A Single Person's Infinite Wonderful Life

"Making this must take a lot of time, right? You can feel the care and love in every bite," Li Wei said.

The concept of intention is very mysterious. Even Li Wei found it difficult to explain what intention is. Some foods, even if they taste only average, can make diners feel the thoughts of the chef. This is very unscientific, but it does exist.

This box of cookies is something like that. Although the taste can't compare to the work of top professionals, Li Wei can feel Kato Megumi's mood—that unhurried yet slightly joyful feeling. Eating a cookie makes you want to smile involuntarily, and your heart feels warm.

"Megumi, to be honest, I regret bringing you into this game development department. I made the decision without consulting you first." Li Wei looked at Megumi Kato's expressionless face, which always gave off a soft and cute feeling, and spoke his true thoughts.

"Why do I say that? Everyone in the game development department is a nice person. Although I can't be of much help there, it's quite enjoyable to see everyone bickering and laughing," Kato Megumi said.

Kato Megumi has always been an overlooked presence. Before meeting Li Wei, she did not join any small groups, not because she did not want to, but because she could not. Her presence was so faint that it was difficult for people to notice her existence, making it easy for her to be ignored even if she wanted to talk to others.

Even in a convenience store, when she walks up to the clerk with something in her hand, the clerk easily ignores her presence. This is true even for convenience store clerks who are supposed to keep a close eye on the store at all times, let alone ordinary students, who simply ignore her completely.

For her, the game development department was like an alternative haven. Although she couldn't be of much help, it was nice to lend a hand.

“Hui, have you thought about what you want to do in the future? The answer doesn’t have to be something like ‘bride.’ Be more specific and tell me what you most want to do,” Li Wei said.

Li Wei planned to find something for Kato Megumi to do. When people are idle, they tend to overthink and get stuck on trivial matters. But as long as they have something to do, no matter what it is, it can distract them.

Kato Megumi tilted her head slightly, looking at the classroom ceiling, lost in thought. This was a question she had never seriously considered before. Due to her physical condition, she rarely interacted with others; the people she spoke to most were her family. However, her sense of presence was extremely severe; even her family often didn't notice her presence, which troubled her greatly.

She kept thinking about one question: how could she increase her presence? Was it to dress prettier? She'd tried that, but it didn't work. Speak louder? Like the former, that didn't work either.

Having given up on such ideas, she drifted along, living an ordinary life without dreams or ups and downs in interpersonal relationships. She was like a ghost in the crowd, a commentator sitting in the audience, becoming increasingly alienated from the world.

“I think… I want to write something, or draw something. Although I have a problem with my own sense of self, I’ve tried, and the content I write and draw is not affected by my own physical condition.” Kato Megumi looked at Li Wei, her tone exceptionally serious.

“Painting requires a lot of talent and a long period of practice. In comparison, writing has a lower barrier to entry. Hui, you can try writing some short stories, and then write a novel after you’ve become proficient,” Li Wei said.

Kato Megumi nodded and said, "Then I'll have to ask Li Weijun for your guidance. I'm a complete novice in this area."

Li Wei smiled and said, "Everyone starts as a newcomer, including me. I believe you can write wonderful stories. If you have any questions about writing, feel free to ask me."

Chapter 45. Kato Megumi also wants to become a light novel writer.

Kato Megumi smiled, but the smile quickly disappeared. She sighed and said, "I don't know when my lack of a sense of self will be resolved. Maybe it will never be resolved. I will grow up eventually. I can't stay with my parents forever. I need to have a skill to support myself."

Kato Megumi felt a headache coming on when she thought about her current situation. Her severe lack of a sense of presence meant that she was unable to do most normal jobs.

Because of this, the only jobs suitable for her were those that didn't require frequent contact with others. She even practiced handicrafts for a while and earned some pocket money by doing handicraft work for others.

After developing a certain level of skill in handicrafts, she also did model making for others, including various modifications of robot models, weathering and painting of military models, and even more advanced clay sculptures. However, unfortunately, her skills were not up to the top in the industry, so she could only compete with the big names in price wars and obtain orders with relatively low prices.

However, the side effect of price wars is that the profit per piece is not very high, and as a main business, it takes too much time and effort.

That's why she considered changing her career path. If she could support herself through writing like Li Wei and Kasumigaoka Utaha, that would be the best thing ever.

