Lin Chang quickly shook his head. “No, no, no! Boss Pei, it’ll be my treat.” Pei Qian was resolute. “It has to be my treat.”
It was not a special treatment for Lin Chang. However, any treat would be paid for by the System Funds. Of course, Pei Qian would not give up any chance to spend a bit more money. Wouldn’t Pei Qian profit if Lin Chang paid for the meal?
All in all, he would be losing double the amount. That was unacceptable!
Seeing how firm Boss Pei was, Lin Chang stopped insisting. It was just a meal; it probably would not cost much.
“What brought the two of you over to Jingzhou? Could it be about Lin Wan?” Pei Qian asked casually.
He knew very well that something important brought Lin Yu and Lin Chang over to Jingzhou. He guessed that it likely had to do with Lin Wan.
Lin Chang nodded. “That’s right.
“Our father looks like he doesn’t care, but he’s actually very worried. He made my older sister and I come over here for the same reason as the last time.
“What’s more, compared to the last time, the problem seems much more difficult to resolve…”
Pei Qian, “…”
It seems like it. The situation has worsened.
Before this, Pei Qian thought that sending Lin Wan over to Shang Yang Games and putting her in charge of Bloody Battle Song would be a guaranteed failure. That was why he invested a huge sum in the game.
He hoped that the money would be lost, the game would fail, and Lin Wan’s confidence would take a hit. For all he knew, she would have given up her career in the game industry and gone back to inherit her immense family fortune.
Logically, the plan should have been perfect.
However, it had evidently gone off track now. The mobile version of Bloody Battle Song was a huge success, and Lin Wan was more confident than she had ever been. Even if Pei Qian chased her away, he probably would not succeed.
What should he do?
Pei Qian sipped his coffee quietly. How sad!
Lin Chang was obviously quite upset as well. “Lin Wan can probably hold her head up high now.
“My father and my older sister vehemently objected to her decision. My second brother, Lin Zhou, and I supported Ah Wan. However, we only mentally supported her decision to go out and gain experience. We did not think she would succeed in the game industry.
“After all, the game industry is very cruel, and Ah Wan tends to be too idealistic. Thus, although Lin Zhou and I offered her mental support, we also thought she would experience major setbacks. We wanted her to see for herself how tough the road would be and come back of her own accord.”
Pei Qian nodded in silence.
Yes, that’s what I thought, too!
However, didn’t that mean that Lin Wan’s entire family thought she was bound to fail?!
Lin Zhou and Lin Chang had offered Lin Wan support, but they only supported her in pursuing her dreams. They did not think she would succeed.
Lin Chang continued, “Thus, it came as a shock to us that the mobile version of Bloody Battle Song succeeded.
“We did not even think Shenhua would profit from offering her the recommendation spots on its application store.
“Lin Wan has sent a lot of information about Bloody Battle Song to our Lin Family group over the last couple of days. These include gamers’ comments, the official platform’s recommendation, financial information, and the like. She even specifically mentioned our older sister.
“Although Shenhua’s application store only gets 10% of the profits, this money was earned through Ah Wan’s hard work. She’s very proud.
“Thus, our father is getting antsy. He’s rushing me to find a solution.”
Pei Qian, “…” Indeed, I’m getting antsy too. Pei Qian could imagine how arrogant Lin Wan would be in front of her own family.
Back then, nobody had thought that she would be able to make a name for herself in the game industry. She left Guangzhou and came to Jingzhou on her own and persevered for such a long time in silence.
Now, she had finally produced a hot game that was even being praised by the official platform. This was a testament to her ability!
Could she stop herself from showing off?
Obviously, Lin Wan would work harder in the game industry from now on. The chances of her returning home to inherit her family business had greatly lowered.
At that thought, Pei Qian became indignant.
He glanced at Lin Yu, who was seated opposite him. His heart filled with curses.
At the end of the day, you were the one who insisted on giving Lin Wan recommendation spots. If not for that, she would not have turned Bloody Battle Song into a mobile game. The game would not have become so popular.
Thus, you are 90% to blame for this mess!
Of course, Boss Pei could only think these things; he could not say them out loud. After all, everyone was a victim. They were all falling off the cliff together. No fleck of snow was innocent in an avalanche.
Strictly speaking, Boss Pei had made many mistakes as well.
At that thought, Pei Qian sighed. He had to quickly think of a way to make up for his mistakes!
Pei Qian tried asking, “So what do the two of you think?”
Lin Yu, who had not spoken the entire time, finally said something. “My thoughts haven’t changed. I still hope Ah Wan can come back as soon as possible.
“Although she has proven herself this time, I think chance played a big part in this. I don’t think Ah Wan recognizes how cruel the industry can be. I don’t see the point in her continuing on this path.”
Pei Qian nodded.
That’s absolutely right! Chance played a big part in her success. That’s what I think, too!
Lin Chang added, “The main problem is that Ah Wan is living a free and easy life on the outside. My father can’t do anything to her, and so he’s pushing me to put pressure on her. Boss Pei, I’m in a difficult position.”
