Tiaodeng Town had its fair share of daily affairs, and as a lord, An Ruoying couldn't afford to be away for long. So, after lunch, the group prepared to leave. Ye Miao escorted them out the gate, but An Ruoying was reluctant to leave, tugging on her hand and dangling back and forth like a spoiled child. "Regarding legal matters, I'm not sure if there are enough professionals in my territory. I might need your advice later... Is that convenient?"
"Convenient!" Ye Miao said with a smile.
"That's great, thank you!" An Ruoying said happily, "I've learned how to build houses in the market! I also plan to look into interest-free and low-interest loans when I get back! This trip was really worth it! If you're free sometime, come and visit me in Tiaodeng Town! I'll take you to the snowy mountains. There aren't any monsters there, the scenery is beautiful, and there are lots of special things to collect. The children in the territory often go there to make snowmen and have snowball fights!"
"Hahahaha, okay! I'll come find you to play after I'm done with this!" Ye Miao agreed. An Ruoying squeezed her hand again, then finally let go: "Then I'm leaving!"
Ye Miao: "Well, keep in touch!"
"Okay!" An Ruoying said, turning around and mounting her horse. She had bought the horse this morning at the market, and if it weren't for the limited supply, she would have loved to give one to each of her companions.
The group left together. Ye Miao looked at their backs. After they walked away, he breathed a sigh of relief and smiled again: It’s great to have allies!
Moreover, An Ruoying is the kind of girl who is easy to like. She has a generous and lively personality. It makes people feel relaxed and comfortable when communicating with her. She is an absolute "high-quality ally".
"After I'm done with this, I really want to go to Tiaodeng Town for a vacation!" Ye Miao returned to the territory with a smile. Chu Cheng, who was following beside her, chuckled, "The last time I went to the Snow Mountain, I was too busy killing monsters. From what she said, it really is a great place."
Back in the residential area, Ye Miao retreated to her bedroom and sat at her desk, busying herself for a while. Earlier this morning, she had posted a notice recruiting vendors for her base, also stating that subsidies would be provided. This model was actually somewhat similar to the thinking behind various "science parks" and "creative parks" in the past world. Essentially, both used various benefits or preferential policies to attract people to previously economically underdeveloped areas, thereby boosting the local economy.
After most of the day, I received some applications.
Ye Miao flipped through the list and found no applications from veteran players like He Kailai, Hu Haomiao and Lin.
Come to think of it, a shop like theirs thrives in the main territory, so while they don't lack the subsidies, they also need to avoid risks. There are all sorts of things going on in the territory that require them to contribute manpower, money, and food, but asking them to move to the base would be a huge change.
Putting aside other things, the number of members in the main territory is now approaching 3,000, while the stronghold has less than 500 people. Such a famous "big store" will definitely not want to go there. If they go there, they will not be able to make ends meet, and after returning, they may have to seize the market again and start from scratch.
Ye Miao then gave up some of his previous unrealistic fantasies, carefully read through the applications submitted, and screened out quite a few good stall owners.
As a frequent market enthusiast, she'd come into contact with most of these vendors and knew they were generally honest. However, due to a limited level of skill, or perhaps limited skill cards and blueprints, the number of products they could sell each day was limited, and the variety was relatively limited.
Transferring these people to the stronghold was a good idea. On the one hand, although each of them could only provide a limited amount of goods, together they could provide quite a bit. With only 500 people in the stronghold, their needs should be met. On the other hand, the main territory's market had grown larger, with a variety of vendors emerging one after another. These small vendors faced great competition, especially in the food sector. Everyone could eat anything, so when there were too many choices, small vendors were easily overlooked.
If they go to the stronghold, they will face less competition and their business will be more stable. This is a win-win situation.
However, since they were all small vendors, the number of people could be a little larger. After careful consideration, Ye Miao increased the total number of people to 80, including 30 chefs, 15 blacksmiths, 15 pharmacists, 10 pharmacists and 10 smelters.
