Chapter 27: I Won’t Be Able To Stand It

"Dream Journey in Lakes and Rivers 2"?

With a weird yet familiar title, Wei Wei looks up from the computer at Xiao Nai. "'Dream Voyage in Rivers and Lakes' is coming out with version 2?!" she blurts out.

Why hasn't she heard about this news before? She also gets to view the "Dream Voyage 2" character drawings on the Great Master's computer. What does this signify?

"You are the one making the game?" Without pausing to consider, Wei Wei says, "That can't be," but she swiftly rules it out. "Dream Voyage" comes from Feng Teng (Soaring Wind), as I recall.

"Dream Voyage 2 will be a joint venture between Feng Teng and us, although Dream Voyage is in fact Feng Teng's creation."

His voice and demeanor are calm, as if he's not revealing anything revolutionary. Before Wei Wei could process the information, she was astonished for a while and said, "I don't think I ever heard about a 'Dream Voyage 2' though."

"The public has not yet been informed about it."

"So then the female thief stealing a man video is," Wei Wei suddenly remembers.

"No, about the video rights; I only knew about it a day before you," Xiao Nai shakes his head.

He is not involved with "Dream Voyage 1," even though he is working with Feng Teng on "Dream Voyage 2." As their first project under the Feng Teng Corporation, Feng Teng Technologies exclusively developed the WuXia game "Dream Voyage 1." Since it is owned by a different company, he probably will not know their marketing tactics. Feng Teng doesn't need to speak with him if it doesn't impact the "Dream Voyage 2" preparations.

If Xiao Nai hadn't considered the dangers and finances for "Dream Voyage 2," he wouldn't have worked with Feng Teng. Furthermore, as per the terms of the partnership agreement, Feng Teng Technology will only be accountable for providing money and operating support; his team would be solely liable for production. Xiao Nai was therefore a little taken aback when Feng Teng Technology contacted to say that they intended to add extra aspects to the gameplay for snatching the bride or groom in "Dream Voyage 2." When they revealed that the female thief video was the source of the concept, Xiao Nai thought that it was rather humorous.

He agreed to add the extra elements to the "Dream Voyage 2" game of snatching the bride or groom after giving it some thought, but he kept the fact that ASmileNaiHe in the video is actually a secret from Feng Teng.

Clearly, Feng Teng is unaware that ASmileNaiHe is him; the ID was

registered at the time of "Dream Voyage"'s release on the advice of his housemates. After playing it for a little while, he stopped. He didn't pick up the game again until he and Feng Teng signed a partnership deal with the intention of getting to know it.

As Xiao Nai shows Wei Wei more character designs, he also describes his relationship with Feng Ten. Curiosity strikes as Wei Wei queries, "What are the new features on the stolen bride and groom role-playing?

In other words, there will be a setting that will enable the user to begin the bride/groom snatching game. Players who are single when this launches can compete to steal the bride or groom.

Wei Wei asks, "So it's like launching the PK battles in the game?" and appears to get it.

"Me."

Although it looks like a fun game, wouldn't it get messy quickly? Wei Wei sees the scenario where all of the participants, both male and female, are competing for the bride and/or groom.

Xiao Nai gets up to prepare some tea after looking through some character ideas. Wei Wei snatches Xiao Nai's mouse and proceeds to browse the computer screen as she stays focused on it. She is so engrossed in it that, unbeknownst to her, she has already taken Xiao Nai's seat.

When Xiao Nai turns around after brewing the two cups of tea, he notices this. He looks a bit confused for a moment, but then he straightens himself and places the tea cup in his left hand on the bookshelf next to him. He leans on the shelf and takes a sip from his cup.

I look down at you from above while you stand on the bridge, staring at the landscape.

Wei Wei, oblivious to her transformation into a piece of scenery, scrutinizes the character designs once again. She says, "I like this game," lifting her head to gaze at Xiao Nai.

Xiao Nai "Just from looking at the character designs?" she asks as she keeps leaning on the bookshelves. Her smile grows.

"Yes, a lot can be inferred from the character designs." Wei Wei pauses to reflect. She wants to share her feelings with him, even if she feels a little awkward about it.

These days, female avatars in online games frequently wear skimpy attire in an attempt to draw in male players. Some are so bad as to be unbearable. I went for the red-clad heroine because I appreciate her fighting style and since she is dressed more formally. However, "Dream Voyage 2" is not the same. The female characters have suitable clothing on. This demonstrates how much the game's creators value both the game and themselves. They exude confidence in their game, so they don't have to use corny tactics to draw viewers in.

Wei Wei's heart is filled with joy. Just a little better than other online games, the female characters in "Dream Voyage 1" dress pretty provocatively. Given that he was a key contributor to "Dream Voyage 2," the Great Master must have made the choice given the drastic changes the film has undergone. Does this imply that the Great Master holds women in high regard?

