In the second year of Jiang Ruotang’s overseas studies, Shan Hai Century launched its public beta—and it was an unprecedented success. Whether it was the surge of users or the explosive revenue, everything far exceeded investors’ expectations.

The diverse appearances and skill sets of the Shanhai beasts and deities provided players with endless choices and a sense of exploration. In just a quarter and a half, the game had recouped all its initial investment. The speed of profit was so impressive that even the seasoned Mu family clicked their tongues in amazement, once again praising Jiang Ruotang’s sharp investment foresight.

Cai Ji hadn’t even graduated from university yet, but he was already being headhunted by major game studios as a top-tier talent. In the end, Shan Hai Century kept him with a generous salary and the position of Deputy Technical Director.

Thanks to Shan Hai Century‘s rapid dominance in the domestic market—and its growing influence across Southeast Asia—while the Daol Group’s Kingdom Legends still hadn’t cleared domestic approvals, by the time it finally launched, Shan Hai Century had already firmly secured the top spot in the gaming world. Kingdom Legends naturally became a follower, and its Westernized aesthetics and overly simplistic skills failed to capture players’ interest. It no longer rose to become the industry juggernaut it had been in the previous life.

Because of all this, Cai Ji became a campus sensation and was even interviewed by the national broadcaster.

For many people, games had always seemed like an unserious pursuit. But Shan Hai Century successfully integrated native mythology into its design and earned wide recognition from the user base—this, too, was a kind of success.

Netizens joked that it was a good thing Shan Hai Century had “guarded the nation’s gates”—otherwise, gamers would’ve flocked to Kingdom Legends, and soon no one would know that Di Jun was the father of the sun and moon, or that the Queen Mother of the West was originally a goddess who presided over plague and punishment, or recognize legendary beasts like Jiuying and Feilian who represented natural forces.

Reportedly, even the Classic of Mountains and Seas and related illustrated books were selling out at bookstores.

The interview with Cai Ji was scheduled to air at 8 p.m. in China, which was 8 a.m. where Jiang Ruotang was.

He could have watched the replay, but Jiang Ruotang insisted on watching it live to support Cài Cài.

As soon as the alarm rang, Jiang Ruotang shot out of bed. Lu Guifan had already left for the lab, but breakfast was waiting on the table.

The sandwich had been soaked in egg and pan-fried, with ham browned in butter and juicy tomatoes layered inside. Every bite was a mouthful of satisfaction.

He took a sip of mixed vegetable and fruit juice and turned on the television, switching to the national channel.

After a short wait, the host of the interview program appeared, and then introduced Cai Ji. When the camera panned to him, Jiang Ruotang was stunned.

“That’s Cài Cài? Puberty really is magic!” Jiang exclaimed.

Cai Ji’s previously soft and youthful features had become sharp and mature. The short bangs that once fell over his forehead had been pushed back, revealing clear, determined eyes. He wore a plain business shirt and a dark tie, radiating a calm, confident aura.

It was a complete transformation from the once-timid Cai Ji who had waited quietly for affirmation from others.

Facing the host’s questions, Cai Ji spoke smoothly and humorously, making the host laugh again and again.

Jiang Ruotang had expected the interview to turn into the typical tale of student entrepreneurship—hard work, overcoming adversity, being misunderstood, and finally succeeding against all odds.

But Cai Ji simply smiled and said,
“I was just really lucky.”

Both the host and Jiang Ruotang were surprised that Cai Ji attributed his success to “luck.”

Curious, the host asked what exactly he meant by that.

Though the past had left scars on him, Cai Ji now had a strong and fulfilled heart.

He said that before his senior year in high school, he was just drifting through life, taking each day as it came. The host also noticed the faint scars peeking from the cuffs of his shirt.

“I lived like a walking corpse. I didn’t dare expect too much from life, because too much hope always led to disappointment—and once the disappointments piled up, I didn’t know how to keep living. I say I was lucky because… although he didn’t come riding on rainbow clouds, someone did reach out and hold on to me when I was about to give up on myself. He made me realize I hadn’t done anything wrong. He introduced me to many new friends. And ever since then, I had people who gave me strength.

