Chapter 118: The Column

[“You Forced Me” Has Grown Up!]

As a longtime fan of the creator known as "You Forced Me," I have followed his works from "My Little World," "Spore Evolution," and "The Mystic," all the way to "The Cultivation Family."

Honestly, I have witnessed his growth step by step.

His method of deliberately stopping play with previous games tortured me endlessly.

Originally, I planned to wait until "The Cultivation Family" was officially released before playing.

But alas, humans are creatures who court disaster. In the end, I couldn’t resist the temptation and opened the demo version of "The Cultivation Family" to play.

The storyline and game design are excellent, allowing me to experience the joys and sorrows of being a parent.

Before this, I always thought my parents were too naggy, but after playing this game, I suddenly understood them.

This is a manifestation of a parent's love for their child.

Here, I sincerely thank the creator for making such a game for me to play.

Oh, and by the way...

I nearly forgot the most important thing!

This time, "You Forced Me" didn’t freeze the gameplay!

What does that mean?

It means the creator has been paying attention to our feedback and has made improvements.

Unlike some game designers who claim to have listened and will fix issues immediately, yet only remember to patch things two or three years later when the game is already failing.

One last thing to say:

"You Forced Me," you’re amazing!

——————

Morin Searching for Snow: Is it true? This time the creator didn't freeze the storyline at launch? Feels like a dream. Could it be he was threatened by fans with knives?

Dreams of Ten Worlds: I smell a conspiracy. I seriously suspect the OP is trying to trick us waiting players into the game to get slaughtered.

Permission Denied: "The Cultivation Family" really has no storyline freeze. The creator truly made a change for us [touched].jpg

Why Can’t I Change My Name: Indeed, I feel this game contains the creator’s philosophy. I guess his purpose is to use games to awaken people.

I Love You Most in My Dreams: ? Why do I feel like the game you all played is different? Isn’t this supposed to be a silly game? Maybe I’m playing it wrong?

DDFFAAZ: @I Love You Most in My Dreams, that only means you’re seeing it too superficially. Every game by "You Forced Me" is worth deep reflection.

Unknown Soldier #2: @DDFFAAZ, what deep meanings are there? Can you DM me?

...

——————

[Starry Sky Nomads Will Interview the Designer of "The Cultivation Family" One-on-One!]

Hello, everyone, I’m Ade, the editor for Starry Sky Nomads. I noticed "You Forced Me" back when he made "The Mystic."

Originally, I planned to interview him about applying consciousness-blocking technology in games.

But to my surprise, before I could even contact him, "You Forced Me" released a new game.

And this time, the quality is surprisingly high. From the rumor mill in the comments, I learned that many troubled families have improved because of "The Cultivation Family."

I’m currently trying to coordinate with his PR team. Hopefully, next week you’ll get to meet the ‘live’ creator.

——————

WLID: Starry Sky Nomads! Damn! This is the biggest virtual game review platform in the entire Summer Hua Star Region. "You Forced Me" really nailed it this time.

Little Corn: Looking forward to it! I want to know how the creator comes up with these games.

Bored: I was going to send him a blade, but since "The Cultivation Family" was updated on time, I’ll ask for his address when interviewed. I want to send a professional masseuse to help him relax—updating games so frequently must be exhausting.

The Coolest Guy on This Street: Will the creator crossdress then? He definitely will, right? [Excited].jpg

...

————————

“...”

Yin Jian smiled slightly as he finished reading the comments.

The players are so adorable—except for a few perverts wanting him to wear dresses.

A six-foot-tall man in girls’ clothes? That’s absurd.

Obviously ridiculous.

So Yin Jian decisively muted those players who wanted to see him in skirts for one day, hoping they’d reflect on themselves.

After that, he closed the backend of "The Cultivation Family."

He planned to continue seeking inspiration on the Qiyou platform.

However, just as he prepared to close the game assistant’s backend, he noticed an unread message in the notification box.

“When was this sent?”

Yin Jian raised an eyebrow, clicked in to see who it was.

“Qingzhu?”

Seeing it was from Qingzhu, his expression grew serious.

He cautiously opened the message.

He feared it might be news of his game failing the promotion check.

But clearly, he was overthinking.

——————

Qingzhu’s message was not about the game’s promotion failure but...

Qingzhu: Starry Sky Nomads wants to do an interview with you. The fee is 100,000 yuan. Just say a few words and answer some questions.

Qingzhu: Their traffic is huge, which will help promote your game.

“Someone actually wants to interview me?”

Yin Jian was surprised. He had thought that comment was a prank by players, but it turned out to be real.

He stroked his chin thoughtfully and asked Qingzhu:

You Forced Me: Can I avoid showing my face? Or just do voice only?

Originally, he wanted to refuse outright. But thinking about his grand 500 billion-yuan goal still being far off, and the current lack of funds, more publicity would be good.

Of course, if they required him to show his face, he’d refuse—he’s not ready for public embarrassment yet.

Qingzhu replied quickly, within a second:

Qingzhu: No problem, I’ll negotiate.

You Forced Me: Qingzhu, you’re awesome!

Qingzhu: Also, Qiyou’s annual meeting is on March 15th. You now qualify to attend. If you want, I can help you apply.

“Annual meeting?”

Yin Jian frowned, wondering why designers were invited to Qiyou’s annual meeting.

You Forced Me: What exactly happens at Qiyou’s annual meeting?

Qingzhu: According to the boss, it’s just a dinner where top-tier and platinum designers brag to each other.

