TCWSITD – Chapter 52.1

Chapter 52 has 2 parts; 52.2 will be uploaded today at 20:00 EST.

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Chapter 52.1 – Training Match

Duren’s negotiation with Zhang Mingying didn’t go smoothly.

When Duren discussed salary, Zhang Mingying only cared about one thing. “Will I get a chance to play?”

When Duren told him he needed more training before getting a chance to play, Zhang Mingying only asked: “Can I play within three months?”

Duren almost swore out loud.

Was this guy in a rush to get reincarnated or what? Would the opportunity go cold after three months?[mfn]赶着去投胎 (gǎn zhe qù tóutāi) – the person is acting with unusual urgency, like they think their time is up.[/mfn]

In the end, after all his spit had dried up from talking, Zhang Mingying started packing his things again. “Then you guys discuss it first. I’m going to check out WG—what if they take me right away?”

Duren admitted defeat and could only call Lin Jiang.

Lin Jiang knew nothing about Zhang Mingying. He walked into the meeting room, took a few sips of coffee, and listened to their back-and-forth for a while, gradually piecing things together.

Zhang Mingying only wanted a three-month contract, which Duren found outrageous. Even someone as big as Lin Jiang had to sign for a year. What made Zhang Mingying so special?

“Why three months?”

“My patience only lasts three months.”

Duren suppressed his anger and shifted in his seat. Lin Jiang paused before speaking. “No matter which team you join, there’ll be an observation period. It’s not like you can just step onto the stage whenever you want.”

Zhang Mingying nodded. “I know. Three months is enough for me. My playstyle is unique. If I can’t find the right fit, staying longer would just be torture for both sides. So three months is the trial period.”

Duren couldn’t hold back anymore. “No matter how unique your playstyle is, you still have to integrate with the team. Otherwise, what team would dare take you?”

Zhang Mingying fell silent again. He grabbed his backpack. “You don’t understand me, so I won’t argue. I’m going to WG for a tryout. Call me when you’ve decided.”

Duren was nearly furious to death.

Fine, go then—hurry up and go mess up some other team.

This guy clearly didn’t understand team rules. No team would sign a three-month trainee. Training them was meant to prepare them for the stage. If they left after three months, it’d be a waste of effort.

Lin Jiang had stayed quiet until Zhang Mingying reached the door. Then he said softly, “You’re 17. You don’t have much time left.”

Zhang Mingying stopped in his tracks immediately. There was a reason he was in such a rush—17 was the peak age for a player. If he still couldn’t find a team that fit, his pro career was basically half-ruined.

The words struck a nerve. Zhang Mingying tightened his grip on his backpack, hesitated for a moment, but ultimately walked out with his head down.

Now Lin Jiang understood why other teams said Zhang Mingying had attitude problems. He really was reckless—breaking rules in-game and in real life without a second thought.

But this was a team game. If someone isn’t willing to bend even a little for the sake of the team, then no matter how talented they are, that talent becomes a blade turned against their teammates.

He had already thought of giving up. He drank a sip of coffee and felt a little down. Duren tried to console him. Let it go. You can’t hold on to someone that stubborn—just let him leave.”

“Mm,” Lin Jiang murmured, standing up and heading downstairs for a smoke. He carefully recalled how Zhang Mingying had been tamed in WG in his previous life. What exactly had kept him there?

He couldn’t figure it out no matter how hard he thought. Once he finished his cigarette, he decided to drop the matter. Just as he was about to stub it out, he saw Zhang Mingying running back from outside, still carrying his backpack.

He truly wasn’t scared of Lin Jiang—not even a little.

Panting, drenched in sweat, he looked straight at him with a calm, unwavering gaze. “That time I was camping mid, why didn’t you go in? I’ve watched your matches—you play really well. That couldn’t have been a mistake.”

Lin Jiang, still holding his cigarette, seemed to recall the moment. He suddenly laughed, his eyes crinkling with amusement. “That time? Because I knew you were faking the camp.”

Zhang Mingying hadn’t actually been camping mid. He’d been trying to track the enemy jungler’s movements.

He knew there was a ward that had spotted him. If the jungler didn’t show, it meant they were taking the Rift Herald, which would allow him to go to the bot lane to secure the dragon uncontested.

Lin Jiang hadn’t communicated with him at all that game, yet so many plays had unfolded exactly as he’d anticipated. The more Zhang Mingying thought about it on his way back, the more obsessed he became until he couldn’t resist turning around to demand an answer.

Hearing Lin Jiang’s confirmation, something inside him lit up like fireworks. He knew his ideas were often strange and unconventional, making it hard to find someone who truly understood him.

He propped himself up and looked at Lin Jiang, wanting to ask but too embarrassed, “So… do you think… you and I could work together?”

Lin Jiang laughed even more at that. “In all my years as a professional player, I’ve never encountered a playstyle I couldn’t adapt to. If we really can’t work together, it’d only be because your playstyle doesn’t suit the game itself.”

People often said Zhang Mingying was more arrogant than anyone else in this game, but now he felt Lin Jiang might be even worse.

He seemed gentle on the surface, but the pride hidden beneath was no less than his own.

