LOL: What does it mean to torture players?

"This is nothing." Xiaoyu handed over another contract with a blue cover. "Look at this, it's from Douyu. They're losing a lot of top streamers and desperately need a true legend to keep things running smoothly. Their offer is: a signing bonus 20% higher than Huya's, and a 20/80 split of gifts—you get 80%, they get 20%! It's practically charity!"

"And this! This is the most outrageous!" Luo Xin excitedly held up a document with a black cover. "Douyin! ByteDance! They're incredibly wealthy! They not only offered an astronomical signing fee, but also promised to give you preferential traffic allocation across the entire platform, and even help you build your personal brand so you can enter the entertainment industry and variety shows! This isn't just signing a streamer, it's signing a superstar!"

Su Mo looked at these astronomical figures, and although he was somewhat prepared, he was still taken aback.

"What about Bilibili?" Su Mo asked casually.

“Bilibili is also very sincere, focusing on anime and youth, saying that it can customize virtual avatars for you, as well as various anime collaborations,” Yu Shuang analyzed. “But in terms of cash flow, it really can’t compare with the three giants mentioned above.”

Su Mo put down the bread in her hand, leaned back on the sofa, and looked at the ceiling.

"When it comes to money, at this point, whether it's a little more or a little less is just a number."

Su Mo said calmly (Versailles), "The key question is, which one is more comfortable? As you know, I'm lazy and I hate those contracts that require me to broadcast for a certain number of hours every month and cooperate with various guild activities."

“We had already thought of that for you.”

Rita adjusted her glasses, displaying the professionalism of a seasoned agent: "After rigorous screening and comparison by the four of us—"

She pointed to the contract with Douyin: "This one, although it pays the most and has the most traffic, the atmosphere in the entertainment industry is too superficial, and it requires you to cooperate in shooting short videos and selling products, which is too tiring and does not fit your 'aloof' persona, so it's a pass."

She then pointed to Douyu: "This one, although the revenue share is high, the platform has been in turmoil recently and is not very stable. Moreover, you have to fight against a group of veteran streamers. It's not worth it, pass."

Finally, Rita's finger landed back on the Huya contract.

“Huya is still the most reliable. After all, it’s your former employer, and you have a large fan base there. Moreover…” Rita revealed a sly smile, “They added a ‘privilege clause’ to the contract to keep you.”

"What kind of privileges?" Su Mo asked, intrigued.

“The duration is up to you, and the activities depend on your mood,” Yu Shuang added from the side. “In other words, you can broadcast whenever you want, or cancel whenever you want, and they will never pressure you. Moreover, they have promised that if you start broadcasting, they will also drive traffic to our sisters' live broadcast rooms, and even allow us to appear on camera freely during your live broadcast without violating any rules.”

"Isn't that the point?" Su Mo looked at them with a half-smile. "So you're all just looking out for yourselves?"

"Oh, it's a win-win situation!" Luo Xin hugged Su Mo's arm and said coquettishly, "Think about it, when you do your live streams, we can also ride the wave of popularity and make money together to support our families, isn't that great!"

Su Mo thought about it and realized that Huya was indeed the most worry-free option at the moment.

He's a professional player; his main job is playing games, and streaming is just a side job. If he were tied to a streaming contract, it would be putting the cart before the horse.

“Alright, let’s renew the contract with Huya then.” Su Mo made the final decision. “Sister Shuang, could you help me go over the specific details with their legal department to make sure there are no pitfalls?”

"Don't worry, we've got your back!" Yu Shuang patted her chest confidently.

Having resolved the major issue, Su Mo was in high spirits. Looking at the four women in front of him who had been so concerned about him, a thought struck him.

"By the way, now that the contract is signed, the signing fee is quite substantial." Su Mo stroked his chin. "How... should we spend this money?"

The four women exchanged glances, their eyes instantly lighting up.

"Buy a bag!" Rita blurted out.

"Buy a car!" Xiaoyu thought for a moment, "I want that pink Porsche!"

“Let’s go on a trip!” Luo Xin raised her hand.

"I want to upgrade the interior design of my home and get a bigger walk-in closet," Yu Shuang said, being the most practical.

Su Mo waved his hand generously, exclaiming with boundless pride, "Granted! Once the money arrives, everyone will receive a supplementary card to use as they please! This is what they call 'when one person attains enlightenment, even their chickens and dogs ascend to heaven'!"

"Pah! Who's the chicken or the dog!"

Four cushions simultaneously hurled at Su Mo.

After fooling around for a while, Su Mo suddenly remembered something and pulled his phone out from under the pile of documents.

"By the way, now that this is settled, we need to tell Xiran." Su Mo said while unlocking the screen, "Didn't she say she wanted to buy a better camera to shoot vlogs? We'll include her in the process."

Upon hearing the name "hope Ran," the atmosphere in the living room paused subtly for a second before becoming even more lively.

"See, see! I told you he was thinking about it!" Xiaoyu pointed at Su Mo.

"It's good that you're thinking about it; it means our efforts weren't in vain." Rita was quite generous, leaning over to look at Su Mo's WeChat message. "Hey, how are you going to tell her?"

