Chapter 185: Be the second Faker, or the first Ye!

Beryl did not expect that as soon as the voice message was sent, there would be an immediate reply from the other side.

"I can't sleep," Deft's voice came through, clearly sounding dejected: "You can't sleep either, right?"

". h, yes, me too, but not because of that matter."

"I just received some news, from China, and I wanted to ask for your thoughts."

Come to think of it, it was just these past few days.

A not-so-small commotion erupted at DRX to the outside world.

Just as EDG would initiate contract negotiations and renewal discussions with their intended players before the transfer period began.

Other teams were the same.

And although DRX didn't win the championship in the finals, as a fourth seed, finally charging into the finals was clearly already considered a gratifying achievement.

All of DRX wanted to stay on the team for another year to recreate this year's Blue Dragon miracle.

But the team's upper management just had to be unreasonable.

The price DRX offered the five of them was practically an "insult," only slightly higher than last year!

You have to know, what kind of lineup did DRX have last year?

The top and mid laners were both nameless youngsters who hadn't made a name for themselves on the fringes of the LPL and had come back to take a minimum salary.

The jungler Pyosik was indeed a "founding" veteran of DRX; from the year LZ changed its name to DRX in 2019, he had stayed in the starting jungler position, holding his ground until this year.

There is no need to mention the support Beryl; the big streamer Doinb had said back then that he was kicked out by DK and couldn't find a job at all, so he clearly also took the spot on a minimum salary.

Deft's salary wasn't low, but it couldn't be called top-tier either; it could only be considered upper-middle.

And regarding this insulting renewal clause.

The mid and top, Zeka and Kingen, were actually willing to accept it—it's just that both of them had a common "extra requirement"!

The jungler must be kicked out!

The unreasonable side of the DRX management was revealed.

On one side was the true founding veteran jungler, and on the other were the top and mid duo who had performed brilliantly, even exploding with potential, in this World Championship.

They chose the latter with almost no hesitation.

Originally, the process should have been very smooth.

Beryl really wanted to play another year with Deft, and although Deft was somewhat dissatisfied with everyone's salaries, considering this year's regrets, it was also very likely he would accept a pay cut to stay.

The variable—it has to start with the loose-lipped Doinb!

It was just because Doinb "leaked" on his own livestream that there was palace intrigue between the DRX top, mid, and jungle, and that the top and mid strongly demanded management kick the jungler out before they would agree to stay.

Although the facts were not far off, he had just added some embellishments and hype to the words... but the problem was, this was a "private deal" between the top, mid, and management!

The rest of DRX didn't know about this at all!

Deft, who always had a gentle temper, was so angry upon reading this news that he immediately posted on Twitter from his main account, denouncing Doinb for using any means necessary to fabricate lies for traffic, claiming their internal team relationship was very good!

It turned out later that he was actually the one being kept in the dark.

Suddenly, Deft's statement looked somewhat heartbreaking.

Clearly, there was a mole inside DRX, otherwise the big streamer wouldn't have known this news, so consequently, the salary issue was also exposed.

Pyosik felt cold-hearted... although he had a few poor performances in the World Championship, he also had moments where he shone brightly!

Having served the team for so many years, what he got in return was being "quietly" kicked out without even being notified in advance!

Once such a thing was exposed, it meant the bridge was completely burned.

Clearly, it was impossible for the whole team to stay.

This was why Deft was feeling so dejected at this moment, even more uncomfortable than losing the finals, and why he was tossing and turning in bed in the middle of the night unable to sleep.

Last year's "Last Dance" was not marketing.

Military service didn't have a precise time; it was a bit like a "lottery system," except there was a latest deadline—which was before the age of 28.

Therefore, Deft's "sentence" was like a Sword of Damocles, falling at any time within the next two years, before his 28th birthday.

He had originally thought about giving it one more try in this team of regrets that was only one step away.

Beryl and Deft had also agreed right after the finals ended that as long as conditions allowed, they would definitely play one more year together.

Not for anything else, just for last year's regret!

But that was easier said than done.

That night.

Hanyi, a famous professional manager in the Weibo professional circle and a well-known "traffic clown," posted multiple Weibo posts overnight.

