Chapter One Hundred Eighteen: Taking a Trip

With Zhao Fan’s insistence, the decision to invest in mobile phone development was finalized. The next question was how much their company should allocate to the project.

Zhao Fan stated bluntly, “Half of the company’s monthly profits.”

Those attending the meeting exchanged glances, all understanding that the matter was settled. They promptly voiced their approval.

Zhao Fan was fully aware that such a bold move could lead to complications, but as he often said, “How will you know if you don’t try?”

His supermarket and his company had only come into being through trial and error.

However, he never shared this philosophy with his employees—it was unnecessary. When the results came in, they would naturally grasp the crux of the matter.

Han Chen had returned to the country two months prior and had been handling negotiations related to the gaming project.

As the discussion wrapped up, he spoke, “President Zhao, regarding the game…”

Zhao Fan looked over. “Go ahead.”

“I’ve already made contact on the gaming side. Here are the details. My suggestion is to establish a project team within the company, which could eventually become a standalone department solely dedicated to game development.”

Han Chen pushed the documents toward Zhao Fan.

Taking the papers, Zhao Fan skimmed through them as he said, “Setting up a project team is fine, and creating a department later is possible, but all of this depends on whether the game can turn a profit.”

The file contained extensive details covering every aspect.

Zhao Fan, having played games in a past life, quickly formed a clear vision for the game’s future.

It was a hero-versus-hero card game, using historical figures from foreign countries as templates, adjusted and refined to form the core of the gameplay.

Unconsciously, Zhao Fan recalled having heard of a similar game—a card game based on foreign legends, combining lottery draws and mission tasks.

“What do you think, President Zhao?”

He replied, “The card game concept is solid, but I want to change the character templates.”

Han Chen immediately sensed Zhao Fan’s interest and leaned in, attentive.

“Please, go on.”

“I want the character templates to be rooted in our country’s background—whether historical figures or mythological legends. The skills should be adjusted accordingly. If they’re historical figures, the content must be faithful to history. As for mythology, I imagine I don’t need to elaborate, right?”

Han Chen nodded eagerly. “No need, no need. I’ll start negotiations tomorrow.”

“Good. Also, please establish the project team as soon as possible. Don’t delay development. And acquire the game’s core rights.”

“Understood.”

After discussing these two projects, Zhao Fan dismissed the employees for the day. As he was about to leave, Han Chen called him back.

“Is there something else?”

“The company is understaffed.”

Zhao Fan’s tone turned strained. “If I’m not mistaken, we just hired new people not long ago?”

“It’s not enough. With more projects coming in, the programmers are constantly working overtime. Though they don’t mind it, this can’t go on forever. Eventually, they’ll have no time to breathe.”

Han Chen rarely spoke so candidly.

Zhao Fan stroked his chin, contemplating the commercial empire he wished to build, and quickly made a decision.

“Notify Human Resources to recruit more staff. If you’re worried, oversee the process yourself. If someone’s capable, hire them regardless of any conditions. Salaries follow the previous standards.”

“Got it.”

This reminded Zhao Fan of the first batch of employees he had brought in. He promptly called the finance manager.

Though Zhao Fan hadn’t been at the company often over the past six months, the departments had been steadily improving.

Flying Dragon Company, though still small, was now fully functional.

The finance manager, Shen Mingcheng, had just arrived downstairs and hurried back upon receiving the call.

“President Zhao, what can I do for you?”

After Han Chen left, Zhao Fan was alone in the office.

“It’s about raising salaries for longtime employees.”

Shen Mingcheng paused for a moment before catching on.

“So, you want to discuss the salary increase standards?”

“Yes. Please sit down; let’s handle this quickly.”

“Alright.”

After some discussion, they settled on the raise standards.

“If I’m not mistaken, payday is coming soon. Please make sure the finance department works hard; everyone will get an extra 500 yuan bonus at month’s end.”

Shen Mingcheng smiled, holding the raise plan. “No problem, no problem.”

It’s all just numbers. Getting a bonus is their good fortune.

Glancing at the clock, it was already eleven o’clock. Zhao Fan stood and said, “It’s late; you should head home.”

“Alright.”

After Shen Mingcheng left, Zhao Fan locked the company door and was about to leave when Han Chen returned.

“Anything else?”

“I forgot some documents and came back for them.”

“Here,” Zhao Fan tossed him the keys. “Remember to lock up when you’re done.”

“Will do.”

…

A few days after the meeting, the collaboration between Flying Dragon and Jiang Ying entered a smooth phase. Zhao Fan, assured there were no surprises, immersed himself in studying.

Business was important, but with the college entrance exam approaching, study was even more critical.

The days that followed were quiet. Yet Zhao Fan suddenly noticed that Yang Yuqing had stopped coming to school.

What happened?

“Fan, I heard our school beauty left again.”

Zhao Fan was silent for a moment, then asked with a strange expression, “Where did she go this time?”

“Where else? Abroad. Something happened at home, and to avoid any accidents, they sent her away.”

Rubbing his chin, Zhao Fan looked at Chen Tianyu, eyeing him up and down.

“Didn’t expect you, Chen Tianyu, to have ears everywhere. Where did you hear this?”

Chen Tianyu chuckled lightly. “It’s not really a secret—everyone at school’s talking about it. I thought since you’re close, I’d come tell you.”

Zhao Fan was speechless. “I…”

“Don’t say anything, Fan. I understand, I really do.”

Zhao Fan slapped his forehead. “Understand what? Don’t listen to all those rumors. I don’t even know what my relationship with her is.”

They’d only had a few encounters, yet people were spreading all kinds of nonsense. It was infuriating.

Chen Tianyu rubbed his forehead. “If there’s nothing between you two, then fine. No need to hit me.”

Zhao Fan raised his hand as if to strike.

Without hesitation, Chen Tianyu turned and ran off. “Ah, I haven’t finished my exam paper. Gotta go!”

Zhao Fan shook his head with a wry smile.

He’d seen irresponsible people before but never anyone quite like this.

Oh well, whatever.

Just as Zhao Fan thought the news was nothing more than idle gossip, he was directly stopped after evening study.

“Are you President Zhao? Our President Yang wishes to meet with you.”

Zhao Fan lifted an eyebrow. “President Yang? You mean Yang Tiancheng? Lead the way.”

The night breeze stirred softly, and all around was silent.