LOL: What does it mean to torture players?

After the shoot, the EDG and RNG players, guided by the staff, returned to their respective rest areas to remove their makeup and change clothes.

Su Mo was still the one who could get everything sorted out the fastest and then find a corner to hide in.

"Brother Mozi, that's awesome!" Jiejie rushed in from outside, her face still beaming with excitement. "The Third Bureau is off work, so it won't delay dinner! Hahaha, that's so cool!"

Su Mo rolled her eyes at him: "You better shut up. What if we really drag this out to the fifth game? I'll get roasted to death!"

"No way! With Mozi around, how could it possibly drag on to the fifth game!" Viper chimed in, expressing his admiration in broken Chinese.

Meiko shook her head with a smile, "You really know the essence of trash talk."

"Come on, I'm just telling the truth." Su Mo said, then yawned again. "Let's go back now, I'm sleepy."

However, just as the EDG team was about to leave the studio, a stylish and capable-looking woman walked over.

It was Qin Lan.

"Brother Mo, is it convenient for us to chat for a bit?" Qin Lan asked with a smile, her gaze fixed on Su Mo.

Su Mo was slightly taken aback, then nodded: "Mr. Qin, hello. Is there anything I can help you with?"

Qin Lan gestured for him to walk aside, avoiding the curious gazes of the other team members.

Qin Lan got straight to the point, saying, "Regarding the 'e-sports empire' plan I mentioned before, we have made more detailed plans and have made substantial progress. I hope you can reconsider it carefully."

She handed over a business card, which, in addition to her name and contact information, also bore the name of a new company – “Xingyao Interactive Entertainment”.

"This is my newly established cultural and entertainment investment company, mainly focused on esports. I hope to cooperate with you to create a brand new esports ecosystem." Qin Lan's eyes were full of confidence.

Su Mo took the business card, glanced at it, and did not immediately express his opinion.

“President Qin, your plan sounds grand, but all my energy is currently focused on the competition,” Su Mo politely declined. “Besides, I have little interest in becoming the creator of an 'empire'.”

Qin Lan's smile remained unchanged, as if she had expected him to say that.

“It’s alright, you can take your time to think it over. But please remember, opportunity waits for no one.” She gave Su Mo a deep look. “I’ll wait for you.”

After saying that, Qin Lan turned and left, leaving Su Mo standing there alone, holding the heavy business card in his hand.

"Brother Mozi, what did President Qin say to you?" Jiejie asked, her eyes full of gossip as she watched Qin Lan walk away.

"Nothing much, just wanted to talk to me about investments," Su Mo said casually, then put the business card in his pocket. "Let's go back to the base."

Back at the base, Su Mo casually placed Qin Lan's business card on the table and then returned to his "slacking off" business.

He knew Qin Lan wouldn't give up easily, but he was too lazy to think about those complicated things.

The next day, Su Mo intended to continue his "leisurely and carefree" life, but Ming Kai called him over.

"Brother Mozi, RNG has arranged an internal scrim today." Mingkai's voice was somewhat helpless. "You know, we played back and forth with them in the regular season, and if you don't play in the playoff finals, the team will definitely feel uncertain. So, you have to play today."

Su Mo raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised that the two finalist teams could still play practice matches before their final match. It was no wonder that neither team could muster their true strength.

Thinking of this, Su Mo pouted and said, "It's just a training match, is it really that big of a deal?"

“Absolutely! Absolutely!” Mingkai said. “RNG is riding high right now, and Xiaohu is playing better and better since transitioning to top lane. Besides, they were utterly crushed in their last scrim with you, so they're definitely burning with anger and want to get revenge. If you don't intimidate them today, we might lose momentum in the finals.”

Su Mo sighed: "Fine, I'm just killing time anyway."

In the afternoon, in the training room.

The atmosphere during the scrim between EDG and RNG was unusually tense, completely lacking their usual lightheartedness.

Su Mo sat in the top lane position, facing off against RNG's Xiaohu.

During the ban/pick phase, RNG did not hesitate to ban SuMo's Irelia, Fiora, and Camille.

On EDG's side, Abu and Mingkai discussed and ultimately locked in Zed, the "Master of Shadows," for Su Mo.

"Zed top lane?!" On the RNG side, Xiaohu's eyes sharpened instantly when he saw this pick. "EDG is going to pull off some crazy moves!"

In the first game, Su Mo's Zed top lane had an explosive effect in the early game.

At level three, he used the precise release of Shadow Clone W and Q skills to reduce Xiaohu's Ornn's health by half, forcing him to use Flash.

