Chapter 86 1/2

Sheng Quan effortlessly claimed the title of the first major contributor.

However, she didn’t ask Tan Chen to accompany her in the game but expressed her interest in discussing esports-related topics and various knowledge about the polar region. It was essentially a casual chat.

It’s worth mentioning that the in-game gold coins in the polar region game could be converted into real money, and various game-related equipment, instance qualifications, and items could be directly purchased with gold coins.

Tan Chen frequently participated in arena matches because, at the moment, it was the only method he could think of to make money quickly without waiting for time to pass.

But this method also had its downsides. It provided almost no time for his hands to rest, and injuries kept accumulating. It was akin to overusing his body’s health to make money.

Newcomers who were younger might not understand, but Tan Chen, who had been in the esports industry for a long time, was well aware of the ups and downs.

Although he loved esports, it’s not entirely true that he risked his life for it.

“I just need to hold on through this time.”

On the pure and sacred snow mountain, Tan Chen smiled when Sheng Quan asked this question:

“Don’t be fooled by the small size of our team. Our Breaking Waves players are all very skilled; it won’t be a problem to climb all the way up.”

Maybe because he had just played a satisfying match, or perhaps Sheng Quan didn’t mock him, Tan Chen’s tone gradually became more energetic and lively.

“As long as we can achieve good results, it will attract big bosses to invest. When that happens, with funding and a team doctor, I can take a good break.”

Sheng Quan could sense that Tan Chen cared a lot about his team members. Whenever he mentioned them, there was a touch of relaxation and gentleness in his tone.

She could almost be sure now.

Tan Chen wasn’t just a talented professional player but also had exceptional talent as an esports coach.

It was easy to understand. A small team like Breaking Waves couldn’t have coincidentally recruited top talents in every player. Although the novel had only mentioned Tan Chen briefly, during this time, Sheng Quan had collected a lot of esports-related information. Professional players entering the industry were generally young, so those with good achievements often became coaches after retiring.

After Tan Chen retired, he was once hired as a coach by one of the three major clubs. However, he resigned and left after only three months, taking with him a little-regarded academy player, Bai Xiangyuan.

Afterward, he formed Breaking Waves, a small team that absorbed some young people around Bai Xiangyuan, patiently waiting for the triennial global tournament.

Years of experience watching eSports made it easy for Sheng Quan to find forum posts from that time. Although she couldn’t piece together everything, she could see that Bai Xiangyuan didn’t show any outstanding talent back then.

So how did he become the current “Newcomer King”?

Moreover, according to the shallow description in the book, it seemed that Breaking Waves had been advancing smoothly, gradually becoming a prominent presence that everyone admired.

Perhaps this small team couldn’t get rich overnight, but at least they wouldn’t need Tan Chen to exhaust himself for money anymore.

So why, in the end, did Tan Chen’s story in the novel conclude with the outbreak of injuries and his passing?

Sheng Quan thought of a possibility and asked, “Have you ever thought about returning to the competition? Since you also have a spot in the team, you should be able to participate in matches, right?”

Tan Chen was startled for a moment and then revealed a somewhat regretful yet relieved smile in reality.

“I did think about it before. Honestly, when I just retired, I dreamed almost every night of myself playing in matches. But now that I think about it, I’ve already accepted this ending. It’s just a bit of unwillingness.”

Sheng Quan didn’t ask why Tan Chen felt unwilling.

Although they were meeting for the first time, she could probably guess that Tan Chen wasn’t unable to accept the outcome of retirement. Perhaps the once lively and ambitious young him wanted to announce his departure with a smile after winning the championship, rather than being suppressed by the club, sitting on the cold bench during the best years of his esports career, and suffering from injuries due to being called up everywhere and worn down.

She asked again, “So, you won’t go back to the competition in the future?”

“No, I won’t.”

Tan Chen’s answer was firm.

After answering, he smiled again. “Moreover, they don’t need me to play now. Let those young people go.”

There was even a hint of pride in his tone.

Sheng Quan couldn’t help but fall into contemplation. Tan Chen’s attitude at the moment was very determined. He had regrets, but he was clear that he couldn’t participate in matches anymore.

And perhaps, as the novel briefly mentioned, despite Breaking Waves’ impressive progress, what happened that led to Tan Chen’s injuries and departure?

Just as Sheng Quan was silent, Flame, seeing her not talking, interjected:

“Right, right, boss, I told you, this kid is like a mother hen protecting her chicks.”

Tan Chen controlled his in-game character and kicked Flame.

“I said only the winner accompanies the boss. Why did you insist on coming along?”

“Isn’t it because the boss said she wanted to understand esports-related knowledge?” Flame dodged nimbly and grinned. “You can’t even say half a word properly. What if you can’t explain what she wants to know? So, I’m here. I talk a lot, and chatting is my expertise. Consider it a buy one, get one free. The boss has agreed, so just be happy with my help.”

After saying this, he continued to control the massive bear warrior in the game and made a heart gesture towards the two.

Sheng Quan couldn’t help but laugh at Flame’s antics.