February 18, Saturday.
Magic City, FV ESports Club.
In the morning, the team members had just gotten up.
After having Slackin’ delivery, they began high-end RANK solo training. According to the schedule, training matches were planned for afternoon and evening.
Nearly a month had passed since winning the IOI world championship, and during this time, FV ESports Club’s fortunes had transformed.
First, Mr. Pei forcefully arranged for the entire team to return to America for another seven-day tour, providing a good relaxation period.
During this time, Wu Yue also took team members to visit several veteran American clubs for exchange, observation, and learning.
The effect seemed mediocre though. Many team members felt disappointed, as these clubs appeared less professional and prestigious than GPL clubs.
But as a small interlude in their journey, it wasn’t bad.
After returning home, Wu Yue had been busy with various commercial endorsements, including digital products, beverages, peripheral manufacturers’ sponsorships, and investment intentions from various investors.
FV Club had transformed from an unknown small club to a popular one, with its valuation experiencing explosive growth.
Wu Yue originally held a small portion of FV Club shares, and this time he certainly made considerable profit.
Originally, Wu Yue ran FV Club as a hobby, purely burning money without expecting any returns from esports.
But unexpectedly, everything changed because of Mr. Pei’s visit to Magic City months ago.
Although Wu Yue gave most club shares to Mr. Pei, he had no complaints, because keeping the club himself would never have brought it to its current heights!
Moreover, Wu Yue gained both wealth and fame, fulfilled his esports dreams, and led his team to world championship victory—a state where he could wake up laughing from dreams.
Of course, Wu Yue knew that as FV Club’s major shareholder, Mr. Pei earned much more.
But Wu Yue felt no jealousy, because for someone of Mr. Pei’s caliber, this achievement was effortless.
Compared to Mr. Pei’s other business revenues, this income was surely insignificant. Mr. Pei probably didn’t care about such small money.
After receiving substantial sponsorships and profits, Wu Yue upgraded the training facility, providing better living and training environments for both first and second teams.
He specifically chose a villa near Slackin’ delivery and Tuoguan Fitness, aiming to match Mr. Pei’s conditions, as GPL had proven this was the optimal training model.
Moreover, during Tenda Group’s expansion into Imperial Capital and Magic City, Slackin’ delivery, Slackin’ Internet Café, and Tuoguan Fitness all opened branches, greatly reducing Wu Yue’s location selection difficulty.
Since FV Team’s dominant championship victory, teams seeking training matches became endless.
Because FV Team represented IOI’s highest gameplay level, both tactically and individually, practicing with such a team provided maximum benefit.
Not just FV first team—even FV second team and Ding Gang’s SUG team had fully booked training matches.
FV first team’s training slots were extremely difficult to book, with only two or three daily slots, so many clubs turned to FV second team and SUG.
These two teams served as FV first team’s sparring partners during worlds, their strength absolutely formidable!
They surely mastered FV first team’s tactical details, aligning their playstyles with FV first team, plus their individual skills were solid, making training with them equally effective.
Many believed SUG team and FV second team might be even stronger than the world championship runner-up.
Wu Yue didn’t refuse. After all, FV Club needed to remain part of IOI’s esports circle, not completely isolate itself from external interactions.
With the world championship concluded, the game would surely undergo major version changes. By next version, FV team’s current tactics would likely become obsolete.
Therefore, no need for excessive secrecy or self-isolation.
Actually, Wu Yue hadn’t clarified FV Club’s future development direction.
Since returning from championship victory, Mr. Pei hadn’t called even once.
Wu Yue couldn’t discern Mr. Pei’s true attitude.
The club’s management had held a meeting regarding this.
Manager Lu believed that Mr. Pei’s GOG and IOI were direct competitors, and FV Club had won by stepping on Finger Company and Longyu Group’s faces. Future retaliation was inevitable.
If so, why not switch sides entirely—have the whole club transfer to GOG!
Having world champion teams switch to other games immediately after winning would see how Finger Company could save face.
But Wu Yue found this inappropriate.
First, FV Club had financial ties with Tenda, similar to DGE, thus couldn’t participate in GOG official events unless removing Mr. Pei’s shares—clearly unsuitable.
