Chapter 81 Losing the Game
Lily saw the competition results and wasn't surprised at all.
It was bound to happen.
If Austin had chosen someone other than Sophie as the shooter, they probably wouldn't have lost so badly.
They might not have lost at all.
But Austin had to pick Sophie as the shooter, trying to prove that having Sophie was enough.
Looks like Austin's personality hasn't changed one bit.
Lily smiled slightly, wondering if Austin was satisfied with the outcome.
She was pretty satisfied herself.
In her past life, she had worked hard to secure the championship for the team, only to be replaced by Sophie at the last minute, who then won the championship.
This time, she had personally withdrawn from the competition and witnessed Austin's defeat.
Austin's face didn't look good as he stormed off the stage.
The winning team was being interviewed by reporters, and the captain looked down at Lily. "This match was easy. We were prepared to be eliminated, but Lily didn't compete, giving us a chance to win."
If Lily had competed with her ability to land twelve consecutive hits, they might not have won.
Lily sipped her drink as a reporter handed her a microphone: "Ms. Roberts, do you have any thoughts on today's match?"
"Well, in competitions, there are winners and losers, but I believe the final champion will represent our country and win glory."
Lily said the usual polite words.
She stood up and glanced at Violet. "Violet's gone."
Michael watched Lily's back as she walked away and then headed to the locker room, where he found Austin cursing.
Sophie was being verbally torn apart and felt very aggrieved. She had performed well enough, but the team wasn't strong enough.
Michael walked over. "Everyone worked hard, let's get on the bus."
The other team members left, and Sophie wiped her tears. "Michael, I really tried my best."
"I know. You should go back with them."
Sophie didn't want to stay any longer and left.
Austin, frustrated, said, "Michael, do you think Sophie really tried her best? Her performance wasn't even a tenth of Lily's. I trusted her so much!"
"It's not Sophie's fault. You knew her level and still let her compete. You wanted to spite Lily, and now you're paying the price."
Austin felt very frustrated. He admitted he had that intention, but didn't expect Sophie to perform so poorly.
He thought Sophie's skills would have improved.
But she hadn't made any progress!
"Austin, Sophie did her best. You can't blame her. You're the one who drove Lily away, and now you're facing the consequences."
Austin slumped in his chair, covering his face with his hands, feeling really conflicted.
He realized that life without Lily felt incomplete.
After leaving the competition venue, Lily was swarmed by fans.
It took her a while to finally catch a cab and leave.
Back at her apartment, she could finally relax.
Eric was lounging on the couch. "Lily, did today's match feel satisfying?"
"Very satisfying."
Lily sat down. Even though she knew the result, witnessing the process firsthand was still pretty enjoyable.
"Lily, check this out. Someone made a hilarious commentary video about today's match!"
Lily watched the video, laughing at the funny commentary on Sophie's blunders.
[Sophie, your shooting speed can't keep up with your crying speed.]
[Sophie, you're supposed to be a gunner, not a damsel in distress. You should be protecting everyone!]
Lily chuckled: "If Sophie sees this, she'll definitely go live and cry about it."
Lily knew Sophie too well.
Sure enough, Sophie soon issued a statement, saying she would sue the video creator for defamation.
The Titan Team's failure was mocked within the community for several days, providing plenty of material.
But then, Lily received a call from David demanding answers: "Lily, you didn't compete in the finals? What's going on? You know better than to throw a tantrum at such an important event!"
Lily's tone was sarcastic. "Austin didn't want me to compete in the first place. Later, he couldn't find anyone suitable, and his pride cost him the match!"
"You know Austin's temper. He was just too embarrassed to ask you again, but as his sister, couldn't you have been more proactive?"
Lily's tone turned cold. "I couldn't be more proactive."
She hung up the phone, her good mood somewhat ruined.
It was enough to prove that she had spoiled her family too much in the past, leading them to ignore her and take everything from her.
She wasn't that foolish anymore.
Lily felt vindicated and had been sleeping well these past few days.
Shortly after the finals, SAT scores were released.
On the day the scores were available, Lily couldn't sleep well and was up early, waiting at her computer.
Dennis walked in with a plate of fruit. "Don't be nervous. You don't have confidence in yourself?"
"Well, a little. I just want to see the results."
Although she had lived through this once before and knew many outcomes, she didn't know what her scores would be this time.
When the time came, she entered her exam number and password and clicked to check her scores.