Chapter 5 – First Meeting

At TYG’s training center, a huge projection screen was playing a match.

On the red side, Soul‑Piercing Dagger stood under the defense tower, swinging his short blade to last‑hit minions.

Each strike took down a minion, smooth and graceful like a dance, showing the audience what “last‑hitting beautifully” really meant.

This match ended with the red side reaching 100 CS first, making it the longest of the 35 games.

“Despite Xiao Bei’s constant harassment, he managed to finish 100 CS in six minutes. He’s showing us his fundamentals,” You Hua said cheerfully after watching the video.

“Last‑hitting, freezing, wave control — his basics are very solid,” Yu Chengfeng added.

Xiao You wiped the sweat from his forehead. Two hours of watching hadn’t been wasted, Time Traveler was truly worth it.

“How can someone this strong not be famous? Did he only just start playing Sacred Alliance?” Zhi Xia asked curiously.

“That doesn’t matter. What matters is we must secure him for our team.” Shao Bei looked at Yu Chengfeng. “If another team steals him, it would be a disaster for us.”

“Agreed,” You Hua nodded. “He’s the kind of player who can shake up the entire league.”

Yu Chengfeng had already finished watching all 35 solo matches. He turned to Shao Bei: “Out of 35 games, only 12 were truly competitive. You were too lax.”

Shao Bei’s face flushed red. It was true, only 12 matches had been back‑and‑forth. He still lost them, but at least they weren’t embarrassing. As for the rest? Better not to mention.

Geng Xiaolei shivered at Yu Chengfeng’s stern expression. Seeing him turn to talk with You Hua, Geng quietly slipped over to Shao Bei’s side.

He rolled up a piece of paper into a makeshift microphone and held it to Shao Bei’s mouth. “Brother Shao, an interview: how does it feel to lose 35 games straight?”

“Get lost!” Shao Bei glared. “What 35 games? I clearly won 3!” He grabbed the mouse and pulled up one of his victories. “See? Look how beautifully I won!”

“You’ve got some nerve,” Xu Minyu sneered. “That match was trash versus trash. He lost only because you got lucky.”

Zhi Xia laughed. “At least we learned one thing, Time Traveler can’t play Ball Girl.”

Geng Xiaolei added: “And Screen King and Pig Lady. He’s terrible with those too.”

“These three champions — Ball Girl is ADC, Screen King is support, Pig Lady is top lane. Not knowing them doesn’t matter,” You Hua said, then asked Shao Bei, “I’m curious though, why did you two even pick those for solo?”

Shao Bei rubbed his nose, embarrassed to admit he’d been so frustrated he picked them randomly.

Yu Chengfeng shot him a glance, then turned back to Xiao You. “Send Time Traveler another private message. This time he should respond.”

“Alright,” Xiao You nodded. He walked to a computer and opened the game.

“Ah!” Xiao You suddenly looked up, seeing everyone staring at him. He said: “Time Traveler replied to the private message. He agreed to come for the trial!” 

“Add his JJ account!” Yu Chengfeng stood up. “It’s best to also get his phone number.” 

“He left his number in the private message!” Xiao You opened his phone contacts and quickly dialed the digits. 

The ringtone lasted about ten seconds before the call was answered. 

“Hello, who is this?” 

Xiao You’s eyes flashed with surprise. Time Traveler’s voice was pleasant. He had thought the in‑game voice was altered with a voice changer, but it turned out to be his real voice. 

“Hello, I’m Luo Bo, manager of TYG.” 

“Hello, I’m Time Traveler. My real name is Luo Yuchen.” 

“Mr. Luo, here’s the situation. Our team is based in Jincheng. For the trial, we cover transportation and lodging. May I ask which city you’re in?” 

“No need for all that trouble. I’m in Jincheng.” 

“That’s wonderful!” Xiao You smiled. “Do you have time tomorrow? I can drive over to pick you up.” 

“I’m free tomorrow. My home is in West Bay.” 

Even after Luo Yuchen hung up, Xiao You was still stunned. 

“My god!” Xu Minyu was the first to react. “West Bay? This kid’s a rich second generation!” 

“Why do you say that?” As an outsider, Geng Xiaolei didn’t know much about Jincheng and didn’t understand what living in West Bay meant. 

Zhi Xia rubbed Geng Xiaolei’s head and explained: “West Bay is a villa district. Each villa averages around 80 million.” 

“What?” Geng Xiaolei thought he misheard. 

“Could he just be a rich kid playing around? Was that record really his?” Xu Minyu began to doubt. 

Xiao You’s expression turned troubled. “Captain Yu…” 

“Don’t overthink it.” Yu Chengfeng remained calm. “Tomorrow I’ll go with you.” 

“Alright.” Xiao You’s heart gradually settled. 

Luo Yuchen, unaware of the shock his words had caused, checked the time, picked up his phone, and ordered delivery food. 

Just as he was about to pay, the sound of a car came from outside the villa. 

Luo Yuchen stood up, and as he walked into the living room, he saw a tall young man entering from outside. 

“Brother.” Luo Yuchen greeted. 

“Mm.” Luo Yutian nodded, glancing around before asking: “Auntie Li hasn’t come back yet?” 

“Her son got married. I gave her a month’s leave.” 

“Then hire another short‑term housekeeper.” 

“No need.” Luo Yuchen poured Luo Yutian a glass of water. “I won’t be spending much time at home.” 

