That can't be right!
Chen Xu and Hao Aiguo had discussed this issue over a lighthearted chat that day, specifically regarding the martial arts game… because requiring real-name authentication for martial arts games necessitates the approval and support of national authorities. Hao Aiguo remarked that if the game had been created by someone else, it would have been shut down by now. Chen Xu jokingly retorted, "Do I really have that much influence?"
Hao Aiguo replied, "Of course, if you run a company in real life, as long as you don't do anything too outrageous, who would dare to touch you? That would be going against our entire military information department! You're someone the highest leader specifically ordered to be protected... Well, considering our sincerity, could you reveal some details about the data model used in your martial arts?"
Now that he's more familiar with SMMH, Hao Aiguo is more willing to joke around, but what he said isn't wrong; the country really needs this kind of technology. Having this technology would greatly improve many aspects of the country's research, especially in the simulation of space systems.
Chen Xu declined the request, not because he didn't want to contribute to the country, but because he couldn't obtain the source code of the martial arts school!
The reason is... insufficient permissions!
Damn it, what kind of idiotic setting is this?! Why can't I use my own computer?!
"Please enter your password." Xiaomin's melodious but mechanical voice rang out again. "Please enter the password to gain initial access. You are limited to three password attempts per day. If you enter the wrong password three times, you will have to wait until the next day to try again. Would you like to enter your password?"
"Damn it!" Chen Xu cursed, but then he thought that the password was probably set by his grandson. If the bastard came up with it, wouldn't that mean his son was a dog? If his son was a dog, then what was he?
After thinking about a bunch of random things, Chen Xu finally decided that he might as well give it a try. He thought for a moment and then typed a line of numbers on the keyboard... his ID number.
Chapter 167 The Opening of the Great Vortex (Part 1)
"Sorry, the password you entered is incorrect. Please re-enter it."
Xiao Min's heavenly voice rang out, and Chen Xu rolled his eyes. He wondered if he was going a little crazy. Could an ID number be used as a password?
Then Chen Xu entered another line of numbers, 19880411, which was his eight-digit birthday, but... it failed again.
"None of these are right." Chen Xu rubbed his nose. He had one last chance today, so he had to think it through before typing it in.
Actually, Chen Xu realized it in a split second... This is his own computer!
Even if this computer was sent from the future, it's still my own computer! The passwords for all those permissions were probably set by my grandson. And importantly, setting permissions on a computer like this is completely unnecessary!
Well, ever since the computer was first turned on, there has been a prompt to set usage permissions... Chen Xu set it to be for absolute private use!
To turn on the computer, you have to enter your palm print, voiceprint, password... These security measures have proven the computer's security over the past six months! In other words, adding more permissions is pointless. If there's something in future technological data that you don't want to know, can't your grandchildren just leave it out? What's the point of having such a permission system?
So Chen Xu thought of a possibility... This permission was either something his grandson was bored out of his mind, or it might be something to motivate him to work harder.
Strive to become the world's best programmer. Then crack the password on this computer!
However, this raises another problem... Even if the world's best programmer were to return to the scene, even if Kevin Mitnick were to reappear, he wouldn't be able to breach Xiaomin's defenses, because her technology, which is eighty years ahead of its time, is no joke! Xiaomin's shield is invincible in the world today!
Thinking he could crack Xiaomin's password himself, technically speaking, even with a cheat code, it would take forever. That leaves only one possibility… he might already know the password for that level of access. Like her ID number, birthday, or even her parents' birthdays, home phone number, etc.
Of course, this speculation is just wishful thinking on Chen Xu's part, but it's worth a try if there's even a glimmer of hope.
"I have one last chance today," Chen Xu thought for a moment, then entered a string of numbers.
This string of numbers was Chen Xu's earliest independent password, an eight-digit combination. It wasn't a birthday, nor a phone number... You have to understand that in the early days of civilian internet access in China, most young people used passwords like birthdays, phone numbers, or ID numbers, or passwords like 7758521 or 5211314. They were very easy to guess.
The combination of numbers Chen Xu used was similar to 7758521, a string of numbers that, when transliterated, conveyed the meaning of a sentence. However, this meaning was only useful to him... Well, it was a way to commemorate a young virgin's innocent first love. The specific numbers were... I won't tell you, but they were the numerical passwords for many of my accounts, including my bank cards!
