The All-Star event would kick off on July 15th. The period from the 1st to the 14th was both the voting period and the league's break. All major teams were on holiday, and Coach Lin also gave everyone a two-week break, allowing them to make their own arrangements.
Chi Shuo privately asked Ye Shaoyang, "Two weeks of vacation—do you have any plans?"
His parents were gone, and Ye Shaoyang didn't intend to return to his hometown in Xingcheng. He actually wanted to travel around.
The only cities he had been to so far were Binghe and Ya'an, where e-sports events were held. He knew absolutely nothing about other places. Since the playoffs were still far away, wouldn't it be nice to take the opportunity to travel and relax?
Thinking of this, Ye Shaoyang said, "I want to travel. Do you have any fun places to recommend, Captain Chi?"
"I don't know much about traveling either. I'll ask Qu Jiang. He likes photography and used to travel alone often." Chi Shuo was a homebody who only knew how to play games and had never traveled. He sent a message to Qu Jiang asking, "2 weeks time, going out for a trip. Do you have any fun places to recommend?"
Qu Jiang sent a curious emoji: "Is Captain Chi going alone, or are two people going?"
Chi Shuo said, "Two people."
Qu Jiang understood immediately and typed quickly: "Self-driving tour, the Grand Loop. The scenery is beautiful, with views all along the road. Plus, there are fewer tourists there, and attractions don't require queuing. It's quite suitable for couples to relax together." He thought for a moment, deleted the word "couples," and replaced it with, "It's quite suitable for good friends to relax together."
Chi Shuo copied Qu Jiang's paragraph to Ye Shaoyang: "Self-driving tour, interested?"
Ye Shaoyang said, "Self-driving? I can't drive; I don't have a license."
Chi Shuo said, "I also want to go out and look around. I can be responsible for driving."
Ye Shaoyang thought about it and felt that a self-driving tour was indeed freer. If they joined a tour group, they would be chased by the guide every day and have to wait for people, which was quite troublesome. Self-driving would be much more relaxed; they could stop wherever they wanted.
Ye Shaoyang replied, "Why don't we all go together?"
Chi Shuo was stunned: "Everyone?"
Ye Shaoyang: "Mn, the regular season is over, and anyway, there's still a long time until the playoffs. Two weeks of vacation staying at the team base is too boring. Let's go out together."
Chi Shuo didn't know whether to laugh or cry: "You want the entire Tianhuan team to go traveling?"
Ye Shaoyang was confused: "Otherwise?"
Chi Shuo: "…"
He originally wanted to go out with Shaoyang alone. As a result, Ye Shaoyang was selfless and thought about taking all his teammates out to play. Chi Shuo touched his nose helplessly and typed, "Okay, if you like, let's go together."
It was indeed inappropriate for the two of them to travel alone. After all, their romantic relationship wasn't confirmed yet. If they were photographed, Tianhuan's Captain taking an Omega teammate on a trip before the playoffs even started? This couldn't be explained clearly and would affect Tianhuan's reputation.
Wait until they got married later; there would be plenty of time for a honeymoon alone. There was no rush.
Thinking of this, Chi Shuo said, "Let's ask everyone."
Ye Shaoyang sent a message in the [Tianhuan One Big Family] group chat asking: "2 weeks of vacation, just right to go out and relax. Family, let's go on a self-driving tour? Want to go?"
Qu Jiang: "…"
Wait, wasn't it just you two going?
Cheng Xing popped up immediately after seeing the message: "Brother Yang, you're going on a self-driving tour?"
Ye Shaoyang: "Mn, how about we all go out to play together? Who else among you can drive?"
Qin Yizhu said, "I can, I have a license."
Ye Shaoyang said, "That's good. When the time comes, Captain Chi and Old Qin can switch driving. I'll cover all the food and accommodation for the whole trip, treating everyone to a few days of fun!"
He hadn't spent the 5 million signing bonus he received and really wanted to treat his Tianhuan teammates to a trip.
