Chapter 80: The School Beauty’s Arrival
by 公子于歌Chapter 80: The School Beauty's Arrival
"The Black Rose Campus" unexpectedly became a huge hit.
The data was very straightforward; the daily updates were exhilarating, but it didn't feel real to Ning Song because he had always been in the campus.
One day, Qiao Qiao told him, "You love games, right? I want to recommend a super popular mini-game to you. It's really fun!"
Ning Song was wondering what game could be more popular than his own. When he saw the game Qiao Qiao was playing, it turned out to be "The Black Rose Campus."
He realized that many of his classmates were also playing it.
Having everyone around him enthusiastically recommending the game he made was indeed a very novel experience.
Sheng Yan's recommendation was like lighting a fuse, providing an opportunity for the game to explode in popularity. Because of the campus theme, the game was especially well-received among students. Some liked its fun factor, some enjoyed its diverse storylines, and others appreciated its suspense.
When they initially created the game, due to limited funds and time, the art team they hired did not make the entire game visually stunning. Instead, they focused on hidden Easter eggs within the game. Players would suddenly uncover a dazzling Easter egg in an otherwise ordinary but intriguing scene, much like fireworks, creating a spectacular impact.
They never expected this decision to become the key to the game's success.
Everyone was competing to find hidden storylines and Easter eggs. The simple, ordinary visuals of the main game contrasted sharply with the brilliance of the Easter eggs, making the game even more unique and special.
Even Pu Yu was surprised by the game's popularity. The company received frequent good news. Previously, Pu Yu had struggled to secure investments, but now numerous investors were actively seeking partnerships. The game's revenue primarily came from advertisements, and ad prices had skyrocketed tenfold. Ning Song had signed a profit-sharing agreement, and although the earnings hadn't arrived yet, he felt that he would soon enter the middle class thanks to this game!
Soon after, many media outlets contacted him for interviews.
Giving interviews was part of their promotional efforts. Shark Fish Entertainment helped him select a traditional media outlet and a prominent online gaming blogger. The internet values timeliness, and the other party wanted to capitalize on the game's current popularity. They conducted the interview during the day, and the video was posted online the next day.
Their small group chat exploded.
Qiao Qiao: "Ning Song, you made this without telling me!"
Liu Fang: "Ning Song, you made this without telling me!"
Qiao Qiao: "Don't copy my message. I'm not joking; I'm really upset!"
Fan Duoduo: "Didn't you see the developer's name when you played the game? Brother Yu's company is listed there. I thought you knew!"
Qiao Qiao: "Did you know Aning made the game?"
Fan Duoduo: "No, I didn't... Ning Song, you made this without telling me?!"
Ning Song sent a flurry of embarrassed and sweating emojis, along with a bunch of red envelopes.
Their school forum also exploded.
"Is 'The Black Rose Campus' actually made by the school beauty? OMG, is this real?"
"The video is out, so it must be true."
"Wow, not just a gamer but a game developer too! The school beauty can code!"
"Coming from Lower Harbor as a special student, how many skills does he have?"
"I apologize for my past words and actions to Brother Ning!"
"I always said the man who captured Young Master Pu couldn't rely solely on looks!"
Jin Yang's friend forwarded the video to Jin Yang.
Jin Yang was engrossed in playing "The Black Rose Campus" and almost threw his phone after watching the video: "What the hell!"
Soon, netizens found out too.
"No wonder Sheng Yan promoted it on Facebook. The creator is that handsome friend of his!"
"How impressive for someone so young!"
Once netizens knew, their CP fans also found out.
The most premium student couple was born!
Gossip spreads quickly, and while some game fans unfollowed them, they attracted many die-hard fans. This number was enough to keep the game trending. Soon, more side stories were uncovered, and when a hidden Easter egg in the game went viral, their CP fans spread from niche circles to the trending topics.
This side story was quite hidden. As the protagonist approached the end of the game, they passed through a rose garden on campus. A player noticed a NPC wearing a T-shirt with a cat design carrying a fish tank with only water inside.
When the player interacted with this NPC, they discovered a hidden side story. The NPC needed to buy a fish for their fish tank.
When choosing the type of fish, various options appeared. If you chose the seemingly unreasonable mackerel instead of colorful goldfish, you would encounter a magnificent ocean scene and meet a cold and aloof Mackerel Prince. He wore a crown, transformed into a human, and had the best model in the game.
It seemed like a simple fairy tale, but the character model resembled Pu Yu, catching the attention of CP fans.
"Isn't this exactly like Young Master Pu's face?"
"It's at least 70-80% similar!"
"With mackerel, no need to think further!"
"You game developers sure know how to be romantic!"
The hashtag "Black Rose Campus Mackerel" climbed higher on the trending list. This unique romantic gesture between the couple left many people envious.
Pu Yu didn't even know Ning Song added this to the game. He wasn't playing it anymore, and if a player hadn't stumbled upon this side story, he might never have known.
Ning Song didn't expect anyone to complete this side story, given the multitude of NPCs.
It just goes to show how popular his game was and how much everyone loved uncovering hidden Easter eggs.
With it trending, he couldn't hide it anymore, so Ning Song confessed to his parents.
He certainly didn't act on impulse; he was very smart, choosing the perfect moment when his game became a huge hit. He first told them about making the game and then showed them the substantial amount in his bank account.