What Chen Xu finds distasteful is that account theft has been rampant in recent years, so many websites have implemented various security measures for users when setting passwords. One of these measures is to require passwords to be a combination of numbers and letters. This forces Chen Xu to change his password now… Actually, his account has never been hacked before, but there's just too much hacking on Dianbai!
This was his last chance for the day. Chen Xu didn't even need to look at the keyboard; he typed out the numbers by feel. After hesitating for a moment, he finally pressed the confirm button. Xiao Min: "Password correct. Basic access enabled. You won't need to enter a password again in the future."
Chen Xu slumped heavily back in his chair. Could it be? He'd just randomly typed something in... and he'd actually guessed right?!
Before Chen Xu could even think about what the basic access permissions were, a video suddenly popped up on the screen, saying, "Aha, Grandpa, we meet again! Congratulations, you finally guessed the basic access password! Hehe, Grandpa, I know you must be very unhappy right now. Why did you set a password when I gave you this computer? Hehehe, actually, this wasn't my idea. You have to believe me... Um, please don't stop giving me New Year's money because of this! If you don't love me because of this, then I can only cry, because all of this is according to your will! It has nothing to do with me!"
"My will?" Chen Xu was stunned. Could it be that the person who set the password on the computer to trip him up was actually himself?
Holy crap, did he lose his mind? Or does he have Alzheimer's?! How could he do something like this?!
On the screen, his grandson, Xiao Fei, chuckled and rubbed his hands together, looking utterly sleazy... just like him! Xiao Fei said, "Grandpa, it's really not my fault. Actually, according to your will, I went to the Swiss bank and opened your vault when the time machine was first invented. This piece of paper was inside." He took out the note Chen Xu had written, which Chen Xu had always treasured and kept in his wallet: "Look, besides this piece of paper, there's also a hard drive. Your messages are all on the hard drive... Hehe, according to your will, you can't see the things inside for now, hehe, don't scold me, this is also your will."
Chen Xu felt a little dizzy. Was his future self really going to develop dementia? Why was he creating so many obstacles for his present self?
Grandson Xiao Fei—well, his name should be Chen Fei—smiled wryly on the screen and said, “Grandpa, you have to understand that although our research shows that the rules of spacetime have many loopholes, not everything can be said, or is something you should know right now. For example, I can’t tell you who my grandmother is right now; these things are very forbidden.”
At this point, Chen Fei's expression turned solemn as he asked, "Grandpa, tell me now, what time is it? Is it before or after 201?"
Chen Xu was stunned when he heard this, because it was always Chen Fei, that little rascal, who was talking, but how was he supposed to answer this kind of question with multiple-choice options? Would Chen Fei even be able to hear him if he answered?
But then Chen Fei said, "Grandpa, if it's before New Year's Day 2010, please select the option on the left; if it's after, please select the option on the right."
New Year's Day 2010... Why use this as a dividing line? Chen Xu saw two options pop up on the screen at this moment. He smiled slightly, realizing that's how it is, and then clicked on the left option.
At this moment, the screen flickered, clearly switching to a different video. Chen Fei's expression was much more relaxed. He exhaled and laughed, saying, "It seems you're still quite clever, Grandpa. Tsk tsk, you cracked the password so early. Hehe, you set the password yourself, Grandpa. But the later levels won't be so easy."
"Grandpa, what I'm about to say is very important, so please listen carefully." Chen Fei's expression turned serious again. He said, "Based on my guess, after you get this computer, you might do something that will affect history. Hmm, have you done anything like that yet? Something that doesn't align with historical sentiments... well, since you don't know history. So, have you done anything that has caused a sensation in the world? If yes, click the left; if not, click the right."
Chen Xu thought about it carefully and realized that he should have already done something that changed history, right?
Putting aside other things for now, let's talk about the last time we fought Snake... I remember that Xiaomin pulled up the data on Snake's arrest and the time when the Beacon Virus was detected and eliminated, and it was all greatly earlier than expected. From this point of view, he must have done something that changed history.
Chen Xu actually thinks about this question occasionally... The reason it's only occasionally is because Chen Xu doesn't dare to think about it normally; his subconscious avoids him from thinking about this question... Just like in "A Step into the Past," Xiang Shaolong only thinks about why his name wasn't recorded in history when he's alone and quiet after fleeing from disaster.
