Chapter 242

Chapter 242: Work Overtime Ruthlessly (For the 4/10 bonus update for SilverMeng MingqianXiao)

The development progress of “Journey in the Clouds” was not ideal throughout July.

Originally, the project planned six major levels and a hidden true ending level. By the end of July, only three major levels were completed, still lacking bug testing and with a significant amount of work remaining on art resources.

To address this situation, Mei Fang reached out to some artists he knew from Station C to help with outsourced work, with Guo Yun responsible for ensuring a unified art style. This was also a way to train her in work handover processes.

Most game features were already developed, but the workload for programmers was reduced to fixing bugs and packaging.

The biggest issue was with planning. Zhang Ming was still catching up in August, able to contribute only a little time daily.

Planning involved more than just basic configuration tables; advanced tasks required using U3D plugins for interface configurations. Early U3D plugins were often impractical, requiring Mei Fang to write new ones.

Seeing Mei Fang constantly working on configurations, Lin You Xi offered to help with planning. Initially, Mei Fang refused:

“This is my responsibility, I can handle it faster.”

“Even if it takes time to teach me and slows things down, it’s better than you doing everything alone.”

Lin You Xi argued, “If you’re always responsible for this part, the pressure will be too much, and I’m worried about your health.”

Her concern reminded him of his previous life’s reasons for sudden death.

He feared his team would waste time or do poor work, leading to more work for him.

Despite his apparent workaholic tendencies, it showed his responsibility.

“You’re not just a lead planner but also a boss. If you’re too stressed, progress will stall. Reducing your workload might be feasible.”

Lin You Xi continued, “Zhang Ming shouldn’t need tutoring by August. You should mentor him well. He plans to discuss joining regular classes after summer, dedicating time to the game. This month is crucial for him.”

“Indeed, Zhang Ming has been very proactive recently. But without face-to-face communication, it’s inconvenient…”

“Why not bring him over?”

Lin You Xi thought, “There are many budget hotels near the school. Sister Yueyue could help open one for a month. The cost is manageable.”

“Speaking of which, isn’t Lin Xi Technology and Ximilu Games officially starting operations soon? Once the office is ready, we’ll need to prepare for the first all-employee meeting. So I thought—”

“Should we gather everyone for summer vacation in August?”

Xia Yuan counted on her fingers after hearing Mei Fang’s idea.

“I think Xin Yi, Xiao Xue, Liu Xiaoyu, Guo Yun, Sister Yueyue, and Zhang Ming… that makes six people. Can a hotel really accommodate us?”

“We can stay at the hotel. Two men living together isn’t convenient. Three bedrooms, two people per room, works perfectly.”

“What perfect? How can Fang’s bed be given to other girls? And Aunt Meijuan’s room is small, barely fitting one person.”

“Guo Yun and Sister Yueyue could stay at their own homes since they’re in Jiangcheng. Isn’t that perfect?”

After discussing with Sister Yueyue, despite reluctance, she moved out of her rental and Mei Fang booked a double room at a nearby hotel.

Contacting everyone was challenging. Mei Fang asked the studio group about preferences.

With the prospect of spending the summer in Jiangcheng, Peng Xue and Yue Xinyi readily signed up. Liu Xiaoyu and Zhang Ming needed parental consent, which was secured by Xia Yuan and Mei Fang.

Thus, the final month sprint for “Journey in the Clouds” began.

Considering friends’ presence, Mei Fang agreed to sleep with Xia Yuan and Lin You Xi for three nights to make up for lost time.

They slept properly in the hotel, as during the winter break.

Though Lin You Xi had mischievous thoughts, she gave up under Xia Yuan and Mei Fang’s insistence.

Everyone remained pure, doing nothing untoward.

Before the studio team arrived from Plum County, Mei Fang bought laptops and office supplies, which were company assets to be used later.

August was the busiest month for the studio.

Everyone worked late into the night.

Peng Xue and Liu Xiaoyu, part of Xia Yuan’s music team, focused on the game. Peng Xue evaluated their work and tried to convince Liu Xiaoyu to join as a keyboardist, but was politely declined due to work commitments.

Yue Xinyi helped with game testing, similar to her CStation duties.

Planning and configuration were handled by Mei Fang, Lin You Xi, and Zhang Ming, with detailed documentation guiding them.

Mei Fang shared a room with Zhang Ming, returning late and exchanging goodnights with Lin You Xi and Xia Yuan.

Zhang Ming occasionally wondered about Mei Fang’s relationship status.

“So, you three are still so close?”

“Yeah… why?”

“Just thinking, Xia Yuan and Class President are both excellent girls. It must be tough when you have to choose.”

“Wow… you’re actually talking about boy-girl stuff. Impressive, Mingming is growing up.”

“Stop being gross.”

Mei Fang countered, “How about you? Do you still like who’s her name?”

“Lu Xueqing?”

Mei Fang smiled, “I knew it!”

“What liking! It’s because you kept gossiping about it…”

“So you haven’t discussed quitting science class with your teacher and parents because you don’t want to separate from her?”

Zhang Ming didn’t answer immediately. Mei Fang understood, “I feel you have unresolved issues. But it’s important to live freely.”

Mei Fang lay on the bed, sharing life lessons, “If you like someone, go for it. If you want to be together, fight for it. Don’t regret missing out. Life doesn’t give second chances.”

“Sometimes you worry losing friendship after confessing, but time will fade memories anyway. If you never felt anything, you can move on. If you miss that moment, it’s a lifelong regret.”

“Without even dating, you’re lecturing me like a love guru. You’re something else.”

Zhang Ming sighed, “But your long-term friendship experience isn’t entirely unconvincing…”

Seeing his reaction, Mei Fang leaned in, “So you really like Lu Xueqing?”

“Get lost, I’m turning off the lights!”

Zhang Ming angrily turned off the light.

Mei Fang was glad Zhang Ming didn’t see him purely as a boss.

With everyone’s efforts and Mei Fang’s motivational leadership, “Journey in the Clouds” launched its 1.0.0 version before summer ended.

Updates continue as long as I’m alive.