After the new version of the announcement was released, she added an additional benefit: all vendors going to the base will be tax-free for two months.
For small players, every gold coin must be spent wisely. Even if the tax rate of the territory is low, tax exemption is very attractive, which stimulated many people to submit applications.
In Tiaodeng Town, An Ruoying hurriedly began planning after returning to the territory. She took a group of core members to the small market and stood in front of it, gesturing: "Let's divide the market into two in the future. Build houses on this side, and build colorful ones, so they look nice! This side will also be reserved for people to set up stalls freely, but the area will definitely not be this large, so it can be more tidy."
"I think our rent can be slightly lower than Ye Miao's by 10% to 20%. After all, our financial situation isn't as good as theirs! Hahahaha, I know what I'm doing!"
"Also, I think their small clinic is quite well-built. If the priests in our territory aren't enthusiastic about moving in, remember to lobby them. I can provide the in-room facilities for free!"
She gestured here and there, quickly attracting the attention of the other members. Someone came over and curiously asked the core members standing a few steps away, "What is the boss so excited about?"
"Making layout plans." Pei Yi smiled, but his eyes remained on An Ruoying. "I just went to the Pure Land to obtain scriptures, and I came back with a lot of new ideas."
"Gone to the Pure Land?!" The members who came to inquire were surprised.
Pei Yi shrugged: "Yes, we have officially formed an alliance with Pure Land."
"Oh my God!" The members took a half step back in surprise, then ran to the market to announce the good news, cheering as if they had won the lottery. "We have formed an alliance with the Pure Land! We have formed an alliance with the Pure Land!!!"
This is probably how things are in T City right now. In less developed territories, everyone yearns for the Pure Land. In territories like Tiaodeng Town, members aren't so eager to leave, but they're proud to have even a passing connection to the Pure Land.
An Ruoying didn't pay any attention to the excitement in the territory. She finished her plan with excitement and turned back to Pei Yi, "What do you think? Should we discuss business with Jingtu? I think there are quite a few differences between our products, so there should be a market. But it's so far away, and after much thought, I still don't dare to bring it up directly. Perhaps we could make a rough plan and send it to her first? Doesn't that seem more reliable?"
"It's indeed too far," Pei Yi mused. After a pause, he added, "But if I run once every ten days or half a month...it's not impossible. I'll ask Zhou Mo to help with the planning, and I'll leave it to you once it's finished."
"Okay!" An Ruoying felt refreshed and turned around happily.
Three days later, the town became rich overnight.
【Name：Calico Kitten】
【Quality: Purple】
[Level: 30]
[Health: 4000, Mana: 4200]
[Attack: 700, Agility: 2000, Defense: 500]
【Category: Healing Pet】
[Description: Sleeps with you, rubs your ankles, and snores in your arms. If you want to catch fish, it can also provide a little extra help, but there is a certain chance that it will eat the fish for you!]
Fang Yuming squatted down in front of the stall and stretched out his hand. The calico kitten, which was originally playing with a ball, meowed and rubbed its head into his palm obediently.
Fang Yuming smiled unconsciously and looked up at the boss and asked, "How much is the kitten?"
"4000 gold coins, no bargaining," Liu Xiaoya replied, then added, "The description on this panel isn't clear enough. I tried it myself, and if you sleep with a cat, your stamina will decrease more slowly the next day. It's very useful for professions with low stamina."
Fang Yuming pondered without saying anything. Ye Miao was a warrior, a profession with the highest stamina, so this buff wouldn't have much effect on her. However...
The kittens are really cute.
"I want it." He made up his mind quickly, opened his backpack and paid. Liu Xiaoya operated on the panel and confirmed that the transaction was completed. The kitten automatically recognized Fang Yuming as its owner and jumped directly into Fang Yuming's lap without any hesitation.
Fang Yuming rubbed its little head and asked Liu Xiaoya: "Now there is nowhere to find cat food, what will it eat?"
"Fish, shrimp, and meat are all fine," Liu Xiaoya said. "The meat in the game doesn't have bacteria or parasites anyway, so you can feed it without worry."
