LPL History

Chapter 136: The Dong family daughter of Yancheng Prefecture is resurrected through a corpse; Ming Kailang of the Normal University has his worldview shattered.

Shenchao, a native of Xiang in the Chu region, was originally named Xiao, with the courtesy name Shouzhuo. In his youth, he was skilled in military strategy and tactics, especially adept at heroes such as Renekton and Shen. He once accompanied Royal Club to conquer S3 and won the runner-up title in the World Championship. Later, he went into seclusion in North America, returned to China and rejoined EDG, but never showed his prowess, and people called him "the Xuanjia Guardian".

Initially, Zhou Li observed his attributes and saw the four characters "Unresolved Mystery" hanging above his head, secretly thinking that this boy must be hiding a sharp edge.

During the summer break, Zhou Li suddenly summoned Shen Chao to play chess. On the jade board, Zhou Li, holding the black piece, placed it on the center, his momentum unstoppable. Shen Chao, holding the white piece, pondered for a long time, then suddenly abandoned a piece and sighed, "I have already lost." Lu Benwei exclaimed in surprise, "Surrendering at full health? How can this be!" But Shen Chao's eyes were slightly closed, as if the ultimate truth of heaven and earth flowed within them.

Sima Qian said: Shen Chao appears clumsy but is actually skillful, advancing by retreating. Just as Han Xin endured the humiliation of crawling between someone's legs to become a military genius, Shen Chao, with his pieces fully healed, is truly engaging in "non-contention." His strategy of feigning weakness aligns with the fundamental principle of esports—victory is not decided in a moment. Concealing one's abilities and waiting for the opportune moment to strike—truly a peerless strategist!
—From the Records of the Grand Historian, Biography of Shen Chao

Zhou Li looked at the ability coming from Shen Chao and was completely baffled.

Shenchao, who has had no significant scandals throughout his esports career, how did he manage to grant himself such an abstract ability?!
[Twin Ponytails: Twin ponytails increase attack speed. Hero: Draven, mastery level reached perfect.]

Even the description of the ability is just a few simple words.

Dude, which attack speed exactly is being added?

Could it be the attack speed from Latin dance?!
Moreover, he really couldn't understand what the hell the twin tails had to do with Draven.
Until he saw Draven's skin.

That's quite reasonable.

Nobody said twin tails have to be on your head!
June 25th. Latin America.

[June 28th. I forgot to bring toilet paper, so I decided to call Lu Benwei to bring some.]

[July 1st. Upon receiving a tip from Xiao Zhu, Mingkai, looking distraught, went out alone. The operation commenced.]

Huangpu Street Food Stalls.

Mingkai sat alone in a corner, staring blankly at the beer in front of him.

He has never drunk alcohol.

But he heard that drinking alcohol is the way to heal heartbreak.

Once you've had a drink, you're considered an adult.

Adults will not be troubled by love.

Even though he knew his ex-girlfriend was a fraud who had deceived him with photos from the internet.

But that's how online dating works.

Is he in love with her looks?

No, he loves her brilliant and dazzling personality.

In fact, it wasn't even Mingkai who suggested breaking up.

Mingkai was in great pain, tossing and turning every night, unable to fall asleep.

As soon as he closes his eyes, he can think of all the sweet moments he shared with his ex-girlfriend.

That was his first love.

Mingkai poured the beer into a glass and stared at it silently for a while.

The boiling bubbles were like the love between him and her—intense, rapid, and unable to withstand the test of time.

Mingkai took a small sip of the wine.

He felt drunk.

The neon lights blurred into a blood-red mist in the rainy night.

The noise from the food stalls seemed to be fading away, and in a daze, he saw the QQ icon in the lower right corner of the screen flashing again—that girl always sent him cat emojis at 2 a.m., saying, "Brother Nuoyan, your Spider Queen carried the whole game again today."

The crack in the plastic chair back caused him severe pain in his spine.

There are still photos of her in my phone's photo album: a picture of her standing on the banks of the Huangpu River in a sailor uniform.