{Have you all eaten the melon from the LCK side? Latest news, the runner-up team can't keep a single person; they wanted to save money and ended up becoming the biggest losers~}

{The champion team confirmed they failed to keep their players; they can likely only keep the jungle and support. The dynasty was sniped by everyone together. I can't say too much about this; it's mainly because the parent company exploded. If you're interested, Baidu it yourself.

{Graves won't be without suitors, but the contract is awkward. Strong teams don't lack top laners, and weak teams can't offer top salaries. He might find a mid-tier team to retire in.

{Akali's contract is terrifying. I can't say the specific number, but it has already broken records, and it hasn't even reached the time for real bidding yet. This is also the most important reason why the champion team can't keep people. If you don't have a mid laner, keeping the others is useless. Keeping the jungle and support is already an emotional contract.

{Oh right, I heard Akali even offered to take a pay cut, but EDG's financial situation was too poor, and it was fruitless in the end.

Hanyi relied on internal connections to gorge on traffic, speaking half-truths as a riddle-maker, then erasing key details to spark discussion.

If he was right, he was invincible; if he was wrong, he would delete the Weibo post and pretend nothing happened.

And just this one Weibo post immediately caused a huge uproar.

【Hanyi, this dog, is starting to talk nonsense again. If the EDG management were even human, could they not keep the mid laner? If they keep the mid laner, I'll watch him carry four people next year!】

【Don't say that... Zhu Yihang can barely protect himself, it's really hard to say.】

【Hahaha! Retribution is here! You didn't want our junior back then! Now you've been abandoned by others too! Haha!】

【Laughing to death, does someone really think it's easy to find a job in the new year? Not familiar with the substitute mid laner~~】

【It can't be true, right!? Hey, they just won the championship! The documentary hasn't even been released yet! My home has collapsed?】

【He really did, I'm crying to death, he even took a pay cut.】

【Sigh, a ten-year fan is satisfied. For this second championship, Mr. Ye has done right by everyone. Thinking back to the quarterfinals, my heart aches when I think of him playing with the doll on stage alone.】

【EDG's human touch is still fine. If they really can't form a good team, don't ruin others, unlike some who trap people with a cup of water...】

Unexpectedly, apart from a small number of extremists, there were quite a few voices expressing understanding.

Ye Bo was still completely unaware of this.

When he left the trial grounds, it was already ten o'clock in the morning.

Even though it was the off-season, Ye Bo still maintained ten hours of full training in the trial grounds—this had already become a habit for him.

But at this moment.

Ye Bo suddenly noticed that the living room outside the door seemed a bit noisy?

The scene when he pushed open the door gave him a start.

He saw that his not-so-spacious living room was currently appearing very "crowded."

Beside the short and long sofas, several strangers in suits and leather shoes were either standing or sitting.

"Hey, he's awake! It really is as you said, waking up at ten o'clock sharp." One of the middle-aged men wearing glasses wanted to continue exchanging pleasantries with Ye Bo's parents.

As a result, another person didn't waste any words and directly took a big stride over: "Hello, Player Ye Bo!"

"Let me introduce myself, I am the manager of Weibo Esports. You might be more familiar with my screen name, Stone Walking; we have met in the livestream room."

"Oh, hello!"

Seeing the first self-introduction, Ye Bo knew who these people were.

He had only heard of these screen names; it was truly the first time he had seen the real people in reality.

Because EDG had officially reported to the authorities and announced they were giving up their priority locking rights, Ye Bo had effectively become a "free agent."

From that moment on.

Everyone knew that the war had begun!

Before Ye Bo could make a decision, any team with goals and a budget had to leave a position open for the mid lane—but the mid lane was the most tense position every transfer period!

Everyone knew very well how much the LPL region lacked mid laners.

The people behind also hurriedly stepped forward one after another to introduce themselves.

They were basically LPL teams that Ye Bo was very familiar with.

WBG, JDG, TES, LNG, BLG, V5, RNG.

"Then let's start. Since there are so many people, let's not waste Player Ye Bo's time. I'll go first."

The most shameless one, Stone Walking, had been standing next to Ye Bo guarding him ever since he finished shaking hands, fearing someone would steal his turn.

Everyone present were people of status and couldn't be bothered to argue with him; after showing goodwill to Ye Bo again, they went back to talk to Ye Bo's parents.

