Chapter 128: Time in Hometown
The house that Mei Fang’s family bought in Baizhou City has been fully renovated, which means this might be the last summer holiday that Mei Fang spends in Baimei County during his student years.
However, Mei Fang didn’t have much time to bid farewell to his hometown because Jiangcheng Normal University’s First Attached High School requires students from specialized classes to attend a summer camp by the end of July, and he had to report there.
Moreover, the parents were still discussing whether the children should stay on campus or live at home.
Xiang Xiaoxia and Teacher Yu both believed that the children should stay on campus, while Father Xia Xun thought that living at home would be more convenient, as they could hire someone to help with cleaning, laundry, and cooking.
Mei Lijun agreed with this view and said that Mei Fang could definitely take good care of the two girls.
The Lin family was currently neutral, waiting for a unified decision between Lin Guochuan and Liang Meijuan before making a choice.
Xia Yuan barely made any noise in this matter, as she and Lin You Xi were specifically told by Mei Fang not to show too much anticipation to their father, as it might raise suspicions about their original intentions. Xia Yuan agreed to this.
From the current situation, things seemed to be moving in favor of the father.
In their limited free time, the three young ones not only met regularly but also said goodbye to their friends.
And Mei Fang, who rarely acted like a child, called Zhang Ming to go to an internet cafe to play games.
“I didn’t expect such an excellent student like you to come here…”
“Why wouldn’t I? You’re a member of the science experimental class, and you often come here. You’re even a platinum member of the internet cafe.”
Zhang Ming scratched his head, “I usually come here because my family doesn’t have a computer.”
Mei Fang sighed, “Why didn’t you say so earlier? My family has a computer.”
“Who dares to play at your place… The class monitor always stays at your place, right?”
“Early on, you were afraid of the class monitor.”
“Not really… Hey hey, look at me drifting! First, first, first, first—yes! I’m amazing!”
Zhang Ming shouted happily.
Taking advantage of the moment, Mei Fang couldn’t help but ask Zhang Ming, “By the way, how’s life in the science experimental class?”
“It’s okay… Just the same, everyday, studying hard. Everyone in the class is a god.”
“I was surprised when you got into the science experimental class. Back when I was in the advanced class, your regular scores were far from those needed for the science experimental class.”
Mei Fang nudged Zhang Ming’s arm, “Was it because of someone?”
“Mm… Yes, it was because of someone.”
“You admitted it so quickly!” Mei Fang hadn’t expected this; based on his understanding of his friend, Zhang Ming wasn’t the type to be straightforward, “Where did your arrogant attitude go?”
“What arrogant attitude, go away.”
Zhang Ming couldn’t help but complain, “It’s all because of you.”
“What do you mean, because of me? Isn’t it Lu Xueqing?”
“How did we get to Lu Xueqing…?”
Zhang Ming rolled his eyes at Mei Fang, “The class monitor is too strong to compete with. I always wanted to surpass you, but you left the advanced class to prepare for Jiangcheng Normal University’s First Attached High School.”
“So, I thought you would definitely get in, which means I could never surpass you. But at least I could make some progress in the science experimental class… Damn, what’s that face for?”
“Sorry… I really didn’t know you worked so hard just to catch up with me.” Mei Fang breathed a sigh of relief, realizing that this kid indeed had no interest in girls.
“Li Shibing always praised us together, but my grades never surpassed yours. Getting into the science experimental class was somewhat of a relief.”
Zhang Ming continued preparing for the game, “Come on, you.”
“Coming.”
While waiting for other players to join, Zhang Ming suddenly sighed, “After moving to Baizhou City, will you still go back to Baimei County for the New Year?”
Mei Fang raised an eyebrow with a playful expression, “Are you missing me?”
“Get lost, disgusting. I was just asking casually.”
“Yes, of course. When I return, I’ll find you to play games.”
“Okay, as long as I don’t die from studying in the experimental class, I’ll definitely meet you.”
