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Glory.
Tao Xuan first learns about this highly-anticipated game through a flyer plastered on a store window. He thinks little of it at first, too busy running around doing errands. Over the next few hours, he sees more and more ads displayed on TV screens, billboards, the sides of buses. When he returns to his cafe, he immediately goes online to read more about Glory and is astonished and intrigued.
The use of a card reader instead of a login and password, the equipment editor, the expansive maps, the number of playable classes, the real life avatar compositions, the rich and moving story lines ... Rumors spread about the game company pulling out all the stops to make one final stand against bankruptcy, of the company pooling all their resources into convincing the most talented game designers, programmers, artists, data analysts and more to join their project.
Advertised to be the most complex and immersive game to ever be created, Glory is making waves throughout the gaming world.
He learns about the high system requirements, analyzes the pros and cons, and invests his resources into upgrading all his computers. His fellow internet cafe owners tsk, thinking that he has gambled too much on a game that could be another flop. This isn't the first time that the game company has produced a sub-par game.
December 3rd arrives, a week passes, and more customers flock to his cafe than ever before. Glory breaks records with the number of players flooding to join the first server. All the major gaming magazines and websites are raving about the phenomena that is Glory, how it will pave the way for future innovation and open doors to technological advancements and gaming development that have never been before seen.
It is the start of something great.
“Let me use your account so I can test something.”
“In a week.”
“Tsk, stingy.
“This stingy person is still being hunted down by hitmen for helping you assassinate Jaded Sword. I’m starting to think he’s just throwing players at me to see how long I’d last.”
“Hey, how was I supposed to know the target was going to be a bitter jerk about it? If I had known, I’d have asked for twice the amount and even more rare materials. Isn't this good practice for you?.”
Tao Xuan looks up, recognizing the two young voices. Su Muqiu and Ye Qiu, the two boys who have been inhabiting his cafe for the past year. He has yet to meet anyone else that can even match these two in terms of talent, skills, and knowledge.
“Hi, Brother Tao!” The two greet, Su Muqiu waves at him and Ye Qiu grants him a small smile.
“More Glory today?” Tao Xuan asks despite already knowing the answer.
“Yep!” Su Muqiu responds enthusiastically, already heading towards the computers.
“See you later, Brother Tao,” Ye Qiu waves before joining him.
He has long gotten to know the circumstances of these youths. Su Muqiu, Su Mucheng, and Ye Qiu are always seen together. They are more familiar and comfortable with each other than most groups of friends he has seen.
It is because they are more than that.
And Su Muqiu and Ye Qiu? A pair is not a powerful enough word to aptly describe how in tune the two are with each other, how they complement each other’s weaknesses and strengths, rising when the other falls in a harmonious cycle of reciprocation that raises them both to even greater heights.
Every day, Ye Qiu and Su Muqiu arrive bright and early to go through the Glory grind, earning money through various methods to survive and provide for Su Mucheng. The only times that Tao Xuan doesn't see them are when one of the two are sick, or when someone calls Su Muqiu with an odd job request. Making money through Glory is lucrative, but it doesn't always pay the bills.
Where Su Muqiu is, Ye Qiu is right by his side, and where Ye Qiu is, Su Muqiu is right there with him. Rarely, has he ever seen the two apart.
Partners, Tao Xuan thinks, maybe brothers, but neither word still feels right.
He simply knows that the two are only whole when they are together.
A few years after the launch of Glory’s 1st server, Tao Xuan hears news about the Glory Professional League, a commercial tournament.
Where there is opportunity, Tao Xuan is always there to stake his claim. He already has the foundations—his years of experience in Glory, his connections as the guild master of Excellent Dynasty, his resources from owning an internet cafe, but most importantly, Su Muqiu and Ye Qiu.
Autumn Tree and One Autumn Leaf are renowned names in the Glory forums, spanning topics upon topics of slander, admiration, and lore. Yet, no one can deny that these two characters belong to two of the most gifted Glory players of their generation.
It is easy to convince them. Glory has become more than a game for all three of them at this point. Su Muqiu may have started Glory as a means to make a living, Ye Qiu because he was interested in a new game, and Tao Xuan because he saw profit to be made, but at some point, it became more. With this team, Tao Xuan believes they can strive for the championships, but it is not without effort. Tao Xuan and Cui Li are constantly running around, compiling information on other teams, keeping up to date with new matches, looking for better accommodations, planning transportation, organizing small tournaments, and more. Tao Xuan is tired...but happy.
To be there for them every step of the way, watching months of preparation and hard work grow into resolve, strength, and fluid coordination and communication...to see splendid teamwork become solidified through months of bonding and sleepless nights spent practicing together in the corner of Excellent Era Internet Cafe...
This...
This is what makes Glory fun.
One day, neither Su Muqiu nor Ye Qiu arrive to practice. Neither of them gave prior notice about missing practice so everyone is confused and a little concerned, but Su Muqiu isn't picking up his phone and Ye Qiu doesn't have one. None of the members know what to do without their captain or vice-captain there, so they decide to just go through basic drills before ending practice early.
As the owner of Excellent Era Internet Cafe, he doesn't leave with the rest of the members. Wu Xuefeng is the only one who chooses to stay behind. Since he has nothing planned for the rest of the day, he decides to play the game online since it isn't something he has done for a while.