Fortunately, the couple had become accustomed to these scenes during this time and had developed some resilience; plus, with these people clearly chatting with deliberate flattery, the atmosphere wasn't too awkward.

Ye Bo, wearing pajamas, could only temporarily use his small room as a meeting room.

"Please, sit anywhere." Ye Bo greeted the other party generously.

Stone Walking hurriedly exchanged pleasantries: "Player Ye Bo, your room is very clean. It's rare for an esports player to have such good living habits. Oh, but I remember EDG gave out houses when they won the championship last year; why didn't they give you one this year?"

"I don't seem to have heard of that..." Ye Bo poured a glass of water for the other party and sat down as well.

The other party was very good at reading the situation and immediately got to the point: "Then I'll give you the bottom line, let's be direct."

"Our Weibo budget for next year is very sufficient. The top laner is TheShy, and then we should be packaging the RNG mid and jungle... Oh, but since you're coming, it should just be the jungler. The bot lane is tentatively set as Light and Liu Qingsong."

"Regarding the contract, I believe you should have some understanding of the salary cap."

"The top salary set by the league for you is exactly 22 million; we will definitely max that out first. Secondly, regarding the 'Commercial Supplement'..."

Ming Kai had specially tutored Ye Bo on relevant knowledge last night.

The "market value" of an LPL player is generally composed of three parts.

Transfer fee, salary + commercial supplements.

The most outrageous part of this is the transfer fee.

For a player who isn't even top-tier, like the top laner Breathe who was exposed last year—the transfer fee was as high as 30 million!

You have to know, Breathe's actual market value wouldn't even reach eight figures, but the transfer fee could literally buy three of him!

And that's not even talking about those truly top-tier players.

If it weren't for that mutually agreeable trade between EDG and BLG last season, the transfer fee for a player like Scout would have at least doubled.

And no matter how high the transfer fee is, it has absolutely nothing to do with the player themselves.

It only reflects their market value.

The money a player can actually get their hands on is only "Salary + Commercial Supplements."

A salary cap was introduced this year, and everyone's salary is fixed at a personally customized limit; all paper contracts cannot exceed this number.

Theoretically, "Commercial Supplements" are also limited; generally, only live streaming and official commercial activities can be counted, and in the end, they must also be included in the team's total expenses, calculated according to the "luxury tax."

After all, the league just doesn't want to see vicious competition based purely on throwing money around.

But the problem is, you simply can't control this stuff!

The room for maneuvering inside is infinitely large.

For example, privately communicating with a brand, letting the brand go through a third-party channel to sign an endorsement—as long as it's not officially related to the team, how can the league calculate it?

To put it more bluntly: just send a box of cash, there's simply no evidence to trace!

Shitou Ganlu finally made his statement: "Under the premise of keeping the roster I described, the contract I've reserved for you is 30 million for 1+1, not including live streaming."

After a reminder from Ming Kai, Ye Bo already had a concept of this level of money.

Two years ago, there was a wild rumor circulating in the outside world that "Knight makes 45 million after tax per year."

But that fact was impossible to verify.

The entire internet didn't even have a single screenshot of a chat log that one had to believe; it was purely a Weibo rumor, and in all likelihood, it was just "driving up the price" that both sides were shouting out loud.

According to Ming Kai, the highest salary for a mid laner in the country is indeed Knight.

However, the highest he has ever earned in his career is 20 million a year, and that still included the "live streaming contract"—which is to say, a large portion of it was still paid by the streaming platform.

And because the salary cap is implemented, it is formulated only according to the previous year's performance.

Knight has no international tournament championships this year, and he can't even be ranked as an "S-tier" player, only an "A-tier," so this year's "paper limit" is at most 12 million.

In the 2023 season, the only ones in the LPL who can be ranked as S-tier players are the ten people from the MSI champion RNG and the S-champion EDG.

As for Ye Bo, because he won the S-championship and FMVP, coupled with an incredibly exaggerated comprehensive data evaluation, his paper limit was able to break through to 22 million.

Comparing it this way, one can understand the gold content of this 30 million.

Just because this 30 million does not include the big chunk of "live streaming," it is purely money the team is paying out of their own pockets!

If you count the 8 million Ye Bo signed with Bilibili... this is truly approaching that outrageous number from the rumors back then!

Shitou Ganlu walked out of the room with a face full of confidence.

