The Game of Life

Jiang Feng continued browsing the forum.

Most of the story-weaving posts weren’t updated anymore, for two reasons: lack of popularity, and the protagonists of the stories had been eliminated, rendering the continuation unnecessary. Posts like Wang Hao’s, spinning an outlandish tale with elements fused from various thrilling novels and the protagonist yet not eliminated, were unique. Jiang Feng even saw a thread exclusively dedicated to analyzing who the male lead in “My Roommate Who Got the Pig’s Feet Script” actually was.

Fortunately, Wang Hao’s writing was bizarre and far-fetched enough that most people thought the poster was just making things up, the protagonist either already eliminated or never existing; the author was simply looking for a place to write fiction. Jiang Feng read these posts with relief, donning an alternate account to join the fray and steer the conversation.

“Yeah, yeah, I also think that the poster of that thread is just fabricating stories.”

‘Tm really looking forward to what the second round of the prelims will be like!”

“Do you think a rich sidekick of the protagonist will appear to clear away those who try to trip him up?”

After a series of clever manipulations, the direction of the thread was completely diverted, turning from analysis to a discussion on potential plots. During the time Jiang Feng was scheming to set the rhythm, numerous contestants had trickled into the lounge, many directly eliminated. About thirty people remained here; the competition had already been going on for over fifty minutes. Jiang Feng had no idea how many contestants were still competing, but considering so much time had passed, whether the remaining participants could secure eight or more red cards depended on just how much the ten ordinary judges could eat.

The newly arrived had mostly eight red cards, only three people had nine, and none had ten.

Wu Minqi, the ten-card honcho, was all along intently watching the TV, oblivious to what was happening outside and barely moving at all.

The lounge was very quiet; without social butterflies like Zhang Luyu, there wasn’t much interaction among the contestants. Apart from Jiang Feng and Wu Minqi, no one was seated together, with at least one seat separating each person.

Jiang Feng could even read the huge “DON’T YOU DARE BOTHER ME” written on their faces.

“Sigh,” Jiang Feng heaved a deep sigh.

He actually wanted to watch that domineering CEO romance drama, but he didn’t have a VIP pass, so he could only endure.

The drama updated two episodes at midnight every day, and last night’s plot left off exactly when the female lead was confessed to by a male colleague from her own company, only to be caught on the spot by the domineering CEO male lead. A brewing storm was coming, and the screenwriter’s break at this cliffhanger was perfect.

“You, troubled by something?” Wu Minqi, having finished watching the TV drama, tilted her head to ask.

“No, I was just thinking about the plot of a drama I saw yesterday. I want to know how the male and female leads ended up,” Jiang Feng found it embarrassing to admit that he, a grown man, secretly enjoyed watching saccharine and melodramatic CEO romances behind closed doors.

“Mr. Zou gets drunk late at night and is photographed by a third-rate female model stirring up a scandal, a bloody mess,” Wu Minqi said.

Jiang Feng: (O)))

“I have VIP, do you want to watch on my phone?”

“…Yes, thank you.”

“Actually, I only watch it with Ji Yue when I’m free. I don’t really watch this kind of drama, it’s just that I’m too bored now with nothing else to do,” Jiang Feng tried desperately to flounder.

Wu Minqi quietly observed him.

Jiang Feng understood the meaning in her eyes.

Do you think I’d believe that?

After Jiang Feng finished an episode, there were still people who hadn’t completed their contest entries. People in the lounge started to get impatient, constantly going out to look at the competition area from afar while incessantly complaining.

“What’s going on, how many people are left?”

“Can’t see clearly, looks like about a dozen.”

“Come on, it’s almost been an hour and a half, right? What’s the point of dragging out these last few minutes?”

There were now a total of 34 contestants in the lounge, and everyone was clear that a few minutes remained before the competition ended. Those left on the field were certainly out of luck, and the 16 advancing contestants would be born from their midst. It was just that they were too wound up at the moment and needed an excuse to vent and complain.

Three minutes left.

