Chapter 08: The Foolish Dual Hero
The Infinite Rebirth Virus is not highly harmful, but it is extremely difficult to crack. Experts from around the world are intensifying their research on the virus, and currently, it is only being isolated in special computer environments. Based on the designer's boundless imagination, the Infinite Rebirth Virus employs a new method of expression in computer language, and its viral characteristics have yet to be substantiated by any authoritative report. The coding method of the Infinite Rebirth Virus is likely to trigger a revolution in programming.
However, Cheng Xu also encountered difficulties while studying. In particular, books on the application techniques of computer software such as PHOTOSHOP appeared somewhat outdated. The reason is simple: thirty years later, more advanced software has emerged, rendering these programs obsolete. The hackers of thirty years hence possess a knowledge gap regarding such software, relying entirely on Cheng Xu's individual efforts to master them
Thirty years later, operating systems have become more diverse and richer, but for Maierdan, it is essential to be thoroughly familiar with any operating system. This is also the reason why Cheng Xu finds it easy to read such books
Cheng Xu first picked up a book on operating system installation. He appeared quite at ease with this type of book. As he opened it, he found that he was already familiar with most of the knowledge presented, merely needing to glance at the table of contents to activate the knowledge stored in his mind. Some of the information in the book was even completely incorrect, leaving many opportunities for hackers, which left Cheng Xu feeling extremely frustrated
Gradually, Cheng Xu also mastered a reading method that suited him
Regardless of the extent of the threat posed by the Infinite Rebirth Virus, this is not what Cheng Xu is concerned about. What he cares about is a library at the Hero Base, where one can read for free after registering a username. The library is well-categorized, making it particularly suitable for a novice like Cheng Xu
Upon seeing this, Cheng Xu could not help but murmur, "It's just a small virus; there's no need to be so tense about it."
Contemporary bookstores are gradually transforming, focusing on market-driven sales. Various educational materials such as primary and secondary school supplementary books, college entrance examination guides, and civil service examination books illustrate that the nation of Huaxia is one that emphasizes examination results. This trend directly influences the hiring practices within the Huaxia government, where academic credentials, whether intentionally or unintentionally, have become the primary hard criterion for selection. Full-time diplomas have become a significant barrier for many capable grassroots officials. Additionally, there is a wide array of bestsellers; in a two-story bookstore, one entire floor is dedicated to these two categories of books, while the other half of the second floor is occupied by miscellaneous products.
The information available online is indeed abundant, encompassing both high-quality and low-quality content, making it a mixed bag. Finding suitable webpages can be quite laborious.
This is not like bookstores from decades ago, which were based on plans, selling whatever books the publishers released. Back then, bookstores had a much broader selection, with several copies of various types of books available, and many of those books were quite profound
This sentence captivated Cheng Xu, as "侠客" (Knight-Errant) was his childhood dream. The character he admired most was Yang Guo from Jin Yong's works. Therefore, he wanted to register the username "神雕侠" (Divine Eagle Knight), but it had already been taken. He then attempted to register various names based on Yang Guo's past titles, but those names were also quite popular. Ultimately, he settled on the name "傻蛋无双" (Unmatched Fool), where "傻蛋" (Fool) was a term used by Lu Wushuang to refer to Yang Guo. It was only by combining these two names that he successfully registered.
In the past, the novice Cheng Xu felt a great sense of achievement in mastering Word to an extraordinary level, but now Cheng Xu believes that the knowledge he has acquired is simply insufficient to meet his needs
Books of this kind are well-illustrated and rich in content, making them easy to understand and highly suitable for beginners to read
Cheng Xu reads books on common computer troubleshooting very quickly. However, he approaches these books with a mindset akin to examining antiques, as the most advanced computers today would be considered mere junk in thirty years. Yet, for Cheng Xu, who is situated thirty years in the past, these books are essential for learning. Fortunately, he is able to draw parallels, and he reads with great interest, turning the pages one by one.
Upon exiting the bookstore, Cheng Xu pinched the bridge of his nose. Although his eyes felt somewhat fatigued, he felt invigorated, as if he had taken a potent tonic. The desire and impulse to read lingered persistently in his heart
With a foundation in future computer knowledge, many principles and techniques of software applications in later generations are derived from and surpass current software applications. Cheng Xu did not feel overwhelmed. On the contrary, during the reading process, he occasionally recalled some software application techniques and directions, comparing them with the content of the book. The more he read, the more intriguing it became, and he gradually began to discern some insights.
The bookstore has closed, but there is still a good place to go—the internet café
Suddenly, Cheng Xu found an inconspicuous website called "Xia Ke Ji Di". Upon clicking in, a series of texts and images appeared: "Although their actions may not align with justice, their words must be trustworthy, their actions must be resolute, their promises must be sincere, and they do not cherish their own lives, but rather face the hardships of others. Even in life and death, they do not boast of their abilities or shame their virtues; indeed, there are many who possess such qualities." Cheng Xu recognized this passage as coming from the "Records of the Grand Historian: Biographies of the Wandering Knights."
After registering and logging in, Cheng Xu entered the homepage of the website. A prominent title caught his attention: "Overcoming the Infinite Rebirth Virus: Where Lies the Challenge?" Cheng Xu clicked on it and began to read attentively.
Determined to take action, Cheng Xu quickly called his family, had a simple dinner at a nearby small restaurant, and headed towards a nearby internet café. He handed over fifty yuan to the administrator, requesting a card that allowed unlimited time until checkout, and then found a computer to start browsing information online
Cheng Xu usually enjoys reading various books, such as "The Art of War," "The Black and White Theory," and even the complete works of Jin Yong. However, today he approaches his computer book with a sense of urgency.
Being low-key is the hard truth, and it is acceptable to have a slightly less impressive name
Cheng Xu could not have imagined that this name would become the most remarkable name in the world
Cheng Xu's frenzied reading speed attracted the attention of those who came to the bookstore to read and purchase books, wondering how someone could read like that. However, as the bookstore prohibited noise, no one raised any objections to him.
Thus, Cheng Xu stayed in the bookstore, and at noon, he randomly ate a fried rice at a fast food restaurant outside. In the afternoon, he continued reading, and by the time the bookstore closed in the afternoon, he had nearly finished reading the books in the store.
The more one knows, the greater the desire for the unknown
It is quite simple. Cheng Xu can randomly select a computer book, pick it up, and pay attention to his reading speed while reading. If he reads very slowly, it indicates that this book is not suitable for him at the moment and should be set aside. If he reads very quickly, it suggests that this book is indeed appropriate for him.
However, for Cheng Xu, who has already mastered basic computer knowledge, these books are precisely what he needs at his current stage.
In such a bookstore, Cheng Xu found it somewhat difficult to locate the books he needed. After searching for a long time, he finally discovered a solitary shelf with half a display of computer books. He picked up the books inside and carefully flipped through them, which included essentials for operating system installation, common computer faults and hardware maintenance, and operational techniques for PHOTOSHOP, among other practical computer operation manuals. It was nearly impossible to find any advanced computer books.