Chen Xu was in the same boat; the problem was paradoxical. He actually knew long ago that he had changed history. This was evident from the fact that he produced various technologies from the future, while Xiao Min hinted that these software programs and materials originated from the year 20XX. At that moment, Chen Xu knew he had definitely changed history.
So Chen Xu tapped the left touchscreen, and the screen immediately changed again. Chen Fei smiled wryly and said, "I knew it. Grandpa, once you got this computer, it was impossible for you to sit there and play games in peace. But it doesn't matter. Heh, do you sometimes think about things like this? You did something that impacted history, so why would this computer end up in your hands?"
Chapter 168 The Opening of the Great Vortex (Part 2)
This question really touched the deepest part of Chen Xu's heart!
If history were changed, would the computer still be here? To be honest, Chen Xu was very uneasy, afraid that he might accidentally cause the computer to disappear... But such a thing never happened. Chen Xu wondered if the computer would still appear if he had thrown away that piece of paper.
Of course, Chen Xu only thought about it occasionally; he felt he wouldn't do something so pointless.
On the screen, Chen Fei, pretending to cough, said something that drove Chen Xu crazy: "Um, Grandpa, it's not that I look down on you. Um, with your current level of knowledge, it's hard for me to explain the concept of empty orbits to you. I think your understanding of relativity is limited to that name, right?"
Hearing this, Chen Xu felt an urge to give the kid a good beating! Damn it, even if he didn't know, he didn't have to be so direct!
Chen Fei continued, "Um, Grandpa, please don't hit me, hehe, I'm just telling the truth. To put it simply, the trajectory of time and space needs to follow a certain development path, which we call the protagonist's path. Grandpa, you must know this saying, um, it's what you used to scold me for when I was a kid..." Then Chen Fei straightened his face, pointing arrogantly to the side, "You brat, always so cocky, do you think the earth will stop turning without you?!"
Chen Fei turned his head and looked at the camera with a smile: "Actually, Grandpa, this sentence is the protagonist route we have researched. Hmm, this sentence may be a little unfair to ordinary people. But that's how it is. Many people are just passersby in this world. How to say it, it mainly depends on the impact that their life can have. Like you, if you are just an ordinary student, your life trajectory is just growing up, going to school, then working, getting married and having children."
"All you've ever known in your life are ordinary people. The wealth you've created is negligible in the grand scheme of things. The things you've done are mundane and unremarkable; even without you, someone else would have done them... In movies, people like that are called 'extras'."
Chen Xu rolled his eyes dismissively. So you mean we working-class people are just extras? That's absolutely unacceptable! You must understand, the vast peasantry and working class are the cornerstone of socialism!
Chen Fei smiled and said, "Grandpa, I know you might not accept what I'm saying, but that's really how it is. Some people have a role in driving the course of history that tens or hundreds of thousands of ordinary people couldn't achieve. For example, academic giants like Newton and Einstein, or founding emperors like Qin Shi Huang and Li Shimin. Even someone like Wu Sangui played a crucial role in determining the course of history... because if he hadn't acted rashly for a woman, history would have inevitably followed a different trajectory."
That's absolutely right!
Chen Xu thought to himself, "If what he said is true, then he's absolutely right. For example, if Xiang Yu had won the Chu-Han Contention, the situation would definitely be different now. If a war god like Ran Min hadn't emerged during the Five Barbarian Invasions, it's questionable whether there would even be Han people now... History really is like that. Sometimes one person can change the course of history; that truly is the meaning of 'the protagonist determines everything.'"
But in this current world, who is the protagonist? Does killing the protagonist cause chaos in spacetime?
Grandson Chen Fei took a sip of water and continued, "Grandpa, what I'm saying is to make you understand that there are loopholes in the rules of spacetime. We've already simulated this, hehe, otherwise I wouldn't have sent you the computer. Otherwise, you could just play around with it and wipe out all of us descendants. Wouldn't that be asking for trouble?"
"Heh. Grandpa, you must be thinking about whether what you did will have any consequences for history, right?" Chen Fei grinned like he was peeling a dog's teeth... Peeling a dog's teeth means prying open a dog's lips to reveal its cute little white teeth. This is what some people look like when they have a lewd smile.
"Actually, Grandpa, you don't need to worry. According to our research on spacetime theory, we have discovered the spacetime node system. That is to say, from the time you received the computer until I sent it back to you, this period of time is a major node period. And because of this computer, during this period of time, congratulations, you are the real protagonist. What you do is an important factor that affects the history of this period."
