The Lost King

Ye Xiu's days at the internet cafe quickly fell into a routine. Each morning, he would arrive early, set up his station, and immerse himself in games that were far removed from the competitive echelons he was used to. The excitement of the tournaments and the roar of the crowd were now distant memories, replaced by the steady hum of old computers and the low murmur of casual gamers.

The cafe itself was a cozy place, frequented by local gamers who came for the low prices and the chance to play without the pressure of competition. Ye Xiu's presence did not go unnoticed, though. His reputation as a former champion spread quickly among the regulars, and while many were awed, they respected his desire for anonymity.

One day, as Ye Xiu was absorbed in a particularly challenging level, he heard the sound of someone approaching his station. He looked up to see a young man with bright eyes and an eager smile.

"Hey, you're Ye Xiu, right? The legendary pro?" the young man asked, barely containing his excitement.

Ye Xiu sighed, setting his mouse down. "Yeah, that's me."

"I can't believe you're here!" The young man practically bounced on his feet. "I'm Lin Feng. I've heard so much about you. I'm a huge fan!"

Ye Xiu offered a small, polite smile. "Nice to meet you, Lin Feng. Just here to play like everyone else."

Lin Feng's enthusiasm didn't wane. "I'm part of a small team, and we're looking for someone to help us out. I know you're retired and all, but—"

Ye Xiu raised an eyebrow. "Help you out? With what?"

Lin Feng's eyes lit up. "We're competing in a local tournament next month. It's not big, but it's a chance to prove ourselves. We could really use someone with your experience. Maybe you could give us some advice or even join us?"

Ye Xiu considered the offer. It wasn't a chance to return to the big leagues, but it was an opportunity to share his knowledge and perhaps rekindle his own passion. "I'll think about it," he said.

The days passed, and the idea of helping Lin Feng and his team began to grow on Ye Xiu. The thought of contributing to a fresh team and being a mentor rather than a competitor was appealing. He decided to visit Lin Feng's team to see what they were all about.

The team's practice space was a modest setup in a small apartment. The members greeted Ye Xiu with a mix of awe and nervousness. The team consisted of four players: Lin Feng, the enthusiastic captain; Zhang Wei, the strategist; Liu Mei, the quick reflex specialist; and Chen Hao, the team's jack-of-all-trades.

As Ye Xiu watched them practice, he saw potential in their gameplay but also noticed several weaknesses. Their coordination was shaky, and their strategies lacked depth. He decided to offer his help, starting with a few observations and suggestions.

"The first thing you need to work on is communication," Ye Xiu said after a particularly disjointed practice session. "You're not just playing the game; you need to think and act as a unit."

The team listened intently as Ye Xiu shared insights from his experience. The hours they spent together were both grueling and rewarding. Lin Feng and the others absorbed his advice eagerly, their skills improving with each session.

As the tournament approached, the team's confidence grew. They were no longer just a group of enthusiastic players; they were becoming a cohesive unit with a clear strategy. Ye Xiu felt a sense of satisfaction in watching their progress.

The day of the tournament arrived. The local gaming hall was filled with teams of various skill levels. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. Ye Xiu watched from the sidelines, his heart pounding with a mix of pride and nervousness.

The tournament was intense. Lin Feng's team faced off against several skilled opponents, each match pushing them to their limits. But with Ye Xiu's guidance, they held their ground. Their teamwork and strategies began to shine through.

In the final match, Lin Feng's team found themselves up against the reigning champions. The game was a fierce battle, and every move was crucial. Ye Xiu watched, his breath caught in his throat as the match reached its climax.

In a moment of brilliance, Lin Feng executed a game-changing play, securing their victory. The hall erupted in cheers, and Lin Feng's team celebrated their hard-earned win.

Ye Xiu felt a surge of pride. He had helped them achieve something significant, and in doing so, he had reignited his own passion for the game. As the team celebrated, Ye Xiu quietly slipped away, content with the knowledge that he had made a difference.