Those Years When I Was Forced to Top the Forbes List

Chapter 183 Love Maniac, Turn Back

Time: 20 minutes later.

Location: General Manager's Office, 2nd Floor, Fengyao Auto Mall.

Characters: Chen Xuebing, Hu Li, Xu Yunfeng and his gang, a dozen or so people.

Who do you think was the most formidable general in the Three Kingdoms period?

In front of me was a pool table, covered with cards that looked like they were drawn from a pack of Little Raccoon instant noodles, depicting famous generals from the Three Kingdoms period, each with a magical ability written on it.

Xu Yunfeng found it at a toy market. He planned to copy it, select a group of awesome characters, and let players role-play and complete the game.

"Lu Bu."

"Guan Yu!"

"Mr. Chen, what do you think?"

Xu Yunfeng looked at Chen Xuebing very seriously.

Chen Xuebing was in no mood to answer this kind of question at the moment.

Damn it, my girlfriend got lost and I still insist on going to work. You ask me which character can be the most awesome melee hero?

I'm an investor, okay? Not your startup team!
"I think it's Liu Shan."

Chen Xuebing spoke casually, and everyone around him stared at him with "Holy crap!" eyes.

"Liu Shan...A Dou?? What's so great about him?"

Chen Xuebing grinned.

"At just one year old, he faced a million Cao soldiers and dared to charge in and out of Changban Slope seven times with only one light cavalryman, even gaining half a body length advantage over that cavalryman. Such a feat is comparable to that of Lü Bu and Ma Chao. How could he not be fierce?"

"... "

"Damn it." Xu Yunfeng gave him the middle finger: "That light cavalryman is Zhao Yun! Dude, can you be serious?"

"Guan Yu was a mounted archer, what does that have to do with melee combat?"

Chen Xuebing said dismissively, flipping over the cards on the table one by one and arranging them in a grid pattern.

"Web games can only be 2D, but not side-scrolling 2D. Making RPGs won't work; they won't make money and won't be fun. Let's make card games. I've already thought of a name for you: 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms: Strategy Edition' or 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms: Strategy Edition'."

"This is the main city." He held up a pool cue and pointed to a card.

"Start with one city, upgrade internal affairs, recruit soldiers, and gather heroes to lead the army."

"Right next to it are grids. It takes a certain amount of time to run one grid. There are resources on them that you can plunder, as well as bandits and guards. You can upgrade your hero by killing them."

"Occupy a grid, and you can build a camp on it, and troops can enter it."

"Different players can enter different countries. The map of a country is very large. Players spawn at random locations, form different alliances, conquer wild cities, and divide their own territories."

"The larger the territory, the better the resources."

"Those from the same country cannot attack each other, and the leaders of an alliance of the same country must negotiate with each other to divide resources."

"Once the resources within a country have been largely distributed, the alliances can cooperate to attack other countries."

"Different hero cards have different skills."

"You can draw regular heroes with in-game currency, but you have to spend money to draw advanced hero cards. That's the key point."

"As for the rest, unit counters and other aspects to ensure playability for ordinary players, you can figure it out yourself."

After Chen Xuebing finished speaking, he threw down the pole.

"His!"

A group of people nearby gasped in shock.

Why does this sound...so fun?
Upon hearing this, Xu Yunfeng changed his mind and began to think about it seriously.

"Won't the map be huge if we do it this way? Won't it take up a lot of memory?"

"Compressing memory is your job. You can cut the graphics quality to the bare minimum, which will save you a lot of money. But it has to be fun, and it's best if you can communicate with each other. If you can't do a public channel, at least make sure you can send game emails. Don't worry about the internet speed. By the time you finish it, internet cafes will have to upgrade to fiber optics."

"...Server investment is huge! And with so much content, even after cutting graphics, it's still at least several hundred megabytes. Who has the patience to load that much content into a web game?"

The person who asked the question this time was the technical director appointed by Xu Yunfeng.

He was the only one who had any real experience in online games; the other technicians were all half-baked recruits from schools.

Chen Xuebing pondered for a moment: "If you really can't do it, then make game software. Let's get it right the first time and build the framework. If you don't have enough money, I'll get you some investment."