Li Wei said, "Don't worry, I will do my best to teach you. But is your goal to become a traditional literature writer or a light novel writer? I need to prepare teaching materials, case studies, and various writing techniques according to your goal."

“A light novel writer will do. Traditional literature is too difficult for me. Only someone of your caliber, like Li Weijun and Shiyu-senpai, can enter that world,” Kato Megumi said.

Kato Megumi wasn't that confident in herself. After all, she had read light novels, and most of them were just so-so. She had a feeling that she could do it too.

However, traditional literature is different. Whether it is poetry or modern novels, the quality requirements are far higher than those for light novels, and the target audience is also completely different. Without much social experience and life experience, she would not be able to write such high-quality works.

Light novels are different. As long as you learn how to please the readers and how to tell a story in a fantasy style with a beginning and an end, you can surpass 70% of light novel authors on the market. That's why she had this idea.

Many people think that writing novels is a rather tedious task, sitting in front of a computer or desk for hours on end, racking their brains for that tiny bit of inspiration.

Perhaps writing novels is not an easy task, after all, it is a mental activity. But in Kato Megumi's opinion, it is still better than making model kits for others. Model kit making is dangerous, and the paint used for spraying is also bad for the body. Doing this job for a long time is not a good way out, at least for girls.

Li Wei said, "Traditional literature emphasizes realism, but people are always bound by various things, and I don't like that feeling. So, I want to create a powerful protagonist, a character that readers can pour their emotions into, sharing joy and sorrow, and growing together. But traditional literature limits this aspect. After all, the protagonists are all kinds of ordinary people who suffer hardships, even unbearable torment. Traditional literary stories are also about 'imperfect beauty,' which I don't like. I'm a very greedy person. When faced with a choice, I only want it all, and the protagonists I write about are also like that, absolutely loyal to their inner thoughts."

Kato Megumi nodded. She had also read traditional novels. Although traditional novels were very good, and their writing style and story pacing were far superior to the light novels commonly found on the market, there were just too many tragedies in them. After reading a few, she decided not to read any more traditional novels.

Li Wei was stating a fact: the biggest difference between traditional novels and light novels lies in the protagonist. Traditional novel protagonists are mostly ordinary people. While they may possess abilities superior to the average person in certain areas, they ultimately cannot change the world single-handedly. Light novel protagonists, however, are not subject to such limitations. They can grow freely and change tragedies and injustices, unlike traditional novel protagonists who, faced with societal pressure and the judgment of others, either succumb to defeat or self-destruct.

It is often said that the characters in a novel are a projection of the author's inner self. Kato Megumi wanted to create a powerful and perfect character, rather than having the character suffer greatly and ultimately end in tragedy.

Li Wei said, "I'll buy some of the best-selling light novels on the market these next few days. Hui, you can take a look at other authors' works first. You don't need to read them with a learning mindset; just follow the author's train of thought."

Kato Megumi nodded. She could feel Li Wei's concern for her. It is said that there is no love without a reason in the world, but Li Wei's kindness to her was real. She could feel that Li Wei had no ill intentions, which was why she was willing to ask Li Wei for help.

However, what Kato Megumi wouldn't know is that in Li Wei's mind, she's one of the most suitable anime female characters to be a wife. Don't be fooled by the fact that many anime female characters are called "wife" by otaku; if an otaku actually encountered those characters, they'd want to run away. Being beautiful is one thing, but having a terrible personality is another. A beautiful but difficult-to-get-along-with "vase" (a term for a pretty but unapproachable woman) is someone that only masochists would like.

Kato Megumi is gentle, kind, understanding, and has a strong ability to accept things. Why are there so many "Megumi fanatics" in the real world? Her popularity even surpassed that of the tsundere Sawamura Eriri and the senior Kasumigaoka Utaha at one point. It's because her gentleness is truly healing.

Faced with a girl like this, Li Wei would naturally retain considerable goodwill.

Chapter 46. Figuring out how to use the cheat code on your own

During the day, Li Wei sat in his seat doing his own thing. Although computers couldn't be used in the classroom, Li Wei also developed a new ability in his brain, which he called "preview".

The so-called rehearsal is to mentally go through what you will do in the real world beforehand. Using the rudimentary form of this ability to create preliminary sketches for drawing was an initial application of this ability.

