novelraw Chapter 356 : Cutting Ties with the Studio
Chapter 356 : Cutting Ties with the Studio
Chapter 356: Cutting Ties with the Studio
The next day, Chen Fan came to the studio as promised with Luo Wenjie.
In the office, Zhou Honghai was a bit nervous.
He stole glances at Luo Wenjie, hoping to get some help from this guy's expression.
But Luo Wenjie was admiringly staring at the painting on the wall, as if he could see the flowers blooming.
Zhou Honghai was speechless.
Looks like this guy couldn't be counted on.
"Why didn't you call ahead? I didn't make any preparations."
"Look, we're even out of tea leaves. Should I have someone go buy a box?"
Chen Fan raised his hand with a smile, "It's alright, Old Zhou. We're all friends here, no need to be so formal."
"You have a seat too. I came here today just to chat."
Only then did Zhou Honghai walk over and sit down, taking a cigarette from the pack nearby and handing it to Chen Fan.
Chen Fan glanced at it, took it, but did not light it, just playing with it in his hands.
"Actually, I came here today to tell you two something."
The first sentence made Zhou Honghai instantly tense up, glancing furtively at Luo Wenjie, only to find that Luo Wenjie also looked curious and surprised.
What's going on? Could it be that he didn't know either?
"I heard from Brother Jie that you two are planning to run a private server, right?"
Zhou Honghai's expression changed, glaring fiercely at Luo Wenjie.
This bastard, how did he spill the beans in just one day?
Luo Wenjie was nonchalant, smiling and shrugging his shoulders.
"This is something Old Chen should know. There's no need to hide it from him anyway."
Zhou Honghai immediately laughed dryly and said, "Actually... this is just a result of our discussion, but we haven't decided if we're really going to do it or not..."
Chen Fan raised his hand to interrupt Zhou Honghai's words.
"Old Zhou, there's no outsiders here, let's not beat around the bush."
"I made a proposal before, but since you two have already made up your minds, I can only wish you well."
"Of course, with just the two of you running a private server, it might be a bit difficult. Acquiring the source code would still require funds..."
Chen Fan glanced at the two of them, "I came here today to tell you this."
"From now on, you don't need to share the money this studio makes with me anymore. You two can split it fifty-fifty."
Whoosh.
Luo Wenjie and Zhou Honghai both straightened up.
"What do you mean? Old Chen, are you quitting?"
Luo Wenjie was a bit panicked, "How can this be? You funded the establishment of this studio in the first place. How can you quit?"
"If you really don't want us to run a private server, we won't do it..."
Seeing the panicked Luo Wenjie, Chen Fan waved his hand with a smile.
"Brother Jie, it's not what you think."
"Sit down first and let me finish, okay?"
Only then did Luo Wenjie sit back down, though his expression was not great.
Chen Fan looked at the two of them and continued with a smile.
"Actually, when I first established Cheat Studio, I wasn't interested in it."
"It was because you two were dissatisfied with the current situation and wanted to make some more money. I could only go with the flow and put in some money to help you set up the studio."
"During this period, you two have been managing the studio, while I've basically just been an absentee owner."
"To be honest, the money I invested initially has pretty much been earned back, so I'm not losing out by quitting now."
Chen Fan smiled at the two of them, "After I quit, you two will manage the studio entirely, which will also be more convenient for your future work."
"To be honest, I currently have too many things on my plate and really don't have more energy to manage this mess of a studio."
"Since that's the case, I think it's better to just go with the flow. You see, at least you two can still appreciate my kindness, right?"
Zhou Honghai looked a bit awkward.
"Old Chen, this... we really didn't mean for you to leave..."
Chen Fan raised his hand to interrupt him, "Let's not talk about that anymore. This matter is settled."
"Starting this month, the studio doesn't need to give me a share anymore."
"As for last month's money that hasn't been split yet, you don't need to give me any either. Consider it my gift as a friend."
After saying all this, Chen Fan stood up with a smile.
