The bell for class ending resounds, marking the start of recess. Liu Bin and a few friends hurry to the restroom and then gather to share game insights in their brief break.
"Dude, what's up with your computer? Seriously, it lags even on the biohazard mode, and it's not even CrossFire!" Guo Song stares at Liu Bin in disbelief. "Are you kidding? If it can't handle CF, that's one thing, but it can't even run Counter-Strike? That's just too much!"
Considering it's a browser-based shooter game, the system requirements aren't that demanding. Even with just 2GB of RAM, you should be able to play.
"So, cut the excuses about your specs. Admit it, are you just bad at the game? Is that why your scores are so tragic?"
"Come on, it's not just about the computer. I was disconnected for a full minute without being able to reconnect. What can I possibly do about that?"
Hearing Liu Bin's explanation, Guo Song sighs deeply, rubbing his face with both hands. "Seriously... if you can't play even that... I mean, what do you even use your computer for? How much did it cost?"
"That PC was a second-hand buy from a recycling station by my dad. As for its use... it's okay for browsing the web, and sometimes my dad plays card games on it."
Laughing, Guo Song scratches his head. "Then why are you even trying to play any shooter games? That's like the lowest-end of gaming already!"
"No wonder... if you managed to get to Silver rank in the ladder matches, that's actually pretty impressive!"
Although Guo Song, a seasoned gamer, hasn't experienced disconnects as severe as Liu Bin's, he's no stranger to the frustrations of 'accidental deaths' caused by lag.
As a tech-savvy and somewhat affluent player, he's dominated in the game world. Now, as he aims to achieve more and mentor newbies, he finds Liu Bin's inadequate hardware and poor network connectivity a challenge.
The bell rings again, urging everyone to hurry back as the next class is with the homeroom teacher. They all scramble to get their books ready.
Back at his seat, Guo Song pulls out his textbooks, his brain ticking over with information.
He's browsed countless forums and is well-versed in these kinds of issues—surely there's a solution somewhere?
As recess ends again, they reconvene to pick up where they left off.
"Hey, by the way, what network provider do you use? Is it China Telecom or China Unicom?"
"Uh, neither. It's some cheap local service; I can't even remember the name."
"No wonder you have such bad connectivity... Hey dude, did you know they're planning a beta server for the game?"
"A beta server? When was this announced on the official site?"
Liu Bin, always on top of official game news, is stunned by Guo Song's comment. Beta servers are not usually released so casually.
"Nah, it wasn't on the official site. Some guy on a forum mentioned it. Maybe you should try the beta server; the network might be better."
"Hmm, that might work. There are only two major servers right now, maybe a new one could match my network!"
"Got time tonight to try logging in? I heard the game environment is completely different there."
"A completely different game environment? Like new modes and gameplay?"
"Not just new gameplay, but loads of new weapons too. Interested in checking it out?"
"What about the costs? You know I won't spend money on this," Liu Bin says, always wary of in-game purchases.
"Here we go again... Look, no purchases allowed there. It's completely non-pay-to-win, might even work well with your internet. What do you say, tempted yet?"