Xiao Nai is affected, even though he didn't anticipate her saying this. A wave of ecstasy washed over the lowest recesses of his heart as he gazed at her radiant face and breathed in the delicate scent of tea.

Nevertheless, although it is simple to say, "making female characters not be dressed revealingly" required a great deal of work on his part. He comes from a distinguished literary family; therefore, perseverance is ingrained in him. What transpires, though, if you attempt to persuade investors using your principles? You're being too idealistic and too innocent. The market is the only one that can be convinced. As a result, he conducted a variety of studies to demonstrate to investors the purchasing power of female gamers and to help them understand that a game's appeal to male players is not based on how exposing the female characters' clothing is.

He will, of course, not tell Wei Wei this. Xiao Nai consistently downplays a thousand words and justifications. His gaze is glowing brilliantly, taking in the reflection of the person before him. With a graceful smile, he says, "I appreciate your complement. I feel privileged.

Even while he appears composed, Wei Wei detects a subtle shift in his feelings. It appears that the Great Master is feeling upbeat. Did she unknowingly compliment the Great Master? Though a little ashamed, Wei Wei eagerly asks Xiao Nai, "When will internal testing for 'Dream Voyage 2' begin?"

"We'll release a beta version as soon as possible by year's end."

By then, she ought to have no problem obtaining a beta account, right? Following a brief period of elation, Wei Wei recalls something crucial: "Since you two are working together, should you handle the situation with the video rights? You should definitely take care of it. You were the one who actually made it, even though my account name was on it when it was submitted.

Xiao Nai declines her offer right away, saying, "Of course I can't." The contract cannot have my name on it.

Feeling weird, Wei Wei says, "Why?"

All Xiao Nai says is "royalties."

It takes Wei Wei some time to realize that since he was a key contributor to "Dream Voyage 2," he should be paid for his work on the game. If the Great Master signs the contract, Feng Teng will undoubtedly withhold the royalties.

"All right, I'll go ahead and sign the agreement. Wei Wei agrees, "Let's divide the royalties among the five of us. However, why does she feel like she's defrauding someone of their money when it's obviously legal? >o<

While observing the tea leaves float and sink in his cup, Xiao Nai remarks nonchalantly, "There's no need to split it with YuGong and the others."

"What?" Is that not a bit too polite? They did, after all, participate in it.

Simply reserve it for yourself. Consider it a warm-hearted present from them.

Welcome gift...

Wei Wei stares at him in silence. She was ready to inquire about his share, but she is now afraid to do so. What would happen if he said...?Consider it a gift of a betrothal.

Wei Wei didn't feel anything other than their intense conversation about the internet game. But as of late, the room is strangely silent now that she has ceased talking. Wei Wei notices right away that she is using the Great Master's computer, that she is sitting in the Great Master's chair, and that her hand is really holding the Great Master's mouse!

When did this occur, exactly?

She carefully removes her hand from the mysterious Great Master's mouse. Extremely embarrassed, Wei Wei turns her head away from the Great Master's face. She was simply perplexed as to why he had been standing for so long.It transpires that he doesn't have a seat to go back to >o<.< p>

The workplace is silent, and it appears like Xiao Nai is deliberately embarrassing her by being still and silent. He keeps sipping his tea slowly, periodically running his long fingers down the side of the cup.

Wei Wei's straying gaze is drawn to his motion. She does not blink as she looks at his fingers. She was too busy chatting to notice it till now. It appears like the cup he's holding is

Wei Wei puts her embarrassed expression aside, gets to her feet, and approaches him inquisitively. Her gaze is fixed on the cup he is holding. With a grin, Xiao Nai gives her the cup.

Wei Wei examines the cup closely while holding it in her hand. This gorgeous white porcelain cup has a classical form and is exquisitely glazed. With a light green tea inside, it looks classy and adorable. However, what draws Wei Wei the most is not the fine craftsmanship but rather the image printed on it: a white-robed musician sitting and playing his guqin in front of a patch of bamboo.

"Collectible mugs from Dream Voyage in Rivers and Lakes, limited edition." With excitement, Wei Wei asks.

"Well, this one is another. You own it.

She puts another cup in her other hand, its scent expanding with tea. It's likewise white, except it has a red-clad heroine brandishing a saber.

"Are there any more?" Since "Dream Voyage in Rivers and Lakes" has 36 avatars, there need to be 36 mugs as well.

We received a set from Feng Teng, but I've just taken these two and let YuGong and the remainder belong to others.

He merely took hold of these two.

Glancing left and right while appreciating the cups, Wei Wei freezes. She lifts her head to have a closer look at his attractive features. Her lashes fall at the same time, blocking her bright, wandering eyes.

Does this imply that he held onto the cup just for her? Did he know a long time ago that one day she would come to his office?

Wei Wei is still staring at her cup, but she starts to move more slowly, as if she is preoccupied. Wei Wei eventually says, "Xiao Nai, how did you recognize me yesterday?" quietly and without giving it any consideration.

