MTL - The King’s Return-Chapter 268 comfort

Qiu Zongping was well prepared and could accept this result calmly, but the other players looked at the word "failure" on the screen and couldn't bear it.

When the captain's critical moments naturally stabilize the scene. Qiu Zongping stood up first and said to his teammates, "It doesn't matter, we try our best and come back next season."

Before the start of the game, everyone knew that the chance of playing 2-0 was not high, but after winning the first game, everyone was clearly full of hope and ignited the fight. They thought that if they worked harder, they could enter the playoffs. In the second round, it was a pour of cold water ...

Feeling ups and downs is like riding a roller coaster. With hope, but it was shattered, this feeling is really not good.

Yuan Xi lowered her head and did not speak, and her hand holding the mouse did not release. He has not always been able to hide his emotions, and this expression is very sad at first glance. Qiu Zongping sighed in his heart, turned around and patted Yuan Xi's shoulder, and said, "You are playing well. If you really want to be held accountable, it is also my command."

He looks serious, but when he talks to the team members he is very gentle, like everyone's brother. Qiu Zongping has always been the reliable captain in his memory who carried all the burdens alone and supported the team members, but Yuan Xi listened to his comforting words, but his nose was sore and sour that he did not let tears fall.

——If he didn't like Qiu Zongping, he should now hug the other side as if he was the old man and say like a good buddy: It doesn't matter, isn't it just that he can't get into the playoffs? We will fight again next season.

— But at the moment, he can't say anything.

Because he knows exactly why Yun Xiao didn't make it to the playoffs, it is his Yuan Xi.

If it weren't for his impulse to run and drink, he would be crippled. After the team has rested for a whole month, Yunxiao's ranking in the three-player game will not be so bad, and it will not be so hard when everyone grabs points during the team game. And, at the last minute, it won't make it to the playoffs because of this one-point difference.

One point difference, who else can he blame?

Although Qiu Zongping comforted him as the captain, but the teammates' hearts are like mirrors, and they all know that Yuan Xi is the real culprit.

Yuan Xi is sad.

This sadness also carries disgust for himself and guilt for teammates.

Sometimes this is the case, obviously he is trying to make up for his fault, but the result is not necessarily what he wants. It's like, obviously he has worked very hard to forget his feelings for Qiu Zongping, but he still couldn't let it go.

It's not that if you work hard, things will definitely become what you expect.

Yuan Xi gently inhaled his nose, facing Qiu Zongping's consolation, and had to pretend to smile indifferently, saying, "I'm fine." Then, he lowered his voice again, using a volume that only Qiu Zongping could hear, softly. "I'm sorry ..."

It is his fault that Yuan Xi can't make it to the playoffs.

Yuan Xi felt very ashamed, and even felt a little helpless. He didn't dare to look at Qiu Zongping's eyes. He was afraid that he would not be able to hide the emotions in his heart after he looked up at Qiu Zongping's comfort. He couldn't help but say: I did not let go You, I really don't want to perform anymore ...

In order to prevent Qiu Zongping from seeing anything, Yuan Xi had to turn to Zhou Xuewei to find water to drink.

Zhou Xuewei handed him a bottle of water, and she calmly said, "Victory is a common thing among soldiers, so don't blame yourself."

Yuan Xi said "um" and drank his water silently with his head down. Zhou Xuewei looked back and found that when this guy was not frizzy, her head looked pretty good, and the expression that she almost cried when she lost her face was a bit pitiful, like a puppy abandoned by others.

Is his pressure the most? He has been unhappy with the team because of his own reasons. During this time, he practiced hard, lost ten pounds by staying up late, and was wearing a pair of giant panda-like dark circles, which made his level leap forward. It is a pity that the sky is not as good as others wish, and if he tries harder, he will not be able to turn the tide.

Zhou Xuewei sighed and patted his shoulder gently to express comfort.

***

A few moments later, Qin Mo came over with Mo Jue, and the friendly handshake after the game is the fine tradition of the league. Qiu Zongping acted calmly, and took the initiative to shake hands with Qin Mo: "Congratulations, we will go to the field in the playoffs, I hope Mo God won the championship in one fell swoop."

Qin Mo held his hand and said, "According to your words, continue to work hard next season."