At level six, after pushing the minion wave to the tower, Su Mo seized the opportunity when Xiaohu was last-hitting the cannon minion, using his W skill to dash in and his R skill Shadow Blade!

The clone unleashed a series of fluid combos, instantly killing Ornn!

"First Blood!"

Although it was a training match, the RNG players on the other side were also stunned.

"This...is this really Zed top lane?!" RNG's support Ming exclaimed, "This is completely unreasonable!"

Throughout the training match, Su Mo's Zed was like a deadliest assassin, moving freely through RNG's formation.

With precise skill execution and perfect timing of his entry, he tore RNG's backline to pieces.

In the end, EDG won the training match cleanly with a score of 2:0.

After the match, there was silence in RNG's rest room.

Although everyone didn't use their full strength, this loss was still incredibly frustrating.

Xiaohu looked at his gray screen, shook his head with a wry smile: "This person... is a real monster."

Ming sighed, "His tribulation was completely different from what we imagined. That suppressive force was terrifying."

RNG's coach Tabe looked unusually serious during the post-match analysis: "It seems that our understanding of Su Mo is still not deep enough. His hero pool is bottomless, and he can play each hero in his own way. In the finals, we must be prepared for him to play, and we need to conduct a more detailed draft based on his hero pool."

Meanwhile, the training room for EDG was filled with laughter and joy.

"Brother Mozi! Your Zed top lane play was so cool!" Jiejie exclaimed excitedly.

"Exactly! That solo kill was pure art!" Viper chimed in.

Su Mo took off his headphones and stretched: "Alright, alright, stop bragging. The other team wasn't playing seriously at all today, it was like they were just playing around. You guys should get ready for the finals."

……

As the finals approach, LPL's official promotion has reached a fever pitch.

Various promotional videos, contestant interviews, and data analyses have emerged one after another.

Su Mo's quote from the factory manager, "We've already started studying our MSI opponents," has been turned into various memes and parody videos, spreading wildly online and pushing the atmosphere of the finals to a climax.

Countless players and fans are eagerly anticipating what kind of sparks will fly when EDG and RNG, two top LPL teams, clash on the finals stage.

At the EDG base, the intensity of training has reached an unprecedented level.

Although Su Mo performed brilliantly in the training matches, the coaching staff still had a heated discussion about the starting lineup for the finals.

“I think we should start Flandre,” Abu pondered. “He played very well in the regular season, and his form has been getting more and more consistent lately. Mozi is a trump card that can be used in crucial moments to catch the opponent off guard.”

Mingkai offered a different perspective: "Mozi's dominance is too strong. His presence on the field can directly disrupt RNG's rhythm. Moreover, RNG currently has no way to deal with Mozi's hero pool, which is our advantage."

After arguing for a long time, the two finally gave the decision to Su Mo.

Su Mo looked at the two coaches arguing in front of him and a playful smile appeared on his face.

"Whether I play or not doesn't really matter much," Su Mo said slowly. "The important thing is that we, EDG, must win this championship in our strongest form."

He paused, his eyes turning serious: "So, let Flandre start. I believe he can handle the pressure. If it really comes down to a crucial moment and I'm needed to play, I'll do my duty without hesitation."

This decision surprised everyone, yet it was also quite reasonable.

Upon hearing this, Flandre was so excited that his eyes welled up with tears.

He knew that Su Mo was giving him a chance and showing him the utmost trust.

Of course, only he thought so.

Everyone knows that Su Mo wanted to slack off.

"Brother Mozi, thank you!" Brother Shengqiang said solemnly, "I will definitely do my best and not let you down!"

On the day of the finals, the Shanghai Hongqiao Tiandi Performing Arts Center was packed to capacity and filled with lively chatter.

At the center of the stage, the golden silver dragon cup gleamed, awaiting its new owner.

When the players from EDG and RNG walked out of the player tunnel, the cheers that erupted from the crowd were deafening.

"Welcome to the 2021 LPL Spring Split Finals!" Commentator Miller's voice was almost drowned out by the cheers from the crowd. "Today's matchup is between the regular season champions EDG and the indomitable RNG, who have reclaimed their glory!"

Wawa excitedly shouted, "That's right! Today, the ultimate champion of the LPL Spring Split will be decided! Let's wait and see who will lift this Silver Dragon Cup!"

The atmosphere in EDG's rest room was heavy yet full of fighting spirit.

Saint Gun sat in his seat, took a deep breath, and tried to calm his inner tension.

Su Mo sat behind him and patted him on the shoulder: "Relax and just play your own style. Believe in yourself and believe in us."