“A lot of people already know this: in the early days of Shan Hai Century, we were almost bought out by a large corporation. At the time, more than 80% of our team was tempted. We were just a few college students—we had no way to secure investment, let alone launch a game. The future was unknown. But the buyout offer was very real, and very generous.”

“The future is uncertain, but immediate gains are tempting,” the host commented.

Cai Ji nodded. “I wanted to keep going. But when I told my friend about it, he immediately stood by me again. I’ve never had anyone believe in me so unreservedly. It was also him who did everything he could to help us keep our game alive.”

Cai Ji spoke simply, but the sincerity in his voice made the host take it seriously.

“Now, I want to be the same for others—to support and help those who are passionate, persistent, and innovative in this industry. I’ll be here, waiting for you all to arrive.”

The host was moved.
“When you were caught in the rain, someone held an umbrella for you. Now it’s your turn to hold one for others.”

“Hahaha! I may not be strong enough to hold an umbrella—but I’ve got the courage to run through the storm with everyone and never retreat!”

Due to Shan Hai Century‘s skyrocketing user base, the interview also achieved incredibly high viewership.

Before the show aired, everyone was curious what kind of genius could create such a game. Afterward, they all envied his friend.

Online discussions exploded. People started guessing who this mysterious “mentor” behind the gaming prodigy was.

Some even joked that Cai Ji’s friend was the true “Creator God”—that if not for him, Cai Ji wouldn’t have had the strength to stick with the game, and the world would’ve been left only with Kingdom Legends.

That evening, when Lu Guifan came home, Jiang Ruotang greeted him excitedly:
“You have no idea! Cài Cài is crazy handsome now! The little lamb turned into the alpha!”

While changing into slippers, Lu Guifan laughed. “Still a lamb, though.”

“Wrong—it’s the leader of the pack now!”

As he walked past, Lu Guifan dropped a kiss on Jiang Ruotang’s forehead.
“You’re not excited that the game is exploding or that your assets are about to soar—you’re more focused on how handsome Cai Ji’s become?”

Jiang Ruotang grinned and jumped on Lu Guifan’s back.
“According to Uncle Zheng’s predictions, my net worth might hit ten figures by the end of the year. And yet I sleep in every day, while you’re still laboring away in the lab. Don’t you ever want to wake me up when you get up in the morning?”

“I do want to wake you every morning… but who told you to always tire yourself out the night before?”

Jiang Ruotang blushed immediately.

Lu Guifan set him down on the sofa, and the two sat side by side.

“Don’t worry,” Lu Guifan said with a smile. “I’ve already convinced Professor Yang to return to China with me. A few of our top classmates are willing to come back too. With their abilities, they’d do just fine staying here—but this place will never truly feel like home. We’re always seen as outsiders. There’s no sense of identity, no belonging. In Western-led research teams, you have to expend double the effort just to maybe get into the core circle. Most of us are smarter, more diligent, and more responsible than them—so why should we stay here just to burn ourselves out lighting the way for others?”

Jiang Ruotang listened quietly, then hugged him and rubbed his cheek against Lu Guifan’s.
“I can’t help but imagine how dazzling all of you will be when you return home.”

Lu Guifan lowered his eyes and smiled, gently ruffling Jiang Ruotang’s hair.
“Just a little longer. We’ll keep learning, soak up all the experience we can—then we’ll wave goodbye and leave without a trace. Your art exhibit is tomorrow, right? Once it’s done, we’ll be just about ready to go.”

“Then can I invest in your renewable energy company?”

“If you invest in me, doesn’t that make you my boss? I recall that Little President Jiang doesn’t date employees.”

Jiang Ruotang rested his head on Lu Guifan’s lap, yanked on his collar, and pulled him down. Lu Guifan didn’t resist and kissed him.

“We’re a husband-husband business.”

“Don’t worry. With the patent income I’ve earned recently, plus Professor Yang’s assets, we’ve got enough to launch our company. Funding won’t be an issue.”

Jiang Ruotang laughed. “Alright, then I’ll be waiting to see you all break into the Fortune 500! No, scratch that—the top 100!”

Lu Guifan couldn’t help but laugh.