Then Qin Mo walked in front of Yuan Xi and Zhou Xuewei. Xue Wei was his younger sister. He knew very well about her strong personality. After saying hello, he focused on Yuan Xi.

Yuan Xi's eyes were red, and she was very sad. She still had to support her smiling face, but she didn't know she was laughing.

Qin Mo's tone was hardly mild, saying: "Yuan Xi, your progress is really fast. Both games are playing well today."

Yuan Xi froze: "Thank you Moshen ..."

He was very happy to get Qin Mo's praise and affirmation, and his face became clearer.

Qin Mo reached out his hand and touched his head lightly, saying, "Come on, I am looking forward to your wonderful performance next season."

Yuan Xi blushed and said "um".

Qiu Zongping stood beside and watched this scene, and a strange strange discomfort suddenly appeared in his heart.

He is very clear that Yuan Xi is not like this. Before losing the game, Yuan Xi would also openly say on the shoulders of his teammates, "Fight next time", full of energy. Now Yuan Xi, with a frustrated expression and a blank stare, seems to be full of grievances.

The movement of Zhou Xuewei and Qin Mo comforting Yuan Xi made Qiu Zongping feel dazzling-how does Yuan Xi rubbed his head by Mo God like a cute little milk dog? Who dared to rub him like this before, he would definitely want to go back home. What was the stubborn temper of Mo Mo that year? How many things did he pretend to be so unwilling?

Just at this time Yuan Xi secretly looked over, and shook Qiu Zongping's doubtful eyes, and immediately retracted like an electric shock.

Qiu Zongping was a bit embarrassed, so he had to pretend to pack the keyboard and mouse casually.

Yuan Xi scratched her head in frustration, could not help but abandon herself—how could she not let go? I can't help but see him, think about him, and always dream of him. Yuan Xi really wished to cut off this head and wash all the love about Qiu Zongping.

***

After the end of the game, both sides routinely accepted interviews with reporters. On Yunxiao's side, the reporter found that Yuan Xi's mood was low and it was not easy to sprinkle salt on people's wounds, and he simply asked: "This time, I didn't make it to the playoffs. The players must be sorry, right? Qiu team have something to say to fans Did they say that? "

Qiu Zongping said calmly: "I'm sorry to let everyone's expectations fail, and thank you for your support. We will learn from the lessons and strive to improve."

He spoke all-powerful official words, but at this time, he really couldn't say anything better.

The reporter had to let him go and pass the microphone to Deputy Captain Zhou Xuewei.

Xue Wei's answer is similar to Qiu Zongping, adding a few words, saying that everyone will adjust their mentality and deal with the next season.

When interviewing Yuan Xi, Yuan Xi suddenly said, "It's my fault." He kept his head down before, but at this time he looked up and stared directly at the camera. His eyes were slightly red, but his expression was extremely serious and firm. "If it weren't for the three-player stage I was absent for some reason, Yunxiao's points would not have fallen so much, not to miss the playoffs because of a point difference. Many people are scolding me for dragging the back of the team, you scold That's right. "

Opening the pot in front of the camera is not sensible. Qiu Zongping frowned slightly and stretched out Yuan Xi's arm, motioning him not to continue. However, Yuan Xi calmly let go of his hand and said, "I can't make Qiu take responsibility every time. This season, I have affected the Yunxiao team. I am here for all fans who support the Yunxiao team. apologize."

Everyone: "..."

Fans also did not expect that Yuan Xi would suddenly jump out at this time to apologize.

In fact, everyone knows clearly that the Yunxiao team is born in a giant club, and the players have a good foundation. Qiu Yuan, a golden combination that has played in the World Series, is not hard to compare with the dynasty and the distant world. Fire and Frost Moon are also poor teams from the giant club. However, Yunxiao's performance in the early stage has been stagnant. Yuan Xi, who was half-played in the late trio, was too late. It was too late to catch up in the team fight phase. What is the most important reason?

Just at Yuan Xi.

His performance was very erratic this season. The individual stage failed to erupt. The two-stage stage did not cooperate well enough. Not to mention the three-man season, he played a plaster cast to cure the illness in the team. It wasn't until the final teamfight stage that he became a good player. If he can realize early and figure out a play style that suits himself early, Yunxiao is still afraid of not getting into the playoffs?

