LPL History

Chapter 130 The Crown Prince's Iron Fist Stabilizes the Army's Morale; Zhu Kai Secretly Meets with Abu to Plot Against Him

EDG Esports Club.

Zhou Li was sitting with his legs crossed, drinking an iced cola, when he saw Zhu Kai push the door open and walk in.

"Brother Zhou, the team members say they really can't continue doing the live stream!"

"Can't keep going?" Zhou Li raised his eyebrows. "How could you not keep going? Weren't you incredibly popular?"

"It is indeed very popular," Zhu Kai said with a wry smile, "but most of the people who come here are here to curse, so the psychological pressure is too great."

Zhu Kai took out his phone and played several screen recordings.

"Because we eliminated WE, now we are like our father's killer in the eyes of 60e. We can't even stop the people who curse in the live broadcast room. Even Lu Benwei was cursed to the point of depression. UZI even got into an argument with netizens during his live broadcast and smashed his keyboard."

Hearing Zhu Kai's words, Zhou Li nodded.

"This is indeed a very serious problem."

Zhu Kai breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed his boss still had some humanity; after all, the players were really at their breaking point. Then he heard Zhou Li continue:

"How could he smash the club's keyboard? This is such a serious disciplinary offense. He should be fined 1,000 yuan, which will be deducted from his salary."

Zhu Kai was stunned for a moment, then said awkwardly:
"Brother Zhou, UZI's salary is already -1200."

"So much was deducted?"

"Yes."

"Fine, then let's fine him 800, round it up."

Zhu Kai said somewhat awkwardly:

"Brother Zhou, if you keep pushing UZI like this, what if he..."

Zhou Li glanced at Zhu Kai.

"Just tell me if he's dead or not."

"Not yet... but I feel it'll be soon..."

At that moment, everyone's phones rang in the EDG training room.

UZI picked up his phone and saw the message in the club's WeChat group.

@Everyone, because player UZI smashed the club's keyboard, causing damage to club property and seriously violating club rules, he is now being fined 800 yuan, which will be deducted from next month's salary. We hope that all club members will cherish club property, abide by club rules, and take this as a warning.

UZI's face turned bright red the moment he saw the message.

He could sense that everyone else in the club immediately focused their attention on him.

Upon seeing the message, Tabe instinctively spoke up:

"UZI, you'll owe the club two thousand more in salary next month."

The moment Lu Benwei saw Tabe speak, he teleported to the corner of the wall.

As expected, Uzi, who was already red-hot, instantly flew into a rage after hearing Tabe's words and kicked his chair hard!

It crashed into Lu Benwei's desk with a loud bang.

If Lu Benwei hadn't used his Flash ability early, he would have definitely suffered a herniated disc from that impact.

"Damn it! I'm not playing professionally anymore!!"

He turned and walked towards the door.

Seeing that something was wrong, everyone quickly surrounded them.

Lu Benwei kicked Chris, who was still stunned, and left with the words "Quickly announce the announcement" before rushing towards UZI.

"Little dog, calm down!"

"Calm down my ass! Get lost!!"

Well known.

Rambo's red-hot attack increases his basic attack damage.

Even though Lu Benwei and Shenchao rushed forward to grab the puppy immediately, they were still knocked back by the puppy's punch.

As they watched UZI head off in a menacing manner, the group fell silent.

"Are they going to settle scores with Zhu Kai?"

"I don't think so. We should go find Brother Zhou."

"Isn't Brother Zhou always with Zhu Kai?"

"Then I'm relieved. Brother Zhou is still very strong in combat."

"But the puppy is very popular now, and the announcement hasn't come yet. Can Brother Zhou handle it all by himself?"

"Lu Benwei, go help him out, aren't we brothers?"

"Where's Lu Benwei? Where did he go? His Flash ability is off cooldown!"

UZI clenched his fists, feeling the veins on his forehead throbbing, as if all the blood in his body was rushing to his forehead, making him dizzy and lightheaded.

He's really had enough!
This B-class player is better left unplayed!
But even if he didn't fight, before leaving, he still had to get revenge for the past few months.

UZI did indeed go to find Zhou Li.

