Chapter Twenty-Eight: What Have You Got to Play Against Me?

Han Lishan’s face turned deathly pale, his lips trembling. He opened his mouth, but no words came out.

At that moment, Cheng Ziqiu strolled over leisurely, hands in his pockets, wearing a relaxed and carefree expression.

He glanced at the chaotic scene, then looked at the defeated Han Lishan, a faint smile curling on his lips.

“Time’s up, Teacher Han. Shall we verify the data now?”

Han Lishan trembled all over.

The live broadcast had crashed, his reputation was in ruins.

What was the point of verifying the data now?

“I…I…”

Han Lishan stammered, unable to form a complete sentence.

Cheng Ziqiu raised an eyebrow, his smile half mocking.

“What’s wrong? Teacher Han, are you afraid now? Where’s that fierce momentum from just a moment ago?”

“I…I’m not afraid…”

Han Lishan stiffened his neck, trying to appear strong but inwardly weak.

“It’s just… in this situation…”

“What situation?”

Cheng Ziqiu interrupted, stepping closer.

“Are you planning to cheat, Teacher Han?”

The surrounding staff and Chen Churan all looked at Han Lishan with contempt.

“Master Cheng… please understand, my situation is special right now. How about… we postpone this? Reschedule the match for another day?”

Han Lishan spoke haltingly, eyes darting nervously, avoiding Cheng Ziqiu’s gaze.

Cheng Ziqiu crossed his arms and watched his performance silently.

“Postpone? What kind of postponement? Why don’t you tell me, Teacher Han.”

Hearing a chance, Han Lishan immediately perked up and spoke more smoothly.

“Master Cheng, I’ve been streaming for years and gathered quite a few fans. If I just quit like this, it’d be a loss for the company, wouldn’t it? Besides, I have an eighty-year-old mother at home, a wife and children depending on me.”

“How about… we discuss a private solution? I’m willing to pay a price…”

He furtively pulled a bank card from his pocket and slipped it into Cheng Ziqiu’s hand, lowering his voice.

“This is just a small token, no great gift.”

Cheng Ziqiu glanced down at the card.

Without taking it, he flicked it lightly with two fingers, sending it flying to the ground with a crisp sound.

“Teacher Han, your acting skills would be a shame not to see on stage.”

“An eighty-year-old mother? A wife and children starving for care? I thought you were a lone wolf, dedicating your life solely to streaming!”

The surrounding staff snickered, even the usually stern Chen Churan smiled faintly.

Han Lishan’s face flushed red and then pale, embarrassed enough to wish he could disappear.

“Master Cheng, please forgive me this once! I… I swear to change my ways and be a better person from now on!”

With that, he suddenly dropped to his knees before Cheng Ziqiu, clutching his leg.

“Master Cheng, I truly know my mistake! Please give me another chance!”

Everyone around was stunned by this sudden display.

Han Lishan was truly both humble and cunning!

From arrogant to begging in an instant.

Such a quick change of face was worthy of an actor.

Cheng Ziqiu pulled his leg free disdainfully, stepping back with a look of disgust.

“Teacher Han, what are you doing? Trying to milk sympathy? I didn’t touch you!”

A trace of ruthless coldness flashed in Han Lishan’s eyes as he sobbed louder.

“Master Cheng, I’m not milking sympathy! I’m truly desperate!”

Chen Churan’s almond-shaped eyes widened, about to scold Han Lishan for his shameful conduct, but Cheng Ziqiu stopped her.

“Teacher Han, what are you doing? The outcome isn’t decided yet; who will win is still unknown. Offering such a big gesture now might just spoil the fun.”

Han Lishan was stunned, his mind racing.

Right, the match wasn’t over!

His early data was decent, and though Cheng Ziqiu had crushed him later, there was still hope for a comeback!

With this thought, Han Lishan sprang up from the ground, dusting himself off.

“Master Cheng is right! I was too impatient! The result isn’t out yet; anything is possible!”

He straightened his back, trying to look like a composed professional, though his trembling legs and nervous eyes betrayed his true feelings.

Cheng Ziqiu watched Han Lishan’s face turn faster than flipping a book and chuckled inwardly.

This guy was truly a talent.

Just moments ago he was wailing, now he was full of vigor again.

“Since Teacher Han is so confident, let’s wait and see.”

Chen Churan pointed toward the huge projection screen.

The young man from the data team immediately understood and began typing rapidly.

Han Lishan’s live data appeared before everyone.

Watching the numbers climb steadily on the screen, Han Lishan’s once hunched back gradually straightened, a reluctant smile creeping onto his lips.

He glanced sideways at Cheng Ziqiu, eyes full of provocation.

“Master Cheng, it seems the outcome is really uncertain!”

Cheng Ziqiu crossed his arms, looking calm and collected, which only made Han Lishan grit his teeth in frustration.

“Teacher Han, your data is truly enviable. It seems that ‘Justice Bringer’ really loves you.”

“That’s obvious!” Han Lishan puffed out his chest proudly.

“Unlike some people who only know cheap tricks.”

Cheng Ziqiu yawned casually.

“Teacher Han, don’t get too excited. We’re nowhere near the finish line yet.”

Cheng Ziqiu’s nonchalant demeanor only fueled Han Lishan’s anger.

He gritted his teeth, itching to tear Cheng Ziqiu’s smug face apart.

“Master Cheng, your tone is quite bold! One might think you’ve already won!”

Han Lishan sneered, eyes glued to the rapidly changing numbers on the screen.

Cheng Ziqiu scoffed.

“Teacher Han, your numbers are rising fast. Someone might think you hired bots!”

“You!”

Han Lishan’s expression changed, but he dared not lose his temper, forcing out a dry laugh.

“Master Cheng, you jest. I’ve always been honest and upright. How could I stoop to such low tricks?”

Cheng Ziqiu didn’t expose him, but deliberately dragged out his words.

“Oh? Then it seems Teacher Han’s fans are truly… passionate.”

Han Lishan’s facial muscles twitched. With a forced smile, he said,

“Thanks to the deep love of my fans, I am deeply grateful.”

At that moment, the young man from the data team announced loudly,

“Teacher Han’s final data is in!”

Everyone looked up.

Han Lishan’s numbers froze at 3.75 million, eliciting gasps of astonishment.

This figure was enough to tower above all challengers, leaving other streamers far behind!

Seeing this, Han Lishan smugly raised an eyebrow at Cheng Ziqiu, as if saying,

“Kid, what chance do you have against me?”