Ye Shaoyang regarded these teammates as family. After transmigrating, he didn't have many friends, and his parents were dead. His Tianhuan teammates were his biggest concern in this world.
Qu Jiang really wanted to complain: You guys go together; why drag so many third wheels along?
However, Cheng Xing, unaware of the truth, thought this was Ye Shaoyang's idea and immediately agreed excitedly: "Brother Yang is treating? That's great! What date are we leaving? I'll go pack right now."
Ye Shaoyang said, "Everyone discuss the itinerary."
Chi Shuo said, "We have to go to the city where the All-Star event is held on the 14th, so we must return before the 13th. We depart on the 3rd and return on the 13th. Is 10 days enough? @RiverWater"
Qu Jiang replied, "Enough. However, driving from the Imperial Capital is too far. We can fly there and rent a car locally."
Chi Shuo made the final decision decisively: "Then it's settled. Flight on the 3rd, everyone pack tomorrow. Qu Jiang is responsible for logistics; you know more about air tickets and accommodation, so you book them."
Ye Shaoyang said: "Thanks for your hard work Jiang Jiang, I'll pay for everything [Hug.jpg]"
Qu Jiang noticed that Captain Chi seemed to have no objection to the "whole team trip," so he replied: "No problem, leave it to me. I'll find a guide for you guys and make a list of items needed for the trip."
Cheng Xing had never traveled with teammates before and excitedly went online to look up information.
The Grand Loop was a very famous scenic route in western Huaguo, spanning thousands of kilometers. Along the way, there were grasslands, deserts, and snow-capped mountains. The scenery was pleasant and very suitable for relaxing on a self-driving tour.
But the weather there was changeable, with large temperature differences between day and night. Sun protection was needed, and warm clothes had to be brought.
Qu Jiang quickly listed the items and asked everyone to prepare things. At the same time, he booked round-trip air tickets, planned the itinerary, booked all the hotels along the way, and posted it in the group to seek everyone's opinion.
Ye Shaoyang found that Qu Jiang was truly a very attentive and reliable person, a handy helper for home and travel, and also the team photographer. As for Old Qin, he looked up a bunch of food guides; his focus was indeed "eating" first.
The discussion in the Tianhuan group was very lively. Old Qin suggested: "After we arrive at the station on the first day, we can't set off immediately, so let's go eat roast lamb locally? I've been craving whole roast lamb for a long time."
Qu Jiang said: "For car rental, we can book in advance online and pick up the car directly at the airport. For 5 of us, how about renting an SUV? Does Captain Chi have a preferred model?"
Chi Shuo sent a car icon over: "Is this model available?"
Qu Jiang: "Yes, I'll contact them."
Ye Shaoyang was responsible for paying, Cheng Xing for purchasing daily necessities, logistics steward Qu Jiang helped organize the itinerary guide, Old Qin looked up all the food spots to visit, and Chi Shuo acted as the driver for everyone.
The cooperation of the Tianhuan 5 in daily life was still incomparably tacit.
A day later, the 5 of them flew collectively to Xilin City. Qu Jiang contacted the car rental staff by phone. They picked up the car at the airport, and Chi Shuo drove, navigating to the local hotel.
The hotel Qu Jiang picked was not only economical but also had a very good environment. Considering Yangyang was an Omega and needed to stay alone, Qu Jiang booked 5 rooms, just like during regular competitions.
After checking in, everyone went with Old Qin to find the food spot and ordered a whole roast lamb.
Cheng Xing drooled as he ate, saying while eating: "Delicious, delicious! This is the best lamb I've ever eaten!" Ye Shaoyang also praised: "Old Qin, that food app of yours is indeed reliable."
Qin Yizhu laughed: "I've made a foodie guide for the whole trip. Will I gain ten pounds after this trip?"
Ye Shaoyang said, "Top laners need to be a bit fatter to give a sense of security."
Qin Yizhu thought about it carefully and immediately ate freely: "Makes sense. Playing a meat tank, I should also have more meat on my body!"
Watching Ye Shaoyang gorging himself with a face full of smiles, Chi Shuo's mood unknowingly improved.