The first game begins.

Flandre brought out his signature champion, Renekton, to face off against Xiaohu's Jayce.

RNG was clearly well-prepared, with jungler Wei's Lee Sin frequently ganking the top lane in the early game, attempting to help Xiaohu establish an advantage.

However, under Su Mo's guidance, Flandre's mentality became exceptionally stable. With perfect control over laning details and accurate prediction of ganks, he successfully thwarted several of RNG's top-jungle ganks. In mid-game team fights, Flandre's Renekton repeatedly unleashed perfect ultimates, disrupting RNG's formation and creating favorable output environments for Viper's Aphelios.

Ultimately, EDG secured the first victory thanks to their superior team fight coordination.

In the second game, RNG adjusted their tactics.

Xiaohu picked his signature champion, Lucian, for top lane, aiming to exert lane dominance.

On the EDG side, Flandre locked in Kennen, preparing to contend with Lucian.

However, the course of the match once again exceeded everyone's expectations.

RNG's bot lane duo, Gala and Ming, gained a significant advantage during the laning phase, successfully suppressing Viper and Meiko with their strong champion picks and aggressive playstyle.

Cryin's Viktor in the mid lane was also well-farmed and dealt explosive damage in team fights.

Ultimately, RNG capitalized on their multi-pronged attack to win a game and tie the score at 1-1.

The atmosphere in EDG's rest room was somewhat somber.

Saint Gunner lowered his head, knowing that his performance today had not met expectations.

"My problem is, I didn't get it up." Flandre's voice was hoarse.

Just as Abu and Mingkai were about to offer their words of comfort, Su Mo stood up.

He walked up to Flandre, gently patted him on the shoulder, and then looked around at his teammates, who all looked equally tense.

Su Mo's voice wasn't loud, but it was exceptionally clear: "Aren't you all a little too nervous? Victory and defeat are common in war. Losing a game is perfectly normal."

As soon as he finished speaking, the factory manager said, "Brother Mozi, you go in next game. Quickly take down RNG so we can get off work early."

"Um... alright then." Su Mo agreed without giving the factory manager any face.

So, EDG directly sent someone to inform them of the roster change.

When the commentator announced in a trembling voice that "EDG has substituted Mo in for the decisive game," the entire arena erupted in cheers!
"God! He has come!"

"We still have to rely on my brother Mozi!"

Amidst thunderous cheers, Su Mo slowly walked onto the stage, sat down in the familiar gaming chair, and put on his headphones.

The world fell silent instantly.

"Welcome back to the 2021 LPL Spring Split Finals! This is the third game between EDG and RNG!" Miller's voice was a little hoarse, but his tone was more excited than ever before. "After the score was tied 1-1, EDG made a substitution. Player Mo has been called upon to take the stage!"

Wawa quickly added, "Yes! We saw that RNG's coach Tabe's expression became noticeably more serious after Mo came on stage. Now, the pressure is on RNG's draft picks!"

BP officially begins.

As the blue side, EDG bans heroes first.

First, EDG banned jungler Udyr.

"Banning Udyr is a very solid move!" Miller analyzed. "Wei's ability to control the tempo of the game with Udyr this season is top-notch, and EDG doesn't want him to get it easily."

RNG's first ban was given to SuMo's Irelia without hesitation.

EDG's second pick was to ban Galio, thus dismantling RNG's classic mid-jungle synergy.

RNG's second move was still to target SuMo, banning his Fiora.

EDG's third pick was to ban Jinx.

RNG's third pick, Camille, was once again given to SuMo from their champion pool.

"Three bans on top lane!" Wawa exclaimed. "RNG is determined to target Mo's champion pool! Irelia, Fiora, and Camille—three of the most representative aggressive fighter champions of Mo—have all been banned!"

Miller nodded: "That's right, but we all know that Mo's champion pool... is as deep as the sea. Are these three ban slots really enough?"

EDG, on the blue side, made a first-pick without hesitation, locking in the T0-level ADC of the current patch—Kai'Sa, the Daughter of the Void!
"Kai'Sa! Viper's Kai'Sa! EDG has secured the most comfortable champion for their core AD carry!"

It's RNG's turn to choose.

RNG quickly locked in two champions on the first and second floors: Hecarim for the jungle and Ryle for the support.

"Hecarim and Reyle!" Miller exclaimed rapidly, "RNG has secured the strongest engage jungle-support duo in the current meta! Wei's Hecarim combined with Ming's Reyle, this engage composition is incredibly powerful!"

EDG's choice of the second or third floor.

