Chapter 22 Chapter 22 is more than being "face-to-face" with an industry veteran...
Is there anything more upsetting than being "brute forcefully attacked" in the face by an industry veteran?
some.
That person who "opened the big gun right in front of his face" is Zhou Zekai.
But he was not good with words.
Replying requires a great deal of energy to explain the cause and effect; not replying feels like having a big stone stuck in your heart, making you feel suffocated.
Zhou Zekai pondered for a long time, his fingers hovering over the keyboard. He thought, "Taking a step back will open up a whole new world; enduring it only makes me angrier." Finally, he couldn't hold back and replied with two words: "No."
But what exactly is being denied by this "no"? Nobody knows.
The players all exclaimed in admiration: when it comes to the art of taunting, Ye Qiu truly reigns supreme. He deserves the title of Glory's number one "face tank"—just his presence alone is enough to draw massive hatred. Everyone tagged Zhou Zekai for two days straight, but he remained unmoved; Ye Qiu only said a couple of words before Zhou Zekai "couldn't resist" jumping out to reply.
Although it's just two stubborn words, without any explanation.
While everyone was thrilled by the sudden appearance of the person in question, they were simply unable to translate Zhou Zekai's minimalist expression online. So they all tagged Jiang Botao, asking him to act as Zhou Zekai's "simultaneous interpreter."
Jiang Botao naturally wouldn't easily "betray" his captain, so he stepped in to smooth things over, advising everyone to go home: those playing in the Challenger Series should focus on preparing for the new season, and those playing in the Professional League should also prepare for the new season; if everyone is so concerned about off-field gossip, then Samsara will gladly continue to accept the championship of the new season.
The commotion in the group chat subsided temporarily. After all, gossip is just a diversion from life; the championship is the only pursuit of a professional player.
Zhou Zekai has been exceptionally focused on training these past few days. After all, he has a plan in mind: if there are no practice matches when Zhao Zhinian returns, he intends to "take a day off" to pick her up. He wants to do his best for both honor and love, within the limits of his ability.
However, reality did not give him the opportunity to pick him up at the airport.
Zhao Zhinian has temporarily postponed her return to Shanghai due to work commitments.
After joining the Honor commentary team, she was extremely busy: attending training, getting to know new colleagues, familiarizing herself with the process... For these newcomers, none of these things could be neglected, and the most important thing was the commentary schedule for the challenge.
With so many teams signing up and varying skill levels, even though the organizers intend to train new commentators, if they were to provide commentary for every match, the six newcomers might collectively become like "An Lingrong who has been poisoned and rendered mute," and might even resign on the spot.
Therefore, the official announcement was made that there would be no online commentary for the first two rounds of the competition, and the number of subsequent matches would be determined based on the popularity of online reservations by the audience. The core idea was clear: there are too many teams and limited commentary, so we will eliminate a group first.
This year's Challenger Series' focus was undoubtedly on Team Excellent Era, whose unexpected elimination made them the center of attention. With a roster of star players and their own built-in fanbase and viewership, their matches were a major draw even during the online phase.
More exposure means greater opportunities, and the chance to commentate on Excellent Era's matches has naturally become a highly sought-after opportunity for new commentators. One of these new commentators, who claims to be a "ten-year fan" of Excellent Era, actively volunteered. However, the official team has yet to finalize the scheduling, only stating that it requires "comprehensive consideration."
Zhao Zhinian knew that the authorities were considering not only commentary skills, but also the resources of the companies behind each commentator. Sometimes, a word from a higher-up could be more effective than individual effort.
Once she understood this, she felt much more at ease, since her company was hardly "powerful" in the e-sports field.
After these few days of interaction, she also realized that her gaming skills were not outstanding among the commentators of the same period, and she could only make up for it with hosting and commentary skills. However, making up for her shortcomings in Honor of Kings is not something that can be done overnight, but can only be accumulated slowly.
Take it slow and start commentating on low-profile matches. Accumulate experience little by little, and there's room for mistakes. It's better than having your shortcomings immediately apparent on your debut and leaving a bad first impression on the audience. After all, initial labels can easily follow you throughout your career.
The job opportunities the company secured for her were mostly hosting offline events for esports team members or online live streams for advertising... Even after she secured a commentator position, the director subtly reminded her that the company could only secure entertainment-oriented esports events, and official tournament resources were limited, so her future development would mostly depend on herself.
Since it's beyond human control, it's better to accept it. Zhao Zhinian had no intention of forcing things and fully accepted the official arrangements. She even started booking her return flight to Shanghai. However, she didn't expect that this company, which she thought was somewhat "lacking off," would unexpectedly "stand out."
The company has been making frequent efforts in the e-sports sector this year, especially with the continued rise in popularity of Honor of Kings. Zhao Zhinian's selection has given the company a sense of pride, like "saving money to support a college student in a popular major". The company's senior management immediately decided to increase investment.
After several twists and turns, they finally got in touch with the newly established Yi Zhan team this season. The reason was simple: a senior executive of the company had a very close personal relationship with the team's owner, Lou Guanning.
