Chapter 61

The Playoffs were in full swing.

So far, VIT had maintained an undefeated record. With two-thirds of the Schedule completed, they had faced various Teams. As the Playoffs progressed, each Team showcased their strength, making the matches increasingly exciting and complex.

VIT had one close call, and it was against Lu Feng’s Team.

On Lu Feng’s side, they strategically banned Rong Yi’s preferred Champions, opting to secure functional mid-supports and initiate a strong dive Lineup, which succeeded once.

In that match, neither side made significant mistakes. The primary issue was that Hydralisk and Grey Cat made some experience-related errors, which allowed Lu Feng’s aggressive lane-swapping tactics to disrupt their rhythm. The prolonged exposure of their vision ended up hindering the Team.

However, after that loss, they quickly regained their form.

This led VIT to a 1:2 record in the Playoffs.

It’s not easy at all.

All the Teams were improving, and so was VIT.

The two youngest members of the Team were growing rapidly. While they had losses in the Group B matches, they soared through the Playoffs, which was the most astonishing part.

Regarding VIT’s performance in the Playoffs, Lu Feng made an accurate observation.

“Every Team is practicing how to target Mid Lane against VIT, no exceptions. Each game repeats this strategy.”

“But whether anyone can break through them this Season remains unknown.”

“So far, no one has.”

“As long as Easy is VIT’s Mid laner, all domestic Teams will have to compete against him.”

As the Mid Autumn Festival approached, Rong Yi received an invitation to the Mid Autumn Special Event.

“Mid Autumn Special Event, one seat per Team, where is the Captain going?”

The others also received invitations and first saw the seating chart.

Each Team would have a separate section, and there would be camera coverage.

“He’s sitting with me in the Sponsor section.”

Xiao Yin answered straightforwardly.

The room immediately fell silent.

Boss Lady’s section, understood.

The Mid Autumn Special Event was like a mini All-Star event, with tickets sold out six months in advance.

This year, the National Region’s attention on esports was higher than ever, as everyone noticed that this year’s Playoffs champion likely had more than just Group Stage strength for the World Championship.

Moreover, this year’s National League saw the emergence of many new stars, making the selection and competition among rookies a major highlight.

While all the esports players were discussing camera appearances and outfit choices in the group chat, Rong Yi was already looking at the World Championship Schedule.

After their Playoffs ended, they would go straight to the World Championship.

He had been to the World Championship before. In fact, during his years with RS, he never stopped studying the World Championship.

He was like a caged beast; while others focused on the golden cage, he always aspired to reach the sky.

He had already thoroughly studied past World Championships.

The strongest enemy was QILIN.

Xiao Yin’s former Team.

QILIN, the three-time consecutive champion Team, was at its peak, only missing the championship once in the middle years. Who would claim the title this year was still uncertain.

Some people said that QILIN’s defeat last year was due to Xiao Yin’s departure, but Rong Yi knew that a World Champion Team and a domestic Playoffs champion were not in the same league.

At least for now, Hydralisk and Grey Cat, and the current Team synergy, were still immature.

Rong Yi’s preparations had already advanced to the World Championship, and Xiao Yin had no objections. In fact, Xiao Yin had already instructed the Data Team to analyze their potential World Championship opponents.

Neither of them saw this as an issue.

Winning the domestic championship was just one step for VIT, and an inevitable one at that.

On the day of the event, the kids from VIT were extremely nervous. Hydralisk and Grey Cat kept trying on and changing outfits, yelling in front of the Makeup Artist.

“Damn—why do I have to wear lipstick! I’ve never worn lipstick in my life—I refuse—”

A few minutes later, Hydralisk admitted, “It looks kinda cool.”

Grey Cat was very nervous; he had a bit of on-camera anxiety, not because of anything else but because of social anxiety and shyness.

“Why do you start sweating when you’re nervous?” the Makeup Artist exclaimed. “Grey Cat, don’t move, the makeup will cake.”

Rong Yi and Xiao Yin, on the other hand, remained calm and composed.

Xiao Yin was dressed in a pure black suit, exuding a businesslike and ascetic vibe. However, he paired it with a gem-blue gradient tie, adding a touch of brilliance to his austere appearance, making him look irresistibly handsome.

Rong Yi, on the other hand, had no intention of wearing a suit. It felt too restrictive, and since he wasn’t required to be on camera, he opted for a more casual look.

He wore an asymmetrical white work shirt, tucked in at the waist, subtly revealing his slender figure. The shirt combined elegance and a hint of masculinity. Paired with light-colored jeans, his outfit was complete.

Rong Yi looked good in anything, his well-defined features always standing out. With his black tousled hair and bright, almond-shaped eyes, he naturally drew attention in any crowd.

When the Makeup Artist came over to check, there wasn’t much to criticize—both the Boss and the Captain were exceptionally good-looking. They would look great even in potato sacks.

But—

The Makeup Artist tilted her head, pondering for a moment, then jokingly said, “Not wearing matching outfits, Boss and Captain? Didn’t coordinate? For such a big event, not wearing couple outfits is a missed opportunity.”

Rong Yi was momentarily stunned.

