Chapter 703
Live Broadcast
A figure carrying a giant street lamp and wearing a mask was spotted.
Weapon Master - Jax!
[Holy crap! Mozi's weapon!! This is a once-in-a-lifetime event!!]
[Darius vs. Jax, this top lane is going to be bloody!]
While weapons aren't exactly easy to use against Darius, in Mozi's hands, that might be a different story.
Game loading.
Su Mo bought a Doran's Blade and a health potion, and then controlled Jax to go online.
"When playing against Darius, the key in the early game is kiting and timing the use of his E skill, Counter Strike," Su Mo explained to the viewers in a calm voice while controlling his champion. "Darius's Q skill, Rage, has healing and high damage on the outer ring, but very low damage on the inner ring. So, either get close when he uses Q, or just kite him."
The lanes converge.
The opposing Darius played very aggressively, crossing the minion wave at level one to try and suppress Jax's last-hitting.
Su Mo did not back down, and Jax went to meet him carrying a street lamp.
"boom!"
Darius launched an auto-attack, and Su Mo immediately activated his E skill, Counter Strike!
Jax swung his lamppost in place, perfectly dodging Darius's auto-attack. Seeing this, Darius immediately tried to retreat and create distance, waiting for Jax's E skill to end.
But Su Mo reacted even faster. Instead of detonating his E skill prematurely, he timed it perfectly, catching up with Darius's movements at the last second of Counter Strike, and stunning him instantly!
In the moment of dizziness, Jax landed a basic attack, combined with the damage from Doran's Blade, instantly taking away a small chunk of Darius's health. Then, Su Mo didn't linger in the fight, using positioning to create distance.
“These are the details of the blood transfusion.” Su Mo took a sip of water from his thermos, his tone calm and collected. “Don’t be greedy for damage. Stun him, attack once, and then leave. If he can’t touch you, his health will slowly decrease.”
Three minutes later, both sides reached level three.
Darius seemed to be getting a little annoyed by Su Mo's lukewarm approach. The moment Su Mo went to last-hit the cannon minion, Darius used his E skill [Relentless Hand] to pull Jax over and unleash a full combo of Bloodrage.
"We've been waiting for you to pay the E."
Su Mo's eyes narrowed slightly. The moment Darius pulled him over, instead of using his Q skill [Leap Slash] to escape, he immediately activated his E skill [Counter Strike]!
Darius activated his W [Crippling Strike] to slow Jax, but it was all dodged by Counter Strike. Enraged, Darius immediately charged up his Q [Decisive Strike], intending to use the outer edge to hit Jax and heal.
"Stay close to him."
Su Mo's voice was extremely calm. Jax not only didn't retreat, but instead moved closely behind Darius's body, perfectly positioning himself within the inner circle of Darius's Q skill!
The inner circle Q skill deals minimal damage and has no healing effect!
Then, Su Mo pressed the Q skill [Leap Slash], and Jax jumped directly to the minion wave behind Darius, while detonating the E skill at the same time, stunning Darius again!
"Bang! Bang!"
Two consecutive basic attacks, plus W [Charged Strike] to reset the basic attack, and Darius's health instantly dropped to less than half!
Jax, because he stayed in the inner circle, kept his health above three-quarters!
"The opportunity for a solo kill has arrived."
Su Mo glanced at the experience bar; Jax was about to reach level four.
Instead of retreating, he continued to chase Darius, auto-attacking him relentlessly. Darius used Flash to try and escape back to his tower, but Su Mo followed without hesitation, flashing after him and securing the kill with a single auto-attack!
"First Blood!"
The entire process was seamless, without any unnecessary movements. It was as if Su Mo wasn't playing a high-level game, but rather giving a textbook demonstration.
The live stream chat exploded instantly:
My God! That pulling and maneuvering! That positioning! It's simply art!!
[Darius players are crying, this weapon is too disgusting! Just keep your distance and use your Q in the inner circle, who can withstand that?!]
[When Mozi said, "The chance to get a solo kill has arrived," he stated it as calmly as if he were stating a fact.]
[So smooth! Is this the oppressive feeling of a seven-time champion?!]
Su Mo finished off the enemy, pushed the minion wave, and returned to the city. He casually bought a longsword and a pair of straw sandals.
"This hero, Jax, doesn't require fancy maneuvers. As long as you have precise distance control, he's a god in lane," Su Mo said casually as he walked towards the lane.
For the next ten minutes, the top lane became a complete solo show for Su Mo. The enemy Darius was solo killed three times, couldn't even get any experience from the turret, and simply disconnected.