The restless contestants in the lounge could no longer sit still and began pacing back and forth anxiously; those who were seated were also tense. “Hey, can you stop pacing around? Your movement in front of me is so annoying!” A woman who looked to be about 25 or 26 years old snapped first. “Big sister, your annoyance is your problem, why blame me?” The 20-year-old young man she addressed now also had a short temper.

“Who are you calling big sister? Can’t you speak properly?”

“I think it’s you who can’t speak properly. You snap at people for no reason, have I offended you in any way?”

The two were on the verge of arguing when they heard the sound of the microphone.

“The time for the competition has ended. Could those who have not yet completed their tasks please stop and leave the venue? We regret to inform you that you have been eliminated.”

The air in the resting area seemed to be sucked out in an instant; the two who were about to quarrel were both choked up and suddenly went quiet. Those who were anxiously pacing around found places to sit, though their restless hands and constantly moving feet revealed their tension. Judging by their expressions alone, everyone appeared calm.

Jiang Feng was genuinely calm; he couldn’t care less about the competition scores at the moment. He was quite confident that advancing to the next round was almost certain for him. His only concern now was how that stupid screenwriter was going to develop the plot next; he felt as uncomfortable as a cat’s paw scratching his heart for not having seen the last episode.

Wu Minqi, as the only contestant to have received 10 red cards in the competition, emitted the aura of a grandmaster at all times. With an expressionless face, and taciturn, she remained very composed, not the least bit flustered.

A staff member came by with a smile and said, “Contestants, please join me in returning to the competition area where we will announce the list of those advancing and their scores.”

By this time, the number of onlookers had grown since the competition results were about to be announced. For the audience who barely understood the contestants’ operations, this was the main event. They perked up, eyeing the staff and contestants intently.

“After a tense, fierce, and long competition, the slots for advancement from this round will now be revealed. I’ll repeat, the competition has been exclusively live-streamed by a certain platform, and all seasonings were exclusively sponsored by Good Taste,” the staff member never forgot their original intention to promote.

“The 16 contestants advancing this round will become part of the national top

32 and will compete for the ultimate championship with contestants from three other regions starting in April. At that time, you can support your favorite contestants by giving them calls and likes through the WeChat official account. The contestant with the highest votes will win a yearlong endorsement deal for Good Taste soy sauce!”

“Whoa-” The onlookers were impressed yet somewhat clueless.

“Alright, now I will announce the list of those who have advanced.” “Number 39, Wu Minqi: 9.3 points; number 78, Chu Peng: 8.9 points; number

13, Jiang Feng: 8.8 points; number 66, Duan Zhiming: 8.5 points…”

“Number 112, Zhang Xi: 7.6 points; these are the contestants advancing to the national top 32. Our staff will contact you by phone for the subsequent competitions. All the completed entries have been placed in heat preservation boxes for the audience to taste. If there are no objections from the contestants, you may now leave the venue.”

At once, the 34 contestants either rejoiced or were sorrowful. A girl who seemed only to be in high school squealed as she ran towards the exit and plunged into the crowd to hug her mother who had come with her, excitedly shouting, “Mom, mom, I’ve advanced, I’m going to be on TV! I’m going to be on TV.”

“Bro, not bad, top 32 in the nation!”

“Son, well done!”

“Husband, it’s okay, losing is losing. There are only 32 spots nationwide; the neighbors all say our shop does a good job, that’s what matters.”

“Stop sulking. You’re a grown man, and your daughter is watching; aren’t you afraid of being laughed at by her?”

Jiang Feng and Wu Minqi exchanged a silent look.

It seemed like they were the only two without any company…

“Let’s go; it’s almost eleven, and Mr. Jiang will be swamped soon,” Wu Minqi said.

“Let’s go, let’s go.” Jiang Feng followed Wu Minqi.

“By the way, will your family come for the competition in April?” Jiang Feng asked.

“If I make it to the top 4, my mom might come to have a look. Why do you ask?” Wu Minqi inquired.

“I was thinking maybe we should form a cheer squad to cheer us on; we could make it a Chess Club activity. After all, we’re close to forty people strong!”