Mr. Jiang's investment model

Yu Niannian received an invitation from Zhixing Games to visit the site. She was to be in charge of the art style control for the new DLC and the Easter eggs in "The Road to Becoming a Corporate Slave".

Also, they were delighted to have such a rare client and took the opportunity to broaden their horizons.

As the first game in which she was involved in controlling the art style, Yu Niannian had a strong bias towards it, in addition to the fact that "The Way of the Corporate Slave" itself was of high quality.

That would make the embellishment even more outrageous.

This time, Yu Yue didn't even mention the key words for art requirements, and couldn't think of a way to summarize them, so he simply invited people to Zhixing Games.

Let Yu Niannian see it herself, and then let her improvise. Experience the overall atmosphere of Zhixing Games, and better try out... the new art style in the Easter egg.

Fortunately, the two studios are not far apart.

One is in City G, and the other is in City S.

Yu Niannian was immediately struck by the grand layout and design upon entering.

As someone with an art background, she is particularly able to appreciate this kind of beauty.

A good environment can better inspire creativity.

I have considered this layout myself, but my studio is currently quite small. Although I have been trying to consider the aesthetics of the office area, I still have to make concessions in order to save costs.

She thought she had already allocated enough office space for each employee, but she never expected that there were always people more capable than herself.

This is Chuangzhi Yunjing, one of the most upscale chain office buildings in the country.

The saying "every inch of land is worth its weight in gold" is no joke.

Even if this place is packed a bit more, it can still fit at least 50 more people.

Then, as a loyal viewer and guest of "The Survival Diary of Contemporary Migrant Workers", Yu Niannian realized that the place seemed somewhat familiar.

It wasn't that she was slow to react; it was because the most positive description of the company in "The Survival Diary of Contemporary Working People" was only about the floor where Jiang Chuan was.

This is the 14th floor of the office area.

Before she could think about it, Yu Yue warmly got up and came over to greet her: "Teacher Yu, I've heard so much about you."

Yu Niannian quickly waved her hand, since the two weren't that far apart in age: "Just call me by my name, there's no need to be so polite."

The two exchanged pleasantries as usual before getting down to business.

Instead of immediately having Yu Niannian start working on the art requirements, Yu Yue first showed her around the entire design layout of Zhixing Games.

He wasn't trying to show off at all; it was purely because the Easter egg was closely related to the Zhixing game.

The entire design team valued this Easter egg highly, as it was a gift for President Jiang.

Zhixing Games is now divided into two groups: one group continues to develop a new version and DLC of "The Way of the Corporate Slave", while the other group is working with Southern Games Studio to develop a new VR game project.

So during this period, VR devices have been continuously being connected to the office area, but a suitable VR device has still not been found.

Mr. Jiang had very specific requirements for the equipment used in this game, and some functions even required special development, but we'll leave that aside for now.

It is said that some technology companies are already working on it.

The person in charge of the group next door is Fang Qixiang, who was Yu Yue's deputy before.

"I don't know why, but when I saw this whole space and the spirit of your company's employees, I suddenly had a strong urge to create something."

"Could it be because of the environment?" Yu Niannian had quite a few thoughts after walking around.

This tiny game studio is where some of today's wildly popular games are born.

"Maybe it's related," Yu Yue said sincerely.

The two chatted for a while longer, mainly as Yu Niannian tried to learn more about the company and the background of the production of "The Road to Becoming a Corporate Slave".

A comprehensive understanding of the client's needs allows her to think from multiple perspectives about how to express the feelings she experiences through painting.

The whole process is very abstract...

Well, the two sides are already quite abstract to begin with.

Before officially starting to design the art style of the DLC, Yu Niannian experienced the half-finished DEMO that had been rushed out on the development team's computer.

The design of the DLC is quite similar to that of the original version.

Now that I've finished experiencing the DLC, the next step is to learn about some related information.

"You said you were only responsible for execution and planning, and that the real game designer was General Manager Jiang... So, in your work process, what kind of image do you think this game designer has?"

Yu Niannian opened her sketchbook, asking Yu Yue questions earnestly while preparing to quickly jot down some information she found useful based on his description.

"To be honest, when I first came into contact with our company's game design process, I was quite puzzled. It seemed like we were forcibly mixing together several different game genres and styles."

"This might be a top-tier game producer's new understanding and interpretation of games."

"Could you elaborate?" Yu Niannian pressed.

"At the beginning, we were very confused, but after making changes little by little based on the design feedback from General Manager Jiang, a complete game was finally created."

"In my opinion, he is not only a very talented game designer, but also a leader who knows how to let go and how to hold on tightly."

"As an original artist, you should have a personal understanding of this."

Yu Niannian nodded. If you control things too tightly, it will be difficult to bring out the initiative of your employees; if you let them off too loosely, they may not know what to do at all—this is also her own realization after becoming a boss.