"The theory of time nodes was proposed in the early 2nd century. It means that anything can happen between two points. So Grandpa, you don't need to worry. Theoretically speaking, the beginning has already been decided, and the end is set later. That is to say, in my time, on April 6, 2086, your grandson—well, that shouldn't be me, but it's still me, oh dear, how troublesome! Anyway, on that day, if your grandson sends this computer back to you, then this time node will be completed, and a cycle will be determined."
"Within this cycle, theoretically you can do anything without any consequences! It won't affect history at all! But Grandpa, the prerequisite for this point is that I must invent a time machine before April 6, 2086. If this condition is not met, then I will also be erased!"
Chen Xu was startled. A time machine? Is this something that can be invented so easily?
However, he quickly relaxed, because Chen Fei grinned and said, "But don't worry, Grandpa, there are still 80 years. At your normal pace, that's enough time to invent a time machine. But if that doesn't work, I have another trick up my sleeve. Hehe, there's a file with special access in the computer's data that will automatically open on New Year's Day 2083. It contains all the data for the time machine. Three years is enough time to build one."
Seeing the kid's lewd smile, Chen Xu was certain that this guy was definitely his son. He didn't learn the good things, but he picked up this lewdness that was ingrained in his bones perfectly!
However, Chen Xu was relieved by his words. This meant he could tinker with it however he wanted without any problems. He wouldn't be restricted in his actions, with restrictions on what he could and couldn't do… Why give him a computer from the future then?!
A life without constraints... Chen Xu thought of a line from the popular song "University Student Study Room" from a couple of years ago: How wonderful it is, how wonderful it is!
Some things, once obtained, are impossible to give up, even though Chen Xu currently has no ambition. However, he has gradually begun to get used to and even enjoy this dual identity… SMMH, the God of the Internet—what a resounding name! And even outside the internet, the benefits this computer brings him are immense. If he were to lose Xiao Min, he'd rather she were dead.
At this point, Chen Fei continued, "Because of the uncertainty of time machines, this information was prepared specifically for a particular time point and wasn't intended to appear in this world ahead of time, so it's sealed. ... Of course, if Grandpa's technology is enough to break through Xiaomin's defenses, we can see it earlier too. But I still want to say that changing history isn't a good gimmick; nobody knows what serious consequences it might cause, so it's best to avoid doing such things. Even in this current history, you're not completely unrestrained. Haha, Grandpa, don't be afraid. Since you opened the first level of access before 2010, it means there's still a long way to go. When you open the second level of access, I'll tell you what to do next. As for now... haha, just enjoy your university life!"
Chen Xu was so angry he was practically blowing his beard... Of course, that's assuming he even had a beard. Seriously, what's the point of creating this kind of restriction out of the blue? It's like constipation—at least finish it all at once!
Chen Fei said with a grin, "Grandpa, of course you can't just keep playing around. Let me give you a hint: the second level of access is definitely not as simple as the first level. The password isn't a set of numbers that you can easily guess. Here's a hint: to open the second level of access, you must meet the following two conditions: First, pass the C-level assessment in the 'Real Fighting' game in the virtual reality world; second, you must have the hacking skills to independently crack this 128-bit encryption algorithm password."
Chen Xu was stunned upon hearing this and almost burst into a tirade. At this moment, Chen Fei quickly said, "Grandpa, please don't blame me. This is what you wrote in your will. Yes, you said it yourself. You're like a lazy donkey, you won't move unless you're whipped a couple of times... This is what you said yourself! It has nothing to do with your grandson!"
Hearing this, Chen Xu rolled his eyes. His future self was really ruthless in dealing with his present self!
But thinking about it, that makes sense. The person who knows you best is definitely yourself! Chen Xu knows himself very well. He knows his own temperament. At first, because it was new, he studied very diligently. Later, to put it nicely, it was because he had a lot of things to do and was busy with this and that. But to put it bluntly, hey, he did get lazy, and the novelty wore off. He hasn't been exercising as often lately either.
As for hacking knowledge, Chen Xu has been studying it. Although his goal is to become the world's number one programmer, that goal is too ethereal, even more so than the fact that he simultaneously took Guan Yi, Zhan Jing, and Gao Xiaojie as his girlfriends. So Chen Xu just goes through the motions, not exactly slacking off, but not very focused either. Occasionally, when something happens or he's in a bad mood, he just stops studying... This attitude is far worse than his hard work preparing for the college entrance exam in high school.