After all, everyone in EDG understands that Zhu Kai, who seems to be constantly pointing fingers in the club, is just Zhou Li's representative.

Zhou Li is the "crown prince" of EDG.

From the moment Zhou Li was parachuted into the royal family, UZI's nightmare began.

He had originally thought that because Zhou Li was slacking off, he could still play in the game, so he held back his anger.

I hope that my good performance will attract the attention of other clubs.

But after several months, he now has to pay out of his own pocket to the club.

This is absolutely outrageous!

He was still a child, at the age when he was growing.

I often buy milk and snacks to supplement my nutrition.

He's already owed the club his salary for next month, where is he going to get milk?!
UZI rushed to Zhu Kai's office door, about to unleash a torrent of curses, when he heard Zhou Li's voice coming from inside.

"Xiao Zhu, are you trying to ask me why I always target that little dog even though I have no grudge against him?"

UZI outside the door paused, holding his breath and listening intently.

He also wanted to know why this Zhou ritual was always directed at him.

"Actually, I've always had high hopes for Xiaogou (Xiaogou). He's skilled and young. But what's the most important thing in playing professionally? It's mentality!"

"With his current mindset, he has no chance of becoming a qualified professional player!"

"That's right, I'm definitely targeting him. He only has two paths in my eyes—first, he can't handle the pressure and goes back to his studies, or goes to work in a screw factory. Second, he can withstand the pressure and, while he's still young, manage to control his volatile temper. I'm certain that if he can change his temper and always have a calm mind, then his achievements will definitely be much greater than Wei Xiao's!"

UZI stood outside the door, lost in thought.

Keep in mind that his idol was still smiling at that moment.

When Zhou Li said that his future achievements could surpass Wei Xiao's, it was an absolute compliment to UZI.

UZI's complexion gradually returned to normal.

But the suspicion did not dissipate.

After all, in his mind, he didn't think Zhou Li was a good person at all.

That's not quite right either; he felt that Zhou Li wasn't even human.

Just as UZI was hesitating whether to rush in and demand an explanation, the door was opened from the inside.

Zhou Li, who is 1.83 meters tall, stood in front of him, casting a huge shadow over UZI.

"Huh? Little dog, what are you doing here?"

UZI seemed a bit timid.

He swallowed hard, then stubbornly began to speak:

"I don't want to play professionally anymore."

"Oh, then you can go."

Zhou Li turned and left.

UZI stared wide-eyed at Zhou Li's departing figure, his face filled with disbelief.

No, you really didn't try to keep me at all?
Under UZI's gaze, Zhou Li, who had only taken a few steps, turned back.

UZI felt a surge of joy.

He knew that he still held a certain position in this team.

Zhou Li turned around and went back into Zhu Kai's office, then came out with a note in his hand.

UZI took a closer look.

[IOU.]

Debtor: Jian Zihao (ID No.: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX)

Recipient: EDG Esports Club (Unified Social Credit Code: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX)

According to Article 2, Section 6 of the "EDG Club Player Management Regulations," the debtor has committed the following violations:

1. On June 20, 2013, damage was made to club property (keyboard was damaged).

2. On June 20, 2013, violated live streaming rules (conflict with netizens).

Total outstanding amount: RMB 2,000.00

Repayment method: Jian Zihao is required to repay the debt within one month.

Overdue liability: A penalty of 0.5% per day will be charged on the outstanding amount.

The debtor promises to repay the full amount by July 20, 2013. This certificate only proves the fact of the debt and does not constitute a loan relationship.

Debtor's Signature: __________ Club's Official Seal: __________
Date: ____ year ____ month ____ day

(This voucher is made in duplicate, with each party holding one copy, and both copies have equal legal effect.)

UZI was stunned.

"Damn, you write so professionally, were you a debt collector before?"

Zhou Li handed the IOU and the pen to UZI.

Looking at the IOU in his hand, UZI gritted his teeth and was about to sign it, since it was only two thousand yuan anyway.

Then Zhou Li spoke up:

"Oh, right, Xiao Zhu, remember to show the contract to our UZI again and check the amount of any breach of contract penalties."

UZI was stunned for a moment.