"Alright. I've said what I needed to say. I'll take my leave now. There's still a big pile of stuff waiting for me over there."
Zhou Honghai looked a bit awkward.
"At least let us have a meal together before you leave..."
Chen Fan smiled, "There's no need for such formalities between the three of us. There will be plenty of time to eat together in the future."
"Alright, you two get back to work."
"I wish you both great success in the future."
Chen Fan bid farewell and left, with Luo Wenjie following him out of the studio.
"Old Chen, so you're really quitting."
Luo Wenjie's expression was a bit unnatural, "My original plan was to let you participate as well, but you..."
Chen Fan looked at Luo Wenjie, "Enough. Since a decision has been made, don't overthink it. Just focus on doing it well."
Luo Wenjie hesitated for a moment, but still asked seriously,
"Do you really think running a private server is very risky?"
Chen Fan did not answer directly, but pondered for a few seconds before speaking.
"Brother Jie, I'll only say this once."
"Running a private server is indeed very profitable and lucrative. But at the same time, it's skirting the edges of the law. I've told you before."
"As a brother, let me give you one final reminder."
"Go ahead."
Chen Fan looked at Luo Wenjie and advised, "Remember, in the future when you two run a private server, don't aim to become famous or make a huge fortune. In this industry, don't try to be number one or two. Being a low-profile third or fourth is good enough."
"Keeping a low profile while making money is the way to go."
Luo Wenjie nodded forcefully.
"Got it."
Chen Fan smiled, "Let's all work hard together."
"I'm off now."
Watching Chen Fan leave, Luo Wenjie let out a slightly regretful sigh.
From today onwards, it meant he was no longer an employee working under Chen Fan.
Instead, he was now an independent entrepreneur.
In a sense, he had become a peer entrepreneur like Chen Fan.
Logically, this was something Luo Wenjie had secretly dreamed of several times.
But today, Chen Fan's decisive choice to cut ties with the studio left Luo Wenjie not overjoyed, but rather with a subtle sense of loss.
...
After withdrawing from the studio, Chen Fan did not pay any further attention to this matter.
Now all his energy was invested in the club and the development of Feifan Technology's security software.
However, Luo Wenjie did mention to him in private that Zhou Honghai had obtained the source code for Legend of Mir from somewhere, and the studio had started working overtime to develop a private server.
Chen Fan asked how much they paid for the source code. Luo Wenjie said proudly that after bargaining with the seller, they only spent 75,000 yuan to acquire the Legend of Mir source code.
Chen Fan couldn't help but laugh. He thought that since they were able to buy the source code, it meant the seller definitely didn't just sell it to them alone, but had also widely sold it to other studios.
The price showed they had clearly been ripped off.
But Chen Fan didn't reveal the truth, only smiling and offering congratulations.
Then Luo Wenjie complained frustratedly that after buying the source code, the studio started developing the game's private server, only to find it much more difficult than anticipated, burning through money rapidly.
He had previously been a free spender, and since hanging out with Chen Fan, had only managed to save less than 50,000 yuan, which he had all invested into this.
But it wasn't nearly enough. Zhou Honghai had put in another 70,000 to 80,000 yuan from his side, all invested into it.
In order to hold an equal 50% stake with Zhou Honghai, Luo Wenjie had gritted his teeth and borrowed a few more tens of thousands from his family.
Hearing this, Chen Fan frowned.
"Do you need me to lend you some money first?"
Luo Wenjie shook his head. "No need. The income from cheats this month will be coming in soon. Thanks to the money you didn't take last month, it temporarily solved the urgent cash crunch."
"Plus, the income from cheats is rising month by month now. We calculated that the funding issue can basically be resolved."
Upon hearing this, Chen Fan could only nod.
"Then I wish you two success."
"If you encounter any difficulties later, remember to contact me at any time."
Luo Wenjie grinned, "Even if you didn't say it, I would still find you."
"Who else is better at making money than you?"
Chen Fan laughed wryly, so you're relying on me now.