What sets Yizhan Team apart from other teams is that "the players are also the owners." A group of "pay-to-win" players have just entered the league and are eager to accumulate fans, so they naturally need to create unique memorable moments.
Introducing resident hosts, adding post-match interactions, and launching team-specific programs... In the era of big marketing, these are all effective ways to quickly bridge the gap with fans. Lacking star players and the prestige of top-tier teams, Yi Zhan had no choice but to invest heavily in a more approachable strategy. The company tailored a series of event plans specifically for this purpose, while also establishing strategic partnerships in other industries. The condition for this was that Zhao Zhinian would rent Yi Zhan at a "friendly price" to serve as a host.
Whether it was due to her extensive connections or her outstanding resume, after reviewing Zhao Zhinian's information and learning that she was in Beijing and had just been selected as a commentator for the Challenger League, Yizhan skipped the interview and directly invited her to the Yizhan Club to discuss the details.
The two sides hit it off immediately. The next day, Zhao Zhinian sat in the bright and clean reception room of the Yizhan team. As expected of a team that relied on real money, the luxury of the reception room opened her eyes. Zhao Zhinian once again marveled at the power of money.
When she first met Lou Guanning, she was somewhat surprised. This legendary "RMB Warrior" captain did not have the arrogance of a spoiled brat, nor the restraint of an ordinary professional player. Instead, he was dressed in a well-fitting casual suit, with a gentle smile, and his every move exuded the competence of a business elite.
"Hello, Mr. Lou, I am Zhao Zhinian." She quickly stood up to greet him.
“Welcome,” Lou Guanning stood up and shook hands, speaking crisply. “I’m an old friend of your company’s General Manager Liu. Our two companies have cooperated a lot and we’re practically family. You can just call me Captain Lou at the club from now on.”
He got straight to the point, "We've seen your commentary videos and resume. Ms. Zhao's image and abilities perfectly match the style of the team we want to build. We don't want to miss out on talent, so we're here to invite you over for a chat."
These were clearly compliments, and Zhao Zhinian repeatedly expressed her gratitude. Returning the compliment, she then praised Qiyi Zhan and Lou Guanning for their promising futures. After exchanging pleasantries, the two got straight to the point. Lou Guanning's assistant handed over a project proposal.
"We've initially planned several vlog segments," Lou Guanning explained. "'Righteous Words and Deeds' will record the team's daily fun and bring fans closer; 'Fight to the End' will focus on match days, showcasing the behind-the-scenes story. In addition, the team mascot is also in the planning stages... We're just starting out, and many details are open to discussion. Welcome to join Yizhan and witness our growth together."
Zhao Zhinian flipped through the plan. The content was very professional and detailed, far exceeding his expectations. It was clear that the establishment of Yizhan was not just a "young master's hobby," but rather a long-term plan.
She looked up and said sincerely, "It is an honor to join Yizhan. May I ask what my specific tasks will be?"
Seeing her direct response, Lou Guanning smiled and said, "You'll be primarily responsible for hosting the home games and appearing in the vlogs. We also hope you can participate in content planning. You have extensive hosting experience and have just completed commentary training, so you should have more insights than us about how to present the matches and uncover the stories." He paused briefly and added, "I've confirmed with your company that the upcoming challenge will be your focus, and we understand that. We can communicate and coordinate the official commentary schedule, and we can also discuss any conflicts with other activities. Salary and benefits are also negotiable."
This is a rare opportunity: to immerse oneself in professional teams and gain practical experience, which is crucial for understanding the game and providing effective commentary. While the Challenger Series is an official opportunity, it's not a formal professional league; Yi Zhan, though just starting out, is a genuine league team. The opportunity to host a home game is indeed attractive, especially since Lou Guanning promised that the schedule could be coordinated—it's practically the perfect client for any working person.
She took a deep breath, flashed a professional smile, and solemnly promised, "Thank you for your trust, Yizhan. This opportunity is invaluable, and I am willing to accept the challenge and join the Yizhan family."
The contract details were negotiated surprisingly smoothly, since the company had already reviewed it once, and Zhao Zhinian was just confirming it herself. Lou Guanning demonstrated efficiency and thoughtfulness. Although the initial price agreed upon with the company was a "friendship price," the terms offered by Yizhan were still generous, and the company fully considered Zhao Zhinian's flexible needs in balancing official commentary, with many clauses not being too restrictive.
Throughout the entire process, Yi Zhan displayed a magnanimous and approachable demeanor, prompting Zhao Zhinian to sigh once again: "This is probably what rich people are like."
"Welcome to Yizhan, Master Zhao." Lou Guanning smiled and shook hands again. "How about we familiarize ourselves with the environment this afternoon? And meet the team members? They should be in the training room."
“Okay, Captain Lou, thank you for your help.” Zhao Zhinian readily changed her address.
On the way to the training room, Lou Guanning briefly introduced the team members: besides himself, there were Zou Yunhai, Wen Kebei, Gu Xiye, Zhong Yeli, and others. Zhao Zhinian was not unfamiliar with them. Thanks to the great god Ye Qiu, Yi Zhan had gained a lot of exposure and could be considered a force to be reckoned with in the God's Domain, becoming a "thorn in the side" of other major guilds.