He finally understood the meaning of Ye Shaoyang doing this.
The regular season ended, and the playoffs hadn't started yet. Shaoyang dragging his teammates out to travel and relax was actually to let everyone put down all pressure, play freely for a few days, and then play the playoffs in the most relaxed state.
Chi Shuo had never thought of taking everyone out to travel. In his view, good results came from day-after-day training. But sometimes, it wasn't a good thing for the team members to be too tense mentally.
Being a captain himself, he was still too serious.
Although he had prestige, he lacked some human touch.
Shaoyang was better at winning people's hearts. If Shaoyang led the team, he would definitely be a very good captain, right?
Chi Shuo looked at Ye Shaoyang, always feeling that Shaoyang seemed like someone who had been a captain, not like a rookie.
Ye Shaoyang looked up, met Chi Shuo's gaze, handed Chi Shuo a piece of roast meat, and smiled: "Eat more. Don't think about any competition when you're out playing. Just eat, drink, and have fun. There's plenty of time to train when we get back."
Chi Shuo gave an "Mn" and took the roast meat handed by Ye Shaoyang. Biting down, the meat was fresh and tender, fragrant but not gamey. Paired with the special dipping sauce, it was truly a treat for the taste buds.
The 5 people gorged themselves, ate and drank their fill, stayed at the hotel for one night, and set off for the snow mountain early the next morning.
Chi Shuo drove, Ye Shaoyang sat in the passenger seat, and the other three sat in the back row.
Ye Shaoyang specially downloaded some songs and connected his phone to the car audio to play them.
The car quickly drove out of the urban area. Along the way, listening to bold songs and looking at the boundless grassland outside the window, all the troubles in the bottom of their hearts vanished like smoke.
Beautiful natural landscapes were indeed very easy to relax the mind.
Qu Jiang set up a camera to film along the way, planning to edit a video for everyone as a souvenir after returning.
For the few days of the trip, the schedule was very free. Everyone slept until they woke up naturally every day, left when they wanted, and stopped when they wanted. They went to the grassland, saw the snow mountain, and went to the desert to ride sand ATVs. They had so much fun they almost forgot they were e-sports players.
They were just young people around 20 years old.
Staying at the base every day facing computers playing games from morning to night, over time, one would indeed feel mentally exhausted.
Relaxing like this was very beneficial to the players' psychological state.
The 10-day itinerary passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, it was time to return.
They passed by the grassland where they camped on the first night again. The five of them lay on the grass together, looking at the starry sky overhead. Ye Shaoyang suddenly said: "Actually, being able to meet a few like-minded friends when young and striving together, this feeling is quite nice, don't you think?"
Old Qin froze for a moment, laughed dryly, and scratched his head: "I'm not very good with words, but I'm very happy to know you guys."
Qu Jiang smiled: "Me too. Even when I'm old, I won't forget the experiences of these few years."
Cheng Xing said excitedly: "Me too! I'm really especially lucky to join Tianhuan!"
A relaxed and comfortable smile appeared on the corner of Ye Shaoyang's mouth: "When we have time in the future, let's go play together again. Even if everyone stops playing matches in the future, we'll still be friends for a lifetime."
Chi Shuo: "…"
Qu Jiang: "..."
Cheng Xing also realized something was wrong.
Friends for a lifetime? Ah this?
What about Master's partner-getting plan! Are you going to be friends for a lifetime with him too?
Chi Shuo calmly changed the subject: "After this season ends, my treat, I'll take you guys on a trip again."
Qu Jiang wittily echoed: "Great! This time was very enjoyable. Thanks to tycoon Yangyang for hosting. Next time it's Captain Chi's turn; of course, we won't be polite."
Old Qin also said: "Then it's a deal, find a place to vacation after S10 ends?"
Chi Shuo said: "Mn, go sleep first. Returning tomorrow, afternoon flight, rest early."
Everyone went back to their tents to sleep.
Qu Jiang sent a message to Ye Shaoyang: "Yangyang, don't you have someone you like? Or, what type of Alpha do you like?"
