Withdrawing shares

"Are you guys really going?"

"Well, we have to, Jian Ge."

"This job is not easy; it's not like being in school."

"Don't worry, we're prepared for it."

"But let's make it clear, if you come to work with me, you might not be able to attend classes at school."

"Jian Ge, don't worry. We haven't been attending many classes lately. Honestly, even though we're in the classroom most of the time, we can't concentrate, and it's better to gain some real-world experience."

"Yeah, Jian Ge, we haven't been to many classes lately. We spend all our time playing games at the internet cafe."

"Well, if that's the case, alright, I'll take you guys with me in a few days."

"Jian Ge, you're awesome! I knew you wouldn't leave us behind."

Seeing Zhang Jianming agree, the dormitory mates were incredibly excited.

Some of them rushed to the convenience store to call their parents and say that they had found an internship job.

As for school, it was simple.

Skipping a few days of classes was completely normal, especially in a vocational school.

Take Zhang Jianming, for example. He hadn't attended many classes since the start of the school year, and no teacher had said anything to him.

Anyway, for them, these students were just biding their time here.

If you want to learn, I'll teach you in the classroom with all my heart. If you don't want to learn, and since vocational school wasn't compulsory education, who cared about you?

...

"Jian Ge, how's it going? Do you have people over there?"

"Of course, we have plenty of people at our school. But recruiting only 10 people is too few. When I mentioned recruiting for the website, everyone in my class demanded to go. I'm afraid to return to school now."

"Hehe, looks like Jian Ge has some influence in school."

"What influence? I'm just using borrowed prestige. If you don't come with me, where else can I show off?"

"Get out of here; don't be a brown-noser."

After they had set up the office, Chen Yu led Zhang Jianming to the newly rented office space across from Chenyi Square.

"Wow, our office is so big!"

"This is considered small; in the future, we might need more space."

"I thought we just rented a small room."

"A small room? Come on, we're a high-tech internet company. We might even go public in the future."

"Public? Boss Chen, don't scare me."

"Why would I scare you? Come, take a look. What do you think? If we're missing anything, let me know, and we'll get more."

Zhang Jianming surveyed the office, praising it continuously as he looked around.

"Is the rent here expensive?"

"1500 yuan a month."

"That's expensive! With 1500 yuan, you could rent a ground-floor store."

"1500 is quite cheap, considering this place is over 200 square meters. Besides, a ground-floor store wouldn't serve our purpose; we're not in the business of selling things."

"That's true."

"Wow, these computers are brand new! Chen Yu, did you invest all the money you earned into this?"

"Pretty much, but I still have some left."

Chen Yu nodded, "I initially thought about buying second-hand, but then I reconsidered. Computers become outdated too quickly. If I bought a used one, it wouldn't last long, and I'd have to buy a new one. So, I decided to go for it all at once."

Actually, it wouldn't be accurate to say that computers become outdated too quickly. If it were for ordinary office work, buying a second-hand one would be fine. But for running a website, especially a gaming website, second-hand computers wouldn't cut it. Particularly with the expected boom in online gaming in the coming years in China, many internet cafe computers would struggle to keep up, leading to a rapid improvement in computer specifications.

"Let's go; it's getting late. I made a dinner appointment with Wang Pangzi tonight. Let's go together."

"Sure."

After carefully considering things, Zhang Jianming didn't have any other suggestions besides moving some potted plants.

When the time was right, Chen Yu and Zhang Jianming headed to the pre-booked restaurant.

"Chen Yu, what's the special occasion today that you brought us to eat here?"

"Hehe, you don't need a special occasion to have a meal, right? Brother Pang, Chen Li, have a seat."

Xinfeng had a river called the Taojiang River. On the banks of the Taojiang River stood the most prestigious hotel in Xinfeng, the Taojiu Grand Hotel. It was said to be built to a 4-star standard. Having a 4-star hotel in a small county was already quite good. Those with a bit of money liked to host banquets at the Taojiang Hotel.

"Wow, the ambiance here is amazing."

"Chen Li, you've never been here before?"

"Come on, don't bring up the past. As Brother Pang said, a prodigal son will return as a golden child. Here, let's have a drink."

The Taojiang Hotel had an elegant atmosphere and excellent service. Although the food might not necessarily taste better than what street-side restaurants offered, the overall experience was something that ordinary eateries couldn't provide. After a few rounds of beer, their conversation flowed freely.

They discussed how the workshop had been developing smoothly recently and had acquired some excellent equipment. They also mentioned how incredible the 5173 website was, and thanks to it, they could quickly sell their equipment. Wang Pangzi even mentioned that the Legend game would open a new server next month, and they were planning to recruit more people.

"Chen Yu, what are your thoughts on the new Legend server next month?" Wang Pangzi asked, bringing up the topic.

"Well..."

Chen Yu put down his glass and said, "I don't have any thoughts. I'm not that interested in the workshop anymore."

"What?!" Wang Pangzi was taken aback. "What's going on, Chen Yu? You seem like you're not planning to continue with the workshop."

"That's right."

In fact, the purpose of today's dinner appointment was also for this matter.

"I can't believe it..."

Wang Pangzi raised his glass, saying, "I need a drink to calm my nerves."

"Jianming, are you giving up too?" Zhang Jianming chimed in.

"Wherever Chen Yu goes, I go," Zhang Jianming replied.

"Chen Yu, are you thinking of starting your own workshop?" Wang Pangzi asked, looking at Chen Yu. "It's not necessary. We're cooperating well together. Why create another one? If we start another one, we'll just end up competing with ourselves. There's no need for that."

Wang Pangzi continued, "Chen Yu, is it because of the previous issue with the shares? I know it was my fault; back then, I invested a large sum of money, and then..."

"Brother Pang, don't get me wrong. We've already discussed the past, and I'm not a petty person. I won't hold a grudge over it."

"Then why?" Wang Pangzi asked.

"I'm not interested in starting another workshop. What I said earlier is true. I'm genuinely not interested in the workshop anymore. I've started a new project, so I don't have time to manage the workshop. I invited you over today to discuss this."

"Are you really not starting a new venture?"

"Really not."

Chen Yu's gaze was resolute, and Wang Pangzi breathed a sigh of relief.

"Chen Yu, did you start a major project?" Wang Pangzi asked.

"I wouldn't call it a major project, but I feel it has potential."

"Alright, since you don't want to run the workshop anymore, I won't stop you. However, what about the shares?"

"What do you suggest, Brother Pang?"

"Well...," Wang Pangzi hesitated for a moment, then said, "Originally, we agreed to split the workshop's ownership equally, but later on, I took a bit more of the shares, making it 60-40. Since you no longer want to run it, how about I leave you with a 30% stake?"

"Heh, Brother Pang, you're looking out for me."

Chen Yu couldn't help but view Wang Pangzi in a new light.

"We've known each other for a while, and there's no need to create a rift over shares. Besides, if it weren't for you, our workshop wouldn't have gained fame so quickly."

"Brother Pang, you're being very generous this time."

Chen Yu filled Wang Pangzi's glass, saying, "Brother Pang, you mentioned earlier that Legend is opening a new server. You'll need to expand and invest more. Both Jianming and I won't be around, so holding onto those shares would be to your advantage. How about this: I don't need any shares. Instead, give me some money to support my new project. What do you think?"