"Look, my Zyra will plant a thorn garden for you." She chuckled in the voice chat, the in-game entangled roots perfectly binding the enemy ADC. Mingkai's Elise, dangling from silver threads, scaled walls to reap the rewards, the cheers exploding in the headset indistinguishable between those from his teammates and her.

He suggested meeting up, but she suddenly said she was going to Kuala Lumpur for an exchange program: "As soon as I can buy a plane ticket, I'll suddenly appear in front of you, okay?"

The beer foam bursts at the rim of the glass.

Later, he came across a post on the Anti-Pressure Forum and learned that a certain university in Kuala Lumpur did not have an exchange student program at all, and the original owner of the sailor uniform photo was still studying in Europe.

"Your spicy hot pot."

The proprietress put down her bowl, and the chili oil splattered onto the WE team logo on her phone case.

Mingkai didn't have much formal education, but he had heard the saying, "To have both a successful career and a happy love life."

But now, what am I?
He sighed deeply.

He took another lick of the wine.

The taste of the wine made his eyes blurry.

So this is what drinking feels like; so this is the heartbreak that comes with becoming an adult.

Hey! What are you doing? Can't you watch where you're going?!

"I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry~"

The arguing pulled Mingkai back to reality from his midsummer night's dream.

He looked up and saw a drunk man staggering toward him from a distance, then sitting down at the table opposite him.

Mingkai was slightly taken aback.

He recognized the man.

Zhou Li, a player for the EDG team.

As he gazed at the other person, the other person seemed to notice his gaze as well.

Their eyes met, and the two down-on-their-luck youths seemed to have completed a heart-to-heart exchange at that moment.

Zhou Li stood up and sat down next to Ming Kai.

He reeked of alcohol, clearly having drunk quite a bit before arriving here.

Mingkai saw him snatch the wine glass from his face and say:

"Hey! Promise!"

Mingkai's heart skipped a beat.

Ever since he shouted that famous line in the canyon, everyone has been calling him Factory Manager.

But only he knew that he didn't like the nickname.

He has his own name, Mingkai, and his own ID, Nuoyan.

"Professional athletes can't drink alcohol, it will damage their nerves."

Zhou Li said with a smile.

"You drank too."

Hearing Mingkai's words, Zhou Li gave a wry smile.

"You and I are different. I'm someone who's been isolated and ostracized by the team. EDG would be the same with or without me. You're different, Mingkai. You're the world's best jungler!"

Upon hearing the last sentence, Mingkai felt a surge of anger.

But it was quickly eradicated.

The phrase "first-world jungler" has now become a joke, used by fans to tease themselves.

However, Zhou Li was already nearly drunk and unconscious, so he was clearly not joking.

Recalling Zhou Li's attitude towards him in the previous matches, Ming Kai couldn't help but have doubts.

Perhaps he really thinks highly of himself?

Looking at Zhou Li's dejected appearance, Ming Kai's mind would drift back to the spirited young man he had been a month ago.

"They are all pitiful people."

Mingkai sighed inwardly.

"Boss, give me ten grilled oysters, ten skewers of lamb kidneys, ten skewers of chicken wings, ten skewers of pork belly, and ten skewers of lamb!"

Zhou Li turned around and shouted at the boss.

Then he turned to Mingkai with a smile and said:

"Is it alright if we eat together?"

"I'm not eating anymore, I've already finished."

"No problem! I'll pack up any leftovers for you! Nothing will go to waste!"

The steaming barbecue was quickly served to the two of them.

Barbecue and beer are the quickest way for men to connect emotionally.

After a few rounds of drinks, Mingkai and Zhou Li had their arms around each other's shoulders.

They were also fellow sufferers, now cursing the injustice of the world and lamenting the capriciousness of fate.

"Mingkai! I wish we had met sooner! I wish you were my teammate!"

Listening to Zhou Li's sincere words, and recalling how the other party had chivalrously come to his rescue during the fight that day, Mingkai sighed:
"Yeah, I wish we were teammates."

