"This is Mingyan, the chief designer of Blue Star Studio, and also an old friend of mine."
"This is Zhu Wenshu, who is currently working as a game architect at Senlang Company and has also collaborated with IPP."
Mingyan shook hands with Zhu Wenshu and said with some surprise, "What a coincidence, we're in the same industry."
Zhu Wenshu looked at him, slowly revealing a smile, and said, "Senior, you are the famous 'Master'! I have truly heard so much about you. I heard about your deeds back when League of Legends was launched at school."
Zhu Wenshu seemed particularly enthusiastic and insisted on treating the two of them to a cup of coffee.
Mingyan wasn't really interested, but he unexpectedly heard that Zhu Wenshu had designed a game called "Empire's Grip," which had received a high score of 9.5 from the Jialian review.
Designers exchanging ideas might yield unexpected insights.
With this in mind, Mingyan sat down happily.
Xia Cheng then sat down next to him, and the three of them found a very quiet corner.
When asked about "The Empire's Grip," Zhu Wenshu wore a proud smile.
He looked at Xia Cheng, his eyes gentle, and said, "Back then, I have to thank Brother Cheng for giving me the opportunity. He's my benefactor. 'The Empire's Grip' only became popular because of his recommendation. I really don't know how to repay him..."
The coffee is here.
As Zhu Wenshu spoke, he skillfully placed a piece of white sugar inside, stirred it gently, and then placed it in front of Xia Cheng.
For some reason, Xia Cheng straightened up slightly and turned his head to look at Mingyan.
Xia Cheng said, "No, this is all part of my job duties; it's not a matter of giving someone an opportunity. Mr. Zhu, you don't need to be so polite..."
Zhu Wenshu pouted and said, "Is it because I've been too busy making games lately? I feel like I've become distant from Cheng-ge! We promised to go to the Wilderness Survival Club together, but we still haven't made it..."
Xia Cheng straightened his back and sat upright, saying, "No, no, let's talk about it another time."
Zhu Wenshu seemed oblivious to the polite formalities, and clapped his hands together, laughing, "That's great! Once I finish this new game, I'll soon have a chance to go out and play with Brother Cheng!"
Xia Cheng opened his mouth, but had not yet found a straightforward way to refuse.
At this moment, Mingyan, who was standing to the side, asked curiously, "Could you introduce the new game? I'm also preparing for a new project recently, and I think we can exchange experiences in this area."
Zhu Wenshu: "..."
Xia Cheng: "..."
Wow, Xia Cheng is absolutely smitten with Mingyan's ability to pinpoint the key points.
The strange atmosphere at the coffee table suddenly became inexplicably upright.
Zhu Wenshu's lips twitched, and he said, "How about we contact each other by email another time? Today I wanted to talk to Brother Cheng..."
Before he finished speaking, Mingyan had already lowered his head and taken out his business card.
The two exchanged business cards, and then Zhu Wenshu was a little confused. He looked at Xia Cheng and then at Ming Yan.
After a while, Zhu Wenshu said, "Then... can I talk to Brother Cheng alone today?"
He said frankly, "No problem, I'm going back to work overtime."
Xia Cheng almost jumped off the table, and hurriedly said, "No, no, no, I'll go work overtime too."
Mingyan: "?" Huh? Do you want to go back and play games with me?
Xia Cheng quickly added, "Mr. Zhu and I don't really have much to talk about. It's all work-related. I really didn't give him any special treatment. Everything could have been settled during the day. Today, I just wanted to hang out with you—"
Clearly stated: “???”
"..."
Zhu Wenshu finally realized what was going on, and his smile gradually faded, leaving him with a rather unpleasant expression.
He said sarcastically, "Mr. Ming, you really have a big ego. Everyone tries to invite Brother Cheng but can't, and you can throw a tantrum and threaten to leave. You really are a senior figure in the gaming industry, with an incredibly high status. Actually, if you don't like me, you can just say so!"
Mingyan paused for a moment, then said with a blank look, "What happened? I don't mean anything, you guys can talk first."
He got up, picked up his coat, and walked out the door.
Upon seeing this, Xia Cheng immediately stood up and strode after him.
Xia Cheng didn't touch that cup of coffee from beginning to end.
Mingyan went outside first, only to find that Xia Cheng was still following him.
Xia Cheng broke out in a cold sweat and said repeatedly, "I really don't know Zhu Wenshu well, we only have work-related interactions! I have absolutely never favored him in anything, you have to believe me!"
Mingyan smiled and said, "I know you have a great eye for games. You were the one who signed the contract for Minecraft back then."
Xia Cheng: "..."
He carefully examined Mingyan's expression and finally confirmed that Mingyan showed no sign of annoyance whatsoever.
Heavens above!
Xia Cheng didn't know whether he should be happy or disappointed.
Soon, Xia Cheng called his driver to take Mingyan back to Blue Star Studio.
Yes, the driver is still that same old Mr. Li.
More than three years have passed, and he has long been used to Mingyan getting on the bus from time to time.