“Since I didn’t prepare anything to give you, let me help you draw a limited edition Black Knight Z7.”
“What? When did you become so rich?”
Mei Fang smiled slightly, “Never try to guess what background your classmates come from.”
“Fine, I won’t ask.”
Zhang nodded, “This one can only be drawn through game coins, and it’s not guaranteed.”
“Watching others drive nice cars, feeling bad about not being able to play, right?”
“Anyway, when I grow up, I’ll buy one…”
Mei Fang gave Zhang a strong elbow, “You don’t understand. Now you like running games, but once you start high school, you’ll probably play Dota.”
“No way, I can play Running Man for ten years.”
“Ugh, I don’t even want to talk to you.”
Mei Fang boldly bought ten 100-yuan Century Sky City cards at the internet cafe counter, drawing everyone’s attention as he helped Zhang top up the card.
“Damn, you have so much money… You don’t need this much! One card is enough to draw.”
“Try it then.”
A hundred yuan is worth 1,000 game coins, enough for 50 draws.
“What a crappy game. It should go bankrupt soon. What garbage are these draws.”
Mei Fang patted Zhang’s shoulder, “See, I knew you’d say that… Drawing cards depends a lot on luck. My luck is much better than yours.”
“I don’t believe it. Draw it yourself.”
Mei Fang drew 700 yuan before finally getting the Black Knight Z7. When the item dropped, everyone in the internet cafe was stunned.
“Damn, this company is so unfair. How has it survived for decades?”
“It’s only been operating for five or six years, not decades…”
Zhang looked at his new car with delight. Mei Fang patted him again, “Go ahead, test it out.”
“Great!”
Mei Fang truly envied people like Zhang, who could meet a generous and excellent friend like him during his student days, fulfilling his youthful dreams.
Mei Fang had only watched others show off in games in his past life. He lost his account in Adventure Island after spending 10 yuan, and he never reached level 10 in Penguin Fantasy. Eventually, he turned to MOBA games.
Did he really dislike MMOs?
No, he was just poor!
He didn’t want to be a big shot’s toy.
Even as a child, Mei Fang understood that ordinary players like himself were often used as experience products by big spenders. His innate talent and intuition led him to abandon his electrical engineering studies and instead immerse himself in the gaming industry.
He helped Zhang resolve his regrets, but his own life lacked a hero.
Sighing, he was suddenly grabbed by the ear from behind by Xia Yuan and Peng Xuemei.
“Wang Fang! You bad guy! Why come to the internet cafe to play? And you brought Zhang Ming along?”
“What nonsense… It’s not like I brought him.”
“No, weren’t you the one who invited me?”
Zhang looked guilty at the screen where his Black Knight Z7 appeared. Mei Fang thought, “You’re already selling out your teammates. No honor among thieves. You deserve to serve as a soldier in Ukonan.”
“Alright, Zhang Ming, stop playing and log off.”
Peng Xuemei pushed Zhang’s head, urging him. Although Zhang wasn’t very familiar with Peng Xuemei, who only talked about the advanced class with her, he felt pressured by her outgoing nature. He obediently logged out and settled the bill.
After Mei Fang and Zhang were called out, Yue Xinyi, Lin You Xi, and Guo Yun were waiting outside the internet cafe. As soon as they came out, Yue Xinyi showed her disdain.
“Your clothes smell of smoke. It’s so unpleasant. This internet cafe is full of smoke.”
“There’s nothing we can do. Everyone here smokes…” Zhang scratched his head, “So where are we going now?”
“Wuzusi Temple. Didn’t Mei Fang tell you?”
“Damn, he invited me to play games.”
“Playing games, then we can go to Wuzusi Temple. After playing, we can walk around. Isn’t that great?”
“Alright… Mei Fang, you’re a good guy.”
Zhang sighed helplessly, “Do you know how little time I have to play?”
(I apologize! I didn’t finish the chapter; I’ll update the next one later. On Tuesday, I’ll return to normal updates.)
(End of Chapter)