Zhou Li suddenly burst into laughter.

"That's what you said!"

He stood up and said drunkenly:
"Alright bro, I had a great time meeting you today, but I'm done for now, I'm outta here."

Mingkai nodded and watched Zhou Li walk out of the food stall.

His brows wrinkled slightly.

If I'm not mistaken, Zhou Li hasn't paid the bill yet.

Just as he was about to get up to remind the other person, he saw Zhou Li, who had taken two steps, turn back and find the boss.

Mingkai breathed a sigh of relief and smiled.

I was perhaps being too petty and judging others by my own standards.

Before leaving, Zhou Li waved to Ming Kai again and patted his chest.

Mingkai understood the meaning of this action.

I'll always remember you as a brother, and I'm reliable in everything I do.

He sat in his seat for a while longer, and felt a little better.

Looking at the food that was still more than half left in front of him, Mingkai was feeling sorry for the game when he saw the owner walking over with two takeout boxes in his hands.

This made Mingkai sigh, "As expected of Shanghai, even the service awareness of street food stalls is so advanced."

His boss saw right through him with just a glance.

I couldn't eat anymore, but I could pack it up and bring it back for Abu to eat.

Once the boss had finished packing, Mingkai picked up the bag and left, with the boss following closely behind.

"The service in Shanghai is so attentive. Even a small food stall offered to see customers off. Who says Shanghai people are bad? Shanghai people are so kind."

Mingkai couldn't help but sigh inwardly, but as soon as his left foot stepped out the door, his boss called him back.

"Hey kid, did you pay for your meal?"

Mingkai was stunned for a moment.

The boss looked very impatient.

"Oh dear, do you want to dine and dash like that?"

Mingkai began by saying:

"Didn't my friend just pay?" "Pay what? He asked me to pack it up for you, okay? Oh my god, I'm really impressed. You country bumpkins, you even need to pack up leftovers when you eat at a street food stall, and now you think you can just not pay with cash?"

Mingkai was scolded until his face turned red.

Upon closer reflection, it seems the other party never actually said they would treat me to a meal.

The only thing I said was to pack it up for him, and I actually did.
-
[July 2nd. I became good friends with Mingkai. To show my politeness, I transferred 7 yuan to Mingkai, explaining that I was drunk last night and forgot to pay. I thought that since I was being polite, Mingkai would reciprocate, but he actually accepted it. That bastard Mingkai, I'll settle this score for now.]

[July 3rd. Chatting with Mingkai.]

[July 4th. Ask Xiao Zhu to chat with Mingkai for me.]

[July 5th. Pig Gang Chat.]

[July 9th. Today, I bought two tickets to Yancheng and invited Mingkai to come along. Mingkai hesitated for a moment, but when he heard I'd cover all the expenses, he agreed. That bastard Mingkai, we'll settle this score later.]

7 month 10 day.

Yancheng Station.

Zhou Li and Ming Kai walked out of the bus station.

It was already very hot in Yancheng in July, and the sunlight was so bright that people could hardly open their eyes.

Zhou Li hailed a taxi.

"Master, to Yancheng Teachers College."

Mingkai was taken aback when he heard Zhou Li's words.

He couldn't understand why anyone would choose a school as their first stop on a trip.

"Why are you going there?"

"Oh, I have an older sister who studies over there and is about to start her summer vacation, so we came together this time."

Zhou Li's answer was flawless.

Mingkai didn't say anything more.

It seems he was unaware of this legendary esports academy.

As a returnee from overseas, Abu probably wouldn't mention his alma mater to Mingkai.

The taxi arrived at the school gate not long after it started driving.

Mingkai and Zhou Li looked like students, and the security guards at the gate didn't stop them, letting them enter the school.

Zhou Li took Mingkai to the cafeteria of the teachers' college and made a phone call.

"Wait a minute, my sister will be here soon."

"okay."