Luo Yutian accepted the water, sat on the sofa, and asked: “Why?” 

“I’m going to suspend my studies.” Luo Yuchen dropped a bombshell. 

“Suspend your studies?” Luo Yutian looked up at his cousin. “What’s going on? Why stop studying when everything’s fine?” 

“I have a new life plan.” Luo Yuchen sat on the opposite sofa. “I want to play esports. I’ve already received a trial invitation from a professional team.” 

Luo Yutian frowned. After a moment he asked: “Are you serious?” 

Luo Yuchen nodded. 

“Which team?” 

“TYG.” 

“Do Uncle and Aunt know?” 

“I haven’t had time to tell them yet.” 

Luo Yutian’s expression grew stern. “Xiaochen, you need to understand, esports is a career that depends on youth.” 

“I understand,” Luo Yuchen replied. 

After thinking for a while, Luo Yutian said: “I know it’s hard to stop you. So here’s the deal. One year.” He looked directly into Luo Yuchen’s eyes. “I’ll give you one year. If within that year you don’t achieve anything significant, you’ll go back to university, graduate, and then work in the family company.” 

“I will succeed.” Luo Yuchen’s tone was full of confidence. 

His cousin’s confidence pleased Luo Yutian, but he knew esports was not a path everyone could reach the top of. Talent played a huge role. Thinking of this, Luo Yutian said: “I’ll talk to Uncle and Aunt for you.” 

Luo Yuchen smiled. “Thank you, brother!” 

“You!” Luo Yutian stood up. “Come on, let’s go eat.” 

“I already ordered delivery, just need to pay.” Luo Yuchen leaned back on the sofa, refusing to get up. 

“Eat less delivery.” Luo Yutian pulled him up. “We’ll eat out.” 

Luo Yuchen couldn’t match his cousin’s strength. He was dragged out of the villa and pushed into the car. 

As for esports, Luo Yuchen and his cousin had reached an agreement. His parents would be handled by Luo Yutian, while he only needed to arrange his suspension of studies. 

As for failing the trial? He never considered that possibility. 

The next day came quickly. After breakfast, Luo Yuchen received a call from the gatekeeper saying someone was looking for him. 

He checked the time. Nine o’clock sharp. 

“Let their car in. They’re here for me,” Luo Yuchen told the gatekeeper. 

About five minutes later, a Zhongxing Ruitu drove up to the villa entrance. 

Luo Yuchen changed clothes, put his wallet into his backpack, and went out. 

The Ruitu’s door opened, and two people stepped out, one tall and one short. 

The tall one’s features were sharp like carved stone, his eyes keen, his whole presence radiating aggression. 

The shorter one was also good‑looking, with an apple‑shaped face and a gentle temperament, the kind of person who seemed easy to get along with. 

Luo Yuchen studied them, and they studied him in return. 

Xiao You thought that with such a youthful face, entering the esports circle was almost a waste. 

Yu Chengfeng was usually indifferent to appearances, but this time he had to admit the young man was striking, especially his eyes, clear, bright, and full of vitality. 

“You must be Mr. Luo?” Xiao You stepped forward to confirm. 

“I am.” Luo Yuchen nodded. 

“Hello, Mr. Luo. I’m Luo Bo, manager of TYG, and this is Captain Yu Chengfeng.” 

Luo Yuchen extended his hand in greeting. “Hello.” 

“Let’s talk in the car.” Yu Chengfeng opened the back door and gestured for him to enter. 

“Thank you.”

Luo Yuchen sat inside, and Xiao You sat beside him.

“This place is a bit far from the team base. It may take about half an hour,” Xiao You said once the car started moving.

Luo Yuchen nodded to show he understood.

Yu Chengfeng spoke while driving: “Today we scheduled a scrim with YID team. You’ll play. Is that alright?”

Hearing this, Luo Yuchen was surprised. “No test first?”

“No need.” Yu Chengfeng glanced at the rearview mirror, where the young man’s eyes were reflected. “Yesterday you soloed against Shao Bei, our former substitute mid laner.”

Xiao You smiled. “Winning thirty‑five games against Shao Bei makes you the first, and probably the only one, in the entire professional league.”

Luo Yuchen corrected: “I won thirty‑three games.”

“Same thing, same thing.” Xiao You didn’t think losing three games mattered. After all, who would pick those three champions for mid lane? Only someone out of their mind.

“What do you think of Shao Bei? Based on those thirty‑five games,” Yu Chengfeng suddenly asked.

“He’s quite resilient,” Luo Yuchen evaluated. “Anyone who loses over thirty games and still has energy left must either have a big heart or thick nerves.”

“And besides that?” Yu Chengfeng pressed.

“He could try jungle or top lane.” Luo Yuchen wasn’t speaking carelessly. From yesterday’s matches, it was clear Shao Bei loved fighting. He had that reckless lone‑wolf quality, which suited warrior top laners and aggressive junglers.

“What about ADC?” Xiao You asked curiously.

ADC? Luo Yuchen analyzed silently.

At the start of the S6 Spring Split, Sacred Alliance was on the current patch, so ADCs still had room to carry. But by the end of the season, after updates, the ADC role would face a very harsh environment.

Shao Bei didn’t seem like the type willing to play passively and farm.

“It’s worth a try, but don’t get your hopes too high.” Luo Yuchen didn’t close the door completely. Who knew, maybe a miracle could happen?

In esports, anything is possible.