A few hours later, Wu Xuefeng leaves to see if he can find the Su siblings or Ye Qiu at their apartment, but he returns to inform Tao Xuan that no one is home. Now thoroughly concerned, the two reach a tacit understanding to just wait around until either of the two show up. They both know how responsible Ye Qiu and Su Muqiu are, how they basically now live at the cafe, so it's not strange to expect that at least one of them would soon eventually show up with an explanation that would hopefully ease their concerns.
The hours continue to pass by and the rain that has been falling non-stop since last night only continues to come down harder. Starting to fall asleep at the front desk, he looks over to see Wu Xuefeng reading through a book. He isn't even sure why Wu Xuefeng is still waiting and wonders if he should just head to sleep and search for them tomorrow when he sees a familiar figure walk through the doors.
"Xiao Ye," Tao Xuan greets.
Ye Qiu remains silent and Tao Xuan's eyebrows furrow in confusion, wondering if perhaps Ye Qiu had not heard him. He is about to say more when he is interrupted by Wu Xuefeng. "What's wrong?"
Startled by the question, he peers closely at Ye Qiu, and supposes that he looks tired and drained, perhaps a little dazed, but it has always been hard to tell with Ye Qiu what he's feeling through facial expressions alone. Then, Tao Xuan realizes that he is still wearing the same clothes from yesterday despite the cooling temperature and heavy rain. The only thing preventing him from being completely soaked through is his jacket.
Wu Xuefeng's words seem to rattle Ye Qiu. Without answering his question, he says, "I need some time off next week."
"For...?" Tao Xuan asks carefully as he stands up, treading on thin ice.
Another long period of silence. Wu Xuefeng walks around the desk to place a gentle hand on Ye Qiu's shoulder as he softly says, "Talk to us, Ye Qiu."
"Last night...there was a car accident. Muqiu passed away," Ye Qiu finally answers as if the words are pulled out of his mouth.
Last night.
Car accident.
Muqiu passed away.
The words whirl in mindless loops around Tao Xuan's head. As if they had opened the floodgates, Ye Qiu begins to unthinkingly speak, "The funeral will be held a week from now...I need to talk to directors...and handle the expenses...Mucheng..."
Ye Qiu speaks as if he doesn't realize that he is talking and Tao Xuan awkwardly hovers around the desk, uncertain as to what to do. Wu Xuefeng is the one who takes charge as he looks to Tao Xuan and says, "I'll walk him back. For tomorrow, I think that it would be best to do self-practice, if you could let the others know."
Tao Xuan helplessly nods and blankly watch as Wu Xuefeng pulls out an umbrella and wraps an arm around Ye Qiu's shoulders, guiding him out of the cafe and talking to him in such low tones that Tao Xuan can't make out a single word. If Wu Xuefeng hadn't been there, would he and Ye Qiu have just stood there staring at each other until morning? Guilt fills his heart as he berates himself for stupidly standing around like a mannequin. What kind of friend is he? However, he is unable to shake himself out of his stupor.
When he thinks of those children growing up in his cafe, he can only think in threes: Ye Qiu, Su Muqiu, and Su Mucheng. Su Mucheng ... what would she do without her brother? The only relative she had left in his world?
They are all so young, he thinks.
Still children, his heart cries.
Numbly, Tao Xuan vows to do his best to nourish them and see them grow. It is the only thing he can do for Su Muqiu at this point.
For the three that have now permanently become two.
Ye Qiu, Su Muqiu, Su Mucheng.
Ye Qiu sweeps Season 1 with devastating results and One Autumn Leaf looms over their opponents like a tyrant king. The title Battle God is whispered and revered as eSports Home posts their news article, the headline declaring, Excellent Era Claims Title as Season 1 Champions!
Season 1 is Excellent Era’s and Ye Qiu is their MVP. When Tao Xuan watches his team raise the trophy on that tiny stage, his heart sings with joy and he momentarily forgets that there is something missing in this victory. He happens to look over and sees the bittersweet smile on Su Mucheng’s face and remembers.
Still, Ye Qiu is even stronger than he realizes. To shoulder the new era as captain without his partner by his side, Ye Qiu still manages to make everything seem effortless and flawless. After that day, nearly a year ago, Tao Xuan had thought that Ye Qiu would be unfocused, unmotivated, or dispirited. He have blamed him if he had decided to leave the team though Tao Xuan had prayed he wouldn't. Without Ye Qiu, their team would have fallen apart.
To all of their astonishment, Ye Qiu had simply returned to practice after the funeral, perfectly composed and more determined than ever, ignoring everyone's protests and concerns. So jarred by how put together Ye Qiu had been, Tao Xuan made a promise to himself to be just as resilient. Since then, Ye Qiu had not missed a single practice session. They had all been astonished by Ye Qiu's drive and could do nothing but be pulled along in the ensuing wave, winning matches after matches. Whenever Su Mucheng wasn't in school, she'd be right by their side, cheering on Excellent Era.
Tao Xuan is still hesitant to even speak Su Muqiu's name, thinking that bringing him up would only cause them both pain. Even after all these years, he is unable to read Ye Qiu, unsure of how genuine his calm and listless attitude is. Is what he sees what he gets? Or do still waters run deep?
All he's certain of is admiration and respect for Ye Qiu.
Hundred Blossoms is the biggest black horse of Season 2.
Blood and Blossoms rings across the Glory Professional Alliance, heralding the debut of a dual-core era. Anticipation within his clenched fists, Tao Xuan feels as if he is right on stage with his team when Excellent Era and Hundred Blossoms finally face off.