Zhang Mingying was usually straightforward, but he’d never felt this conflicted before. Some part of him sensed that Lin Jiang was the one he’d been searching for, but he didn’t dare risk his golden years on a gamble.

Lin Jiang, far more relaxed, met his gaze openly and extended a sincere invitation. “Our team’s jungle position has always been a weakness,” he said honestly. “With you, we’d gain possibilities we never had before. It’s a gamble for both sides. You’d be betting a year of your youth. We’d be betting on our first ever shot at Worlds. No one’s got it easy.”

Zhang Mingying caught the key point. “I could go to Worlds?”

Lin Jiang nodded. “We checked—your registration time already qualifies you. Even if you don’t make the main roster, you could still go as a substitute. It might be one of your best opportunities. WG can’t offer you that. If you go there, you’ll just waste a few more years.”

Zhang Mingying was deeply moved. He tentatively asked again, “Don’t you already have a substitute jungler? What would happen to him if I join?”

“Zheng Yu was always meant to be transferred to manage the youth training camp. He’s part of building the second team. Didn’t you notice he was involved in the whole process? The gap between him and the main team is too big—he can’t keep up at all. We weren’t planning to bring him to Worlds anyway. If you can prove your skills, of course you’ll get to go with us.”

Zhang Mingying’s excitement had reached 99% of its peak. Gripping his backpack, perhaps too accustomed to being deceived, he remained skeptical. “Are you sure I’ll fit into OT?”

Lin Jiang smiled. “I have a good eye for talent. I chose OT back then because I saw their potential. I’ve been helping them grow into better players, and now they’re all world-class competitors. If you join, I believe you can be one too.”

Zhang Mingying took a deep breath, and his excitement instantly exploded beyond the limit. Of course, he knew how much OT had changed. He’d been captivated by them before. Now the opportunity was right in front of him.

Without another word, he asked, “Where do I sign the contract?”

Lin Jiang took him to Duren to discuss the contract details. The entire process went smoothly, with Zhang Mingying cooperating like a completely different person.

After signing, Duren quietly asked Lin Jiang, “How did you convince him?”

Lin Jiang chuckled. “Just said something that made him believe in it.”

“Guess how long he signed for?”

“How long?”

“Three years.”

Lin Jiang: ?

He realized this guy really had some kind of problem with how he thought—it was either three months or three years, no in-between.

“Why did he sign for so long?”

“Because I told him you’re a shareholder in OT and wouldn’t leave. He signed on the spot.”

“Did you tell him about our performance-based contract? That I’ll leave if we don’t win the championship?”

“Nope, he didn’t ask. He’s kinda clueless, honestly. Don’t worry, if he doesn’t fit OT, I’ll let him go myself.”

Lin Jiang couldn’t help but laugh. So Zhang Mingying was the passionate type. “Then you can’t cheat him. You have to make sure that he gets the right treatment.”

“Don’t worry. With me here, you guys definitely won’t be treated unfairly. I’ve already applied for all the welfare and benefits for you guys.”

Lin Jiang marveled at Duren’s efficiency. Anything he mentioned, Duren handled flawlessly.

“What about Song Zhixu? Is he satisfied?”

“Extremely. He even said he’d work for OT for life with no pay. I nearly died laughing. He’s ruining my reputation everywhere…”

Zhang Mingying’s joining the team was completely finalized. At first, he also followed the youth training camp’s procedures. Lin Jiang and Li Qian tested him several times and found he indeed had many strengths. After discussing, they immediately transferred him from the youth camp to the main team as a substitute. This meant Zheng Yu had to be removed from the main roster.

Zheng Yu himself was prepared to leave. He clearly understood the gap between himself and the main team, so he didn’t waste time. He voluntarily gave up his room to Zhang Mingying and went to supervise the youth training camp.

At first, Lin Jiang was worried Zheng Yu might struggle to adjust, so he sent A’Deng to check on him. After a few visits, A’Deng reported back. “Xiao Yu’s doing great there. Everyone respects him, and he’s handling things really well.”

“I always said Xiao Yu’s got a knack for management—guess I was right.”

“Who knows, maybe one day he’ll move up to the main team’s management.”

“LOL, the little brother suddenly becomes the boss, who could stand that?”

“Hahaha…”

Watching how fast he settled in, Lin Jiang finally breathed a sigh of relief.

But ever since Zhang Mingying joined, the team atmosphere had somehow turned strange?

Lin Jiang secretly observed for a few days and realized Zhang Mingying was a real oddball—always keeping to himself, silent, and refusing to mingle, which made everyone feel pretty awkward.

So, he quietly pulled Song Zhixu aside, asking him to help break the ice.

But for a social butterfly like Song Zhixu, this was no challenge at all. He patted his chest and promised, “Don’t worry, Captain. Even if he’s a rock, I’ll make him talk!”

Then he unleashed his chatterbox skills on Zhang Mingying. At first, Zhang Mingying still ignored him, but by the fourth day, he finally couldn’t take it anymore.“Aren’t you tired? Talking nonstop.”

The teammates burst out laughing, giving him no face. Lin Jiang cleared his throat sharply, “Song Zhixu, no more talking.”

