Kuang Ye didn’t resort to any mysterious gimmicks; he laid out the reasons plainly. The group sat in stunned silence after hearing his explanation.

After a long pause, Xu Yijin was the first to speak. “So, you’re the real young master from that rich family mix-up in the news a few years ago?”

That incident had made a huge stir in S City back then. Everyone had envied the real young master who went from being a country boy to inheriting a wealthy family overnight. No one had expected that the wealthy family in question was connected to Kuang Ye all along.

Shen Lele and Jiang Yu exchanged glances. They had previously joked about how Kuang Ye, despite his scruffy appearance and preference for off-brand items, didn’t seem like someone from a rich family. Now, the truth left them speechless.

Shen Lele spat, “What kind of garbage family is the Kuang family? They abandoned their real son and doted on that fake one? Sure, raising the fake kid for over twenty years creates a bond, but they can’t just mistreat their biological son like this!”

Zhang Qinan, who had only recently learned about the connection between Kuang Ye and the Kuang Corporation through a phone call, finally chimed in. “So, you refused all those endorsement deals because of the Kuang family?”

Kuang Ye nodded.

Shen Lele scoffed, “What kind of family is this? Seriously, just because they’re rich doesn’t mean they can treat you this way. Captain, we support you. Focus on treating your hand injury—we’ll win the championship without you!”

Yang An interjected, “Don’t spout nonsense. Did you see how you all played in the elimination rounds? Forget the championship; I’d be thankful if you even make it to the top three.”

Kuang Ye smirked. “Coach, no need to crush their confidence.”

Yang An snapped back, “I’m just giving them a reality check.” Then he turned to the rest of the team. “Remember, Kuang Ye played through the fall season with a sealed injury to secure a spot in the finals for ST. Don’t waste his sacrifice.”

The others were unaware of this and were immediately moved.

“You’re a god, Captain. My god!”
“We’ll play our best and drape ourselves in the national flag, shoving it in the faces of your blind parents.”
“And that grandfather of yours—what kind of person stops you from treating your hand injury? If you’d become permanently disabled, he’d have ruined your entire life!”

Zhang Qinan threw them a subtle glare for their thoughtless words. What a bunch of tactless fools, jabbing at someone’s sore spot!

“But your sister seems pretty nice, though.”
“She really does! When we win the championship, she’ll have to throw us a celebratory feast!”
“No wonder she could just open a hotel like it was nothing. Must be nice being a second-generation rich kid.”

Kuang Ye’s lips curled into a smile. “She is pretty great.”

Although there had been misunderstandings between them later, Kuang Xingran had initially been welcoming and even overcompensated for him when he first joined the Kuang family.

Jiang Shixi then asked, “Captain, when are you going back to the country for treatment?”

Kuang Ye replied, “After the elimination rounds. I’ll guide O Lan for now and have the manager release the announcement. This way, reporters won’t swarm the base looking for me.”

Zhang Qinan nodded but hesitated. “But Mu Wan is still in the country. A lot of people know about your relationship now. What if reporters go after her?”

Kuang Ye reassured him, “It’s fine. I’ve already talked to Wan wan. She’ll stay at her company during this time. Reporters can’t get into Flourish Residence.”

Flourish’s third floor had a room specifically for Mu Wan, designed and furnished by Kuang Ye himself to replicate the layout of her apartment. That’s why he had the housekeeper deliver her meals three times a day.

Hearing this, Zhang Qinan finally relaxed.

That evening, ST officially announced Kuang Ye’s withdrawal from the competition due to his hand injury.

ST Official Statement:
“We regret to inform you that ST Ye will not be participating in this year’s Global Championships due to a recurring hand injury. We thank all ST fans and Kuang Ye’s fans for their support and look forward to the day he returns to the arena.”

The statement was posted in the afternoon, but fans didn’t erupt until the evening.

“!!! His hand? Ye’s hand is injured?”
“From the announcement, it seems that way. No wonder they suddenly subbed in a rookie during the fall season. There were rumors from supposed insiders before, but it’s true?”
“Noooo! I was planning to buy tickets to watch the finals live!”
“Are we sure this isn’t fake? Didn’t someone say he was spotted vacationing abroad with his girlfriend recently?”
“I’ve got the tea on this. I have a pen pal in Germany who plays HW and knows Ye. They told me they saw Ye outside a local hospital and even took a picture.”

The photo showed Kuang Ye and Mu Wan walking out of the hospital, looking worried.

“Holy crap, case closed! So they weren’t vacationing; they were in Germany for treatment.”
“Ugh, I misjudged Ye and called Mu Wan a gold digger. I was wrong. I’m sorry!”
“Wishing Ye a full recovery. Please come back soon!”
“Without Ye, ST doesn’t stand a chance in this year’s Global Championships.”
“Not necessarily. Oulan is pretty strong.”
“That explains why they subbed in a rookie during the elimination rounds. At the time, everyone was cursing ST for eliminating other LPL teams, but they were giving O Lan experience!”
“ST never let me down!!!”

The comment section was a frenzy. As the nation’s top jungler, Kuang Ye’s withdrawal due to injury saddened most fans, who mainly expressed understanding and support. After all, many professional gamers faced career-ending injuries, and some never returned to the arena.

Back at Jian Jia Company, which had its fair share of Kuang Ye fans, employees were equally concerned. Finally, they elected a representative to ask Mu Wan directly.

“Boss, do you think Ye’s hand can fully recover?”