Second, FV Club had just signed numerous sponsorships and endorsements, including players’ streaming contracts, earned through their “IOI world champion” status. Taking money then criticizing benefactors was improper.
Third, FV players clearly preferred IOI. Making them switch to GOG currently would be irresponsible.
Therefore, Wu Yue decided to postpone this issue, maintain status quo, and await Mr. Pei’s further instructions.
While observing team training, Wu Yue’s phone suddenly rang.
Seeing the caller ID, Wu Yue was startled.
Zhao Xuming from Longyu Group!
Wu Yue hadn’t spoken with Zhao Xuming in ages—this was the first since FV’s championship. Though unsure of his intentions, continuing in IOI’s esports circle inevitably required dealing with Longyu Group, so Wu Yue immediately answered.
Zhao Xuming’s exceptionally amiable voice came through: “Mr. Wu, it’s been a while! Our champion team’s daily training going smoothly?”
With Zhao actively showing goodwill, Wu Yue saw no need to dwell on past grievances, laughing: “Thanks to Mr. Zhao, everything’s fine at the club.”
Zhao chuckled: “That’s great.”
“I hear FV’s teams have been scrimmaging with other domestic clubs? With good results?”
“Mr. Wu truly remembers those who helped him. Even after world championship, you haven’t forgotten bringing previous brothers along for improvement. Such mindset truly inspires my admiration. Mr. Wu represents domestic esports excellently!”
Wu Yue smiled: “Mr. Zhao flatters me. This is merely our duty.”
After pleasantries, both tactfully avoided mentioning past unpleasantness, maintaining harmonious atmosphere.
Zhao evidently felt sufficient small talk had occurred, shifting topics: “Mr. Wu, I’m calling mainly for two matters. First, Finger Company is preparing championship skins for your team.”
“Being first world championship winners, skins must be exceptional! We’ve communicated with Finger, requesting more Chinese elements to better appeal to national server players!”
“Finger’s designers have arrived from America, so schedule time to bring your five main players to meet designers and discuss championship skin design ideas.”
“Second matter concerns IOI professional league. Domestic league will be named ICL—IOI Championship League! I specifically requested this name from Finger, because with FV as world champion team, the region should be called championship region!”
“Regarding ICL spots… naturally one goes directly to FV team, and we’ve prepared premier league spot for FV second team.”
“This league is actively preparing with extensive promotional activities planned. I hope Mr. Wu can provide strong support and cooperation.”
Wu Yue silently marveled—Zhao had completely transformed. Previously dismissive with aloof attitude, now extraordinarily warm, closer than actual brothers.
Of course, Wu Yue understood human nature. Zhao’s willingness to reconcile showed maturity—understanding not to let personal feelings affect professional matters.
Though Zhao’s words held slight reluctance undertones, his gesture was sufficient.
Wu Yue completely understood this reluctance.
To Finger Company and Longyu Group, FV Club was uncontrollable with inherent conflicts. Yet they were first world champions, requiring cooperation.
Rather than awkward reluctant cooperation, better to collaborate openly and honestly.
After all, Finger and Longyu needed FV Club’s domestic influence to promote IOI national server.
Since everyone was adults, no eternal enemies exist—only eternal interests. Better to ease relations than escalate tensions.
Wu Yue immediately agreed: “Certainly, Mr. Zhao, no problem. These are our club’s responsibilities; we’ll fully cooperate.”
Zhao was delighted: “Much appreciated, Mr. Wu! Some unpleasantness occurred previously; I hope you’ll be magnanimous and overlook it.”
Wu Yue promptly obliged: “Mr. Zhao overestimates. Just minor friction—let’s leave the past behind.”
They concluded the cordial call.
But upon hanging up, Wu Yue’s smile immediately vanished, then he dialed Mr. Pei.
He must report immediately to Mr. Pei!
Zhao’s conciliatory intentions were unmistakable, surely not his personal decision but endorsed by Longyu Group and Finger Company leadership.
Regarding such overtures—should they firmly reject or fully accept?
Wu Yue sensed this might affect Mr. Pei’s overall strategy, necessitating confirmation of Mr. Pei’s true stance.