Pandora's Box

After a while, Uncle Zhao asked again: "If you have such a good job, why don't you do it and come to the mountains? Are you unable to continue?"

"..." I was dazed for a few seconds, and said quickly, "Ah, the work pressure is too high, and I need to adjust it. You can ask Ziyue, the life in T city is fast, and it consumes a lot of people, isn't it? "

Zhao Ziyue nodded.

"If you can't work under that kind of high pressure for a long time, you have to change the environment to relax your nerves and recharge yourself." I started to run the train, "I'm not reading all the time? The rest is to go further! Anyway, the salary is so high , I’ve earned enough money, it’s okay to rest for a long time. You see, I haven’t been short of money after staying here for so long, right? When I’m done resting, I’ll naturally go back to T city.”

Zhao Ziyue looked at me subtly, while Zhao Zichao and Aunt Zhao looked at me with admiration.

I hurried back to the topic: "My job is not important. The important thing is that the times have changed. Playing games has become a competitive sport. There are national competitions and world competitions, and the prize money is very generous."

I asked: "Speaking of which, who is the best reader in our village?"

Uncle Zhao immediately said, "Zichao's cousin, she is the number one student in the provincial college entrance examination."

"I won No.1 in the province in the college entrance examination, and I am the champion of the provincial college entrance examination. If Zichao can play the best game in the province, isn't he also the champion? Besides, in my opinion, Zichao can not only win the provincial championship," I said. The more excited he said, "He has the hope of winning the national championship, and even going abroad to play in international competitions and win glory for the country!"

Uncle Zhao choked on the smoke and coughed, "Just him?"

Zhao Ziyue had an embarrassing look on his face, "You're blowing too much, you should brake quickly", and Zhao Zichao also murmured, "That's impossible."

At this critical moment, I can't let Zhao Zichao destroy my prestige, so I slapped my chest: "You have to have some confidence, GLX is the team that won the championship!"

"..."

"If you can enter the GLX youth training, that is equivalent to entering the T major in the e-sports world."

This word obviously shocked everyone's expressions.

Aunt Zhao asked: "What is the youth training, is it such a powerful place?"

"Youth training is a youth training camp. It is a place for talented young people like Zichao to train. They spend a lot of time practicing every day, and they also have professional coaches to guide them. There are also youth training camps for football and basketball. The performance is outstanding. If you do so, you will have a chance to be hired by the club, GLX is a top e-sports club, with several well-known gaming divisions under it..."

I hit the iron while the iron was hot, and boasted about the great achievements of GLX so far, based on the current situation of the e-sports market, looking forward to the future, and dug out some live photos and videos of previous years' games from the photo album, and cast them on the TV.As an amateur player who was once obsessed with gossip, I still kept a lot of information about these classic events.

"This is the venue for the World Championships. Look at how big the venue is and how many viewers there are, not to mention the number of viewers watching the online broadcast."

Aunt Zhao looked at it in surprise for a while and said, "Why are there foreigners? It looks like the Olympics."

I slapped my thigh: "That's right! Aunt Zhao, your awareness is very good! You have a pattern!"

At the opening scene of the World Championship, there were extremely cool lights and shadows, majestic performances, shocking VR special effects, and overwhelming cheers from the audience when the contestants appeared on the stage.

Everyone sat around, facing the screen, and stopped talking.

After the opening video, I asked Zhao Zichao, "Do you want to be on this stage, Zichao?"

He nodded vigorously.

"Then go for it, okay?"

He nodded desperately again.

Uncle Zhao was smoking a cigarette on the side, but he didn't make a sound.

In the next few days, the atmosphere at home was a little delicate.

Aunt Zhao always cared about the child, as long as he wasn't cheated, broke the law and was not idle, she would support whatever that kid wanted to do, and at most she would complain.

But Uncle Zhao was different. He didn't say a word to the brothers these days, and he didn't talk to me. Obviously, we were all beaten into the enemy's small group.

