Zoe okay? We need your poke ability."

"I'm ready!" Little Y looked at Zoe confidently.

The bottom lane combination is Yu Wang's Lucian and Fatty's Nami, a classic strong laning combination.

In the early stages, both teams were extremely cautious. Monsoon's Ornn steadily developed in the top lane, occasionally using his Q to wear down the opponent, while Xiao Y's Zoe constantly harassed the mid lane with his Flying Star, forcing VIK's mid laner to frequently return to the city for supplies.

The first crucial moment arrived in the eighth minute of the game. Chen Chenchen's Lee Sin quietly moved to the middle lane, and almost at the same time, VIK's jungler also appeared in the middle lane bush!

"3v3 in the middle lane!" the commentator exclaimed.

Xiao Y's Zoe landed a precise hypnotic bubble on VIK's mid laner, and Chen Chenchen immediately followed up with damage. Just as VIK's jungler was about to counterattack, Fatty's Nami arrived from behind, and her ultimate skill, Roaring Waves, perfectly divided the battlefield!

"How did Nami get here?!" the commentator was shocked. "When did he swim over here?"

It turned out that Fatty had calculated the time well in advance and rushed directly to the middle lane after returning to the city early. This unexpected support caught VIK off guard. WIN played 1 for 2 and established an early advantage.

At the eleventh minute of the match, the first dragon spawned, and VIK was the first to take position. Just as the dragon's health was halfway down, Chen Chenchen's Lee Sin emerged from the shadows to the side and struck VIK's ADC with a precise Soundwave!

"Can he play? In this position!" the commentator shouted.

Just as Chen Chenchen was about to follow up with the second stage of Q, VIK's top laner suddenly teleported, and at the same time the mid laner also came over from the flank!

"It's a trap! VIK set an ambush!" the commentator exclaimed.

At the critical moment, Monsoon's Ornn activated his ultimate skill from a distance!

"The Lava God's Call!"

A huge lava element rushed from the WIN camp, forcing VIK to move and dodge. At the same time, Xiao Y's Zoe kept using flying stars on the flank to consume the enemy. A well-aimed flying star directly knocked off half of VIK's jungler's health!

"Here I come!" Fatty's Nami flashed forward and accurately hit VIK's support with a bubble, preventing him from protecting the ADC.

With the support of his teammates, Chen Chenchen no longer had to worry. Lee Sin followed up with a ghostly second-stage Q echo slam, placing wards in mid-air to change position, and then a dragon's tail swing!

"Ichiku!"

VIK's ADC was kicked back to WIN's formation!

"Kill him in a second!" Yu Wang's cold voice rang out in the team's voice chat, and the bullets baptized by the Holy Spear poured out like a rainstorm!

VIK's ADC was instantly melted! At the same time, Monsoon's Ornn rushed into the battlefield, knocking three people away! Xiao Y's Zoe continued to output at the edge, harvesting the remaining health!

"Perfect coordination! WIN played a perfect team battle!" the commentator shouted excitedly.

"Ace!"

Team wipe! WIN played a perfect 0 for 5!

"It's over! It's almost over! WIN can win in one wave!"

The three WIN survivors led the troops and marched straight in. Xiao Y's Zoe kept using flying stars to clear the troops in front of the front tower, Ji Feng's Ornn was at the forefront, and Yu Wang's Lucian was crazy with output, destroying VIK's main crystal!

"Victory!"

The golden victory symbol shone brightly once again! The entire stadium was engulfed in a sea of ​​madness! Golden rain fell from the sky, drifting onto the stage!

"We are the champions! WIN is the champions! LPL is the champions!" the commentator cried out in tears.

The WIN team members hugged each other excitedly! Yu Wang was hugged tightly by Chen Chenchen and Fatty, while Ji Feng and Xiao Y also rushed over to join in the celebration. The five of them hugged each other, looking up at the golden rain, each of them with tears of excitement in their eyes.

At the award ceremony, the five WIN team members jointly raised the Summoner's Cup, the highest honor in League of Legends! Under the spotlight, everyone's face was filled with the joy of victory.

Jiang Ye watched the five WIN team members hugging each other on the screen, a faint smile playing at the corner of his mouth. He exchanged glances with Hulu in the coaching booth, and they smiled, everything going back to that winter nine years ago, when the five of them had held the trophy just like that, for five years. Now, the torch was passed on.

This night, a new legend was born, and their story is far from over.