"Okay." Fang Yuming nodded. "Thank you."
With that, he stood up, put on his backpack, still holding the kitten in his arms, and walked towards the residential area.
In the residential area, after three days, Ye Miao finally selected 80 stall owners who had signed up, and called Chu Cheng to discuss the move to the base. Taking advantage of the good weather during the peaceful period, the two of them chatted in the courtyard and combed the horses' hair.
Ye Miao handed the list to Chu Cheng and said to him, "The stronghold has always been short of supplies, and everything is expensive. But they are all our people now. We are transferring people there to balance prices, not to make money by cutting leeks. So you have to pay more attention to the prices. If they have a reasonable reason, a small price increase is acceptable, but a large increase is absolutely not allowed."
"Yeah, I know." Chu Cheng nodded and turned to the second page of the list. His eyes fixed on the question, "Who are these two with red lines on them?"
"I hired a cooking player to provide low-priced meals at the grocery store. I've already negotiated with them." Ye Miao paused. "Also, you should take Erzhuang and Ercui with you. Ercui will be in charge of the grocery store, and Erzhuang can help you deliver takeout."
"Just give me one." Chu Cheng smiled. "I opened a few blind boxes myself a few days ago and got a purple combat NPC. It's safer to deliver food."
Ye Miaoqian was stunned, then understood: "That's right..."
This kind of food delivery is actually not a simple food delivery. It is very likely to encounter monsters on the way from the stronghold to the main territory. It is highly likely that you cannot defeat white quality NPCs, so purple NPCs are more reliable.
She thought for a moment and then said, "Then let's go to the warehouse together and pick out a few suitable skill cards for the NPC to learn! You can choose from gold or purple cards! You can also pick out some good equipment!"
"Okay, thank you." Chu Cheng did not refuse. Ye Miao carefully combed the horse's mane, put the comb away, and was about to go out when the gate was knocked first.
"Coming!" She responded loudly, ran to open the door, and saw Fang Yuming outside. She was obviously stunned for a moment.
Fang Yuming glanced past her and glanced at Chu Cheng, his brows furrowed slightly. Then he quickly adjusted his mood and smiled at Ye Miao, "I bought a gift for you."
"Gift?" Ye Miao was a little surprised, thinking it was so sudden. Then she saw Fang Yuming turn around and pick up a small furry ball from behind his feet.
"Meow!" The calico kitten yelled at Ye Miao.
Fang Yuming said: "I found it at the market and thought it was cute, so I'm giving it to you to keep as a pet!"
"..." Ye Miao felt even more abrupt. Not only that, she also quickly thought of some practical problems.
"It's very cute, thank you." She reached out and touched the kitten's head. This was a very affectionate cat. Although it recognized its owner, it was not averse to strangers. It took the initiative to rub against Ye Miao's kindness.
Ye Miao changed the subject: "But...but you should raise it yourself." As she spoke, her expression became a little embarrassed, "I already have a Pixiu. Pixiu is a little jealous and will definitely fight if it sees it..."
This is not a lie to Fang Yuming, Pixiu is indeed a jealous person.
When the alienated earthworms first arrived, the Pixiu was very unhappy and looked sullen every day. If Ye Miao went to feed the alienated earthworms or interact with them in other ways, the Pixiu would definitely come to make its presence felt, even getting so angry that it would dig up the soil in the alienated earthworms' pot.
But perhaps because it's the game's top-tier mythical beast, the Pixiu also possesses more complex emotions. After the alienated earthworm was exhausted by the rain, the Pixiu rushed to save it. Seeing Ye Miao, he hurriedly dragged it upstairs, saving the alienated earthworm. The two little pets finally reconciled.
Later, Chu Cheng lent the horse to Ye Miao, and the Pixiu was obviously wary for a while. But this time it was easier to coax. Ye Miao hugged the Pixiu and told it that the horse was not hers, but borrowed, and the Pixiu was relieved.