"Breach of contract penalty? What breach of contract penalty?"

Zhou Li, too lazy to explain, had already walked away. Zhu Kai pulled out a pile of documents from a drawer and explained:
"It was the contract we signed again at that time, which clearly stipulated the amount of liquidated damages."

UZI had a bad feeling.

While he may not be considered a particularly famous player, he is still one of the top players in the LPL.

The penalty for breach of contract must be at least tens of thousands...

"Ten million."

"Seize the tail?"

Uzi was so frightened that his speech became distorted.

"Ten million."

UZI was dumbfounded.

He felt that he had been set up by capital.
-
A barbecue stall.

Abu sat alone at a small table outside, looking somewhat haggard.

He finally managed to become the team manager and part-time coach at WE, thinking he was about to make a name for himself in the esports world. But to his surprise, WE had already fallen from its pedestal as soon as he took the job.

Abu knew his own limitations in gaming, and he truly had no idea how to help WE improve their performance.

If WE continues in this state during the Summer Split and fails to even qualify for the World Championship, he really needs to consider finding another job.

Just two days ago, Zhu Kai, the team manager of EDG, sent him a message.

At the beginning of the LPL, the managers of these teams were all added to the same group.

With Abu's abilities, he quickly became acquainted with the managers of various teams.

This also includes Zhu Kai, the team manager of EDG.

Although we've never met, we sometimes chat about the team.

Back then, the LPL hadn't started yet, and Abu didn't harbor the same animosity towards EDG as he does now.

However, the two never contacted each other again after that.

After all, EDG is the main culprit for WE's fall from IPL5 world champions to being eliminated in the LPL semifinals.

Furthermore, EDG's ADC player, Zhou Li, always seems to have a habit of messing around with WE.

Abu naturally harbors deep hatred for EDG.

So when Abu saw that Zhu Kai had taken the initiative to send him a message, he also felt very strange.

The two met here, and Zhu Kai said he had something very important to discuss with Abu.

Not long after, someone sat down opposite Abu.

Abu's temperature instantly rose after he saw who it was!
"It's you?!"

How could he possibly forget Zhu Kai's face?

However, in the break room, Zhu Kai held a camera and gave the WE team a stern lecture.

Abramovich was even wondering when the club would hire a new coach.

The video of this competition was then posted on Weibo by Zhou Li, which led to WE being ridiculed by many.

"Calm down, bro."

Zhu Kai quickly comforted him.

"I brought you a cup of milk tea on the way here to cool you down."

Abu, his face ashen, began to speak:

"What do you want from me?"

Seeing that Abu was very wary of him, Zhu Kai coughed and said seriously:
"I'll get straight to the point."

"Do you want to kill Zhou Li?"
-
The time soon came to August 6th.

The LPL's first champion will be crowned today.

In the semifinals, IG was swept 2-0 by OMG.

Of course, this is also thanks to Kid's perfect performance with 443VN in the first game.

It can be said that one game completely shattered the mentality of the IG team.

They were hit with 20 pitches again in the second inning.

PDD is now completely convinced of the Zhou Dynasty's rites.

There's still a lot of discussion online about how Kid's Vayne managed to deal only 443 damage in a 20-minute game.

Many netizens have even revisited and analyzed this match.

It was eventually discovered that Kid's Vayne only targeted five enemies in this game.

The number of times the W passive three-ring effect was triggered was zero.

At the IG base, everyone was already gathered around the computers, ready to watch the finals.

PDD, smoking a cigarette, began to speak:

"Wow, bro, to be honest, if Zhou Li had been able to go to the All-Star game a month ago, would those Koreans be as arrogant as they are now!"

The All-Star Game started in May.

PDD participated in the competition as a top laner at the time.

It produced the famous scene of one shot taking down four PDDs.

The players who participated in the All-Star game at that time were Ruofeng, Weixiao, and Nuoyan from WE, and PDD and Xiaoxiao from IG.

Hearing PDD's words, Xiaoxiao couldn't help but savor the moment.

"Brother, as a support player, I won't say much else, but supporting WeiXiao is definitely not as fun as supporting ZhouLi. I even dreamt last night that when you went to rebel, I stopped you, and then I supported ZhouLi to become the 2013 World Champion."