She's never called him "Xiao Nai" before. The name seems to have some sort of mystical meaning or strength; even for Xiao Nai, who is known for his composure, his mind instantly becomes blank.

But it's Wei Wei's turn to lose her train of thought when he gets better and responds to her.

"Not yesterday," he says as he carefully removes the cup from her palm that contains the white-robed musician. "It was back in March, at Ji Zhi (Ultimately Devoted)," says Xiao Nai.

March? Zhi Ji? The location known as Ji Zhi

"The internet café?" Startled, Wei Wei inquires.

I went there by coincidence for anything, um. I witnessed you participating in a guild war as I was leaving.

Wei Wei is in full shock. She has considered other explanations for why the Great Master identified her, such as her voice, an IP search, or her virtual persona. For the Great Master, none of these tasks are difficult. But at the internet cafe, he really did see her? That was far back in March, too?

Now that she thinks about it, she did go to the internet cafe once in March. The reason for this was that the dorm's broadband was dying. She proceeded to participate in the guild combat and to let the other guild members know that she wouldn't be able to use the internet for a long time.

The Great Master recognized her from all these years ago?

"Your operation abilities were amazing. Your fingers were moving quickly.

Xiao Nai stares at Wei Wei's hands intently. In the clamorous internet cafe, his gaze was drawn to these hands.

Alright, quick fingers~~Wei Wei's The mind is disorganized. She is at a loss for words and can only carry on from what he said. I spent some time playing StarCraft (SC) over the summer while I was in my third year of high school. That's how I worked on it. Actually, my actions per minute, or APM, is not that high. Not even at 150 yet.

"APM is merely a point of reference."

Wei-Wei gives a nod. Although Wei Wei agrees with him that precision is more essential than APM, she can't help but inquire, "What is your APM?"

Is that a really high number? Something incredible, perhaps 400...

"I never put myself to the test. There was no such thing as APM when I started playing.

existed during that time? Then, how many years ago was that? Wei Wei ponders for a moment. Her heart begins to race; the Great Master must be very attractive when he plays video games online.

The very thought of it excites Wei Wei even more. So, when she looks at him with her brilliant eyes, she asks instinctively, "Let's find a time to PK each other!"

Where will this discussion end up? Raising his eyebrows, Xiao Nai smiles at her and says, "Sure, but may I ask you?" pausing briefly before continuing, "to go easy on me."

Though his expression is definitely normal, Wei Wei's face is flushed. At that moment, he seemed to have wanted to say, "My dear wife," regardless of the circumstances.

Incredible.

Thinking on all these strange things, like betrothal presents and being his "dear wife," she must be possessed today. She could think of stranger ideas if she keeps going, huh.

"I'm going to read a book, um."

Wei Wei dashes back to the sofa with her cup of tea before Xiao Nai can answer. She takes up her book and begins to read it intently.

The tea time is over.

Wei Wei loses consciousness again after reading a few pages carefully; she recalls that there is one more question left.

Why didn't he inform her in the game if he knew her from so long ago?

Wei Wei is overcome with annoyance. She is unaware that her eyes have already shifted away from the book to the individual working the desk.

It's still extremely quiet in the workplace. There's only the sound of keyboard tapping. Even the tapping gradually stops. Without turning his head, Xiao Nai abruptly pauses and says, "Wei Wei, if you keep staring at me, I won't be able to stand it."

Wei Wei hears him speak, but his words escape her since she is forgetful. After some time, she eventually returns to her senses, and then

Okay, Wei Wei is going to blow up in her own face. She wants to stop asking questions, T.T.

Wei Wei continues to be quite ineffective throughout the day. They dine at a location close to the Great Master's workspace. Wei Wei was concerned about having to eat fish soup once more, but fortunately, the Great Master isn't all that bad.

Wei Wei really wants to return to her dorm room after supper because she didn't get much time to read in the afternoon, but the Great Master sweeps her thoughts away before she can take any action.

"Would you like to play PK with me?" says the Great Master.

Wei Wei dutifully accompanies him back to the workplace as a result. They begin PKing with one computer per person~~~ Unfortunately, though, from PKing in "Dream

Wei Wei never loses any of them on "Voyage" to SC. She even begins to lose her temper a little. Boyfriends should be kind with their ladies, right? Why is hers such a cruel one? He doesn't even move his eyebrows after beating her.

It is, of course, utterly horrible to hope that the Great Master will be kind to her.

Wei Wei slams the idea back into the back of her mind as a result.

Wei Wei doesn't go back to the dorm until 9 p.m. because she is a persistent loser. Wei Wei has spent the entire day occupied, meeting with the Great Master and PKing one another. However, Wei Wei seemed to have rediscovered her sentiments from the online game all of a sudden. Suddenly, she senses that the Great Master is quite near her.