Li Wei's brain is now like a giant memory system. He can create virtual "folders" in his mind to store special memories for easy retrieval. The combination of mental simulation and memory bank folders is the birth of his ability "rehearsal".

Li Wei sat in his seat, seemingly lost in thought, but in reality, he was typing and drawing in his mind. With multiple thought processes, he could do something beyond human capabilities.

Li Wei is currently juggling writing and drawing, constantly writing along a thought process, filling various contents into a special "document". Li Wei has created a special "folder" for his light novels, where all his works will be stored.

Another line of thought involves meticulous drawing.

Li Wei had contacted the paperback publisher, who were working overtime to typeset his work and prepare for printing. Li Wei, on the other hand, had to draw about nine to ten illustrations for the first volume—a workload that would be considered hellish for most illustrators. However, the cover for the first volume had already been confirmed to use the previous promotional artwork, which reduced Li Wei's workload somewhat.

The paperback publisher is preparing for the official release in ten days. They've already received the promotional artwork and are using it as a foundation for promoting the work. The work is already generating considerable buzz online. Even a broken ship has some nails, and considering it's from a top-tier paperback publisher that has fallen from grace, Shinazugawa Paperback still possesses considerable depth. With their full-fledged promotion, the online buzz they've generated is in no way inferior to that of top-tier paperback publishers.

Ten days means that, on average, Li Wei has to complete at least one illustration every day. If it's a typical cute style, the workload is still within an acceptable range for artists using digital painting. However, if it's a thick-painted style like promotional artwork, most artists have to work themselves to the bone to barely keep up with the schedule.

Li Wei, on the other hand, used his cheating ability to "pre-draw" the painting in his mind. Once back, he could simply draw the mental image directly – the most efficient method. On average, each painting only took about 40 minutes to transfer from his mind to reality, enough to make ordinary artists envious.

The special thing about "rehearsing" is that as long as your thinking speed can keep up, the efficiency of your brain's work can be as high as possible.

Although Li Wei's thinking speed is only about twice that of an average person, and even less than those top brain geniuses, he is no match for those monsters when it comes to computational tasks like quickly solving a Rubik's Cube.

But Li Wei has his own advantage, which is his ability to think in multiple directions. Li Wei can write a book with one hand, paint with the other, and sing at the same time. This kind of superhuman multitasking is something that others can do.

Li Wei opened three thought processes in one go: one for writing, one for drawing illustrations for novels, and one for drawing concept art for games.

After completing the work in his mind, he only needs to act as a pure copyist, maximizing his typing and drawing speed to save time for playing games or doing other things.

After school, Li Wei, Kato Megumi, and Aki Tomoya went to the activity room of the game production club. When the three arrived at the activity room, Kasumigaoka Utaha had already arrived and was taking her computer out of her computer bag.

Influenced by Li Wei, Kasumigaoka Utaha now uses an external mechanical keyboard for typing. Kasumigaoka Utaha's blue switch keyboard weighs more than five pounds, but considering that her Alienware laptop is already very heavy, this extra weight is nothing to worry about.

Some might wonder why Kasumigaoka Utaha, a light novel author, would use such a powerful toy. But if you look at the F drive of Kasumigaoka Utaha's computer, you'll understand. It's perfectly normal for a game-loving "dried fish girl" like her to use such a high-performance computer. The slight negative impact of the weight is negligible compared to the excellent gaming experience.

Li Wei sat down opposite Kasumigaoka Utaha and took out his own computer. Aki Tomoya found a corner by the window, took out his laptop, and began to ponder deeply.

Kato Megumi glanced around the atmosphere of the activities room, sat down just two seats away from Levi, took out her phone, and started browsing the internet. She didn't yet know what she was allowed to do, so she could openly slack off.

Kasumigaoka Utaha looked at Li Wei's slightly worn laptop and asked in confusion, "Li Wei-kun, how many years have you been using your computer?"

"It's been almost four years, nearly five years now," Li Wei said, typing rapidly on the keyboard without looking up. While typing, he also had Storm Player running, playing anime he had downloaded from anime video websites. That's the advantage of having multitasking ability—you can do several things at the same time.

“It’s about time this computer was replaced. After five years, its performance is starting to become outdated. It will probably struggle to run demanding games,” Kasumigaoka Utaha said.

"It's not just about being tired. I always play World of Warships on low settings. If I turn it to medium, it starts getting hot after a short while," Li Wei said.

