Tu Xiaolong stayed in Xi'an for a few more days to familiarize Tu Xiaolin with the surrounding. He introduced a few people to her who he thought were important for her survival at the place. On the day of departure Tu Xiaolong woke up early. He was planning to travel by train. Even Tu Xiaolin who had stayed with him for only a few days was reluctant to let him go. He didn't want them to accompany him to the train station because the parting would become more sorrowful.
"Can I use that computer of yours since you're leaving it here?"Tu Xiaolin requested.
"Yes you can."
After hugging Tu Xiaolin and bidding her farewell Tu Xiaolin went back inside and Tu Xiaolong was left talking to Mai Wenjun.
"My good grandson,now that you're going to the city always take care of yourself. I heard people in Beijing love eating fast foods..."
"So I should eat more homemade food,"Tu Xiaolong interrupted.
Tu Xiaolong had lived with her for so long that he could predict what her next statement will be.
"I will study hard not to let father down."
"I'm glad you know what you are supposed to do."
"By the way grandma, don't always scold Xiaolin like you always do to me. She's girl and she gets heartbroken easily. Spare her for my sake ."
"Aren't you the one scolding me now?"
"I didn't scold you I was only reminding you. Alright let me go or I'll be late."
"Remember to call me when you reach Beijing."
"Fine."
Tu Xiaolong embraced her one last time and walked away but suddenly stopped in his tracks and looked back at his grandmother who was sobbing quietly. He couldn't believe he was finally leaving the place he had called home for so many years. He was sad to leave Xi'an but he was happy he was going to the city of his dreams.
Tu Xiaolong's cousin who was Tu Xiaolin's elder brother was a third year student at the same university where Tu Xiaolong was supposed to join. Tu Xiaolong felt relieved knowing he had someone to rely on. When he arrived at Beijing,Tu Xiaoheng,his cousin came to pick him up.
The University was located in Haidian, Beijing. Tu Xiaoheng lived in one of the condominiums outside the campus. Tu Xiaolong had planned to stay at the boys' dorms inside the campus because he didn't want to disrupt his cousin's daily life but when Tu Xiaoheng invited him to live with him he was more than happy.
"You should take a rest first I will be back later,"Tu Xiaoheng said after settling down the guest.
"Where are you going?"
"Pixel Playground. It's a video gaming café near the campus."
"I slept in the train so I'm not tired at all. Let's go together,"Tu Xiaolong suggested and having agreed on that they left together.
The Pixel Playground was almost full with students busy playing videogames on computers. The vacant seats had probably been booked it was just that the owners hadn't shown up yet. People had to book for seats earlier so as to secure a spot otherwise you wouldn't get a chance to play games there. Tu Xiaolong and Tu Xiaoheng headed towards the spot where Tu Xiaoheng had booked but before they settled down,Tu Xiaoheng's phone rang. He went outside to pick up the call and only came back a few minutes later .
"It's Liu Fei. She's in Beijing I have to go see her."
"Liu Fei? Your online girlfriend?"
"Yes. You can use my spot I will see you later."
"Fine."
Tu Xiaoheng left hurriedly. Tu Xiaolong sat down and switched on the computer,logged into his account and began playing. A girl showed up in front of him a few minutes later. The girl was wearing a black jeans,a black hoodie and a black mask and large round glasses.
"Hi have you seen a tall guy with spiky hair who usually sits here?"the girl spoke in a gentle voice.
"He had an emergency to deal with so he won't be coming back."
"Why didn't he text me? I came all the way here for nothing."
"Are you the one who booked this seat next to me?"
"Yes."
"How about you play with me instead? I am Tu Xiaolong ,Tu Xiaoheng's cousin."
Tu Xiaolong thought the girl wasn't interested in interacting with him at all so he introduced himself maybe she would accept his suggestion because he was her friend's cousin.
"Fine. What game should we play?"the girl asked sitting down.
"The one you guys had planned to play."
"It's Dragon Duel."
"Fine let's play."
Within a minute they were all ready to start the game.
Dragon Duel was a popular game in the video gaming industry.
Its setting was in ancient China, where mystical dragons roamed. The objective was for players compete to tame and control a legendary dragon. The gameplay was turn-based strategy with resource management.
Rules:
In the Dragon Selection:
Each player chose a dragon from three types: Fire, Water, or Earth.Fire beats Earth, Earth beats Water, and Water beats Fire.
Resource Management:
Players collected resources likeJade, Silk, and Incense each turn.
Resources determined actions such as summoning, attacking, or defending.
Turn Sequence:
Players took turns:
Collect resources.
Perform actions (summon, attack, or defend).
Summoning:
Spending Jade to summon dragon units (basic, elite, or legendary).
Each dragon type had unique abilities.
Battle Rounds:
Players could attack or defend during battle rounds.
Attacking costs Silk; defending costs Incense.
Dragons fight based on their type advantages.
In the first round the girl (Fire) summoned the legendary "Emberclaw." Tu Xiaolong (Water) summoned the basic "Mistwing."Emberclaw's flames overwhelmed Mistwing, and the girl won in the first round.
"We can play another round if you want,"the girl commmented.
"Let's play."
Tu Xiaolong was determined to win in the second round.
For the second round,Tu Xiaolong sacrificed his Earth dragon, "Stonehide," to weaken Emberclaw.He then summoned the elite "Tidalcrest."
Tidalcrest doused Emberclaw's flames, and Tu Xiaolong won.
"You win,"the girl shut down his computer and stood up to leave.
"Wait!"Tu Xiaolong found himself speaking in a high voice that he became embarrassed. His heart was beating fast and there was extreme awkwardness between them.