In addition, Ye Miao felt that there might be other reasons why Pixiu was able to let go of its grudges: the alienated earthworm was planted in a pot, like a plant, and the horse was obviously a mount, which had different attributes from a pure pet like it.
But a kitten is a real pet. Ye Miao had no doubt that if he accepted this cat, the Pixiu would immediately start destroying his house!
"Is that so..." Fang Yuming murmured.
Ye Miao felt a little embarrassed. Although he thought the gift itself was rather abrupt, he politely expressed his gratitude again: "Thank you... Actually, I quite like cats."
Fang Yuming was silent for a moment.
The horse beside Ye Miao whirred. Just as she was about to turn her head to look, Fang Yuming suddenly said, "Can I ask why?"
"Huh?" Ye Miao turned around abruptly, thinking Fang Yuming was talking about the cat. Confusedly, he explained again, "Because of the Pi..."
"Why do you accept things when Chu Cheng gives you something, but not when it comes to me?" Fang Yuming spoke each word clearly.
The atmosphere suddenly became stagnant, Ye Miao's eyes froze, and Chu Cheng's face also turned cold a few steps away.
"Is there such a huge gap between him and me?" Fang Yuming continued to question without giving in, pouring out all his resentment. "Before, I admitted that I wasn't as good as him in fighting and couldn't help you much, but now I've worked hard and reached level 90. How much worse can I be than him?"
"No..." Ye Miao was stunned for a moment, unable to recover from this sudden question.
Fang Yuming gritted his teeth and said, "You refused to accept my cat, but you accepted his horse?"
"No!" Ye Miao came to his senses this time, feeling helpless. "He didn't give me the horse as a gift, he lent it to me to ride, and I'm responsible for raising it to offset the rent! It saves him trouble, and I can use it. It's the best of both worlds, that's all."
Chu Cheng's expression relaxed when he heard this, and a faint smile crossed his lips.
Fang Yuming was stunned for a moment, and when his eyes met that smile, a nameless anger surged up again: "Then he also brought you food every day..."
"That's a paid meal plan!!!" Ye Miao was even more speechless. "3,000 gold coins every 7 days, including three meals a day!"
Fang Yuming chuckled: "How come I didn't know there was such a business?"
"Invitation-based!!!" Ye Miao gradually lost his patience and simply answered with three words. He took a breath and tried to speak calmly, "If you leveled up just for me, I'm very touched. But I'm not in the mood for a relationship, and we're not suitable. Please don't overthink it in the future. If you really want a relationship, there are many outstanding women in the territory."
Fang Yuming looked at her in disbelief. He was clearly familiar with her appearance, with her twin ponytails swaying in the wind, she must have looked very cute.
But her face was cold, her voice even colder, and her rejection was as distant as possible, leaving no room for negotiation.
Fang Yuming shook his head repeatedly: "I don't understand..."
"There's nothing clear or unclear about it." Ye Miao took a deep breath, meeting his gaze with neither arrogance nor servility. "When it comes to relationships, either you're in love, and of course both parties are happy; or if one party doesn't like it, then they naturally have the right to refuse. There's no need to make too many logical arguments. If it's not suitable, it's not suitable. If you're not in the mood, then you're not in the mood."
Fang Yuming pursed his lips tightly: "That's it?"
"That's it." Ye Miao nodded and continued to tell him word by word, "Of course, if I want to make you feel better, or want to use you, it's not difficult to leave some room for you to have fantasies, but isn't that cheating? We are friends and have fought side by side so many times. I hope you can think more open-mindedly, cut your losses in time, and don't rely on me to hang yourself on the tree..."
At the end, Ye Miao's tone became very helpless.
Long ago, she had sensed Fang Yuming and Chu Cheng's feelings from the subtle atmosphere between them. But she had made it clear at the time, and now so much time had passed, the matter had long since passed in her mind, and Chu Cheng had obviously put aside other plans, and the two of them had become colleagues.
But Fang Yuming...why is he so stubborn?!
