LPL History

Chapter 148 The Madman Laughs and Discusses the Deer in the Cauldron, The Virtuous Woman Shyly Rebukes the Flower in the Mirror

"Congratulations to Najin for defeating GG 2-0 and becoming the last team to advance to the semifinals of the 2013 League of Legends World Championship!"

"In that case, all the semifinal spots for this year's S3 World Championship have been determined."

"They are SKT and Najin from the Korean OGN region, FNC from Europe, and EDG from our LPL!!"

"According to the tournament rules, the match between SKT and FNC will be held first on the 28th! On the 29th, EDG will face the strong Korean team Najin!!"

"We also hope that the players can adjust their condition in these short few days and meet the challenge of the semi-finals in the best competitive state!!!"

At the hotel where EDG is resting.

Zhou Li turned off the live TV broadcast.

"Brothers, the fun is about to begin. We're probably going to take on two South Korean teams next."

Lu Benwei excitedly tugged at his crotch-covering underwear.

"Wow, Brother Zhou! This must be the 'chosen protagonist' script you were talking about!"

Zhu Kai said with a smile:

"Alright guys, it's time for a late-night snack. Amei Rika delivers food in at least an hour, so I'll order some for you guys first."

Riot Games provided the players with three meals a day, but naturally there was no late-night snack.

Zhou Li pressed down on Zhu Kai's hand as he reached for his phone and said:
"Xiao Zhu, you don't need to order takeout today."

Zhu Kai was stunned for a moment:
"Shall we go out for a big meal today?"

"What's the point of eating? The club has limited funds. I've already ordered takeout."

Zhu Kai was stunned for a full five seconds after hearing Zhou Li's words.

It's worth noting that he was always in charge of the club's food delivery.

Why are you suddenly stopping him from ordering today?

Zhu Kai panicked a little.

Where did I offend Zhou Li?

Or is it that the takeout I ordered didn't suit everyone's taste?
President Zhou had mentioned to him before that in order to ensure the nutrition of the club's players, they couldn't always eat takeout and had to cook for themselves.

He has also been working hard to learn how to become an excellent chef during this time.

But they're in Amerika now, so he can't cook.

His only role at the club now is ordering takeout, but Zhou Li has now stripped him of that responsibility...

Has President Zhou finally grown tired of me...?

Zhu Kai couldn't understand, gave an awkward smile, and tentatively asked:

"Mr. Zhou, why did you order takeout for yourself today?"

Just as Zhou Li was about to speak, there was a knock on the door.

Zhu Kai got up to open the door and saw a hotel staff member pushing a small cart full of takeout food, including a cake.

"You ordered so much?"

Zhu Kai's eyes widened.

In his memory, Zhou Li was a notorious miser.

Look at these seven or eight takeout orders. And this is from America. With the high delivery fees, it must cost at least a thousand.

"Mr. Zhou, why is there a cake? Is it someone's birthday today?"

The EDG team brought in the takeout, and Zhou Li pulled Zhu Kai to sit down.

Upon opening the cake box, several large characters were written on it.

Happy birthday, Xiao Zhu.

Before Zhu Kai could react, Zhou Li had already swiftly lit the candles.

Snapped!
Lu Benwei turned off the hotel lights.

"Happy birthday to you~Happy birthday to you~"

Everyone quickly finished singing "Happy Birthday" as if going through the motions, and then Lu Benwei quickly turned on the lights.

Zhou Li started unpacking the takeout.

"Xiao Zhu, look, these are all takeout dishes I specially ordered for you. Braised pig's trotters, grilled pig's brain, cold pig's tongue and ears salad, salt and pepper pork tenderloin, stewed pig's head meat..."

Zhu Kai looked at the whole pig feast in front of him, his face showing both shock and emotion.

"Brother Zhou... Brother Zhou, did you order all of this for me?"

"Yes, you have to order takeout for everyone every day. You must be very tired."

Zhu Kai was so moved he wanted to cry.

"Not hard, not hard."

Tabe started to speak his mind.

"Yeah, what's so hard about ordering takeout?"

Zhou Li glared at Tabe: "You know nothing, shut your mouth."

Seeing his boss defending him so much, Zhu Kai now wished he could kneel down and kowtow to Zhou Li.

Zhou Li was truly Zhu Kai's mentor.

Bringing him from IG to EDG shows how much hard work he put in.