"That's far from enough. Online game software is not on the same level, and the graphics quality can't be this bad."

Xu Yunfeng had also done some research over the past few days and knew the costs were reasonable. After explaining, he did a quick calculation and said:

"Even if we do something incredibly stupid, it will still cost at least several million."

“No problem, I’ll find it for you,” Chen Xuebing said readily.

He has played all the strategic Three Kingdoms games that have been passed down from previous generations, including "Emperor's Three Kingdoms", "New Three Kingdoms Hegemony", "Romance of the Three Kingdoms: Strategy Edition" and "Land of Glory". His desire to conquer is at its peak. There is a group of loyal old players who like this series. Many bosses also like to play it and have strong spending power.

Xu Yunfeng's company doesn't need to make other games. As long as they delve into this type of game and cultivate a group of loyal fans, it will be a market worth at least tens of billions of yuan when the mobile game era arrives.

If this project goes well, he'll make sure to squeeze money out of Xu Yunfeng no matter what.

Upon hearing that millions were no problem, everyone started to let their imaginations run wild.

"What about me? Everyone gets a share, brother!" Hu Li also started to get excited.

"Your initial setup won't cost much. First, build up the video website infrastructure, establish good upload channels, and find a group of people to promote it on various forums—you know, online trolls, right? Also, gather some video resources yourself. Once you have users, I'll find you some good TV drama copyrights. Your company will have a hard time being self-sufficient in the early stages; you'll need to go through the financing route. User data and technology accumulation are key. Stick to making sure you get high-definition content. I'll guarantee you regular financing. Here's a goal for you: acquire Tudou.com."

"Huh? Doing technical stuff?" Hu Li started making a face.

"Once you've got it all set up, you can make your own online shows, and even host your own talent shows, like 'Super Girl.' You can also invest in and make your own movies. Then you'll be the producer, investor, and distributor. You can choose whichever celebrity you want to work with, right?"

Chen Xuebing's tone was seductive and persuasive.

As Hu Li listened, her eyes sparkled with hearts, and the hesitation she had shown earlier gradually faded from her lips, leaving only determination.

"Yes, I want to do it, I want to do it."

Chen Xuebing couldn't help but laugh, "That's a good use of the word 'gan' (干, meaning 'to do' or 'to do')."

The men around him laughed, their eyes filled with lust.

Hu Li realized what was happening and started roaring as she lunged at Chen Xuebing: "Chen Xuebing, you damned dog!"

Chen Xuebing, however, was too lazy to play along with her as usual. He walked to the sofa, sat down, and crossed his legs.

"The initial investment of 50 each is available immediately. As for the remaining financing, I will only give you two or three months to demonstrate your capabilities. The Long March Fund will hold an investor conference in February. If you achieve the results I want, you will become my brand, and my financing resources will be tilted towards you. If you don't perform well, many investors should be willing to let their children participate. At that time, the resources will not wait for you and will be invested in projects that I think are good."

Everyone was silent.

The biker gang that used to follow Xu Yunfeng never expected Chen Xuebing to be so arrogant.

Very prestigious.

Xu Yunfeng, the eldest brother in their hearts, gradually lost his luster. Two of them were eager to ask Chen Xuebing what kind of fund he was involved in, planning to recommend him to their parents when they got back.

At this moment, Xu Yunfeng coughed lightly: "President Jiang, you should stay as the Vice President of Technology. I need to find a more professional Technical Director. You understand?"

"Uh..." Director Jiang was demoted on the spot, his face somewhat embarrassed.

Seeing that Xu Yunfeng was already starting to replace his staff with new ones, Hu Li, who was all alone, grabbed Director Jiang in desperation: "You can build websites, you can build video websites, right? I have money too, come with me, you can be my technical director!"

"Hu Li!" Xu Yunfeng shouted.

The two started arguing.

Chen Xuebing shook his head, put his hands in his pockets, got up and walked out, leaving behind a casual remark:

“I value you not because you know how to spend money lavishly. If you want to run a good company, you should learn from your father.”

He had just stepped out of the room when he heard Hu Li's joyful shout from inside:

"Yeah, I have a dad! I'll have him send me an HR manager! By the way, bro! What should I call my company? Have you picked one out for me yet?"

