As the first ray of sunlight shone upon the earth, Jiangcheng's team began to enter the venue.
After months of intense training, the time has finally come to test the results.
Led by Miao Yueqian, Wei Shuai and others walked at the forefront of the competing team, while within the lineup, Xiao Feng, the little girl, along with Lu Yao, Wang Lubo, Chen Xiuxiu, and others, were prominently present.
Everyone wore uniform clothing, stepped in sync, appearing formidable as they walked; they certainly had a presence.
As a special guest, Song Keren sat in the front row of the audience, watching Xiao Feng in the lineup, feeling somewhat uncomfortable inside.
"Keren sister, over here!" The little girl greeted quietly as she passed by Song Keren, waving her small hand cutely.
Song Keren smiled, and gave the little girl a thumbs up as a sign of encouragement.
Fortunately, the little girl also knew that such serious occasions weren't meant for casual chit-chat. After calling out, she followed the main group to the Jiangcheng preparation area.
Following closely was Xinwen City's contingent, each step steadfast, not guaranteed victory, but there were no faults to pick in their spirit.
In fact, those chosen to compete were all elites selected one in a hundred, each with their own pride. Regardless of the final result, before the game begins, their momentum must not lose!
"I don't want to say too much, you just need to always remember one thing, this is our home field in Jiangcheng." Miao Yueqian took a deep breath: "I hope everyone can perform at their best level!"
It was clear that she seemed more nervous than Wei Shuai and the others, because after all, losing at home would be quite disgraceful.
"Why don't you add some tactical details?" Miao Yueqian looked at Xiao Feng, seeing his relaxed demeanor relieved much of her tension.
Xiao Feng didn't evade responsibility, stepping forward, his gaze passing from Wei Shuai on the left to each one: "Actually, there's no need for me to say, everyone should have a clear understanding. In terms of rules, there's no loophole to exploit, and I believe winning through loopholes is more disdainful than losing."
Wei Shuai and the others nodded secretly, expressing agreement with Xiao Feng's words.
"Counting our Jiangcheng team, there are twelve teams competing this time, among which Xinwen City and Guangyang City's teams pose the greatest threat, with a total of four rounds, opponents selected by drawing lots."
Xiao Feng smiled: "So, as long as we withstand the first two rounds, the top three positions are almost guaranteed. Tactically, as per the original plan, unless we draw Xinwen and Guangyang in the first round, we don't need to exert full strength, but first get a feel for the other teams' levels."
"Understood!" Wei Shuai and others replied in unison.
Once all teams entered the venue, announcements were made by the event commentary, the leaders began speaking, and each team prepared for the matches, either adjusting tactical plans or boosting morale.
A moment later, the lady at the commentary desk began: "So now, we see Jiangcheng team has claimed the draw rights, uh... the person drawing the lots is a heavyweight individual, we await to see if he brings Jiangcheng good luck."
The so-called heavyweight guest was undoubtedly Wang Lubo.
This time, Wang Lubo didn't dare to cake on heavy makeup, pinch orchid fingers, or mincing steps. After all, his previous embarrassment was within Jiangcheng, but this time, any faux pas would spread across the province.
Wang Lubo walked to the drawing area, pressed the button, and the red light began rolling on the screen, sliding from 2 to 12.
Suddenly, everyone's heart was in their throat; no one wanted to face Jiangcheng in the first round, simultaneously anxious about whom the unlucky draw affected.
Wang Lubo seemed to enjoy this feeling, with a smile like soaking in a spring breeze.
However, soon he couldn't laugh; his smile gradually stiffened and visibly waned...
Because after continuous jumping, the red indicator stopped at number 2.
Gazing at the shining 1 and 2 on the big screen, the lady commentator froze for a full three seconds before regaining composure and said quickly: "Well, the answer is clear, Jiangcheng's opponent in the first round is Xinwen Team. Both are championship favorites, and it seems destined that one will be eliminated early."
The crowd erupted, obviously no one predicted this outcome.
But with a king against a king right from the start, this competition surely promised excitement!
Xinwen City's leader and coach almost wished they could strangle Wang Lubo on the spot; this fat guy's luck was ridiculous, surely not intentional?
However, though grumbling inside, no one truly believed Wang Lubo intentionally chose so. Firstly, the draw was computer-generated random, he didn't have the ability to manipulate the outcome, secondly, there was no advantage to Jiangcheng.
Prior to this, whether Jiangcheng or Xinwen City, both sought to avoid the strongest teams and steadily advance into the top three. But Wang Lubo's miraculous draw had entirely disrupted their plans.
As one of the top three contenders, Guangyang City's leader practically grinned from ear to ear: "Hahaha, this fat one is simply our lucky star, kicking a strong team out from the get-go. Once we claim the championship, we must thank him big time!"
The players' morale needed no further boosting, as long as luck wasn't too bad in the second round draw, they were surely in the top three, while Jiangcheng and Xinwen City were bound to see one side ousted in the first round.
"Fat Bo, you didn't wash your hands after bathroom did you?" The little girl grumbled at Wang Lubo returning sheepishly: "I'd have rather drawn myself; even with feet couldn't have been so unlucky as you."
Xiao Feng stood forward: "The result is out, saying more is pointless. Now the only thing we can do is exert every effort to win the first round, proving our team's strength."
With that, Xiao Feng extended his hand, Wei Shuai first reached out, pressing his hand on Xiao Feng's, teammates one by one extended their hands, pressed, and shouted in unison: "One… two… three… Victory!"
Honestly, Xiao Feng was also somewhat dissatisfied with the outcome, but there's a saying about reciprocation.
Previously Wang Lubo showed much uprightness, even offering a millennium ginseng snatched from home; Xiao Feng naturally couldn't let him be shunned by the little girl's teasing.
Moreover, the conclusion was ensured, even parading Wang Lubo through town wouldn't change what had happened.
Miao Yueqian stepped forward: "Indeed, since we'll inevitably clash, sooner or later makes no difference."
As the core of the team, anyone 's morale could drop, but she couldn't.
An army's morale follows the leader; if the leader seems unlikely to win, then the followers even less so.
So, regardless of internal thoughts, externally the spirit can't weaken.
Results of other teams' draws also came out; teams scattered across various fields, awaiting the referee's whistle. Except the team drawing Guangyang Team, others showed full combat spirit.
Competition is always cruel, but simultaneously also a means of inspiration.
Take Guangyang City as an example, since hitting rock bottom five years ago, knowing shame then, their ranking shot up like a rocket, becoming championship favorites today.
Sometimes defeats aren't necessarily a bad thing.
"Brother Xiao Feng, you seem to really like such competitions?" Normally quiet Lu Yao spoke beside Xiao Feng amidst the spectacle.
Xiao Feng nodded in agreement, admitting this kind of match depending entirely on skills, with no room for trickery, was something he appreciated.
Because he could ensure that participants' efforts would be rewarded accordingly, no deception here.
A sweat for a reward, fair and reasonable!
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