Sorry, Stuck Again [Esports] Chapter 83

Chapter 83

Pei Yun Chang once again missed the match due to personal reasons, and Wing had to send in the substitute, Fei Qin. Unfortunately, they only made it to the second round of the group elimination match before being knocked out. This was the first time since Wing's establishment that they couldn't even make it past the group elimination stage.

As expected, the outcome led to a barrage of criticism from fans, with the internet flooded with negative comments about Wing. Some even speculated that Pei Yun Chang had fallen out with the team and refused to play. Although they had secured a spot in the Dragon Cup, no one had high hopes for Wing.

KP's fans were already celebrating their team's potential fourth appearance on the intercontinental stage, which infuriated Bai Yao Xing, who resorted to using alternate accounts to engage in online arguments, even going as far as to insult people's parents.

However, Pei Yun Chang himself seemed unfazed by the online chatter, spending all his time with Bian Yan, as if trying to make up for the two months they hadn't seen each other.

By the end of November, the last season of the year concluded, and the Vanguard Team secured the final ticket to this year's Dragon Cup. Notably, throughout the challenge matches, KP's competition seats were still missing the presence of Wang Ge.

"Mercy to the enemy is cruelty to oneself! What is KP doing by not letting Wang Ge play? Are they trying to send both the Vanguard Team and Wing to the Dragon Cup to snatch the intercontinental spots?"

— "Some team fans need to chill. A thriving scene is truly strong. Our domestic league can't just have one KP for so many years."

"Teacher, where's our Wang Ge? Haven't seen him since the last match of the autumn season."

"I can't help but think it's a conspiracy. Which team's seed player doesn't play for an entire season?"

"@KP Xing Lan Esports Club, what happened to our Wang Ge? Why isn't there a reasonable explanation for his absence?"

"@KP Xing Lan Esports Club, my big brother is asking you a question."

"Could it be an injury? Wang Ge is already 24 this year… no, no, no, forget I said that."

"You know, we true fans can't see comments like this, or we'll get a disease called tear incontinence."

"I don't believe it! Our Wang Ge still has a hundred years to play!"

"Can't we think positively? Isn't Pei Da not participating either? It's too coincidental. Are they secretly planning something big?"

"Bold guess, are they forming their own team? But why not bring Yan Bao along? And Chang Kong, Shi Jia, and Pan Shi, that's too strong, haha."

"Are you crazy? Wang Ge and Nova clash in positions, why bring a ball? But imagine Pei Da and Wang Ge teaming up, if we could really form the strongest players in all five positions in the domestic league to participate in the intercontinental competition, would we still be rubbed on the ground by Blaze every year?"

"Crying, poor KP being dragged to be cannon fodder every year, always running because of configuration shortcomings."

"What are you thinking? If we could really do that, Blaze would definitely come up with an even stronger lineup."

"Off-topic, we've been talking for so long, so we still don't know what they're up to, right?"

"Theoretically, yes."

"Can we see Wang Ge and Pei Da in this year's Dragon Cup? I can't imagine what KP would be like at the intercontinental competition without Wang Ge…"

On the sofa, Bian Yan comfortably leaned against Pei Yun Chang, playing on his phone, scrolling through the tens of thousands of comments on Weibo, and suddenly sat up straight to ask Pei Yun Chang.

"Hey, what's Wang Ge up to?"

Pei Yun Chang paused his game, looking seriously at Bian Yan, "How would I know? And don't you think it's weird to ask about another guy's whereabouts in front of your boyfriend?"

Bian Yan: …

"Didn't you ask Shi Jia when you saw him backstage?"

Pei Yun Chang chuckled lightly, getting back to the point. "No, not familiar."

Bian Yan recalled the sense of distance when he last saw Shi Jia backstage, feeling uncomfortable all over.

Pei Yun Chang turned off his phone, suddenly remembering Shi Jia's abnormal performance in the last match of the autumn season, his mind filled with thoughts.

"Like they said online, Wang Ge is already 24, he's on the decline. But from what I know of him, he wouldn't just retire quietly like this. This year's Dragon Cup might be his last, he will definitely come."

Bian Yan bit his lip, suddenly unable to sit still.

"Finished digesting, time to train."

With that, he headed straight to the training room to get on the computer. Pei Yun Chang watched his back, chuckled softly, and followed him.

Wang Ge is only a year older than Pei Yun Chang. If this is his last season, Pei Yun Chang wouldn't be much better off. Moreover, due to the team's configuration, Wing had only been to the intercontinental competition once, and that was when Pei Yun Chang played as a marksman.

Time waits for no one. If they can't give it their all when they're on the same team, Bian Yan would definitely regret it.

This year, since there was no team with a perfect record in the secondary league, the Dragon Cup participants were still the old three—KP, Wing, and the Vanguard Team, once again familiar faces clashing.

The competition adopted a BO3 single round-robin format, with each team facing off and accumulating points, the team with the highest points winning and representing the country at the world intercontinental competition.