You Forced Me: ...

You Forced Me: I’ll pass.

Yin Jian found that annual meeting sounded boring.

Qingzhu: If not going, here’s a link to watch online.

You Forced Me: Qingzhu, you’re awesome!

After chatting with Qingzhu, Yin Jian shared the link in the group chat—good things must be shared.

You Forced Me: [link]

Eggy Eggy: Is it what I’m thinking?

You Forced Me: Eggy, you rock!

Sword Sect Leader: Qiyou’s annual meeting invite! Noobs, follow me!

Green Hat Landlord: Qiyou’s annual meeting? The one only for top and platinum designers?

Sword Sect Leader: Yes, that one.

Divine Phoenix: Giant Dog, please livestream it for us. Let us see those legendary platinum designers up close.

You Forced Me: I’m not going, I’ll watch online.

Sword Sect Leader: You’re not coming? Qiyou’s annual meeting is fun.

You Forced Me: Qingzhu said it’s just dinner and bragging. What’s fun about that? Online chatting is way better.

Sword Sect Leader: Didn’t say it’s fun during, but after, there’s a full party [laugh].

Eggy Eggy: I’ve decided—I’m becoming a top-level designer!

Happy Afro Explosion: Screenshot, handsome guy.

Loving Frying Pan Wolf King: @Sword Sect Leader, elaborate please.

(The message from Sword Sect Leader was deleted by admin “Stone”)

(Sword Sect Leader was muted by admin “Stone” for ten minutes)

“...”

Yin Jian, who had been looking forward to the group chat, twitched his eyelids at Yu Jia’s action.

Just focus on your business trip properly—peeking at chats is unchivalrous.

But...

You Forced Me: Stone is awesome!

Divine Phoenix: Stone is awesome!

...

...

In the dormitory

Li Shang read the comment about "The Cultivation Family" not freezing the storyline and didn’t know whether those players were friends or foes.

“Players are getting craftier nowadays.”

He bit his lip and glanced at his roommate studying diligently.

“Heh, Qin Shao, I’ve got a really fun game for you.”

Li Shang edged closer to Qin Shao as he spoke.

Qin Shao glanced at him without reacting: “You tricked me last time. No way I’m falling for it again.”

“...This time I really don’t want to trick you. It’s a good game. Come on, I’ll show you the reviews.”

“Li Shang, do you take me for a fool? With that sleazy smile, I don’t need to touch your butt to know what you’re thinking.”

Li Shang felt a bit embarrassed but quickly noticed something off: “Wait, why does touching my butt tell you what I’m thinking?”

“Because your brain’s on your butt, what else?” Qin Shao said, as if his IQ was low.

...

Li Shang said nothing and suddenly lunged, attacking his lower regions.

“Crack!”

The dorm door was pushed open.

Old Dong entered and saw the two wrestling on the floor.

“You guys...”

“Old Dong, help me!” Qin Shao called out, overwhelmed by Li Shang.

Old Dong tried to mediate, but...

Qin Shao was soon pinned to the bedpost, enduring Li Shang’s relentless assault.

The best way to resolve conflict is to hasten it.

Eventually, under Li Shang’s threat, a reluctant Qin Shao opened the Qiyou platform and started playing "The Cultivation Family."

Li Shang watched eagerly.

From the comments, he had a rough idea of the game.

He knew one round lasted about one to three hours.

So he wasn’t worried about waiting long.

Sure enough, after just over an hour and a half, Qin Shao emerged from the game’s immersive trance.

“How was it? Fun? Any storyline freezes?” Li Shang asked immediately.

Qin Shao frowned, eyes filled with reluctance and complexity.

After a long moment, he sighed and shook his head—his answer—and then walked toward the door.

“Qin Shao, where are you going?”

Old Dong noticed Qin Shao’s strange state and asked worriedly.

“I want to have a passionate romance.”

“Bang!”

The dorm door slammed shut.

Li Shang and Old Dong looked at each other in confusion, unsure what had happened.

“Did Qin Shao get triggered? Didn’t he say he’d be single forever?”

“Li Shang, what game did you make him play to affect him so much?”

After a while, Old Dong couldn’t help but ask Li Shang.

Li Shang scratched his nose: “Uh... the new game by the same designer as the one you played last time. It’s called ‘The Cultivation Family.’”

“I’ll play it too.”

Without hesitation, Old Dong opened Qiyou and started "The Cultivation Family."

Li Shang didn’t rush in but decided to wait until Old Dong finished a round.

An hour passed.

Li Shang, keeping an eye on Old Dong, suddenly saw him open his eyes and asked:

“How is it?”

For some reason, he felt Old Dong had matured greatly.

After a few seconds of silence, Old Dong sighed and looked at Li Shang.

“I feel college life shouldn’t be so wasted. We should find more things to do and help ease our parents’ burdens.”

“Sigh, I’m going to find a part-time job.”

Without further explanation, Old Dong got up and left.

Li Shang was dumbfounded.

What kind of game is this?

After one round, it’s like they’re bewitched.

“Now I’m even more curious about ‘The Cultivation Family.’”

After much internal struggle, Li Shang couldn’t resist and opened the game.

Reading through some notes, he stared at two spiritual root options in front of him.

He rubbed his nose, thought for a moment, and chose the Five Spiritual Roots to start.

He knew "You Forced Me" wouldn’t include useless choices in his game.

He was sure there was profound meaning behind this setting.

p.s. Got too excited playing, lost touch with the story, got stuck. Damn!