Hu Xianbin continued enthusiastically: “According to Jiang Yuan, although Shen Renjie’s previous research direction was mainly in conventional applications of artificial intelligence, they had also been involved in some game AI research and had accumulated certain technical reserves. The research focus wasn’t on this area, so many research results were in a semi-shelved state.”

“Who would have thought that results would suddenly emerge now? Isn’t this an unexpected surprise!”

“According to Jiang Yuan, the artificial intelligence algorithms developed by the Numa Laboratory this time are very advanced and can be directly applied to ‘Mission and Choice’!”

“I’ve already arranged everything with them. Now there’s still half a month before the game’s official release. As long as we update the new AI, we can definitely make up for the final defect and turn ‘Mission and Choice’ into a truly perfect game!”

The look in Hu Xianbin’s eyes was no longer just excitement, but had turned into a genuine feeling of admiration!

Before this, he had only heard that Mr. Pei had spent a huge sum to acquire a company researching artificial intelligence technology and established an artificial intelligence laboratory belonging to OTTO Technology, but he knew nothing about what this laboratory was specifically doing or what its research results were.

Now he understood that Mr. Pei had already identified the insufficient AI quality in “Mission and Choice” long ago, which was why he had established this artificial intelligence laboratory. On the surface, it was for OTTO Technology, but in reality, it was for “Mission and Choice”!

It had to be said that Mr. Pei was truly impressive. Others only outplayed their opponents, but Mr. Pei was no longer satisfied with just outplaying opponents—he had even dazzled his teammates!

Pei Qian blinked, temporarily falling into a dazed state.

What the hell?

It’s my problem again???

When establishing the Numa Laboratory previously, Pei Qian had specifically asked Shen Renjie to remove one correct answer, thinking that even if results were achieved, it would take at least a few months, right?

However, he had never expected that because of this damned system reward, results would emerge in just one week!

And they emerged right at the 6-month timeframe!

He’d been completely duped!

Pei Qian was speechless.

He took a deep breath, silently calmed himself, then stood up: “I’ll be going now.”

Hu Xianbin hurriedly stood up as well: “Yes, Mr. Pei! I’ll definitely coordinate with the Numa Laboratory to improve the AI before the game’s release, making up for the last shortcoming, so we can properly compete with ‘Fantasy Warfare Remake’!”

Pei Qian left Tenda Games without looking back, his silhouette indescribably desolate.

Looking at Mr. Pei’s departing figure, Hu Xianbin couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

“Why does Mr. Pei’s silhouette seem so lonely?”

“Could this be the legendary… loneliness of being invincible?”

Hu Xianbin regained his energy and returned to work with renewed confidence.

Suddenly, he thought of an issue.

“Mr. Pei said that the game’s release date has been changed to the 14th of next month, and that this matter should be kept confidential, not to be mentioned to anyone.”

“So… should I inform the advertising and marketing department?”

“But so far, none of the promotional plans seem to have involved the game’s release date, so it seems like they don’t need to know this.”

“Besides, Mr. Pei told me to keep it confidential, so I’d better not say anything.”

“Mr. Pei must be very clear about the game’s promotional plan too. If he thinks it’s necessary to tell the advertising and marketing department, he would definitely tell them himself, and I don’t need to speak up.”

“Yes, I should just focus on doing my own work well.”

Hu Xianbin didn’t think much more about it. After all, Mr. Pei had everything under control, so nothing would go wrong.

So, he quickly forgot about this small episode and continued with his own work.

……

……

March 30th, Friday.

In the office, Pei Qian was reviewing work reports from various departments, his expression somewhat lifeless.

He still hadn’t fully recovered from yesterday’s massive blow.

Who could he blame for this?

“Mission and Choice” was his own idea to develop, the Numa Artificial Intelligence Laboratory was established at his request, and although he hadn’t directly participated in this research direction, it was indeed related to him.

Could he blame the system for not being clear?

That didn’t make much sense either… because strictly speaking, the system hadn’t used any misleading wording. The time limit and the prompt after the technological breakthrough were both very clear.

It seemed that no matter how he thought about it, the biggest blame lay with himself…

Who told him to misunderstand the system’s meaning?

This was what made it most unbearable.

So Pei Qian was deeply affected. These past two days, even the big TV at home didn’t feel enjoyable anymore, and he had no mood to play games at all.

He could only come to the office to browse through work reports submitted by various departments, looking for good news that could make him happy, just to barely maintain his sanity.

“Knock, knock, knock.”

There was a knocking sound from outside the office.

Pei Qian looked up and was slightly surprised to see Meng Chang.

But then Pei Qian remembered that today was March 30th, Friday, the last working day of the month, and it was time to calculate Meng Chang’s commission based on his performance this month.

Pei Qian opened his laptop, and sure enough, the analysis report had already been sent.

