Tenda Games’ Chief Designer, Mr. Pei, was opposed to the idea in his heart.
Officials want to interview me about my journey in creating these games?
My journey has been: I’m so miserable!
Making one profitable game after another—why is it so difficult to make a game that loses money?
The officials would probably ask many questions about “Game Producer” and “Look Back to Shore,” repeatedly whipping the corpse, reopening Mr. Pei’s wounds.
This would be too difficult!
Moreover, wouldn’t an interview create some promotional effect?
Wouldn’t more players come to purchase Tenda’s games because of it?
So, Pei Qian instinctively resisted.
Assistant Xin was silent for a moment, then said in a persuasive tone: “It would be best… to accept the interview.”
“After all, this is an official interview. Most game companies don’t even have such opportunities.”
“The officials have helped our company quite a bit so far. We should at least give them a face.”
Pei Qian strangely felt like a schoolboy who didn’t want to go to class.
When it came to the help officials had given Tenda so far, Pei Qian became irritated.
Was that helpful?!
Giving recommendation spots was one thing, but then they provided special feature recommendations, excessively praised the games to mislead consumers, and most outrageously, changed the profit-sharing ratio to 30-70!
Each time, Mr. Pei suffered heavy losses.
If the officials hadn’t been interfering behind the scenes, would Mr. Pei be thinking about how to lose money while suffering from a cold?
Pei Qian thought for a moment and asked: “If I don’t go, will the officials blacklist me?”
“Would they stop giving Tenda recommendation spots and change the profit-sharing ratio back from 30-70 to 50-50?”
Assistant Xin was momentarily speechless: “It wouldn’t go that far.”
No blacklisting?
That’s a shame!
Pei Qian pondered that if he could snub the officials, perhaps they would give fewer recommendation spots in the future, which would be wonderful.
Assistant Xin added: “They said it would just be a casual chat and wouldn’t take much of your time.”
“Given that, why not do it?”
Pei Qian: “…”
Assistant Xin continued: “Oh, and during this interview, they also want to present Tenda with an officially certified trophy to commend our company’s outstanding contributions in original game development.”
Pei Qian: “…”
Assistant Xin: “There will also be a personal reward for you, to recognize your excellent achievements as a designer, with a prize of 100,000 yuan.”
“Of course, it’s not much money, mainly it’s…”
Pei Qian: “Tell them to come!”
“Huh?” Assistant Xin was stunned, never expecting Mr. Pei’s attitude to make a complete 180-degree turn.
He had been completely resistant just a moment ago—how did he agree so suddenly?
Pei Qian coughed twice: “I’ve thought about it, and I should indeed accept this interview.”
“Mainly, this honor doesn’t belong to me alone; it’s the result of the collective efforts of all Tenda employees. Although I’m busy with work and not interested in such honors, my employees should have the opportunity to receive this recognition.”
“So, for Tenda’s employees, I should accept this interview.”
Pei Qian spoke with righteous conviction.
“Yes, yes, Mr. Pei, you’re right,” Assistant Xin agreed. “After all, not everyone is as indifferent to fame and fortune as you are. These deserved rewards should still be pursued.”
Pei Qian thought for a moment: “How many reporters will be coming?”
Assistant Xin: “It’s not confirmed yet, it depends on the scale of the interview. If it’s just for a written article, one reporter is enough. If they want to produce a video, they’ll need at least one more cameraman.”
“These details aren’t fixed. How many people come and how many days the interview lasts mainly depends on what we want.”
Pei Qian nodded: “Good.”
“Since the officials are being so courteous, let’s arrange everything at the highest standard! Let them bring more staff, and all expenses in Jingzhou will be covered by us.”
Assistant Xin: “Including accommodation and meals?”
Pei Qian nodded: “Yes, and including airfare. The officials are coming all the way to interview us, so we must fulfill our duties as hosts. We’ll cover all these expenses.”
Assistant Xin didn’t ask further: “Alright, Mr. Pei, I’ll arrange it right away.”
Mr. Pei had originally wanted to refuse, but unexpectedly, the cunning officials had prepared a personal reward!
Of course, 100,000 yuan wasn’t much for Mr. Pei nowadays, but… it wasn’t insignificant either!
Moreover, Pei Qian suddenly realized this was also an opportunity to spend money.
Since he had already decided to resort to desperate measures before settlement, he might as well go all in.
The officials’ reporting team coming to Jingzhou, with all airfare, accommodation, and meals covered, plus treating everyone to a meal at Mingyun Private Kitchen—wouldn’t that be a considerable expense?
Of course, Pei Qian’s actions might also produce some side effects, such as… gaining favor with the officials. Once the report was published, it might cause game sales to rise again.
But Pei Qian had already thought of a countermeasure.
During the interview, he would tell a couple of truths, severely damage players’ goodwill, preferably creating controversial topics, and indirectly impact recent game sales.
Wouldn’t that be a win-win?
