Chapter 20: Let Me See If You Are Playing Games!
Xia Yuan confided her troubles to Mei Fang, and Mei Fang had some vague awareness of them.
But Lin You Xi, since she was very young, didn’t like interacting with adults. In front of peers, she was lively like a tomboy, but in front of adults, she was always silent.
Lin You Xi’s personality did not improve much after starting elementary school. The only exception was with Mei Fang’s parents, who were very familiar with her due to frequent visits. Their enthusiasm opened up Lin You Xi’s heart, at least allowing her to communicate normally with them.
As for her special aversion to Xia Yuan’s parents…
It was more about realizing the huge difference in their family environments.
This rift might have started when they couldn’t attend the same computer classes together.
Ultimately, it all came down to money…
Over these three years, Mei Fang had been pondering how, as an elementary student, without access to bank cards or online payments, the only way to secretly earn money would be through playing games.
The most lucrative game in 2005 was undoubtedly “Fantasy Westward Journey.”
“Fantasy Westward Journey” is a turn-based game launched in 2003, famous for its highly valued economic system. There are countless real-life examples of people buying accounts for 60,000 yuan and selling them for 100,000 yuan. Even in 2022, there are still many users.
Similarly, “Fantasy Westward Journey” is a pay-per-use game. In his previous life, as a child, Mei Fang couldn’t afford to go to internet cafes or buy game points, so he played another popular game called “Seeking the Dao.” However, the basic structure wasn’t too different. As a planner, Mei Fang naturally dissected this type of game framework, making him proficient and efficient.
Early online games were very generous in terms of in-game purchases. With just some time, one could even get free game points. Since Mei Fang, a primary school student with a home computer, wasn’t worried about the time cost.
Regarding Mei Lijun and Xiang Xiaoxia, on one hand, they were busy taking care of their daughter and were relatively open-minded towards Mei Fang. As long as he didn’t stay up late and his grades didn’t drop, he could play as much as he wanted. Thus, Mei Fang quickly caught up with the game version.
Mei Fang now maintained a dual-play rhythm, playing as a classic Dragon Palace male character and a Tang Dynasty female character. The female character was nominally owned by Lin You Xi.
Because there was no computer at home, Lin You Xi would come to Mei Fang’s house whenever she had free time on weekends to “do homework.”
Just after the National Day holiday, “Fantasy Westward Journey” released new content. Everyone was busy exploring new areas, and during these times, Mei Fang would always let Lin You Xi play first.
After all, it was my account; Lin You Xi was just working for me.
This should be considered the early prototype of a studio!
Lin You Xi often played with great joy, frequently asking Mei Fang about gameplay and details.
“Many people have already completed the Ascension, shouldn’t we level up?”
“Not yet, let the people ahead clear the path and create a guide. We don’t have much time to play, once we finish the new version activities, we’ll escort the convoy.”
“This newly added courtyard is really interesting, but it’s too expensive to decorate…”
Suddenly, Lin You Xi turned to Mei Fang, who was studying programming books, and asked, “Mei Fang, when will we have kids?”
“Huh?”
Mei Fang was stunned for a moment, “Are you talking about the two characters in our game?”
“Yes, look, we’ve been married for so long, why don’t we have kids yet…”
“I think we need to buy those nourishing soup items; otherwise, the chances are too low.”
“Those soups are so expensive, I won’t buy them. Besides, having a kid doesn’t significantly increase combat power…”
Lin You Xi cheerfully stared at the computer screen, operating non-stop. Seeing her engrossed, Mei Fang felt slightly concerned.
“You haven’t fallen behind in your exams recently, right?”
“No, I control it well. Although math is still worse than yours, I can consistently score above 97.”
“Compared to someone like me, you don’t need to worry too much. Just maintain this state…”
Mei Fang didn’t want her to become addicted to the internet and neglect her studies, which could ruin her future academic potential.
While they were talking, the landline phone at Mei Fang’s house suddenly rang. Mei Fang hurried to answer it, and Xia Yuan’s light voice came from the other end.
“Mei Fang, are you at home?”
Mei Fang was startled, “Yes… yes, I am.”
“Can I come over to do my homework?”
“Didn’t we just finish yesterday?”
“I… I still have some questions I don’t understand. Could you help me? If you’re at home, I’ll come right now.”
“Wait—”
Before Mei Fang could figure out how to refuse, the call was hung up.
This is bad…
So, Mei Fang rushed to the study room, stopping Lin You Xi who was immersed in the online world, “Xia Yuan will come over soon, you better stop playing and go back.”
“But I haven’t finished escorting the convoy… If I don’t finish, I won’t have enough game points next week.”
Escort missions in “Fantasy Westward Journey” are time-limited events. Only within a specified time can players escort, making it one of the fastest ways to earn in-game currency. No player would miss this opportunity.
“Don’t worry about that, I’ll handle it. Let’s pretend we’re watching an animation, and Xia Yuan won’t say anything.”
“No, wait!”
Lin You Xi suddenly realized something, “Xia Yuan called today to ask if I wanted to play, I said I was busy… She can’t know I’m here! I need to go back immediately.”
Just as Lin You Xi spoke, knocking sounds came from outside. Both of them panicked, feeling guilty.
“How could she come so quickly? I need to hide somewhere!”
Coming from a family of teachers, Xia Yuan was taught to view games as harmful. Not only did she never play, but she also constantly urged Mei Fang to avoid them.
Under these circumstances, she was even less likely to know about the deep friendship Lin You Xi and Mei Fang had built through gaming.
This was a small secret between Mei Fang and Lin You Xi.
Lin You Xi chose to hide in Mei Fang’s parents’ room. Mei Fang turned off the computer and hurried to open the door.
She faced Xia Yuan’s somewhat annoyed face.
“Why did it take so long to open the door? I waited for a long time.”
“I… I was just using the bathroom!”
“Liar, you must be playing video games.”
Xia Yuan hummed while preparing to change her shoes. Mei Fang noticed Lin You Xi’s sandals nearby and quickly hid them under the shoe cabinet when Xia Yuan wasn’t looking.
“Aren’t you supposed to be learning piano on Sundays? Why are you free today to come see me?”
“I don’t want to learn piano anymore.”
Xia Yuan grumbled, “Because of piano lessons, I have a hard time every Sunday and can’t play with you guys.”
“That’s true…”
Xia Yuan placed her bag on the coffee table in the living room, “Your parents and Xia Ya aren’t home again?”
“They went to visit grandma,” Mei Fang helplessly shrugged, “the motorcycle can’t fit me, and I don’t want to go either.”
“Why do you always leave me alone at home? Uncle and Aunt shouldn’t ignore you just because they have Xia Ya.”
“It doesn’t matter to me…”
Actually, he was quite glad—this sister was born at just the right time.
While chatting with Mei Fang, Xia Yuan walked into the house.
Mei Fang was worried she would go to his parents’ bedroom, so he pulled Xia Yuan aside and said,
“Hey, what are you doing over there?”
“I want to check the study,” Xia Yuan’s expression was stern, resembling Mei Fang’s mother, Xiang Xiaoxia, “let me see if you’ve been playing games!”
“Stop checking the machine temperature, I played, I played, I’m sorry.”
Mei Fang laughed and apologized. Xia Yuan stood with her hands on her hips, looking helpless.
“I knew it! Mei Fang, you’ve always been such a liar; no one will like you when you grow up…”
While nodding, Mei Fang sighed inwardly.
The Xia Yuan angel who once wanted to have a baby with me has truly drifted away!
(End of Chapter)