Chapter 33 There's only one person in the family who's addicted to games...
Ji Zhi Qiu had a clear understanding of himself. He couldn't guarantee that he was smart, but he was very confident in his physical strength. He had an exceptionally good physique and a fast reaction speed.
This time, however, he stumbled. He had been able to complete the previous levels smoothly and even broke records, but at the end, he was repeatedly hit by a flying hammer within the first five seconds of the game, driving him crazy by the end.
He couldn't help but question the meaning of life. Those who play games know that the way to question life is to question the life of the game planner.
Ji Zhi Qiu opened the forum, wrote a friendly essay of more than 500 words, and felt refreshed the moment he clicked send.
He glanced around and discovered that the planner's life was already riddled with problems because too many people were criticizing him.
[I am a female warrior: What were you thinking, game planner? The obstacles are so close together! I jumped off the platform and was instantly killed! What kind of gaming experience is this?!]
[Zaun's No. 1: Who understands? I've played the game over ten times, and my longest game time is only three seconds of that feeling of redemption. (smiling emoji)]
[Poetry and Distant Places: The gaming blogger I follow is a retired professional gamer. He can't even last ten seconds in this awesome game, so how do you possibly beat it?!]
[Let anyone try making me work overtime again: This game is designed for one to four players, and the levels were previously set up for single-player difficulty. I saw an interview before where the game planner, for some reason, said he wanted to improve cooperation and participation, so he set up this level for four players. When he said this, he was teary-eyed, but only he was moved.]
Upon seeing this comment, Ji Zhi Qiu suddenly realized something. He started the game again and discovered that the giant hammer he couldn't dodge was a level that others could control. As long as he had someone else playing with him, he could easily dodge it.
Ji Zhi Qiu's gaze swept around and landed on the little figure beside her.
Ji Yanyan, despite her young age, already knew how to enjoy life. She made a nest on the sofa with soft pillows, curled up in the middle, and held a book bigger than her face, reading it with great interest.
She would furrow her brows and wrinkle her face from time to time, but after she figured things out, she would become radiant with beauty and even hum a few times.
A few days ago, this would have been an unbelievable scene—Ji Yanyan had inexhaustible energy, jumping around the house and unable to stay quiet for even five minutes.
Ji Zhi Qiu glanced at the time thoughtfully and realized that it had been going on for more than half an hour.
He sidled up to her with a cheeky grin and asked, "What is Yan Yan doing?"
Ji Yanyan said without looking up, "Dad, I'm reading a book."
"Why has Yan Yan become so fond of reading?" Ji Zhi Qiu teased.
"This is my brother's homework, no, it's the homework assigned by Teacher Ji. I need to finish it before he gets home from school."
"Does Yan Yan like Teacher Ji very much?"
"like."
"Does Yan Yan like studying?"
"like."
Ji Yanyan's answer was without the slightest hesitation, and it was clear that she was sincere.
Why do you like it?
Ji Yanyan seemed to remember something, pursed her lips, and her eyebrows and eyes immediately became lively. She was incredibly smug, yet a little embarrassed. She snorted twice through her nose and turned away so that Ji Zhi Qiu wouldn't see her.
Ji Zhi Qiu couldn't help but chuckle, and didn't expose him.
Children can't sit still. At first, Ji Yanyan would also get distracted and slack off. He didn't dare to disobey his older brother, so he would act spoiled with his father, hug his legs and act cute, begging Ji Zhi Qiu to take him out.
Compared to before, Ji Yanyan has made great progress. Ji Zhi Qiu didn't want to go to the other extreme and force him to grow too fast, so he applied to Teacher Ji on his behalf, which allowed Ji Yanyan to go out for some fresh air.
There are many children in the neighborhood who haven't started kindergarten yet. Ji Yanyan is a social butterfly, and she always greets the little figure whenever she sees him.
The children got along well and chatted excitedly together. On a whim, Ji Zhi Qiu eavesdropped for a while and discovered that Ji Yan Yan was showing off what her brother had just taught her, and she did it quite well.
He immediately captivated the group of children whose average age was less than three years old. They all looked at Ji Yanyan with starry eyes and said "Ni hai" (awesome), "Hai hai" (awesome), and "Ni ni" (awesome) in their childish voices. The scene was just like a group of little kittens surrounding the middle, meowing happily.
The scene was very heartwarming, but there was always something to spoil the mood. The little boy in the building next door was three months older and was overnourished. He had a chubby face, fleshy arms, and unusually large fists.
He couldn't stand being ignored, so he had to pick a fight and provoke him. However, his pronunciation was very problematic, and he couldn't utter a complete sentence. But he still achieved his goal. Ji Yanyan had mastered the essential skills of a domineering protagonist without any instruction. He took a step forward, straightened his body, tidied his hair, and calmly but actually smugly uttered a bunch of rebuttals.
