ARML CH74

Chi Shuo responded to the “enthusiastic concern” of the other team’s great gods with a unified “Thank you.” He truly didn’t know what else to reply with.

As for Zhao Xin’an’s strong request to “Pull Little Ye into the group,” Chi Shuo took no action.

He knew Zhao Xin’an was just joking.

The vetting process for the [Gods’ War Super Gods] group was extremely strict. Those who could join were all ace players from the major teams. He couldn’t just pull Shaoyang into the great gods’ group through the back door just because he was an Omega. Shaoyang was a rookie without any achievements. Adding him rashly would only lead to him being teased as a newbie by this group of gods.

He would wait until the matches officially started and Shaoyang got an MVP before adding him openly and aboveboard.

Then, this group wouldn’t have the nerve to tease Shaoyang anymore.

Chi Shuo pinged team manager Tang Can in Tianhuan’s internal group: “@Tang Can, Sister Can, the transfer window information has been published. What is the team’s plan? When will the official announcement be made?”

Tang Can replied: “The coaching staff’s intention is to officially promote it when the S10 season opens. Our new season promotional photos haven’t been taken yet, and we can’t just slap a casual lifestyle photo up there, right? I’ve already contacted the photography team, and I’ll take everyone to the studio tomorrow to shoot the photos.”

Every year at the start of a new season, the major teams shoot a group photo of the players wearing their team uniforms, labeled with everyone’s match ID, which is then submitted to the league as the official promotional photo.

Although Ye Shaoyang had a custom-made Tianhuan team uniform tailored for him after joining the team, they indeed hadn’t had the time to shoot the official promotional photo yet.

Seeing this message, Coach Lin chimed in the group: “Tomorrow is a day off. Everyone will go together to take photos.”

Tang Can immediately followed up: “By the way, Tianhuan’s contract with Whale Live is about to expire. @Ye Shaoyang, I heard from Captain Chi that you haven’t formally signed with Whale, right?”

Ye Shaoyang: “Yes. I couldn’t agree on terms with them initially. Later, when I was preparing to join Tianhuan, Captain Chi told me not to rush and to negotiate together when Tianhuan’s contract expired, so we could secure better treatment.”

Tang Can said: “I’m going to Whale Live for a face-to-face negotiation with a lawyer the day after tomorrow. Do you want to come along?”

Ye Shaoyang looked at Chi Shuo, seeking the captain’s opinion.

Chi Shuo nodded and said in a low voice: “I’ll go with you. If I go in person, we can negotiate a better revenue split.”

Ye Shaoyang typed in the group: “Alright, then I’ll go too.”

Tang Can: “Okay, I’ll book the flights for you guys.”

After lunch the next day, the Tianhuan players were collectively hauled off to a local photography studio. Everyone stood neatly in a row, taking photos in front of the team emblem that read “Tianhuan Esports Club.”

It was Cheng Xing’s first time shooting this kind of formal promotional photo. With the glaring lights of the studio beating down and the camera shoved in his face, he couldn’t help but feel nervous, his expression as serious as if he were attending a funeral.

Ye Shaoyang teased him from the side: “Little Xing, smile a bit, don’t be so serious.”

Cheng Xing forced a smile, but it ended up looking uglier than crying.

The photographer couldn’t help but comment: “Rookie, don’t cry. We’re just taking a photo, why does it look like you’re going to the execution ground?”

Laughter erupted from the surrounding crowd, and Cheng Xing flushed red from embarrassment.

Chi Shuo said evenly: “Stand properly, everyone. Let’s hurry up.”

The 5 players of the main squad stood in a row sequentially according to their roles: Top Laner, Jungler, Mid-laner, Marksman, and Support. Chi Shuo and Ye Shaoyang happened to be standing next to each other. Ye Shaoyang wasn’t reserved at all, his smile extremely bright.

The handsome and aloof Jungler captain and the Omega Mid-laner with a charming smile instantly elevated the visual appeal of Tianhuan’s promotional photo to another level, even reaching the standards of an esports idol drama.

The photographer clicked his tongue in praise: “The handsome guy in the middle, your smile is too good-looking!”

Hearing this, Chi Shuo couldn’t help but turn his head to look. Ye Shaoyang was 10 centimeters shorter than him. When he turned his head, he could perfectly see Ye Shaoyang’s long, thick eyelashes and those clear eyes brimming with laughter.

It was indeed a very good-looking smile…

Chi Shuo’s heart skipped a beat. Shaoyang still had a blocker patch stuck to the back of his neck, and his body didn’t carry any scent of pheromones. But standing this close while taking photos, Chi Shuo’s mind couldn’t help but recall the day of the marking…

The photographer: “Captain Chi, don’t space out!”

Chi Shuo coughed lightly and directed his gaze towards the camera.

The photographer rapidly pressed the shutter, taking several continuous shots.