The two were talking when Song Zhiming appeared in the office area with a smile on his face.

Yu Yue thought they were coming to see him, because although the game development was now divided into two groups, he was still the nominal head of the whole group.

Since Assistant Song has come down, there must be something important to discuss.

Hmm, it doesn't seem like it. Will there be any new employee benefits? It's really hard to imagine what can be improved or improved at Zhixing Games with its current employee benefits.

"Excuse me, I'm here to see Miss Yu. Miss Yu, this way please."

Song Zhiming waved his hand, and Yu Niannian smiled in a friendly manner.

Yu Niannian was a little confused. Why did she want to see her? Or did this mysterious game designer want to meet her?

The two people went into the conference room next door.

Song Zhiming then got straight to the point and asked Yu Niannian's studio if it needed funding.

"Wait, do you mean Mr. Jiang wants to invest in my startup...startup project?" Yu Niannian asked in disbelief.

Not only did the pancake fall from the sky, but it was also stuffed directly into her mouth?

"Yes, you understood correctly."

Yu Niannian was still in a state of confusion and blankness, and was overwhelmed by this sudden surprise.

She wasn't particularly short of money; it was simply that being valued by such a capable person was something to be very happy about.

Furthermore, Jiang Chuan had shown her kindness and support.

"If you are interested, here is some relevant information you can take a look at first."

Song Zhiming handed over a folder.

Every year when I open it, I find mostly investment details and regulations.

Unlike when they were the clients of Zhixing Games, it seems that... Zhixing Games is more stringent in its investment approach.

For example, they may very strongly demand that the investee company comply with Zhixing Games' rules and regulations regarding corporate management, work systems, overtime, meal and accommodation allowances, etc.

Employee benefits should also be aligned with those of Zhixing Games.

At this point, Yu Niannian didn't know exactly what Zhixing Game was like, but she saw the stringent requirements written in the materials.

The initial joy of being offered investment vanished instantly—there really is no such thing as a free lunch.

Turn the page to the next page.

Wait, why did the art style suddenly change again later on?

Yu Niannian read it twice before confirming it. Although the requirements at the beginning were very strict, the later requirements regarding performance and return on investment were surprisingly lenient.

It's even quite obvious that investors don't care whether they can actually make the money back.

It seems like they have too much money and want to waste it.

You have to scroll down further to find detailed information about Zhixing Games' rules and regulations, employee benefits, and so on.

Yu Niannian spent about 20 minutes reading through the entire document.

Then I spent another 10 minutes adjusting my mindset.

Finally, when facing Song Zhiming, he couldn't help but blurt out, "You guys... you really look like you're here to do charity."

“We’re really not doing charity.” Song Zhiming is a professional and wouldn’t laugh easily in the face of this: “Charity has other projects.”

"This is just a legitimate investment."

Yu Niannian thought about it again and again, but in the end she did not agree on the spot. She needed to consider it further.

After all, happiness that comes too suddenly can easily seem like a scam. What if there are hidden traps in these terms that she can't see?

When she walked out of the meeting room, Fang Qixiang's group was testing a new game.

One of the employees, who knew Yu Niannian, enthusiastically waved to her: "Teacher Yu, would you like to come and give it a try? Be the first player to experience our new game project."

Everyone else was also very welcoming.

Yu Niannian felt that she couldn't leave empty-handed; she had to do something to go back and tell her colleagues. So, she stopped being shy and put on the VR glasses.

Before putting on the glasses, she was full of anticipation for the game.

This is a powerful collaboration between Southern Games Studio and Zhixing Games. Putting aside everything else, the artistry, cultural significance, and art style are definitely top-notch.

The experience lasts about 10 minutes.

Ten minutes later, Yu Niannian took off her glasses, looking confused. She looked at the employees of Zhixing Games who were surrounding her.

She strongly suspected that the other party was just there to make fun of her.

Otherwise, why would you call this a game?

Or does she have a misunderstanding of the definition of a game?

Everyone was still looking forward to Yu Niannian's feedback, but Yu Niannian seemed to be completely stunned and sat there motionless.

"Teacher Yu? Teacher Yu?"

Are their games really that amazing?

Logically speaking, Yu Niannian, who once worked at an art outsourcing company, should at least have some knowledge of the game industry, if not complete ignorance.

It shouldn't be like this.

Yu Niannian was called several times before she came to her senses. Thinking of Yu Yue's warm hospitality and President Jiang's discerning eye, she finally managed to squeeze out a fair evaluation.

"Your game is quite unique."

At least there is no game on the market that can match it.

100% market share.

The leading employees were completely unaware of this unique and advanced technology, and were even a little embarrassed: "Oh, you flatter us, this game isn't finished yet."

Yu Niannian didn't know why she felt relieved.

Well... thankfully, thankfully this wasn't the complete version.