The abrupt leap from the commentary desk by Xia Huanao left everyone in the live stream speechless. They understood his excitement at winning the championship, but surely he could have toned it down a bit after yesterday’s victory.
However, they could also understand. A champion title, especially one achieved by defeating Lixing, was something trainers from the Minglong Nation could boast about for years. As everyone knew, the bragging rights for a championship lasted until the next major tournament.
The most bewildered person on the entire stadium grounds was Miao Longque. He had already rehearsed his response to the dejected Meng Tianya and the others after what he expected to be a two-game sweep. His momentum had faltered at the last moment, a truly devastating script. But when he turned around, nobody seemed disheartened; in fact, they were all beaming. This left Miao Longque’s mind in a state of utter confusion.
"Something's not right. Why are they so happy even though they lost? Are they all like me?"
Xia Huanao's airtight blockade of information for the one-on-one match had indeed been brilliant…
Xia Huanao came onto the field, slinging an arm around Miao Longque’s neck. "You know, the match actually ended yesterday. We just deliberately didn't tell you the result to let you feel the pressure. Don't mind us."
Xia Huanao gave Miao Longque’s shoulder a couple of gentle pats and then looked towards Kasvidin, waving. "Thank you for your congratulations."
Miao Longque glanced in Xia Huanao's direction. Even though it was the next day, Kasvidin’s expression was still rather grim, especially after Duwell’s two-to-one loss earlier, which had darkened his mood even further. Seeing Kasvidin, Miao Longque already felt guilty, and Kasvidin’s current demeanor made him look like someone who had been berated by Xia Huanao and was now filled with remorse and seeking redemption.
Xia Huanao felt Miao Longque’s body stiffen for a moment, then he continued to provoke him. "How strange. Kasvidin doesn't seem to be in good spirits. He didn't even look this bad when he lost yesterday. Did he really not manage to adjust overnight?"
Stimulated by both Kasvidin and Xia Huanao, Miao Longque saw stars, and then he collapsed.
Miao Longque's sudden collapse startled Xia Huanao, who rushed to support him. "Are you alright…"
The champion team’s member fainting from excessive excitement was bound to become a headline in every major world competition. Xia Huanao and the others immediately called for a doctor to escort him back to the Minglong Nation’s encampment, after which they attended the rather perfunctory award ceremony. Frankly, if it weren't for the broadcast, who among them would have wanted to attend such an event? Wouldn't they have preferred to go straight to the Mega Mine?
Xia Huanao’s mind was not on the award ceremony, and neither were the minds of the others. Therefore, after a swift conclusion to the ceremony, all the trainers returned to prepare for the mining expedition the next day.
Back at the Minglong Nation camp, Xia Huanao glanced towards the infirmary. "I just said a few casual words and he collapsed. Has my 'mouth jutsu' improved? That can't be right; I haven't 'killed' anyone with my words recently. It must be his poor psychological resilience. But if his psychological resilience is that weak, he shouldn't have participated. Is Kasvidin's judgment in selecting people that poor?"
Xia Huanao was still puzzling over why Miao Longque had suddenly fainted. Just then, he heard Meng Tianya behind him say, "Low blood sugar. He fainted because of low blood sugar."
Xia Huanao blinked. "Who are you trying to fool? Who gets low blood sugar these days? Everyone has high blood sugar."
Meng Tianya looked around, then pulled Xia Huanao into a conference room. Seated around the conference table were Mu Zhishui, Zheng Xiaoxiao, Wang Zhen, Su Xiaojiu, and their team doctor.
Meng Tianya locked the door and then took the head seat. "Alright, we’re holding a meeting now to discuss how to deal with the mole."
As soon as he spoke, Su Xiaojiu clasped her hands, her whole body trembling. "Are you going to deal with me? I know. It was all to put me at ease so I could compete…"
Zheng Xiaoxiao reached out and held Su Xiaojiu's hand. "It's alright, don't worry. He's talking about dealing with Miao Longque. You have Xia Huanao’s backing, and we've thoroughly investigated your situation."
Xia Huanao also glanced at Meng Tianya. "You know, it’s not interesting to bully young girls all day. Can’t you just speak more clearly?"
After a barrage of criticism that lacked any substantial meaning, Xia Huanao steered the conversation back to Miao Longque's low blood sugar. "If I remember correctly, we had a physical examination before we came. Miao Longque’s physical examination report didn't mention any history of low blood sugar."