He hadn’t thought about it.

They hadn’t specifically planned to wear matching outfits, nor had they planned not to.

“It’s fine,” Xiao Yin spoke up instead. “Wearing something too eye-catching isn’t good for him. Too conspicuous.”

When it came to matters involving Rong Yi, Xiao Yin was always very measured and extremely restrained.

Rong Yi glanced at him lightly, “Should I go change?”

He had another gem-blue shirt.

Xiao Yin’s gaze lingered on him for a few seconds before he replied.

“No need. You look great today.”

Rong Yi’s ears turned slightly red again.

Attending such grand occasions was second nature to Rong Yi.

Like all large-scale events, the League Organizer collected phones upon entry. All spectators and Fans had to pass through security checks and electronic device scans, with only the halftime break allowing them to step out for a breather.

Players, however, didn’t have so many concerns.

The seating was divided into player seats and sponsor seats. Xiao Yin had to represent the Team in the first half, leading VIT in the player section, with moments for star player signings in between.

Rong Yi, of course, did not participate in this part. His seat was in the front row, alongside some of the league’s heavyweights, just below the stage.

The entire studio was brilliantly lit and bustling with activity.

Audience members were gradually taking their seats.

In such an event, the cameras would inevitably sweep across the Audience Area.

Rong Yi had prepared a hat and mask in advance to reduce the feeling of being watched.

The Broadcast Team was frantically emphasizing backstage.

“Don’t shoot Captain Rong’s section.”

“Focus the cameras on the light boards, the rear rows of the Audience Area, but absolutely avoid the front row. If we catch him on camera, we’re doomed.”

A staff member, unaware of the reason, asked, “What about the live broadcast cameras?”

“The live broadcast cameras won’t focus on the Audience Area. Captain Rong is not to appear on camera! Memorize this detail.”

At precisely 7 PM, the offline audience had found their seats, holding their breath in anticipation. Meanwhile, the online audience was also flooding in, ready to watch the All-Star live broadcast.

Due to the nature of the live broadcast recording, the League Official had set a fifteen-minute delay to allow for any necessary content adjustments.

“I want to see VIT! Ahhh—The kids look so handsome and energetic today!”

“Yin-Ge looks incredibly handsome—That blue tie is perfect, I’m dying!”

As each Team made their appearance on stage, the audience’s cheers rose like a tsunami.

When the spotlight hit VIT, everyone emerged from the darkness, and Rong Yi stood up and applauded with the audience.

In the dimly lit Audience Area, he hid himself, wearing a mask and hat, enthusiastically waving his arms.

This was his team.

He cheered for them alongside everyone else.

However, there were whispers among the audience farther away and online discussions alike.

“Did Easy come today? We know he’s not playing, but did he show up?”

“No idea! I’m so anxious! Can someone ask the Captain about his outfit today? Any insiders?”

“I’m really anxious! Frontline reports aren’t coming through, phones have to be handed in upon entry!”

“If the frontline folks can’t ask, we can.”

The live chat was exploding.

“Is the Captain watching? What’s the Captain wearing today, can we have a chance encounter?”

Of course, Rong Yi couldn’t see these messages.

He was on site, looking at the list of Rising Star players and their past performances, deep in thought.

VIT currently had five players with no Substitutes, just the right number and configuration.

For now, there didn’t seem to be any sudden injury risks either.

Rong Yi had a particular habit when it came to signing players. The professional lifespan of a player is limited, and some Teams would keep a Substitute as a perennial backup, only to be used when a regular player’s condition needed adjustment.

However, when Rong Yi chose his Substitute, it was always with the intention of training them for the second team. This was not only for the stability of the Team but also for the player’s personal career future.

He would take full responsibility.

During the introduction of this year’s Rising Star players, Rong Yi was deeply engrossed in the documents.

Unbeknownst to him, the entire audience had another focal point.

Everyone was looking for Easy.

Especially VIT’s Fans. During breaks in the event schedule, they scanned the Audience Area and the backstage staff, hoping to catch even a glimpse of Easy.

“Urgent report! There are four people in the front row who might match the age! They’re from Behind the scenes and the Coach team!”

“Could Easy be in the Coach area? Identify the people first! Keep investigating and reporting back!”

“Reporting, There are no unfamiliar faces in the Coach area! All familiar faces, no Easy!”

“Received, continue scouting!”

“Reporting”

This time, reports were flying in from all directions.

Online Netizens gradually started to notice a clue.

The clue wasn’t about Rong Yi, but about Xiao Yin.

After Xiao Yin led the Team on stage, he took a seat in the guest area.

Everyone was sternly focused on the center stage, listening to the Host’s introduction.

Only Xiao Yin’s gaze was wandering.

As one of the most popular Star Players nationally and even globally, Xiao Yin looked calm. Countless eyes were on him, but he seemed accustomed to it. The cameras and the Host’s cues were all directed at him, making him the center of attention.

Amidst the adulation, he had no tasks at hand and seemed a bit bored, lightly tapping the table with his long fingers.

His gaze, intermittently drifting, was fixed on a certain spot offstage, a certain person.