Ye Shaoyang replied: "I haven't thought about these things. Playing matches is the most important thing right now."
Qu Jiang: "…"
Ye Shaoyang: "What's wrong?"
Qu Jiang held back his laughter and replied: "Nothing, just curious asking."
It seemed his guess was correct. Ye Shaoyang didn't realize there was a problem with his relationship with Chi Shuo at all. Captain Chi getting a partner had a long way to go and still needed some help from teammates.
Qu Jiang quickly pulled Qin Yizhu and Cheng Xing into a small group chat and sent a message: "Captain Chi said he'll treat us to another trip after this season ends. Everyone be sensible and don't be third wheels again."
Old Qin understood instantly and immediately replied: "I just agreed verbally to avoid embarrassing Captain Chi. When the time comes, I'll say my grandpa is celebrating his 80th birthday and I have to go home, so I won't go."
Cheng Xing said: "I'll say my parents want to take me abroad?"
Qu Jiang: "Mn. Let the two of them go play by themselves. If Captain Chi doesn't seize the opportunity soon, even I will be anxious for him."
Old Qin sent a row of goofy smiling emojis: "I was also quite surprised that Captain Chi suddenly called everyone to come out and play this time. I thought he was going to travel alone with Yangyang?"
Qu Jiang said: "They haven't confirmed their relationship yet. An Omega and an Alpha traveling together is hard to explain clearly and also damages their reputation. Dragging us along makes it reasonable."
Old Qin: "Makes sense!"
Cheng Xing scratched his head and said: "I haven't thought about any of this. Brother Qu, you seem to understand a lot?"
Qu Jiang sent a row of smiley faces: "I usually read novels often. Unlike you guys, with only competitions in your brains."
Old Qin and Xiao Xing: "..."
Ye Shaoyang, with only competitions in his brain, closed his eyes in the tent thinking about things.
This trip was short, but everyone had a lot of fun. He believed that in the upcoming training and matches, Tianhuan's players would put down all psychological pressure and play at a better level than in the regular season.
Striking a balance between work and rest was very necessary. Being too tense during the competition period, going out for a trip actually had better effects than staying in the team base training every day.
The playoffs would only open in September. There was still a month and a half left. It would be in time to train well after returning.
Ye Shaoyang flipped open his phone to look; the All-Star voting was about to end.
In the current ranking, he and Chi Shuo firmly occupied the top three in votes. The All-Star only selected the 15 most popular players. Ye Shaoyang quickly scrolled down and found that Qu Jiang's votes were hovering right around the 15th/16th place.
Old Qin and Xiao Xing's popularity was beyond the top 20, probably hopeless. But as Tianhuan's former mid laner, Qu Jiang always had a fixed fan base. Ye Shaoyang thought for a moment and sent a private message to Chi Shuo: "Want to help Qu Jiang canvass for votes? Voting ends tomorrow. I see his votes are just a bit short of entering the top 15."
Chi Shuo replied: "Okay, post on Weibo."
Ye Shaoyang posted a Weibo: "In the All-Star voting, I cast my votes for Tianhuan RiverWater. Everyone come vote with me."
This was an automatic Weibo post when voting. Ye Shaoyang accumulated 50 votes over the 10 days of traveling and cast them all for Qu Jiang. Following that, Chi Shuo also voted.
Tianhuan's fans understood instantly and called out in groups one after another: "Everyone vote quickly for Brother Qu! Captain Chi and Yangyang are already safely in; no need to fight for ranking. Give all remaining votes to Jiang Jiang, and Tianhuan can have 3 All-Stars!" "That's right, Beimu has three people in this All-Star; our Tianhuan can't lose!"
Under the call of Tianhuan fans, Qu Jiang's votes increased rapidly. When voting closed on the 14th, he entered the S10 All-Star Competition as the 12th place.
Qu Jiang: "…"
Thank you both for helping me get votes!
For your future wedding, I'll edit a spectacular commemorative video as a return gift?