Chapter 121: The Virtual Genius is a Hopeless Romantic

Star City Academy, Principal's Office.

Looking at Feng Qi, who was passionately explaining his idea, Bai Fusheng appeared a little taken aback.

"So, what you're suggesting is that the academy should add a new major focused on virtual reality technology? Are you serious?"

Facing Bai Fusheng's question, Feng Qi nodded solemnly.

"Absolutely serious. As I've just explained in detail, innovations in virtual reality technology can address the safety hazards in combat training across academies and enhance students' practical combat abilities. It's a win-win."

"By establishing this major earlier, Star City Academy could lead other academies in adopting this cutting-edge field."

Hearing Feng Qi's proposal, Bai Fusheng fell into deep thought.

Feng Qi's argument was compelling.

Enhancing students' combat skills had always been a headache for academies.

Every year, a significant number of students lost their lives in domain fields. Even during combat training within the academy, severe injuries occasionally occurred.

Setting restrictions to ensure the safety of combat training often hindered students from fully utilizing their abilities.

Restricted training had minimal benefits for real combat scenarios.

Now, listening to Feng Qi's explanation of virtual reality technology, Bai Fusheng found the idea feasible.

However, he also thought that developing such a system would not be an easy task.

Although he wasn't familiar with virtual reality technology, he understood that achieving a level of realism comparable to reality would undoubtedly face numerous challenges.

Starting from scratch would likely require astronomical funding.

Thinking of this, he sighed as he looked at Feng Qi.

"Your idea is overly ambitious. I'm not saying it's unfeasible, but we lack teachers with expertise in this area, and the required funding would be a bottomless pit. I think it's better to shelve this for now."

"Don't dismiss it so quickly. I can help find technical experts, and we can work on securing funding step by step. Why not try applying for a grant and see what the Ministry of Education thinks? Starting is always the hardest part," Feng Qi quickly responded.

Feng Qi knew that creating Savior was not something he could accomplish alone.

He could recruit the young prodigy Fang Zhiyou to develop the virtual engine, and he could copy algorithm codes from the future database. But aspects like art design, game modeling, animations, effects, and UI required additional investments.

Building a new game engine from the ground up would require learning many aspects anew, making it an enormous project. The initial funding alone was an unknown figure.

After careful consideration, Feng Qi decided to seek Bai Fusheng's help.

As for talent, he already had the ideal candidate in mind—Fang Zhiyou.

The Savior game from the future was built using the virtual engine developed by Fang Zhiyou.

According to historical records, the "Future Virtual Engine" had already been invented at this point, though it was not yet perfected. Feng Qi aimed to accelerate its development.

As for the core spell trajectories and algorithm codes, he could rely on the future database.

"Star City Academy is primarily a cultivation institution. Adding this kind of major seems out of place. Even if we report it, it's unlikely to be approved," Bai Fusheng said with a sigh, shaking his head.

Feng Qi had anticipated this response and immediately presented an alternative proposal.

"Shi-gong, what if I personally sponsor this major?"

Bai Fusheng's eyes widened in surprise at this suggestion. "You brat, just say what you're really after. Don't beat around the bush."

Scratching his head in embarrassment under Bai Fusheng's stern gaze, Feng Qi replied, "I only have one condition—any results produced by this major belong to me."

"I see now. You're essentially proposing to open a private studio specializing in virtual reality technology within the academy. The students you recruit will live, eat, and work here, all on the academy's dime, and you want to take all the credit. You've got some nerve," Bai Fusheng said, glaring at him.

Hearing this, Feng Qi hurriedly shook his head.

"Shi-gong, you misunderstood me. I would never do something so shameless."

"You're partially right. I do hope the virtual technology students can live and study here at Star City Academy. But if the technology succeeds, I'm willing to share 30% of the profits with the academy."

"You know how impactful this technology could be for humanity's development if it succeeds. It would benefit all of humanity. From that perspective, isn't it worth trying?"

Listening to Feng Qi's impassioned argument, Bai Fusheng fell silent.

His words stirred Bai Fusheng's heart.

If a near-realistic virtual game world could be developed, with spell trajectories faithfully recreated, it would undoubtedly be a groundbreaking achievement.

It would also resolve the persistent issue of inadequate practical training at academies.

Furthermore, middle school and even elementary school students who hadn't yet qualified for cultivation academies could begin learning cultivation basics through such a game.

From this perspective alone, this technology's value might surpass that of a five-star-rated cultivation technique.

The only problem was that Bai Fusheng doubted Feng Qi's ability to develop such a revolutionary virtual reality system.

Feng Qi was undoubtedly the most gifted student Bai Fusheng had ever met.

Even Wang Jinsheng hadn't been this exceptional at Feng Qi's age.

But Bai Fusheng felt that Feng Qi was overreaching.

He was still entrenched in the field of cultivation studies yet wanted to leap into advanced technology. It seemed reckless and unstable.

Thinking about it, Bai Fusheng couldn't help but speak up to advise:

"To be honest, you've almost convinced me. Allowing you to set up a virtual reality technology studio within the academy isn't a big problem. If you submit a detailed proposal on virtual reality technology, I believe the Ministry of Education would approve it. After all, they wouldn't need to allocate any funding, and the academy could still receive 30% of the resulting profits in the future."

