LPL didn't want me? I joined SKT instead!

Chapter 222 Xiao Yan's Calmness

During this period, in addition to the intense training and ranking, Xiao Yan's personal life also underwent some subtle changes.

With his phenomenal performance in the Summer Split and the frequent broadcasts showing his cool and handsome face on the big screen, Xiao Yan's popularity in South Korea has reached an unbelievable level. He's not just an e-sports star; he's showing signs of breaking out of his niche and becoming a national idol.

Every night, after a long day of training, when Xiao Yan lay on his bed in the dormitory, his phone would always be flashing incessantly.

Among them, the person he chatted with most frequently was Lee Hyun-kyung, the official female host of LCK.

Lee Hyun-kyung is a very intelligent and intellectual girl.

She knew that Xiao Yan was under a lot of pressure preparing for the World Championship, so she never bothered him with meaningless chatter.

She would always send a few perfectly timed greetings late at night after Xiao Yan finished his training.

"Looking at your Korean server stats today, another ten-game winning streak! The new patch seems to have no effect on you at all. You truly are our bot lane reaper."

"It's gotten colder in Seoul these past few days. I heard your training base has increased physical conditioning. Remember to put on a jacket after you sweat, and don't catch a cold. The world stage is still waiting for you."

"I interviewed several players from other teams today, and they were all complaining that the new version was too torturous. Only you seem to never complain, and are always looking for solutions. Sometimes I'm really curious, what's going on in your head?"

Looking at the words Li Xianjing sent on the screen, which were filled with a touch of concern and playfulness, a gentle smile would occasionally appear on Xiao Yan's face, which was always as cold as ice on the field.

Xiao Yan harbored a slight fondness for Li Xianjing. This girl was professional and dedicated at work, and knew how to conduct herself appropriately in private. Chatting with her allowed Xiao Yan to find a rare moment of relaxation amidst his tense nerves.

He would simply reply to her:

"Versions are just rules, but breaking the rules is what gives players fun."

"Thank you for your concern. I'm in good health and won't catch a cold."

"What's in his head? Probably the map of Summoner's Rift."

Although their conversations weren't frequent, they had a deep and lasting understanding.

Li Xianjing was like a refreshing autumn breeze, gently brushing against Xiao Yan's heart.

However, besides Li Xianjing's intellectual and gentle greetings, Xiao Yan's social media inbox was filled with another completely different "scenery".

In this era where traffic is king, the top e-sports stars have commercial value and exposure that are in no way inferior to A-list celebrities in the entertainment industry.

Some currently popular girl group members in the Korean entertainment industry, and even some moderately famous actresses, obtained Xiao Yan's private social media account through various channels and began to frequently send him private messages.

At first, it was just some simple greetings and messages expressing fans' affection.

But as Xiao Yan adopted a cold approach, these actresses' advances became increasingly bold and blatant.

In the dormitory late at night, Xiao Yan leaned against the headboard and casually swiped open an unread message.

It was sent by the center member of a currently very popular sexy girl group in South Korea.

There were no words, only a photograph. In the photo, a girl wearing an extremely revealing lace nightgown struck a seductive pose, gazing dreamily at the camera. The background appeared to be a suite in a high-end hotel.

Xiao Yan's eyes remained calm as still water. The latest chapter of "LPL Doesn't Want Me? I Joined SKT Instead!" has been released for die-hard fans of the Invincible Demon King F! He merely glanced at it indifferently before exiting the chat interface.

Immediately afterwards, another message popped up. This time it was about a pure and innocent actress who had recently become a sensation because of an idol drama.

She sent a selfie in the gym mirror, her tight yoga clothes perfectly highlighting her beautiful figure. The caption read: "I worked out hard today too. I wonder if I'll have a chance to ask Xiao Yan for his secrets to maintaining his fitness?"

Xiao Yan's attitude towards the flood of private photos and suggestive comments was quite peculiar.

He didn't act like some moral guardians, righteously blocking or reporting these actresses, nor did he act like those young people blinded by desire, impatiently replying or pandering to them.

He just watched quietly.

He did not refuse to receive the photos simply because he felt there was no need to deliberately avoid them.

It's like walking by the roadside and seeing a wildflower that's blooming quite beautifully; you just glance at it casually.

However, while he might admire her online, Xiao Yan's rejections were as cold and resolute as a winter's day whenever these actresses attempted to turn their online flirtation into real-life contact.

"Xiao Yan, our group doesn't have any schedules tomorrow afternoon. I know a very secluded and nice private coffee shop. Would you do me the honor of joining us for a coffee? I have a lot of questions about the game that I'd like to ask you in person." — A member of a girl group.

"Sorry, I have a training match tomorrow afternoon. I'm busy." Xiao Yan's reply was brief and cold, leaving no room for negotiation.

"Xiao Yan Oppa, I recently bought a new apartment in Jiangnan District, the night view is absolutely gorgeous. If you finish training early tonight, would you like to come over for a glass of red wine to relax? I'll cook for you myself." —A famous actress.

"Sorry, I don't drink. Besides, there's a curfew at the base." Xiao Yan's reply was still in that businesslike tone, as if the other party was inviting him not to some sensual paradise, but to a den of dragons and tigers.

No matter who it is, no matter how high their status in the entertainment industry, no matter how beautiful the photos they send... Whenever someone tries to invite him out for coffee, a meal, or even further contact, Xiao Yan will refuse without hesitation.

His reason was always the same: training.

This made his teammates suspicious of him. Once, Wolf accidentally glimpsed an invitation from a popular female star on Xiao Yan's phone screen, which was ruthlessly rejected. He couldn't help but howl in anguish, "That's the nation's first love! She asked you out for coffee, and you said you were going to play ranked games? Do you know how many men in all of South Korea are lining up to have a drink with her but can't even get a chance!"

Little Peanut silently added, "Xiao Yan only has eyes for the defense towers and the crystal; women will only slow down his sword-drawing speed."

Xiao Yan listened to his teammates' teasing, smiled slightly, locked his phone, and casually tossed it on the table.

"You can drink coffee anytime, and you can look at photos anytime, but there's only one world championship trophy per year."

Is this a targeted nerf from Riot Games?

A long and tedious game pace?

Are female celebrities in the entertainment industry constantly pursued by suitors?

In Xiao Yan's eyes, all of this was nothing more than a gentle breeze on the road to the throne.

While others may not understand Xiao Yan, Faker believes he does.