Chapter 64: The Significance of Compatible Connections

Shen Wei perused the college entrance examination volunteer form, designating Yenching University as her first choice. Her second and third choices were two key universities in Shanghai and Suzhou-Hangzhou.

Shen Haifeng proved adept at navigating the application process, strategically choosing the order of preferences. He prioritized the university selection for the first choice, thus indicating a willingness to compromise. As for the second and third choices, Shen Wei's scores were stable, allowing for a focus on major selection.

Observing her father's resolute choices, Shen Wei hesitated but then inquired, "Could I apply for Jiangzhou University as my second choice?"

Shen Haifeng's response was stern, "What's the use of Jiangzhou University? It's an inland city without prospects for development. Your parents want you nearby, but you can't tolerate it!"

Muttering, Shen Wei said, "Chen Xiao gave up special admission to Yanjing University and Shuimu University. He applied to Jiangzhou University. What's wrong with that..."

Shen Haifeng, with his background in education, had been monitoring Chen Xiao after his daughter repeatedly mentioned him over the past six months. Learning about Chen Xiao's personal life and family situation, Shen Haifeng harbored mixed feelings. While Chen Xiao's excellent academic performance was beneficial for Shen Wei, allowing her to thrive in her studies, he was hesitant to endorse any deeper connection between them.

Though Shen Wei and Chen Xiao's interactions had been limited to mutual learning, it was clear that any progression beyond that was unlikely. There were two main reasons for this. Firstly, Shen Haifeng believed Shen Wei was too young for a romantic relationship. Secondly, his concerns about familial status and class hindered any possibility of a deeper bond. Shen Haifeng believed that Chen Xiao's background as the child of workers and small traders couldn't match his criteria.

Even if Chen Xiao excelled in the future, the shadow of his family's origin would persist in his genes and personality. This was something that couldn't be changed. These factors, combined with his job in the education department and his focus on the family's reputation, firmly barred the possibility of a romantic relationship.

Shen Haifeng explained, "Others are different, and you are different. Yenching University isn't necessarily as good as it appears. Consider the cost of living in the capital, tuition, living expenses, and the different lifestyle, consumption patterns, perspectives, and understanding of the world by its students. Can anyone compare?"

"Without the means, I wouldn't mention it. If you have the means, why not strive for the best? Jiangzhou is just a small city. To people in Shanghai and Yanjing, it's practically rural. Don't you see the difference between yourself and others?"

Shen Wei, though straightforward, was unaware of her father's complex thoughts. She was conflicted and hesitant in her own right, ultimately yielding to her father's choice.

Shen Wei had never possessed the resolve or courage required for such decisions.

Unbeknownst to Chen Xiao, Shen Wei struggled with her college application choices, a concern far from his current preoccupations.

Chen Qiang and Lin Hui, unaware of the subtleties, had some difficulty with the application forms. They understood that Chen Xiao didn't wish to attend Yanjing University or Shuimu University. Though they were slightly perplexed, they accepted his decision after he explained himself.

For them, as long as it was a key university, it was a good one. The same applied to Lin Hui. Although she would've liked her son to attend a university in Yanjing, she was content as long as he was close to home.

With the one-child policy of the 1980s and 1990s, having just one child was the norm.

After setting up the servers, Chen Xiao reviewed 11181's background.

A glaring issue was apparent: the number of plug-in downloads and website clicks had reached a bottleneck. Most plug-in users kept their usage hidden, opting not to publicize it. This was reasonable; much like when you find a treasure girl, do you announce it to the world or keep it a secret to maintain her affection?

Additionally, many users had only recently encountered the internet and were primarily focused on gaming. Some internet cafe-goers played games exclusively and had never opened a browser in a year.

Promoting plug-ins through 11181 encountered difficulties due to these factors. Chen Xiao's intent was to balance the ratio between plug-in users and gamers. However, the current ratio seemed impossible to achieve.

This wasn't his original intention. He hoped to strike a balance between the two user groups. Unfortunately, this wasn't feasible due to the current circumstances.

Witnessing his influence increase by fewer than ten points daily frustrated Chen Xiao. To him, influence mattered more than making money.

Chen Xiao visited a nearby internet cafe to witness the actual use of the famed plug-in.

It was here that he truly grasped the allure of what was known as the originator of online games.

The alley hosted seven or eight small, dimly lit internet cafes. Approximately 90% of the computers were running Legends, with many machines perpetually occupied. More people played through the night than during the era of standalone games or LAN games like Red Alert and Half-Life.

Seizing this opportunity, several internet cafe owners expanded their operations.

When he met Brother Dao again, Chen Xiao almost didn't recognize him.

Brother Dao sported a disheveled beard, unkempt hair, and an unpleasant odor.

Brother Dao seemed empty, as if he had been drained by some female monster.

His red eyes were fixated on a 17-inch belly monitor, his hands skillfully maneuvering the mouse and keyboard to slay monsters and gain experience.

Chen Xiao handed Brother Dao a bottle of Arctic Ocean. With an elated grin, Brother Dao's weathered face turned excitedly toward Chen Xiao. "Xiaozi, are you done with the college entrance examination? How did it go?"

Chen Xiao responded, "It went decently. I'm finally free."

Brother Dao's attention swiftly returned to his game as he muttered, "I just need a Taoist helmet. Why is it so hard to get a Madd!"

Brother Dao had been playing for a while but was only at level 23. He seemed to be playing without any plug-ins, meticulously advancing his character.

As an adjacent machine became available, Chen Xiao paid five yuan and logged into his account.

He and Brother Dao were both Taoist priests in the same district. Chen Xiao's account was already level 33, equipped with top-quality gear.

Brother Dao gaped at Chen Xiao's advanced account, astounded.

[Influence +3, cumulative influence 155.]

Brother Dao's voice grew louder, "Oh my god! Xiaozi, weren't you preparing for the college entrance examination? Why are you level 33?"

The first version of the game only reached level 40. Currently, only a handful had attained level 40, with those above level 30 considered great players.

Chen Xiao gestured for silence and whispered, "I have a few tricks up my sleeve."