Fall Asleep in a Second

"The first match of the individual competition is about to begin. Let's welcome the players from both sides to the stage."

A player stood up from each Hundred Blossoms and Tyranny seating area. As the camera zoomed in, the audience erupted in thunderous applause and cheers.

Hundred Blossom sent out their rookie player, Tang Hao, who debuted this season and has shown extraordinary operational skills. On the other hand, Tyranny's representative was the veteran Zhou Guangyi, who debuted in the same season as Liu Hao and was well-experienced.

Liu Hao doesn't have much of a relationship with Tang Hao, but he knows about Tang Hao's future trajectory from the novel.

In the All-Star rookie challenge of the eighth season, Tang Hao defeated Lin Jingyan as an underdog, becoming the number one rogue in Glory and a promising new star. In the ninth season, he would transfer to Wind Howl, replace Lin Jingyan as the captain, and achieve a successful comeback.

In the novel, Liu Hao's character is even sold to Wind Howl by Tao Xuan, becoming one of Tang Hao's subordinates.

Thinking about this, Liu Hao silently cursed Tao Xuan for being despicable. He was just a disposable pawn in Tao Xuan's hands, given some benefits when needed and sold off like goods.

"Liu Hao." Chen Guo gently poked Liu Hao's arm and whispered, "Who do you think will win in their solo match?"

"Tang Hao will win," Liu Hao said without hesitation.

"Why?" Chen Guo was puzzled. "Zhou Guangyi debuted in the fifth season, making this his third year in Glory. He's an experienced veteran with considerable strength. How could he lose to a rookie who just debuted this year?"

"Tang Hao is not an ordinary player. His talent in esports is extraordinary. He's a hidden SSR player and might become a god in the future, possibly the number one rogue in Glory," Liu Hao explained.

"Impossible! Absolutely impossible," Chen Guo shook her head, unwilling to believe Tang Hao could be that impressive. "Lin Jingyan is the number one rogue. How could Tang Hao defeat him?"

"That's not certain," Liu Hao smiled.

Chen Guo turned to look at Liu Hao, a plan forming in her mind. "Liu Hao, how about we make a bet? You bet that Tang Hao will win, and I'll bet on Zhou Guangyi."

"Interesting. What's the stake?" Liu Hao's interest was piqued.

"Of course, it's treating to a meal. After the match, we have to eat anyway, right? The loser treats," Chen Guo said with a smile.

Liu Hao thought momentarily, then nodded and smiled, "No problem. Since you're willing to treat me, how could I refuse? Have you decided what to treat us to?"

"Hmph, it's not certain who will treat yet," Chen Guo said proudly, her eyes fixed expectantly on the big screen above. For the first time, she hoped a Tyranny player would win.

Both players quickly allocated their skill points, donned their silver equipment, and got ready.

The map, a common small flatland, was randomly chosen. Once the map finished loading, both characters were loaded in.

"In my opinion, this match will be a crushing victory for Tang Hao," Liu Hao predicted.

Though Tang Hao was arrogant, Liu Hao had to admit that Tang Hao was among the top-tier players in Glory, even one of the best within the top tier. Hundred Blossom's progress was largely due to Tang Hao's efforts. If it weren't for the presence of a more exceptional T0 level player, Sun Xiang, Tang Hao would have been the best rookie of the seventh season.

"You might be overhyping Tang Hao a bit," Chen Guo felt it was exaggerated.

However, when the match began, and the players confronted each other, Chen Guo no longer thought Liu Hao was exaggerating. Tang Hao was truly formidable. Zhou Guangyi was instantly outmaneuvered and lost ground rapidly, his health depleting fast.

Even when Zhou Guangyi found an opening and tried to counterattack, Tang Hao reacted promptly and nullified it perfectly.

Throughout the match, Zhou Guangyi only showcased his helplessness to the audience.

The outcome was unsurprising. Tang Hao's Delilo won with 60% health remaining, securing the first victory for Hundred Blossoms. The Hundred Blossoms fans, who Tyranny's supporters had suppressed, erupted in screams and applause.

"How about that? Wasn't I right?" Liu Hao grinned.

"Don't be so smug. You just got lucky. Zhou Guangyi must have been off his game today to be beaten so badly by a rookie," Chen Guo sighed, though she didn't look sad. She even started browsing Q City's local delicacies on her phone.

At this moment, Liu Hao lost interest in the match, as he already knew Hundred Blossoms would ultimately win, only to be eliminated by Wang Jiexi's Tiny Herb in the finals.

Thinking about this, a money-making idea suddenly flashed in Liu Hao's mind.

Since he knew the storyline and that Hundred Blossoms and Tiny Herb would reach the finals, couldn't he make a fortune by betting on the outcome? His empty wallet could be refilled...

Before he could get excited, Liu Hao shook his head, dismissing the thought.

There are many ways to make money, but as a professional player, he must adhere to professional ethics and never get involved in esports betting. It's a matter of principle for an esports player!

Liu Hao knew he was despicable and willing to use schemes to achieve his goals, but he still upheld principles and adhered to them rigorously, like an ascetic monk.

Gambling was off-limits.

But how could he fill his wallet if he couldn't make money through betting?

He hadn't bought a house or car in H City. Although he could live in the club's dormitory, he still needed a car for transportation. But he only had a little over a hundred thousand in his bank account, barely enough to buy a car in installments. He needed to earn more money.

But how could a professional Glory player make money? Liu Hao recalled how he made money before crossing over: participating in commercial activities and endorsing advertisements, earning millions just from profit-sharing. But now, he didn't have the qualifications for commercial activities or sponsorship endorsements and couldn't make money.

Liu Hao thought for a long time but couldn't think of a good way to make money. Should he start streaming? Although it sounded good, it was too exhausting. Training every day was already tiring; did he have to spend a few more hours streaming games?

Unconsciously, sleepiness overwhelmed him, and Liu Hao's eyelids drooped as he slowly fell asleep, his head resting on Chen Guo's shoulder.

Chen Guo, who was looking at her phone, was startled. She turned to see Liu Hao had used her shoulder as a pillow and miraculously fell asleep in a second.

Chen Guo raised her hand to wake Liu Hao but put it down again.

"This isn't so bad," Chen Guo giggled softly, gently smoothing Liu Hao's hair. "He looks quite cute asleep, like a koala baby."

Liu Hao had been training late into the night all week, sleeping only six or seven hours each morning and going to the gym in the afternoon. He was utterly exhausted, so falling asleep in a second was normal.

(End of Chapter)

Also, I apologize for neglecting this novel for so long. I was on a two-week break from translation. Unfortunately, I got sick this week and could not do the translations. But worry not—I have stockpiled quite some chapters for this novel, which will be uploaded regularly! 

Also, should I briefly introduce the names of the new players and important characters in the novel?