Rebirth of wealth and freedom starts from the World Cup

As the game continued, HG.G's players' performance was obviously abnormal, with Godv and Mala Xiangguo's mid and jungle having particular problems. Their various low-level operational mistakes were hilarious.

Some viewers even mocked him bluntly, "You call this a professional player? I can do it too!"

Jay Chou whispered, "This game seems a little weird. Look at the performances of Godv and Mala Xiangguo. Aren't they a little too outrageous?"

Zhao Zixuan also noticed this and frowned, "Indeed, they made too many mistakes, which is not at a normal level."

Principal Wang heard their conversation and his expression looked a little strange, but he did not respond directly.

As the game progressed, HG.G's disadvantage became increasingly greater.

Jay couldn't help but say, "Have you ever thought that someone might be deliberately letting the game go? I remember that the gap between the two teams in the group stage wasn't that big, but now the economic gap and the game rhythm are so big that they don't seem like opponents of the same level at all."

Zhao Zixuan frowned, thinking the same thing. After all, last year a team was involved in a match-fixing scandal. Rumor has it that a player from LGD sold his house to force his team to lose the game...

"Zixuan, I'm sure there's something wrong with one of Godv and Mala Xiangguo in this match!"

Jay Chou's eyes narrowed and he said with certainty.

Zhao Zixuan looked at the game situation which was already hopeless. It was almost impossible for HG.G, which was 10,000 economically behind, to make a comeback. After all, the opponent was SKT, not EDG.

"That's it. Five Chinese people really can't win the championship."

"The last game was played so badly, HG.G was just giving away the game, and SKT won so easily."

"SKT got their revenge for last year's defeat. HG.G shouldn't have changed players before they won the championship. If they still had the same five players from last year, SKT might not have won."

"The light never fades, and we will always win! Last year's HG.G was the strongest!"

"SKT was defeated twice by HG.G in the group stage. Who would have thought that they would be able to crush the defending champions in the finals?"

"Faker is so strong, he deserves this championship!"

"..."

The voices of the audience around him grew louder and louder, and Principal Wang also made a comment.

He said: "What a pity, HG.G was just one step away from defending the title and winning two consecutive championships. Let's try again next year."

Zhao Zixuan stared at Principal Wang seriously and asked, "Old Wang, you seem very happy. How much can you win if SKT wins the championship?"

“Not much…” Principal Wang’s smile seemed a little unnatural, but he quickly changed the subject: “In fact, I also think that SKT’s strength should not be underestimated. They are in really good shape this year, especially after entering the knockout stage.”

Zhao Zixuan already had some guesses in his mind, but he did not expose it. He just kept it in mind silently.

Jay Chou said on the sidelines: "Anyway, the result of this game is out. I hope HG.G can learn from it and fight again next year."

Principal Wang's expression was a little subtle, but he soon returned to normal and changed the subject to talk about other things.

As the game ended, Zhao Zixuan, Jay Chou and Principal Wang left the Staples Center together, but Zhao Zixuan felt a little heavy in his heart. He felt that he had been tricked, so he would not let this matter end so easily.

After the game, Pei Yuhan and all the team members met with Zhao Zixuan, and Pei Yuhan apologized to him with a guilty look on his face.

"I'm sorry, Boss. I failed to lead the team to win the championship. I disappoint you..."

Her sad look made people feel distressed and sad.

Only those who know Pei Yuhan know how much she has invested in the management and operation of HG.G over the past year, but the results are not satisfactory.

Zhao Zixuan waved his hand, signaling Pei Yuhan not to say these things for now: "Yuhan, you have done very well. Although our performance today is not satisfactory, the important thing is that we can learn lessons from failure."

Pei Yuhan sighed: "I know, but this game is really weird, especially the performance of some teammates is not up to par, I really didn't expect it, I..."

"You don't have to blame yourself. Take the other team members to rest first and let everyone relax." Zhao Zixuan continued: "Godv and Mala Xiangguo come with me, I have something to ask you."

Zhao Zixuan's doubts were not groundless. Various signs in the game did point to the possibility of match-fixing.

He left Godv and Mala Xiangguo alone, apparently wanting to face the problem directly and seek a clear answer.

