Chapter 146: Chapter 144: The Bosses of RNG and WE (Part 2)
After teasing Gu Bai, Principal Wang also took out his phone.
"The owners of WE and RNG are currently in Kyoto. I’ll help you contact them. I rarely pay attention to the esports scene, but I’ll ask if anyone is willing to sell a club. However, don’t get your hopes up too high. Unless you buy a secondary league team and slowly advance, almost no one is inclined to sell their LPL teams."
Gu Bai nodded, even though he didn’t really care.
It’s nothing but a matter of money. As long as the money is enough, is there any fear of not getting a team?
How did RNG come about? It was just a result of capital operation.
Upon hearing Principal Wang’s previous words, Gu Bai had already formed his own thoughts. As an old fan of League of Legends, Gu Bai came from the era of the Red Dynasty.
During the S2 period, WE’s first generation swept through domestic competitions, directly ascending to become the king. If a League of Legends player says they’ve never been a fan of WE, then they are definitely not an old player.
Allegedly with 60 million fans, but with the disbandment of the first generation, this dynasty also went from glory to decline.
If possible, Gu Bai still wants to acquire WE and rebuild a brand new esports dynasty.
A few minutes later, Principal Wang hung up the phone.
"They happen to have time now, do you want to meet them?"
"Sure!"
Since the decision was already made, taking action immediately is Gu Bai’s style.
Principal Wang looked at the already standing Gu Bai and shook his head enviously. This is probably what it means to have money and be willful. Even as the top rich second-generation and national husband, he doesn’t live as freely as Gu Bai, worrying about money daily.
........................
An hour later.
Inside the business courtyard on the second floor of Lao She Tea House, under the guidance of a waiter, Principal Wang and Gu Bai entered a quiet private room. As for Peng Shiba, considering the serious business talk, she wasn’t brought along, and stayed alone at the hotel.
Only when the sliding door closed behind them did Gu Bai carefully observe the room’s environment.
The room was small, yet exuded an antique charm. Each corner had a pine bonsai for maintaining luck, the walls were adorned with calligraphy and paintings, and in the center was a massive tea table, the decor somewhat similar to the Changfu Palace Peony Garden from a few days ago.
And the two people already seated at the tea table should be the owners of WE and RNG.
"Principal."
Seeing the newcomers, the seated two stood up with a smile and greeted them.
WE Club owner Zhou Hao.
NRG Club owner Yao Jingcheng.
Both are relatively young, probably around the same age as Principal Wang.
After all, esports was still a relatively novel project in recent years, with rarely any old capital involved, hence most of the club owners are young people.
For instance, Principal Wang and Qin Fen are representatives among them.
Principal Wang smiled, walking to the table to introduce Gu Bai to the two.
After hearing Principal Wang’s introduction, a flicker of recognition passed through both men’s eyes. Gu Bai’s reputation had recently spread across various industries, and now, seeing him in person, they shook hands with him.
Yao Jingcheng was quite curious about Gu Bai, without any other thoughts. Like Principal Wang, his father is a real estate developer, also considered a decent rich second-generation. These days, the profit from a mid-sized community building is billions, which explains why RNG is so wealthy.
Zhou Hao seemed somewhat restrained.
He himself had no background, WE was built step by step by him alone, described with a popular term as "grassroots."
After introductions, the four of them sat down again.
"The Principal must have been criticized a lot these days, right?"
Pouring a cup of tea for Gu Bai and Principal Wang, Yao Jingcheng asked with a smile.
Principal Wang nodded helplessly.
"There’s no way around it, it’s a disaster for no reason. We’re IG and didn’t even qualify for the finals, being criticized to death. I suppose you two might have it even worse?"
Yao Jingcheng and Zhou Hao exchanged glances and both smiled wryly.
Yao Jingcheng: "Don’t mention it. Now every time I open Weibo and see the word ’Galio,’ I want to hide under the bed."
Zhou Hao: "I’m better off, not that serious, but still not much better."
At this point, the three LPL club owners all laughed together.
"Principal, you haven’t mentioned why you wanted to meet us yet."
After laughing, Yao Jingcheng asked in confusion.
Principal Wang nudged his lips towards Gu Bai.
"Well, let him answer you then."
Instantly, Yao Jingcheng and Zhou Hao turned their attention towards Gu Bai.
Gu Bai did not hesitate. He took a sip of tea and said with a smile, "I’m planning to acquire an LPL club’s slot, and have the Principal ask around to see if anyone is willing to sell."
Yao Jingcheng: "Oh? President Gu also wants to dip his toes into the muddy waters of esports?"
From Royal Family to RNG, Yao Jingcheng is also considered a veteran in the esports circle and one of the few qualified to call esports a muddy pool.
Gu Bai nodded slightly.
"Then you should ask Zhou Hao. His WE is expected to seek funding early next year, and only he would know who’s willing to sell. But honestly, although we all know running a club is a loss business, there really aren’t many willing to let go. Everyone knows esports has been gaining momentum these past few years, just waiting for the day it takes off."
Upon hearing this, Gu Bai’s eyes flickered, and he looked at Zhou Hao.
If Gu Bai were to choose the club he most wants to acquire, it must be WE.
Although WE has fallen, as an LPL veteran, it’s enough to be called a living banner of LPL, with a large fan base. Most importantly, in Gu Bai’s heart, WE represents an era.
Sensing Gu Bai’s gaze, Zhou Hao promptly replied, "President Gu, don’t listen to his nonsense. There are several clubs seeking funding in 2018, but none truly with the intention to sell."
The implication being, WE has no intention of selling.
After all, Zhou Hao isn’t a fool. Although WE might not be leading, it’s still way better than many others. If fortunately they can win an S-Series championship, it would be like a Wuhu, soaring high, with no intention of selling.
But Gu Bai seemed not to hear the underlying meaning in Zhou Hao’s words and continued asking, "President Zhou, do you really have no plans to sell WE?"
Zhou Hao found it hard to believe Gu Bai didn’t grasp his meaning but considering Gu Bai’s status, he politely said, "Of course not. This year’s WE managed to reach the top 4, proving its potential. I’m an old veteran from esports’ ancient era, WE is my entire effort, I can’t possibly sell it. I still want to witness the rise of the entire esports industry with WE."
"If President Gu is really interested, you might consider participating in our WE’s funding."
Gu Bai smiled gently at this, without responding.
Funding?
Are you kidding me?
What I’m aiming for is not just to be a backstage investor of a club, but to stand in the spotlight as a legitimate, praised owner like Principal Wang.
I have two purposes for acquiring a LPL club.
The first is to fulfill a wish from past life.
As for the second, it is to use the influence of League of Legends to achieve a task of gaining 1 billion followers. If the team I acquire has the potential to win the championship, then the benefits to me would be enormous.
Not only would the 1 billion follower task be resolved, but even the main task of gaining 10 billion reputation can significantly advance in completion.