Su Mo avoided Rita's gaze and sent hope Ran a voice message:

"Hey Xiran, um... the live streaming contract is settled, we're going to celebrate, why don't you come too?"

After sending the voice message, Su Mo looked up at the four "Empresses" who were staring intently at him.

"So, what do you think? Isn't that a valid reason?"

“It is appropriate…” Yu Shuang nodded thoughtfully, then suddenly smiled, “However, I think you can go a step further.”

"for example?"

“For example, the five of us will go with you on the day of the signing ceremony,” Rita continued. “Then we’ll let the whole internet see what ‘Brother Mozi’s prestige’ looks like. And by the way… let Xiran integrate into our big family.”

Su Mo imagined the scene:
He sat at the signing table, dressed in a suit and tie, with the five beauties of the LPL hosting team standing behind him...

The public dared not even imagine it.

"You guys think I'm not hateful enough, huh?" Su Mo smiled wryly. "Won't all the men on the internet come at me with knives by now?"

"Tch, you're getting a good deal and still acting innocent!" Luo Xin rolled her eyes at him. "So many people would only dream of seeing this!"

Su Mo thought for a moment, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up.

Also.

"Okay! It's settled then!"

Su Mo stood up, stretched, and looked at the warm winter sun outside the window.

……

Time flies like an arrow, and in the blink of an eye, winter has arrived.

Red lanterns were hung on the streets of Shanghai, and major shopping malls began playing "Gong Xi Fa Cai," a song etched into our DNA.

With the transfer window officially closed, the landscape of Season 13 has finally been settled.

Public opinion from the outside world is in an uproar.

Although JDG's "Galactic Battleship" didn't field its full roster in the Demacia Cup, reports from scrims suggest they dominated every team except EDG. The duo of Ruler and Knight, considered by Korean media to be "the strongest spear and shield besides Faker and Mo," is a prime example.

On the WBG side, TheShy and Xiaohu's "springtime synergy" seems to be taking effect. In scrims, the top laner is pulling off hilarious plays every game, creating a lot of entertainment. Fans jokingly call them the "idol group." Although it's uncertain whether they can win, the match is sure to be exciting.

TES welcomed back Rookie, and the reunion of that man with JackeyLove as the "Incheon Double Carry" brought tears to the eyes of countless old fans, who vowed to challenge EDG.

Inside the EDG base, Abu held a latest team strength assessment report, his brow furrowed. "JDG and WBG are coming on strong. Especially JDG, Coach Hongmi has declared that they're going to end our winning streak in the Spring Split."

Su Mo was nestled in his gaming chair, holding a cup of hot goji berry tea. Looking at JDG's roster on the screen, he wasn't flustered at all; instead, he chuckled softly.

"What's the rush? Let them make a scene for a while." Su Mo blew on the steam rising from his tea. "Things like the Galactic Battleship have capsized countless times. Besides, just because they've strengthened themselves doesn't mean we've become weaker."

He pointed to himself, then to Viper and Scout beside him, "As long as we old guys are still here, the sky over LPL won't fall down."

Jiejie joked, "Brother Mozi, I heard TheShy has been practicing Quesantin lately, saying he's going to use some black technology to punish you."

"Quisanti?" Su Mo raised an eyebrow. "Sure, me."

……

Although training matches and preparations are proceeding smoothly, with the Spring Festival approaching, another problem that is causing Su Mo a greater headache is looming ahead—

How to celebrate Chinese New Year?
If he were all alone now, he would most likely stay at the base and get a perfect attendance bonus.

But things are different now; he is now a man burdened with "five emotional debts."

One evening, at Su Mo's private villa.

The warmth from the heating made me drowsy, and a boring variety show was playing on TV.

Five beautiful women were sitting together, eating sunflower seeds and chatting about their plans for the Chinese New Year.

hope Ran gradually integrated into this small group, and even got her own slippers and water cup.

"Sigh, Chinese New Year is so early this year, it's almost the end of January." Yu Shuang looked at the calendar and sighed. "I have to go back to my hometown. My mom has been urging me to bring back some Shanghai specialties."

“I have to go back to Sichuan too.” Rita hugged her pillow, somewhat reluctantly. “My dad said if I don’t go back, he’ll come to Shanghai to arrest me. It’s really annoying. If I go back, all my aunts and uncles will ask me all sorts of questions.”

Just then, Xiaoyu, who was peeling an orange, suddenly turned her head and stared at Su Mo with her big eyes blinking.

"Brother Mozi~"

This call, full of twists and turns, almost made Su Mo drop the remote control from his hand.

"Stop! Get to the point, don't use that tone, it's giving me the creeps." Su Mo cautiously shrank into the corner of the sofa.

Xiaoyu chuckled, leaned closer, and popped a peeled orange segment into Su Mo's mouth: "Um... this year for Chinese New Year, would you like to come home with me?"

"Cough cough cough!" Su Mo almost choked to death on the orange and coughed violently.

"Go...go home?" Su Mo's eyes widened. "Go back to which home? Your hometown?"