The first match was KP against Wing, with Pei Yun Chang and Wang Ge, both missing persons, officially announced to play, adding a lot of buzz to the match.

Before going on stage, Bian Yan didn't see Wang Ge backstage, only meeting him for the first time during the handshake on stage.

The exhaustion in Wang Ge's eyes, which even makeup couldn't hide, made Bian Yan almost not recognize him.

In just a few short months, Wang Ge had aged significantly.

The once charming and flamboyant smile that often graced his face had been replaced by countless moments of loneliness, becoming silent, dull, and hollow.

It was hard to imagine that the person in front of him was the same Wang Ge who had exploded onto the competitive scene with his looks and skills.

"You…"

The handshake time was fleeting, and just as Bian Yan was about to say something, Wang Ge interrupted him.

"This match, give it your all."

Wang Ge lightly grasped and released his hand, seemingly unable to muster much strength. It was unclear if he was saying this to himself or to Bian Yan.

Everyone returned to their positions.

As Pei Yun Chang put on his headphones, he signaled to Bian Yan, "Notice anything? Ye Li isn't here."

Bian Yan had a vague suspicion.

Meanwhile, on the other side.

KP's newly appointed top laner was on the verge of tears as he watched Wang Ge put on his headphones with a look of resignation, his voice trembling uncontrollably.

"Wang Captain, bro, I'm begging you, just listen to Coach Ye and go back."

Marksman Flash also held down his chair, taking a deep breath and shaking his head heavily.

Wang Ge paused his fingers, looking at the audience who came for him, then at his worried teammates, and laughed heartily.

"I came here risking being beaten to death by Old Ye, how could I back out now?"

"But…"

The rookie top laner wanted to say more but was stopped by a look from Lu Chang Kong.

"Let him play."

Lu Chang Kong took a deep breath, putting on his headphones, "If he can't fight one last time, he might as well retire on the spot."

"Exactly~ Chang Kong understands me."

Wang Ge's playful tone rang out, the smile not reaching his eyes, trying to memorize every detail in front of him, every face of the fans below, but when he caught a glimpse of a certain figure, he quickly averted his gaze as if his eyes were stung.

"Since you recognize me as the captain, then listen to me, cooperate well, and have a good fight with Wing, show the spirit of KP dominating the domestic league for so many years!"

Wang Ge straightened his expression, looking proud.

"Alright!"

The remaining four from KP responded.

Wang Ge laughed heartily, in a corner where no one noticed, slowly rotating his right wrist, trying to negotiate with it to be more flexible.

The match began.

Since it had been a long time since he faced Wang Ge, Bian Yan operated with extra caution, constantly reporting points to his teammates, but was dumbfounded after a flash mistake at the five-minute mark.

"How could he not reach there?"

Bian Yan said hoarsely.

— "Nova's gone mad? Why flash back? Hasn't he been competing all along? How could his form drop like this?"

— "No, how could even Nova mess up?"

— "It's you guys who are mad! Nova's prediction was flawless, Wang Ge should have teleported to that position, but now he's just standing there."

— "I've watched over a thousand of Wang Ge's matches and practice replays, never missing his streams. I bet, with Wang Ge's habits and skills, he would have teleported over the wall."

— "Can Nova's fans stop making excuses? Is it that hard to admit a skill miss?"

— "Who's deceiving themselves? The previous Wang Ge would never make such a costly mistake!"

On the big screen, Wang Ge's mistake led to him being focused and taken down by Wing.

Lu Chang Kong, while shielding Flash, anxiously shouted, "It's okay, it's okay, don't worry, wait for my call next wave."

Jungler Alex: "It's okay, you can take the next blue."

The rookie top laner also tried to comfort, "It's okay, bro, you held three in mid lane."

Wang Ge, who was initially upset about his mistake, was directly amused by this, "I can't tell if you're mocking or praising me."

The rookie top laner chuckled shyly, "Hehe…"

Everyone joined in the banter, only Wang Ge, during his respawn time, shook his wrist, unable to hide the disappointment in his eyes.

Wing's team chat.

"Wow, Yan Ge, I survived Wang Ge's gank!" Bai Yao Xing exclaimed excitedly.

Pan Shi joined in, "That's nothing, I solo killed him once on the top lane."

Meanwhile, the jungle also reported good news.

Pei Yun Chang caught Wang Ge and Chang Kong in the jungle, securing a double kill in a one-for-two trade.

"Wang Ge, how…"

Pei Yun Chang murmured.

"You noticed too, right?"

Bian Yan frowned, "His right hand is injured, not sure if it's like Ji Feng's old injury from overtraining or a new external injury."

"His state is different from Ji Feng's."

Pei Yun Chang said solemnly.

Their feeling during the lane was so clear, the audience and commentators below weren't fools, naturally noticing something was off with Wang Ge.

"I wish I hadn't opened this stream an hour ago… He was fine just half a year ago!"

"Don't do this, I really can't accept Wang Ge retiring. If this happens, I'll never follow esports again."

