translator: Ciel
After Xiao Han won the match 2:0, the semifinal matches scheduled for the morning had all ended, and the list of finalists was released—— Xiao Han and Qin Mo.
The audience hadn’t expected that Mojue’s Twin Stars would really meet in the finals!
“God Han, you will face Qin Mo in the finals. The both of you used to be rivals, but now, you have become teammates. How are you feeling right now?” The reporter asked Xiao Han excitedly.
Xiao Han offered a rarely-seen long reply. “I’ve been looking forward to this match for a very long time. When Xiao Mo retired, I told him that I hoped he would come back to fight me once again. Today, my wish has finally come true, and I’m very pleased about it.”
“Since you’re Mojue’s vice captain, this will be a match between your own people. Will you show each other mercy in the finals?” The reporter asked.
Xiao Han shook his head. “No. He won’t be polite, and I will naturally give it my all.”
Considering the viewing ratings, the finals would be held at 8:00pm. “Let’s look forward to this fateful match together. See you in the evening!” the reporter announced excitedly.
Xiao Han offered a polite goodbye before returning backstage.
Back on the live broadcast, Qin Ye hadn’t wanted to praise Xiao Han—— Over the years, Xiao Han had won many awards in both large and small competitions, and now stood at the top. It wasn’t necessary to praise him. Seeing that Qin Ye didn’t want to talk, Ye Chao quickly summarized the two matches in the morning, informing the audience about the broadcast time for the finals, before smoothly ending the commentary.
On their way backstage, Ye Chao couldn’t help but ask, “God Ye, you seem to be particularly close to Qin Mo?”
“Is it not allowed for seniors to care for their juniors?” Qin Ye replied calmly.
“They’re both your juniors, but you don’t seem to like Xiao Han much?” Ye Chao hit the nail on the head.
Qin Ye turned to look at him. “Xiao Han has earned many awards, and doesn’t need any more praise from me. But Qin Mo isn’t the same; he has struggled for so long, once again fighting to return to this stage after so many twists and turns. To me, Qin Mo requires more encouragement.”
Ye Chao sighed. “God Ye, aren’t you being somewhat biased?”
“Personal preference,” Qin Ye raised an eyebrow. “I just am biased towards Qin Mo, so what? Is it not allowed?”
There was zero chance of winning an argument against Qin Ye, and the commentator famous for his poisonous tongue, Ye Chao, immediately surrendered. “Of course it’s allowed!”
However, from Qin Ye’s shortcomings and obvious bias, Ye Chao deducted that the relationship between Qin Mo and Qin Ye wasn’t simple. Both were surnamed Qin, their hometown was in Xi’an, and their appearances were also somewhat similar—— were they actually related to each other?
Having guessed this much, Ye Chao resolved never to speak it aloud. It would be better to pretend not to know anything.
***
Qin Ye happened to meet Su Cheng in the corridor as he was walking backstage.
Seeing Qin Ye, Su Cheng took the initiative to greet him. “Hello, god Ye.”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
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Qin Ye stared at him. “Your grandmaster Lan Weiran is notoriously lazy, and probably hasn’t taught you much? Most likely, your skills were learnt from master Ye Chenxi?”
Su Cheng nodded. “It is thanks to master’s guidance.”
“It was a play worthy of Ye Chenxi’s apprentice,” Qin Ye added uncourteously. “No one in Peerless Jianghu can compare with your hidden depths.”
Despite being faced with such poisonous words, Su Cheng was still able to smile. “I will accept god Ye’s praise for myself and my master on his behalf.”
Qin Ye was too lazy to care about this cheeky person, simply bidding him farewell.
Back in the Wulin league, Ye Chenxi was the captain with the deepest mind, and constantly came up with mysterious and unpredictable tactical arrangements. Being under his tutelage, Su Cheng could be expected to cause Qin Mo a lot of trouble on his road to the championship. His victory against Xiao Han in the group stage was obviously the result of Ye Chenxi’s guidance. However, with Ye Chenxi’s own role in the Falling Flowers club, he would definitely not stay behind the scenes to continue guiding Su Cheng forever, just as how Li Cangyu would not always guide Xiao Han, and how Ling Xuefeng would not intervene in Qin Mo’s team—— those who were great gods shared a consensus; the master led the way to the door, but how far their apprentices went, was up to themselves.
Qin Mo and Xiao Han happened to walk by after Su Cheng left. Seeing Qin Ye, Qin Mo immediately walked towards him. “Uncle.”
There was no one else around, which was why Qin Mo did not deliberately change the way he addressed Qin Ye.
Qin Ye smiled, gently patting his nephew on the shoulder. “Today’s match was fought beautifully.”
“It was difficult to win,” Qin Mo smiled. “Nie Yuzhu is quite strong.”
“In any case, it’s still a win,” Qin Ye replied. “To be able to win using tactics proves your intelligence.”
Leaning over, Xiao Han questioned, “God Ye, what about me?”
Qin Ye stared at him. “You? Still passable.”