To Ji Zhi Qiu, these words were nothing more than meows with varying intonations, but they were very popular among three-year-olds. Most of them didn't understand them, but they were intimidated by Ji Yan Yan's imposing aura at that moment.
They surrounded Ji Yanyan even more affectionately. The children also expressed their affection by rubbing against him with their shoulders, holding his little hand, and secretly stuffing candy and toy cars into his pockets.
Ji Yanyan instantly became the most popular person. When he left, every child said goodbye to him with reluctance and made an appointment to play together again. Some of them even got into a fight over him, just because they wanted to talk to Ji Yanyan more.
Ji Yanyan was in a daze and remained unusually quiet the whole way back. She walked back with uneven steps and locked herself in her bedroom as soon as she got home.
Long Aotian didn't show off and get humiliated, just like the West doesn't have Jerusalem. After this experience, Ji Yanyan was elevated and found her life goals and direction.
Since then, he has studied even more diligently and would take the initiative to ask questions. Before going out each time, he would go through the knowledge his brother taught him from beginning to end, just like reciting lines.
After going outside, he imitated his older brother, keeping a serious face and puffing out his chest, as if he were being inspected and praised. He took care of himself from all sides, fully displaying his handsomeness, even if he was facing thin air.
He got several more opportunities to show off, became addicted to it, and therefore studied even harder.
Even though Ji Zhi Qiu was sitting in the living room playing a game with a controller, and the colorful screen was very eye-catching, Ji Yan Yan was not interested in it at all. Before Ji Zhi Qiu came over to talk to her, her eyes did not leave her textbook for a second.
Ji Yanyan noticed his mood and asked, "Why was Dad unhappy just now?"
Ji Zhi Qiu came to her senses, deliberately hummed twice, and buried her head in Ji Yan Yan's arms, "Daddy can't beat him, Daddy is sad."
Ji Yanyan tried to comfort him in the same way he had done before, but to Ji Zhi Qiu, it felt like she was looking for lice on his head, a very strong sense of déjà vu.
He raised his head, rubbed against her hard, and was about to continue playing the victim when he saw Ji Yanyan lose her balance and fall flat on her back on the sofa.
"..."
"..."
The two, one big and one small, looked at each other, and both felt a little awkward.
Ji Yanyan braced herself against the sofa, stood up with a thud, glanced at the screen a few times, and said, "Dad, stop playing and start studying. Everyone will like you that way."
Ji Zhi Qiu was nearly thirty years old and really didn't want to listen to any more advice to study, so he silently shrank back and picked up the controller again.
He hadn't originally intended to make a move on Ji Yanyan, but he was bored and frustrated because he couldn't get past the level, so he decided to do something stupid.
He then maintained the same posture, persevering and finally maintaining the record at eight seconds.
This is a huge step forward, but it's useless.
Ji Zhi Qiu covered her face and put down the controller, not caring at all.
It's just a game, if you can't beat it, you can't beat it, just try another game... Damn it, my fate is in my own hands, why can't I beat it! Heaven is unfair, I refuse to accept it! Fortune changes every thirty years, never underestimate a young person's potential!
Ji Zhi Qiu's eyes burned with fierce fire. He clenched his fists to encourage himself, and power surged through his body again.
Genetics is also a science. Ji Yanyan's "Dragon Aotian" genes didn't appear out of thin air. Since her other father is known to be mature and refined, it can only be inherited from...
Ji Zhi Qiu had no time to think about these things anymore and continued trying. Before she knew it, it was time for school to end.
After Ji Sicheng returned, he went into the study without saying a word. Ji Zishen washed his hands and went to the kitchen to cook, while Ji Zhiqi continued to work hard with the handle in hand.
After dinner, he sat down in front of the television with complete concentration.
Ji Zishen had his own old-fashioned mobile phone. Before going to bed, he came to find Ji Zhiqi: "Dad, my classmate just sent me a message. The homeroom teacher posted an announcement in the parents' group, but you are the only one who hasn't replied. He tagged you several times."
Ji Zhi Qiu then came to her senses, immediately picked up her phone, and opened the group announcement.
[Dear parents, with the internet so prevalent these days, I've noticed some students in the class are becoming addicted to games. They're inattentive in class and discussing things afterward, to the point where they don't even come back to their senses when I call roll. This is extremely harmful. Please take preventative measures and help your children grow up healthily.]
Ji Zhi Qiu: "..."
He opened the group chat with mixed feelings and found that his homeroom teacher had tagged him at least three times, but he hadn't replied, just like the announcement.