The social butterfly suffered a crushing defeat.

From then on, he sealed his heart and locked away his love, never speaking again.

But the team atmosphere did improve because they realized Zhang Mingying just wasn’t talkative. At his core, he was still a straightforward guy who spoke his mind and never held back.

With these issues resolved, Lin Jiang had nothing left to worry about. His focus now shifted entirely to training. After each session, he spent long hours discussing tactics with Li Qian.

Li Qian stuck to his usual line: “OT doesn’t have any major issues now, but they’re too conventional and lacked an edge. There are plenty of teams like yours at Worlds. OT isn’t anything special.”

Lin Jiang understood. The teams at Worlds were the best from every region, all incredibly well-rounded. For OT to break through, they needed something sharper.

That was why he had kept Zhang Mingying.

“Do you think Zhang Mingying is a good blade?”

“I think so. He might open up opportunities for you, but he’s too sharp. I’m not sure if you can handle him properly.”

Lin Jiang had seen it all by now. He wasn’t afraid. “Then let’s give it a try.”

Zhang Mingying was indeed as Li Qian described—he was sharp-edged and sometimes produced miraculous effects, but when they checked the stats afterward, they realized their win-rate hadn’t improved.

Right now, Lin Jiang felt like he held a fine blade, but didn’t quite know how to wield it—often ending up the one getting cut.

As training matches piled up, the four LPL teams began both holding back and learning more about each other.

But before long, an unseen crisis started creeping in.

Duren rushed in a panic and summoned Lin Jiang and the coaches into a long meeting. The whole thing left everyone on edge. Outside, the teammates couldn’t concentrate on practice, nervously speculating what was going on.

When they came out, everyone looked grim. They gathered around Lin Jiang, their expressions tense. “What’s happened?”

Lin Jiang’s voice was serious: “The LCK just issued a new rule. For the sake of tactical secrecy, all LCK teams must stop scrimming with LPL teams. Our upcoming scrims have been canceled.”

“What? Why?”

“Did the LPL offend them or something?”

“Why are they singling us out?”

“If they want to stop, then stop for everyone. What’s the point of targeting us?”

Lin Jiang sighed. “Recently, many netizens have been spreading false rumors, suggesting that TG’s training match content with LCK was leaked. So the LCK used that as an excuse to refuse training matches with us.”

Training match content must not be leaked—TG would never do such a thing. “Couldn’t it be the LCK leaking it themselves and then playing the victim?”

“Honestly, that sounds pretty likely. Don’t you think they always play so conservatively during training matches? It’s like they’re afraid we’ll discover something.”

“The LPL is too strong this year. The international community is all talking about us. Maybe the LCK is scared?”

Without evidence, Lin Jiang advised against baseless accusations. “Everyone, be careful with your words. Regardless, this incident hits OT the hardest. We’re the only team without any Worlds experience, and now our training matches are gone. OT is practically groping our way across the river in the dark. We’ll have to play even more carefully.”

It was true—the other three teams wouldn’t be as affected, but OT was in serious trouble. Some even suspected the LCK was deliberately sabotaging them.

At Lin Jiang’s request, they stopped dwelling on the issue and focused on training. This time, however, everyone trained harder than ever. The more they were suppressed, the more the fighting spirit in their Chinese blood awakened.

Though Lin Jiang had comforted the team, he was also overwhelmed. He asked Duren again, “Really, not even one team is willing?”

“I’ve reached out to both NA and EU. Only the second-seed team from Europe agreed, but the servers are too far apart. Even if we play, there’ll be lag.”

Lin Jiang understood that the training effect wouldn’t be good, and they also needed to adjust for the time difference. “Let’s play anyway, it’s good for them to get familiar with the playstyles of other regions.”

This was a decision made only as a last resort.

Soon, the news blew up online. Many fans slammed the LCK for blowing things out of proportion and deliberately sabotaging OT.

Some pointed fingers at TG, saying, “After all these years, how do they still lack basic precautions? Letting themselves be led by the nose like this?”

There were also those mocking OT. No experience at all, yet occupying the first seed spot. They’ll only embarrass themselves at Worlds.”

The internet was full of all kinds of opinions. To avoid being affected by the backlash, Duren even restricted their phone usage, forbidding them from going online.

Everyone was holding in their frustration, but after a while, that frustration turned into doubt.

Why did it have to be them? Why did obstacles always appear when it was their turn? Would OT really not humiliate themselves at Worlds?

As time went on, Lin Jiang noticed their condition was deteriorating. He sought out Li Qian for advice. With a knowing smile, Li Qian said, “These kids have fighting spirit, but it’s far from enough. You might not feel it, but I understand perfectly. For players like them who’ve never participated in major tournaments, that kind of anxiety escalates rapidly.”

“I’ve observed them. Shen Ju and Zhang Mingying are coping much better, but the other three are internally struggling. On the surface, it’s not obvious, but their hearts are full of wounds.”

Li Qian took a drag of his cigarette and said earnestly, “Without training matches, they’ll fall apart. Lin Jiang, you might really be in deep trouble this time.”

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