“Thanks for the praise, god Ye!” Xiao Han beamed.
Just the two words of ‘still passable’ was enough to satisfy Xiao Han. He had been very afraid of Qin Ye mocking him on the live broadcast, complaining that he wasn’t performing to his usual standards.
Having met his uncle, Qin Mo was naturally feeling cordial. “Shall we have lunch together at noon?” He proposed.
“I’ll treat you!” Xiao Han diligently added.
The rest of Mojue’s members were present. Qin Ye recognised them all, and decided to give Xiao Han some face, accepting the invitation to lunch.
As the food was served, Xiao Han habitually piled dishes in Qin Mo’s bowl. However, there seemed to be a cold gaze constantly staring at him from the side.
Faced with Qin Ye’s questioning gaze, Qin Mo immediately kicked Xiao Han, the action blocked by the table, implying that he ought to take food for himself, and not constantly put food in Qin Mo’s own bowl in front of their elders.
Unfortunately, Xiao Han didn’t understand subtleties. “Xiao Mo, why are you kicking me?”
Qin Mo: “…”
Qin Ye’s lips twitched as he stared at Qin Mo, who could only try to change the subject. “Cough, was being a guest commentator in the semifinals the only reason why you came to Beijing, uncle?”
“En,” Qin Ye finally stopped staring. “I’ll return to Changsha with you all tomorrow, after watching today’s finals. Liu Chuan gave me a call, saying that Dragon Song has a new batch of players waiting to be interviewed, and asked me to supervise. I may stay in Changsha for a little while, and might teach those new players in the meantime.”
“With you present, Liu Chuan will definitely feel more at ease,” Qin Mo replied.
“Hehe, with god Ye being the interviewer, Dragon Song will no longer let go of talented players like me!” Shen He interjected, laughing.
Qin Ye frowned at Shen He. “When did you learn to boast? You’re already complacent after only reaching the top 16, are you going to go up to heaven directly after another few small achievements?”
“Uh…” Shen He, who was scolded by god Ye, immediately lowered his head, much like a student who was scolded for doing something wrong.
“Xiao He usually talks a lot. While he seldom stops, he is definitely not arrogant.” Qin Mo spoke up for his apprentice. “This time, he made it into the top 16 because of luck. He will continue training after returning to Changsha.”
“That’s right!” Shen He immediately supported his master’s words. “I was in group G, and managed to qualify with some luck. If I had been in group A or group B, I would definitely have been abused.”
“As long as you are aware.” Qin Ye was too lazy to argue with this small monkey, and turned his attention back to the food.
After lunch, everyone returned to the hotel. As a guest commentator, Qin Ye naturally stayed in the same hotel as the players.
At the end of the corridor, Qin Ye suddenly spoke. “Xiao Mo, come to my room for a moment.”
Qin Mo was uneasy, constantly feeling that his uncle’s sharp eyes seemed to have found something. He obediently followed after Qin Ye, but his palms were constantly sweating. If Qin Ye found out that he was with Xiao Han, how should he explain it? Would Qin Ye object? Would Qin Ye tell his father?
Troubled, Qin Mo walked into the room with his head hung low.
Seeing his head hung low and his pale face, Qin Ye already guessed the truth in his heart. However, this nephew of his has always had a strong personality, and it wasn’t good for Qin Ye to interfere with his relationship. “I am not qualified to manage your private business,” Qin Ye helplessly admitted, “but even if the path you take is thorny, you must reach the end, even if you have to do so on your knees—— do you understand me?”
Startled, Qin Mo nodded in response. “I understand…”
“You don’t regret it?” Qin Ye asked.
Qin Mo lifted his head, meeting Qin Ye’s gaze head-on. “I don’t, because I know that I haven’t chosen wrongly.”
This statement of his showed his recognition of Xiao Han with a stubborn yet firm attitude, just like the decision of that year, when he asked the Qin family to help him keep his secrets after the accident, never letting anyone know.
Qin Mo’s personality was just like this. Once a decision was made, he would see it through, even if he had to suffer for it.
Qin Ye was very distressed for this stubborn and proud nephew, but he could do nothing. After a moment of silence, Qin Ye finally spoke. “I hope that Xiao Han is worthy of your trust. If not, I will never let him go.”
Sure enough, his uncle had already discovered it. Embarrassed, Qin Mo didn’t know what to say.
Instead, it was Qin Ye who took the initiative to change a topic. “How confident are you for the finals tonight?”
Qin Mo didn’t speak, which indicated that he wasn’t sure.
Qin Ye was very straightforward. “From a bystander’s point of view, your current strength is insufficient for you to win against Xiao Han.”
Since his uncle was honest, Qin Mo had no reason to hide, and simply nodded. “En, I have left the league for three years, but in this time, Xiao Han has been bringing the team everywhere. He has accumulated more experience than me, and his progress in the past three years is not something I can catch up to overnight. I admit that for now, Xiao Han’s strength is superior to mine.”