At the 20-minute mark, the opposing team initiated a surrender vote.
"Alright, warm-up's over. I'm going to play a practice match now." Su Mo glanced at the time, closed the game client without hesitation, waved to the camera, and said, "Good afternoon, everyone, I'm ending the stream."
Download at the speed of light.
A group of fans who hadn't had enough were left eagerly waiting in the black-screen live stream room.
……
EDG's scrim ended at 5 PM.
Su Mo took off his headphones and rubbed his slightly sore neck. Today's training match went very smoothly; the team adapted to the new version much faster than expected.
"Mozi, do you have any plans for tonight?" Mingkai walked over with a tactical board. "If not, Abu said the club is having a small dinner tonight to celebrate the end of the transfer window and having a full squad."
"I won't be going to the dinner party." Su Mo stood up, picked up his peripheral bag and thermos, "I have some personal matters to attend to, so I won't be eating at the base tonight."
Mingkai didn't force him; he knew Su Mo's personality—he didn't like to join in the fun.
"Okay, then take care on your journey. Remember to be on time for the meeting at 10 a.m. tomorrow."
After leaving the base, Su Mo drove to a high-end, private Japanese restaurant in Shanghai's JA district instead of returning to his apartment.
A few days ago, Lin Xuan sent him a WeChat message to invite him to dinner, saying it was to thank him for the "security-level" protection he provided at the Sanya exhibition match, and also to celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year in advance.
The private room was quiet and elegant, with a faint cherry blossom fragrance in the air.
Today, Lin Xuan wore a soft khaki trench coat over a black turtleneck sweater, her long hair casually draped over her shoulders. Without the heavy makeup she wore in front of the camera, she exuded a serene and gentle charm, a natural elegance untouched by artifice.
Seeing Su Mo push open the door and enter, she immediately stood up, a stunning smile playing on her lips. "You're here. Was there traffic?" Lin Xuan's voice was soft, her eyes revealing an expectation she herself didn't realize.
"Thankfully, the evening rush hour is over." Su Mo took off his coat and hung it on the hanger, then sat down on the tatami mat opposite Lin Xuan. "Sorry to keep you waiting."
“I just arrived recently.” Lin Xuan handed over the menu. “This restaurant makes very good sashimi and Wagyu beef. Take a look and see what you’d like to eat.”
Su Mo didn't take the menu, but smiled faintly: "I'm not picky about food. You order, I'll go with whatever you like."
Lin Xuan didn't refuse and skillfully ordered several signature dishes. She also specifically instructed the waiter to use less mustard and bring more warm barley tea.
The dishes were served one after another. The two ate and chatted about their recent lives. There was no gossip from the entertainment industry or the drama from the e-sports scene; they simply shared the little things in life like two old friends who had known each other for a long time.
"I heard from your assistant that you're about to start the Spring Tournament." Lin Xuan picked up a piece of salmon with her chopsticks, dipped it in soy sauce, and put it in her mouth, her eyes filled with curiosity. "You've won so many championships, do you still feel nervous or excited when you compete now?"
Su Mo picked up his teacup and took a sip of hot tea, his gaze deep and calm.
"I wouldn't call myself nervous. As for excitement... maybe I'll feel it when I lift the trophy." He put down his teacup and looked at Lin Xuan. "Actually, playing in competitions is more like a habit for me. Just like acting, when you've memorized the script perfectly, the moment the camera starts rolling, your muscle memory automatically puts you in the zone."
Lin Xuan listened to his words, slightly lost in thought.
She looked at the man before her. He possessed a handsome face capable of driving countless female fans wild, and unparalleled honors and wealth. Yet, he was always so low-key and composed. He wouldn't pander to anyone to please them, nor would he flaunt his achievements to prove himself.
He is like a glass of perfectly warm water, plain and unremarkable, yet indispensable.
“You are truly special, Su Mo,” Lin Xuan said softly, a complex emotion flickering in her eyes. “Before I met you, I always thought that people who stand at the top would be somewhat arrogant or haughty. But you are different.”
"You live life with such clarity, so clarity that it feels... a little unreal."
Upon hearing this, Su Mo chuckled softly.
He didn't respond to the somewhat ambiguous and probing remark, but instead picked up the serving chopsticks and placed a piece of Wagyu beef, perfectly grilled and tender, on the outside for Lin Xuan.
"Even the most insightful person needs to eat and go home." Su Mo's tone remained gentle, but he skillfully deflated the slightly romantic atmosphere. "Eat more meat. Filming is physically demanding, don't just focus on losing weight."
