Universe Infinite Canteen

Members of the Red Ridge Project Team had strengthened their bonding by fervidly dissing the top management, improving team cohesion.

Having shifted from throwing shade at each other, they returned to a more harmonious state, with several team members taking turns toasting the producer, Baldy.

However, the difficulties faced by the project team had not been resolved. After three rounds of drinks, Baldy brought up old matters and started urging everyone to brainstorm on how to increase the players' online rate.

This was now the top priority for the project team. Unfortunately, although the members of Red Ridge had cute names, none of them had any experience in game development.

Despite lengthy discussions, they failed to come up with a few useful strategies. The marketing department even suggested resorting to kidnapping, suggesting that after slaughtering one or two disobedient folks, the rest would obediently play the game.

Baldy shook his head at the suggestion, "No, I have an agreement with the City Manager, promising I wouldn't resort to violence or cause a big commotion. That's the only reason he agreed to let the project team operate here, and you guys shouldn't resort to fighting and killing all the time.

"Times have changed. We're now a game project team and must actively adapt to our new roles, letting the game speak for itself."

"But producer... the problem is that we've never made games before," Mengmengda said, spreading his hands.

"That's also true," Baldy responded, frowning even more, as silence fell over the others.

Since no one else in the hall spoke, the background noise became unusually clear.

Ma Lu had already finished serving the remaining dishes and was now engrossed in a pay-to-win mobile game he had found that afternoon, passing the time.

Suddenly, he felt the light above him dim and looked up to find that he was surrounded by people.

Enclosed in the center by a group of burly men brimming with a menacing air, Ma Lu felt goosebumps all over.

Perhaps sensing Ma Lu's discomfort, Baldy quickly dismissed his subordinates and plastered on a smile, "Boss Ma, playing a game?"

"Uh... is there something wrong with today's dishes?" Ma Lu put down his phone.

"No, no, no, the food was great," Baldy said.

"It's indeed a restaurant with a Cosmic Chef; the taste of the dishes is beyond reproach. Also, eating at your restaurant dissolved any resentment within the team, bringing us together once again. We really appreciate it."

"Don't mention it, I'm glad you enjoyed it."

After saying this, Ma Lu noticed that Baldy and the others had not left.

"Is there anything else?"

"Do you often play games, Boss Ma?" Baldy asked, rubbing his hands.

"Well... I'd say it's decent. I play various types of games on console, mobile, and Switch, but I'm not an expert at any; it's all just for fun," Ma Lu replied.

"Oh, so you have a wide range of interests in games," Baldy said, giving a thumbs up.

"Ah, I just try out any game I see, but usually, the excitement fades after a couple of days. Also, Producer Baldy, just say what you want to say. There's no need to beat around the bush."

"Alright, Boss Ma, you are indeed straightforward! You must have heard about it by now. Brother here has recently developed a new game, but the online rate hasn't been great.

"Honestly, my subordinates are actually quite capable; it's just that like me, they are rookies in this field and lack experience. So we thought of finding someone who knows their stuff to help identify the problem. I wonder if you'd be interested? Don't worry; the compensation will definitely be generous."

Ma Lu was about to say "I'm not a professional either," but after hearing the last sentence, he changed his mind, "Sure, I do enjoy games, and lately, I've been in a bit of a game drought. It might be a good time to try out a new game."

"Fantastic!" Baldy was overjoyed upon hearing this and waved his hand. Immediately, a staff member from the marketing department pulled out a disc from their bag.

"Ah." Ma Lu paused when he saw the disc. "Is this retro? Is it for the PS5 or Xbox?"

"Either will work; we're available on multiple platforms, including PC," Baldy replied.

"But the problem is, not many computers come with a disc drive anymore. Oh right, don't you have a website?" Ma Lu recalled the web address on the business card. "Can't we just download it directly from the website?"

"No, the website is only for promotion, but it does have our marketing department's phone number. If you want to play, you can contact us, and a colleague from our marketing department will personally deliver the disc," Baldy answered.

Ma Lu was a bit dizzy from his slick moves and took a moment before speaking.

"But still... that means you need a console or a computer with a disc drive to play, right? This barrier alone would eliminate a lot of people. Besides, most people wouldn't be okay with home delivery of a disc. Can't you just package whatever's on the disc and put it online?"

"We can't," Baldy insisted. "The disc is essential to start the game."

"Hmm, but my shop only has one laptop," Ma Lu thought out loud, "You wait, I'll go borrow a gaming console."

After he finished speaking, he used QQ on his mobile phone to contact Zhen Ye upstairs to borrow her PS5.

Unexpectedly, Zhen Ye also became interested when she heard about the new game. After getting Zhen Ye's approval, Ma Lu and the Red Ridge Project Team members simply went up to the second floor together.

Soon, the living room was filled with people.

Zhen Ye inserted the disc into the disc drive, and a new game icon appeared on the TV—Red Ridge.

The background was the skeleton brawl from the back of Baldy's business card.

The installation was completed in less than a second, which was commendable. However, it made one wonder if the new game's size was just a few dozen megabytes.

Zhen Ye sat cross-legged on the floor, picked up the controller, and clicked to play the game.

Immediately, the screen went dark and a cutscene began.
Enjoy new adventures from My Virtual Library Empire

And let's say, the cinematics were quite exquisite, looking almost like live-action. Those unfamiliar couldn't tell it was produced by a small studio of just over a dozen people.

The initial scene showcased a Minotaur sitting on a throne, covered in flames, very majestic and muscular.

Suddenly, a voice-over started.

The great immortal overlord, the master of Eternal Night City, the future ruler of the Endless Abyss—Furious Barbarian King Aisagon summons you.

Pitiful humans, today is your lucky day, for you will have the honor to join Lord Aisagon's expeditionary force and become a Pioneer of Red Ridge Town.

Contribute all your power to Lord Aisagon!

"Stop!" Ma Lu interrupted.

Zhen Ye immediately pressed the pause button.

"Who is this Aisagon, and why does he talk so awesomely?" Ma Lu asked.

The staff of the Red Ridge Project Team looked at each other. Coconut Jelly then made a throat-slashing gesture to Baldy, who signaled her to calm down.