Chapter 64
Faker: MSI, I will make LCK tremble.
After the exchange of greetings, it was time for EDG to lift the trophy.
The factory manager rushed out of the backstage lounge, his usually serious face now filled with ecstasy.
He walked quickly to Lin Xiu and extended his hand.
"Kobayashi, well done!"
Lin Xiu paused for a moment, then grinned mischievously and gave the factory manager a high five:
"Factory, give me something real. Go to my live stream later and send me some gifts. I don't need much, just two treasure maps will do."
"Two rockets at most!" The factory manager rolled his eyes.
"The boss is generous!" Lin Xiu chuckled.
Based on his years of research on the "demolition effect," he believes that if you want to open a window, you should say you want to tear down the roof, which will make the other party more likely to accept it.
He asked for a treasure map worth 10,000 yuan first, and sure enough, the factory manager offered him a rocket worth several thousand yuan.
"Being a live streamer isn't easy either; you also have to study psychology."
As Lin Xiu walked towards WE, he chatted with the factory manager.
Scout then walked straight to Faker, half-jokingly saying,
"In these two rounds, although I dug the holes and you filled them, I have to say that you also have weaknesses."
"The scrims when you first joined EDG, and those two games against IG, made me feel like you were a flawless mid laner."
"These two versions of you are more like a human being."
Faker patted Scout on the shoulder.
"I'm already this good, would you be willing to be my substitute?"
Scout pursed his lips and remained silent.
The EDG team happily walked towards the podium.
The WE players hadn't even returned to the locker room yet. Xiye had his head down, his eyes red-rimmed.
The man who once put immense pressure on him and Faker during the laning phase is now as vulnerable as a child.
"Don't cry, sigh," Condi comforted her, her voice a little hoarse.
"I didn't cry." Xiye rubbed her eyes, her voice even more choked up. "It's just that the wind in this venue is a bit strong, and it hurts my eyes."
Golden ribbons poured down from the center of the stage.
Abu's face beamed with a smile that resembled a chrysanthemum, the corners of his mouth curving so wide it seemed to burst his face.
He looked at Lin Xiu, too excited to speak, and could only frantically pat his shoulder.
Beside him, Coach Nofe stared at Lin Xiu and Faker with fervent eyes, as if they were looking at a priceless treasure.
"Xiao Lin, Xiao Li, you two raise your glasses!" Abu shouted.
Lin Xiu didn't refuse. He stepped forward and together with Faker, they lifted the heavy Silver Dragon Cup.
The photographer pressed the shutter, capturing this eternal moment.
At that moment, the entire venue erupted in cheers, and thunderous applause resounded.
Coming back from a 0-2 deficit to win 3-2 is a miracle in itself, and EDG's ability to win three consecutive games after fielding two new players undoubtedly adds to its legendary status.
After the trophy was raised, the awards ceremony followed.
"Next, we will present the Most Valuable Player of this Grand Finals – the FMVP!"
The host, Zhu Xun, echoed throughout the venue. Everyone held their breath.
"Due to the textbook-level dominance displayed by EDG's mid and jungle players in the last three games, the official decision has been made that the FMVP award will be shared by two players! They are—EDG.LinXiu and EDG.Faker!"
Two FMVP awards! This is an extremely rare honor in LPL history.
Lin Xiu and Faker each received a trophy, looking triumphant under the spotlight.
Backstage interview area, Aunt Yu Shuang had been waiting for a long time.
Today, Yu Shuang wore a moon-white cheongsam with a perfectly placed slit at the hem, revealing glimpses of her fair thighs as she walked.
She interacted with Lin Xiu in a natural and generous manner, her eyes full of admiration.
The comments section was already in an uproar:
[Kill the gatekeeper! Steal Yu Shuang!]
[Auntie's outfit today is really hot! Lin Gou, don't look at your legs, look at the camera!]
[They're feeding the dog way too well!]
Lin Xiu remained calm, only thinking about how much reward he would receive after this mission was completed.
Yu Shuang asked, "Lin Xiu, when you went on the court down 0-2, how did you feel?"
Lin Xiu said with a smile:
"I was in a good mood, since there was no pressure at the time. How could you blame me for losing?"
"Besides, I don't think I'll lose."
Yu Shuang's expression was somewhat strange, but she continued:
"EDG's rhythm was very smooth today. Who was in charge of the team's command?"
"Most of them are Faker, I only say a few words occasionally," Lin Xiu said modestly.
Then, Yu Shuang asked Lin Xiu a question that made him slightly serious: "What do you think is the most important factor in your chances of winning?"
Lin Xiu abandoned his previous nonchalant attitude, looked at the camera, and spoke in a coherent and clear tone:
"I think it's innovation."
"The LPL is too rigid now. Everyone uses the same tactics over and over again, so there's nothing new about it."
"WE pioneered the 'four-protect-one' strategy, which is correct, but look at how all the teams in the playoffs are copying it – isn't that boring?"
"Moreover, this is also not good for us when playing against LCK teams. If you all use the same style, they will learn to play against all of them after playing against several LPL teams."
"Therefore, I believe that if you don't strive for progress, you will only be left behind by the times. We need to be innovative and do something new."
Finally, Yu Shuang asked about the upcoming MSI plans: "What are your thoughts on the upcoming matches against European and American teams and the LCK champions at MSI?"
Lin Xiu waved his hand, "As for LCK matters, you should ask Faker."
Then, Lin Xiu handed the microphone to Faker.
Yu Shuang quickly composed herself and asked Faker a question with a smile:
"Faker, you came back from a 0-2 deficit to win 3-2 today and even won the FMVP trophy. What are your thoughts?"
Everyone initially thought this Korean substitute would say something humble, like he did in the previous game against IG.
But after this ordeal, Faker's eyes no longer held that inferiority complex.
He adjusted his glasses and calmly addressed the camera:
"I'm very happy to win today. I've achieved the first step in my plan for the LPL by winning the Spring Split championship."
"Regarding MSI, which you just mentioned, I'm really looking forward to representing the LPL at MSI and facing the LCK champion team."
"I will show the spirit of the LPL, starting from MSI and the World Championships to come. I will make the LCK tremble because of me."
Yu Shuang was so frightened that she rolled her eyes.
That's incredibly bold!
LPL has always been at a disadvantage against LCK.
Do you submit? No! Give me a beating!
Do you submit? No! And so the cycle of another beating continues.
By S7, LPL players and viewers were basically in a state of complete acceptance.
If you ask him if he can beat LCK, and he's expected to make a bold claim, he'll definitely say he has a chance.
But he simply couldn't bring himself to say he wanted to crush the LCK.
Men have pride!
I never expected Faker to make such a bold claim.
Satisfied at getting that answer, Yu Shuang then asked:
"We all know that Xiaohu is your idol and the strongest mid laner in the LPL in your heart. We didn't have a chance to interview you after defeating Xiaohu in the last game. What would you like to say to Xiaohu today?"
Faker paused, a slight smile playing on his lips, before uttering a statement that caused an uproar across the internet:
"Xiaohu, I'll continue to crush you in the Summer Split."
The entire stadium was silent for a second, then erupted into a deafening roar of boos and cheers.
Holy crap! Dafei has turned things around!
[I still remember how humble I was in that interview after the IG game, but now you look down on Xiaohu?]
After defeating Little Tiger, I realized that even the roadside is a place to hook!
[They're just calling him Little Tiger now? Not Brother Yuanhao anymore?]