Bab 46: The Weight of Expectation
Lan Wei woke up the next morning with the echoes of yesterday's defeat still gnawing at him. The sunlight streamed through the narrow window of his small apartment, casting a warm glow over the cluttered desk filled with notes, guides, and strategies. The city of Hangzhou was already buzzing with life, but all Lan Wei could think about was the practice match, replaying it in his mind over and over again.
"Why did I hesitate?" he muttered to himself as he stared at the ceiling. He knew the answer deep down. It wasn't just the fear of failure that held him back; it was the fear of failing in the shadow of Ye Xiu, the man whose legacy he had idolized for so long.
With a sigh, Lan Wei pulled himself out of bed and headed to the small kitchen. The familiar smell of instant noodles filled the air as he prepared a quick breakfast. As he ate, his mind wandered to the path that had led him here—joining Team Happy, the very team Ye Xiu had resurrected from obscurity and led to championship glory. It was a dream come true, but it also came with a pressure that was unlike anything he had ever experienced.
By the time Lan Wei arrived at Happy Café, the place was already buzzing with activity. The café had a rustic charm, with wooden tables, comfy chairs, and a wall covered in photos and memorabilia from Team Happy's glorious past. There were framed pictures of Ye Xiu, Chen Guo, and the original team members, capturing moments of triumph and camaraderie. To Lan Wei, it felt like hallowed ground, a place where history was made.
As he entered the team's practice room, he was greeted by the familiar sight of his teammates already hard at work. Chen Guo was standing by the large strategy board, going over notes with Fang Rui, while the others were engaged in warm-up matches. The atmosphere was focused, yet relaxed—a testament to the team's experience and camaraderie.
"Morning, Lan Wei," Chen Guo said with a smile as she noticed him enter. "How are you feeling today?"
Lan Wei hesitated for a moment before replying, "Better, I think. I'm ready to learn from yesterday's mistakes."
Chen Guo nodded approvingly. "Good. That's the right attitude. We've got a lot to cover today, but first, let's talk about yesterday's match."
Lan Wei took a seat as the team gathered around the strategy board. The screen above them displayed a replay of the match, paused at the moment when Lan Wei's hesitation had cost them the advantage. He felt a pang of guilt, but he steeled himself for the analysis.
"Let's start with the basics," Fang Rui began, his tone calm and measured. "Lan Wei, you were doing well at the beginning. Your positioning was solid, your combos were on point, and you were playing aggressively, which is what we wanted. But then you hesitated. What happened?"
Lan Wei looked at the screen, his eyes narrowing as he tried to put his thoughts into words. "I… I wasn't sure if I should stick to the plan or try something different. I kept thinking about what Ye Xiu would have done in that situation, and I ended up second-guessing myself."
Fang Rui nodded, his expression thoughtful. "It's natural to compare yourself to someone like Ye Xiu, especially when you're playing on his old team. But the problem is that you're not Ye Xiu. You're Lan Wei. You have your own strengths, your own style. The moment you start doubting that, you lose the edge that makes you unique."
Chen Guo stepped forward, her voice gentle but firm. "Lan Wei, we chose you for this team because we believe in your potential. We don't expect you to be a copy of Ye Xiu; we want you to be the best version of yourself. You've got the skills, but you need to trust in them."
Lan Wei absorbed their words, feeling a mix of relief and determination. He had always known, on some level, that trying to emulate Ye Xiu would only hold him back, but hearing it from his teammates made it real. They didn't need another Ye Xiu—they needed Lan Wei to step up and be the player they believed he could be.
"Thanks, everyone," Lan Wei said, his voice steadier now. "I'll do better next time."
Fang Rui clapped him on the back. "That's the spirit. Now, let's get to work."
The rest of the day was spent in intense practice. The team went through drills, reviewed strategies, and engaged in scrimmages against other teams. Lan Wei threw himself into the training, focusing on refining his skills and building synergy with his teammates. He experimented with different tactics, sometimes succeeding, sometimes failing, but always learning.
As the hours passed, Lan Wei began to feel more at ease. He stopped worrying about what Ye Xiu would do in every situation and started trusting his own instincts. His gameplay became more fluid, more natural, as he allowed himself to play to his strengths rather than forcing himself into a mold that didn't fit.
By the end of the day, the team had made significant progress. They were starting to gel, and even the more seasoned players like Fang Rui and Luo Ji were impressed with Lan Wei's growth. Chen Guo watched with pride as her team came together, each member contributing in their own way to the collective success.
As they wrapped up for the night, Lan Wei lingered in the practice room, reviewing some of the day's replays on his own. He wanted to understand where he could improve, where he could push his limits further. The thought of Ye Xiu still crossed his mind, but it was no longer a source of pressure. Instead, it became a source of inspiration.
He remembered something Chen Guo had said earlier: "Legends aren't made by following in someone's footsteps. They're made by carving your own path."
Lan Wei was beginning to understand what that really meant. Ye Xiu's legacy wasn't just about his victories or his titles; it was about the way he played the game—fearlessly, creatively, and with an unshakable belief in his own abilities. That was the real legacy, and it was something Lan Wei could aspire to in his own way.
As he prepared to log off, the door to the practice room opened, and Fang Rui walked in, holding two cups of coffee. He handed one to Lan Wei with a grin. "Thought you might need this. Long day, huh?"
Lan Wei accepted the cup gratefully. "Yeah, but it was worth it. I feel like I'm starting to get it."
Fang Rui nodded, leaning against the wall. "Good. You're on the right track. Just remember, it's not about being perfect. It's about learning and growing with each match. And hey, don't be afraid to take risks. Ye Xiu didn't become a legend by playing it safe."
Lan Wei chuckled, sipping his coffee. "I'll keep that in mind. Thanks, Fang Rui."
They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, the hum of the computers the only sound in the room. Then, Fang Rui spoke again, his tone more serious. "You know, Ye Xiu once told me that the most important thing in Glory isn't winning or losing. It's the journey. The challenges you face, the friends you make, the way you push yourself beyond your limits—that's what really matters. That's what makes the game worth playing."
Lan Wei looked at him, understanding dawning in his eyes. "The journey, huh? I guess I've been so focused on the destination that I forgot about that."
Fang Rui smiled, clapping him on the shoulder. "We've all been there. Just remember, you're not alone on this journey. We're a team, and we'll face whatever comes together."
As Fang Rui left the room, Lan Wei sat back down at his computer, the words resonating with him. The journey—the challenges, the growth, the camaraderie—that was what he had signed up for. And it was what he would focus on from now on.
With renewed determination, Lan Wei logged back into Glory. There was still so much to learn, so much to experience, and he was ready for all of it. He might be a rookie on the professional scene, but he was part of Team Happy, a team that had defied the odds and carved out its own legacy. And now, it was his turn to contribute to that legacy, in his own way.
As he began another practice session, his mind was clear, his heart steady. The weight of expectation no longer felt like a burden. Instead, it felt like a challenge—a challenge he was ready to meet head-on.
This was just the beginning of Lan Wei's journey. The road ahead would be long and difficult, but he was ready for it. After all, legends weren't made in a day. They were forged through fire, through countless battles, and through an unwavering belief in oneself.
And Lan Wei was ready to forge his own legend.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone