Chapter 316

Chapter 316: Shenzhen or Shanghai?

The dull senior year did not have much to talk about. By the end of 2013, after donating two million yuan to Jiangcheng Shi No. 1 High School for free, Mei Youyuan, as a public figure, received some privileges, allowing him unlimited leave or early dismissal to focus on his own affairs.

Although such privileges might make some students feel discontented, Mei Fang was low-key and did not flaunt his status. Plus, he had indeed improved the students’ living conditions, so they only admired and respected him, without causing more trouble due to jealousy.

After Mei Fang and Lin Youxi started dating, Xia Yuan officially released her second album, “Announcement in Fog,” which included most of the works from her previous self-titled album and some by Xu Liang, with a predominant theme of sad love songs.

If such an album were launched without prior interviews, Mei Fang’s image would inevitably face numerous criticisms; however, Xia Yuan had publicly wished them well in the new release video, dispelling many people’s doubts.

The Coconut Milk Studio’s debut game under Ximilu Games, “Happy Elimination,” was completed under Mei Fang’s guidance. This mobile game was not branded with Ximilu Games’ logo but instead targeted Tencent’s WinYongbao channel matrix, becoming one of Tencent’s published games, showcasing their capabilities.

For Mei Fang, the Coconut Milk Studio had a clear mission: it was the blood-making department of Ximilu Games. The primary goal was to develop works that could reach a broader audience within ethical industry boundaries.

Regarding the independent game platform and new plans for the Coconut Milk Studio, Mei Fang planned to consider them after assisting the young men and women in the club to complete the development of “Monarch: Three Kingdoms.” After all, this card game still needed Guo Yun’s continued support.

Whether to create another artistic expression game or a grander production was the next issue Mei Fang needed to carefully consider.

The live streaming module of C-Station would undergo its first test at the beginning of the following year. At the same time, they were also developing a 3D virtual idol project, which might only see its first creation in the summer of the following year.

In summary, the second half of 2013 was even busier than before. While advancing various projects, Mei Fang also received admission invitations from several universities. Mei Fang expressed his desired terms to a few preferred universities. After some negotiations, only two universities met his needs:

Dandan University located in the eastern coastal area, and Pengcheng University located in the southern city of Shenzhen.

“Considering the overall ranking of the university, Dandan University is undoubtedly a better choice, with superior teaching staff and a broader student network.”

Mei Fang continued explaining, “Shanghai is a city with great economic prospects, where secondary culture and the gaming industry will flourish.”

“But you put Pengcheng University on the list. Is there something more attractive about it? Or is there a problem with Dandan?”

“Dandan University does not have a music department, so it cannot provide Yuanyuan with further educational opportunities.”

Mei Fang pondered, “Although they mentioned they could help us contact the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, we would be in different cities, which would be inconvenient. Additionally, Dandan cannot meet my desired privileges.”

“That wouldn’t be good…”

Xia Yuan thought for a moment, “However, if we compare the cities, I personally prefer Shanghai. It feels more like a big city compared to Shenzhen, which has many urban villages, making it less metropolitan.”

“However, I heard that people in Shanghai are quite xenophobic, while everyone in Shenzhen is an outsider, so there isn’t that kind of barrier.”

“Yes, once you come to Shenzhen, you become a Shenzhener.”

Mei Fang smiled at Xia Yuan and Lin Youxi, knowing they would never understand the bitterness he experienced working in Shenzhen in his past life.

Pengcheng University resembled another school he knew in his past life, but it developed faster. Located in the birthplace of Tencent in Shenzhen, despite being a new university with little fame, its scores were close to those of mid-tier 985 universities, dominating the local scene in Shenzhen.

Moreover, its budget reached an astonishing national first place last year, making it one of the wealthiest universities in China. It was also among the most discussed universities by internet tycoons, with its computer science program ranking among the top nationally. This was a significant reason why Mei Fang focused on Pengcheng University.

“Pengcheng University may not be as famous as Dandan, but it’s not an easy school to get into. First, it’s Pony Ma’s alma mater, closely tied to Tencent, and the budget is substantial.”

