Chapter 43


    The awards ceremony for the Game Department Science Fiction contest will be held at the Game Department HQ in Shanghai.


    More specifically, the conference hall of the main building, which happens to be in the Capital City.


    Although it was called a ceremony, it sure didnt actually feel like one.


    It was held on National Day, but the building was still bustling with people, Chen Xu couldnt tell if they were actual staff or contractors.


    There was none of the grandeur one would expect from a film or television award ceremony, no beautiful backdrops were constructed, and a lot of the staff were using their phones to take pictures and samples.


    And at the entrance of the building, journalists from gaming media outlets were camped out with signs and cameras, reporting on the event but not yeting forward for interviews.


    This was because the event had yet to begin, and the gaming press was only allowed inside after the event was already underway.


    The whole affair was simple and direct, with no frills attached. And Chen Xu, who was attending such an event for the first time, found it all very novel.


    He arrived on site at 1:30am, half an hour before it began. A staff member came to greet him and guided him into arge conference room, decorated in reds, browns and whites.


    There was a long horizontal table with chairs arranged on both sides. A podium with the national emblem was connected to the table, and twoicallyrge national gs were hung in its nks. Chen Xu held back a wry smile, since when did this be an international event?


    He swept his gaze across the seats, many were already upied. There were little stic signs with the names andpanies of various game designers put in front of each seat.


    Soon, Chen Xu found his designated seat and made himselffortable. He turned to greet the person sitting next to him out of an ingrained sense of politeness.


    Are you Chen Xu? To the Moon was an amazing experience. It really deserves the top spot. Meng Zuo shook Chen Xus hand, he had a smile on his face but his heart was veryplicated.


    Was he reluctant to offer his praise?


    Yes.


    But it couldnt be helped. In his heart was not hatred, but a mix of envy and admiration. After all, he too had yed the game, and he too was deeply moved.


    Senior Meng? Charmed to make your acquaintance. I also enjoyed Gctic Heroes very much, especially the level design in Chapter 3, it was quite outstanding.


    Chen Xu gavepliments after ncing at the namete from the corner of his eye, hoping not to get the other partys name wrong. He extended his right hand with a smile.


    Bah, its nothingpared to the storytelling in To the Moon, not to mention your Undertale. I think that one was even more amazing. Meng Zuo shook Chen Xus hand and began to speak subconsciously. But wait


    Why was this scenario so familiar to him?


    It seemed to be exactly the scene he had imagined a month ago!


    But there seems to be something wrong regarding the protagonist and the supporting cast


    Meng Zuo let go and fell into silent contemtion.


    Chen Xu took this as a sign of an introverts social battery requiring to cool down, and he felt Meng Zuo was a kindred soul. He too, quieted down infortable silence, happy to meet someone he could get along with.


    Chen Xu did not realize that he had identally caused significant psychic damage to a young designers mind.


    Some other designers noticed the small chat and came over to speak to Chen Xu, and it was surprising to him, because many were already well-known and very enthusiastic.


    After a while, Chen Xu figured it out.


    These people, even though they didnt know him personally, they all had one thing inmon. That is, they had all been ripped apart by Zhong Mei in the past.


    Among them, many either missed the chance for a good rebuttal or had no good public response to give.


    None of them had witnessed such a glorious frontal assault like Chen Xu before. They felt like a damsel watching a heroic knight trample over a hated cretin. It was a cathartic experience.


    Although some feelings of envy towards such a sessful young designer was inevitable, there was no point in holding grudges now that the winner was clearly decided.


    Besides, connections were always important, having one more friend is like one more new path being opened for the future.


    Chen Xus phone was now filled with the contacts of a bunch of game designers, and he was also added into several smallmunication groups and chat rooms.


    Soon, one of the heads of the Games Department made his appearance in the conference room.


    Chen Xu recognized his face, he recognized the faces of all the heads. There would be opportunities to make deals with them in the future, and he wanted to be prepared.


    The award ceremony officially began. Yang Chen, the current director of the Games Department, took to the podium to give his speech. He was a middle-aged man in his fifties. Tall, thin, and sporting a pair of gold-rimmed sses. The very picture of a traditional intellectual.


    The content of the speech was also, suitably traditional and formal.


    Even after the speech was over, and the award ceremonymenced, Yang Chen continued speaking in his solemn tone, not showing the slightest hint of excitement.


    Despite that, the atmosphere in the room was good. The designers were having fun in spite of the somber host. Or maybe the whole thing was made funnier because of his presence.


    Amidst the apuse, Chen Xu walked forward with a smile.


    He was handed his prizes; Arge certificate ced in an embroidered holder, an elegantmemorative medal, and a customized red notebook with the printed logos of the Games Department and his own Neb Gamespany.


    The next step was to give a speech of his own, addressing the crowd and expressing gratitude for the victory. Chen Xu had alreadye prepared by copying the eptance speech fromst years contest winner and making modifications as needed.


    Whether he would get any bacsh from thister, he genuinely didnt care. It was just a minor matter.


    Thank you to all the leaders for taking their time to organize this event. I am honored to achieve first ce in thispetition. I am humbled to be standing here at this moment


    After Chen Xus speech, the audience burst into apuse, but Meng Zuo, who was positioned near Chen Xu again, had a strange expression on his face.


    Why was this eptance speech so simr to the one he wrotest year?


    When all the winners finished their speeches on the stage, and thest photoshoots were done, the event grew to a close.


    As the game designers were leaving the facility, the reporters waiting outside finally made their move, moving forward and surrounding them one by one.


    Of course, the main targets were Chen Xu and Meng Zuo, as they were the names being brought up the most in the heated discussions leading up to the event.


    [ Mr Chen, what are your thoughts on winning first ce in this yearspetition ? ]


    [ Mr Chen, do you have any announcements regarding new projects at this time? ]


    [ Mr Chen, will yourpany continue to focus on games like To the Moon in the future? ]


    The group of reporters came up to him with various questions.


    But they were simple, reserved questions. After all, this was not an exclusive interview. If Chen Xu answers, everyone here will be able to publish it, all that mattered was speed.


    I have to say, it was a very unexpected and pleasant surprise. Didnt think the leaders would be so optimistic about To the Moon. At the same time, I feel some pressure. It would be embarrassing to release something of lesser quality than your previous work, after all. I will work hard to do more in the future, and continue contributing to the gaming industry


    Listening to his obviously prepared answer, the surrounding media were somewhat depressed.


    Youre supposed to be a hot-blooded, young designer right? You responded so magnificently when Zhong Mei provoked you, why are you giving us such a boring response now?


    Thats some.


    But Chen Xus next words soon made them even more depressed.


    As for my next project, I have no idea. I cant say if it will be a heartwarming game, but I do personally prefer to make those types. After all, Ive always considered myself to be a warrior of love. So lets do it!<ul data-sharing-events-added="true">


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