Who says ordering takeout is easy?!
Ordering takeout from other clubs might be a very easy thing.

But at EDG, this is definitely a technical skill!

Zhou Li had clear requirements regarding ordering takeout.

It needs to be nutritious, have a different menu every week, be clean and hygienic, and most importantly, be inexpensive while meeting all of the above conditions.

The club's standard meal cost per person per meal is only eight yuan.

Eight yuan!
In Shanghai!
It needs to have meat, vegetables, and soup!
Therefore, in addition to studying recipes, Zhu Kai also had to work on various discount schemes, find deals, and negotiate partnerships with fast food restaurants every day.

When it comes to ordering takeout for EDG, no one but Zhu Kai could do it!
It's clearly such a hard job, but to outsiders, he just looks like someone who orders takeout.

Just because he ordered takeout, all his efforts and hard work are wiped out!
Fortunately, he has a good boss.

In this world, only Zhou Li understands his sacrifices.

As the saying goes, "High mountains and flowing water seek a kindred spirit."

As the saying goes, a scholar will die for one who understands him.

At this moment, Zhu Kai could no longer contain his emotions and shed tears.

Meanwhile, in Zhou Li's line of sight, the Records of the Grand Historian finally reacted!
Zhu Kai was a servant in charge of food preparation for esports. Although he served delicacies daily, and people sometimes mocked his lowly position, he never slacked off. People only saw him carrying his food basket and cooking, but they did not realize his ability to harmonize the five elements and understand the mysteries of yin and yang—how could he nourish and conserve the energy of his athletes without being well-versed in the cycles of cold and heat?

Zhou Yu, moved by his toil, personally tended the pot and said, "Is cooking a trivial matter? In the past, Yi Yin carried a cauldron to remonstrate with Tang, and Fu Yue rose from humble beginnings to assist a wise ruler." Upon hearing this, Zhu Kai wept and kowtowed, saying, "Though I am dull-witted, how could I not exert my utmost!"

Before long, the kitchen began to provide a variety of meals: a morning delicacy to invigorate the spirit, and an evening supply of ginseng and astragalus to strengthen the body. All the strong soldiers in the hall who drank this food grew stronger and stronger, their bodies becoming as formidable as tempered bronze and iron, making them as powerful as tigers with wings when capturing flags in battle.

Sima Qian said: Some may consider cooking a lowly job, but little do they know that the art of preparing food aligns with the principles of Heaven and human relationships. Craftsmanship is not divided into different skills, but professions have their specialties. The way a cook manages the kitchen is also related to the rise and fall of dynasties.

[Zhu Kai toiled his whole life, ordering takeout for the club, yet he was ridiculed and mocked. There are 360 ​​professions, and every profession can produce an expert. No job is inherently superior or inferior, and no one should be ignored or belittled. Your act of ordering takeout for Zhu Kai made him feel warmth, and he realized that even ordering takeout deserves respect, thus dedicating more energy and enthusiasm to it. His takeout orders became increasingly sophisticated, and the club's players improved their physical condition under Zhu Kai's care. Your contribution is immeasurable.]

[Gained Ability: Delivery. Hero: War Goddess, Frost Archer proficiency reached perfect level.]

[Delivery: Zhou's Delivery, Guaranteed Delivery. Long-range prediction skills (such as Ezreal's ultimate, Ashe's ultimate, etc.) hit rate increased by 10%.]

Zhou Li was greatly shocked when he saw the abilities he had gained.

He never expected that Zhu Kai could not only bring him abilities, but also give him proficiency in two heroes.

It seems I've also fallen into the trap of worldly perspectives.

Zhu Kai, after all, has been in the LPL circle for so long and is a well-known figure, as well as an LPL championship coach.

But I've always viewed him through a biased lens.

This is too much!

Thinking of this, Zhou Li waved to Zhu Kai, signaling him to follow him out of the room.

"Xiao Zhu, it's like this."

Zhou Li put his arm around Zhu Kai's shoulder, appearing very affectionate.

"I've ordered takeout for you, and I've bought you a cake too..."

The key point is that his historical records have also been unlocked.

"As you know, our club is currently facing a tight budget. This takeout order is indeed beyond our club's means. But after all, it's your birthday, and this takeout was ordered for you. You know I'm always very open-minded as the boss, so how about this: I'll cover the cost of the meals within the club's budget, and you can cover the extra amount."