He scratched his head guiltily and immediately replied with an emoji he had received.
[Let another leaf grow: Teacher, my son Zishen is behaving very well and isn't interested in games.]
Yes, there's only one dad in the family who's hopelessly addicted to video games.
***
The three little villains in the family are all eccentric, and they don't like to open up or share their feelings.
Ji Zhi Qiu was worried that if some emotions were bottled up inside, they would fester into a monster, so she set a time for family activities every week, which everyone had to attend except when they were sick or had important business to attend to.
This has become a weekly celebration for the family members in the live stream, who stay up early to watch the live stream.
[It's here! It's finally here!]
Why are you still at home? Haven't you left yet?
Judging from the low visibility, it must be raining and we can't go out.
Oh, what a pity, I was hoping to see them play Ultraman vs. Monsters.
[I laughed so hard my stomach hurt last time. That wicked orange-headed guy has so many clever ideas. Sicheng is also very cute. *doge emoji*]
【!! Don't use dog emojis, this isn't Chengcheng's embarrassing moment, it's just an adorable instant. Chengcheng is the cutest baby, Auntie loves you!】
[Is the person upstairs blind? Yan Yan is clearly the cutest!]
[Who can resist a kid who can shop for groceries and cook? Zi Shen, fly high! Auntie will be there for you! Hahaha, are you guys crazy? Why are you starting a war between die-hard fans?]
Three kind-hearted orange-haired men sat in a row on the screen, but Ji Zhi Qiu was nowhere to be seen. After a while, the camera pointed at the TV, and another image appeared in the corner, showing their family of four.
Ji Zhi Qiu pressed the alarm, straightened his non-existent bow tie, and said quite formally, "Ahem, the first Game Experience Day is officially starting. This event aims to improve the father-son... Okay, don't glare at me so fiercely. I won't say anything more, let's get started."
Ji Zishen and Ji Sicheng then slowly turned their heads and started staring at the TV. Even with the orange-hair filter, their "willingness" was still evident.
After Ji Zhi Qiu finished explaining the rules, he pressed the start button, and the game screen immediately appeared.
It was their first time working together, and since only Ji Zhi Qiu was familiar with the game mechanics, they failed very quickly on their first attempt. But they were not discouraged and started a second attempt.
Ji Yanyan's small hands couldn't hold the controller properly, so she doubled as cheerleader and commentator, nervously shouting as she watched the game screen:
"Dad, get out of the way!"
"Brother, jump higher."
"Teacher Ji, what happened to you?"
"..."
Ji Sicheng stared at the screen in disbelief. As a genius, he simply couldn't accept that he was the worst player. His brain raced.
"I've figured out a strategy, listen to me." He spoke at length, concisely and to the point, with a strong sense of execution. Not only was Ji Zhi Qiu stunned, but everyone in the live stream was dumbfounded.
With Ji Sicheng's strategy, even though their cooperation was still somewhat unfamiliar and their operations had some flaws, they made significant progress, constantly setting new records. The competitive atmosphere was quite intense and very inspiring.
[I knew it! The game designers aren't human; the levels aren't designed for single-player difficulty. It takes three players working together to have a chance of clearing them.]
[Ugh, jealousy is making me unrecognizable! Why can't I find anyone to play games with?!]
[Great, I've given myself two gaming partners. It'll be even more fun with the four of us playing games together when Yan Yan gets a little older.]
Playing this game is like playing mahjong when you're missing three players. Even someone as socially awkward as me dared to call my middle school principal, who caught me dating, to come over and play with my parents. Who can refuse their own gaming partner? You can set the time whenever you want, and nobody can sneak away!
Everyone was drooling with envy; the live stream chat was overflowing with drool.
Ji Zhi Qiu and his team were getting better and better at cooperating and finding the joy of competition. They were all excited and focused on the screen. This time they were just a little short, but they were sure they could pass the level next time.
Ji Zhi Qiu took a deep breath, adjusted himself to his best state, and solemnly pressed the start button.
But at the same time, the alarm clock rang.
Alarm clocks are the most non-existent thing in the world. Ji Zhi Qiu had long since developed the good habit of ignoring them, but his two eldest sons stood up at the same time and ruthlessly put down the handle.
Ji Zhi Qiu: ? ? ?
He reached out to grab Ji Sicheng, who was closest to him: "Where are you going? We'll be able to clear the level soon. Don't you want to clear the level?"
"It's time for me to go study."
Ji Zhi Qiu tried to persuade him to stay: "Let's play another billion rounds."
Ji Sicheng wasn't bothered by it: "But the alarm has already rung. I'll definitely do it next time."