To his delight, the match ends faster than anyone expects as Ye Qiu proves once again that he is the master tactician of this era with Wu Xuefeng steadfastly coordinating with him every step of the way. After such a dramatic upheaval, the end result is so anticlimactic that the audience is stunned silent with even the announcers struggling to recount highlights of the match.
Pride roars within his veins as he recalls Excellent Era’s consecutive championships. Excellent Era is invincible, unstoppable, especially with Ye Qiu at the helm. Even so, Tao Xuan looks at the results and wistfully wonders, how good would it have been if Su Muqiu was still here? Everyone would have known the true meaning of a dual-core era.
In this regard, there is nothing but loss and regret.
Tao Xuan excitedly shares the results of his hard work and research. He has spent weeks carefully scouting companies, calling up secretaries, requesting meetings, learning all the in and outs investment and sponsorships.
Blue Rain, Tyranny, Tiny Herb, Royal Style—these powerhouse teams are already well on their way to arranging partnership deals. Even Hundred Blossoms has been looking into sponsorships despite being a relatively new team. There is no better time than now to get in on the endorsements.
Ye Qiu is the best player in Glory, the strongest and the most renowned. The Battle God One Autumn Leaf and Ye Qiu are names that every Glory fan knows and no one would argue that Excellent Era’s dynasty is in his hands.
“We are currently in the best position to seize these opportunities. With your fame, everything will go smoothly, so just take a look at these papers—”
“Brother Tao,” Ye Qiu interrupts and Tao Xuan pauses, waiting to hear what Ye Qiu has to say. “I have no interest in any of this. I only want to play Glory.”
Straight and to the point, a stab right at his heart. For a moment, he cannot speak.
“But this will help you greatly!” Tao Xuan finally exclaims, but Ye Qiu is resolute.
“There is no need for me to make any public appearances and I don’t want to do these activities. Just playing Glory is enough for me.”
Is making public appearances something so disagreeable? All he has to do is go on-stage, endorse products, accept interviews, and do whatever else sponsors request of him. It is a small price to pay for the funding that Excellent Era would receive.
“I don’t understand...Why?” Tao Xuan finally manages to say.
There is a pause, a weighted silence, as if Ye Qiu is planning to reveal a personal story before he simply replies, “There are some complications…”
“We can take care of them!” Tao Xuan answers immediately, sure that as long as they work together, they can both compromise and reach an agreement. “Tell me what it is and we can figure something out!”
Shaking his head, Ye Qiu casually brushes away all of Tao Xuan’s plans and efforts with a simple, “No need. Even without these complications, I don’t want to participate.”
Staring hard at Ye Qiu, something ugly curls in his gut, even as he haltingly says, “Okay, if that’s what you want, then I’ll respect your wishes. I can think of other ways to help Excellent Era.”
“I’m sorry, Brother Tao,” Ye Qiu apologizes, sensing his dejected mood.
But are you really? Tao Xuan can’t help but think before banishing this thought from his mind. He mentally slaps himself. It's unfair of him to be spiteful when he doesn't even know Ye Qiu's reasons.
The New Year’s dinner is awkward and stilted. Su Mucheng hadn't spoken because the discussion between Ye Xiu and Tao Xuan didn't involve her. Now, she doesn't speak because of the disharmonious tension in the air.
An unhappy start to Lunar New Year's leaves them all feeling uneasy.
Season 3 Champions!
Excellent Era is at the pinnacle of Glory. None of the other teams can do anything but grind their teeth at their defeats, for Excellent Era has been undefeated. Pride bordering on arrogance, he shakes his head at the other teams. Having established a dynasty, Excellent Era is raised to the heavens by enthusiastic fans. They have nothing but praises for the team and nothing but trash talk for their opponents.
At the forefront is Ye Qiu! One Autumn Leaf! No other gods have reached the same level of awe and reverence because their teams have still been unable to claim a victory in their name. Victory lay with Excellent Era, but the mood is slightly dampened when news that one of Excellent Era's core members will soon be retiring.
Wu Xuefeng.
He has many supportive fans, but there are still just as many mouthy fans. Many complain that Wu Xuefeng is only Ye Qiu's partner because of fortunate circumstances and that anyone with skills could have been Ye Qiu's partner.
Tao Xuan doesn't agree with this theory. On a team with Ye Qiu, everyone essentially becomes demi-gods, powered by the experience and knowledge that God Ye Qiu bestows upon them during matches. As long as the team can follow Ye Qiu's commands, Tao Xuan is confident that Glory will always be within their reach. Even though he hasn't played Glory in more than a year and a half, even he is able to understand that much. Not to mention, he knows the unfortunate truth that lead Wu Xuefeng to becoming vice-captain. To think of those circumstances to be fortunate in any way would be spitting on Su Muqiu's grave.
This revelation leaves Tao Xuan with mixed feelings about Wu Xuefeng as a vice-captain. Obviously, Tao Xuan can see his skills, intelligence, iron will, and attention to details, but when put side-by-side with Ye Qiu and One Autumn Leaf, how can Wu Xuefeng and Qi Breaker compare? Not to mention that the man has a tendency to fade into the background even when off-stage. Tao Xuan may have known him for years, gotten to know him through their time together in the guild, but he can only loosely call him a friend.