There have been many people scolding Yuan Xi on the Internet, but every time Qiu Zongping takes the initiative to take responsibility, Yuan Xi rarely explains. Everyone thinks he is a puppet hiding behind Qiu team.

Unexpectedly, at this time, Yuan Xi suddenly made a noise in a live interview. A sentence "This season I have clouded Xiaoxiao", so all the pots before have been connected to his body.

Looking at the redness of his eyes, many passers-by suddenly had a little pain to the guy.

Qiu Zongping interrupted him in a timely manner and whispered, "Yun Xiao's failure to make the playoffs is not the responsibility of Yuan Xi alone. I have problems as the captain. The game is over. We will go back and reflect."

The reporter immediately followed the steps of Qiu Zongping: "Yes! Don't be discouraged if you don't get good results in the first season, and next year! Look forward to the Yunxiao team to a higher level, come on ~"

After sending away Yunxiao's team members, Mo Jue also came to the interview area. The reporter said excitedly: "First of all, congratulations to Mo Jue for entering the playoffs! Today ’s game has no effect on Mo Jue ’s ranking. Mo Shen feels that in With a relaxed mentality, how well did the players in these two games play? "

Qin Mo said objectively: "I took care when I commanded in the first game. I saw the other party ’s scrolls and thought that they would return in a group. I didn't expect to read half of them and turned back to attack. The light work of the second game worked well."

The reporter said: "How did Mo Mo think Yunxiao played today?"

Qin Mo said: "The fight was good, Qiu Zongping's command was clear, Xue Wei's treatment has been stable, Yuan Xi's explosive power, and several newcomers also performed well."

The reporter then asked: "The opponents in the playoffs are away from the fire, are you confident of defeating them?"

Qin Mo and Xiao Han glanced at each other. Qin Mo did not answer this question, and Xiao Han said frankly: "Of course."

The reporter said: "Let's make the playoffs come. See you then in Beijing!"

Due to the late time, the interview with the official reporter was also very brief. After the interview, the official website announced the list of teams that entered the playoffs in this group match-Dynasty VS Shuangyue, Lihuo VS Mexico, and the two semi-finals will be held. A week later, it will be held in Beijing, the host city.

Qin Mo glanced at the table and time, and took the teammates to the background, and sent a message to Yuan Xi: "Are you free at night? Have a supper together."

Yuan Xi did not expect Mo Shen would invite him to dinner alone, which made him somewhat flattered, but he quickly replied: "Of course I have time, where to eat?"

The other party also quickly responded: "You wait in the background, let's go together."

Yuan Xi returned the word "um" and walked to the front of Qiu Zongping's plane: "Qiu team, there is ... a friend wants to invite me to dinner, I will go out."

Qiu Zongping looked at him uneasily, and Yuan Xi waved his hand quickly: "I don't drink."

friend? He has no friends in Changsha, and it must be Qin Mo who wants to invite him to dinner alone. Even if Qiu Zongping was not assured of Yuan Xi, he was assured of strangeness. Qin Mo will not use the stupid way of "borrowing wine to relieve sorrow" like Lin Ying. When Mo is out of his mind, Yuan Xi's knot should be able to be unlocked. Thinking of this, Qiu Zongping nodded and said, "Go, pay attention to safety."

Yuan Xi quickly turned around and went to the background to find Qin Mo. As soon as he entered the lounge, he saw that Mo Jue had gone, and only Qin Mo and Xiao Han were waiting for him. Yuan Xi smiled awkwardly at Xiao Han's eyes, Qin Mo explained: "Xiao Han only used to be sent by the driver, and the two of us talked separately. You don't have to be under pressure."

Yuan Xi: "..."

Moshen, do you read minds?

Xiao Han smiled slightly and said, "Yuan Xi, you can be a full-time driver. You should be honored."

Yuan Xi busy said, "That's what it is, it's too much trouble for the cold god."

Xiao Han said bluntly: "Although I am only trying to send Qin Mo to my house, I will hit you by the way."

Yuan Xi: "..."

Seeing Yuan Xi stubbornly in situ, Xiao Han was so funny in his heart that he couldn't help thinking, although this guy was a bit irritable, simple in character, and a rectum, he pretended to be an ordinary friend with Qiu Zongping during this time, definitely It was hard work, right? With his poor acting skills, everything is on his face.

Thinking of this, Xiao Han felt that it was a lot easier to see Yuan Xi, and gently held Qin Mo's shoulder, "Let's go, I'll send you over."