Mingkai nodded, looking a little awkward, and then lowered his head to play with his phone.

"By the way, what has Abramovich been up to lately at your club?"

Mingkai didn't think much of what Zhou Li said.

"I went to South Korea for a business trip in June and just got back recently."

A girl walked over to the cafeteria entrance a short while later.

Zhou Li chuckled and nudged Ming Kai with his elbow, then said:

"My sister is here."

Mingkai put his phone in his pocket and looked up.

The midday sun shone directly in from outside the cafeteria, making it difficult for him to see the other person's face clearly.

It wasn't until the girl got closer that Mingkai could see her face clearly.

However, he was stunned at first glance.

Then his face turned deathly pale.

Despite it being the hottest time of day in summer, Mingkai felt a chill run through his body!

"Let me introduce you, this is my adopted older sister, Dong Xiaobao."

Looking at the woman in front of him, Mingkai felt his body stiffen.

He slowly turned his head and looked at Zhou Li.

"This...is...your sister?"

"Yes, once when I came to Yancheng for fun, I didn't know the way and I happened to meet Sister Xiaobao. She was very enthusiastic and helped me a lot."

Mingkai's pupils dilated violently.

"Dong...Xiaobao?!"

If seeing the person wasn't enough to confirm anything, hearing their name now has already severely impacted Mingkai's worldview.

Isn't Dong Xiaobao the older sister of their team's coach, Abu?!
Abu's sister used to date IF, the former jungler for WE, but they broke up and she committed suicide.

Mingkai still follows Dong Xiaobao's Weibo account.

If we're going by the timeline, Abu's older sister should be a year old by now, right?

Then who brought this Dong Xiaobao here?!

Dong Xiaobao extended his hand in greeting.

"You must be Mingkai. I've heard Zhou Li mention you. I'm Dong Xiaobao. You might have seen me before. I'm also Ji Xing's junior."

Mingkai was stunned for a moment.

"You're Abu's junior? Aren't you his older sister?"

He felt that his question had missed the point, so he added:
"You're not dead?"

"I'm definitely not dead. If I were dead, how could you see me?"

Mingkai felt like his brain had shut down.

The events were so surreal that he couldn't accept them for a while.

five minutes later.

"So you're saying... Abu has been using your photos to deceive people into online romances, and you only found out about this, and only then did you learn that you were 'dead,' after Zhou Li found you?"

"Yes."

Mingkai remained silent for several minutes.

He simply couldn't believe that Abu, with whom he spent every day, was such a person.

But now his sister, who had come back from the dead, was sitting right in front of him, leaving him no choice but to believe it.

He looked at Zhou Li.

"You already knew?"

"Yes."

"Then why didn't you say so?"

Zhou Li sighed.

“Xiaoming, there are some things you won’t believe until you see them with your own eyes. I know you and Abu are close. If I told you directly, would you believe me? But I genuinely consider you a friend and couldn’t bear to see you being deceived like this, so I brought you to Yancheng so you could see for yourself.”

Mingkai fell silent again.

Dong Xiaobao said with a smile:

"Ji Xing is like this; I'm not surprised he did something like this. When he was in college, not many people in his year hung out with him, so he went to the next year and tricked younger students, claiming it was a JS Province University Student Art Troupe and promising to film TV dramas. It was later proven that he fabricated everything, and with the intervention of the department leaders, he was ordered to refund the registration fees already collected. I was one of those he deceived, and my boyfriend was too. Ji Xing always claimed to be Taiwanese, and he bragged about everything. Sometimes he'd post a status update in the middle of the night saying he was in emergency care, other times he'd say he had some kind of acute illness—basically, he was always acting pitiful." (*)

Zhou Li pushed the phone in front of Ming Kai.

"This is?"

Zhou Li smiled and said:

"Your predecessor, IF."

He started playing the audio message.

Then I heard IF cursing loudly on my phone.

"That beast Abu, I XXXXXX, I XXXXXXX!!"