Taking advantage of their joy over how accomplished their son had become, Ning Song then explained how he made the game and how much help Pu Yu's company had given him, as well as how much effort Pu Yu had put in. After setting the stage, he came out to them.
Of course, he didn't come out casually. He had been testing the waters with his parents' views for some time. He was grateful for how open-minded the world was; Ning Wei and Liu Fen were far more upset about his early romance than the fact that it was with another man.
So, the couple still had significant concerns about Ning Song and Pu Yu, and they insisted on meeting Pu Yu.
Ning Song had no choice but to call Pu Yu.
Pu Yu arrived promptly.
Liu Fen and her husband were quite polite to Pu Yu because he looked well-behaved, considerate, and humble. His steady demeanor easily influenced others, making it hard for anyone to get angry at him. However, the couple still set strict rules for them.
They demanded that they only start dating officially after university and focus on their studies now, with no room for declining grades.
Unexpectedly, Pu Yu was very skilled at flattering his potential in-laws. He agreed with everything they said, not only promising but also strictly adhering to their demands.
"Winning the approval and affection of your parents is crucial," he told Ning Song. "This is one way I show my love for you."
Ning Song tried to seduce him but failed.
Pu Yu said, "I promised them."
Both Liu Fen and Pu Yu's mother had hinted that they should behave properly before adulthood. Pu Yu ignored his own mother but listened to Liu Fen.
But Ning Song didn't listen to his parents.
Pu Yu played his trump card: "Actually, my mom said something similar."
Ning Song fell silent.
It was a strange psychological phenomenon. Even though no one would know if he broke the rules secretly, he felt a deep respect and fear towards the other person's parents. Or perhaps, as Pu Yu said, gaining parental support was essential, another way of showing love.
In any case, he felt uneasy about disappointing the other person's parents.
*Black Rose Campus* became a massive hit, and Ning Song gained widespread recognition within the gaming community.
Receiving love letters regularly wasn't worth mentioning since he never read them, and Pu Yu trusted him completely.
Until one weekend, as Ning Song left school, everyone saw an Aston Martin following him.
At first, everyone thought it was Qin Yi, but later they found out it was a wealthy young man Ning Song met during a competition, who had come all the way to their school!
They stopped flaunting their relationship on Facebook because Liu Fen said they were students and shouldn't be too high-profile. Pu Yu listened to her.
But it seemed many people didn't know their relationship was stable!
Or maybe they knew but still wanted to cause trouble!
This was something Pu Yu couldn't tolerate.
Coincidentally, the school had hung celebratory banners for Ning Song, and Pu Yu took photos and posted them on his Facebook.
It was his first non-text post on Facebook.
CP fans celebrated tearfully: "My ship isn't sinking!"
Ning Song's academic performance improved significantly, and he kept winning competitions, earning numerous awards. Liu Fen and Ning Wei were very pleased and even invited Pu Yu to their home just before the New Year.
Strictly speaking, this was the first formal visit by Pu Yu after they came out.
And he was invited!
He had passed the trial period. Liu Fen and Ning Wei were very satisfied with him, finding Pu Yu to be a reliable and well-mannered young man despite his age, and they thought highly of him!
Their family, under Ning Song's urging, had bought a new house in the new bay area, which they finalized recently. They were moving things bit by bit to the new place.
Even though they only invited Pu Yu, Liu Fen and her husband prepared a large feast. Ning Song had told them that there were only four people and they wouldn't eat much, especially since Pu Yu didn't eat much.
But Liu Fen and her husband didn't listen.
They treated Pu Yu like a future son-in-law.
Liu Fen and Ning Wei took it very seriously.
Pu Yu was very considerate and ate a lot.
As the New Year approached, the weather was cold. After dinner, Liu Fen asked them to go to the bedroom to study.
Pu Yu deliberately left the bedroom door open.
Ning Song: "..."
How annoying; he couldn't even sneak a kiss.
Pu Yu was really good at ingratiating himself.
When he went to Pu Yu's house, they kissed for over an hour with the door closed.
Annoying, he learned from this. Next time, he'd do the same for Pu Yu's mother.
Pu Yu sat at the desk, looking composed. Their house didn't have heating, so Pu Yu wore a black down jacket with a dark blue sweater underneath, which Ning Song had picked out because he thought Pu Yu's clothes were mostly black, white, or gray, lacking vitality. Pu Yu listened to him and wore whatever he suggested.
The dark blue sweater made him look even paler.
Ning Song rested his chin on his hand, twirling a pen: "In a little over a month, Brother Yu will be a grown man."
Pu Yu paused, then asked Ning Song: "What gift do you want for your coming of age?"
Ning Song leaned in and whispered something into Pu Yu's ear. Pu Yu turned his head to glance outside the room; Liu Fen and the others were still busy in the kitchen.
Ning Song has grown a bit more now, his delicate jawline taking on sharper edges, making him look more handsome than the slender and striking beauty he used to be. "What do you think? Do you want it?"
Pu Yu said, "No."
Ning Song raised an eyebrow.
He didn't care whether Pu Yu wanted it or not; he was just informing him, not really asking for his opinion.
Pu Yu's eighteenth birthday is important, and not every couple gets to experience this moment together. He wanted to give Pu Yu a surprise that would make it unforgettable for a lifetime!
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