Russian games are notoriously poorly optimized and extremely GPU-intensive. Li Wei often experiences severe lag after playing World of Warships for about an hour, forcing him to quit, clear the game cache, and then re-enter. It seems Russian games lack an automatic cache clearing function, a problem many players have reported, but the developers just can't seem to solve.

Kasumigaoka Utaha's Alienware laptop can run for hours on end without clearing the memory, but Levi's old friend has to log out and log back in every hour, which is the performance difference between the two.

"Li Wei, you're not short of money, haven't you ever thought about getting a new computer?" Kasumigaoka Utaha looked up at Li Wei, who was staring intently at the computer screen, and asked curiously.

"We'll replace it later; for now, we'll just have to make do," Li Wei said.

He plans to buy a new computer after returning to the real world. Dell laptops are available in Japan, but he will need to reinstall the system himself. The Japanese language system is not very convenient to use, and he still prefers the Chinese language system.

Chapter 47. Eriri's Shock

There was no internet in the activity room, so both Li Wei and Kasumigaoka Utaha were diligently writing. Li Wei was busy with the second volume of his new work, while Kasumigaoka Utaha was writing the setting. This time, she was going to try an urban fantasy battle style, which was different from romance light novels and involved a lot of battles. Therefore, she needed to finalize the power system in advance and set up various details to avoid power level inconsistencies while writing.

Although Li Wei was writing the second volume, he had already written half of the fourth volume in his mind. Moreover, as the plot unfolded, the world setting became more and more complete. He even drew a map in his mind to mark the territory and special locations of various forces.

The setup is quite complicated, but considering that we need to make a game later, the more detailed the setup is now, the smoother the game production process will be later.

The only thing limiting Li Wei's output speed now is his hand speed.

If programming weren't something so difficult to replicate mentally, Li Wei would have already started programming in his mind.

However, Li Wei believes that as long as he continues to develop this ability, one day he will be able to program in his mind.

"I'm sorry! I'm late!"

Eriri Sawamura's voice rang out from the doorway. At that moment, Eriri Sawamura was holding onto the door frame with one hand and resting her other hand on her knee, still panting heavily.

Li Wei saw Eriri and said, "Anyway, there's nothing to do right now, so it doesn't matter whether it's sooner or later."

“That’s different. Being late is wrong.” Eriri found a spot to put down her schoolbag, took out her drawing board, and took out various drawing tools.

Eriri possesses considerable talent, but her current abilities are also related to her own hard work. While her talent may not be top-tier, she works incredibly hard, practicing every day to maintain her skills. This is why she was able to shine during high school and be admitted to Tokyo Metropolitan University of the Arts early.

After unfolding her drawing board and brushes, Eriri Sawamura looked in Li Wei's direction, came to his side, and watched his hands fly across the mechanical keyboard. She asked curiously, "Li Wei-kun, don't you need to practice every day to maintain your feel for the game?"

Li Wei continued typing on the keyboard and said, "I already painted last night. For me, painting has become an instinct ingrained in my bones. Even if I don't pick up a paintbrush for a whole year, the moment I do, I'm at my peak."

"This is too much of a cheating!" Eriri Sawamura was startled by Li Wei's words. This kind of thing was simply a fantasy to her. Even the top painters at Tokyo University of the Arts had to pick up their pens frequently to ensure that their performance would not decline. Li Wei's words sounded like he was just bragging.

Li Wei didn't say anything. He minimized the small black room and then pointed to a picture on the desktop. The picture was the promotional poster he had found last night. As material to be used as a cover, Li Wei had put a lot of effort into this painting. Naturally, even just looking at the slideshow on the computer, a magnificent and grand feeling came over him.

Eriri stared at the young king sitting on the throne in the picture, his arrogance mixed with wisdom. She opened her mouth slightly, unable to speak for a long time.

She was truly awestruck by the painting. The layman sees the spectacle, but the expert sees the essence. As a painter herself, she recognized the painting's brilliance.

To the untrained eye, seeing this painting would only elicit a feeble "Holy crap!", but for Eriri, a professional in the field of painting, her inner thoughts at this moment were also... "Holy crap!"

Impasto style painting emphasizes hierarchy, with the main elements being meticulously detailed, while other areas are often blurred or simply rendered to avoid drawing too much attention.