***

When the three arrived at the restaurant, it was already 10 o'clock in the evening. The place chosen by Qin Mo was in a good environment. The private rooms were quiet and elegant, and the dishes were light food. Yuan Xi would definitely be uncomfortable when Xiao Han was present, so he consciously drove away, and after having an appointment with Qin Mo, he sent a message and he came over to pick it up.

There were only two people left in the private room. Yuan Xi was a little bit nervous, scratching her head to find the topic: "Han Shen is quite stable driving, ha ha ..."

This topic is also bad enough. Qin Mo didn't want to say these nonsense, and asked directly: "Are you still upset?"

Yuan Xi froze, and saw Qin Mo pouring a glass of orange juice and handing him: "I won't drink you tonight, drink some juice."

He used to drink orange juice the most while in the clan, but Qin Mo still didn't remember it. Looking at the fresh orange juice in the glass, Yuan Xi was so full of sorrow that his eyes suddenly became hot. In order to prevent Qin Mo from seeing it, he took up the cup to cover his face, and grumbled and poured it down for half a cup.

Qin Mo looked at him with a touch of gentleness in his eyes: "I heard that when I left the scene, the one who cried the most was you. In fact, I already knew that you didn't hate me, you just had a bad temper, I want to catch my attention in a way that works against me. I want to prove that I am better than anyone. "

It turned out that Moshen had seen everything ...

Yuan Xi lowered her head and clenched her fingers under the table in shame: "I was not very sensible at that time, Mo God, did you leave because ... because your hand was injured?"

Qin Mo frowned and asked, "Qiu Zongping told you?"

Yuan Xi shook her head: "I overheard the Qiu team talking to Xue Wei before I knew about it ... your hand? Are you okay?"

Qin Mo said easily, "It's all right."

Yuan Xi's expression was regretful, and his tone was annoyed: "I was too ignorant then. You trained us with injuries. I still fight you everywhere, I ..."

Qin Mo interrupted him: "I didn't understand when I was as old as you. Everyone came slowly to the stage where they didn't understand. You have already come out, so the past ones don't need to be in your mind. "

Yuan Xi was silent and held the cup tightly.

Qin Mo paused, then said, "When the reporter interviewed you, I apologized to the fans, and I heard them all. I couldn't imagine that before, I was so stubborn and willing to bow my head in front of the public. You have really changed a lot. "

Yuan Xi choked and said, "I can't always ask Qiu Zongping to take responsibility for me. It's not easy for him to be the captain. The year you left with the Yan team, he stayed up late every day, and every time he washed his hair, he lost a lot. My hair is all in my eyes. After leading the team alone, he is actually very ambitious. He wants to win a prize in the new game and stabilize the position of the Yunxiao first-line team. . Later I jumped out and confessed to him ... he is a straight man, and it is estimated that the nausea is broken by others, and he would like to stay away from me, but he has never dismissed me and has always taken care of my feelings ... "

Love but not, it really makes people sad, and even resent each other's ruthlessness. But think about it calmly. Qiu Zongping is not obliged to respond to Yuan Xi ’s feelings. Besides, he does n’t like men. To be able to do this, he has fully considered Yuan Xi ’s position and has taken into account the team of two people for many years. Friendship gave Yuan Xi face.

Therefore, Yuan Xi does not blame him for not responding, but can only blame why he cannot let go.

Qin Mo listened to Yuan Xi's words, and found that he was really grown up, and knew that he was thinking from another person's point of view, instead of being self-righteous as before.

With a sigh of relief, Qin Mo reached out and patted the back of Yuan Xi's hand, and whispered, "Yuan Xi, from the perspective of onlookers, Yun Xiao's inability to make the playoffs this season is not only a problem for you, Qiu Zong Ping's early tactics were too conservative and the growth of several newcomers was too slow. This is an important reason. The accident gave you a chance to reexamine yourself and let you find a breakthrough, so Yunxiao was in the final group. It was only during the battle that the strong teams deserved it, and that was the good part. "

He said that he filled Yuan Xi with a glass of orange juice, and said, "You put too much pressure on yourself. It is not your fault to like someone, and it is not your fault to fail to respond. Don't always blame yourself. Qiu Zong Ping doesn't like men, and you didn't force him to like them, why are you sorry for him? "

Yuan Xi was silent for a long time, then blushed and scratched his head: "Mo God, you say this, I ... Suddenly I feel a lot better. But ... I told Qiu Zongping before that I would give him up, but in my heart ... I still can't let it go, do you think I'm very helpless? "

The temperature of his hands was cold and his fingers were still shaking slightly, which made him feel a little distressed. Qin Mo's voice was more gentle, and he slowly said, "No, you've done a good job. If you can't let it go, it means that you have a deep affection for him. Come out slowly, time will help you, don't worry. "

Yuan Xi asked unsurely: "Is it?"

