Falling Into Your Smile: The Path Forward.

As the tournament approached, the team's focus sharpened. With Tong Yao now acting as a mentor and strategist, her influence was still strongly felt. The team continued to refine their gameplay, and Puppy began to truly come into his own as a mid-laner. His confidence grew with each passing day, bolstered by Tong Yao's guidance and the unwavering support of his teammates.

On the day of the first playoff match, the atmosphere in the team house was electric. Everyone was on edge, the tension palpable as they prepared for what would be one of the most important games of their careers. Tong Yao watched from the sidelines, her heart racing as she took in the scene before her. It was strange, being on the outside looking in, but she was determined to be there for her team in any way she could.

The match itself was intense, a nail-biting showdown that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. The first game was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading blows and neither willing to back down. Tong Yao watched every move closely, analyzing each play with the critical eye of a veteran player.

Puppy was holding his own, but there were moments when his inexperience showed. He missed a few key opportunities, hesitated in crucial moments, and made a couple of missteps that cost the team. But he also showed flashes of brilliance—sharp, decisive plays that kept their opponents on their toes.

By the end of the game, the team had managed to secure a hard-fought victory. They were exhausted, but the energy in the room was electric, the thrill of the win coursing through their veins.

As they huddled together after the match, Lu Sicheng turned to Tong Yao, his eyes filled with pride and gratitude. "We couldn't have done it without you, Yao Yao," he said, his voice sincere.

Tong Yao smiled, feeling a swell of emotion in her chest. "You guys did all the work. I just helped a little."

The rest of the team chimed in, their voices filled with appreciation and affection. It was a moment of pure camaraderie, a reminder that they were more than just a team—they were a family.

As the playoffs continued, the team faced new challenges, each match more intense than the last. There were highs and lows, moments of triumph and moments of doubt. But through it all, Tong Yao remained a steady presence, her experience and wisdom guiding them every step of the way.

In the final match of the playoffs, everything came down to one last game. It was a grueling, all-out battle that tested the limits of their endurance and skill. The tension in the air was thick as both teams fought tooth and nail for the victory.

In the closing moments of the game, it all came down to one final play. The enemy team had pushed into their base, and it looked like all hope was lost. But then, in a moment of pure instinct, Puppy made a bold, daring move—one that caught their opponents completely off guard.

With a perfectly timed ultimate, he turned the tide of the battle, securing a critical kill that allowed his team to mount a comeback. The base race that followed was a blur of action and emotion, but in the end, they emerged victorious.

The room erupted into cheers, the team jumping to their feet in celebration. Puppy was at the center of it all, his face flushed with excitement and pride as his teammates swarmed around him.

Tong Yao watched from the sidelines, a smile spreading across her face as she took in the scene. It wasn't the same as being in the game herself, but in that moment, she felt a deep sense of satisfaction. She had helped her team achieve this victory, had played a part in their success, and that was enough.

As the team celebrated, Lu Sicheng made his way over to her, his eyes shining with pride. He didn't say anything, just wrapped his arms around her in a tight embrace, holding her close as the noise of the celebration faded into the background.

"You did it," he murmured against her hair. "We all did."

Tong Yao nodded, tears of joy and relief welling up in her eyes. "Yeah," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "We did."

And in that moment, surrounded by the people she loved and the team she had helped to build, Tong Yao realized that this victory was different from any she had experienced before. It wasn't just about winning a game—it was about overcoming challenges, about growth, about finding strength in the face of adversity.

It was a different kind of victory, one that she would cherish for the rest of her life.