Chapter 48: Acting

Chen Yang had forum moderator privileges, so he directly pinned his own post.

"Boss is generous! May I ask, if I repost an article I published on another website here, can I also receive the reward?"

"Upstairs, where is the boss being generous? Writing an article consumes a lot of energy and time; a reward of ten yuan per article is too low!"

"Upstairs, 'Green Net' is a website created by college students; with limited funds, offering ten yuan per article is not bad—at least it can help us earn some internet fees."

"What upstairs said is correct! Our original intention in coming here is to share life's little bits. If the boss doesn't give rewards, does that mean we won't create?"

"May I dare to ask what conditions are needed to sign a contract with the website? What about the benefits?"

The netizens' discussion grew more and more; Liu Qingqing also didn't know how to respond, so she could only pull the instigator to her own room.

"Senior, what should we do? Should we increase the reward?"

No need. Our primary goal is to expand the website's content library. With each article priced at ten yuan, calculating based on a daily output of one thousand articles, three hundred thousand yuan would successfully add thirty thousand decent-quality articles to our website. That would be enough.

"When the website's overall fame and influence increase and it's time for a brand quality upgrade, we'll then consider raising the reward."

Chen Yang finished speaking, then used Liu Qingqing's account to reply to his own pinned post.

"Dear family members, Qingqing has just started her business; funds are limited, please understand. This event's reward is merely meant to add a little splash to everyone's online life. Qingqing hopes everyone can treat this place as a second home, contributing to the website's growth. Once Green Net grows, Qingqing will definitely provide family members with more generous gifts and bonuses."

"In principle, as long as it's an original article by a family member, there is a reward."

"Regarding the issue of contracted authors, the preliminary pricing is either buying out the copyright of a single article for one hundred yuan, or a base salary of one thousand five hundred yuan plus bonuses. If the family members are exceptionally capable, we can further discuss."

Chen Yang's reply made the onlooking Liu Qingqing and Su Mingyue feel somewhat uncomfortable.

"Senior, you're so cheesy!"

"Chen Yang, I always thought you were quite honest, never expecting you to be so persuasive. It seems I've misjudged you these past few years."

Chen Yang shrugged indifferently.

"Qingqing, this is your account; even if I'm being cheesy, I'm doing it for you."

"Su Mingyue, I'm already a married man. If you keep staring at me, spreading it around would be bad."

Liu Qingqing pursed her lips and pinched Chen Yang slightly to show a little anger.

Su Mingyue then avoided Chen Yang's gaze, remaining silent, her pretty face also slightly blushing.

Just as the atmosphere fell into awkwardness, Su Mingyue's phone rang. She glanced at it—it was Zhang Jun calling—and she hesitated a bit.

"Answer it, put it on speaker!" Chen Yang didn't trust Su Mingyue much; he wanted to test her.

Su Mingyue could only follow Chen Yang's instructions.

"Su Mingyue, Lin Wei married that country bumpkin; why didn't you tell me?"

"I don't know! Lin Wei didn't tell me they got married. Are you mistaken?" Su Mingyue immediately shifted the blame.

"Lin Wei personally told Luo Zhikai that—how could it be wrong!"

"Then I really don't know; after we graduated, we lost contact."

"Really?"

"Really, don't believe me? Ask Tang Kun—we were still eating together a couple of days ago."

"Really? Then do you know the situation of that country bumpkin? Is he recently planning some project?"

Su Mingyue truly couldn't answer that question; she could only look at Chen Yang with a questioning gaze.

Chen Yang typed the four characters "International New City" on a blank reply page in the forum using Liu Qingqing's laptop.

"It seems to be... International New City, but I'm not really sure either; you should ask other classmates for more details." Su Mingyue gave a perfunctory reply and quickly hung up Zhang Jun's call.

Chen Yang wasn't interested in whatever secret Su Mingyue and Zhang Jun might have; as long as they didn't sabotage his money-making plan, it was fine.

Since Zhang Jun would ask Su Mingyue about his situation, it's certain he had already spoken with Luo Zhikai on the phone.

If he didn't want to startle the snake, Chen Yang couldn't take a loan from Xingcheng Bank, nor any other bank. Because Zhang Jun would definitely find a way to investigate him and then spare no expense to sabotage his plan.

Chen Yang thought it over and decided to go find Liu Shijie to act in a play.

"Qingqing, these few days you keep an eye on Su Mingyue; don't let her leak any of my information to Zhang Jun."

"Okay, Su Su, these few days you are mine."

Su Mingyue looked at Chen Yang leaving with a bewildered expression. She felt she had inadvertently stumbled into an unknown dangerous game.

After Chen Yang called Liu Shijie, he directly drove to the Sunshine Garden Sales Office.

Liu Shijie was already waiting impatiently at the door; before Chen Yang even parked his car, he started complaining: "You kid, you're acting all high and mighty now! I wanted to talk about something, but you won't even answer the phone!"

"Old man, besides selling houses lately, what else are you up to?"

"Houses can be sold by your subordinates. Kid, have you found a money-making project and want to keep all the profits for yourself?"

"If there were a money-making project, you definitely wouldn't forget me; the problem is there really isn't one right now!"

"Then why are you looking for me? I've been busy lately!"

Chen Yang let him get in the car first, then rolled up the windows.

"Brother Jie, if you can accompany me in performing a scene, I'll definitely give you a surprise later."

"You little brat, I knew you were definitely hiding something. Spill it—what play do you want me to act in?"

"Zhang Jun, do you still remember? He's the younger brother of Zhang Peng, whom we watched a game with at Worry-free Residence; that's my classmate."

"Hmm, he's causing trouble for you again?"

"No, he thinks I'm collaborating with you on the International New City project. I also want him to think we're working on the International New City project."

Liu Shijie carefully pondered the meaning of Chen Yang's words, as if he understood something. "You wouldn't be trying to dig a pit for him, would you?"

Chen Yang nodded.

Liu Shijie still didn't understand. "Does the International New City project really have problems? Where did you hear that news?"

"Don't inquire about what you shouldn't." Chen Yang deliberately acted mysterious. "Otherwise, Sister Xin won't let me off!"

Liu Shijie gave Chen Yang a look of disdain. There are plenty of people who can pretend around him, but Chen Yang is absolutely the worst of them. Despite having a deep background, he always dresses like an ordinary commoner; even if others mock him as a country bumpkin, he can hold his temper.

Such a person—if he's a friend, it's fine; but if he's an enemy, that's too dangerous.

He suddenly had a premonition that the Zhang Peng brothers would this time suffer a big fall.

Of course, Liu Shijie was also very displeased with the Zhang brothers' behavior. If he could make those two guys receive some punishment, he would be very willing to cooperate.