After the group photo, they took individual photos of each player. These individual photos were very important. When each player was introduced during a match, their individual photo would be displayed on the big screen. When winning an MVP, the post-match settlement screen would also display this exact photo provided by the major teams.

Chi Shuo and the others took these promotional photos every season and naturally struck their poses. When it was Ye Shaoyang’s turn, he smiled and threw a peace sign at the camera.

Tang Can stood on the sidelines watching for a moment and couldn’t help but whisper to Coach Lin: “Shaoyang truly isn’t nervous at all. He’s very photogenic.”

Coach Lin looked thoughtfully towards the studio: “He isn’t nervous when playing matches either; his psychological fortitude is indeed excellent. If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn’t believe he’s a rookie who just debuted this season.”

On the way back, Coach Lin privately instructed Tang Can: “Tomorrow, when you take Chi Shuo and Shaoyang to Star City for negotiations, remember to tell them not to make a fuss before Shaoyang officially changes his name to [Tianhuan Lieyang]. Shaoyang is one of the very few Omega players. I’m worried the streaming platform will use his special identity for massive hype and publicity. I hope Shaoyang can focus his energy on playing matches and not be disturbed by the fan wars in the streaming circle.”

Tang Can said seriously: “Rest assured, Coach. If Whale Live wants to use our Tianhuan players for hype, they have to see if we agree first. They should have experienced Captain Chi’s temper; they wouldn’t dare mess around.”

Coach Lin nodded: “Regarding the contract, have the legal department review it carefully. Thanks for your hard work.”

After the Tianhuan group returned to the base, the photography team quickly finished editing the photos.

Tang Can selected three group photos and posted them in the group chat for everyone to choose. Chi Shuo took a quick glance. In the second photo, he happened to be looking at Ye Shaoyang beside him, his gaze very gentle.

The teammates might not think there was an issue, but Chi Shuo felt inexplicably guilty.

He typed: “The third one.”

In the third one, everyone was looking straight ahead, and the spacing was appropriate. The five of them stood in a U-shape, with Ye Shaoyang’s Mid-laner right in the center position. Compared to standing in a straight line, this slightly curved formation was more harmonious.

Everyone also chimed in: “The third one looks good!”

Next, each player’s individual photos were also sent to the group for selection.

Chi Shuo opened the individual photos. The more he looked, the more he felt Ye Shaoyang was very photogenic; he looked good no matter how he was shot. He conveniently saved Ye Shaoyang’s photo to his phone. After saving it, he felt it wasn’t quite right to only save Ye Shaoyang’s photo?

He was the captain; he should treat all teammates equally when saving photos.

So, he also saved the photos of Qin Yizhu, Qu Jiang, and Cheng Xing.

The next day, Ye Shaoyang and Chi Shuo flew to Star City with Tang Can, heading straight to the Whale Live platform.

Chen Feiyun, the director of the Whale Streamer Department, had received the news in advance and came out to greet them politely: “Sister Can, Captain Chi, long time no see. Director Liu is already waiting for you.” She glanced at Ye Shaoyang, unable to hide the surprise in her eyes—why was the streamer Xiao Bai here with the people from Tianhuan?!

Ye Shaoyang greeted her generously: “Hello, Director Chen.”

Chen Feiyun: “…”

Chen Feiyun led the group to the office. Upon seeing Chi Shuo, Director Liu immediately stood up and smiled, extending his hand. But when he saw Ye Shaoyang next to Chi Shuo, his smile froze slightly, almost staging a “jaw dropping on the spot.”

Tang Can introduced with a smile: “Director Liu, you’ve met Captain Chi, I shouldn’t need to introduce him. This is Ye Shaoyang, I must give him a key introduction. He is our Tianhuan’s newly signed Omega player.”

Director Liu: “…………”

This was Ye Shaoyang’s second time stepping into the general manager’s office of the Whale Live platform.

He still remembered the first negotiation, where Ye Shaoyang proposed three conditions: 60% of gifts, 50% of membership fees, and a supplementary clause stating that if the streamer became an esports player during the contract period, the Whale platform must cooperate with the club for an unconditional release.

At the time, Director Liu only thought he was a young, ignorant person speaking wildly.

So he decisively rejected Ye Shaoyang’s demands.

Later, the popularity of the streamer Xiao Bai skyrocketed, breaking the follower record on Whale Live multiple times, and he even became friends with Whale’s top male and female streamers. Although he only streamed for 2 hours a day recently, his stream’s popularity remained very stable. Director Liu had even checked yesterday; the follower count in Xiao Bai’s stream had already reached 8 million.

What was even more surprising was that Xiao Bai actually didn’t participate in the Whale New Streamer Annual Ceremony this December?

With such high popularity, actually not participating in the new streamer PK; isn’t that just leaving money on the table?

Director Liu was also very confused at the time.

But today, Director Liu finally understood.