Chen Xuebing's lips twitched violently.

No, no, I can't give her the name iQiyi.

"Go ahead and relieve yourself!"

"Then I'm really fine with anything~ I like peach blossoms, that's called 'peach color'! Peach color video, how about it?"

"You son of a bitch, iQiyi!!"

Three days later, Chen Xuebing was having dinner when he suddenly received a call from Xin Mengzhen.

“I went to Hong Kong a few days ago,” she said as she began.

“My grandfather took me to discuss business and we met a very influential business partner.”

Her voice sounded tired; although she was talking about something she had always dreamed of, she seemed rather unenthusiastic. Chen Xuebing had many questions he wanted to ask, but sensing her state, he first asked with concern, "What's wrong?"

"Yes, my grandfather said that we shouldn't meet for the time being."

As soon as he finished speaking, Chen Xuebing's face fell.

"Are you planning to listen to him and break up with me?"

The people around him fell silent and stared at him.

"Hmm?" Xin Mengzhen was surprised. "Why do you think that? My grandfather just told me to be more independent in my work and not to always think about asking you for help."

As she spoke, she sounded somewhat aggrieved and downcast: "Actually, I didn't always want to ask you for help, it's just... maybe it's fate, you're always there for me, and I think I've really become a little dependent on you. From now on, let's not talk about work anymore, and I'll solve any difficulties myself, okay?"

Chen Xuebing had just breathed a sigh of relief when he heard this, and he couldn't help but curse.

We're both workaholics, so sharing work is sharing life. If we don't talk about work, what do we talk about?
Want to talk about studying?
Finance, isn't that your job?

How can I show off if I don't talk about work?
That old man is really cunning; instead of directly getting Xin Mengzhen to break up with him, he stole my spotlight.

Without this filter, what is there left for Xin Mengzhen to admire about herself?

Damn, he must have checked my educational background.

"Mengzhen, your grandfather is too cunning. He made me and you..."

Chen Xuebing was just about to start complaining.

"Don't talk about him!" Xin Mengzhen suddenly roared.

Chen Xuebing was caught off guard: "I didn't say anything."

“He has cancer, lung cancer, lung cancer,” Xin Mengzhen began to sob.

Chen Xuebing's head was buzzing.

"Can it be cured?"

There was no sound from that side.

After a long silence, a slightly weak voice replied, "I consulted someone. They said my grandfather is 71 years old, and even with surgery, his five-year survival rate is very, very low. I thought about it; he's very healthy, and he has doctors taking care of him. He'll definitely live to 90. Now he's suddenly leaving us..."

The sound stopped again.

The only family member who cared about her was about to leave, which felt like the sky had fallen and the earth had collapsed for the girl.

Chen Xuebing really wanted to hug her right now.

But Xin Mengzhen's strong character quickly returned. She sniffed and mumbled, "I'm fine. Grandpa told me to work hard at Boshi for a year, and then go to the University of Hong Kong as an exchange student in my second year. He will personally mentor me and entrust me with some tasks. In the future... he will leave me 10% of the family business shares and 51% of the voting rights. I will live a good life, so don't worry. In the future... I might even be able to help you."

Chen Xuebing felt a headache coming on.

51% of the voting rights?

Female sect leader?
Wasn't it supposed to be a preference for sons over daughters? How come she's tied up like this?

"Hong Kong...you really want to move to Hong Kong."

Chen Xuebing was a little dazed. He had known for a long time that she was going to Hong Kong, but he thought that since Xin Mengzhen was with him, she would consider the restrictions on their interactions and would at least discuss it with him before deciding to move to Hong Kong.

I didn't expect it to be a notification.

She easily gave up the promise to meet in Shanghai's financial district.

He felt a little disappointed, but given the unusual circumstances, he couldn't say anything.

Xin Mengzhen was optimistic: "It doesn't matter, Hong Kong and Shenzhen are closer. In the future, we can make phone calls across Shenzhen Bay. Once transportation is convenient, I will come to see you every day."

Chen Xuebing raised his eyebrows.

Convenient transportation is incredibly difficult to achieve; the Shenzhen Bay Bridge is still two years away from opening.

"Regarding the Chongqing Iron and Steel project, should we still proceed? I've already made arrangements, and I'm thinking..."