Zhu Kai was still moved, but after hearing Zhou Li finish speaking, he felt as if his brain tissue had been suddenly ripped out with a shovel.

"what?"

Zhou Li patted Zhu Kai on the shoulder.

“I know you don’t earn much and you might not have that much cash on you right now. That’s okay, we can deduct it from next month’s salary. Don’t feel too much pressure.”

"what?"

Watching Zhou Li turn and walk back into his room, Zhu Kai stood there, beginning to doubt the reality of this world.

The club's meal fee is eight yuan. How much will he have to pay for this meal?
The key is--

"Mr. Zhou, no! The thing is, today isn't my birthday!!"
-
9 month 28 day.

Galen Center.

The match between SKT and FNC has ended.

In this semi-final match, SKT, the third seed from South Korea, delivered a result that surprised everyone, facing FNC, the second seed from the European league.

What was expected to be a clash of titans turned into a stunning upset, with SKT sweeping aside the formidable European team FNC 3-0. This result undoubtedly deepened everyone's fear of Korean teams.

What has sparked the most discussion among Chinese netizens is—

SKT is only the third seed from the OGN region.

Tomorrow, September 29th, EDG will face Najin Black Sword, the number one seed from the OGN region!

The third seed is already capable of sweeping aside top European teams.

How strong must that number one seed be?!

South Korea's esports scene is far ahead of ours.

[It feels like there's no chance left. EDG is going to get completely crushed tomorrow.]

[Just an objective analysis from a neutral observer: EDG and SKT faced off twice in the group stage, with EDG winning one and SKT losing one, indicating that the two teams are roughly equal in strength. In other words, EDG is roughly equivalent to the third seed from OG, and they'd be lucky to win one game against Nanjing Black Sword.]

[Oh no, will this result in both Korean teams meeting in the finals for an all-Korean battle?]

[It's probably going to be a Korean civil war. I don't want to watch tomorrow's game; it's embarrassing.]

Despite the rumors and gossip, EDG didn't react much this time.

Firstly, Zhou Li knew that although Najin Black Sword was the number one seed from the Korean region, at this time, the OGN region, like the LPL, determined seed rankings based on regular season points.

This is why SKT, despite winning the OGN Summer Championship, was only the third seed.

Judging which team is stronger simply by who is the number one seed is clearly inaccurate.

Isn't OMG also LPL's number one seed?

Although Najin Black Sword had a higher score in the regular season, all their regular season matches were best-of-one (BO1).

Furthermore, as the Summer Split champions, SKT is closer to the World Championship finals, proving that SKT's recent form is clearly better.

Of course, there is also a very important reason.

Because EDG's two ADC players, Zhou Li and Lu Benwei, have both been banned from speaking.

Although they couldn't post on Weibo, Riot Games invited EDG for a pre-match interview the following morning.

The reporter team that came to interview EDG was quite large, since each region sent a host.

The host for the LPL region is Xiaoyou.

That's the ancient fossil host that Ning Mazi mentioned as "forty years old".

The player from the LCS region is Sjokz, an old acquaintance of Zhou Li.

There are also many people from the Southeast Asian region and the Taiwan region.

What surprised Zhou Li the most was the host from LCK.

Zhao Enjing.

Zhao Enjing specially put on a beautiful makeup look today.

As he expected, Zhou Li, whom she had been paying attention to for a long time, immediately locked his gaze on her among the group of female hosts.

However, what puzzled Zhao Enjing was that she quickly realized that there was no other emotion in the other person's eyes, only disappointment and regret.

Why is he so regretful when he sees himself?!

Zhao Enjing was a little angry.

Little did he know that Zhou Li was simply lamenting that it was Zhao Enjing who had come, not Li Xianjing.

Although both of them are very good-looking.

But his Hyun-kyung is a silky mess!

The moment Zhou Li appeared, he attracted everyone's attention.

After all, this young man is not only a core player of the EDG team, but also the owner of the EDG team.

"Lion, the semifinals are about to begin. What are your thoughts on the Najin team?"

Hearing Xiao You's question, Zhou Li smiled and replied:
"I don't have any opinion, and I haven't studied it. I can win just by playing casually."

Zhou Li's answer left everyone present stunned.

For a moment, you might doubt whether you've heard correctly.

I don't know whether to say that Zhou rituals were too pretentious or that they weren't even pretentious anymore.