Three months ago, the Ye Shaoyang who walked into the office for negotiations confidently said he would become the streamer with the strongest gaming skills on the Whale platform, and he would obtain a number of national server badges surpassing the top streamer Xiao Wei…

These words had all been realized, not a single one was an empty boast!

It wasn’t a rookie streamer speaking wildly, ignorant of the immensity of heaven and earth, but rather his own poor judgment, refusing to believe this rookie was a rare genius.

Director Liu’s face cycled between red and white. Very quickly, he ignored the awkwardness in his heart, put on an amiable smile, looked at Ye Shaoyang, and said: “Little Ye, long time no see! You actually became an esports player and even signed with a powerhouse like Tianhuan. I really didn’t misjudge you, I knew you would have a bright future, hahaha.”

Ye Shaoyang smiled, noncommittal to this kind of superficial politeness.

Tang Can said straightforwardly: “Director Liu, our purpose for coming this time, we’ve already mentioned to Director Chen. The contract between Tianhuan and Whale is expiring at the end of the year. Let’s discuss the renewal face-to-face.”

Director Liu immediately said: “Then should we stick to the old contract? Renew for another two years?”

Chi Shuo, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke: “If we’re renewing, we should improve the treatment somewhat.”

Director Liu turned his head to look at him. This Alpha captain had taken on the heavy burden of Tianhuan at 18. Having seen many great storms over the years, he always gave off a calm, oppressive feeling when he spoke, forcing people to take him seriously.

Director Liu coughed and asked seriously: “Captain Chi, what clauses do you think need to be amended?”

Chi Shuo said: “70% split on gifts, 60% on membership fees; change the monthly streaming hours to 30 hours. We still primarily focus on training and matches, so we don’t have that much time to stream. I hope Director Liu can understand.”

Director Liu: “…”

This streaming requirement was slashed in half in one go?!

Chi Shuo glanced at Ye Shaoyang beside him and continued: “Shaoyang is a player for our Tianhuan. His treatment should be the same as mine. What does Director Liu think?”

Director Liu almost blurted out—how can that be the same?

You are the captain of Tianhuan, a star player, with 80 million followers on Weibo.

Ye Shaoyang is a rookie?

While Director Liu was conflicted, he heard Tang Can smile and supplement: “Actually, Little Bear TV has also been continuously inviting our Tianhuan team. However, our players are used to staying at Whale Live and don’t really want to change places.”

Director Liu: “…”

Does this mean if you don’t agree, you’ll collectively jump ship?

Tang Can continued: “After all, we’ve collaborated before, and everyone is familiar with each other. Director Liu, look, although our Shaoyang is a rookie, his streaming results are better than any other new streamer on your platform. Moreover, he is now a professional player, so asking for a slight improvement in treatment is a very normal request, right?”

Director Liu thought it over and over. For the Tianhuan team, not to mention the others, the star effect of Chi Shuo alone was more terrifying than buying a trending search on Weibo. Every time Chi Shuo streamed, the platform’s gift system would be paralyzed by fans.

Furthermore, the streamer Xiao Bai’s strength was indeed very high. If he had participated in this year’s new streamer PK, he would undoubtedly have taken first place.

Letting such a powerhouse team go to a competitor?

He’d have to be brain-dead to let them go.

Earning a little less was fine; keeping Tianhuan was the most important thing.

Director Liu immediately smiled and said: “But of course, let’s do as Captain Chi says. Little Ye’s treatment will also be the same as Captain Chi’s, we treat everyone equally!”

Only then did Chi Shuo slightly curve the corners of his lips, proactively reaching out his hand and saying: “Happy cooperation.”

Director Liu shook his hand: “Happy cooperation!”

Thinking of the millions in cash flow accumulated in Xiao Bai’s stream during this period, Director Liu couldn’t help but sigh—this Xiao Bai truly had foresight.

He dragged out signing a contract earlier, only to eventually sign along with the team.

If it went according to the new contract, the gifts in his backend could be cashed out in the millions all at once.

Ye Shaoyang stepped forward, smiled and shook hands with Director Liu, and said: “Thank you, Director Liu. My stream name will remain Xiao Bai’s Stream for now. Once the official promotion for next season begins, I’ll change it to [Tianhuan-Lieyang], and it will be listed uniformly under the Tianhuan team along with Captain Chi and the others’ streams.”

Director Liu said excitedly: “Understood, understood. Team contracts all require signing a non-disclosure agreement, right! When the time comes, our platform will definitely coordinate with the team’s promotional schedule and give the Tianhuan team’s streaming debut a massive homepage feature!”

Once, Chen Feiyun had also promised the streamer Xiao Bai a “homepage feature.”

But Ye Shaoyang didn’t care at all.

When he officially changed his name, the traffic attracted by Tianhuan’s massive homepage feature would be far stronger than a new streamer’s.

At that time, he would reopen his stream under the ID [Tianhuan-Lieyang], and with the identity of a professional player.