I also felt that what I said that night was a little exaggerated.After all, this circle is full of talents and the competition is cruel, and there are only a few people who can successfully reach the highest stage in their short careers.After several years of ups and downs, many excellent players can only retire with regret.

To climb the pyramid of the e-sports circle, apart from extraordinary talent and absolute hard work, part of it is uncontrollable luck.

Although Zichao is very talented, it is completely unknown how high the talent is and how high the opportunity can push him.

I was a little afraid that in order to persuade them that day, I drew an overly beautiful pie for them, and in the end it would make them look forward to it in vain.

But my worries are my worries, and the time can't be wasted in vain. I still bought a plane ticket and asked Aunt Zhao to give Uncle Zhao a break.Although Zichao is determined to leave no matter what, even if he breaks his leg, he still hopes that Uncle Zhao can make a statement.

It's time to go out today.I still only carry the black backpack, and Zhao Zichao has no luggage, just a dark blue travel bag. The boy’s belongings are simple. Aunt Zhao tried to pack a bunch of things for him, but I persuaded him: " You don’t need to bring these, T City has everything, just buy it if you need it.”

"Then do you have enough money on your body?" Aunt Zhao reached into her pocket as she spoke, "You take these with you..."

Zhao Zichao and I refused in unison: "No need!"

"Don't worry about Aunt Zhao," I patted my chest, "I have money, and if I don't have enough money, I will give him a cushion first."

"Hey, Zichao is not like his brother. He has grown so big, and he has never traveled far, and he has never even been on a train. You have to worry about this journey..."

"No, the plane will be very fast, and it will arrive after a short nap." In order to comfort her, I started bragging again: "You don't have to worry about things after you arrive in T city. I know the place well and have many friends. , leave it to me."

When Zhao Ziyue was about to drive, Uncle Zhao slowly came out of the house with a cigarette.

Zhao Zichao hurriedly called "Dad", and Uncle Zhao responded in a lukewarm manner, and then said, "We have to go."

Zhao Zichao looked at me, then at his brother, summoned up his courage and said, "Yes! I'm leaving."

Uncle Zhao took two puffs of his cigarette and said, "Oh, I don't really understand the outside world. But you have to ask yourself if you understand."

"..."

"To be honest, I don't think those good things are your turn. The national champion, can our old Zhao family have this life? I think the provincial champion is enough. The good things they said for you are to let us relax and let you go. .As for what level you are, you have to know something in your heart, don't be praised for a few words and you won't know your name."

"..." I couldn't help feeling guilty for a while.

"I won't say much, anyway, you don't like to listen to it. If you are not afraid of wasting time, then go."

We dare not take this remark, after all, we don't know if what he said is ironic.Waiting for the sentence "Don't come back after you go", then the tragedy of Zichao and his elder brother will repeat itself.

Uncle Zhao stood and smoked his cigarette in silence before turning back to the house.Before entering the door, he suddenly said: "If you can't get along anymore, come back quickly. Don't be afraid of being ashamed. Anyway, your embarrassment is not bad."

"..."

Zhao Zichao tightly clutched the bag in his hand, but did not speak.He looked like he was about to cry.

I comforted Aunt Zhao by saying that we would be there after a night of sleep on the plane, but Zhao Ziyue drove us to the L city airport.

Zhao Zichao had never traveled far, nor had he been in a car for such a long time, and he began to suffer from motion sickness, and vomited in the car.Zhao Ziyue saw me in the rearview mirror frantically helping to carry the plastic bag of vomit, shook his head and said with a smile: "It will be fine when the high-speed rail arrives at our place at the end of the year."

Finally arrived at the airport smoothly, went through the formalities, and the group arrived at the entrance of the security check queue. It was time to say goodbye to Zhao Ziyue.

Zhao Zichao, who was about to take the first plane in his life, was very nervous, chewing like a lamb on the greengage I bought him.Zhao Ziyue looked at his younger brother with a smile, stroked the short-haired boy's head, and said softly, "Go."