Jiejie locked in one of his signature champions – Volibear, the Thunder Roar jungler, who can effectively counter Hecarim's attacks.

Scout picked Orianna, a reliable and versatile mid-lane pick that's always a trustworthy choice.

The second round of bans begins.

On RNG's side, Tabe had a furrowed brow.

EDG already has two late-game carries, Kai'Sa and Orianna, so they must limit Su Mo's picks and prevent him from getting another champion that can carry the game.

For their fourth ban, RNG gave Jayce the pick.

For their fifth ban, RNG banned Gnar again.

"Two more top laners banned!" Wawa's voice changed. "Five top lane bans! RNG's respect for Mo has reached its peak! Jayce and Gnar are two champions that can be played both close and long-range, with extremely strong laning capabilities. They don't want Mo to get any champions that allow him to farm safely or gain an advantage in lane!"

In professional matches, it's rare for five players to ban the same position, but it's quite normal for Su Mo to do it.

When it was EDG's turn to ban, they calmly banned Cryin's Viktor and Gala's Tristana, further limiting RNG's backline damage output.

The final selection phase.

RNG locked in Syndra in the fourth position to counter Scout's Orianna.

On the fourth floor of EDG, Meiko paired Viper's Kai'Sa with one of the best partners—Deep Sea Titan.

Now, with everyone's attention focused on EDG's final pick: the top laner.

On the screen, all the heroes' portraits were flashing.

What hero will Su Mo choose to respond to RNG's unprecedented "five bans on top laners"?
In the commentary booth, Miller and Doll held their breath.

The audience fell silent, and tens of thousands of eyes focused on the large screen in the center of the stage.

Su Mo's avatar lit up, and the hero selection wheel spun rapidly.

Suddenly, a hero's portrait that no one expected was locked onto!
Vayne, the Night Hunter!
"VN?!!" Miller's voice cracked instantly. "It's Vayne top lane!!! On the stage of the finals! Facing RNG's five bans on top laners! Mo locked in Vayne!!"

"This is insane!" Wawa exclaimed excitedly. "What confidence! Knowing that the enemy's fifth pick is a counter-pick for the top lane, they still picked it first!"

After a brief silence, the entire Hongqiao Tiandi Performing Arts Center erupted in cheers as loud as a landslide!

"Mo!"

"Mo!"

"Mo!"

The fans' shouts almost lifted the roof off the stadium.

In RNG's match booth, Xiaohu stared at the Vayne icon on the opposing team, paused for a moment, and then gave a wry smile.

He had considered many possibilities, but this was the one he hadn't thought of.

This is no longer a tactical game; it's a blatant provocation.

Tabe took a deep breath and made a quick decision.

RNG's last pick was Lucian!

"Lucian! Xiaohu has picked Lucian!" Miller shouted. "Long range against long range! RNG has given their response! Top lane will be a duel between two ADCs!"

The final lineups for both sides have been determined.

Blue side EDG:

Top Lane (Mo): Vayne
Jungler (Jiejie): Volibear
Mid lane (Scout): Orianna
ADC (Viper): Kai'Sa
Support (Meiko): Nautilus
Red Square RNG:

Top lane (Xiaohu): Lucian

Jungler (Wei): Hecarim
Mid Lane (Cryin): Syndra

ADC (Gala): Kasumi

Support (Ming): Ruier
"Alright! The lineups for both sides are finalized!" Miller calmed himself down and began his professional analysis. "EDG has a very extreme three-core lineup! Vayne in the top lane, Orianna in the mid lane, and Kai'Sa in the bot lane—three carries with explosive late-game damage output! But this lineup has a very low margin for error. Once they are overwhelmed by RNG's aggressive engage composition in the early game, it will be very difficult for them to have a chance to turn the game around!"

Wawa added, "Yes, RNG's lineup is more geared towards a mid-game push. With Hecarim and Rey entering the fray, combined with Syndra's crowd control, their goal is very clear: to break down EDG's seemingly impressive 'glass cannon'! The key to this match lies in the top lane! Whether Mo's Vayne can gain an advantage against Xiaohu's Lucian, or even clear the top lane, will directly determine the outcome of the match!"

The contestants were adjusting their equipment, in their final preparation time.

Su Mo flexed his fingers, his eyes calm as still water.

Through the earpiece, I could hear my teammates' voices, a mixture of worry and excitement.

"Brother Mozi, playing Vayne is pretty flashy, but it might not be easy against Lucian," Jiejie said.

"It's alright, trust Brother Mozi." Meiko's voice was as calm as ever. (End of Chapter)