Ji You rolled her eyes and opened her mouth: "!!!"
No matter what, she never imagined that Shen Changqing would actually change his mecha to an antique mech just because of a few casual remarks from her.
This silly kid, has he—has he been duped?
From the looks of it, it wasn’t just being duped; he was thoroughly hoodwinked.
For a moment, Ji You’s emotions were a tangled mess, and she really didn’t know what expression to use to convey her current feelings. Even—she felt a little bit, just a tinge of guilt and regret.
Feeling guilty, Ji You looked around and noticed that the audience was also shocked, but under their shock, they all looked at Ji You with admiration:
"As expected of the queen!"
"Queen! Nobody hold me back, from today on, I’m your top brain-dead fan!"
"Presumptuous, the one in front! I’m the queen’s top brain-dead fan!"
"Is being a brain-dead fan something to be proud of? Why fight over it? Everyone here is rubbish, only I am a qualified brain-dead fan, queen! Queen! Queen! I’m proud of you! I’m proud of you! Your perseverance, your hard work, your strength and dominance have deeply captivated me, I will forever love Rag Queen!"
Listening to the noisy adulation around her, Ji You unexpectedly felt a sense of shame and embarrassment rise within her.
At this point, she dared not reveal the real reason she had always used an antique mech; she—she really couldn’t afford to lose face like that.
The world mocks me for madness; I laugh at the world for not seeing through.
The sudden appearance of an antique mech by Shen Changqing certainly took Ji You by surprise. If he had piloted his original mecha, Ji You would have to guard against his various moves, and couldn’t be sure of her victory, but with an antique mech—
Both of them started from the same point, and what could be compared were the operation consciousness and personal strength.
He who doesn’t take advantage is a fool.
Of course, Ji You was more than happy.
However, as a great deceiver, she still needed to maintain appearances, so Ji You asked seriously, "Xiaoqing, are you sure you want to compete with me using an antique mech?"
She had to confirm again.
Shen Changqing nodded solemnly, just as Ji You had anticipated, and said, "Yes, I will use an antique mech."
Ji You curled her lips into a smile and said, "Okay."
—I’ve already given you the last chance, this isn’t me bullying you on purpose.
The sudden change at the scene not only surprised Ji You, but also the audience. Watching Rag Queen reveal her mech for this competition—an antique mech—the audience’s emotions were instantly ignited.
They were boiling with excitement.
This was the first time in the network competition history that both competitors used antique mechs!
And—both of their strengths were unfathomable; it was truly hard to predict who the real winner would be.
The atmosphere on-site became even more heated; those who were broadcasting did so, those who were recording did so, and on the forums, many were live streaming—there were also many spectators who hadn’t squeezed into the competition venue, and they were eagerly watching.
Then, many people began to predict the outcome of the match. The hottest post on the forum read:
[Peak Antique Mech Duel: Will it be Rag Queen victorious, or Little Qing?]
1L: As the OP, I’ll grab the couch. I guess Rag Queen will win, no other reason, I’m her number one brain-dead fan.
2L: I’m the Rag Queen’s fan through and through, the queen has always piloted antique mechs, her piloting experience is something that novice Little Qing can’t compare to.
3L: Why’s everyone guessing Rag Queen? I bet on Little Qing! Little Qing’s strength and combat experience are no less than Rag Queen’s, and now Little Qing’s competitive spirit has been ignited, I bet he will definitely win!
4L: Also optimistic about Little Qing because his overall strength is stronger.
5L: I am a fan of the queen, but rationally, I choose Little Qing.
Overall, after detailed analysis of their data, about 65% of people are optimistic about Little Qing, with only 35% favoring Rag Queen.
If Ji You knew this result, she would definitely curse and grumble: "You fakers! You say you love and support me with your words, but you choose someone else. Hmph— I see right through you."
After Ji You and Little Qing’s brief conversation, the atmosphere changed abruptly.
Everyone knew that the match had begun.
Both antique mechs, coincidentally, didn’t rush to initiate, but each held their ground, resulting in a standoff.
Shen Changqing entered the cockpit and connected the Spiritual Connector. In less than a second, he swiftly familiarized himself with the rudimentary operation system of the mech and immediately began to be on guard quietly.
Compared to Shen Changqing’s cautious and tight defense, Ji You, on the other hand, appeared relaxed. In front of Little Qing and all the viewers, she suddenly gently lifted the mech arm, slowly, very slowly—
She drew out a Big Chopper.
It was the Big Chopper.
A Big Chopper that the audience knew well, shimmering with a cold sheen, exuding sinfulness.
Recently, this sinful and evil Big Chopper had driven a rich lord to suicide, how could the audience not be familiar with it?
Bizarrely, the vast majority of the audience on-site had an ominous premonition at the same time: [Little Qing is in danger!]
When he saw Rag Queen sluggishly pulling out a Big Chopper, Shen Changqing’s lips pursed slightly, his expression revealing no sign of alarm, but his legs slightly bent, body slightly hunched, ready to respond.
A whooshing sound came through, Ji You wielding the Big Chopper, hacked directly towards Shen Changqing.
Shen Changqing piloted the mech, nimbly dodging. But Ji You’s strike turned out to be a feint; she suddenly changed direction mid-course, viciously aimed at the legs of the Little Qing Mecha—
In an instant, Shen Changqing leaned back, evading this wave of attack.
It was also at this moment, he realized, going head-to-head with this person was not suitable for him, so he quickly seized the opportunity to put some distance between himself and Rag Queen.
Ji You’s strike, as it aimed towards the thigh, twisted direction again, her fingers deftly flipping, the sharp blade of the Big Chopper aimed at the back of the neck of the Little Qing Mecha—
In these few seconds, manipulating the Big Chopper through three changes in direction, it was certain that Rag Queen’s previous two moves were all feints, her real target—was the back of the neck of the Little Qing Mecha.
Little Qing also realized it. Without hesitation, he swiftly activated the thrusters, and in a flash, he shot up from the ground, rumbling—
This resolute action timely avoided the crisis.
Seeing this scene, the audience exclaimed: Little Qing’s move was decisive and clean!
On the other side, watching Shen Changqing move away, Ji You clenched the Big Chopper, a faint smile quietly curling up on the corner of her mouth.