Because Pei Qian hadn’t been in a good mood these past two days, he hadn’t opened it to look earlier. But judging by Meng Chang’s expression, the result this time… seemed to be not bad?

He opened the analysis report to check carefully.

As he read, Pei Qian’s brow gradually relaxed.

The situation was indeed good!

This analysis report mainly determined the commission amount based on the funds and resources invested by the advertising and marketing department, and the actual promotional effect generated for the game “Mission and Choice.”

The better the promotional effect, the higher the commission.

This time, Meng Chang had clearly done very well, with a commission of a full 1,500 yuan.

There was almost no promotional effect for “Mission and Choice,” but the problem was that very little money had been spent, so the commission was also relatively low.

The report didn’t provide details on how Meng Chang had specifically operated, because the relevant personnel were only responsible for evaluating the investment and effect of the promotion, and determining a commission value. Their work did not include evaluating Meng Chang’s promotional plan.

As long as Meng Chang’s promotional plan didn’t violate regulations, it was fine.

Pei Qian finally showed a relieved smile.

Thank goodness, there was finally some good news, allowing him to catch his breath!

But at the same time, he became curious about Meng Chang’s specific promotional plan.

“Although not much money was spent, the promotional effect was also poor. Very good!”

“How did you manage that?” Pei Qian asked, handing the laptop to Meng Chang.

Meng Chang took the laptop, and when he saw the high commission of 1,500 yuan written on it, his face also showed an expression of delight.

However, he didn’t immediately answer Pei Qian’s question, but remained silent for a moment: “Mr. Pei, can I… not answer?”

Pei Qian thought for a moment: “Sure.”

Actually, Pei Qian could ask the staff who evaluated Meng Chang’s promotional plan, or other employees in the advertising and marketing department, to immediately find out what Meng Chang’s specific promotional plan was.

But after some thought, since Meng Chang was unwilling to tell, Pei Qian decided not to ask.

Because Pei Qian knew he had an “observer effect”—many things would change as soon as he observed them.

Take this promotional plan for instance. Perhaps if he inquired, this promotional plan that could have lost a large sum of money might suddenly stop working?

Moreover, after knowing the details of the promotional plan, Pei Qian might be unable to resist giving some pointers, and then a perfectly good plan might be ruined by him.

This kind of thing had happened many times before.

So, since Meng Chang was unwilling to tell, he decided not to ask. Anyway, Meng Chang had already received his commission, and all the promotional funds had been spent. Next month would just be a continuation of this process, with an increase in spending.

Pei Qian didn’t care about the process, only the result. As long as Meng Chang could meet his requirements, that was enough.

As for what the specific plan was, did it matter?

Meng Chang’s mood at this moment was both happy and suspicious.

He was happy because his plan was going smoothly!

Meng Chang’s idea was to include the game “Mission and Choice” in a “Collection of Classic Domestic Games” and then aggressively advertise this collection.

The promotional expenses were spent on the collection, which naturally meant they were also spent on “Mission and Choice.” But as long as it was hidden deep enough and discovered late enough, the promotion wouldn’t be effective, allowing Meng Chang to happily receive monthly commissions.

This month, Meng Chang hadn’t invested too much in promotional funds, just testing the waters with small efforts, mainly to probe whether this approach would work and whether it would be exposed prematurely.

If he had invested a large sum at once but it was exposed early, wouldn’t all his efforts be in vain?

This month he had earned a small 1,500 yuan, which at least changed the embarrassing history of zero commission and confirmed that this approach was feasible. Next month, he could aggressively request promotional funds from Mr. Pei, spend heavily, and directly get the full commission!

Meng Chang figured that since the game would be released on May 1st, it wouldn’t be excessive to get a full commission in April, right?

The reason for his suspicion was that he feared that after telling Mr. Pei about this plan, Mr. Pei would secretly sabotage it, rendering his plan useless.

Mr. Pei was not only often sarcastic but also cunningly devious—one couldn’t be too careful.

Of course, Meng Chang also knew that even if he didn’t say anything, Mr. Pei had many other ways to find out, so he hadn’t used all his promotional tactics this month, but had held some in reserve.

If all these tactics were guessed by Mr. Pei, then Meng Chang would accept the loss; but if Mr. Pei didn’t guess… then sorry, the 100,000 yuan commission would be his!

The two of them each harbored their own schemes, neither able to guess the other’s exact thoughts.

However, Pei Qian felt that this wasn’t a big problem. As long as their goals were aligned, that was enough.

Meng Chang said: “Mr. Pei, if there’s nothing else, I’ll go back to continue preparing next month’s promotional plan.”

Pei Qian nodded: “Mmm, keep up the good work!”

He spoke with complete sincerity, but Meng Chang clearly didn’t believe him.

After leaving Mr. Pei’s office, Meng Chang made a firm resolution.

“Hmph, you’ve outmaneuvered me several times before, but I don’t believe you can win every time!”

“This time I’ll definitely get even and earn the full commission!”