The more she thought about it, the more annoyed she became, and her tone became even harder: "We still have important things to do. If you don't have anything else to do, please make way."
Fang Yuming felt a tightness in his chest and didn't know what to say anymore, so he just opened the gate without saying a word.
Ye Miao quickly glanced at Chu Cheng, who understood and immediately followed her out.
The two of them walked past Fang Yuming one after another without much exchange. After walking a distance, Chu Cheng wanted to comfort her, but after taking a look at her face, he tactfully gave up the idea.
Saying anything at this point will only make things more awkward, so it's best to pretend nothing happened.
He pondered for a moment, then spoke casually, "The NPC I got is a ranged mage. I'll just pick the cards and spell cards later."
"...Okay." Ye Miao adjusted his mood and nodded. "We looted a lot of cards from Red Maple Village. After distributing them to the lower-level players, there are still more than 20,000 cards left. Feel free to look through them. You can also pick up a few healing spells. If you encounter a powerful monster, they can save your life in a critical moment."
"Okay." Chu Cheng nodded in agreement, and the remaining subtle atmosphere was invisibly dissolved. Seeing that the warehouse was already in sight, Ye Miao thought about it and said, "I will give you access to the warehouse. You will be managing the base in the future. If there is anything you need urgently, you can come back and get it yourself, saving the time of looking for me."
Chu Cheng looked at her silently, with a half-smile on his face: "Aren't you afraid that I'll run away with the money?"
"I'm not afraid." Ye Miao knew he was joking. He tilted his head to glance back and said in a rhythmic manner, "Our Pure Land is the best territory in T City. Only a fool would run away. An Olympic champion is definitely not a fool!"
That afternoon, 80 stall owners received a notice to gather at the gate of the territory after closing their stalls. Ye Miao provided them with extra stamina potions as compensation, so that they wouldn't be too tired if they rushed to the base overnight, and wouldn't delay business for the two days before and after.
The next morning, as the morning sun began to shine, the players who walked out of their residence discovered that some changes had taken place in the base.
——It’s so lively at the market!
Strictly speaking, there wasn't a true "market" in the base. While the senior members of Red Maple Village had everything they needed, the lower-level members couldn't afford anything. Furthermore, since all their resources had to be turned in, they had nothing to sell, making it extremely difficult for anyone to start their own business.
Therefore, all along, there have only been a few scattered stalls on one side of the square in the stronghold, selling some resources left over from frugality in exchange for gold coins, which is not a large-scale business at all.
But today, eighty stall owners appeared out of nowhere, and the "scale" suddenly appeared.
Moreover, the stall owners subconsciously divided themselves into groups when setting up their stalls. The cooks were together, and the pharmacists were together. It was very convenient for players to go around, just like visiting a market before the end of the world, visiting one area after another.
Many players quickly began to eagerly ask for the price: "How much is this jam? What? Only 40 gold coins? Are you losing money just to get publicity???"
"Holy crap, do blue weapons that cost 150 gold coins really exist? Am I dreaming? I want to pre-order them! Pre-order ten for me first! Yes! I'll use them myself! Don't worry, I'll use them all!"
The stall owners who were used to the main territory market and couldn't help but complain that the stronghold was often too small and deserted were suddenly surrounded by people, and the atmosphere was more like the New Year.
In the villa area not far away, Chu Cheng stood on the third-floor balcony and calmly watched the crowd growing. After making sure that most people had gotten up, he slowly made an announcement.
[Chu Cheng] Starting today, the Outpost Grocery Store is offering low-cost meals to all members. Meal prices and purchase limits are the same as in the main territory, so please feel free to order.
“And there are three meals at low prices!!!” the crowd burst into exclamations.
At this moment, all the members who remained in the base truly realized that they were indeed part of the Pure Land.
The author has something to say:
I was delayed today by something and have no time to write more. I will continue to pay off my debts tomorrow QAQ
Don't worry, the debt is not paid off, so there is no need to rush to fill it with new...
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I'll give out red envelopes to 50 random comments on this chapter.
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