Meng Tianya leaned back in his chair. "Yes, he has no history of low blood sugar, but isn't there you?"
Xia Huanao sat up straight. "What? I'm not taking the blame for this. Even if I messed with some medicine yesterday, it shouldn't have caused him to get so low on blood sugar. Besides, isn't administering glucose during an IV drip basic procedure? We don't actually lack glucose here, do we?"
"We have it, but you administered the drug too harshly. He was too uncomfortable, and at Miao Longque’s strong insistence, he didn't receive any glucose. Coupled with how you kept him up all night like a hawk, and then provoking him just now, it's no wonder he collapsed."
Xia Huanao still didn't believe it. "Impossible. I’ve done more extreme things than this. There must be other external factors, like you secretly adding some blood sugar-lowering agents to his drink."
As Xia Huanao finished speaking, he saw Meng Tianya glance somewhat awkwardly at the team doctor. Xia Huanao also looked over. Under immense pressure, the handsome team doctor said, "Alright, I confess. I did use some blood sugar-lowering methods at Team Leader Meng's instruction. But don't worry, I'm a professional doctor, not an executioner. This was mainly to send him back to Minglong Nation."
"Indeed. If he were to continue to stay here, it would be quite troublesome. We start mining tomorrow, and the more variables there are, the greater the risk."
Xia Huanao stroked his chin. "Is that so? But what will be the official explanation? We need some kind of reason."
Wang Zhen said, "This is precisely why you needed to come. When it comes to finding excuses, the four of us combined are no match for you."
Xia Huanao’s expression was odd. "How should I put this? While it might be the truth, why does it sound so unpleasant?"
"Where in the world is there a truth that sounds pleasant?"
Xia Huanao’s mind worked for a moment, and he devised a plan. "In my opinion, the best solution is to send him back today. As long as he’s not here, we can explain it however we want."
Meng Tianya turned on the projector. "Regarding that, to be honest, he has already been sent away. A helicopter was on standby before the match even started. He was sent off immediately after the match ended. He should be landing and getting a new apartment in a few hours."
Xia Huanao grinned. "So you had this planned all along…"
"Of course. After spending so much time with you, my abilities in this area have naturally improved." Meng Tianya flattered.
"I hope the Meng family won't come looking for trouble because of this. But then again, if you've planned this far, you must have some reason to explain it."
"You know…"
Xia Huanao shrugged. "Alright, so do the other three need to be told the truth? Let’s just forget about it. It might not be a bad thing if they don't know."
"Yes, let's leave it at that."
A few hours later, Xia Huanao, who was under much scrutiny, posted a video on social media. In the video, Xia Huanao was having tea with the little princess. He set down the teapot. "Alright, Dianxi, wait for me for a moment. I’ll chat with the audience first."
Saying that, Xia Huanao turned to the camera. "Regarding what happened this morning, how should I put it? We might have put too much pressure on him, and he couldn't accept the reality immediately. After I explained it, he found the sudden shift too much to handle. The dramatic rise and fall were too stimulating, causing his blood pressure to spike. However, after rapid rescue, he has almost recovered."
As he spoke, Dianxi handed him a cup of tea. Xia Huanao reached up and patted his head. "Thank you. I'll continue. Although our classmate Miao Longque has woken up, he is not on the island right now, so he can’t appear on camera to interact with everyone. For the health of all our team members, we usually handle emergencies here first and then send them directly back to Minglong Nation. Of course, if you'd like to see classmate Miao Longque's condition, I can ask the doctor and himself for permission to record a video or do a live stream."
After posting the video, Xia Huanao turned to Meng Tianya. "How was it? This video is pretty good, isn't it?"
Wang Zhen looked somewhat worried. "Are you really that confident about letting him record a video and do a live stream?"
Xia Huanao nodded. "Yes. Aren't you quite familiar with Miao Longque? You still don't know him well enough. Someone who would do something like that for money would do anything for their life."
Xia Huanao said this and returned to the table. "Oh, it's a pity to have tea prepared and just leave it here like this. Dianxi, let's go invite some friends over for tea."
Dianxi raised her small hand, and together with Xia Huanao, they left the Minglong Nation camp to find others for tea. Meng Tianya thought for a moment and then said, "Let's be more efficient. Let's set up more tables and discuss the details of tomorrow's mining expedition."