Still, Tao Xuan has a duty as the boss to give Wu Xuefeng his blessings and thank him for all his years with Excellent Era before he goes abroad the next day. This is what he does right after their farewell party with practiced words. He expects Wu Xuefeng to thank him along the same vein before departing, which is what he does with much more warmth and sincerity. What he doesn't expect is for Wu Xuefeng to have even more to say as he draws them away from listening ears.
"Boss Tao, I am no longer Excellent Era's vice-captain, but I have some suggestions moving forward that I'd like to mention if you'd be willing listen."
"Go ahead," Tao Xuan says, utterly perplexed.
Wu Xuefeng hesitates, then says, “Boss Tao...not just anyone can be vice-captain. Without a proper vice-captain who can understand Ye Qiu and keep up with his thought processes and actions, the team will become imbalanced. Ye Qiu can adjust his pace to match everyone else's, but it doesn't change the fact that he has to have someone who can act as a bridge between him and the rest of the team members when he takes control of the field. Otherwise, Excellent Era will see the same problem that Tiny Herb currently has with Wang Jiexi's team being unable to keep up with his unpredictable playstyle. Now is a pivotal time for Excellent Era, so I don't think that you should just look for someone skilled without considering these factors."
Irritated, Tao Xuan can't help but frown. What does Wu Xuefeng know? Keeping up with who? With Excellent Era’s stellar performance these past three years, obviously, the key to victory is to keep Ye Qiu as the focal point. He is more than capable of adjusting to any new team member, regardless of their attitudes and personality. The members around him only need to be able to keep up with him. Tao Xuan had no intention of finding an incapable vice-captain, but what truly matters is to find someone skilled and suited to their team's aggressive, crude playstyle, rather than to focus on finding a cooperative player.
However, Tao Xuan doesn’t voice any of his thoughts and simply nods. "Of course, you don't need to worry about that."
There is still more that Wu Xuefeng wishes to say. “This has nothing to do with anyone else ... and what I say may be out of line...but Boss Tao, don’t you think that you are putting too much responsibility and pressure on Ye Qiu? Even though he is Excellent Era’s captain—even if he led our team to three consecutive championships—placing someone on a pedestal only to expect them to do whatever you want is unreasonable.”
Despite Wu Xuefeng’s calm and polite tone, his eyes are hard and resolute. With great offense, Tao Xuan coldly demands, "What do you mean?"
"Recently, I noticed that you've been treating members like chess pieces, as if they're expendable when they're no longer useful. You can't expect Ye Qiu to always hold everyone together and carry the team. This isn't sustainable and defeats the purpose of teamwork. Soon, there will be a day when just Ye Qiu alone won't be enough to win the championships, especially with the new talents appearing each generation. Glory isn't so simple and there is no such thing as undefeatable."
"Nonsense. You don't know what you're talking about." Seething with anger and annoyance, he continues, "Are you suggesting that I don't know how to manage this team? Are you looking down on our capabilities?"
Despite the warning in his tone, Wu Xuefeng proves to be relentless, moved by a reason that he's unable to pinpoint.
"I'm doing none of the above. Perhaps, I am not qualified to speak about this, but I am simply saying things that I think need to be said. I understand the importance of sponsor support as the Alliance gets increasingly commercialized. I know our Club relies on funding to support all our departments, which is why I get your concern over Ye Qiu's refusal to accept public appearances. That is not my business to interfere with, but in your attempts to profit from our accomplishments and Ye Qiu's fame, you should be careful not to lose sight of why you formed Excellent Era."
Lose sight of...?
What the hell has he lost sight of!?
What nonsense! How dare Wu Xuefeng accuse him of all these things? Even if he was the former vice-captain, if he is Ye Qiu's old friend, what right did he have to say such things to him! Tao Xuan is only doing what is best for Ye Qiu and Excellent Era.
“Thank you for your concern, I will keep that in mind,” Tao Xuan coldly replies, already shutting him out. Wu Xuefeng frowns at him with the look of a helpless passerby who can't do anything but attempt to interfere in things outside of his control. It is his mistake to believe that the Tao Xuan he had met is still the same one he is speaking to today. Even so, this is his last chance to try to change the course of Excellent Era's path.
"Tao Xuan, remember why you created Excellent Era."
Before Tao Xuan can respond a voice interrupts their conversation.
"Why do you two look like you're ready to PK?"
Startled, they both turn to see Ye Qiu exiting the hot pot restaurant with a cigarette in hand. Sensing the tension in the air, he eyes the two in concern.
"Nonsense. Brother Wu was just saying his farewells," Tao Xuan says, knowing that Wu Xuefeng wouldn't stir up any more trouble for him with Ye Qiu watching.
There is a slight hint of anger in Wu Xuefeng's eyes as he helplessly says, "Yes, I just hope that he will keep my words in mind."
Tao Xuan gives a false smile, eyes narrowed in annoyance. Wu Xuefeng is wrong. He has lost sight of nothing and he knows exactly what he is doing. It just took him some time to realize, but Glory has always been meant to be profited from. Victory is simply the companion to the rewards they receive for their fame and accomplishments.
The curtains of Season 4 opens with the return of Dancing Rain.
Tao Xuan nostalgically remembers a time when Su Muqiu had waved this card at him, joking that he’d take his little sister to fight his battles for him. Now, here is his no-longer-little sister fighting his battles for him. Most importantly, Su Mucheng didn't have any problems with accepting sponsors.