"..." Ji Zhi Qiu made a final struggle, "Don't you enjoy playing games? Is everything between us fake? Are your strategies, your smiles, your focused eyes all nonexistent?!"
Ji Sicheng was silent for a few seconds, then said, “Dad, I really don’t recommend you watch that TV series anymore. Your speaking style has changed. I’m afraid you’ll get beaten up if you talk like that outside.”
Ji Zhi Qiu blushed and quickly interrupted him, "Don't interrupt me, answer my question."
Look into my eyes!
Ji Sicheng's expression was extremely serious: "I am happy, but I am also very happy to learn Brittany. My happiness comes from a sense of accomplishment, and it is not limited to the medium. Games can help me relax for a while and get to my best state, but they do not give me any concrete gains, so I think I should stop now."
Ji Zhi Qiu: "..." But that's just human nature.
He wanted to argue, but when he met his son's righteous gaze, he silently shrank back.
The little villain is definitely not human, lol.
He could only mutter to himself, "I'm sorry for the offense, you should go and study now."
After saying that, he turned to look at his eldest son, his eyes filled with pity.
Ji Zishen felt that adults had an obligation to support the elderly and provide emotional support, but because he couldn't understand it, he couldn't help but speak the truth: "Adults are independent and self-reliant. Shouldn't they have strong self-discipline? This is also a sign of maturity. Are we all just old in age but not weaned in our thinking?"
Ji Zhi Qiu clutched his chest and slowly collapsed, quickly sending this great Buddha away.
The viewers in the live stream were also embarrassed.
Please stop yelling at me, I really know I was wrong.
【!! I made a plan yesterday to memorize English vocabulary an hour ago, and this scolding really woke me up. I'm outta here, everyone.】
[That wicked orange-headed boy's parenting skills are a bit too successful; his ancestral graves are constantly emitting auspicious smoke. I wonder if it'll choke his ancestors in the afterlife.]
Although what you said makes a lot of sense, I'll still choose to watch the live stream here.
[Ahem, I was on my way to memorize English vocabulary, sorry, I'm back.]
The lonely old father sat in the living room, with no one behind him. Even Ji Yanyan, who was very attached to him, ran away, wanting to repeat what he had just said and show off to the other children.
Ji Zhi Qiu remained silent for a long time. His image in the live stream was always optimistic, cheerful, and carefree. It was rare to see him sad. His family members in the live stream felt sorry for him and wanted to comfort him, but they found that the corners of Ji Zhi Qiu's mouth looked like he was doing sit-ups, sometimes rising and sometimes falling, which was quite contradictory.
[I get it, that evil orange-head guy's got something!]
What do you understand? Speak up, stop beating around the bush.
[This so-called "game experience day" is certainly very likely just the wicked Orange Head wanting gaming partners to play with him, but there are two deeper meanings as well.]
[Games and the internet can sometimes have a significant negative impact on children. Orange Head wanted to keep a close eye on his children and let them try games for the first time to gauge their attitudes towards them. Secondly, playing games with friends provides the strongest experience; playing alone often leads to a lack of interest. This was another layer of protection – playing together helps control the level of engagement.]
Wow, not everyone can be a good parent. It's just a game, yet they thought about so many layers of thought.
No wonder he was being attacked by his three sons, and he was alternating between crying and laughing.
[Your analyses are all very reasonable, but nobody else is like me? I'm so close to passing the level and even breaking the record, but I'm stuck here! It's so frustrating! I'm so frustrated!]
Ji Zhi Qiu was clearly in this mood. Without looking back, he rushed into the study and started playing another game, where he rampaged through the game and finally regained his inner peace.
Phew, still not enough.
Just then, my phone beeped.
[Yu Nian: Do you need someone to play games with you?]
[Let another leaf grow: *crying emoji*]
[Yu Nian: Isn't he with you?]
Ji Zhi Qiu was stunned. He didn't understand why the top fan on the fan page had such a strong obsession with him, always inexplicably bringing him up, when the minor villain had only helped him broadcast once.
But he was still very customer-oriented and continued to chat with me.
[Let it grow another leaf: No, he still has homework to do.]
[Yu Nian: Homework?]
[Let another leaf grow: Yes, it's really tough being a primary school student these days; even third graders have so much homework.]
[Let's grow another leaf: There's still some free time after finishing homework, but it's too much for a dad to drag his son to play games every day. It's enough to get him exposed online.]
There was complete silence on the other side. Only then did Ji Zhi Qiu realize that he had been unilaterally spewing black mud. He wanted to back down, but the time had already passed.
[Let another leaf grow: Sorry, I've said too much.]
[Yu Nian: No.]
[Yu Nian: I can stay with you.]
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