Ye Bo also had a rough standard in his heart.

Next, one participating player after another entered the door, reporting their own chips.

It was very clear that WBG had miscalculated.

Their price tag was only on the same level as LNG, and there were plenty of others outside with higher budgets than them.

BLG and JDG reported a budget of 40 million right from the start, and both said they could negotiate even higher—they were also the two protagonists involved in the wild rumors about competing for Knight a few years ago.

When Ye Bo first heard this number, he was stunned!

Gradually, the more he heard, the more numb he became.

The roster BLG revealed said that top laner Bin and support On would remain unchanged, they would strengthen the jungle, and the AD would also be replaced. Frankly speaking, Ye Bo didn't remember the AD's ID, it seemed to be called something like Jiumeng, and this season he was on the very marginal UP team.

JDG was much the same; 369, Kanavi, and Missing would remain unchanged, and they revealed they had already reached an intent contract with Ruler, and Yagao had already been released, just waiting for the mid lane!

Comparing up to this point, these two teams were the ones Ye Bo felt were relatively the most competitive.

It's just that, it seems like there are some problems with both of them...

"Is there anyone else?" Ye Bo sent Lan Lianhua out the door and poked his head out to look.

Outside, there were immediately two more people eager to move.

However, another man who was clearly younger and looked more refined took the initiative to let the person next to him go first.

He kept looking down at his phone from time to time, as if waiting for some news.

The person who came in this time was someone Ye Bo knew—it was the general manager of TES, Guo Hao.

The other party also started by putting his chips on the table, which were generally similar to BLG and JDG.

Topsports, which is behind TES, is the general distributor for major foreign brands like Nike and Adidas in the country, and is also a premier sports giant in the country; its strength is also not to be underestimated.

Unexpectedly.

After Guo Hao finished speaking, he didn't continue to outline other temptations to Ye Bo like the others.

Instead, it was as if he started chatting.

"Player Ye, I think your decision to leave EDG this time is really great, very brave."

"... ow so?"

Ye Bo didn't explain that he didn't actually want to leave on his own; he also wanted to see what the other party wanted to say.

Guo Hao smiled: "To tell you the truth, which might not be so pleasant to hear, staying at EDG is undoubtedly a comfort zone for you, but that way you might just become the next Faker; both in terms of record and experience, it's very similar."

"Of course, being able to become the next Faker is already a very grand achievement... but in my view, the decision you made now is really wise."

"Your career path is already completely different from Faker's."

"In the future, you will only be the first Ye."

Guo Hao was truly as relaxed as if he were just chatting, which didn't make one raise too much psychological defense.

He even changed to a more comfortable posture.

"One man, one city, is certainly a fine story."

"But you tell me, is it actually Faker who achieved T1, or T1 who achieved Faker, or perhaps to say that without T1 there would still be a Faker, and without a Faker there would still be a T1? Or perhaps it's just like you now..."

"Your choice now, leaving the comfort zone, starting over with a new batch of teammates and a new team, perhaps you can prove everything."

This conversation, which felt like a casual chat, caused an inexplicable throb to arise in the depths of Ye Bo's heart.

Come to think of it, it could almost be said that the goal of every mid laner is to become the "successor" to the next Faker.

That seems to have become an extremely honorable title.

Ye Bo thought so at the very beginning too.

So when he was first called by the nickname "Mid-Faker," he was actually secretly pleased in his heart.

But when those halos faded.

When Ye Bo stepped up step by step, finally arriving in front of Li Xianghe, holding a long spear to confront him.

And finally defeated him!

Ye Bo thinks back now... is his goal still this?

Or rather, is he satisfied?

Ye Bo thinks, at least his answer now is—of course not!

Guo Hao's words indeed touched upon a point sufficient to move Ye Bo.

Why must one be the second "Faker"?

He wants to be.

He wants to become the first Ye.

In a trance, Ye Bo came back to his senses.

Looking at Guo Hao, who was full of sincerity before him, he only sighed in his heart at the nickname "World's Number One Mouth."

No wonder he could trick someone into playing for another year with just a cup of water...

Guo Hao knew his goal had been achieved and didn't say anything more.

As for the roster, TES also didn't have many changes, it's just that Knight, who was going to leave the team last year, would likely not stay.