4th Season is rife with new talents. Fans are already calling this generation the Golden Generation, but it is Su Mucheng and Dancing Rain's combined beauty and performance that brings the Glory Professional Alliance unprecedented attention. Su Mucheng is Tao Xuan's golden ticket to raising their club's commercial value. This is exactly what Tao Xuan wanted and this is exactly what he has been waiting for.
Excellent Era’s dipping funds suddenly soar. Halfway through the 4th season, Tao Xuan is able to improve Excellent Era’s headquarters as a whole. He invests in more employees, expands their departments, and searches for ways to build their empire. He is more than satisfied, but when he looks at Ye Qiu and Su Mucheng side-by-side, the more Ye Qiu seems like an untouchable mountain of gold, riches that he can only see but never have.
And then, Excellent Era’s dynasty comes crashing down around his shoulders with a well-timed sacred fire followed by the finality of a collapsing fist. A dynasty is ended, just like that. Tyranny, their rival, becomes Season 4 champions.
"You need to attend the press conference," he says with urgency, pulling at Ye Qiu's arm. To appease their fans and raise team morale, surely, this would be enough to make Ye Qiu appear in public. He wouldn't just toss Excellent Era to the wolves.
However, contrary to all of Tao Xuan's expectations, Ye Qiu gives him a considering look before he replies, "No, they don't need me there."
"What do you mean? You are their captain! You should be there with words of encouragement or confidence!" Tao Xuan tightens his grip before hastily releasing his hand when he sees Ye Qiu's wince.
Unrelenting, Ye Qiu explains, “This time, we were defeated by a team more prepared than us, so all we can do now is accept our loss. Next season will be a new start. It's true that what the fans think matters, but as long as we remember our reason for playing Glory, hold onto the resolve we all share as Excellent Era, victory will look well upon us once more. I will talk to them afterwards, but they are more than strong enough to carry on without me.”
In this situation, Tao Xuan can’t imagine anyone who would be more devastated than the team captain. Yet, here is the team captain smiling as if everything is fine. His calm words and reassuring expression only serves to further infuriate Tao Xuan.
Excellent Era’s dynasty has just ended. Their sponsors are going to lower their endorsements. Excellent Era now has a reason to be truly ridiculed, for they are now the team that can do nothing but quietly grind their teeth and accept their defeat. All these thoughts are swirling around in his mind as Tao Xuan plasters on a smile, trying not to wince at the camera flashes as he answers biting questions after biting questions. He, Manager Cui, and the Excellent Era members are stripped raw by the ruthless reporters and when Tao Xuan sees Ye Qiu later, preparing his interview through QQ ...
All he can feel is betrayal.
Regardless of what the captain says or what the team manager says, it is ultimately the boss who has the final say on administrative matters. After months of deliberation on different candidates for an official vice-capatain, Tao Xuan ends up choosing Liu Hao.
The man shamelessly walks around with his arrogance and self-interest on full display. His attitude problems are endless, but this doesn't matter. What matters is that he meshes well with the the team. His spellblade class is optimal for providing the mid-range support they need. He has the aggressiveness to do well in individual matches and the group arena. He can back up the team in the team competition with his keen field observations and solid mechanics.
At worst, he has the tendency to get flustered by trash talk and dirty plays and is too focused on shining on the field. It is a weakness, but all players have weaknesses and strengths. As long as it is something they can work on, as long as they adjust, Tao Xuan doesn't see the problem. Ye Qiu is the only player he knows who doesn't seem to have any weaknesses. He can hardly recall the last time he's ever seen him flustered or commit amateur mistakes. Sometimes, it makes Tao Xuan wonder if there's a human or a machine controlling One Autumn Leaf.
One day, Tao Xuan comes to check on the team, as he sometimes did. At first glance, training looks as if it's running smoothly until he notices the tension in the air. For the first time in a long time, Tao Xuan can clearly tell what emotion is lingering behind Ye Qiu's disappointed eyes. It is deep unhappiness.
Feeling inexplicably uncomfortable, he wonders if he had made a mistake in choosing Liu Hao. A nearly forgotten memory surfaces in his mind, Wu Xuefeng's words that summer night.
"Is there something you need, boss?"
Shaken out of his thoughts, he turns to see Ye Qiu's sharp gaze.
"No, I was just stop stopping by to check on practice." Tao Xuan nods at him, but before he leaves, he manages to catch Su Mucheng's eyes. Is it his imagination or is the disappointment in those eyes aimed at him?
Again, the inexplicable discomfort, but that discomfort doesn't last long. Friendship and business are two different matters. His emotions don't matter.
Ye Qiu still stubbornly resists despite Excellent Era’s drop in rankings. Currently, Excellent Era needs all the good publicity and advertisements it can get. The team understands. Su Mucheng understands.
She becomes their saving grace, keeping them afloat amidst the stormy waters. The more he witnesses Su Mucheng's willingness and helpfulness, the more that Ye Qiu seems like a leech sucking out all the life blood of Excellent Era. When Ye Qiu was still bringing in wins, Tao Xuan could have ignored his invisible presence in Glory’s commercial world. Now, it is Season 6 and they haven't won a championship in three years.
Tao Xuan's feelings towards Ye Qiu takes a turn downhill.
What’s the point of having such a useless captain? A shadow captain with nothing but Glory on his mind. One who constantly refuses to compromise his values for the sake of the team.
