“Welcome back.”
“Just received a message from the director. Head coach Heart has decided to make a substitution. Jiang Chen will replace Letme on the field… ”
At the commentary desk, the commentators were discussing in front of the camera.
“GoDlike, as a former professional player, do you think RNG’s decision to let Jiang Chen play is a hidden trump card?”
Shen Chao raised his hand to adjust the microphone and said, "I've checked the player data, Jiang Chen hasn't played a single game since the spring finals."
“He only played once at the beginning of the spring split, choosing Ivern, but the effect wasn't ideal. He was single-killed by Ornn.”
“But since the Royal Club has let him play this crucial match, they must have something up their sleeve. Let’s wait and see…”
With Shen Chao's words falling.
The barrage on all major live streaming platforms exploded.
Douyu, Huya, Bilibili…
The barrage, like a blackout, was filled with curses for Jiang Chen, Heart, and RNG’s alleged match-fixing…
Many were also spamming “Give us back our Sheep! Give us back our equality!”
After all, Yan Junze’s performance this year was undeniable.
Although he couldn't gain an advantage online, he could trade blows with anyone.
It's like 1v1 in a lane, and his late-game teamfight performance.
Plus, he was very handsome, and his fans really admired him.
…
The director switched the camera to the player’s seats.
The camera swept over Uzi, Xiaoming, Xiaohu, and Xiangguo.
Finally, the camera landed on RNG's substitute top laner - Jiang Chen.
He wore the RNG team uniform, had a melon-shaped face, and was clean-cut and good-looking.
The barrage on major live streaming platforms surged again.
All negative.
“If we lose this game, I’m going to rant at Jiang Chen on Weibo every day, telling him to get out of the esports circle."
“Same here, I will hate him forever, no explanation needed.”
“Don’t say it, he’s kinda cute though…”
“Cute for what? In esports, only strength speaks.”
“LPL says it has the most hope every year, but how many years have passed?”
“If we don’t bring home the trophy this year, I’m quitting. Last year, in the finals at Bird’s Nest, not a single LPL team… dammit…”
…
The G2 players also looked confused.
The head coach reminded his top laner through the microphone, “Jiang Chen hasn't been seen for a long time. His strength may be weak, but when you lane against him, just stay stable and wait for the jungler to come help.”
“Understood.”
“Heart dared to let him play in a crucial match. He must have something up his sleeve.”
“Understood, coach.”
Soon.
Both sides entered the ban and pick phase.
The commentators explained to the audience, looking at the hero icons turning black on the screen.
“First ban on the Inventor, that’s reasonable. G2, with or without this hero, is a completely different team.”
“G2 counter bans the strong hero, Xayah, no problem.”
…
The first round of ban and pick ended.
RNG picked first.
The team communicated through their headsets.
Head Coach Heart said: "Jiang Chen, help Xiangguo grab Nocturne, we won't get him in the second round.”
Jiang Chen didn’t move the mouse.
Instead, he had his own plans.
He picked Nocturne.
The coach would definitely tell him to play “tanky” and farm safely.
If he won, it would be fine. If he lost, he would have to take the blame.
He would pick the role he drew from the "system" - Riven, and destroy the opponent in lane!
Wouldn’t that be even more satisfying?
With that thought, Jiang Chen controlled his mouse, and "clicked" Riven's icon.
Without a moment's hesitation.
Select.
Confirm!
A familiar female voice instantly sounded through the headset: “I thirst for worthy opponents!”
Xiaohu: …
Xiangguo: …
Xiaoming: …
Uzi: …
Heart: Ah shit!
Everyone’s pupils widened, then slowly shrunk…
They only had one thought…
We’re really going back to Beijing this time.
The G2 players sitting opposite them were also stunned.
Didn’t they say Jiang Chen is good at playing tanks?
Was this off-meta Riven pick really not a mistake?
Moreover, it’s the first pick!
Wasn’t he afraid of being targeted by the jungler, or countered by the top laner?
The Unbreakable Blade – Fiora.
As one of the four top lane sisters, her late-game carry potential was undeniable.
But you have to survive the early game.
If you collapse in the early game, how can you play?
…
On RNG’s side, Uzi’s face instantly darkened, and he coldly said through the microphone: "Jiang Chen, are you trying to cause trouble?"
Xiaoming’s morale was clearly affected, but he still comforted Uzi: “Doggo, the hero is already decided. Let’s consider our picks for the rest of the ban/pick phase!”