29: Chapter 29: Practice Makes Perfect, and the 99-Point Threshold

Sunlight streamed through the blinds, casting bright gratings across the studio floor.

Alex sat on the floor, surrounded by scattered gadgets: several bags of chips of different brands, a few empty soda cans, a roll of aluminum foil, and the goggles he had used for his previous "MythBusters" video.

He was planning a new episode of "MythBusters," with the goal of verifying the viral online hack: "DIY Super WiFi Signal Booster with a Chip Can."

The task seemed simple, but it required precise comparative testing and clear presentation.

He prepared to use professional software to test the signal strength and data throughput in the same location and with the same device, both before and after using the "chip can booster," while presenting it to the audience in the most intuitive way possible.

Just as he was pondering how to make the dry data testing interesting, his body began to move naturally.

He picked up an empty chip can, weighed it in his hand, and almost instinctively, his fingers pressed and felt various spots on the can.

The subtle tactile feedback brought by Perception Sharpening told him that the aluminum foil thickness of this brand was uniform, but the seam was slightly uneven.

He switched to another brand and performed the same quick perception test.

"This one is better; the material is uniform, and the reflective surface might be more regular," he muttered to himself, setting the chosen can aside.

Next was the process of cutting and crafting the "booster."

Online tutorials required cutting the can lengthwise and shaping it into a parabola.

Alex picked up a utility knife, his hand steady to an astonishing degree.

The blade moved along the drawn line, smooth and at a constant speed, leaving a clean cut with almost no burrs.

This was not just caution; it was an extremely precise control over tools and materials—a result of the "handiwork" subconsciously formed through countless shoots adjusting equipment and handling props, combined with the comprehensive improvement of his body's micro-control abilities from Physical Sublimation.

Then came the most critical step: shaping the cut can.

He needed to bend it slowly and evenly into a specific arc without crushing the can.

He held both ends of the can with his hands, took a deep breath, tightened his arms and core muscles slightly, and began to apply force with a steady and resilient strength.

The can yielded and changed shape smoothly in his hands, gradually forming a fairly standard parabolic prototype.

He could clearly "feel" where the critical point of metal fatigue was, stopping at just the right moment.

This fine control over force had long surpassed that of an ordinary person; it was the combined result of long-term Parkour training, shooting sessions with extremely high requirements for body coordination, and the system's comprehensive strengthening of his basic physical attributes.

"Done."

He put down the formed "booster," took a look, and was quite satisfied.

The whole process was smooth and fluid; no repeated tinkering, success on the first try.

He didn't realize that in this seemingly ordinary preparation work, the Perception Sharpening (tactile sense, material judgment), the strength control and stability brought by Physical Sublimation, and the hands-on experience accumulated from long-term practice had already perfectly fused together, forming a more efficient and reliable "comprehensive execution ability."

These skills didn't turn into "Mastery" or "Expert" level on the system panel, but in practice, they had indeed grown, becoming more handy and natural, like breathing.

Next was filming and testing.

When setting up the camera angles, several camera positions that could most clearly demonstrate the comparative effect automatically surfaced in his mind, as well as how to use quick cuts to show the changes in the dry data.

This was the intuition internalized in practice from "Advanced Image Narrative and Rhythm Control" and "Dynamic Human Photography and Tracking Technology."

He could even estimate that if he added a close-up of himself looking at the slowly increasing signal bars with a speechless expression, the comedic effect would be better—this was an extended application of "Efficient Team Collaboration and Resource Integration" (although he was currently a one-man team) and the grasp of audience emotions from "Public Image Construction Techniques."

When he operated that rather ridiculous-looking "chip can booster" straight-faced in front of the camera, and used professional equipment to show the actually negligible (and sometimes even negative) signal improvement, he couldn't help but laugh himself.

This ability to combine rigorous testing with humorous presentation was exactly what had been honed through producing different styles of videos like "MythBusters" and "Lost and Found."

The video filming and editing were done in one go.

When he finished rendering the final cut, uploaded it, and set the release time, a familiar sense of fulfillment after completing a creation washed over him.

But more clearly than ever before, he felt that his use of various "skill tools" was more proficient and integrated.

Practice was indeed the best soil for these redeemed abilities to take root and flourish.

Just as he was about to shut down the computer, the email notification chimed.

It was a project progress confirmation email for the "echo gallery" from "Harmony Bridge," along with a countdown reminder for the final cut delivery.

At the same time, Allison added at the end of the email: "Taylor's team has expressed approval of the final cut, with no further modifications requested. After the final delivery, we will launch the internal small-scale screening and subsequent release process as planned. Also, Taylor herself mentioned in a recent interview that she appreciates some creative attempts that 'visualize music as if unlocking emotional codes.' Although she didn't name names, it aligns quite well with your project concept."

This was almost an explicit confirmation that the project had received the highest level of affirmation.

Alex replied to the email calmly, but his heart rate still accelerated slightly.

This was not just about the success or failure of the collaboration, but about the recognition of his artistic philosophy.

He summoned the system interface.

The growth of popularity was as stable as ever.

And his gaze fell directly on that dark gold scale: 98.

Only 2 points left until 100.

He had a strong premonition that when "Core Influence" broke through 100 points, the system would definitely undergo some kind of change.

It might not be unlocking an earth-shattering ability, but it would certainly be a key threshold leading to the next stage.

These last 2 points felt as heavy as a thousand pounds.

Would it be obtained after the final cut of "echo gallery" was released and successful?

Or would it require another opportunity?

He closed the system, without anxiety, only anticipation.

It was like a climber seeing the last ridge, knowing the peak was just ahead, needing only to proceed steadily and take the last few steps well.

His phone vibrated; it was a message from Sarah, attached with a photo—a poster for a "Weekend Yard Sale" posted on the community bulletin board.

"Want to go treasure hunting? You might find some good props for your 'Lost and Found'."

A winking emoji followed.

Alex smiled and replied: "Good idea, weekend morning?"

He glanced once more at the "echo gallery" project folder on his computer screen, and that virtual scale representing "Core Influence."

Life continued on these multi-layered tracks: there were artistic peaks that needed careful sculpting, lighthearted and enjoyable civilian content that needed to be created, important thresholds of system evolution that needed to be crossed, and trivial, warm daily routines among neighbors and friends that needed to be nurtured.

And he was enjoying all of it.

The tools in his hands were becoming increasingly proficient, the path under his feet was becoming clearer, and the scenery ahead was worth looking forward to.

This feeling was good.

The 99-point threshold was right before his eyes, and he was prepared to step over it in his best state.