Qin Mo nodded: "I suggest you go abroad this holiday and no one knows your place to relax and relax, and then think about what you should do. If you really don't want to face Qiu Zongping again, the style club also There are teams in miracles, so you can go back and help Xiaochen. "

After Qiu Zongping came to lead the team alone, the team over the miracle was handed over to Zhao Xingchen. Xiaochen was also one of the five players Qin Mo had discovered that year, and compared to Qiu team, the ancient and strange Zhao Xingchen was more Get along well and make fun of Yuan Xile.

As Qin Mo said, it's really impossible, he can go back to Xiaochen to help, there is no need to force himself to play in front of Qiu Zongping every day.

However, he was a bit reluctant to leave the game. It has nothing to do with Qiu Zongping. He simply likes the atmosphere of being alone, likes this game, and appreciates many outstanding players in the league.

He didn't want to be a deserter and left the Allied Alliance bleakly.

Yuan Xi took a deep breath, looked at Qin Mo, and said with a smile: "Thank Mo God, I know you care about me, but I don't want to leave for the time being. I will deal with the problem with Qiu Zongping, rest assured, I am This time is too tangled, just wait for the holidays to relax. "

Seeing that he finally laughed, Qin Mo knew that the uncomfortable feeling in his heart had dispersed a lot, so he felt relieved. Just then the waiter brought up a plate of delicate pastries, Qin Mo said, "Let's eat and talk."

Yuan Xi is no longer polite, picking up chopsticks quickly.

After eating half, he reacted. Just now Qin Mo had been caring about him. He didn't care about Mo God. Thinking of this, Yuan Xi immediately put down his chopsticks and said, "Yes, I heard that there are some negative things about you on the Internet recently. Comments ... did you read them? "

Qin Mo calmly said, "Well, many people are ironic that my commanding ability is not as good as Xiao Han and Qingyue. Commander Xiao Han is 2: 0, and commander Qingyue is also 2: 0, and my command becomes 1: 1. They said , I should give up the position of the captain of Mexico, let Xiao Han be the captain, and Qing Yue be the deputy captain. "

Seeing Qin Mo being so calm, Yuan Xi didn't know how to comfort him, so he just scratched his head and laughed: "Oh, those people are really afraid of the world being chaotic. Everyone knows your strength. I heard Lin Ying said that every time the dynasty meets At that time, Sang ’s deputy team had to reason about how to fight from your perspective. People in the dynasty regarded you as a model for teaching. You have been repeatedly researched, and you have been targeted everywhere. There are a lot of competitions. Uncertain factors ... "

After listening to his thoughts and meditations to find lines to praise himself, Qin Mo felt warm and said, "No need to comfort me, I don't mind what others say." As early as when he left the scene, those keyboard men said, "You are not worthy of Ling Xuefeng's apprentice. "" You deserter "" It's great to run away but you can't fight "... all kinds of ridiculous arguments, he has become numb.

When he returned this time, he didn't mind the popularity, just to round a thought in his heart.

He is very satisfied to work with Xiao Han for the same goal.

Yuan Xi couldn't find a suitable word to comfort Qin Mo, and had to sum up: "Anyway, in my heart, Mo God is definitely the most powerful one step alliance."

Qin Mo said: "But I did have a lot of draws."

Yuan Xi's attitude towards a brain-smashed fan: "That's because there is no third game in the regular season! If there is a third game, it must be a 2: 1 sweep! If you played five games at 2: 1, who would dare to talk? "

Qin Mo smiled slightly: "It really is."

Yuan Xi froze for a while, but did not expect Qin Mo to admit it so simply, it seems a bit like a cold god's style? Is it because they stayed together too long and were affected by the frankness of Han Shen?

