Down the rabbit hole
At first, college life seemed relaxing in comparison to the stressful years in high school. Jin suddenly found himself free of pressure and nagging parents. He chose computer science as a major, but he had little sense of what it entailed, and he didn't have a detailed plan for the future.
During his sophomore year, his friends introduced him to international online game sensation World of Warcraft.
"I started playing that nonstop," he said. "Even in class, I would sit in the back and talk with my classmates about the game."
Jin's playing began to get in the way of his studies. While many college students learn the hard way that gaming can really take over one's life, most abandon the practice when their degree is on the line. When the school told Jin he had to retake six courses he had failed, he did not change his habits and opted for no diploma.
In 2008, after his class graduated, Jin went back home for two months, never telling his parents what had happened. Then he packed a few things and went back to Changchun.
"I thought I should find a job first, and then explain everything to my family," he said.
But finding a job without a degree wasn't easy.
He settled down where he felt most familiar - an Internet cafe named Xueyuan, where he often went during his college years. He was also introduced to Chinese online game Tianxia 3, or The World 3.
"The Internet bar charged about 20 yuan ($3.22) per day with discounts. I started making a living by selling game currency for real money and made about 1,500 yuan a month," Jin said.
Jin made a bed from the cafe's sofas and bought necessary toiletries nearby, eating on the cheap and showering on campus. "The cafe owners didn't bother me since I was quiet and didn't cause any trouble," Jin said.
He became an icon there. Since he always sat at seat No.77, everyone called him "Qi Ge" (Brother Seven).
Still, it wasn't ideal.
WWII TV dramas border on the ridiculous
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