Pei Qian remained silent for a second and said, “I remember you saying you regretted not becoming the lead singer for a band. That’s why you supported Lin Wan as she pursued her dreams.”
Lin Chang nodded. “That’s right. That was the case.
“However, Ah Wan has already pursued her dreams. She already created a successful game! I didn’t even get the chance to live my dream before it was completely destroyed!
“That’s why I’m suffering emotionally and turning against her!”
Pei Qian, “…”
Indeed, their phony sibling relationship was breaking down under the pressure from old Master Lin.
Lin Yu continued, “Of course, I know that Lin Wan is now your beloved general, Boss Pei. She’s now the director of your newly-acquired Shang Yang Games. I can understand that you can’t bear to see her
go…”
Can’t bear to see her go? No, no, no. On this point, I’m on the exact same page as Old Master Lin. I want her to leave as soon as possible!
Pei Qian immediately raised his hand. “Boss Lin, you’re too courteous.
“Lin Wan’s potential will be better nurtured in Shenhua Corporation; I’m not that selfish!
“Please, take her as soon as you get the opportunity!”
Lin Yu was overjoyed. “Boss Pei, it’s great that you think that way! “However, there’s an existing problem. Ah Wan is way too stubborn. If we go too hard on her, it would backfire. I’m afraid we need you to think of a solution, Boss Pei.”
Pei Qian sipped his coffee and remained silent. He could tell that Lin Yu and her father were at their wits’ end with Lin Wan.
This problem stumps me as well! If I could persuade Lin Wan to go home and inherit her family business, I would have done so long ago! Would I have waited for both of you to come looking for me?
Pei Qian shook his head and said, “Honestly, I have no idea how to help you with this as well. I don’t think I can offer any assistance.”
Lin Chang quickly cut him off. “Don’t worry! I
believe a talented person like Boss Pei will be able to think of a solution. What’s more, Ah Wan trusts you completely. You have a higher chance of success than we do.
“Boss Pei, don’t worry. You’re not in this alone. If you need anything, Shenhua Corporation will be behind you for sure!”
“Once you accomplish this, we will properly thank you!”
Huh? Properly thank me? Are you going to help me repel System Funds?
Looking at how sincere they both were, Pei Qian nodded reluctantly. “Since that’s the case, let me think of something.”
Chapter 270 - Teacher Qiao, You Cannot Publish a Video
Although he had verbally agreed, Pei Qian knew very well that he could not rush these things. He had to consider this at length and approach it carefully.
Lin Wan was now extremely confident. At the same time, she was extremely wary of her own family members.
Pei Qian was sure that she knew her father would be anxious about her game’s success. She would expect him to plot for her return to the family. If Pei Qian made it just a little bit too obvious, Lin Wan would realize what he was up to for sure. Thus, not only did Pei Qian have to think of a way to send Lin Wan away, but he could not also allow Lin Wan to think that it had anything to do with her own family. She could not suspect that her father, Lin Yu, and the others were trying to cause trouble for her behind the scenes.
How should he go about it?
It would have been a good choice to select her as the most outstanding employee, but it’s still too early to select the most outstanding employee now.
What if he made an exception for Lin Wan and held a selection in the near future?
On one hand, it seemed too fake. On the other hand, he could not guarantee that everyone would vote for Lin Wan. Bao Xu was also a strong competitor.
If he wanted to make sure Lin Wan was selected, Pei Qian would have to resort to under-the-table tricks. That was too troublesome.
Pei Qian pondered for a moment and decided that the best way would be to expand the business.
He would tell Lin Wan that Tengda was planning to start a new business. As the most outstanding employee, Lin Wan would be put in charge of a new job.
Then, he would make her life more difficult so that she would back off. Yet, how should he go about it practically? Pei Qian had not thought about a good idea yet.
For now, Pei Qian had no choice but to verbally promise Lin Chang and Lin Yu. He could not rush things.
After all, Repent and Be Saved would be released in about a week or so. Pei Qian’s primary goal was to ensure that he would incur losses before settlement.
September 29th, Wednesday…
Pei Qian went to check on Fish Catching Internet Cafe’s new branch.
Ma Yang and Zhang Yuan followed Pei Qian’s requests strictly and made opening for business as soon as possible their first priority. Thus, they did not spend too much time on renovation. The internet cafe still looked largely simple. However, they purchased identical tables and computers as before. In addition, they put up Fish Catching Internet Cafe’s logo at the entrance. One would still be able to tell this branch belonged to them.
Pei Qian walked around the shop, feeling satisfied.
After getting rid of the coffee shop and bar, the entire shop became mostly occupied by computers. It looked much more compact than the existing branches.
There was a lounge area with a projector just like the mini cinema in the existing Fish Catching Internet Cafe branches.
After all, the mini cinema took up space but did not generate revenue. Pei Qian did not see a reason to get rid of it.
The hardware was still top-quality and guaranteed that bigger games would be able to run on them. In fact, it was more than enough to play games on.
After he surveyed the branch, he praised Zhang Yuan and Ma Yang’s efficiency and then left. It did not matter what condition the internet cafe was in now-as long as it was able to incur losses with the next week or two.
Thus, Pei Qian had to observe the situation for the week.