"Nova just came back, and now Wang Ge is leaving. The domestic league is so unfortunate, how did he suddenly get so badly injured?"

"KP, you dog, how could you not report such a serious injury of your player? Wang Ge was in great form in the spring season, how can any fan handle such a huge drop?"

KP's team tried to play around Wang Ge, but they couldn't avoid the economic gap widening, eventually being taken down in one wave, losing the first match.

The team took a five-minute break on stage.

Wang Ge excused himself to the restroom, desperately shaking his wrist in a corner.

It seemed fine, it seemed like there were no issues in daily life.

But his wrist would suddenly stop working without warning during any second of the match, leaving him unable to react, with only the operations in his mind unable to be executed.

Is this really how it ends?

He hasn't proven himself at the intercontinental competition, nor has he had the chance to win a championship for his country.

Wang Ge frustratedly ran his hand through his hair, laughing self-deprecatingly.

Having seen so many god-tier players retire, he realized for the first time that when he was in this position, every minute and second would be so torturous.

"Damn…"

Wang Ge swung his good left hand towards the mirror, but it was stopped at the highest point.

It was Shi Jia.

He no longer had that aloof demeanor, his handsome face full of pain, eyes bloodshot, lips cracked and peeling, staring intently at Wang Ge.

"Get lost."

Wang Ge shook off his hand, slowly closing his eyes, growling with the last bit of patience.

Shi Jia bit his lip, eyes red, opening his mouth but unable to say anything, only able to helplessly hug Wang Ge, muttering apologies.

"Wang Ge."

In the hallway, Lu Chang Kong came looking after hearing the noise, his face quickly darkening upon seeing Shi Jia.

"How dare you come and bother him again, how dare you say sorry? Injuring a professional player's hand is no different from cutting off their dreams or killing their family!"

Lu Chang Kong pushed Shi Jia away, saying viciously, "Wang Ge could have played for another year or two, he was prepared for this year's intercontinental competition, and suddenly becoming like this is all thanks to you. You better get lost, or don't blame me for being rude."

Shi Jia staggered back a few steps, slowly releasing Wang Ge's wrist, his voice almost inaudible.

"I let him go because this match is important to him, not because of your words." Shi Jia stubbornly said, "Wang Ge, I will definitely get your forgiveness, definitely."

"Disgusting."

Lu Chang Kong spat, taking Wang Ge away.

On stage, the match between KP and Wing continued.

Wang Ge's peak moments were gone, while Bian Yan was in his prime.

KP, who had dominated the domestic league for so long, was defeated by their opponents through the mid lane, losing 0-2.

The result caused an uproar.

Wang Ge, pale-faced, forced a few smiles, bowing to thank the audience. Although he didn't mention retirement, it still brought tears to the audience below.

Bian Yan let out a long breath, releasing the knot in his heart.

This was definitely the most uncomfortable match he had ever won.

Pei Yun Chang quietly squeezed his hand, his gaze accurately landing on Shi Jia in the audience.

In the evening.

KP announced that Wang Ge would withdraw from KP's Dragon Cup main lineup due to a wrist fracture and unhealed injury, with the mid lane being replaced by the support.

Ten minutes later, the Vanguard Team also announced that Captain Shi Jia would not participate in the Dragon Cup due to personal reasons, with a substitute taking his place.

With both KP and the Vanguard Team's seed players withdrawing, Wing unsurprisingly won the Dragon Cup championship, securing a ticket to the intercontinental competition.

The news led to widespread criticism online, with KP's fans being the most upset, calling Wing the most disgraceful team to be directly promoted this year.

"With their half-baked marksman and support, they think they can compete against Diamond, embarrassing us abroad."

"I'm saying it now, if it weren't for Wang Ge's injury and Shi Jia's withdrawal, Wing wouldn't have anything to do with this year's intercontinental competition."

"This year's intercontinental competition is doomed again~"

"If you're so enamored with foreign teams, go follow Blaze. Even if you kneel and lick, they might not even look at you."

"My Wang Ge, suddenly injured, all efforts in vain, fans can't let go, how can you bear it?"

"It's too hard to accept, the domestic league will never have a player like Wang Ge again."

"Isn't the focus now on encouraging Wing to face the challenge calmly? Wing has Arnova, just so you know."

Despite the negative public opinion, Wing still faced the doubts and began preparing actively for the competition.

Half a month before departure, they received a sparring invitation from KP.

It was initiated by Wang Ge.

"Giving you some tips, so you don't come back with a shaved head and get criticized."

Wang Ge seemed much better, his tone returning to its usual playful self.

Not only Wang Ge, but Flash also volunteered to be Bai Yao Xing's sparring partner, compensating for Wing's configuration shortcomings. Even Lu Chang Kong, who usually ignored outside affairs, started training with Juan Juan.

Domestically, they fought fiercely, but at the intercontinental competition, they had to unite against external opponents.

Even if they couldn't play, KP wanted to pave a path for Wing with all their experience and tears.