Qin Ye’s lips quirked upward slightly. “Being able to admit this so candidly, it seems as though you’re already prepared to lose?”
Qin Mo nodded. “When we practice privately in the team, we usually wait till the end. Xiao Han is probably afraid that I will be upset, so he restrains himself, and doesn’t do his best. Most of the time, we discuss skills and tactics, and won’t fight to the death to determine a winner. However, we are now in the finals, and Xiao Han cannot possibly show me mercy. In fact, I have already prepared myself for the loss.”
Calling him over to take a seat on the sofa, Qin Ye poured a glass of water. “In a match between masters, winning or losing is never inevitable. Even if you have prepared yourself to a loss, conversely, there is still a 40% chance of winning.”
Realising that his uncle was going to instruct him, Qin Mo immediately sat up straighter, eagerly paying attention.
Qin Ye took a sip of water. “You now play a swordsman. In a confrontation with Xiao Han’s assassin, distance is no longer important; the key has always been control. I have watched your previous games. You are good at controlling the field, and have more control skills than Xiao Han. However, Xiao Han is your teammate, and knows you very well. He will no doubt clearly calculate your rhythm of control. If you wish to defeat him in the finals, you must first disrupt your own rhythm.”
Qin Mo’s eyes brightened. “Using the secret books?”
“Secret books and maps can both be used,” Qin Ye nodded. “You cannot match him in terms of hand speed and explosive ability. However, in terms of meticulousness in tactics and layout, he cannot compare to you.”
Qin Ye’s affirmation greatly increased Qin Mo’s confidence. In fact, he was also clear about this point; if he wanted to win against Xiao Han, he could only rely on his skills to grasp victory. It was like a war between two armies in the ancient times. If one’s own army was obviously inferior in strength, a head-on fight would only result in defeat. Only by relying on tactics, would there be a ray of hope.
“I played an assassin before,” Qin Ye continued. “The assassin’s greatest strength is in attacking the opponent from behind. Conversely, what the assassin fears most is for the enemy to stand behind him, and control him with a series of skills.”
Qin Mo nodded earnestly. “I understand.”
Smiling, Qin Ye patted his nephew on the shoulder. “Personal feelings aside, this battle will determine the top god of the league. It is the best chance for you to prove yourself after your return to the circle, so cherish it well.”
“Thank you for the pointers, uncle,” Qin Mo smiled. “I will do my best.”
Three years ago, Xiao Han had said: I hope that one day, you can return to the stage, and defeat me with your own hands.
Those words had been inspirational to a friend who had to leave in dismay. At that time, Qin Mo had said: there will not be such a day.
Fortunately, god gave him another chance, and that day had finally arrived!
Qin Ye is really sharp just like LXF~ Finding their relationship out so quickly~ He is a good uncle! He wasn’t against it! And he’s being so supportive~! Good for Qin Mo~
Can’t wait for their match ahh… I hope that Qin Mo wins since he suffered so much but I also don’t want to see Xiao Han lose hmm~ What to do… ( ๑ – ﹏ – ๑ ) Can’t it be a draw~?
Thank you for the chapter! ❤︎ ❤︎ ❤︎
Lol, he really is sharp and he really care about Qin Mo 💕
Just wait and see their spectacular battle, you’ll love it ❤
You’re welcome~ 💕💕
I loved this chapter, Qin Ye is a good uncle taking care of our Momo, I don’t know why I didn’t thought about Qin Ye knowing of Qin Mo accident… Is obvious he knew, after all they’re family 😅 he may not show it all that much due to his personality but Qin Ye really cares about Momo ❤️
I’m so excited about the next chapter! I want to see the final match so bad, I really hope Momo wins but I understand it is against the ods after all, probably a 2:1 in favor of Xiao Han? Let’s wait and see~~
Thanks for the chapter! ( ◜‿◝ )♡
Yess, he sure is know about Qin Mo’s accident, like Xuewei and he’s really realllyy care about Qin Mo, i love him already 😍
Let’s wait and see~ and you’re welcome~ ❤
Ya, hahahha see, I knew it! Qin Ye definitely knew about them, esp when Xiao Han is a guy who really can’t take subtle hints at all lolol~~ Qin Ye is such a nice uncle la, at least he understands Momo’s character and morales. Also Su Cheng seems really like a hidden BOSS, im looking forward to his obstructions and the upcoming match!!
Wishing those two a forever happy journey within the e-sports circle feels so easy esp since theyre the main charas and have been dedicated to each other for so long, but they really deserve it. Thank you for this chapter 💝
Lol, Xiao Han is like “Xiao Mo, why are you kicking me?” I laughed 🤣
Agreed, he is a nice uncle ❤
There will be many hidden BOSS in their path to championship, i also looking forward for their match to the end~
You’re welcome~ 💕
i knew it!! qin ye is not a clueless person, he can absolutely find out about their relationship with just a few subtle hints because he’s that smart and sensitive. he’s not like liu chuan and li cangyu who needed a big enough clue to discover a hidden relationship. they’re both kinda dense, unlike qin ye