Chapter 11

 Chapter Eleven: So, What Kind of Tree Is This?

A slight twitch appeared at the corner of Liu Bo's mouth. If it weren't for the fact that they were in a classroom and not in the dormitory, he might have already started a righteous wrestling match with Zhao Haoyan.

Old Zhao set me up!

Sitting at the last row was perfectly safe, but no, he had to sit at the front row. Now, it has affected even him!

Could it be that Professor He is targeting Room 404?

It couldn't be that unlucky, could they?

Liu Bo had no choice but to stand up, steeling himself to answer, "Professor, I do have some understanding of this game."

He wasn't lying; he did have some understanding, albeit very limited.

He had just learned about this game from Lu Yixiao right before class.

Professor He nodded, "Alright, then can you tell me the significance of the transition between the third and fourth chapters of the game?"

Liu Bo was baffled. What on earth was he talking about? The transition between the third and fourth chapters? What was that?

He hadn't actually played the game himself; he had only heard about it from Lu Yixiao before class. But Lu Yixiao hadn't mentioned anything about the transition between the third and fourth chapters!

Liu Bo could only muster, "I'm sorry, Professor, I haven't really delved into that part."

Professor He's expression soured a bit, "So, what do you know about this game then?"

Liu Bo timidly replied, "I heard that the genius game developer behind this is from Jinghai, and he took inspiration from the stone bridges in the old town of Jinghai..."

Professor He looked exasperated, "Is that what you're focusing on? Is that the key point? Instead of delving into the work itself, you're more interested in who the creator is?"

"If regular players do that, it's understandable; curiosity is human nature. But you, as students majoring in game design, your first priority should be to thoroughly study the work itself! Do you understand?"

"Please have a seat."

Liu Bo was utterly embarrassed. Professor, this is so unfair!

When I discussed it with Lu Yixiao, we only talked about this! It was him who didn't focus on the game itself and was more interested in the creator, not me!

But he could only silently endure this ordeal, as he couldn't exactly tell Professor He that he hadn't actually played the game.

Professor He clearly wasn't satisfied with the answers from these two students as he continued to scan the room.

Lu Yixiao was seated to the right of Liu Bo, and when he noticed Professor He's gaze coming their way, he promptly raised his hand.

It seems like it's up to me to salvage the situation for Room 404!

Lu Yixiao remained quite confident. Not only had he completed "Zen," but he had also read numerous analysis materials online. Even if he couldn't provide a 100% accurate answer that matched Professor He's ideal response, he should still be able to give a reasonably good one.

However, Professor He's gaze simply passed over Lu Yixiao's raised hand and instead pointed to Lu Zhixing.

"This student, please share your thoughts."

Both Liu Bo and Lu Yixiao felt a sinking feeling.

Oh no, it looks like Room 404 is heading for disaster!

Who would have thought that the professor would intentionally bypass the most knowledgeable student, Lu Yixiao, and hit the other three who were completely unprepared?

As for Lu Zhixing, they obviously didn't have high hopes either because they knew he had spent the weekend helping out at his brother's internet cafe. When they discussed the game "Zen" earlier, Lu Zhixing had hardly chimed in and clearly hadn't delved into the game.

Lu Zhixing stood up, asking, "Professor, what would you like to know?"

Professor He seemed surprised, "Oh? Does this mean you can answer any question I ask? Impressive, young man."

"I won't change the question. Please answer the previous one: What is the significance of the transition between the third and fourth chapters?"

Liu Bo and Lu Yixiao couldn't help but become even more nervous. This professor was proving to be quite challenging!

In their view, Lu Zhixing's response, "What would you like to know?" was quite clever. They expected that this phrase would likely lead Professor He to change the question to something else, allowing Lu Zhixing to avoid answering the specific question about the transition between the third and fourth chapters, which he didn't understand.

They thought Professor He might switch to a question like, "What is the philosophical core of 'Zen'?" which could be easier to improvise.

But they hadn't anticipated that Professor He was a cunning fox who couldn't be fooled!

Danger, Room 404 was in danger!

The two of them brainstormed intensely from their seats below, but they had misunderstood Lu Zhixing's intentions entirely. He had casually asked the question.

"The transition between the third and fourth acts shifts the player's perspective to a large boulder on the mountain. After the boulder rolls down the mountain, it is chiseled into stone blocks and used to build a stone bridge.

"This transition connects the 'mountain' and 'bridge' chapters by using the 'stone block' element, making the transition between chapters more seamless.

"Furthermore, this is the first time 'people' appear in the game, implying a shift in focus from 'observing nature' to 'observing humanity.'"

Professor He seemed somewhat surprised, "Hmm? Very well done!"

Lu Zhixing thought to himself, of course, it's a no-brainer. I designed this game; how could I not know?

You can ask any question; if I can't answer, I'll admit defeat!

