Which way to go is the road?

The news that "Shuiyunjian" internet cafe was offering free computer access spread like wildfire, instantly covering the social media feeds of nearby internet users.

The notice was given before 2 PM, and by 3 PM the place was already packed, with people still pouring in through the revolving door. When people arrived later and saw there were no seats, they went to the internet cafe waiting area to wait. In the end, all the tables and chairs were taken, and many people were still standing. The front desk and aisles were full of people.

Those who manage to get on the plane are even more extreme; their butts are glued to their seats, and once they get on, they don't get off. They only leave briefly when they need to use the restroom. In order to avoid going to the restroom even once, they can even go without eating or drinking!

"Are you saying these people would risk their lives just to get online?" Zhang Chu looked at the huge crowd and felt incredibly frustrated.

"Who said that? If there's a fire in this internet cafe," Xiang Fei said, then realized he was being a bit taboo and looked around before whispering, "These guys can run faster than you, faster than me, you believe it or not?"

"Then why do these people seem to have no regard for their lives online?"

These internet addicts stand, sit, walk around, or close their eyes and pretend to sleep... trying their best to patiently wait for an empty computer to appear, occasionally glancing at other internet addicts' computer game operations, maintaining a mental balance when their lives are unbalanced.

Looking at this diverse scene, Xiang Fei touched his cheek: "These people are too eager to make their lives exciting and interesting!"

"Brother, you're wrong, aren't you? If you want a vibrant and interesting life, standing here waiting to go online for hours on end is just too boring and monotonous! It contradicts what you said."

"But they have goals in their hearts. As soon as they have a computer, they become energetic and full of fun. Although their goals may not be lofty, they will enjoy whatever they do because they have goals!"

"Just waiting to go online, is that considered having a goal? I'd say it's better to go back to the dorm, play cards, and chat with a few friends!"

"Look, aren't some people leaving? When the waiting period for achieving a goal is too long, people will naturally choose again, but within a reasonable range, they will generally remain loyal to their primary goal!" Xiang Fei said, pointing to a few internet addicts who couldn't wait for the machine and turned to leave.

"Brother, what you're saying is too profound, I don't understand. Can we not talk like this? I'm exhausted!" Zhang Chu pleaded helplessly.

Xiang Fei shook his head, putting his next thought back into his mind: "What time is it?"

"Five o'clock!"

"I've got nothing to do, just sitting here bored! My mind's been wandering aimlessly. Can I borrow your computer for a bit? I want to have some fun and play a game!"

"Everything's gone, how are you going to play?"

"If I can't do the high-level challenge missions, can't I at least do the regular ones? Let's go catch a Shura!"

Seeing Xiang Fei's silly antics, Zhang Chu was very happy. He didn't care whether Xiang Fei played games or not, as long as he didn't take today's account theft too seriously. He happily handed over the computer to him!

Xiang Fei played the game as usual, but every now and then he would glance at the various online enthusiasts he had just seen and compare himself to them in his mind.

Is there a difference? No, if Xiang Fei weren't the internet cafe manager, and internet access weren't so cheap, he would be standing here waiting too. But it's also different; Xiang Fei is much more deeply involved, investing all his savings and taking on a year's worth of loans, making monthly payments every month. Those who are addicted to games are pitiful, but those who treat games as their life are pathetic. Xiang Fei clearly belongs to the latter.

While operating a computer game, Xiang Fei was lost in thought when a lunchbox suddenly flew in front of him, startling him. He turned to look and saw Bai Xue playfully winking at him.

"Why are you here so early?"

"Still early? It's 7 o'clock! Look how dark it is outside, the streetlights are all on!" Bai Xue pushed the lunchbox towards Xiang Fei, then magically produced a bottle of drink and placed it in front of him.

Bartender: "We ate out, and I brought you some fried pancakes, which you like."

"Did you bring some for Zhang Chu and Sister Luo Mei? They were so busy at noon and didn't eat well; they must be starving!"

"Yes, yes, we brought them all. We brought them for Xiangzi and Wang Haoming. I don't like Wang Haoming and even said I wouldn't bring them for him, but Lao You said it's better to be missing a piece than a person, so we brought them all! Dong Lu and Lao You will deliver Luo Mei and Zhang Chu's gifts, and Du Xinpeng will deliver Xiangzi and Wang Haoming's gifts! Everything is arranged, don't worry!"

"Who paid for it? I have to give him the money!"

"You really worry about a lot of things. We ate at the restaurant next door, and we were going to fight over who would pay, but the owner said Sister Luomei put it on the tab and refused to take any money from us!"

Xiang Fei stopped talking, opened his lunchbox and started eating, staring at the computer as he ate.

"What's so interesting about the computer? Hurry up and eat!" Bai Xue was a little angry when she saw Xiang Fei eating half-heartedly, and reached out to turn off the monitor.

Xiang Fei quickly stopped him: "No, no! This is the last one. Let's finish what we started. If I leave, it's not easy for the captain to find more people!"

"You're playing again? I thought you'd have to quit this game!" Bai Xue glanced at him sideways. "Come on, I'll take care of the last Shura for you! You just focus on your food!"

Xiang Fei was ushered to the side and quietly ate his fried pancakes, occasionally taking a sip of his drink. On such a cold day, the drink was as if it were ice-cold, refreshing and invigorating.

"oops!"

Bai Xue suddenly cried out in surprise, causing Xiang Fei to vomit out the drink and fried pancake he had just drunk, spraying them all over her.

Taking advantage of the fact that no one was watching, Xiang Fei quickly grabbed a tissue to wipe it off.

Bai Xue pushed his hand away: "If there's nothing wrong, Yifei, come and see!"

"What are you looking at?" Xiang Fei insisted on knocking the fried pancake off Bai Xue before looking in the direction Bai Xue pointed.

"Ah!" Xiang Fei was also surprised: "My stolen equipment has been returned?"

"No, look closely. This Lotus Silk Cloud Steps is level one, while the one that was stolen from you is level five. It's impossible to have a level five item stolen and then get a level one item in return, right?"

"Yeah! So what's going on? It couldn't have been given to us by capturing Shura, could it?"

"that is!"

Bai Xue, with a smug and excited expression, started dancing on the spot, her movements perfectly rhythmic despite the lack of musical accompaniment. Xiang Fei quickly checked the game system announcement, confirming this unbelievable yet undeniable fact.

The Lotus Silk Cloud-Walking Shoes are a divine weapon in the game. They are the same piece of equipment that Xiang Fei bought for over 10,000 yuan, but they are of a lower level and not worth that much money, yet they are enough to surprise everyone.

The news was like an atomic bomb, bombarding the entire group. Everyone rushed to the front to confirm the news and high-fived Xiang Fei in celebration, just like when they received the Super Guardian Yan Ruyu last time.

That's life. Misfortune may be a blessing in disguise, and a blessing may be a misfortune in disguise. Xiang Fei having this magical shoe doesn't mean he can turn his life around, but it makes people, including Xiang Fei himself, think he has the means to do so.