It was eleven o'clock late at night, in the top-floor office of the Riot Games headquarters building.
Qin Feng stood alone in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the sleepless city. Below him, traffic flowed endlessly on Nanjing West Road, and the neon lights dyed the night sky a dreamy purple. In the distance, the LPL esports Center, where the match had just concluded, was still brightly lit, shining like the brightest star in the night sky.
The tablet in his hand still displayed the final data from the opening match:
· Peak Concurrent Viewers: 8.21 million people
· Discussion Volume: 230 million times
· Ticket Revenue: 4.8 million yuan
· Merchandise Sales: 2.1 million yuan
These figures were proof of commercial success, but to Qin Feng, they represented a deeper significance.
The Echo of the Initial Dream of Entrepreneurship
His gaze swept past the towering buildings, as if seeing the small startup office from years ago. Back then, the entire team consisted of only a dozen people, crammed into a rented workspace, pulling all-nighters to fix a single game bug.
"CEO Qin, are we really going to run our own esports league?" Wu Tong's question from back then still echoed in his ears. "There are no successful precedents domestically."
"Precisely because there is no precedent, we must create history." This was Qin Feng's answer then, and the belief he has always held.
Today, that small team has grown into a listed company with thousands of employees, and that questioned dream has transformed into a packed esports center and millions of online viewers.
The Transformation of the esports Ecosystem
Qin Feng gently swirled the coffee in his hand, recalling the changes in the esports environment over the years.
From the early days when players trained in internet cafes, to today's professional training bases; from rudimentary competition venues, to esports centers costing hundreds of millions; from events nobody cared about, to sold-out spectacles where tickets are hard to get.
What pleased him most was the change in player treatment. He remembered how some early players even had to bring their own keyboards to compete. Now, they enjoy the security of professional athletes: health checkups, psychological counseling, professional training... "CEO Qin, the Star Sea Team players have all purchased commercial insurance." Lin Haoming's report from the afternoon still echoed in his ears. "They are the first batch of professional players in esports history to enjoy full social security."
The Spreading Influence of the Industry
The office TV was replaying today's match, and the excited voice of the Commentator echoed in the quiet room.
"This is professional esports!" Commentator's words plunged Qin Feng into thought.
Indeed, modern esports has far surpassed the scope of gaming. It has created tens of thousands of jobs, driven related industries like streaming, merchandise, and tourism, and has even begun to influence mainstream culture.
A call from the Education Department this afternoon served as proof: "CEO Qin, we are considering incorporating esports management into university professional curricula, and we hope to receive your professional advice."
They walked this path from being questioned to being recognized for a full five years.
Reflections on Personal Growth
Qin Feng walked over to his desk, where several commemorative photos were displayed:
The first was a team photo from when the company was founded, with a dozen young faces squeezed in front of the camera, their eyes showing both confusion and hope.
The second was the moment they won the Star Sea Cup, the image of Su Xiao roaring up at the sky amidst the golden rain permanently frozen in time.
The third was the scene of today's opening ceremony, the packed venue and dazzling lights showcasing the atmosphere of a mature industry.
The road from second-generation rich entrepreneur to industry leader was not smooth. Doubt, mockery, setbacks... every difficulty only strengthened his conviction.
"You could have lived an easy life." His father had once said this.
"But what meaning would that life have?" This was Qin Feng's consistent reply.
Thoughts on Future Development
The electronic map on the wall displayed the preparation progress for major competitive regions worldwide. LCK Korea, LEC Europe, LCS North America... one by one, the regions were being steadily established according to plan.
Next year, the true global esports era will arrive. The Mid-Season Invitational, the World Championship... these events will push esports to new heights.
But Qin Feng was thinking about more than just the events themselves. He was more concerned with how to ensure the healthy and sustainable development of the industry. Player career longevity, club profitability, innovative breakthroughs in events... these were all topics requiring continuous exploration.
A Late-Night Realization
Outside the window, the city lights remained brilliant. Qin Feng suddenly realized that behind every light, there might be a story related to esports:
Perhaps it was a youth training academy trainee diligently practicing techniques, perhaps an editor staying up late to produce event videos, perhaps an artist designing a champion skin, or perhaps just an ordinary player who simply loves the game... It was these small efforts that converged to form the packed esports center tonight, the more than eight million online viewers, and this rising industry.
"CEO Qin, the data report has been sent to your email." His assistant's text message interrupted Qin Feng's thoughts.
He took one last look at the night view outside the window and turned toward his desk. Although today's opening match was a success, there was much more work awaiting him tomorrow.
The professional league season had just begun, the blueprint for global esports still needed refinement, and the future of this industry required more people to pioneer it.
But at this moment, in the quiet of the late night, Qin Feng allowed himself to pause briefly and feel proud of the achievements made.
Because tonight was not just the opening of an event, but the fruition of a dream.
And he knew that this flower would bear more sweet fruit.