Anyway, the only thing that can be referenced right now is the S12 record—although TES was a terribly ugly round of 16, the others were just round of 8, and a few didn't even make it to the World Championship.

To put it bluntly.

Everyone is six of one and half a dozen of the other; no one has a clear advantage.

It all depends on Ye Bo's own considerations.

Guo Hao walked out the door, and the last person to walk in was clearly the youngest, but everyone outside seemed to have the same cautious attitude toward him.

"Hello, Player Ye Bo! Very happy to meet you in person!"

"He Youjun, CEO and founder of the V5 Club."

The other party's attitude and wording were extremely polite and formal, which left Ye Bo at a loss for a moment.

Fortunately, he was never stage-frightened, and he generously reached out to shake hands with the other party: "Hello, Ye Bo!"

Ye Bo was naturally no stranger to this team.

He still remembered that his third "Challenge" was V5, and it was after defeating V5 and solo-killing Rookie in that match that his five challenges were completed ahead of schedule, which could be considered a turning point.

And if he remembered correctly, V5's record and roster last year weren't bad either; they were just one step away from entering the S-championship in the playoffs, and they were tied in ranking with the strengthened BLG.

"In terms of compensation, 40 million is the limit of my ability." He Youjun put his cards on the table right away.

But he clearly also knew that he had no advantage in this regard compared to the previous few people, so he quickly continued to speak.

"But I want to introduce you to our ideal roster for the new season first."

He Youjun was a bit embarrassed when he said this: "It's a bit embarrassing to say, but I can't lie to you, because for this roster, we haven't finalized a single thing until now; for the time being, it can only be called an ideal roster."

"However, in terms of form, I hope this can be an open and honest discussion for all of us."

He Youjun took out two mobile phones and sent out several messages and instructions.

Ye Bo stood right beside him, watching the other party's operations quietly, wondering what kind of scheme he was cooking up.

Soon, both phones initiated video calls.

And when He Youjun set the two phones down and the calls connected, three people appeared on the screens.

Ye Bo's eyes widened instantly, because these three people were all "old acquaintances"!

"Brother Holy Spear! Brother Alpaca, and Brother Genshin!?"

He Youjun stood side-by-side with Ye Bo.

Stealing a glance at the other's shocked expression, he was already overjoyed inside.

He took a step back, clapped his hands lightly, and spoke first.

"You are all, in my opinion, the most outstanding players."

"I am He Youjun, representing the V5 Esports Club, formally inviting you all once again to come to the V5 club to work together in the new season!"

"The salary will be exactly as my specialists promised; there is absolutely no padding, and I believe this is what you all deserve."

"Everyone can ask questions now. As I said, this is an open and honest invitation."

He Youjun was all smiles, looking around at everyone with great sincerity as he finished speaking, his gaze finally resting on Ye Bo.

And on the screen, Li Xuanjun was looking at Ye Bo with a smile.

On the other phone, Deft and Beryl, who had received the message relayed by the on-site specialist who flew to South Korea overnight, seemed to still be a bit out of it.

Brother Holy Spear had just woken up when he was contacted; he originally wanted to call Ye Bo to confirm, but the V5 specialist said they would arrange a video meeting immediately, so he didn't rush.

As for the other two, they had received the visit request in the early hours of last night.

This.

This was the "alternative path" He Youjun had come up with!

Although he had already utilized the listing capital provided by his family, he knew very well that it would still be difficult to gain an advantage in front of these teams.

And throwing money around blindly, for someone with a business mind, is always the worst strategy.

So he thought of this move.

The WBG top laner is TheShy, the BLG top laner is Bin, the JDG top laner is 369, and it is said that TES has contacted Breathe.

After all, with an average performance in the finals and carrying the top salary of a two-time champion, Brother Holy Spear's cost-effectiveness in the top lane of top-tier teams was very low, and he was almost not in the consideration range at all.

But He Youjun thought.

If he could rebuild a roster for Ye Bo... a roster that the other party might be tempted by!

Wouldn't it be possible to gain the other party's favor?

He Youjun's family was in no way inferior to Zhu Yihang's or Wang Sicong's.

The difference was that both Zhu and Wang were eldest sons and had almost no competitive pressure growing up.