In the quiet hotel room, Zhao Zixuan looked directly at Godv and Mala Xiangguo and spoke slowly: "I am very disappointed and even shocked by your performance in today's game. As professional players, you should understand what every game represents. Now, I need you to give me an explanation, why did such a mistake happen?"

Godv and Mala Xiangguo looked at each other, and both of them had complicated expressions.

Spicy Hotpot was the first to break the silence. He sighed and said in a low voice, "Boss, we...we really didn't perform to our full potential. But please believe me, we definitely didn't do it on purpose."

Godv also went on to say: "This game is too important for us, and we want to win more than anyone else. However, during the game, we seemed to be constrained by an invisible pressure, and many operations that were usually easy became extremely difficult."

Zhao Zixuan listened to their explanation with a frown on his face. He didn't completely believe that this was just a simple mistake or stress.

He continued to ask: "So, where do you think this 'invisible pressure' comes from? Is it your own psychological problem, or is it interference from external factors?"

The two were silent for a moment, and Spicy Pot finally mustered up the courage to say, "Boss, we...we were indeed affected in some way. But we are not sure what it was. It just feels like at the critical moment, our decisions and actions were all led by the nose by something."

Zhao Zixuan was more certain of his guess after hearing this. He realized that there might be more complicated conflicts of interest and shady dealings behind this.

He took a deep breath and said in a deep voice: "I don't care what influence you have been subjected to, but as a member of HG.G, you must be responsible for your actions. I will investigate everything thoroughly, and if I find any violations, I will never tolerate it!"

Godv and Mala Xiangguo both lowered their heads when they heard this.

Zhao Zixuan stared at them and said in a more serious tone, "I'll give you one night to think about it. If you don't give me a reasonable explanation before noon tomorrow, once I find out the truth, you can think about the consequences yourself."

Zhao Zixuan's words were filled with unquestionable majesty, and his eyes seemed to be able to penetrate all disguises and reach the hearts of Godv and Spicy Hotpot. The room was silent, with only the occasional sound of traffic outside the window breaking the solemnity.

Godv and Mala Xiangguo lowered their heads, clenched their fists, and their inner struggles and contradictions were obvious. They knew that Zhao Zixuan's words were not groundless, and if they really found out something, the consequences would be disastrous.

But at the same time, they also understand that some things cannot be explained in a few words, not to mention that there may be some secrets involved that they do not want to mention.

"Boss, we..."

Godv tried to speak, but his voice sounded hoarse and weak.

He looked up at Zhao Zixuan, then quickly lowered his head, as if afraid to read more disappointment and anger in the other's eyes.

Spicy Hotpot was silent for a moment, but finally mustered up the courage: "Boss, we understand the seriousness of the matter. We will seriously consider it and try to give you a satisfactory answer."

Zhao Zixuan nodded. Although he still had doubts in his heart, he also knew that now was not the time to force the question.

What he needs is time and a truth that can convince him.

"Okay, I'll give you this chance."

Zhao Zixuan said, turning and walking towards the door, "Remember, HG.G's honor and your future are in your own hands. Don't let me down."

…………

In Los Angeles at night, the flashing neon lights give this bustling city a mysterious and charming cloak.

Zhao Zixuan, Pei Yuhan and Huang Yingying were strolling on the street, surrounded by passers-by, and everyone's face was filled with different stories.

However, for Pei Yuhan, her mind was still on the final that day. The feeling of loss and unwillingness was like a heavy stone, weighing on her heart.

"Yuhan, don't blame yourself too much."

Zhao Zixuan broke the silence, his voice gentle but firm, trying to comfort Pei Yuhan beside him.

He knew that as the manager of the team, Pei Yuhan was under no less pressure than anyone else. Today's failure was undoubtedly a heavy blow to her.

Pei Yuhan shook her head gently, a trace of fatigue and helplessness flashed in her eyes: "I know everyone tried their best, but the result... is still hard for me to accept. Especially after seeing the performance of Godv and Mala Xiangguo, I really..."

Her voice was a little choked, but she finally held back her tears.

Huang Yingying saw this and quickly stepped forward to hold Pei Yuhan's hand, giving her silent support: "Yuhan, we all understand how you feel. But this is e-sports, there are winners and losers. The important thing is that we must learn from our failures and prepare for the next challenge."