"That bastard Abu, he's got the skills of a 1400-point guy but the mouth of a 5000-point guy! He made up a story about his sister to date me, and when I said it wasn't a good match, he just sent her to her death! I felt really guilty at the time, but he kept fawning over me. I was such an idiot! My boss, King, wanted to fire him, but I even pleaded for him, which is why this bastard stayed, working for free without pay!" (*)

"Then this guy climbed up the ranks, first driving Brother Dao away. Once I was no longer of any use, his attitude towards me changed. He'd be sarcastic and mean every day, never mentioning my good plays, but making sarcastic remarks about my mistakes, deliberately driving me away." (*)

Zhou Li switched to another chat.

"This is?"

“Natsume, the student studying in South Korea, you said Abu went to South Korea for an inspection in June, and he was the translator.”

Mingkai's eyes widened.

Zhou Li pressed the play button.

"When WE came to Korea to play against ONG in June 12, I accompanied them the whole time. At the time, I thought Abu was enthusiastic and smart." (*)

“Last month, he said he was coming to South Korea to do some research. He stayed for ten days, and I paid for all the trips I took Abu to various clubs, like Azubu, KT, and the OGN finals…” (*)

"I didn't say anything at the time to save face for him. He's just a tactical analyst, and KT and ROIT people would send him to visit headquarters. How could he have such a big face? It was all thanks to my connections." (*)

"Later he told me that WE was going to form a third team, WE.A, so I tried asking him if I could be the team leader. Abu said yes, and then asked me to compile everything he saw in Korea and send it to him. Later I found out that this bastard had given King the stuff I wrote, claiming it as his own." (*)

"On the 3rd, I also went back to China and got an interview with King, but I wasn't selected. I didn't think much of it at the time, but when I returned to Korea on the 5th, I found out that Abu had gone to King and said that I was a rich second-generation international student who couldn't handle hardship and would ruin the team. But when this guy was in front of me, he told me that this was no problem and that was no problem, and that he would definitely make me the team leader!" (*)

"He was afraid that if I came, he'd be exposed for using me to write copy, and for all the things he did to me. I'm very close to Strawberry, and I'm also friends with Strawberry's girlfriend. Zhuge Bu thinks I know too much. At the time, Strawberry was practicing very hard as a damage-dealing top laner for a while, and Abu proudly came to me and said that he was the one who made Strawberry practice." (*)

"Also, the reason Snowman went to WE.A was because Abu lied to him, saying that if he came, he would let him go to the first team to replace Strawberry. Later, he went back on his word. Snowman stayed for a month and wanted to leave. Abu told the other team members that you can't keep someone whose heart isn't in it, while he also kindly persuaded Snowman to wait and see if the time was right." (*)

"Abu also has a tactical analysis group. There are more than a dozen people in the group who help him collect match data. Abu brainwashes them, saying that they are WE's people, and that WE's victory is partly due to their contributions. Then he told me to my face that what those people write is useless and not as good as what he writes himself." (*)

"He had previously approached King about exchanging Strawberry for Strawberry, and then went to other clubs to say that the clubs wanted to exchange Strawberry, but he would do everything he could to keep Strawberry." (*)

Mingkai listened to the voice messages, his mind completely blank.

As the person closest to Abu, there were some things he hadn't noticed before, but now, with just a little bit of information, he immediately made all the connections.

Zhou Li patted Mingkai on the shoulder.

"Xiao Ming, that woman Abu is too wicked. She'll play you to death."

He swallowed.

Let's put aside the issue of values ​​and beliefs.

He felt he needed to sever ties with Abu as soon as possible.

Zhou Li's methods sent chills down his spine.

When WE lost to EDG, Zhou Li and Abu had a lot of online arguments.

Despite his deep animosity towards Abu and the fact that he had so much evidence, he kept it a secret.

What for?
He didn't think Zhou Li would let Abu off the hook.

The reason why Zhou Li has not yet taken action is...

It's because what he wanted wasn't just to annoy Abu.

This person wants Abu dead.

(End of this chapter)