For the sake of losses at settlement, Mr. Pei was going all out!
…
…
October 17th, Sunday.
Afternoon.
At the airport.
Xia Jiang, setting foot in Jingzhou for the first time, looked at the ultra-luxurious interview lineup behind him and felt the heavy responsibility on his shoulders.
The official interview team consisted of nine people in total.
Xia Jiang was the text editor-in-chief, responsible for interviewing Mr. Pei, and had brought an intern editor to assist.
Four cameramen: one for the main camera position, two for roaming cameras, and a strong young man to help carry equipment.
Two photographers are responsible for taking pictures.
A business liaison named Zhang, specifically responsible for contacting Tenda’s people, coordinating, and arranging the interview schedule.
Among the nine people, except for the intern, all were highly experienced and senior. This interview team could be described as the ultimate dream team.
Normal interviews would never reach such a high standard, usually having at most one reporter, one cameraman, and one photographer, with the reporter sometimes doubling as the photographer.
It was rare to mobilize such a large force.
Regarding Tenda, Xia Jiang had naturally heard of it, knowing it was a rapidly rising game company in Jingzhou, whose main business was no longer limited to just games.
The owner of this company was said to be quite legendary, so Xia Jiang and others in the interview team were all full of curiosity.
The reason so many people came this time was at Tenda’s request.
This also meant that Tenda attached great importance to this interview.
So when Xia Jiang received this assignment from his superiors, he took it extremely seriously, feeling it might be a very important interview task.
Tenda showed considerable sincerity this time, arranging a seven-seat business vehicle and an ordinary business car, providing transportation throughout the stay, and covering all food and accommodation during the interview period.
The two cars took the interview team directly to the hotel where they would be staying, with staff arranging check-in for everyone.
Just like when Qiao Laoshi and Zhang Zuting visited, they were accommodated in a high-end hotel, with rooms thoughtfully prepared with fruit platters, desserts, and coffee machines—a very high standard.
After a brief rest, everyone gathered in the hotel lobby, preparing to head to Tenda Games for the interview with Mr. Pei.
…
Meanwhile, Pei Qian was confirming the interview team’s itinerary.
“This afternoon, take them to some nice attractions in Jingzhou for a tour.”
“Dinner at Mingyun Private Kitchen, with all dishes already arranged.”
“Tomorrow, Monday, everyone can experience Slackin’ Internet Café.”
“In the afternoon, tour the remaining attractions in Jingzhou, especially those with expensive entrance fees.”
“Arrange dinner at other high-end restaurants in the evening.”
“The day after tomorrow, it’s about time to start the interview.”
“We can interview employees from various departments, aiming for three days of interviews, shooting plenty of material.”
“After the interview is completed, before they leave, let them rest one more day in Jingzhou, until Saturday.”
“On Saturday night, have another farewell dinner at Mingyun Private Kitchen.”
“Then fly out on Sunday, making it exactly one week—perfect.”
“Remember to buy some presentable souvenirs before they leave, ten for each person, so they can bring them back for colleagues.”
“Yes, that should about do it.”
After calculating the expenses for this trip, Pei Qian couldn’t help but smile.
In Pei Qian’s eyes, these reporters weren’t just tools for filming videos, but good friends who could help him spend money.
As the saying goes, pluck the feathers from a passing goose, thieves never leave empty-handed.
With so many people making the effort to visit Jingzhou, they absolutely couldn’t be allowed to leave just like that!
After confirming the itinerary, Pei Qian checked the time and figured it was about time to set out.
…
Arriving at the hotel, Pei Qian met the official interview team and warmly welcomed Xia Jiang and the others.
Like most people meeting Pei Qian for the first time, Xia Jiang and others were surprised by his youth.
After exchanging pleasantries:
“Mr. Pei, why don’t we head to the company first? Our equipment is all ready, and we can start filming anytime,” said Xia Jiang, his mind completely focused on work.
“No rush, no rush,” Pei Qian waved his hand. “This afternoon, Assistant Xin will take everyone on a brief tour of Jingzhou to experience the local customs and culture.”
Xia Jiang was stunned: “Huh? Mr. Pei, shouldn’t we focus on work first? After completing the work, if there’s time, we can sightsee then.”
Pei Qian said solemnly: “But this is work!”
“As the saying goes, different lands nurture different people. Tenda is an enterprise nurtured by Jingzhou. To film Tenda, shouldn’t we first film Jingzhou? This way, everyone can visit some attractions in Jingzhou, experience Jingzhou’s atmosphere and environment, which will help with the subsequent filming work.”
“Dinner has also been arranged, inviting everyone to experience Jingzhou cuisine together to inspire your creativity.”
“When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Just follow my arrangements.”
“Alright, everyone, let’s get in the cars!”
The bewildered filming team was coaxed and tricked by Mr. Pei into the cars, beginning their money-spending, no, sightseeing tour in Jingzhou.