Zhao Zixuan nodded in agreement: "Yingying is right. Although today's game disappointed us, we can't give up because of this. HG.G still has a long way to go, and what we need is unity and confidence. I believe that as long as we work together, we will be able to stand on the championship podium again one day."

Pei Yuhan pondered and said, "Do you think Godv and Mala Xiangguo would really play fake games? But why? Their salaries are obviously the highest among professional players in LPL!"

Huang Yingying, a bystander, responded: "Who would complain that they earn too much? If losing a game can gain financial freedom, anyone would be tempted."

Zhao Zixuan frowned when he heard this. He was well aware of the complexity and temptation of the e-sports circle, but he was unwilling to believe that his teammates would give up their dignity and dreams for money.

He said in a deep voice: "We can't easily draw conclusions now. Although there are many speculations and rumors from the outside world, the truth is often more complicated than we think. Whether Godv and Mala Xiangguo played a fake game requires further investigation and understanding."

Pei Yuhan nodded, but the doubt in her eyes had not completely disappeared.

She sighed and continued, "Yeah, I also hope that this is all just a misunderstanding. Both of them are the core of the team. If they really betrayed the team because of money, it would be really disappointing."

Huang Yingying said worriedly, "Boss, the internet is full of speculation about match-fixing in the finals. There are especially many negative news on Tianlai APP and Douyin APP. Some people are deliberately stirring up trouble, saying that the boss of HG.G deliberately made money by fake matches. One of the most popular sayings is that HG.G could have won the game 3-0, but someone bought a score of 3-2, but they lost control in the last game and lost..."

Pei Yuhan was very angry, "How can they say that? This is simply slander! No, I will sue them!"

Zhao Zixuan waved his hand, signaling her to calm down: "Just leave this matter to the legal department of Heguang Technology, you don't have to worry about it. Yingying, contact the headquarters first and ask them to find a way to stop the spread of the conspiracy theory."

"Okay, Boss, I'll contact the Legal Department and the Public Relations Department right away and ask them to deal with these negative news as soon as possible." Huang Yingying took action immediately, took out her cell phone and started contacting the headquarters of Heguang Technology.

Huang Yingying carried out Zhao Zixuan's instructions quickly and efficiently. Her professionalism and calmness brought a sense of stability to this sudden crisis. Instructions were sent out one by one, and the legal and public relations departments of Heguang Technology responded quickly and began to deal with the spread of these negative news and conspiracy theories.

On the other side, Zhao Zixuan and Pei Yuhan continued strolling on the streets of Los Angeles.

It was late at night and most of the shops on both sides of the street were closed. Only a few street lamps and tall buildings in the distance were still on, adding a touch of mystery and tranquility to this city that never sleeps.

The two walked slowly, seemingly enjoying this rare tranquility and relaxation.

Pei Yuhan's mood gradually calmed down. She looked at Zhao Zixuan beside her, her heart filled with warmth and happiness.

"Thank you, Boss."

Pei Yuhan said softly: "With you here, I feel at ease. If I don't win the championship this time, will you still accompany me to travel to the United States?"

Zhao Zixuan smiled slightly and deliberately teased: "That depends on your performance tonight. How well have you learned the skills I asked you to learn?"

Pei Yuhan suddenly thought of something. She lowered her head shyly, with a hint of uncertainty and nervousness in her voice: "I... I don't know either. I haven't practiced it..."

Seeing this, Zhao Zixuan laughed even more heartily, "Don't worry, there will be plenty of opportunities for you to practice in the future. As for traveling to the United States together, of course there is no problem. I should be here before the presidential election is over."

Pei Yuhan was surprised: "Oh my God, are you also involved in the presidential election? Boss, how many things about you are there that I don't know?"

Zhao Zixuan lifted her delicate chin casually and said with a mysterious smile: "Want to know? Then you should perform well tonight."

Pei Yuhan blushed and pouted playfully, "Humph, who's afraid of who? I'm going to eat you tonight!"

Zhao Zixuan couldn't help but smile as he looked at the charm that she revealed unconsciously.

Tonight is destined to be an unforgettable day. (End of this chapter)