Then he smiled at me again: "When I get to T city, I'll leave it to you. My brother is stupid, don't lose him."

"Don't worry, it won't."

I only lost myself.

"I didn't expect you to be the one who took my brother out of here," Zhao Ziyue sighed, "I knew what his dream was, but I never thought about letting him go out. Now that I think about it, I am narrow-minded." I am too self-centered. Not everyone has lofty ideals like me."

"No," I said immediately, "you are not narrow-minded. There are many people who want to go out, but few people are willing to come back. You are the one with lofty ideals, and your ideals are different from ordinary people."

Zhao Ziyue stared at me, his eyes were deep and dark, he moved his lips slightly, as if he wanted to say something, but he didn't speak again.

We followed the flow of people into the security check channel, and we had to turn around to look at him. His handsome face was blurred in the bustling crowd.

The plane slowly landed on the runway of T City Airport, and when the wheels finally touched the ground, there was an unavoidable strong vibration in the cabin, and my heart also jumped heavily.

I thought I would never come back, but I didn't expect the moment to set foot on this land again to come so quickly.

Although I was mentally prepared, this was only a short stay, and I would not have any interaction with those I could not meet again, but the moment I stepped into the terminal of T City Airport, everything I was familiar with still gave me a sense of relief. An unreal trance.

Zhao Zichao looked around while walking, and exclaimed, "Wow, this place is so big!"

I smiled and said, "Yes, it takes a long time to go out, we..."

I suddenly saw a huge advertisement for Zhuo Wenyang's products.

On the giant screen facing me, the tall and stern male model was not Zhuo Wenyang, but I still felt like I was hit hard on my chest by something.

I couldn't help but took several deep breaths.

I thought I had calmed down, but even this slightest encounter, which was not even considered a "reunion", still set off a huge wave in my heart.

I am much weaker than I expected.

I strode forward mechanically along the passage, and Zhao Zichao followed me closely all the way, like a little tail.In fact, because of his height, he looks like a docile big tail.

"Boss, boss, where shall we wait?"

I can feel his uneasiness, as well as his total trust and dependence on me.This made my shaken heart slowly stabilize again, and then I finally settled down.

I smiled and said to him: "Let's go to the hotel first, have a good meal in the evening, and sleep peacefully. I will take you to the GLX team base tomorrow."

Zhao Zichao's eyes sparkled: "Okay, okay!"

Zhao Zichao had a good appetite this evening, so much so that I suspected that he would be blacklisted by the cafeteria owner.Back at the hotel, the initial curiosity and excitement passed, and he slept well—I sent him a message in the middle of the night, but I didn’t get a reply, so he must be sleeping in the dark—it seemed that he didn’t feel uncomfortable at all.

So far I have relaxed a little.At least T city is not harsh to him who is new here.

The next day, I took Zhao Zichao to the GLX base at the appointed time.Gu Yin came out to receive us in person, with a warm smile, which eased my tense mood.

I myself see that the world is cold and warm, and it doesn't matter, but I am very worried that if Zhao Zichao is treated coldly, fortunately Gu Yin is indeed a good person who has his own opinions.

Gu Yin is the same as two years ago, not much has changed, she still has a gentle and steady appearance, but her face looks a little more tired.

I know that he is not only responsible for team personnel, adjusting the physical and mental state of the players, but also responsible for the team's external public relations.Managing behind the scenes, discussing things in front of the stage, being both a father and a mother is really not easy.

After exchanging greetings, Gu Yin showed us around the base.I’m fine, as GLX is a giant in e-sports, it’s naturally equipped in all aspects, but it’s not extravagant either.Zhao Zichao was completely stunned.

"Wow..."

He leaned against the glass partition wall and looked at the well-equipped training room on the other side of the wall, as if looking forward to another world.