Listening to their conversation, Zizhi spoke up:

"No matter how strong Zhou Li is, I don't think he'll make it to the All-Star Game."

It's important to know that who gets to participate in the All-Star Game isn't determined by skill, but by the number of fan votes.

In the poll at the time, the AD carry position received the most votes, with 58.1% of the votes, ranking second in the WE team, while the second place went to Kid from IG.

Of course, Kid hadn't achieved a 4-4-3 score yet, otherwise, fans would never have voted for him.

The top mid-laner was Ruofeng, with 62.03% of the votes, ranking first in the WE team, which shows how popular Ruofeng was at the time.

At this moment, it would not be an exaggeration to call Ruofeng the number one esports player in League of Legends.

Even though WE had already fallen from grace during the voting due to Zhou Li's influence, and Ruofeng was frequently solo-killed by Lu Benwei online.

However, this did not affect Ruofeng's prestige in the slightest.

The second place went to the prodigy Zitai, who also received a high vote share of 19.48%.

In the voting for the two carries, it's clear that WE's two carries, Smile and Ruofeng, are far ahead of the competition.

Next are the votes for support, top laner, and jungler. Among the support players, the one with the most votes is WE's Curly, with 52.57% of the votes, ranking last in the WE team.

There are a total of eight teams in the LPL, which means there are eight support players.

Curly received more than 50 percent of the vote.

This is still the lowest ranking within the WE team.

If it weren't for the All-Star rule that no more than three players from the same team could be in the LPL All-Star roster, all five members of WE could have participated. Therefore, the top three players, Ruofeng, Weixiao, and Nuoyan, were selected. Since they had players in the mid, jungle, and bot lanes, two players had to be chosen from the support and top lane positions. Since Juanmao and Caomei could no longer participate, the player with the second-highest vote in each position would join the LPL All-Star roster. PDD and Xiaoxiao participated in the All-Star roster according to the rules.

Of course, this also became a nightmare for PDD and Xiaoxiao.

Among all the teams at the time, the five members of the EDG team received the fewest votes.

Although OMG's score wasn't very low, the average number of votes per person was only around fourth or fifth place.

No one expected that these two teams would make it to the final.

OMG is considered the strongest dark horse in this LPL season.

EDG, on the other hand, is considered the dark horse with the least potential in this LPL season.

Despite it being the finals, the live stream didn't attract the expected number of viewers.

This is because many 60e members organized protests against LPL.

With the match about to begin, PDD glanced at the comments and said:

"Wow, online win rate prediction, OMG is 98%! When did OMG get so many fans?"

"These guys are obviously 60e! You stupid 60e guys, tonight's slogan is, we are all fans of OMG!"

"What are OMG's fans called?"

"It's a little less than 60e, so let's call it 59e!"

"Hey hey hey..."

Inside the IG base, a bunch of oddly shaped people were laughing so hard they were practically falling over.

At this moment in the competition venue, Zhou Li looked at the support colors of the fans below the stage and couldn't hold back his emotions.

Their EDG uniforms are also black.

OMG is also black, and because it's so dark, OMG is even called the "Dark Force" by fans.

But looking at the scene, where is there even the slightest element of darkness?
It's all fucking red!

It was supposed to be the finals between OMG and EDG, but the audience was chanting "WE, keep going!"

Lu Benwei couldn't help but laugh when he heard the shouts from the audience.

"Holy crap, these guys are ridiculously realistic. Aren't they just making WE look bad?"

As if they had heard Lu Benwei's words, the fans in the audience started chanting in unison again:
"OMG, keep it up!"

OMG player bench.

The group of people were unusually tense at this moment.

To be honest, since OMG was founded, they have never fought such a rich battle before.

The Umbrella King clearly enjoyed this feeling, and said with a smile:

"Haha, it feels so good to have fans!"

He even smiled and waved to the fans in the audience.

Suddenly, Wu Zhuangtai spoke up:

"Wait until you lose the game, then see if they're still your fans."

I'll add another 5k, but it'll probably be around 3 or 4 AM.

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(End of this chapter)