Levi added confidently, “That will be a piece of cake. Our team is second to none.”

Alex joined in, boasting, “Exactly, we topped the group stage. There’s no way we’ll fall behind now. The other schools simply can’t keep up with us.”

Neal interjected with a more reflective tone, saying, “Do you really think just winning the city league is enough? Claiming the top spot here doesn’t say much. We need to think bigger—the national league awaits us, with top-tier players from other cities. Those are the real battlegrounds.”

Alex laughed off Neal’s comment. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We’ll tackle it one step at a time. And let’s not sell ourselves short. Even at the national level, we’ll be a formidable opponent. We’re not just experienced—we’re exceptionally talented.”

At this, laughter erupted throughout the studio, creating a light and cheerful environment.

They spent the entire day training, and it was only in the evening that Fernanda dismissed them.

While Bonita had departed for class earlier in the day, Sloane headed home for dinner, and Wendy went off to meet her professor and peers. Fernanda, with no other commitments, opted to stay back in the studio. Levi and Alex, having discussed a local barbecue spot renowned for its great food, invited Clement to join them, leaving Fernanda and Neal by themselves in the studio.

As evening fell and the studio’s curtains were drawn, the only lights were those inside, which bathed the room in a warm glow from the large LCD screen.

“Why didn’t you go with them?” Fernanda inquired, looking over at Neal.

Slouched in his chair, Neal twirled his phone in his hand and shrugged. “Not hungry. Plus, I’m not a fan of that greasy barbecue smell that sticks around afterward.”

Fernanda offered a gentle smile.

In the corner of the studio, an aquarium housed ornamental fish that swam gracefully, occasionally disturbing the water’s surface. Their movements were the sole sound in the otherwise silent space.

“Do you think the switch to a new streaming platform was a good move?” Fernanda asked. “Have you adjusted well?”

Operating from a modest studio, Fernanda couldn’t manage a streaming platform independently. So, she partnered with a renowned local streaming service.

Through this arrangement, although Neal continued to stream, he was relieved from the burdens of direct negotiations; Fernanda’s team handled all such affairs.

“I’m doing well now. It’s taken a lot of stress off my shoulders and streamlined everything,” Neal said, looking at Fernanda appreciatively. “Plus, the signing bonus remains unchanged. As long as the payments are good, I’m content.”

With a playful chuckle, Fernanda teased, “Is money really all that matters to you?”

“Isn’t it important to everyone? It’s rather nice to have.”

Fernanda always found it peculiar whenever the topic of money came up. Given Neal’s success as a streamer, he shouldn’t be lacking financially. He had the potential to earn well above the average for his age, yet his fixation on money hinted at some undisclosed necessity.

“True,” Fernanda nodded. “When I was struggling financially, I explored every possible way to make more money.”

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