Finally, Pei Qian returned to Fish-Catching Internet Cafe’s Handong University branch. Research and development of Repent and Be Saved were almost complete. They were supposed to release the game on October 1st. At the moment, the final edits were mostly done.
In other words, Teacher Qiao had finished his historical assignment. In this month or so, Teacher Qiao had made significant contributions to the system’s design of Repent and Be Saved. Pei Qian remained deeply grateful for him.
It was time for Pei Qian to say some sincere words to Teacher Qiao.
“Boss Pei, thank you for taking care of me during this period. This trip to Jingzhou has been very meaningful to me!
“Repent and Be Saved is rich in content and meaning. Once I get back to Beijing, I will produce a video to share the lessons I have learned from playing this game!”
Qiao Liang looked extremely energetic. Ever since he arrived in Jingzhou, Qiao Liang had been on an emotional rollercoaster. He faced many setbacks and difficulties.
He felt overjoyed, confused, and doubtful of his own life.
Yet, now, he only had one feeling: a sense of achievement!
Apart from the material rewards, he also had the chance to see Boss Pei face to face. He ate top-quality delicacies in the nameless restaurant and completed Repent and Be Saved before anyone else had the chance to play it.
To Qiao Liang, he already had a significant edge over other UP Masters. In terms of skills or understanding of the game, he would be much better than others. Once he produced a video introducing the game, it would prove to be another explosive one!
At that thought, Qiao Liang felt the fighting spirit ignite in his heart. He was going to gain much more popularity!
However, Pei Qian remained quiet. This was especially so when he heard Qiao Liang say he would produce a video as soon as possible. At once, both his hands began to tremble.
Pei Qian knew how influential Teacher Qiao’s videos could be. From The Lonely Desert Road to Game Designer, Teacher Qiao’s videos brought huge waves of attention and players. They always caused huge losses to Pei Qian.
Thus, he had to take care of an unstable factor like Teacher Qiao. At the very least, Pei Qian could not allow history to repeat itself. His expression still serious, Pei Qian said, “No, Teacher Qiao, you cannot publish a video.”
Qiao Liang paused. “Why not?”
He looked confused. Aren’t I advertising on your behalf by publishing videos?
What’s more, Repent and Be Saved is such a difficult game. The plot is so deep. Don’t you want a hardcore gamer like me to explain it to ordinary players?
Boss Pei had purposely invited me over here to try the game out. He must have intended for me to produce a video about it, right? Pei Qian cleared his throat and said, “Teacher Qiao, would you reveal and review the entire plot of a movie the moment it’s released?”
Qiao Liang hesitated. “Er… I wouldn’t.”
Spoil the plot? That would be too cruel! It would be like circling the murderer on the first page of a detective comic. That was inhumane behavior!
Pei Qian nodded. “Exactly.
“The audience’s experience would be greatly discounted if they read the plot review before watching the actual movie. There was a great difference between the first and second time watching the same movie.
“It was the same for games as well. The more special a game was, the more it was so!” Qiao Liang felt slightly confused, but he was beginning to understand. Indeed, Repent and be Saved was a special game. He had been tortured when he first played it.
Pei Qian tried to sound genuine as he said, “Think about the first time you played the game. How did you feel?
“Did you feel astonished, shocked, and slightly intrigued?
“That was because you had no clear expectation of the game before you actually played it. That was what contributed to these amazing feelings. “If you publish a video about th
e game so soon, you would be hinting to other players that the game would be incredibly difficult, and they would have to keep digging to understand the plot of the game. If players come to the game with these expectations, they would not enjoy the same experience as you. Do you understand?
“All in all, I’m just trying to say don’t be the person who spoils the plot.” Qiao Liang blinked hard, finally understanding what Boss Pei meant. What’s more, he felt like the latter sounded quite logical.
When he first played Repent and be Saved, he was indeed tortured miserably. He was filled with confusion, but that confusion felt… quite beautiful at the same time.
He experienced the same thing for many other games as well. At first, he would always be the lousy one, being tortured by others. Yet, that was where the fun was. In fact, it could be quite addictive.
Once he became a professional at the games, his entire attitude towards them would change. He would not be able to recreate the same experience he had the first time around.
If he created a video explaining Repent and be Saved in detail, players would already expect the game to be hard before entering it. Wouldn’t that affect their attitude towards it?
Qiao Liang guessed it most likely would.
Thus, Boss Pei was indeed thoughtful.
Yet… how about his popularity…?
Qiao Liang kept silent for a moment and said, “Boss Pei, you are right indeed. My video might affect players’ first impression of the game.
“However, even if I don’t create a video, other UP Masters might…”
Qiao Liang felt indignant. The first UP Master to create a video about the game would enjoy the greatest benefits. Was he supposed to give up such an excellent opportunity to gain more popularity?
Pei Qian expected that he would think that way. Thus, he nodded and said, “I know, that’s unavoidable. However, you’ve spent such a long time on the game after all. You’re the UP Master with the deepest understanding of the game. “I suggest that you wait at least a week after its release before you upload a video about the game. At the very least, the first batch of players would be able to experience the game firsthand.
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