“Secondly, Pengcheng University itself has a game design-related major. Compared to Dandan, I can better collect game and internet development talents.”

Mei Fang paused and added, “For Yuanyuan, this university has a music department and ranks relatively high.”

“Of course, the most important thing is that the admissions director of Pengcheng mentioned that if the three of us pass the first batch line, they would provide various conveniences for our activities on campus, including no credit or GPA requirements, support for company-related incubation, funding, and various faculty guidance.”

Mei Fang shrugged, “Although these conditions are not essential, the sincerity is strong enough. If I were poor, I’d agree right away.”

“Oh, so there’s still an exam?” Xia Yuan looked troubled, “I thought we wouldn’t need to work hard in our senior year…”

“There’s no such luck. Although we are well-known public figures, we still need to meet the university’s admission criteria to enter our dream universities. Otherwise, it would look bad. Even Dandan requires passing the autonomous recruitment exam and previous NOIP scores to lower the requirement to the first batch line. As for Yuanyuan, she doesn’t even need to consider it.”

“Wah… I know I’m not doing well academically… Don’t pressure me so much.”

Xia Yuan scratched her head and looked at Mei Fang, “So what do you think, Fang? Which one suits us better?”

“I want your opinion too. After all, if we decide on the location of the university, our C-Station headquarters will also need to move to a more developed region. Jiangcheng, such a large county, definitely won’t do.”

“Although it sounds a bit heart-wrenching… But it seems to be true.”

Xia Yuan thought for a moment, “In terms of the city, I like Shanghai. However, if we can’t attend university together, it would be a pity… After all, our main purpose of attending university doesn’t seem to be to learn more knowledge.”

“I think Yuanyuan makes a lot of sense… We continue our education mainly to accumulate and develop connections, and the comprehensive ranking of the university is not that important. Also, the experience of living on campus is crucial.”

Lin Youxi said softly, “Though I haven’t been to either Shenzhen or Shanghai, Shenzhen is a newer city. I think we’ll have better development there. Of course, it ultimately depends on your choice, Fang. I’ll support you.”

“Me too! I fully support you, Fang!”

Shenzhen or Shanghai…

Mei Fang was also conflicted about this issue.

From his past life’s experience, Shanghai’s gaming industry was clearly more advanced, and the secondary culture was prevalent. Shenzhen obviously lacked such conditions, and its cultural development was even worse than its neighboring Huadu.

Moreover, setting the headquarters in Shenzhen was equivalent to bowing down to Tencent.

Although Mei Fang was skilled at relying on powerful allies, completely aligning with Tencent was not what he wanted…

But Mei Fang had a certain attachment to Shenzhen. Although he didn’t have much emotional connection to the city, it was where he had invested years of effort and left many precious memories. If he couldn’t rise again here, Mei Fang would feel somewhat regretful.

Seeing Mei Fang’s hesitation, Lin Youxi also said, “If you’re really struggling between university experience and future development, maybe focusing on the next four years would be better? After all, transportation is so convenient now, and commuting between both places is possible.”

“That’s true… Besides, I still have three companies to set up.”

Mei Fang thought for a moment, “I think, after all, it’s not suitable for Yuanyuan to go to university alone. It would be troublesome to meet up regularly. After all, going to university is mainly for the experience.”

“Then we’re going to Shenzhen?”

Xia Yuan hugged Mei Fang around the neck and sat on him, “It’s settled, okay?”

“It’s settled, let’s go to Shenzhen.”

“Great!” Xia Yuan immediately stood up, “Let me check out houses in Shenzhen first! Let’s buy a big house near the school and live together!”

“Remember to get a flat with a panoramic view.”

Lin Youxi smiled, “And then, let’s buy a villa by the sea.”

“Yes, I forgot about that! Fang, let’s look together!”

Ah…

Buying a house in Shenzhen.

Something he never dared to imagine in his previous life.

In fact, from my personal understanding of the industry, setting up in Shanghai would be more reasonable, but I couldn’t find a job there and was abandoned by Shanghai. I’m not familiar with it, so I can only write about Shenzhen. Pengcheng University is a fictional university, set in the 985 category, modeled after Shenzhen University with some modifications.

(End of Chapter)