But He Youjun's lineage was from the third wife—he could say that he grew up living the reality of the "wealthy family succession" plots seen in Hong Kong and Macau dramas, influenced by what he saw and heard from a young age, and was more sharp and ambitious in business than the former two.

And he had one major goal: going public!

He wanted to become the first stock in Chinese esports!

To this end, V5 had previously acquired the Honor of Kings powerhouse team eStarPro through a share swap, and was currently in merger negotiations with the legendary European and American FPS team NiP.

But these were still far from enough for going public.

Especially that legendary European and American team, NiP, which demanded to hold the dominant power in the esports field after the merger, even requiring the domestic team name to be changed to their team's name!

This made He Youjun very unhappy.

But if he wanted to seek a public listing, he had to cooperate with them—after all, V5's influence in the League of Legends world was far from enough, and Honor of Kings didn't make much of a splash in international events.

Compared to them, their influence was on the weaker side!

The League of Legends tournament is undoubtedly the event with the greatest global esports influence, but it is also the most competitive.

Other large capital teams could treat it as an advertising effect while striving for the championship; if they didn't win, it was just advertising costs.

But if he were to strive for the championship for the sake of "influence" to seek a public listing, once he invested heavily and failed, it could be said that he would lose everything!

But the sudden emergence of Ye Bo made He Youjun feel an unprecedented opportunity.

Not just for the championship... but for influence!

Just like Guo Hao, and everyone else, could see.

At present, Ye Bo was already a "phenomenal" existence!

Not only unprecedented, but it would also be difficult for anyone to follow in his footsteps in the future, and there was a great possibility that he would go on to compete for the position of "the number one person in the League"!

The influence brought by such an existence would bring a qualitative improvement to both the {road to listing} and the {dominant power} in the merger case!

This was why He Youjun dared to gamble so heavily, moving the funds he had prepared for the listing over these years to invest in this year's team building.

Because he believed.

This would be an "investment" that was guaranteed not to lose money, and could even be said to have a not-insignificant probability of positive returns.

"Master Ye, it's up to you, I have no objections," Li Xuanjun was the first to speak decisively, joking.

"If I can ride your coattails for another year, I'm fine with working for free~~"

To be honest, as early as the beginning of '22, Li Xuanjun, who was indeed feeling a bit weary, had already made plans to rest next year regardless of this year's results.

But after this year passed... especially under the influence of Ye Bo, his roommate, and his true passion for the game.

He seemed to have found a bit of his former self again.

There is no one who doesn't truly want to continue climbing upward.

Hearing this, He Youjun was already overjoyed.

Because from Ye Bo's reaction at first glance, he could already tell that the other party was tempted by this roster.

The battle against DRX was Ye Bo's most thrilling battle.

Especially the second and third games, countless times swaying on the edge of the crashing waves, countless times separated by a single line!

Regarding the strength and combination of these two in the bottom lane, no one had more say than him.

As for Brother Holy Spear, he was also the best candidate in Ye Bo's mind.

In fact, after last night, Ye Bo had been thinking about calling Brother Holy Spear today to see if there was a possibility of teaming up next season.

He knew there were many things he couldn't influence—but if there was a chance to change something, he didn't want to give up.

And for He Youjun, it just so happened that EDG's jungler and support were held onto by the team.

Asking him to take on the entire EDG alone was clearly a pipe dream, and the target of other teams' siege would likely immediately become him.

Relatively speaking, the top lane's salary inflation was the lowest, and V5 was one of the few teams with the strength to take one on, and there was still a vacancy in the top lane.

Everything was simply a perfect match!

"If that's the case, I'm actually... what about these two?"

Ye Bo had just wanted to say something when he suddenly remembered there were two other people.

He Youjun tried hard to suppress his excitement: "Oh right! Player Beryl, Player Deft, how are you two considering it now?"

He Youjun had great confidence in this bottom lane duo.

Because according to his intelligence—Beryl was not very popular in the LCK region!

And the reality was indeed so.

As soon as the transfer window opened at 12 o'clock, Deft immediately received several messages, but he didn't reply, seemingly still struggling with the messy affairs within the team.

Only Beryl's phone had been very silent.

In the end, Beryl's playstyle was quite controversial, and not every AD could adapt to it.

Especially the Bard in the last game, that terrible rhythm of wandering for over ten minutes was considered by many outsiders to be the key to losing that game!