Professor He continued, "Now, tell me, what kind of tree is the tree in the second chapter?"

Lu Zhixing: "Uh?"

What the heck is the tree in the second chapter? What kind of question is that?

Lu Zhixing was stumped. He tried to recall the appearance of the tree, which was very clear in his mind, but the problem was, what kind of tree was it?

As a modern-day university student who wasn't diligent in plant identification, Lu Zhixing's knowledge of trees was limited to common ones like poplar, willow, pine, cypress, and banyan, but none of these seemed to match the description of the tree in question!

The tree's trunk wasn't particularly thick; otherwise, it wouldn't have swayed so much in the wind. As for its leaves, they appeared lush and green, somewhat resembling a tree species found in the southern regions.

But what was the name of this tree?

He genuinely didn't know.

"Sorry, Professor, I don't know," Lu Zhixing had no choice but to admit.

He was quite frustrated too. When he was given this tree in the game of life, there was never any mention of what species it was! How was he supposed to know?

Professor He chuckled, "See, you don't know, do you? That's why, as game designers, you must pay attention to details. Success often hides within the details.

"Students should learn more. This tree is a loquat tree. In ancient times, there was a famous article that mentioned: 'In the courtyard, there is a loquat tree, planted by my wife in the year of her death. Now, it stands tall and flourishing.'

"This is a piece of writing that reflects on a person and mourns their passing. It uses a simple and straightforward style and, through the loquat tree, evokes deep emotions, portraying the author's yearning for his deceased wife.

"This sentiment aligns perfectly with the spiritual core expressed in the game 'Zen.'

"The three levels of 'seeing oneself, seeing the world, and seeing all living things' conveyed by 'Zen' correspond precisely to the ancient aspiration of 'self-cultivation, family harmony, state governance, and world peace.' The loquat tree, as one of the scenes beloved by literati in ancient times, serves as a perfect vessel to emphasize the philosophical thoughts embedded in the game."

"Do you understand?" Professor He asked, and some students nodded vigorously, scribbling down notes in their notebooks.

Lu Zhixing, on the other hand, looked a bit dazed.

This works too?

He felt somewhat awkward and said, "Professor, isn't this a bit of an overinterpretation? Is it possible that the creator himself didn't really think about what kind of tree it was?"

Professor He seemed a bit displeased, "What are you saying? When the creator was making it, there must have been considerations about what kind of tree it would be. When it comes to the art design, the designers need to provide specific requirements!

"Is it meant to symbolize the sturdy and unyielding evergreens, or the noble character of plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum? There are certainly considerations!

"How could you just use any tree you come across without thinking?"

Lu Zhixing was at a loss for words.

Designers need to provide specific requirements?

...I never had that step; the material was directly sent to me by the plug-in.

Lu Zhixing wanted to say a few more words but decided against it.

Xu Jing's livestream recording was still trending on the video-sharing platform. If his identity were exposed, it would probably spread throughout the university like wildfire, and the Light Speed Society would die instantly...

"Well, Professor, you're right."

Lu Zhixing decided to adopt a more Zen attitude from today onwards. It would be beneficial for his mental and physical well-being and would help him maintain a normal image in the eyes of his classmates.

Professor He then smiled and said, "Well done. Young people should be able to admit their mistakes and learn from them.

"Remember, as game designers, we must pay attention to details, analyze the success of each work carefully, and not simply brush it off as luck.

"What's your name?"

"Lu Zhixing."

"Lu Zhixing? That's a good name.

"'Learning from books is shallow; applying it in practice is profound.' I hope you can be like your name, where knowing and doing go hand in hand. I'll remember you, and when it comes to the final exam, I'll give you an extra five points for your performance in class."

(TL Note: Lu Zhixing can be interpreted as "One who knows the way and acts accordingly" or "Someone who possesses wisdom and follows the path with the right actions.")

Hearing this, everyone's faces lit up with envy.

An extra five points for class participation!

In other courses, this might not be a big deal, but Professor He's class was different.

This course was foundational theory, the most important one throughout the first year, and it had a high failure rate.

Professor He was also the type of person who didn't follow the usual rules. His exam questions were unpredictable, and his grading could be influenced by personal preferences.

If he liked you, as long as you didn't hand in a blank paper, he could ensure you passed. But if he was dissatisfied with you, even if you scored 59, he wouldn't give you that extra 1 point as a favor.

Now, Lu Zhixing had earned the recognition of the professor, and it was highly likely he would receive a high grade in this course.

"Alright, that's about it for today's class," Professor He said, looking at the time; it was almost noon.

"Finally, I have an assignment for everyone."

His gaze swept across the entire lecture hall, and a meaningful smile appeared on his face.

"After class, each of you will independently complete a design concept proposal.

As for what kind of game to design, there are no restrictions on the theme or content, in short, everything is allowed. There is only one requirement: do your best to design it to be innovative and enjoyable."