Looking at the roasted meat in the bowl, Lin Xuan felt a sudden pang of disappointment, which was instantly replaced by a sense of comforting warmth.
She lowered her head to eat the meat, and a beautiful smile involuntarily appeared on her lips.
This man may seem like an unyielding block of ice, but in reality, he is simply taking care of those around him in his own quiet way.
The meal was very enjoyable. After the meal, Su Mo insisted on paying the bill himself, reasoning that "it's not in line with his working-class salary standards to have a girl pay for the meal."
Stepping out of the Japanese restaurant, the night breeze in Shanghai was a bit chilly.
"Let me take you home," Su Mo suggested, looking at Lin Xuan who was only wearing a thin trench coat.
"No need, my van is waiting at the intersection ahead." Lin Xuan shook her head; she didn't want to cause Su Mo any unnecessary trouble.
She stood on the steps, looking at Su Mo, who was more than half a head taller than her, hesitated for a moment, and then reached out her hand.
"Su Mo, thank you for today. If there are any events in Hengdian or Beijing next time, I'll treat you to tea again."
Su Mo reached out and gently grasped her slightly cool fingertips.
"Okay. It's a deal."
As we entered mid-January, a faint festive atmosphere began to permeate the streets of Shanghai.
Shop windows in major shopping malls have been decorated with festive red, and strings of red lanterns have been hung on the plane trees lining the streets. Although there are still more than two weeks until the Lunar New Year, the atmosphere of anticipation for family reunion is already quietly brewing in the air.
For LPL professional players, the Lunar New Year often means the end of the first stage of the Spring Split regular season, ushering in a short off-season.
At the EDG base, the sound of keyboards clattering in the training room was still constant, but the topics of conversation among the team members during breaks had gradually shifted from "what items to build this game" to "where to go for the Chinese New Year".
"Brother Mo, are you going back to your hometown for Chinese New Year this year?" Ah Chen asked while swirling his gaming chair in the queue. "I managed to snag a high-speed rail ticket back to Sichuan on the 28th of the lunar year. I can finally go back and eat my mom's cured meat."
"Yes, my parents call me every day urging me to come back." Xiao Yue pushed up his glasses, his face full of anticipation.
Su Mo sat in his seat, holding a thermos in his left hand and leisurely scrolling through web pages with his right.
"I'm not going back." Su Mo's voice was calm and even. "I don't have any relatives in my hometown anymore, so I'll just stay in Shanghai."
Upon hearing this, the training room fell silent for a moment.
Then everyone vaguely remembered that Su Mo rarely mentioned his family. Before joining EDG, he seemed to be a loner. For the past seven years, during holidays, he was almost always alone in the empty training base or in his river-view apartment.
"Well... Brother Mo, would you like to come back to Sichuan with us for the New Year?" Ah Chen asked tentatively, his tone sincere. "My mom's cooking is amazing, she'll definitely welcome you."
"No need to trouble yourself." Su Mo turned to look at him, a gentle smile playing on her lips. "You all finally get a break, spend more time with your families. I'm doing fine in Shanghai, it's peaceful here."
He didn't feel lonely; in fact, he had long been accustomed to this quiet solitude. For him, there was no need to deliberately maintain those complicated interpersonal relationships. Brewing a cup of hot tea, reading a book, or playing a couple of games was the best way to relax.
The training match ended at 6 PM.
Su Mo turned off his computer on time, slung his peripheral bag over his shoulder, grabbed his thermos, and left the base.
The wind outside was biting, so he wrapped his long black down jacket tighter around himself and drove towards a large boutique supermarket in the city.
Since we've decided to spend the Chinese New Year in Shanghai, we should at least prepare some New Year's goods.
The supermarket was bustling with people, and the cheerful background music of "Gong Xi Fa Cai" was playing. Su Mo pushed a shopping cart, dressed in a low-key black turtleneck sweater and casual pants, with most of his face hidden under a black mask. He blended into the crowd like an ordinary young white-collar worker.
He went straight to the fresh produce section, picked out several pieces of high-quality Wagyu beef and some fresh seafood, and then went to the vegetable section to get some seasonal vegetables. When he passed by the dried goods section, he stopped and carefully selected two cans of premium Ningxia goji berries and a box of top-quality American ginseng slices—these were his necessities for the Chinese New Year.
Just as he was pushing his cart to pay, his phone suddenly vibrated in his pocket.
It's an unfamiliar number without a name, but the location shows as Beijing (BJ).
Su Mo frowned slightly and answered the phone.
"Hello, is this Mr. Su Mo?" A capable young female voice came from the other end of the phone.
"I am." Su Mo said calmly. (End of Chapter)