No matter how good Ye Qiu is at Glory, it doesn't change the fact that he is holding back the club, hindering all of Tao Xuan's plans to raise Excellent Era to new heights. Someone Tao Xuan used to consider as a pillar for Excellent Era is now nothing more than a collapsing keystone.
One day, they reach a breaking point.
“What complications do you keep talking about?” Tao Xuan demands an answer from Ye Qiu in the middle of their argument. “What's so difficult that you can’t even work around it?”
Tao Xuan grits his teeth as he glares at Ye Qiu. Between them, there is no more we. There is only you and I because he is the only one who cares about what happens to the club as a whole.
“Those reasons are my own to share or not," Ye Qiu shortly replies with a rare hint of frustration and annoyance in his tone. "And I ask that you stop bothering me about it because I'm choosing not to share them."
There is only one thing that Tao Xuan can think of for Ye Qiu's reluctance. He might be touching on a sensitive topic, but sometimes business is about pressing until it hurts to get what you want. It isn't the first time he has done this.
“Those reasons of yours, do they involve your family?”
Ye Qiu stills and Tao Xuan pushes more, knowing that he is right.
“If that’s the case, then why don’t you just think about this as helping old friends, as helping the family that you still have left—”
“Don't bring my family into this."
The room goes silent.
Tao Xuan has always expected Ye Qiu's anger to be explosive and scorching, but he is wrong. Ye Qiu’s anger is an abyss, frigid and deathly silent. Tao Xuan cannot find it in himself to speak, frozen in place by Ye Qiu's piercing gaze.
He forgets that Ye Qiu never reacts in a way that he expects.
"Whether or not it has do with my family...that's none of your business," Ye Qiu says, eerily composed. "You think that I don't care about this team as much as you do, but that's not true. I said before that all I want to do is play Glory, but that doesn't mean that it's all that I care about. Excellent Era's future, the championships, my role in the club, things I can do to support the team, these are all things that I keep in mind. This is the only thing that I can't compromise on, but in any other areas, I won't hesitate to do anything I can to help Excellent Era.”
Tao Xuan doesn’t speak in the ensuing silence and Ye Qiu doesn't fill it with more words. He has already said what needed to be said and with a curt nod, he leaves Tao Xuan's office, breaking the fragile balance between the two.
Tao Xuan remains standing for a long time, trying to make sense of Ye Qiu's words and actions. For someone who says that he cares about Excellent Era's future, shouldn't he do everything he can with no holds barred?
Yet, there are holds barred with Ye Qiu. His consistent denial to accept sponsorships, his inability to lead the team to win another championship, his constant clashes with vice-captain Liu Hao, why can't Ye Qiu simply put aside his differences and principles just this once? After all, Tao Xuan himself has sacrificed a lot to make sure that Excellent Era has made it this far.
That he has made it this far.
He can hardly remember the time when he had been a simple internet cafe owner. Now, here he is, the boss of a distinguished team with several accomplishments and awards to its name. Ye Qiu is in the perfect position to benefit from his fame and accomplishments, yet he chooses to walk around like an incognito celebrity, denying everything that he could have while simultaneously denying Excellent Era and Tao Xuan the share of profits he could have generated.
When he remembers how much admiration and respect he had for Ye Qiu, Tao Xuan becomes disgusted with himself. He had been blind to foolishly think that Excellent Era's business could flourish without Ye Qiu and One Autumn Leaf. The problem didn't lay with One Autumn Leaf. One Autumn Leaf is Excellent Era's property, meaning that Tao Xuan doesn't need Ye Qiu's signature and permission to market the avatar. The problem lay with the player.
Ye Qiu doesn't deserve the Battle God, One Autumn Leaf.
Ye Qiu is a thorn in Excellent Era's side, a thorn that Tao Xuan needs to remove as soon as possible before he becomes a parasite. However, just kicking him out of Excellent Era wouldn't be enough. Ye Qiu is known as the Glory Textbook and one of the Four Master Tacticians for a reason. Even though he is now 23 and no longer in his prime, it doesn't change the fact that Ye Qiu is still one of the most skilled players in the entire Alliance. Any deterioration in stamina and endurance, Ye Qiu more than makes up for it through his knowledge, experience, talent, tactics, and psychological warfare.
If Ye Qiu is unwilling to work with him, then Tao Xuan will ensure that he has no chance of becoming their opponent, even if they have to throw a championship to make it happen.
Tao Xuan isn't sure how he will drive a wedge between Ye Qiu and everyone else, but he will make it happen. Ye Qiu will never be able to play in the Glory Professional Alliance ever again.
Tao Xuan is walking down the corridor when there is a sudden crash followed by raised voices. He rushes towards the training room and shoves open the door to find the entire time in a tense stand-off. Wang Ze, Feng Fengran, and Zhang Jiaxing are standing nervously in a circle. Shen Jian and Guo Yang hover, ready to intervene. Off to the side, Su Mucheng is being held back by He Ming. Tao Xuan turns to the center of the room where Ye Qiu and Liu Hao are standing toe-to-toe in an heated argument though it looked more like one-sided bullying. Ye Qiu is perfectly composed even though Liu Hao is practically spraying spittle at his face. Tao Xuan has no idea what the issue is, so he asks and immediately everyone rushes to answer their boss.
