Chapter 22 Large Goals and Small Goals

"Nobody wants to stay on top of the stone pillar, without food or water, exposed to wind, sunshine, rain, snow, hail, thunderstorms, and even all sorts of inexplicable disasters."

"One careless step could lead to a fatal fall."

"So, for those of us perched atop the stone pillar, our greatest wish is naturally to lower its height and return to the safety of the ground as soon as possible."

"Does that mean we need to accumulate a thousand points all at once before we can exchange them to lower the pillar's height?"

"The answer is, we don't have to wait that long."

"To motivate us to use our points quickly to reduce the pillar's height, the conditions at every height of this thousand-meter pillar are not all the same."

"Every hundred meters is a node, and with each hundred-meter descent, our living conditions see a qualitative improvement."

"For newcomers still at the top of the thousand-meter pillar, the most immediate and pressing need is sufficient drinking water."

"When the pillar's height goes down to nine hundred meters, we get a water dispenser."

"At first, the water dispenser only provides 100ML of drinking water per day."

"After that, with every 10 meters we descend, the daily water provision from the dispenser increases by 100ML."

"I must remind you all, if you want to survive at the top of the pillar, descending to the 900-meter height is extremely important—its priority may even surpass rising from an Extra to a Minor Special Engagement."

"Otherwise, if the interval between two shootings exceeds three days or even longer, and if the skies nearby remain devoid of rain, snow, or hail during those days, failing to replenish water could mean we might die from dehydration before we even make it back to Film and Television City."

"That way, by the time we reach the eight hundred meter platform, we would be able to get 1.1 liters of pure water supply per day, and it would be boiled water. Additionally, at the eight hundred meter mark, another very important provision would be added: the supply of a packet of instant noodles when we return to the pillar during shooting intervals."

"After that, for every 10 meters we descend, we get an additional packet of instant noodles."

"Of course, the quality of the noodles will also improve over time, from dry noodles at first to eventually noodles with seasoning."

"When we get down to the seven hundred meter platform, not only will we receive three meals a day's supply of instant noodles, but each meal will also come with an extra serving of pickled vegetables."

"By this time, we would have essentially solved the problems of dying from thirst or hunger."

"After that, with every 10 meters we descend, our daily instant noodles will come with an additional option for a side dish, ranging from pickled vegetables to sausages, marinated eggs, and so forth."

"When we get down to the six hundred meter platform, we get a flushing toilet hanging off the edge of the pillar."

"Although the flushing toilet solves the problem of where to go to the bathroom, each time one sits on it from the edge of the pillar, there's a risk to life, and one could easily fall off."

"So, with every 10 meters we go down after that, there will be some changes by the toilet, like the addition of a suspended concrete slab to step on, an increase in the area of the slab, and improvements to the flushing mechanism."

"There might even be an extra sink provided, with a daily increase of 0.1 tons of tap water every 10 meters we descend, which would allow us to wash our hands and face."

"By the time we reach the five hundred meter platform, we would get an externally attached, relatively well-equipped bathroom by the side of the pillar, finally resolving the difficulty of finding a toilet. We would also receive a simple water heater."

"After that, for every 10 meters we go down, we will gradually receive a full supply of items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash cups, washbasins, towels, bath towels, shower gel, shampoo, and so on."

"In the meantime, we would still endure harsh weather like heavy rain, hail, scorching heat, and bitter cold, yearning for a structure to shield us from the elements. When we get down to the four hundred meter platform, our toilet would be supplemented by an attached bathroom with a full set of bathing facilities, and we'd also gain a canopy, erected to cover the top of the pillar, so we no longer suffer in the rain or sun."

"After that, with every 10 meters we descend, simple wind-blocking panels would gradually be added around the canopy."

"Descending to the three hundred meter platform turns our simple canopy into a roof, and a platform emerges at the top of the pillar, giving us a small six-square-meter house at the top of the pillar."

"At that point, we're almost no longer worried about falling off; it's almost like being at home, only we can't go out and the space is quite small."

"After that, with every 10 meters we descend, our little house gains an additional square meter."

"Getting down to the two hundred meter platform turns the six-square-meter house into sixteen square meters."

"We finally have a small area around our bed to move about, and we also receive a stool."

"After that, for every 10 meters we descend, while the small house continues expanding by one square meter, we also receive an additional piece of furniture, like a desk that automatically produces a book every day, or a wardrobe that spawns new clothes, and so on."

"By the time we get to the one hundred meter platform, we have sockets in our little house, electricity to light up the room, no longer fearful of the darkness at night."

"After that, with every 10 meters we descend, our little house will continue to expand, and we'll gain an electrical appliance, like an air conditioner, refrigerator, television, set-top box, bread maker, oven, dishwasher, gaming console, and more."

"As for what happens after descending to the ground... that's beyond the scope of my answer."

After answering the question, Sunglasses Woman looked towards the director.

"Valid response, reward 5 points," the director announced.

Hearing Sunglasses Woman's description, the Extras began to discuss amongst themselves.

This bizarre Film and Television City, in its efforts to compel them to earn points, had indeed thought of everything.

However, it had to be said, these conditions indeed held great allure for those trapped on top of the stone pillar.

Especially after experiencing extreme thirst and hunger.

Before, water and food were luxuries while on top of the pillar.

Now, at last, there was hope and a goal to strive for.

The major goal: accumulate 1000 points to return to the ground; the minor goal: accrue 100 points first to descend to the 900-meter level and obtain a water dispenser.

"Alright, it's your turn to ask," Sunglasses Woman said cheerfully after receiving the 5 points, gesturing to Gao Fei with her hand.

"It would be best to ask some quality questions, like the one she just asked," Sunglasses Woman added a few more words before Gao Fei could speak.

Answering a question could earn between 1 to 5 points, and knowing there were only a certain number of questions, she naturally hoped that everyone would ask high-scoring questions.

"Then I'll ask about what happens after we descend to the ground, can we go home then? Return to our previous lives?" Gao Fei looked at Sunglasses Woman with eager anticipation.