3: A Chance to Compete

HAN SHEN’S APARTMENT – NIGHT

(Han Shen sits at his desk, coding intensely. Lines of code scroll across his screen as his mind races with Zhou Yi’s words from the previous night: "We’re always looking for new talent." He pauses for a moment, glancing at his phone, unsure of what his next step should be.)

HAN SHEN

(to himself)

Should I really… go for it?

(His phone buzzes. It’s a message from CHEN.)

CHEN

(texting)

"Hey! Heard Zhou Yi’s team is competing in an open online match tomorrow. You should join in!"

HAN SHEN

(reading, surprised)

An open match? With Zhou Yi's team?

(Han Shen’s heart races. He quickly pulls up the details of the event on his laptop. It’s a mixed online match where professional teams allow newcomers to participate.)

HAN SHEN

(typing back)

"I don’t know… Do you really think I’m ready for something like this?"

CHEN

(replying)

"Of course! What have you got to lose? Besides, you’ll get a chance to prove yourself. Zhou Yi might even be watching."

HAN SHEN

(sighs, murmuring)

Zhou Yi…

(Han Shen sits there for a moment, staring at the screen. After a long pause, he takes a deep breath and clicks the "Register" button.)

HAN SHEN

(firmly)

I’m in.

INTERNET CAFÉ – DAY

(Han Shen enters the café the next day, carrying his gaming gear. He’s nervous but determined. As he walks in, he spots Chen at the counter.)

CHEN

(grinning)

There he is! Ready for your big debut?

HAN SHEN

(shrugging)

I guess. I’m still not sure if I’m doing the right thing.

CHEN

(seriously)

You are. This is your chance, Shen. You’re not just another player. You’re talented. Trust me.

HAN SHEN

(slightly more confident)

I’ll try. But if Zhou Yi’s watching, I can’t mess up.

CHEN

(laughing)

Zhou Yi doesn’t strike me as the type to expect perfection right away. Just focus, and do what you do best.

INTERNET CAFÉ – LATER

(The café is buzzing with excitement as the match is about to begin. Han Shen sits at his station, plugging in his headset and setting up his gear. His fingers hover over the keyboard as the match lobby fills up.)

ANNOUNCER (V.O.)

Welcome to the Open Challenge! Today’s match will feature top-tier e-sports teams alongside newcomers. Good luck to all participants!

(Han Shen looks around nervously, then takes a deep breath. He adjusts his headset and focuses on the screen.)

ZHOU YI’S TEAM HQ – SAME TIME

(Meanwhile, ZHOU YI and his team are gathered in their practice room. Zhou Yi is watching the list of participants, his eyes scanning the new names.)

LIANG

(excited)

We’ve got a lot of fresh blood in today’s match. Think any of them are worth watching?

ZHOU YI

(coolly)

Maybe. Let’s see how they perform.

(Zhou Yi’s gaze stops on a name: "Solo Sniper". His expression changes slightly.)

ZHOU YI

(softly)

Solo Sniper… that’s Han Shen’s handle.

LIANG

(raising an eyebrow)

Wait, you know this guy?

ZHOU YI

(nods)

We’ve met. He’s a coder and a gamer. Let’s see if he can hold his own.

(Zhou Yi sits back, his interest piqued.)

INTERNET CAFÉ – MATCH START

(The match begins, and Han Shen immediately dives into the game. His reflexes are sharp, and his decision-making is precise. As the game progresses, Han Shen starts to make a name for himself among the other players.)

CHEN

(whispering excitedly to another player)

Look at him go! He’s killing it out there!

(Han Shen pulls off a few impressive plays, showcasing his strategic thinking and quick reflexes. His teammates, impressed, start following his lead.)

ZHOU YI’S TEAM HQ

(Zhou Yi watches Han Shen's gameplay closely. He leans forward, impressed by Han Shen's tactical approach.)

ZHOU YI

(murmuring)

He’s better than I thought.

LIANG

(cheerfully)

Looks like you’ve got an eye for talent after all, Zhou. He’s not just a coder.

ZHOU YI

(seriously)

Not yet. Let’s see how he handles pressure.

INTERNET CAFÉ – LATER IN THE MATCH

(As the game reaches its final stages, the tension increases. Han Shen and his team are neck and neck with another group, and the pressure is on.)

HAN SHEN

(muttering to himself)

Focus. Stay calm.

(Han Shen makes a bold move, breaking through the enemy’s defense. The play is risky, but he trusts his instincts. His teammates follow his lead, and the risky strategy pays off. They manage to turn the tide of the game.)

TEAMMATE

(excited)

Nice move, Solo Sniper! You just won us the game!

(Han Shen breathes a sigh of relief as the match ends, victorious. He removes his headset, his heart pounding. The café erupts into cheers.)

ZHOU YI’S TEAM HQ – SAME TIME

(Zhou Yi watches the final moments of the game unfold on his screen. He leans back, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.)

ZHOU YI

(softly)

Not bad, Han Shen. Not bad at all.

(Liang nudges Zhou Yi, grinning.)

LIANG

So, what do you think? Should we keep an eye on him?