“Yes!” Xiaoyu nodded matter-of-factly. “My parents are huge fans of yours! Especially after watching the finals, my dad kept saying how energetic this young man is, and how he plays games as well as I did back in the day. And… I also mentioned to them that we often play together, and they said they would invite you to come over for the New Year and have a casual meal.”

Su Mo felt a chill run down his spine.

This isn't just a casual meal; it's practically a "son-in-law coming to visit"!
If it were only Xiaoyu, Su Mo would grit his teeth, buy a gift, and go.

But inside this room... there are five enormous Buddha statues sitting there!
Sure enough, the air froze the moment Xiaoyu finished speaking.

Rita's previously languid gaze instantly turned sharp.

Luo Xin stopped shaking her leg and looked over with a deep gaze.

Although Yu Shuang maintained her smile, it was a smile that looked unsettling no matter how you looked at it.

Even hope Ran silently put down the sunflower seeds in her hand and pricked up her ears.

“Um… Xiaoyu,” Rita said sarcastically, “isn’t this a bit inappropriate? Mozi is everyone’s… cough, good friend. What will we do if you bring him home?”

“Exactly!” Luo Xin immediately chimed in, “My mom watched the game too, and she even asked me if Brother Mozi is single! I also want to bring Brother Mozi back to make me proud and shut up those relatives who are pressuring me to get married!”

Yu Shuang said softly, "Actually, my family is also quite eager to meet you. Last time we had a video call, my little nephew was so excited to see you there that he couldn't sleep all night. If you go to Xiaoyu's house but not mine, wouldn't that be a bit unfair?"

hope Ran weakly raised her hand from the side: "Um... I'm fine now."

Su Mo looked at the four beautiful faces that concealed murderous intent, and felt bitter inside.

This is a life-or-death question!

Go to Xiaoyu's house? Rita and Yu Shuang would definitely tear him apart.

Should everyone be treated equally? Should we visit every single household?
The scene was too beautiful for Su Mo to even imagine.

If all my relatives posted this on their WeChat Moments: "Oh dear, EDG's Su Mo came to my house today, he seems to be my niece's boyfriend."

Then compare it across the entire internet.

Good guy!
Shocking! The FMVP is actually the nation's public son-in-law?!

If this gets exposed, forget about playing professionally; he might be chased to the ends of the earth by five fathers-in-law wielding kitchen knives.

Retiring on the spot is a social death!
"Ahem!" Su Mo suddenly stood up, his face righteous and awe-inspiring. "Everyone! Calm down! Listen to me!"

Five pairs of eyes stared at him, waiting for his excuses.

"First of all, thank you very much for your kindness, uncles and aunts." Su Mo wiped the sweat from his forehead. "But! As you all know, the Spring Split is about to begin. This year's version has undergone significant changes, and as the core of the team, I must set an example!"

Su Mo started rambling: "Besides, I just signed a big contract with Huya. If I'm off-air for too long during the Spring Festival, I can't afford the penalty for breach of contract! Also, Abu said that the training base won't be closed for the Spring Festival this year... uh, at least for a core player like me, I need to keep my skills up at all times!"

"So..." Su Mo put on a heartbroken expression, "For the sake of EDG's dynasty and the glory of LPL, I'm afraid I'll have to stay in Shanghai this Chinese New Year and stick to my post!"

These words were spoken with such righteous indignation.

But clearly, these people are all seasoned foxes, they know Su Mo inside and out, and Su Mo's understanding of this kind of ghost story is still a bit lacking.

"Don't give me that." Rita rolled her eyes at him. "Don't I know what kind of person you are?"

"Exactly, that's a lame excuse." Xiaoyu pouted. "If you don't want to go, then don't go. Saying it's for honor is clearly just a way to avoid death."

Even after being exposed, Su Mo wasn't embarrassed. He chuckled, sat back on the sofa, and casually put his arms around Xiao Yu and Rita, beginning to display his "master of impartiality" skills.

"Oh dear, think about it. If I go to Xiaoyu's house, won't you be angry, Rita? If I go to Rita's house, won't Sister Shuang be heartbroken? For the sake of harmony and stability in our big family, I have no choice but to reluctantly give up going to either of their houses!"

Su Mo said sincerely, "How about this, let's compromise. Since none of us want to face the pressure from all our relatives to get married, how about... we just stay here and spend the New Year together?"

"Spend the New Year together?" The women were taken aback.

“That’s right!” Su Mo felt the idea was more and more reliable as she talked. “Think about it, if you go back, you’ll just be pressured to get married and have to deal with all sorts of dinner parties. It’s so tiring. Isn’t it great to be here? Our villa is so big, the heating is so good, and we have so many supplies.”

"We'll decorate this place, put up couplets, and hang lanterns. On New Year's Eve, we'll make dumplings, cook hot pot, complain about the Spring Festival Gala, and play games together to ring in the new year. How carefree!"

"And..." Su Mo glanced at Xi Ran, "hope Ran doesn't need to go back either. The six of us can make a table... uh, we'll play mahjong and poker alternately." (End of Chapter)