[Killing Delilo and others triggered the system reward, granting one villa in Xiaoshan, H City Center (worth 35 million).]
In an instant, Liu Hao felt a property deed appear in his system space, and he couldn't help but marvel at the system's prowess in securing even a villa.
Liu Hao walked down from the competition stage, having defeated three opponents in a row, leaving the Hundred Blossoms fans in complete silence. The faces of the Hundred Blossoms team members were visibly sad, while the Excellent Era fans were enthusiastically shouting, "10:0!"
The dignity of last season's runner-up team was trampled underfoot and utterly shattered.
"What's going on? Why so down? We haven't even played the team match yet; we haven't lost!" someone in the team suddenly said.
It was Mo Chuchen, the priest player of Hundred Blossoms.
Healers, due to their irreplaceability, still held a transcendent voice in the team.
Hundred Blossoms' current situation could have been more comfortable. Zou Yuan, the new captain, had both skill and talent but needed to be more experienced to bear the heavy responsibility. Like Liu Chan of Shu Han, in crucial moments, the captain was supposed to stand up and boost morale, yet Zou Yuan sat there silently. (Liu Chen (simplified Chinese: 刘谌; traditional Chinese: 劉諶; pinyin: Liú Chén; died December 263), the Prince of Beidi (北地王), was the fifth son of Liu Shan, the second ruler of the state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period of China.)
"Yeah, everyone, cheer up," Du Wenhao said quietly, but his voice was as soft as a mosquito.
Tang Hao sighed heavily, stood up abruptly, and said, "We still have the team match. There are still five points to be earned. Everyone, lift your spirits. We still have a chance to fight!"
"How should we fight?" Zhu Xiaoping suddenly asked.
This question stumped Tang Hao. How to fight? One Autumn Leaf, Dancing Rain, and Total Darkness were all challenging to deal with. He needed to be a player who understood tactics well; the only idea in his mind was to go head-to-head.
But… can we win?
Seeing everyone looking at him expectantly, Tang Hao couldn't say anything. It felt a bit awkward; wasn't the captain supposed to speak up now? Where's Zou Yuan? Zou Yuan… damn, Zou Yuan is also looking at me…
After a long pause, Tang Hao said, "Blossom and Blood(tactic) handle Excellent Era's Invasion(Tactic); I'll deal with Liu Hao!"
"Um…" Zou Yuan finally spoke up, "We're not very good at Blossom and Blood. To be honest, our coordination has never been very smooth."
Du Wenhao quickly nodded in agreement.
Tang Hao covered his face, suddenly wanting to flee from this place. What kind of teammates are these? The captain needs to gain responsibility, and worse, you don't even know Hundred Blossoms' signature tactic? That's like Sun Wukong forgetting the 72 transformations!
…
Liu Hao, feeling triumphant, stepped down from the stage. Mimicking Su Mucheng, he raised his chin at her and teased, "How about it? I took down three in a row, impressed?"
"Hmph, just average," Su Mucheng said blandly.
"Heh, you're just jealous," Liu Hao laughed.
"Who's paying attention to you!" Su Mucheng turned her face away in annoyance, not wanting to look at Liu Hao anymore.
After the intermission, the team match officially began. As both teams went on stage, Liu Hao noticed Tang Hao's furious expression, as if he wanted to tear him apart.
Ye Xiu, wearing a mask and hat, noticed Hundred Blossoms' unusual state. Once on the competition stage, he whispered, "Hundred Blossoms' morale is very low. Let's target Arrogant Flowers(Priest) with a strong attack to break their defence and disrupt their rhythm quickly."
"Got it!" Su Mucheng said, filled with fighting spirit.
A strong attack tactic, huh? So you want me to play support again… Liu Hao felt displeased. Although a vigorous attack was fitting, a magic swordsman couldn't lead it; it needed a combat mage and a high-output gunslinger.
Ye Xiu seemed to notice Liu Hao's discomfort. He turned and smiled at Liu Hao, saying, "Liu Hao, I won't command you. You continue with Box-1."
Heh, so you can't command me, which is why you're saying this… Liu Hao sneered inwardly but responded warmly, "Following Ye Captain's orders. You know, I've always been obedient."
Su Mucheng, standing nearby, couldn't help but think, "Obedient? If you're obedient, there wouldn't be any rebellious people in the world."
Everyone took their seats. Ye Xiu and Su Mucheng sat in positions one and two, respectively. Liu Hao, wanting to stay away from them, headed for position six. However, before he could sit down, Su Mucheng anxiously said, "Liu Hao, you're not allowed to sit next to me this time. I don't want fans to misunderstand."
Liu Hao's mouth twitched. I didn't intend to sit next to you anyway, but seeing Su Mucheng's cute yet disdainful expression, he couldn't help but smile. You don't want me to sit? Then I will.
"Fine, I'll choose last. How about that?" he said, giving a malicious look to everyone. Zhang Jiaxing, Shen Jian, and He Ming quickly took positions four, five, and six, leaving only position three empty.
"Well, no choice then." Liu Hao gave an evil grin and sat in position three.
"You…" Su Mucheng, frustrated, supported her head with her arm, looking at Liu Hao's smug expression with annoyance.
"Mucheng, should I switch places with you?" Ye Xiu suddenly suggested.
Su Mucheng was about to agree when Liu Hao immediately reminded her, "Su Mucheng if you switch seats, it will show the audience that there are internal conflicts in the Excellent Era. When something goes wrong, do you think Boss Tao will punish you or our dear Captain Ye Xiu?"
Zhang Jiaxing, Shen Jian, and He Ming all got goosebumps. Liu Hao's tone just now… sounded like a villain…
"Are you the devil?" Su Mucheng gritted her teeth. " You're Using the boss against me…"
She knew Tao Xuan wouldn't punish her, but Ye Xiu's suggestion of the switch would surely blame him if something went wrong.
Moreover, with the recent tension between Tao Xuan and Ye Xiu, Su Mucheng knew that Ye Xiu couldn't afford to give Tao Xuan any leverage. Tao Xuan genuinely wanted Ye Xiu out…
"Despicable, shameless!" Su Mucheng muttered.
"Heh, thanks for the compliment, but I'm still far from Ye Xiu's level," Liu Hao said calmly.
Ye Xiu smiled, "You're too modest."
"No, you sidelined me with Box-1, saying you wouldn't command me, but actually isolating me from the team and cutting off my command authority… Captain Ye Xiu's cunning surpasses mine."
Ye Xiu frowned, "You're overthinking it."
"Am I?" Liu Hao smiled. Then, can I switch with Ye Xiu? With a strong attack, the Steamed Bun Invasion(it is a pun by the author, by the way) combination is enough. Right, Shen Jian?"
"I'll follow Hao Ge's lead!" Shen Jian quickly responded, knowing that Ye Xiu had replaced him with Qiu Fei in the starting lineup while Hao Ge had brought him back from the bench.
Ye Xiu remained silent, but Su Mucheng couldn't help but ask, "Liu Hao, are you trying to seize command now?"
"Yes." Liu Hao admitted, "Miss Su, what can you do about it?"
(End of Chapter)
The fiction is available till chapter 136 on my Patreon now! That is till where the fiction is updated by the author.
The fic will be updated on daily basis now.
pat reon.com/ReidAstrea