If this attitude continues, well, you could definitely get a technical director position in some large companies, but if you want to become the world's number one programmer, like SMMH, well, you might never have that opportunity in your entire life.
So I know myself very well, and the requirement I set for myself is actually quite reasonable, to urge myself to work hard.
Chen Xu felt relieved after thinking about it. Having more skills is never a bad thing, and he really should work harder now; he couldn't continue being so lazy. But then Chen Xu thought again, "Wait a minute, I've worked so hard to get this access, but what's it even for?! Just to listen to my future grandson's nonsense? What's the point?"
Unfortunately, questions couldn't be asked here, so Chen Xu could only listen to the brat continue his rambling: "Grandpa, it's not that I'm being disloyal, but from my perspective, I can understand your future arrangements. Actually, some things are meant for you to do, or rather, they're meant for the protagonist. If I told you these things beforehand, then I believe your life would be meaningless, right? For example, if I revealed who my grandmother is now… what if you don't even know her? It wouldn't be fair to you to deliberately go looking for this woman for the future, would it?"
"Alright, that's all for now. Oh, right. Look at my memory, hehe, you've obtained the first level of authority. Of course, there's a reward, instead of just listening to me nagging. As for the reward, Xiaomin will help me figure it out, I guarantee it'll be awesome! Hehe, the second level of authority has even more good stuff! Let's leave it at that for now. Oh, and Grandpa, remember to give me lots of New Year's money in the future!"
After saying this, the screen flashed and disappeared. Chen Xu was both amused and exasperated. His grandson... well, never mind this little rascal. He should hurry up and see what he got this time; this was more substantial than New Year's money.
After the screen disappeared, Xiaomin's beautiful figure appeared on the screen, smiling at Chen Xu: "Hello, congratulations on obtaining basic access. You will have the following information and functions: 1. Activate special protection mode. This mode is not for civilian use. It is provided for a special group, allowing you to use this computer to perform sonic attacks, thereby protecting your safety..."
"Sonic attack?"
"Yes. This is a function of this computer that is open to a special group. It uses infrasound attacks at a fixed frequency to simulate the effect of a sonar gun. It uses infrasound to attack the opponent while protecting oneself. Infrasound attacks manifest in two parts: neural attacks and organ attacks. The frequency of neural infrasound is equivalent to the alpha rhythm of the human brain, approximately 8-12 Hz. Using corresponding infrasound to attack the enemy can create resonance and have a certain impact on the person's psychological consciousness. At best, it will make the opponent feel uncomfortable, have decreased attention and emotional unease, and may lead to coma or nausea. At worst, it can cause mental confusion, shock, fainting, and loss of thinking ability."
The frequency of organ-type infrasound is similar to the natural frequency of human internal organs, approximately 418 Hz. When this type of sound wave is used to attack a person, it can also cause resonance in the internal organs. Mild effects include muscle spasms and convulsions, while severe effects include ruptured blood vessels and internal organ damage, potentially leading to death within a very short time.
"Hiss..." Chen Xu gasped in shock. This was just too powerful!
Based on Xiaomin's explanation, Chen Xu gradually understood the function of this sonic weapon.
In simple terms, there are three types of sonic attacks. In addition to the two types mentioned above, there is also a subconscious attack. The first two types are caused by resonance from infrasound, while the third type affects the subconscious mind of the brain. In comparison, the third type is the least harmful, but it is also the slowest to take effect.
Research into acoustic weapons actually began quite some time ago. Sonar systems were developed over a century ago, used for detecting enemy ships and other applications. The gradual understanding of the interaction between infrasound and ultrasound has allowed humanity to apply these technologies in various fields. For example, ultrasonic lithotripsy utilizes the energy and vibrational power of ultrasound to break up gallstones in the body, resolving the problem in one procedure without surgery.
If it can be used to save lives, then this sound wave can also be used to kill!
The biggest advantages of infrasound weapons are: first, infrasound travels very fast, with the speed of sound in the air being about 340 meters per second, and infrasound is inaudible to ordinary people... Of course, wild Ultraman is another matter, so this kind of weapon can be regarded as a magic weapon to kill people invisibly; second, infrasound has a long range and stronger penetrating power, and can even pass through tens of meters of reinforced concrete!
This is practically an essential tool for home, travel, and even murder and arson!