He wanted to say "I want to see you," but there were too many people around, and he couldn't bring himself to say it.

When he finalized the deal with Chongqing Iron and Steel, he was thinking that since Xin Mengzhen would be involved in the project, she would come to Chongqing often, and he should take her somewhere fun.

“I’m not doing it anymore.” Xin Mengzhen laughed. “You can rest assured and make demands of Lu Xiaochun. Don’t worry about me. He can’t make things difficult for me.”

Chen Xuebing sighed.

He thought about taking her to Jiaotong University, about taking her out for hot pot, about taking her to Pengshui…

I was initially worried that there would be too few places to go and too much time to spare, which would make it boring.

That's good, no need to plan anymore.

Xin Mengzhen's every word was for his benefit, but he felt as if she was really talking about breaking up.

He really wanted to ask Xin Mengzhen: Don't you miss me?

Even though he kept reminding himself to understand her situation, he couldn't help but feel a desire to sulk.

"Okay, I understand." Chen Xuebing could only express his dissatisfaction through his tone.

"Don't be angry." Xin Mengzhen noticed Chen Xuebing's emotions and comforted him in a tone like she was coaxing a child, then took the initiative to start a conversation: "What are you doing?"

Chen Xuebing looked around: "Having dinner with a bunch of beautiful girls from school."

He wanted to provoke Xin Mengzhen.

Hu Li immediately moved closer to Chen Xuebing's phone and shouted:
"Hello, sister-in-law! There are no pretty girls here, I'm his sister! Hu Li!"

Xin Mengzhen laughed on the other end of the phone: "Hello... then you should have dinner with your beautiful lady, you stingy guy."

Chen Xuebing's mouth twisted slightly.

Okay, okay, you said it.

"Bye."

After he finished speaking, he really hung up the phone.

This was the first time he had hung up on Xin Mengzhen so rudely. As he pressed the hang-up button, he remembered how vulnerable Xin Mengzhen had been and felt a pang of regret.

But then I thought, forget it, I don't care anymore.

Just a second before he hung up, he was really just being stubborn.

But the moment I hung up, I felt a sense of loss.

Xin Mengzhen's joking and relaxed attitude in trying to coax him didn't solve the problem; instead, it made Chen Xuebing feel that the relationship was unreal.

It seemed that at that moment, his connection with Shanghai changed from a solid bond to a thread as thin as a spider's web.

"Big brother, are you really heartbroken?" Hu Li, who was next to him, could see Chen Xuebing's expression throughout the conversation and knew that the phone call just now was not easy for him.

“Funny mud…” Chen Xuebing blurted out an English phrase, but stopped before finishing, giving Hu Li some face.

He ate hot pot in a studio that Hu Li rented near the school.

And around him, there really was a group of beautiful women watching him curiously.

Hu Li has a lot of influence. In just a few days, she gathered a group of girls from the School of Humanities, majoring in Broadcasting and Journalism and Advertising. They were all quite good-looking.

In her words, with so many beautiful women, wouldn't it be easy to recruit a few tech-savvy men to work for you?
Chen Xuebing had no interest in enjoying the company of beautiful women at the moment, and said with a slightly dry voice, "Play a song."

"okay!"

Hu Li stood up with a grin, hopped over to a computer with speakers, and played a classic Cantonese song.

Don't indulge in wishful thinking and create your own dreams.

“Show me all your favors and provide transportation.”

"There's no need to keep asking me if my relationship has thawed, constantly chasing after me like a raging storm..."

...

"You love-crazed fool, turn back, for I'm afraid..."

"If one is blinded by love, one cannot distinguish between truth and falsehood..."

Vivian Chow's charming singing voice echoed in the studio, sounding just like Xin Mengzhen's, each line striking a chord in Chen Xuebing's heart.

My heart is as hard as iron.

"Damn it, Hu Li, what song are you playing? Do you have any beer? Give me a can." Chen Xuebing yelled.

Upon hearing this, Hu Li pointed at Chen Xuebing and burst into laughter.

"Haha... Sisters, you're in luck! The biggest eligible bachelor in our school has really broken up with his girlfriend! Go for it!"

(End of this chapter)