The gist of the situation leaves him reeling in stupidity. To put it nicely, Ye Qiu and Liu Hao had differing opinions on how the team should be run. To put it truthfully, Liu Hao thinks that Ye Qiu doesn't see the merit of his strategies, that he enjoys picking fights with them, that he doesn't know how to not be condescending. Honestly, he thinks that Liu Hao is making a mess out of nothing.
Then, he thinks some more and realizes that opportunity has shown itself sooner than he expects.
It's a struggle, but he deliberately rewords things in a way that brings validity to Liu Hao's points. There is a palpable shift in the air as the players absorb his words. They all turn to look at each other uncertainly, not sure what to make of the situation now that their boss has taken Liu Hao's side. Unconsciously, they become aware of the growing rift between Tao Xuan and Ye Qiu.
Liu Hao practically glows with smug arrogance. Ye Qiu ends practice for the day, realizing that there is no point in continuing when all of them are unable to focus. Ye Qiu turns his face away from Tao Xuan as he passes by, so he has no idea what expression is on his face, but Su Mucheng gives him a scathing glare before following after Ye Qiu.
For a moment, this docile and friendly girl seemed to have suddenly become a fierce tiger ... did she grow a backbone when he wasn't looking? Tao Xuan dismisses his thoughts. In all the time he's known her, she's always been following either Su Muqiu or Ye Qiu around, where did that allow her room to grow a backbone? It's not a concern for Tao Xuan, anyway. She is still young, powerless, and it's within his expectations that she would always side with Ye Qiu.
It's also within his expectations that Cui Li would always side with him. The two have been friends for so long that it doesn't take much discussion for them to be on the same page. How to freeze Ye Qiu out of the club, how to turn Excellent Era against him, both of them would mutually benefit in the end.
Tao Xuan almost pities Chen Yehui.
Talented enough to be the guild leader, but not fitting enough to even be a substitute player. Tao Xuan could have forced Ye Qiu to put Chen Yehui in the team if he so wished, but Chen Yehui really is unsuitable as a professional player, and his current position is perfect. As the guild leader, his words carry a lot of weight in the guild department. And then, there's Liu Hao. As the vice-captain, it goes without say that his words carry weight as well. Tao Xuan doesn't have to do anything to have Chen Yehui and Liu Hao meet because they end up finding each other. Those with similar resentments had a way of finding like minds.
Dissent grows in the club, doubts about Ye Qiu's credibility and standing rise. The rumors spread faster than Tao Xuan expects and words have power. Whether or not they have any meaning, as long as the possibility is there, as long as the doubt is there, that is enough to make people question.
One day, Chen Yehui requests a meeting with him in a desperate last attempt to become part of the team. Tao Xuan pretends to consider his qualifications and says, "What a pity, it seems like you have no chance to be on the team. According to Ye Qiu, you haven't made much progress. You are not professional, cooperative, or hardworking enough. Even if you are skilled, this means that you are worthless to the team. As much as I'd like to, I won't go against Ye Qiu's words because he is the one who knows this team the best."
All truth, no lies, but worded in a way that makes Tao Xuan seem sympathetic to Chen Yehui's plight while painting Ye Qiu as the slanderous villain. He hands Chen Yehui his papers back, looks at the barely concealed rage and hatred on his face, and sincerely thanks Chen Yehui for his hard work.
Season 6, they barely make it to the playoffs.
Does Tao Xuan hate Ye Qiu? Is he jealous of Ye Qiu?
There was a time when he used to play Glory himself, had fun even though he didn't even have the skills to call himself an expert. His love for Glory has cooled long ago, but Ye Qiu wasn't the same. Even though he's been playing for nearly ten years, his dedication towards Glory is still just as intense. Even though they used to play together, Ye Qiu has long left him behind.
What kind of person could remain passionate for this long without the flames dying out?
If he hadn't been there as witness, Tao Xuan would have been unable to tell that Ye Qiu's conditioned deteriorated at all. Time has just made him more experienced, more knowledgeable, more cool-headed, more innovative. A devastating opponent, this is why no other club can have him.
What exactly drives Ye Qiu? How can he remain so calm despite his pitiful situation?
Ye Qiu isn't blind and Tao Xuan can see how doubtful and disdainful that a majority of Excellent Era has become towards him. The rest are unaware of the situation, steadfastly on Ye Qiu's side, or completely neutral. Ironically, he is now thankful that Ye Qiu doesn't have any sponsors. If he had sponsors, it would have been a headache to deal with all the broken contracts. Because he doesn't make any public appearances, no one can tell if he's having any trouble privately and the PR department answers to him.
This gives him leverage over Ye Qiu, especially since he's proven time and time again that he won't show his face to the public. All he needs to do is ensure that he doesn't cross any professional or legal lines. He still has standards. Though he doesn't regret his actions, Ye Qiu is still someone he wouldn't put in serious danger or irreversible harm.
Tao Xuan considers himself better than those businessmen, who would go to any lengths to get what they want. He wouldn't throw away his morals and ethics to become completely inhuman.
Tao Xuan grudgingly respects that Ye Qiu doesn't waver from doing his duties as the captain. It's just a pity that his attempts hardly have impact. The team isn't in chaotic disarray, but they are no longer as seamless as before. There is little problem with everyone's individual performances, but the team competition is no longer a scene that they dominate.