"Lion is very confident, but Najin Black Sword is, after all, OGN's number one seed."

"What's the use of the number one seed? It's not like planting a tree. We, EDG, are aiming for the number one seed."

Zhao Enjing was clearly indignant when Zhou Li belittled their Korean team, and asked:
"Lion, aren't your words and actions a bit too arrogant? They're hurting the feelings of your fans."

Zhou Li glanced at Zhao Enjing.

"Whose fans are being hurt? Najin's fans? What do I care about Najin's fans' feelings?"

Zhou Li suddenly started speaking in Korean, which startled Zhao Enjing.

But then her face flushed red with anger, and she said:

"I think it's a bit too much for you to make such outrageous remarks before the match even starts. If you lose to Najin, please apologize to the Najin players and their fans!"

“Okay, no problem,” Zhou Li tilted his head, looking at Zhao Enjing with a playful expression. “But what if I win?”

Zhao Enjing was clearly already furious.

He had initially admired this young man, but now all his goodwill had vanished.

"What do you want?"

"If I win..."

Zhou Li's gaze swept over Zhao Enjing, and just as Zhao Enjing was about to get angry at this impolite scrutiny, she heard Zhou Li speak with disdain:

"I won. Next time, please have your host, Lee Hyun-kyung, interview me. Your professionalism is too low. Go back and reflect on your behavior."

Zhao Enjing was stunned for a moment, and then an endless sense of humiliation welled up in her heart.

"You know senior Lee Hyun-kyung?"

Zhao Enjing couldn't help but ask.

She found it a bit strange. The last time she watched Zhou Li's competition with Li Xianjing, judging from Li Xianjing's reaction, it should have been the first time Li Xianjing had met Zhou Li.

“I wouldn’t say we know each other,” Zhou Li smiled. “We’ve only met in dreams.”

Zhao Enjing's hand holding the microphone was trembling.

She now understands why the other person looked disappointed the moment they saw her.

So this guy likes Lee Hyun-kyung!

Just thinking about Zhou Li's gentle demeanor when he mentioned Li Xianjing was a stark contrast to his attitude towards her!

The more she thought about it, the angrier she became.

In what way am I inferior to Lee Hyun-kyung?!
"White, if all goes well, you may be facing the mid laners of two Korean teams next. Do you feel confident facing these two Korean mid laners?"

Seeing that things were getting a little out of hand, Sjokz quickly changed the subject and asked Wu Wukai a question.

Upon hearing Sjokz's question, Lu Benwei chuckled sheepishly.

"I don't know much about Najin's mid laner, but I feel his skill level is average."

"SKT's mid laner Faker is quite skilled."

Lu Benwei paused for a moment, then continued:

"I'd say it's about 50/50 with Faker, I often solo kill him too." (*)

Upon hearing Lu Benwei's answer, everyone nodded.

Sjokz then looked at Shenchao and asked:
"Godlike, we know that Najin Black Sword's top laner, Expession, is officially ranked as one of the top three top laners in the world. Do you feel any pressure facing him?"

Shenchao thought for a moment, then subconsciously wanted to speak.

But as the words were about to come out, he remembered the interviews and training the team had conducted with them since the Spring Split, and immediately displayed the professionalism expected of an EDG member.

"Expession? Never heard of him. I don't care about being in the top three in the world. This World Championship, I will prove who is the best top laner in the world."

Shenchao even stammered a bit when he said the latter half of his sentence because he was too nervous.

After he finished speaking, his face turned completely red.

Zhou Li took out his notebook and wrote it down.

"Shenchao, you failed the interview skills test. You can't even pretend to be cool. Deduct 500."

Xiao You looked at Curly Hair again and asked:
"Curly, how do you think your laning phase will be against Najin's bot lane?"

Curly-haired man pondered for a long time before speaking:

"I think if we have Lion in our bot lane, we're definitely stronger than the enemy team."

Zhou Li frowned.

He wrote in his notebook—"It's disgusting to portray a sycophant in front of the camera, deduct 500."

Mingkai, who was sitting next to Zhou Li, witnessed everything, and his eyelids twitched wildly.

"Factory manager, facing Najin, you..."

"No need to ask."

Mingkai interrupted Xiaoyou's question directly.

His eyes were deep, and he waved his hand.

"We are already studying our opponents in the final."

(End of this chapter)