Game leveling

"What kind of vision are you talking about? You're the one who's made a big profit these days," Chen Yu said.

"Just a little money, nothing special," Wang Pangzi replied.

"What do you mean 'a little money'? I've been running this internet cafe for half a year, and I haven't made as much as you."

"It's just luck. I probably won't make much in the future."

They exchanged polite words, and Chen Yu asked, "So, Big Brother Pang, let's get down to business. How do you want to cooperate?"

"My preliminary idea is this: I'll provide the computers and manpower on my end, and you'll provide the technical expertise and connections on your end."

"Sounds good. How will the profits be divided?"

"Seventy-thirty."

"I get seventy, and you get thirty?"

"Haha, no, it's seventy for us and thirty for you."

Wang Pangzi chuckled.

"You're quite the swindler, Big Brother Pang. How are we supposed to run this business like that?"

"Chen Yu, let me explain. You know that a single computer costs at least 5,000 yuan these days. Initially, we're thinking of having a team of ten people, so I'll have to invest 50,000 yuan right away. Additionally, I'll provide the office space and broadband fees. On your end, even though you're offering technical expertise and connections, to be honest, you're not putting in a single cent."

"Big Brother Pang, the accounts don't work that way. While you're investing money, what's most important for the entire workshop? It's the technical expertise and connections. Without technical expertise, how can we make money, get equipment, and earn profits? Without connections, you probably know that online transactions are risky. I believe you're interested in partnering with us because of our technical skills and connections. Also, Big Brother Pang, are you planning to use old computers for this workshop?"

"Hehe... Chen Yu, you're quite shrewd. Alright, how about sixty-forty? We get sixty, and you get forty."

"No, it has to be fifty-fifty. That way, it's fair for everyone. If you're not okay with it, we can forget about it."

In truth, Chen Yu wasn't too invested in this game workshop. He was mainly trying to find a path for Zhang Jianming. But if the partnership resulted in a loss for him, Chen Yu wouldn't go along with it.

"Alright, fifty-fifty it is. I can move the computers in tonight. When can we start?"

"It depends on how quickly you can get your team ready."

"Chen Li, how's your team coming along?"

"They can all start tomorrow."

"Okay, let's start tomorrow."

"Great, let's sign a contract."

Even though the workshop wasn't large, they still needed to sign a contract.

That evening, Wang Pangzi quickly installed the computers.

The next day, Chen Li brought along eight or nine young men with dyed hair who didn't look very reputable.

Chen Yu didn't ask too many questions.

If these young men could turn over a new leaf, that would be for the best. If not, Chen Yu would simply turn a blind eye. He wasn't familiar with these individuals and had no saintly inclinations to worry too much about them.

"Big Brother Pang, now that the workshop is set up, should we appoint someone as the leader?"

"That's necessary."

"I see you're quite busy, Big Brother Pang, and Chen Li has just started getting into games and isn't very knowledgeable yet. How about we choose a leader from our side?"

Wang Pangzi hesitated for a moment, and Chen Yu added, "Of course, Big Brother Pang, we will also take your opinions into full consideration."

"Alright, we're all here for the money. Chen Yu, I trust you."

Although he was still somewhat reluctant, after some consideration, Wang Pangzi realized he didn't have much time to manage the workshop himself. So he agreed to Chen Yu's request.

"Since that's settled, let's have a meeting."

Despite being the youngest, Chen Yu's words carried weight. In just a few sentences, everyone's hearts trembled. Even the young streetwise individuals among them felt a bit uneasy.

"Now that we've opened this workshop, we need to start acting like one. The purpose of our workshop is to make money. If we're not making money, there's no point in having this workshop. Therefore, to ensure everyone can make money, we must all adhere to the workshop's rules and regulations in our work..."

After a brief meeting, Chen Yu had everyone familiarize themselves with the game. Each person was tasked with creating a character and playing for a day before making further decisions.

As for Chen Yu, he started posting advertisements for his business within the game.

"Tianxia Merchant Guild, Professional Power Leveling, Guaranteed Reliability, Inquire within..."

That's right. Chen Yu's first task was power leveling.

Of course, gold farming and acquiring equipment were also options, but the workshop had just begun, and they hadn't accumulated much valuable gear yet. Therefore, starting with power leveling was the best choice.

"Hey, buddy, you've got quite the reach. You're back to power leveling again, huh?"

After all, his reputation was spreading. His ID, "Number One in the World", was well-known in the game. While everyone knew that Number One in the World could be a bit unscrupulous, at least his reputation was trustworthy.

As soon as the advertisement was posted, Soul of the King initiated a private chat with Chen Yu.

"I don't really have a choice. I need help with power leveling," he said.

"If you didn't need it, you wouldn't have messaged me. Is it because there's a guild battle coming up, and you're feeling the pressure? You want me to power level five characters for you?" Chen Yu asked.

"Alright, no need to be so blunt. Yes, we have a guild battle coming up, and I'm under a lot of pressure. Let's power level five characters from scratch."

"Sure, what level do you want them to reach?"

"Get all of them to level 35."

"Alright. We go way back, so it's 3,000 yuan per character. Five characters will be 15,000 yuan."

"Come on, 'way back'? That's a bit steep, isn't it?"

Soul of the King started cursing Chen Yu again, calling him a scammer. "Look at the other guilds; they only charge 2,000 yuan for leveling up to 35."

"Other guilds don't have my reputation. If you give them your account, they might just steal it."

"That's true."

"Some guilds even take your money and don't provide the service. Who will you turn to then?"

"Alright, alright, damn it! I'll transfer you 3,000 yuan in a bit."

"Okay, and remember, we operate with integrity. As long as we receive the payment, we'll get the job done."

Chen Yu was in a good mood. He hadn't expected to receive business so soon after setting up the workshop.

"Good news!"

After a while, Soul of the King transferred the 15,000 yuan. Chen Yu withdrew 10,000 yuan from the bank and brought it to the workshop. In front of everyone, he said, "Everyone, we've just received an order for power leveling. We need to level up five characters to level 35, and the payment has already been transferred. You can see it right here on the table. As long as you complete the task, these 2,000 yuan will be yours."

Chen Yu neatly stacked the 10,000 yuan into five piles of 2,000 each.

The members of the workshop started breathing heavily.

Wang Pangzi and Zhang Jianming were relatively composed, having some experience with money.

But Chen Li and his group of friends were practically wide-eyed.

"2,000 yuan! Wow, 2,000 yuan!"

"Damn, I can't even steal 2,000 yuan in a month."

"It seems like there's a future in doing legitimate work. I'll never go back to that life again."

Most of these young hoodlums were still quite young, and their targets had mostly been students. But how much money did students really carry with them?

Sometimes they would rob several students and only end up with a few bucks. It was truly pathetic.

Even adults didn't carry much cash on them. Risking their lives for a meager sum of a few hundred yuan a month wasn't worth it.

But now, when they saw the workshop's offer, they were astounded. Starting at a straight 2,000 yuan. It was like a beam of light had blinded them.