But in fact, Beryl had really thought about coming to the LPL, and even thought very highly of TES!

Beryl extremely believed that it was a team with a very high ceiling!

It was just that last year, in order to maintain the "all-Chinese" persona, and coupled with the rumors that Beryl was kicked out by DK, it was also possible that the other party was just talking big.

Anyway, after considering many factors, this intention ultimately came to nothing.

But at least Beryl was not at all resistant to coming to China.

Even when he heard that it was possible to team up with Ye Bo, someone he had been very "curious" about on the other side of the canyon last year.

He inexplicably felt some anticipation and imagination in his heart.

It was just that what Beryl cared about most was still Deft beside him.

After this year's finals, his biggest regret was not being able to help Deft win a championship.

Thinking of this, Beryl already had the intention to actively facilitate it: "If it's this roster, I don't have any objections. Player Ye is very strong, we should be able to spark many ideas."

"Brother Hyuk-kyu, what do you think?"

Deft's emotional fluctuations were very strong.

Reasonably speaking, if he really wanted to return to the LPL, his first choice would naturally be EDG, for which he had the most affection.

But he had already heard about EDG's situation from Meiko.

Ming Kai and Ah Bu had not thought about coming to find him—it was just that in the end, they still held the same thoughts as they did for Brother Holy Spear, not wanting to delay the last few stages of this veteran's career when the team was at its worst.

And just now, He Youjun's Korean specialist had only relayed two simple sentences, which completely stirred up his thoughts.

"This will be a team built around Ye. His strength doesn't need to be elaborated on too much; I believe you know it better than I do."

"If we have the addition of you two, once this V5 is formed, I believe it will be the team with the most hope of competing for the championship next year."

That heart, which had been low since the finals, seemed to be igniting.

Deft had always heard Meiko mention Ye Bo's various pasts when they chatted; he was not completely ignorant of the other party.

And without a doubt.

After Deft persisted until now, and having experienced the difference of a single step last year, the goal of "Champion" seems to have become even more precious, and even more unreachable.

This, one could say, is his final regret, and his nine-year dream.

For the sake of this regret and this dream.

Whatever rumors, gossip, arguments, or criticisms might arise, they all seem small and insignificant at this moment.

Besides, come to think of it.

Who wouldn't want to be teammates with the strong?

And likewise, Ye Bo has always held a sense of respect for Deft, as well as a unique kind of bond.

Because in a certain sense.

He feels that Deft and Old Deng Bo are somewhat alike.

The moment he thought of it.

That he fulfilled the unfinished goal for Old Deng Bo in his tenth year—next year also happens to be Deft's tenth year.

"Ye Bo, if," Deft spoke up, struggling to use stiff, broken Chinese: "it's possible, we can too."

"Then let's charge together next year!" Ye Bo spoke up again.

The two looked at each other through the electronic screens, seemingly engaged in a silent exchange.

He Youjun, off to the side, was instantly so excited he couldn't help but clap his hands forcefully and continuously.

This idea of his had actually paid off!

Using a roster that Ye Bo might be tempted by to gain his favor—and its very existence was something the vast majority of players simply could not resist!

"Right, what about the jungler?" Ye Bo suddenly thought of something.

"As for the jungler, I have a few backup plans here." He Youjun hurriedly revealed his choices.

"Because the transfer period hasn't opened yet, I can't officially negotiate with some people, but Tian, Wei, and Weiwei, whose contracts are expiring, are all possibilities."

Beryl seemed to have some PTSD regarding junglers and was very concerned about the choice: "We don't need a jungler with too many ideas; someone who can coordinate with the rhythm of me and the mid-laner, and has relatively strong mechanics, would be very suitable."

"Understood, don't worry, I will go look again to see if there are more junglers with good mechanics."

"When the time comes, the four of you will conduct the tryouts, and once you pick someone you're satisfied with, we'll finalize it! You can also pick one more, or even multiple substitute spots!"

He Youjun fully expressed his trust in these four positions.

It is worth mentioning.

When signing the contract, Ye Bo expressed the requirement to find a lawyer to review it, and He Youjun expressed great understanding regarding this.

However, Ye Bo didn't actually find a lawyer; he just sent the contract to Ming Kai—this was also what Ming Kai had instructed, that he would personally help him review it.

