Chapter 80 Being Held Back by Sophie
Lily's response was sharp and biting.
The reporter probably didn't expect such a blunt answer from her. Did she really have to be so disrespectful?
Austin was a bit angry. He never thought she would look down on his abilities like that.
But Sophie spoke up first, "Lily, what's up with that? The match hasn't even started yet. Our team has put in a lot of effort. You can't just look down on us because you're talented."
Austin's face turned pale. He didn't expect Lily to belittle them so openly.
Lily smirked, "Just kidding, don't take it so seriously."
Sophie continued, "Lily, it's one thing for you to leave the competition, but you can't just dismiss us like that."
"I'm doing this for your own good, so you don't get too full of yourselves before the match and mess up when it counts."
Lily turned to the reporter, "After all, Austin's right. The match isn't just about individual skills; teamwork is crucial. Ms. Scott and Austin have great synergy. They can definitely overcome any challenges and crush the competition."
Austin's expression darkened. He knew Lily was being sarcastic.
Sophie couldn't let it go. "Lily, did you come here just to laugh at us?"
"No, I'm here as a special guest. Otherwise, I wouldn't have bothered."
As soon as Lily finished speaking, a fan handed her a gift.
"Lily, we're all your fans. We made this figurine for you."
Lily was surprised by the fans' enthusiasm and felt a bit overwhelmed. "Thank you, everyone."
She was soon surrounded by fans taking pictures with her.
Sophie stood alone, with no fans around her. Her eyes reddened with anger, "Austin, look at Lily. This is our match, we should be the stars!"
But Lily had stolen all the attention the moment she arrived.
Remembering what Lily had said the night before, Austin didn't want to stay there any longer. He walked away, feeling defeated.
Sophie had no choice but to let it go, though it infuriated her.
Half an hour later, Lily finally broke free from the fans and waved, "Everyone, go watch the match. It's about to start."
Violet pulled her forward, "I told you to wear a mask. Now you see how passionate your fans are?"
"I didn't think about it."
As Lily entered the arena, she saw many people seated around.
She knew the opposing team was quite strong, and their captain was known for his composure.
Austin had a hot temper. If he wasn't careful, the other team would exploit his weaknesses. In her previous life, she had been scolded by Austin many times before they finally won this match.
She was curious to see how they would fare without her and with Sophie instead.
"Lily, I brought popcorn and drinks."
Michael appeared out of nowhere, holding two servings of popcorn and drinks.
He sat next to Lily, "The match is long. Have some snacks."
Lily looked at him, "Michael, instead of eating, you should figure out how to prevent the Roberts family's team from losing so badly."
"Austin brought this on himself. He needs to learn his lesson."
Michael didn't think they had any chance of winning.
Without Lily and with Sophie's poor performance, they were doomed.
Michael handed Violet a popcorn. She didn't know whether to hold it or put it down.
She couldn't help but ask, "The Titan Team could've hired a new gunner. Why'd they let Sophie play? It's like they're asking to lose. Everyone saw how bad she was in the last revival match."
Lily smirked, "Because they're family, and blood is thicker than water."
Michael was taken aback. He didn't understand why Austin made that choice either.
To spite Lily?
The match started soon after.
Lily watched the progress and knew the Titan Team was going to lose badly.
Sure enough, Austin quickly lost his temper and wanted to go on the offensive.
But Sophie couldn't keep up and even gave away their positions. Every time she tried to attack, she missed.
Austin cursed, "Sophie, what's wrong with you? I told you to hit them. Are you blind? You can't even hit from this close!"
"I'm trying, but they're suppressing me."
Sophie was flustered. Why wasn't anyone covering her?
The opposing team soon closed in.
Austin yelled while moving, "Sophie, you're supposed to snipe their mage. You can't hit anyone?"
"I'm really trying. They're well-protected, and no one is covering me."
"You're a gunner. This is your job! If Lily were here, she'd get it done!"
Austin blurted out.
The team fell silent. They all thought the same. If Lily were here, things would be different.
Sophie started crying, "I'm not as good as Lily, but I'm trying my best. What else do you want from me? Austin, you rushed in and got ambushed."
"You dare talk back? The last revival match was much tougher, but Lily broke through! You said you could do it. Is this your best?"
Austin was on the verge of breaking down.
He had believed Sophie when she said she had improved. He even checked her match stats, which seemed good.
But she hadn't improved at all!
Austin regretted it deeply.
Sophie cried as she followed the team.
In the end, they lost, and it was a crushing defeat.
Austin slammed his keyboard, glaring at Sophie, "You played terribly. How dare you say you've improved? This is a competition, not practice! You're not even half as good as Lily!"
The comparison hurt.
Austin realized that with Lily, he never had to worry about these things.
He had managed the team himself recently and found it overwhelming. Lily had handled so much for him.
He never knew.
Now, without Lily as the main player, they couldn't continue.
Sophie was stunned. She didn't expect Austin to lose his temper and compare her to Lily in front of everyone.
Noticing the live camera on her, Sophie quickly wiped her tears, "I'm sorry. I really tried. I'm so sorry!"
"Crying won't solve anything!"
Austin was furious.
He looked up at the guest seats and saw Lily, feeling utterly defeated.
Without Lily, he was helpless.
He needed his sister more than ever.
At that moment, the live camera switched to Lily.