However, Tao Xuan is certain that the team will settle down and sync once he finds a new captain to replace Ye Qiu. At the very least, Ye Qiu can be counted on to not give up on the team until then. Even if Ye Qiu wanted to leave, he's trapped in a 3-year contract.
This isn't enough to guarantee his downfall but his loyalty and generosity is. He wouldn't attempt a transfer, not with Su Mucheng still on the team. He could have terminated the contract if he had the finances to do so.
In reality, Tao Xuan doesn't have to do much for Ye Qiu himself to be his own undoing. No one told him to stick so closely to his values and ideals. In this world, no one could move ahead or survive without compromising, yet Ye Qiu chose to be an immovable force. Tao Xuan willingly takes the blame for his role in Ye Qiu's fall, but Ye Qiu has no one else to blame but himself for refusing to step away from the cliff.
The only option left for him is to choose to stay on as a training partner or retire. Though Tao Xuan doesn't understand Ye Qiu at the best of times, he is one of the few who knows how far Ye Qiu's dedication to Glory extends, but it would be insane for Ye Qiu to choose to return after retirement.
eSports favors the young. At Ye Qiu's age, retirement is basically the end. Without consistent practice and high-leveled competitions, even a year is enough to make a god rusty and stagnant. Not to mention, Su Mucheng's contract expires more than a year and half from now. If there is anything else that Tao Xuan knows about Ye Qiu,it's that any decision he makes will have her well-being and future in mind.
If he was insane enough to attempt a comeback, he has no doubts that Ye Qiu will wait for Su Mucheng before trying anything. No one can make a comeback after that much amount of time has passed. No team would want such a rusty player even if it is God Ye Qiu.
If he wants to come back, Ye Qiu will have to put everything on the line and the both of them have experienced how exhausting forming a grassroots team is. It was already draining enough in the past, but at the very least, it wasn't difficult for them to gain a foothold in the Glory Professional Alliance as a first generation powerhouse. For a team without funds and backing, the only way to enter the Alliance would be to fight through the Challenger's League, where thousands of hopeful teams get eliminated each year.
Unless you joined the Challenger's League for fun and experience, those serious in entering the Alliance had to be ready to put their health, time, and livelihood on the line. Even if Ye Qiu is someone who never reacts in the way that he expects, there has to be a limit to what Ye Qiu would endure and he is no fool.
There is no merit in a destructive path destined for hardship, pain, and sacrifice. Tao Xuan doesn't even consider that Ye Qiu will make such a foolhardy decision. Retirement will be the last he sees of Ye Qiu.
Tao Xuan watches in satisfaction as the majority of Excellent Era becomes convinced over the years that Ye Qiu needs to be replaced, that he's losing his touch, that he's too old and stubborn to properly play One Autumn Leaf and lead the team.
Excellent Era has turned into shattered fragments of what was once whole and beautiful, but once Ye Qiu is gone, Tao Xuan will make sure that these fragments find their way back together and shine more brightly than ever before. The only piece left he's missing for his plans to fall into place is for someone to take over Ye Qiu's position.
In Season 7, Tao Xuan finds this piece in Sun Xiang, the prodigious rookie that nearly brought a mediocre team like Conquering Clouds to the playoffs. Young, skilled, talented, handsome, malleable—he is the most suitable candidate for becoming new user of One Autumn Leaf and the team captain. He and Cui Li make arrangements to entice Sun Xiang to transfer over. Any amount of money they need to throw will be worth the long-term investment.
Until then, let Ye Qiu continue playing Glory as a single player until he accepts that he no longer has a place in Excellent Era.
One Autumn Leaf has been given to Sun Xiang. Ye Qiu chose to retire and left.
Where did he go? Tao Xuan almost texts back before he realizes it doesn't matter. What Ye Qiu does from now on is no longer his concern.
I will be back soon. Begin the celebration without me. He texts back, then calmly returns his phone to his pocket with a satisfied smirk as he gazes out of the taxi window and watches the snow fall. Other than the transfer, Tao Xuan hadn't told Ye Qiu about Sun Xiang's new role in the team, nor which account he's taking over. The time for talking had long been over and if Ye Qiu needed to be told ahead of time what his position in the team would be, or the lack thereof, then he would have seriously misunderstood and overestimated Ye Qiu.
Tao Xuan and Ye Qiu's shared path had diverged long ago, but now he can be at ease with Ye Qiu no longer in the picture. From here on, Sun Xiang will be Excellent Era's new pillar and lead their team to victory. It is time for the someone more deserving to carry on One Autumn Leaf's legacy and for his previous owner to fade away into history.
Obviously, Excellent Era's goal is to make it to the playoffs and win the championships, but to only have this as their goal is too narrow-minded and short-sighted. Victory, fame, prestige, and riches—this is what it means to truly earn glory. If only Ye Qiu had chosen to work with him, if only he was able to see things the same way that Tao Xuan did, then he wouldn’t have gone this far.
Tao Xuan wouldn't have had to treat Ye Qiu as a business matter.
For a brief moment, Tao Xuan wonders how Ye Qiu had felt, letting go of One Autumn Leaf and leaving Excellent Era. After all these years, surely there was some kind of emotion behind that unreadable expression of his? Was he really unaffected by all those years of pressure? Did he resent Tao Xuan for his actions?
... No matter. Ye Qiu is no longer a concern of his. Even if he had any lingering desire for revenge or anger harbored in his heart, the two of them will never meet again.
All that remains is for them to reap what they sowed.