Chapter 8: Does it hurt?
After the commentators finished discussing the champions and team compositions commonly used by both teams' players, for some reason, the topic circled back around again.
"The competition this time is definitely going to be sensational, but I'm actually still a little regretful deep inside," Commentator A said. "I'm sure everyone would rather see two of LPL's teams contend for the trophy on their home ground."
Commentator B nodded. "Yes, it's really too bad about Tank. But they've worked extremely hard, and even played all the way to BO5. I'm sure that next year they'll definitely be able to adjust their condition and start out anew."
When the commentators said that, Lu Boyuan was still looking at Jian Rong, eyes lowered, as if what they were saying had nothing to do with him.
Upon hearing Jian Rong's reply, Lu Boyuan let out an "en" and sat upright once more while also removing his mask and hat. Since he was already caught by the cameras, there was no point in trying to hide anymore.
Jian Rong stared at his chin for a few seconds. Only when Lu Boyuan turned his head to the side to talk to Yuan Qian did he abruptly pull himself together and sit back in his chair lightning fast.
Even though it was quite noisy around them, if he listened carefully, he could still hear what the people next to him were chatting about.
Yuan Qian and the others were talking about going to eat skewers after the competition, and they were currently discussing where to eat.
Lu Boyuan only listened, interjecting occasionally with an "anything works" or "en."
His voice wasn't loud, and it sounded more or less the same way it did during competition interviews. It was a little deeper than when Jian Rong had first heard it a few years ago.
Shiliu called his name, and when he didn't receive a reply, he nudged Jian Rong with his elbow. "Jian Rong?"
Jian Rong suddenly snapped out of it. "Ah?"
"It's starting."
The stage lights were on in full effect, and some time ago the two teams had already gone on stage. The host was currently introducing each player to the audience.
PUD was LPL's other powerful and rich team, and they had been extremely popular before TTC suddenly emerged out of nowhere. Last year alone, they had pulled two powerful Korean players into the team, and their team's popularity was second only to TTC's.
All ten players took their seats, and the atmosphere of the stadium instantly grew tense. After the pick-ban phase began, the arena was even more engulfed by shouts of "PUD."
After the team composition was locked, Shiliu asked, "Who do you think will win?"
Jian Rong said, "Dunno."
"Analyze a little ah. PUD's jungler chose Jarvan, and his win rate with Jarvan has been very high. This season he only lost one match while playing Jarvan." Shiliu paused momentarily. "Of course, I know he isn't as strong as Road..."
"PUD's team composition is better than HT's." Jian Rong interrupted him. "...if they don't screw up in the early game, PUD will have a higher chance of winning in the mid-late game. Also, lower your voice a little, don't disturb the people around us as they watch."
The commentators' voices were already so loud, who could Shiliu possibly disturb?
Shiliu gave a baffled "oh" and lowered his voice.
Yuan Qian was fully focused on watching the game when Xiao Bai suddenly tugged at his sleeve from next to him.
"Qian-ge," Xiao Bai said, "How about you switch places with Captain?"
