After roughly finalizing the plans for each package, Jiang Yuan couldn’t help but sigh: “It’s so expensive.”

Tenda had previously made some relatively expensive equipment, such as the automatic bench press and the smart fitness clothes rack.

But compared to this simulation equipment set, those prices were far lower.

This was still the result after keeping the price as low as possible, in line with Mr. Pei’s consistent style.

And even after buying this equipment set, players would still need a high-performance computer, three display monitors or an ultra-wide curved monitor or ultrawide display. Alternatively, they could use VR glasses.

For three narrow-bezel 2K displays, it would be impossible to get them for less than 7,000-8,000 yuan.

Calculating this way, assembling a complete set of equipment from scratch for optimal gameplay would cost around 30,000 yuan.

Wang Xiaobin explained: “Being expensive is unavoidable; this is the reasonable price for this equipment.”

“At this price, we actually aren’t making much profit. This is only possible because Tenda can make money from games; other manufacturers couldn’t achieve this price.”

“To get a good experience, the steering wheel face, direct drive base, and pedals—these three components absolutely cannot be compromised.”

“Lowering the price is actually simple: make the steering wheel gear-driven, change the wheel body to plastic, and it could be reduced to just over 1,000 yuan; make the pedals with plastic and springs, and 500 yuan should be about right. But this would greatly diminish the gaming experience.”

“Simulators take up quite a bit of space. Since players are buying them, they’re definitely seeking the best gaming experience.”

“Of course, if players think it’s too expensive, they can also buy those steering wheels on the market for two or three thousand yuan, and then just spend 100 yuan from us for a dedicated control panel. They can still play ‘Safe and Civilized Driving’ normally.”

“But if we’re making peripherals, we definitely need to make the best. We can’t produce a cheap version that would affect Tenda’s consistent reputation. Moreover, those who truly understand will know that our solution is already very inexpensive—compared to foreign solutions, the price has been cut by at least half.”

“Plus, this equipment will perfectly match our game, and we can provide installation services like we did with the smart fitness clothes rack. All things considered, it’s already very cost-effective.”

Chang You nodded: “I understand.”

“Let’s tentatively confirm this plan; I’ve already noted down the key points. Next, I need to find professionals in this field and contact relevant manufacturers to see if there are any aspects of this plan that need improvement.”

“If there’s progress, I’ll contact you immediately. Let’s stay in touch.”

Ye Zhizhou and Wang Xiaobin nodded: “Of course.”

Shangyang Games and Outu Technology frequently collaborated. Previously, “Fitness Battle” and the smart fitness clothes rack were created after close communication, so they were already very experienced in this kind of cooperation.

Wang Xiaobin’s plan was developed rather hastily and would certainly have some deficiencies. Chang You needed to consult with professionals, repeatedly consider the final state of this equipment before it could be completely finalized.

…

Meanwhile, Tenda’s gaming department had already begun developing “Eternal Cycle.”

After two months of extensive accumulation, the design details of “Eternal Cycle” were very clear. Everyone knew what they needed to do, so they got into the groove particularly quickly.

Since it was a DLC, the vast majority of game resources reused scenes that were already in the game and didn’t need additional production. This greatly shortened the development time.

According to Hu Xianbin’s estimate, it would take just one month to complete the new mechanism requested by Mr. Pei, and two months to officially release it.

As for what the Tenda gaming department would do after “Eternal Cycle” was released?

That wasn’t clear, but they could always ask Mr. Pei when the time came.

Min Jingchao was still carrying out the daily development and maintenance work for GOG as usual.

Hu Xianbin temporarily set aside his work, pulled up a chair next to Min Jingchao’s workstation, and lowered his voice: “The outstanding employee selection is set for Friday, that’s tomorrow, you know that, right?”

Min Jingchao nodded somewhat uncertainly: “I know.”

Hu Xianbin said: “Then, don’t you have any thoughts about it?”

Min Jingchao became even more confused. He thought for a moment, then said: “I… should I have any thoughts?”

Hu Xianbin sighed softly: “Do I need to spell it out? You and I are both in the high-risk group for getting the best employee award!”

Min Jingchao suddenly realized.

Oh, so that’s what he meant!

His expression instantly became serious: “Right! I hadn’t thought about it before, but now that you mention it, the situation is indeed very serious!”

Although being an outstanding employee was an honor and a reward, many people within Tenda, especially those in charge, didn’t really want this reward.

Like Zhang Yuan, who was previously responsible for Slackin’ Internet Café and ROF PC assembly business, and Chang You, who was in charge of Outu Technology.

This was because they were already in the industry they loved most, but after receiving the best employee award, they would have to take the Dream Fund to another industry—leaving was not optional.