Gu Yin said to him: "You were introduced by Lin Jing. I have no doubts about your strength. But I still want you to try to play a few games with the team members, so that I can understand your game style."

Zhao Zichao nodded quickly, then looked back at me, the expression on that young face became visibly tense.

Gu Yin took him into the training room, found him a computer, and called a few team members over. After a brief introduction, everyone sat down and prepared to play.

I saw Zhao Zichao put his hands on the keyboard and mouse cautiously.He had never touched such a good peripheral device or used such a good computer, so he seemed at a loss and out of place.

I watched anxiously outside, and waited for Gu Yin to arrange them, I quickly signaled him to come out, and then explained to him: "Zichao is a kid from the countryside. He is very talented, but he is not experienced enough in all aspects." , it might be uncomfortable at first..."

Gu Yin smiled and said: "I understand, I will observe more, don't worry."

Drinking tea absent-mindedly in the hall, waiting for Gu Yin's evaluation of Zhao Zichao, I was more nervous than waiting for my own exam results.

After an unknown period of time, Gu Yin finally came out again, his expression looked a little surprised, he said: "Lin Jing, this kid Zichao is really good."

I was excited: "Really?"

"Although he is inexperienced and lacks tactical foundation, his reaction ability is quite amazing," Gu Yin said with a smile, "I just felt like I saw Ada when he was 17 years old."

Ada is one of the most prestigious players in this game. Even after retiring, he has left his immortal legend in this circle.

I was relieved for a moment, as if it was the first time my child got a hundred points in the exam, and I was almost in tears.

Gu Yin said: "Let Zichao train here, I am very optimistic about him. He will definitely shine in the draft."

Zichao has officially entered the youth training camp, and I have no plans to leave T City yet.My plan is to wait until the youth training camp is over and the draft results come out before leaving, in case he is not used to it or needs some help, and his family is thousands of miles away.

Although Guyin kept in touch with me and told me about Zichao's progress, I was still not at ease, so after a few days, I went to the base to look for Guyin again.

"Is Zichao adapting well?"

"Very good," Gu Yin said, "Zichao is extremely talented, and he is very willing to endure hardships. These children are actually very hardworking, and he can spend more time practicing than others."

I breathed a sigh of relief: "That's good."

Gu Yin smiled and said, "Thank you for drawing an SSR card for me."

Then he said, "It's a good thing you came to see me recently. If it had been earlier, I wouldn't have dared to accept him."

I wondered: "What's wrong?"

He was slightly taken aback: "GLX's capital chain has a problem, don't you know?"

"Ah?" I was shocked, so I had to be honest, "I really don't know. A while ago, I went to the deep mountains and old forests to cultivate my body and mind, and I didn't use the Internet much. What happened?"

In fact, if the time is pushed back a little bit, it should be said that since the car accident, I have no leisure to pay attention to these extraneous things.

Gu Yin smiled wryly and said: "Actually, the management is also all looking for good, but... alas, it's a long story. Anyway, it was really difficult at that time, and the salary could not be paid. If it continues, it will probably have to sell the players. Without money, there is no way to strengthen the team during the transfer period, and TAWA's contract will expire at the end of the year, and if there is not enough money, I am afraid it will not be possible to keep it."

TAWA is a veteran of GLX, and exists like a pillar.

"But now we have a new investor," he let out a long breath, "The Zhuo Group is going to acquire GLX. Although it probably needs to be renamed, it's better than having no future for the team."

I was taken aback for a moment, then hesitated and said, "What's the situation? Who?"

"The person in charge is Zhuo Wenyang." Gu Yin looked at my expression and smiled, "You don't know about this either? Where did you go to without internet connection?"

"..."

Gu Yin raised his hand and looked at his watch, and said, "Zhuo Wenyang is coming to have a meeting with us at 06:30."

My heart was beating uncontrollably.

"Wait, do you want to have a meal together? The food in our cafeteria is actually pretty good."

I "huo" stood up: "I have something to do, I'm going first!"