Pushing open the training room door, Zhao Zhinian once again felt the allure of money. She had also participated in Samsara's training room, and the newly crowned champion team's training room was actually slightly inferior to Yizhan's. Yizhan's team members were wearing headphones and focused on training, only looking up one by one when Lou Guanning clapped his hands to signal them.
"Let me introduce you. This is Zhao Zhinian, the team's new resident host. She will be in charge of hosting and planning our team's vlogs, matches, and commercial activities from now on. Please welcome her."
Several pairs of eyes fell on Zhao Zhinian simultaneously: a mixture of curiosity, scrutiny, and a friendly smile.
She stepped forward and introduced herself with grace and poise: "Hello everyone, I'm Zhao Zhinian. Please take care of me in the future."
"Hey, beautiful host! Welcome, welcome!" No one was surprised. After all, the core members of Yizhan were essentially the bosses, and Zhao Zhinian's joining was a decision they made together.
The group introduced themselves one after another. Zhao Zhinian silently noted down their characteristics and began to think about how to integrate as quickly as possible so that she could better carry out her work.
After giving a few instructions, Lou Guanning temporarily left to answer a phone call. Wen Kebei, worried she might feel awkward alone, came over for a chat, asking warmly, "Miss Zhao, do you play Glory? What class are you?"
Zhao Zhinian saw the other party's good intentions and smiled: "I play for fun, but my skill level is average, just a casual player. I play the sharpshooter, and I'm still in the tenth server. I'll need to ask you guys for advice on understanding the game in the future."
"Hey, we're all family now, so feel free to ask if you need any help! The Righteous Slash Guild in the Tenth District is being established, and you can join them when the time comes. We'll arrange for them to find some expert players to mentor you and help you quickly reach the God's Realm, which is even more interesting." Wen Kebei patted his chest enthusiastically.
Zhao Zhinian thanked them repeatedly, too embarrassed to mention that she was in the Samsara Guild. However, since they were probably just being polite, she didn't explain further.
The initial meeting went more smoothly than expected. After a brief stay in the training room, Zhao Zhinian took her leave and then went with Lou Guanning to the next office to meet several colleagues responsible for the official Weibo account operation, team cameraman, and editor. These people would be working together for a long time from now on.
The official Weibo account operator, Lin Shuang, is exceptionally enthusiastic, and her personality is as cheerful and generous as her name suggests.
Lou Guanning had instructed her in advance to provide onboarding guidance, and she dutifully showed Zhao Zhinian around the club. She even showed her the future dormitory, saying that she would live next door and that she could call her anytime if needed.
The dormitory was quite nice. After touring the dormitory, Zhao Zhinian finally had a real sense that she was going to live in Beijing permanently.
She plans to move some of her belongings over the next few days, handle the urgent planning and coordination with Yizhan, then return to Shanghai to pack the rest of her things, mail her luggage over, and prepare to stay in Beijing for an extended period.
When she thinks of Shanghai, she inevitably thinks of Zhou Zekai.
Yesterday, she reported her new job situation to Zhou Zekai, who, as always, expressed his support for her work, which made her seem a bit sentimental.
Although the two had not yet defined their relationship, and she knew that she should prioritize her work, she felt a subtle sense of impending long-distance romance.
It's alright, we can at least see each other one last time before I leave, Zhao Zhinian comforted herself.
Over the next few days, Zhao Zhinian was as busy as a spinning top. She quickly checked out of the hotel, moved her luggage into the Yizhan dormitory, bought some basic necessities, and then threw herself into coordinating with Lin Shuang and the planning team. After all, once the challenge commentary started, she might not have enough time to coordinate.
The script for the first team's promotional vlog needs to be finalized as soon as possible. We also need to coordinate the filming schedules of the team members, prepare the regular scripts for the host, the format of post-match interaction, and the method for drawing lucky audience members... There are just too many things to finalize.
Fortunately, the atmosphere at Yizhan was relaxed, Lou Guanning delegated authority fully, the team members cooperated actively, and the colleagues were all easy to get along with, so all the work progressed very smoothly.
Zhao Zhinian's professionalism and efficiency quickly won the team's trust. Yizhan was like an early startup team, with everyone having a strong passion for hard work. Various plans were brainstormed and discussed. In this atmosphere, Zhao Zhinian quickly became one with everyone.
During this time, she also took the time to book a flight back to Shanghai, and three days later, she sent the flight information to Zhou Zekai.
"Are you free? Would you like to meet up?" Zhao Zhinian asked proactively, then added urgently, "I've secured a new job, let me treat you to dinner. And Vice Captain Jiang, he helped me a lot before, let's thank him together."
Zhou Zekai silently checked the recent training schedule. Fortunately, he happened to be free that day and replied, "Okay."
"Should you relay the message about the meal to Deputy Captain Jiang, or should I ask him in the group chat?"
Zhou Zekai thought quickly: "Let's ask in the group chat."
Then he quickly opened Jiang Botao's chat window and gave his vice-captain the order: "You're busy."
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