Ye Bo had indeed grown a lot along the way.

Although he felt the other party was very sincere, he also knew that the world was treacherous; of course, one should also have people they trust.

But since He Youjun had made such a great determination, it was impossible for him to harbor any ulterior motives regarding the contract.

Ming Kai soon sent back good news, including that the commercial supplements provided by the other party were all fine.

Subsequently, the contracts were signed in four places simultaneously.

All four contracts were for a term of one year.

Upon receiving the result, He Youjun finally let out a long sigh of relief, his expression full of joy.

He believed in his own judgment—mainly, he actually believed in the judgment of this mid-laner.

Since he could gain the other party's favor, perhaps it already proved the feasibility of this roster.

He seemed to already see the bell of NASDAQ beckoning to him.

By comparison.

The crowd waiting outside grew increasingly impatient, clearly feeling that the timing was off!

"Why so long? It can't be, with that V5 roster..." The WBG stone-road traveler was clearly getting anxious.

"That's hard to say. It's easier for them to go home and ask for some money than it is for us to get budgets approved by those big shots above. Maybe they're rebuilding next year." LNG Zuo Wu, who hadn't held much hope to begin with, teased.

"That shouldn't be. Who could he find? None of our teams have let anyone go except for the mid-lane; at most, we'd just add Li Xuanjun. Who else could he find?" Blue Lotus was also completely baffled.

Guo Hao, enjoying the spectacle, added fuel to the fire: "Then I advise everyone, if it really happens, hurry back and check on your new recruits; don't get intercepted halfway~"

Upon hearing this, Blue Lotus's eyes widened instantly.

Damn! Could it be that my Ruler was intercepted!?

Before long, the door was pushed open.

When He Youjun walked out with a face full of smiles, even intentionally or unintentionally displaying a piece of white paper contract in his hand, everyone's heart was shaken.

"Colleagues! Let's welcome the core of our V5 rebuild, 【Ye Bo】!"

"..., congratulations, congratulations."

"Congratulations."

Everyone spoke polite pleasantries, but their expressions were clearly not very good.

They didn't know how the other party had managed it.

But since the matter was a foregone conclusion, what needed to be considered next was the even more turbulent storm.

The needle that calms the sea in the center of the ocean had been pulled away.

Now, everyone needed to race against the giant waves and tides about to be stirred up, to capture all those remaining crab generals with all their might!

And due to the split of DRX, the dismantling of EDG, and the invisible shifts in the world line.

The original plans of multiple teams were forced to change, triggering a series of chain reactions.

A sense of urgency spread wildly!

The fastest, LCK, confirmed multiple rosters almost overnight.

Various pieces of news leaked through internal and external channels, instantly igniting global public opinion!

The first bombshell was undoubtedly—ON leaving the team!

HLF Hanwha announced a rebuild, directly making a big move to bring in Canyon, while also introducing the runner-up mid-top Zeka + Kingen, and poaching former BLG foreign players Aiming + Kellin for the bottom lane.

The team had a total of three players who had served at BLG, and was teased as the "Korean BLG Branch"!

Next was the two-time champion, Viper.

Ultimately, considering the priority of the Asian Games roster, he went to Gen. .

Gen. also specifically kept the support Lehends, whom they had originally wanted to replace, for his sake, while retaining the top, mid, and jungle.

Doran, Peanut, Chovy, Viper, Lehends—"Griffin reunited after many years, the four of them together again"!

And DK lost Canyon, and Nuguri also announced his official retirement.

They undoubtedly became the biggest "apparent" losers of this transfer period.

Helpless, DK could only activate their second-team substitute jungler Lucid, introduce former T1 top-laner Canna, and "rent" at a high price from Samsung the player they had originally intended to replace, Peyz, paired with the hard-engage support king Delight.

It could be considered a significant reinforcement of their biggest weakness this season, the bottom lane; an offensive version of DK officially set sail.

T1 was almost the only team in LCK that did not make any personnel changes.

One piece of news after another arrived, constantly provoking the nerves of the audience!

Following closely behind.

Was the official opening of the LPL transfer period.

All the viewers were like bloodthirsty sharks, circling the sea surface, watching every piece of news about the players they cared about, trying to find clues...

(End of chapter)