Zhang Yuan had no choice but to give up the ROF PC assembly business he loved, hand over Slackin’ Internet Café to Xiao Peng, and then go manage the DGE esports club and Tenda’s esports division.

Chang You was more cunning and found a loophole, essentially remaining at Outu Technology.

But the problem was that Mr. Pei had already said that exploiting loopholes would not be allowed in the future; people who received the outstanding employee award couldn’t do that anymore.

And Hu Xianbin and Min Jingchao were clearly in the high-risk group for receiving the outstanding employee award.

Hu Xianbin had been the main designer in the core Tenda gaming department for a long time, and “Mission and Choice” was a huge success. With Huang Sibo having already received the outstanding employee award once, he was first in line.

Min Jingchao had always been the person in charge of GOG. During this period, GOG’s development had been smooth sailing, while IOI was deteriorating. This achievement could not be ignored.

But they were both obviously very satisfied with their current work and had no desire to take the Dream Fund and go “pioneering” elsewhere.

Min Jingchao thought for a moment and said: “But there’s nothing we can do.”

“It’s the company’s rule, and we can’t possibly change Mr. Pei’s mind.”

“Chang You has already exploited a loophole once, and Mr. Pei has already closed that loophole.”

“Unless… we can find a new way to exploit the rules.”

Hu Xianbin lowered his voice: “I haven’t thought of a way to exploit the rules. But I’ve thought of another method that has some feasibility, more reliable than looking for rule loopholes.”

Min Jingchao’s eyes lit up: “Oh? Tell me quickly, what’s the method?”

Hu Xianbin put on a mysterious expression: “Find… a scapegoat.”

Min Jingchao: “Hmm?”

Hu Xianbin looked around, afraid of being discovered: “It’s actually very simple. We just need to find a way to make someone else get the first place for outstanding employee, wouldn’t that work?”

“Think about it, who originally had the best chance of getting second place for outstanding employee?”

Min Jingchao suddenly realized: “Brother Bao!”

Hu Xianbin nodded with a smile: “That’s right.”

Based on contributions, Hu Xianbin, Min Jingchao, and Bao Xu all had chances to compete for outstanding employee.

So, if they pushed Bao Xu to first place, wouldn’t Hu Xianbin and Min Jingchao be safe?

Whether getting second place and going traveling, or getting third place, they wouldn’t have to leave the gaming department, which would be great.

Hu Xianbin continued: “Moreover, this is a win-win!”

“The two of us don’t want to leave the gaming department, and Brother Bao doesn’t want to go traveling. With this swap, Brother Bao gets the Dream Fund, and one of us two goes traveling—isn’t that perfect?”

Min Jingchao was silent for a moment, then said: “Not perfect. It would be perfect if neither of us got the outstanding employee award, and Brother Bao went traveling.”

“An outstanding employee selection without Brother Bao traveling has no soul!”

Hu Xianbin nodded: “Alright, I actually feel the same way.”

“Without Brother Bao traveling, it feels like something’s missing.”

“If there were any other suitable candidates, I wouldn’t consider Brother Bao.”

“But the problem is that there are no other suitable candidates now. If Brother Bao doesn’t take first place, then one of us two will definitely have to leave the gaming department.”

Min Jingchao agreed: “Hmm… okay, it seems for self-preservation, we can only push Brother Bao out to take the fall.”

“So… how exactly should we operate?”

Hu Xianbin said: “This is very simple.”

“Brother Bao rendered outstanding service at the food market this time. During the TV interview, Zhang Yahui even praised him. Many people will definitely vote for him, hoping he goes traveling.”

“But people will definitely try to control his votes to keep him in second place.”

“We’ll give everyone a heads-up in advance, asking them not to vote yet.”

“When Brother Bao is basically secure in second place, with only a small gap between him and either you or me in first place, we’ll arrange for all these pre-planned votes to be dumped on Brother Bao at once!”

“The gap wasn’t big to begin with. Perhaps just a few dozen votes could turn the tide and push Brother Bao to first place.”

Min Jingchao nodded: “That could work, your method seems feasible!”

“The only problem is… convincing so many people to give up watching the traditional show of ‘Brother Bao’s Travel’ might be difficult.”

Hu Xianbin said: “Yes, that’s the only difficulty with this plan. But with our connections to other department heads, and by playing the sympathy card a bit more—saying how tired Brother Bao is now, how much he doesn’t want to go traveling again—we should still be able to gain some support.”

“It’s not guaranteed to succeed. If the vote difference is too large, these votes might not be enough to close the gap, which would be awkward.”

“But overall, it’s worth a try.”

After considering for a moment, Min Jingchao nodded: “Indeed, it’s worth a try!”

“If we fail, then there’s nothing we can do, but what if we succeed?”

“Let’s split up and try to convince as many people as possible to vote for Brother Bao!”