“Damn it, I’m so pissed off. He’s everywhere. Andrew Miller is showing off again, I just can’t stand how arrogant he is. What does he mean by people like me shouldn’t join in the fun? Well, I’m going to join in just because he said that. Isn’t it just forming a team to compete?”

Andrew Miller, the student council president, a big shot at school, rumored to be the heir of Zhou Real Estate Group, a super rich second generation, good-looking, multi-talented, extremely popular—the typical antagonist in online novels these days, but in reality, he’s the one destined to be a successful alumnus.

Samuel Reed has always clashed with this guy. Back in sophomore year, they both chased after Grace Harris, and you can guess how that turned out. So, there’s been bad blood ever since. Because of Andrew Miller, Samuel Reed even quit the student council.

“Brothers, let’s form a team and crush them!” Samuel Reed pumped his fist.

John Foster and Little White exchanged glances and both shook their heads. “Sima, no offense, but why are you so hung up on that guy? The two of us aren’t exactly pros, and the key thing is Little White doesn’t even know how to play. Mr. Thompson, do you know how? Even if you do, it’s useless. With Andrew Miller’s style, making such a big deal out of this is probably just setting the stage for himself. You’re just walking right into his trap.”

Samuel Reed was stunned for a while. In the dorm, even though he talks the most smack, John Foster is the real strategist. In John Foster’s words, “I’m Zhuge Liang, always outsmarting Samuel Reed.”

“So you’re saying I fell for it?”

“Duh. Who is Andrew Miller? Publicly calling you out like that is obviously a provocation. Don’t tell me you already paid the registration fee?” John Foster rolled his eyes. If you don’t keep an eye on this guy for a second, he gets into trouble.

“Damn, that’s so shady. 500 bucks, and now I’ve lost face all the way to the Pacific Ocean.” Now that he’d calmed down, Samuel Reed was still indignant. Five hundred wasn’t a big deal to him, but this whole thing was probably a joke now. “Or… should we give it a shot?”

John Foster burst out laughing. “You still don’t think you’ve embarrassed yourself enough? The two of us are at best gold rank in the suburbs. Little White, do you even know which key is for the ultimate? And Mr. Thompson, have you ever played this game?”

“I have.” David Thompson nodded. Actually, he’d been paying attention all along. This intercity tournament is one of the most influential amateur offline competitions. He didn’t expect their school to get a spot this year, and he was a bit tempted. “Why not give it a try?”

The three of them looked at each other. Honestly, Reed was already regretting it. Sometimes you just have to cut your losses, otherwise you’ll just get destroyed.

“Mr. Thompson, are you feverish? Us playing in the intercity tournament? Reed is a clown, don’t pay attention to him. I don’t want to ruin my reputation right before graduation.” John Foster shook his head like a rattle drum.

Skill aside, as an old player, he knew just how deep the waters ran in this game. It’s easy to pick up, but hard to play well. If you get crushed in an official match, you’ll be a laughingstock.

“It’s fine, as long as everyone wants to join. It’s about participation, leave the rest to me. I can take on five by myself,” David Thompson said patiently. Thinking about all those emails that never got a reply, maybe this was an opportunity. Besides, the registration fee was already paid. The Li family motto is never to waste anything.

Samuel Reed and John Foster looked at each other, even Little White couldn’t help but laugh. After being around them for so long, “Ha, haha, Old Thompson, have you really played before? This is a team game, 1v5? Are you kidding me? Can we not joke around?”

“I’m not joking. You guys just play it safe, leave the rest to me. I can play any position. Besides, since we’ve signed up, there’s no reason to chicken out.” David Thompson knew about the intercity tournament. The level wasn’t that high, and with his skills, he was pretty confident. At least getting out of the school bracket wouldn’t be a problem.

“No way, it’s just asking to get stomped. You know why I always stay in gold and never go up to platinum? Because it’s comfortable. Better to be a big fish in a small pond—that’s my life philosophy.” John Foster shook his head like a rattle drum.

“You just can’t get up there, okay?” Samuel Reed said weakly.

“Bunny Reed, it’s because of you dragging me down. If I had a good AD, I’d be challenger by now.”

“Ahem, guys, guys,” Evan White couldn’t hold it in anymore. “The main thing is, I really don’t know how to play.”

“Yeah, Mr. Thompson, I want to join, but Little White really hasn’t played before. His thing is singing and playing ball, he’s just not into games. You’re not saying you can win with the three of us, are you?”

Samuel Reed was a little tempted. He wouldn’t have signed up if he wasn’t at least a little prepared—he did know a top player.

“Sure, I’ll teach Little White. He can learn now, just play a tank and play safe in the top lane. Leave the rest to me, I’ll carry,” David Thompson said with a smile.

“So hardcore, Reed, can we get our money back?” John Foster felt a sense of despair. Little White was a fence-sitter with no real opinion, and it was obvious David Thompson and Samuel Reed were interested. This was like knowingly jumping into a pit.

“What do you think? I slapped it right in Andrew Miller’s face. You guys don’t know, it felt awesome at the time.”

Chapter 7: I Like It Too

“Well, I can join, but don’t blame me if I don’t play well,” Little White was the first to speak. “Since everyone likes it so much, maybe I’ll end up liking it too.”

Samuel Reed threw an arm around Little White. “Little White, you’re the best. I knew you were the most handsome and kind guy in our school. If I were a woman, I’d definitely marry you.”

“With you guys like this, what can I say? Four brothers in one dorm—if we go down, we go down together,” John Foster shrugged.