Seeing him stunned, Qin Mo added: "I think the pre-match analysis is comprehensive enough, but I am not a **** after all, I can't predict all the opponent's ideas, and sometimes I will also follow their way- But the same mistake, I will not make a second time. "

Therefore, Mexico may lose one game, but it is impossible to lose two games in a row.

Yuan Xi listened to his self-confident words, and was very impressed, but he forgot all about his previous relationship.

***

The two kept talking until eleven o'clock. Qin Mo sent a message to Xiao Han. Xiao Han quickly drove to pick up and seemed happy to be a full-time driver.

Yuan Xi wanted to take a taxi back to the hotel, but Xiao Han gave Qin Mo face to send him back in person.

Qin Mo patted Yuan Xi's shoulder gently when he separated at the hotel entrance, saying: "Go back and forget everything this season, take your time, take a vacation, and come back full of vigor. Next For the individual season, I look forward to being with you. "

Yuan Xi moved his eyes hot, and nodded strongly: "I will." He opened the door and got off the car, said goodbye to the two, and then added a smile and said, "Goodbye next season!"

Seeing that he instantly regained his vitality, Xiao Han really admired Qin Mo—it was a bit of a curiosity not to be a psychological teacher!

After he left, Xiao Han shook his head helplessly: "You are like taking a child and breaking your heart for them."

Qin Mo was also helpless: "Yuan Xi is stubborn and has a strong self-esteem. He must be embarrassed in front of others to admit that he has not let go of Qiu Zongping, and it is difficult for him to listen to what others say ... In my words, he can still Hear a few words. After all, it is a player I brought out, I don't want him to ruin himself because of emotional problems. "

The lights outside the window shined on Qin Mo's white side face, making his eyes brighter and clearer.

Xiao Han smiled slightly and started the car, and said, "Don't explain, you are cold and warm."

This evaluation is very appropriate, Qin Mo did not refute, and rested comfortably on the back of the front passenger seat.

Xiao Han turned his head at the intersection and said casually: "I just swiped my cell phone in the dormitory, and those keyboard guys on Weibo are scolding you again, saying that your command level is not as good as Sang Jun and Nie Yuzhu. It is said that Chen Jiang has gathered five fourth places to summon the ancestors. Are you gathered five times 1: 1 to summon the dragon? "

Qin Mo leaned on the co-driver's door with one hand and tilted his head to think: "Five times? I think ... I was shocked that Hong and Jiange were 2: 0, and whispering and Shuangyue were also 2: 0. Xia Guose, Yulou Chunxiao, Lihuo, Dynasty, Yunxiao ... well, it was five times 1: 1. "

Xiao Han watched him carefully recall his record and said with a smile, "Is your focus wrong? They are mocking you as a 1: 1 professional household, why are you not responding?"

Qin Mo said lightly: "The ridicule is very good. It is well-founded and vivid."

Xiao Han was helpless: "You, you really don't care."

Qin Mo paused suddenly and said seriously, "I can't summon the Dragon for five times, but I want to summon the champion."

Just at the intersection, a red light was encountered, Xiao Han stopped the car, gently stretched out his hand, and gently held Qin Mo's finger: "I understand, the playoffs make them look good."

Qin Mo smiled: "You know enough."

Xiao Han didn't hold back his beautiful eyes, and came over to kiss him gently.

The kiss time was a little long, the green light was on, the car behind the horn frantically, the two smiled at each other, Xiao Han let go of Qin Mo, started the car, and said: "You play in both playoff games?"

Qin Mo said "um", "I have thought of a way to deal with them."

He couldn't detect pride or excitement in his tone, but was field-tested bland.

Qin Mo was always so calm and indifferent. Whether he won or lost, he did not have too intense emotions. No one can guess what he is thinking. Every time he is pitted, he calmly admits his mistakes, and every time he wins, he calmly says that the players are doing well.

But Xiao Han knew that from beginning to end, his heart had never been disturbed, and his goals had never been shaken.

——The annual championship, here we come.

Xiao Han smiled slightly and stepped on the throttle.

The black off-road vehicle was passing by in the street at night, and under the light of the window, the young man sitting in the co-pilot seat with a soft look gradually saw a little firmness in his eyes. In the apartment in Nanjing, when entering the word "ink mark" on the new game login page, it was equally firm.