This team secured the runner-up position in the Spring Championship and emerged as champions in the Fall Championship that year. Given their peak form, they were expected to win.
As expected, in the following two rounds, ST didn’t give HQ a chance to catch their breath. With a four-to-zero victory, they clinically secured the championship. The commentator passionately exclaimed, “Congratulations ST! Their double victory this year is well-deserved!”
The arena instantly erupted in cheers, and the champion’s theme song blasted in the background.
A group of young boys raised the trophy together as a shower of golden confetti rained down, gently falling upon their heads and shoulders.
Subconsciously, Helena curved her lips into a smile. When she looked to the side, she noticed that the woman who had been holding the child had already left.
As she stepped out of the venue, Helena happened to see the same woman walking in the light. She was holding the child’s hand, her silhouette radiating a cheerful aura as she headed to the backstage area reserved for the contestants.
Meanwhile, in the only barbecue restaurant in Sumanthova, a woman pushed the door open. The chill she allowed in from outside caused everyone inside to shiver. “Oh, we’ve been waiting for you. You’re wearing too little.”
She chuckled in response. “Congratulations on winning the double championships.”
“Thank you, thank you. Ms. Jo, please come in. Oh, who do we have here? Grape, do you remember me?”
Grape darted into the private room, calling out, “I do!”
The entire barbecue restaurant was reserved by ST, filling both its floors. The warmth emanating from the barbecue stoves quickly dispelled the chill, filling the bustling place with joy.
The team members gathered in the spacious private room. Their uniforms were casually hung aside, and the table was in a state of disarray. They were all boys around seventeen or eighteen years old, passionately discussing the details of the game.
Startled by Grape’s voice, everyone fell silent for a moment, then burst into laughter. “Grape is here!”
Grape, still clutching a milk bottle in her hands, ambled forward and threw herself into the arms of one of the boys, sweetly exclaiming, “I’ve missed you!”
Everyone teased her, including the boy sitting by the window, who was watching with a smile. He looked outside and asked, “Where’s Mom?”
Just then, a woman pushed the door open. Her skin was fair, and her appearance youthful. Standing before them, she didn’t seem old at all. She leaned against the wall, smiling as she said, “I never thought you’d finally master support gameplay.”
“Ms. Jo,” everyone shouted in unison.
Standing there was Josie, her features largely unchanged. Yet the added warmth she exuded made her appear calmer than before.
With his phone in one hand, Michael rolled up his sleeve, revealing his slender and fair wrist. “Ms. Jo, come sit over here quickly,” he said.
Some engaged in lively conversations, while others played with the little girl, creating a bustling atmosphere.
Josie sat beside Michael. “Right after the match ended, I received quite a few insider tips. Apparently, numerous teams are trying to recruit you. So, do you have any plans for the transfer window?”
Players who excelled in jungling and commanding were highly sought after, especially a star player like Michael. His transfer fee had skyrocketed to an astronomical price.
Michael rubbed his neck. “I don’t plan on leaving. I decided to stay at ST.”
“How much did Lachlan offer you to make you so utterly devoted?”
“I just find it troublesome. We’re returning home for a celebratory party in three days. Would you like to join us?”
Josie stuffed a piece of meat into her mouth. “I’m not going back. You guys go ahead.”
Michael clicked his tongue. “Only Lachlan loves you this much. He arranged for the final to be held in Sumanthova just so you could witness it in person.”
The fans probably didn’t know the real reason for choosing Sumanthova was to let Josie watch it in person.