Chapter 753

Xishan No. 1 Courtyard.

Four people sat leisurely in the living room, Guo Zi and Xu Qingzhou discussing their plan to launch a company in August.

Ding Jiahui leaned over and bit hard into the apple in Guo Zi’s hand, then chimed in, “Two of the five founding members of the studio plan to leave.”

Song Yao took Er Miao back into her arms. “Why?”

The little wretch who had just been struggling was now snoring softly under the girl’s gentle touch.

Ding Jiahui thought for a moment. “Our entrepreneurial visions have diverged.”

“Guo Zi, I, and one other person want to build our own IP—start with fun little games and expand gradually, step by step. But the other two prefer to jump straight into the mainstream market and shift toward large AAA projects.”

“We’ve discussed this many times, but neither side can convince the other.”

Guo Zi said with deep regret.

“Guo Zi and I plan to buy out the shares of the two who are leaving. Even if the investment firm’s funds come in, our ownership stake won’t drop below 51%—above the absolute control threshold.”

“There’s no banquet in this world that never ends.”

Founders going their separate ways is nothing unusual.

Xu Qingzhou wasn’t surprised. Starting a business was essentially no different from running a research group—his former collaborators had once left to join administration or go into commerce.

He asked: “When founders leave, they often take some funds with them. How’s your funding situation?”

“No problem.”

Guo Zi smiled. “Back in school, I knew a senior from an investment bank. I told her about our project a few days ago, and she’s willing to provide seed funding. The amount isn’t huge, but it’s enough for initial operations.”

He had discussed funding with Ding Jiahui, and they ultimately decided to raise the money themselves.

No doubt about it.

Xu Qingzhou and Song Yao both had money—if they asked, they could easily secure investment. But they preferred to earn their seed funding through their own efforts, not by relying on friendships.

Besides, when money enters friendships, it always taints things a little. They’d deal with that only if they truly needed help.

Xu Qingzhou and Song Yao understood their old friends’ thinking—the investment bank’s willingness to fund them showed they still saw potential in Guo Zi’s project.

“It’s hard to get together,” Ding Jiahui said, propping her chin on her hand.

In high school, we imagined we’d all be in Jingdu and could meet up for meals anytime. Now we realize how hard it is to even get one meal together.

Xu Qingzhou smiled. “This is the normal state of being a workhorse—always busy with something, and when you finally have free time, you just want to lie down and do nothing.”

“You’re sure you want to do nothing? Someone can’t sit still—even when resting, they’re thinking about math calculations.”

Song Yao chimed in from the side.

“Too intense. Should be scolded.”

Ding Jiahui supported her best friend.

3 p.m.

The group went out to buy groceries, just as before—the two girls handled meal prep, while Xu Qingzhou and Guo Zi played the idle role, cleaning up after eating.

By 6 p.m., the four were gathered around a bubbling hot pot.

“Cheers.”

All four clinked glasses.

After eating a while, Guo Zi and Ding Jiahui exchanged glances, cleared their throats, and took each other’s hands.

“Today, on this occasion, we have something to announce.”

Xu Qingzhou and Song Yao put down their chopsticks.

The company matter was settled—so Guo Zi’s big news must be about relationships. Such a big thing could only mean either a breakup or a step forward.

Clearly, it was the latter.