Chapter 34 (1/2)
Based on his memories, Pei Qian looked for Bao Xu at the internet cafes near the west entrance of the school.
His traits were obvious.
It was autumn but while everyone else were wearing long sleeved shirts and pants, he was wearing a sweater with a thick coat hanging off his chair.
It wasn’t because he was afraid of the cold, but that he had been wearing the same thing since the previous winter…
Other than him, there was truly no one else who could do something as such.
Bao Xu was dazed in front of the computer monitor at the moment.
On screen, his character was seated on a flying chair, idling lazily above the main city.
When Pei Qian approached Bao Xu, he caught whiff of a faint, oily scalp smell.
It wasn’t severe but it may have been due to Bao Xu’s receding hairline which was so severe that he barely had much hair left.
‘Hmm, if I can persuade him to leave the internet cafe, I’ll definitely stuff him some money to get a shower and a change of clothes.’
“Bao Xu?” Pei Qian asked in a testing manner.
Frozen for a full ten seconds, Bao Xu turned around squarely after. His eyes that were enclaved by two huge dark circles suddenly blinked. “You’re looking for me?”
After confirming that he had the right guy, Pei Qian sat down beside Bao Xu.
“I’ve got a job available. Would you be willing to take it on?” Pei Qian asked.
Bao Xu turned back slowly and continued to stare at the monitor blankly. “Manager of the internet cafe? Not interested.”
“No, not a manager. A designer to design your own game,” Pei Qian replied.
Bao Xu’s face turned to Pei Qian slowly once more as he sized up this person.
Eventually, he came to the conclusion that this was just an ordinary student.
“Don’t try to pull a prank on me,” Bao Xu was not convinced.
Speechless, Pei Qian wondered if things would have been better had he worn a different outfit.
However, his suit had not arrived yet.
Not wanting to drag things out, Pei Qian took out 500 yuan from his pockets.
“If you’re willing to join, this will be advance payment for your salary.”
Looking at the five scarlet 100 yuan notes, a sparkle appeared in Bao Xu’s eyes.
He was slightly convinced that Pei Qian was for real.
If this was a scam, Pei Qian would be the one asking for money – why would he be the one giving out money?
Not just that, it was 500 to boot.
For someone like Bao Xu in 2009, 500 was considered a large amount. After all, the price of internet cafes ranged around 2-3 yuan per hour back then.
“Not just that, our company’s computers have the best specifications with dual monitors. You can play games at any time you wish,” Pei Qian added decisively.
Bao Xu’s gaze was twinkling all of a sudden.
He did not have to pay money and he could play games on a high-end computer at any time!
Wouldn’t that be even more comfortable than internet cafes?
That was akin to throwing a small fish to a desperate, hungry cat!
“You’re not kidding? What would my job be then?” Bao Xu asked in bewilderment.
“Your job would be to play games! The position I’m offering you is called a game tester!”
“You have to test the games of others as well as our own. If you discover any issues, you’ll have to report it to me at the first available moment.”
“Of course, you can take part in the design process and give your input as well.”
“I think that you’re definitely capable of taking on this role. Don’t you think so?”
Pei Qian revealed a bewitching smile.
Pursing his lips, Bao Xu’s throat trembled.
Wasn’t that the life that he had dreamed of?
To play games while earning money at the same time? What could be better than that?
“I’m willing… ugh, I’m willing to consider it. If it’s truly as you’ve said, I… can consider giving it a shot.”
Bao Xu’s initial reply was ‘I’m willing’. However, on second thought, he wondered if this was a scammer.
That was why he left some breathing room for himself – he would only decide upon it after checking out the actual work environment.
Pei Qian was certain that he had already managed to convince Bao Xu.
There was no reason for the latter to reject such amazing terms.