"If anyone else had come to me with this proposal today, I might have already agreed. But you're an exception."

Feng Qi was stunned to hear this.

"Why? Are you discriminating against geniuses?"

Bai Fusheng's expression became particularly complex at this moment. Taking a deep breath, he glared at Feng Qi and said:

"What I mean is, you have an outstanding talent in cultivation studies. Wasting time on something outside your expertise might lead to failure, squandering both your time and money."

Understanding Bai Fusheng's concerns, Feng Qi grinned mischievously and said:

"Shi-gong, have you ever heard of a polymath? The kind of special genius who achieves success in multiple fields?"

Looking at Feng Qi, who was clearly starting to show off, Bai Fusheng's face became expressionless.

"You think you're one of them?"

"Not to brag, but I am exactly that."

"You won't give up until you hit a wall?"

"I'm confident of success. I just need funding, talent, and your support. Together, we'll create a legacy with this technology. When future generations study this period of history, they'll see this passage:

'The greatest genius in history, Feng Qi, with the support of Principal Bai Fusheng, pioneered virtual reality technology and gaming, reshaping the future….'"

Looking at Feng Qi, Bai Fusheng still couldn't comprehend where his confidence came from.

Were all young people nowadays this idealistic?

He realized that Feng Qi had already made up his mind. Even if he didn't support him, Feng Qi would find other ways to pursue his plan.

After a moment of silence, Bai Fusheng finally said:

"I'll give you three months to prepare. Show me some results, and I'll apply for the space and dormitory for you."

"Thank you, Shi-gong!" Feng Qi immediately bowed in gratitude.

"Don't thank me yet. Promise me this—if you can't produce any results in three months, drop this idea and stop wasting time on virtual reality technology."

"No problem." Feng Qi nodded without hesitation.

Seeing Feng Qi's confident expression, Bai Fusheng couldn't help but laugh inwardly.

He had no doubts about Feng Qi's talent, but expecting results in virtual reality technology within three months was undoubtedly a pipe dream.

In his mind, he believed Feng Qi would hit a wall and come back to his senses within the time frame.

"I need to get started, Shi-gong. I'll leave you to your work," Feng Qi said as he stood up.

"Go ahead."

After Feng Qi left, Bai Fusheng picked up his teacup, took a sip, and shook his head, muttering:

"Ambitious and proud, but lacking the setbacks and trials to temper his character. This failure should help him mature."

Leaving the principal's office, Feng Qi walked straight out of the academy gates.

After hailing a taxi, he immediately headed to his destination.

Late at night.

East Star City, across the Lake Bridge.

A short-haired teenager in a black T-shirt sat on the edge of the bridge, gazing at the dazzling night view of Star City's neon-lit skyline with a dazed expression.

Below his dangling legs was Star City's inner lake, "Tianqing Lake," a drop of several dozen meters from the bridge.

The night wind blew, causing the boy to curl up slightly, his face filled with sadness, tears threatening to fall.

Just moments ago… he had been dumped.

The girl he had sworn to grow old with had been stolen by an incredibly handsome guy from the next class.

In his despair, he had decided to end it all.

While he wrestled with his inner turmoil, a voice suddenly spoke beside him:

"Jump already. Why are you hesitating? I've been watching you for a while."

The voice continued casually:

"Funny thing, a friend of mine jumped off this very spot a few years ago. He didn't die immediately but ended up paralyzed. His crush didn't even care, and his biggest enemies lived happily ever after. Meanwhile, his parents were left devastated, grieving day and night."

Hearing these words, the boy's suicidal thoughts vanished instantly. He turned to look, finding the speaker to be a boy just a few years older than him, smiling at him from a short distance away.

"Are you trying to piss me off?" the boy retorted.

"Young people these days… falling in love as teenagers and thinking they've found their soulmate. Then, when it ends, you're ready to die over a fleeting, immature romance."

"If time could rewind, your future self would probably slap you awake for being so stupid," Feng Qi replied with a smirk.

The teenager, now considering jumping, was none other than Feng Qi's target—Fang Zhiyou.

Fang Zhiyou was a super genius in virtual reality technology, but he was also hopelessly romantic. What happened tonight would alter the course of his life.

If Feng Qi didn't intervene, Fang Zhiyou would really jump off the bridge.

While the fall wouldn't kill him, it would leave him almost paralyzed.

After numerous failed treatments, Fang Zhiyou would go through a short period of inspiration, only to fall into deep depression and eventually die at the age of 27.

Speculation online suggested he most likely committed suicide.

And so Feng Qi had come—not only to prevent this tragedy but also to give Fang Zhiyou a platform to showcase his talents.

Looking at Fang Zhiyou's bewildered expression, Feng Qi smiled and said:

"The best way to get back at your rivals isn't by ending your life. If they hear about your suicide, they'll just laugh at your naivety. But I know a way you can make them regret it."

"What way?" Fang Zhiyou asked immediately.

"Become so good that they can only look up to you."

Feng Qi's infectious smile lit a spark in Fang Zhiyou's heart.

"What should I do?"

"Buy me a late-night snack, and I'll teach you."

After hesitating for a few seconds, Fang Zhiyou climbed down from the bridge, stood in front of Feng Qi, and said:

"Alright, I'll treat you."