Hu Qian chuckled: "Right, right, and the 'idiot-proof' optimization software too, right?"
Zhao Qiang hadn't intended to keep the software optimization a secret, otherwise how could he make money optimizing it for others? He was simply trying his best to prevent the software's program from being leaked. As for how many outsiders knew the name, the better, because that would make him more money. So Zhao Qiang wasn't surprised when Hu Qian revealed the software's name.
Hu Qian continued, "You used a simple optimization software to patch the vulnerabilities in the system shown in the uploaded images, didn't you?"
Actually, these are two separate matters, but if they can be combined into one, Zhao Qiang will save himself from further trouble. So he neither objected nor admitted it, which was neither affirmative nor negative. However, Hu Qian took this as tacit agreement and said, "Zhao Qiang, I sincerely invite you to work at my website. You can name your salary."
Zhao Qiang glanced at the large bag of books on the ground. He hadn't even had time to review them yet, so it wasn't appropriate for him to go work in a place teeming with talent. He shook his head. "Sorry, I'm still studying. There's no rush for me to find a job."
Hu Qian said, "Then how about I reserve a job for you after graduation?"
Zhao Qiang said, "There's still some time, let's talk about it after we actually graduate."
Hu Qian said helplessly, "Alright then, it seems Mr. Zhao really sticks to his principles. But it shouldn't be a problem to ask you to work part-time as my website security consultant, right? I know you've been doing part-time work for the past three years, which doesn't go against your style."
Zhao Qiang thought for a moment and said, "I still can't agree."
Hu Qian said somewhat angrily, "Why? Do you dislike me that much?"
Zhao Qiang hurriedly waved his hand: "No, no, that's not the reason."
Hu Qian said with a straight face, "You can't stand how ugly I am, can you?"
Zhao Qiang panicked: "Of course not, I have another plan!"
Hu Qian said, "Oh, then tell me what plan prevents you from working on my website, not even part-time."
Zhao Qiang said, "I want to start my own company."
Hu Qian was speechless. Whether it was full-time or part-time, it was still working for someone else. Zhao Qiang had such strong skills, so it wouldn't be difficult for him to start his own business. Besides, she couldn't stop him from having this idea.
Luo Xiaowei then spoke up: "Senior brother, are you planning to start a website?"
Zhao Qiang shook his head: "No, it might be opening a repair company, including computer repair, but not limited to that."
Luo Xiaowei said, "This shouldn't conflict with my cousin's website, right? Since my senior brother doesn't want to work for others, you can definitely cooperate. It's a win-win situation."
"Cooperation?" Zhao Qiang's heart skipped a beat. When he didn't have much strength at the moment, cooperating with others was indeed a quick way to get rich and use other people's resources to achieve his own goals.
(A new week has begun, and the rankings have changed. Please vote for Xiaoqiang! Xiaoqiang is deeply grateful.)
Volume 1 [052] Shareholding Cooperation Law Joint Venture
Seeing that Zhao Qiang was interested, Luo Xiaowei immediately followed up: "Yes, you can use your technology to invest in my cousin's company and become a shareholder. That won't count as working for someone else, right? Not only will you not have to do anything, but you'll also get dividends."
Zhao Qiang pondered. He had been reflecting on his actions since yesterday afternoon. Zhao Qiang believed that he had not made the most of Xiao Wei's magical artifact, and instead, it had suppressed his original ambition.
In fact, almost every normal person would react like Zhao Qiang. It's like a child who suddenly gets a favorite toy or a piece of candy; they feel anxious and reluctant to part with it, hiding the toy so other children won't see it, or hiding the candy so they can't bear to eat it, until the toy breaks or the candy spoils, and then they regret it. Zhao Qiang has this mentality; he's afraid others will find out about Xiao Wei and take it away, so he hides it away to prevent it from being used.
The beating from the three thugs might seem insignificant to outsiders, but it deeply affected Zhao Qiang. No matter how cautious he was, no matter how much he tried to hide it, if someone were to try and take Xiao Wei away, Zhao Qiang wouldn't be able to protect her; even a few thugs could easily snatch her away. So, after waking up, Zhao Qiang changed his mind. Protecting Xiao Wei should mean making himself stronger, not continuing to cautiously hide her. Of course, Xiao Wei's secret should be kept even tighter in the future! And he would be its protector.
Hu Qian said, "If Zhao Qiang doesn't want to invest, that's fine too. I'll give you five million to sell me the 'Big Fool Optimization Software,' how about that?"
Xu Xiaoya had been listening in, but Hu Qian's words shocked her so much that she could no longer contain herself: "What? Five million? My God, Zhao Qiang, you've struck it rich!"
Five million sounds like an astronomical figure, but Zhao Qiang now wears a high-end screwdriver, running shoes, a rugged shirt, and a high-end electronic watch. Any one of these repair tools is worth tens of millions or even hundreds of millions, so five million is nothing to him, even though he is currently extremely short of money.
Zhao Qiang said, "The 'Big Fool' optimization software is not mine." His implication was that he had no right to buy or sell it, thus discouraging Hu Qian from purchasing it.
Hu Qian said, "Zhao Qiang, please stop denying it. I have a good understanding of the internet and I have studied the current level of software in the world. Not to mention the software's super strong ability to patch vulnerabilities, its anti-virus capabilities far surpass the current top-tier anti-virus software. I can't think of anyone in the world who could design it."
Zhao Qiang laughed and said, "If others can't design it, of course I can't design it either. This was given to me by a mysterious group for trial. They will soon have other products. You can find out my background with just a little investigation. I don't have the ability to design these programs."
Hu Qian thought for a moment: "Can I talk directly to the mysterious team you mentioned?" Hu Qian knew Zhao Qiang well; on the surface, he certainly didn't have that kind of strength.
Zhao Qiang shook his head: "First, I can't contact them on my own initiative; second, they designated me as their sole spokesperson, so there's absolutely no way I can communicate with anyone else."
Hu Qian said, "In other words, you have the right to make certain decisions regarding this software."
Zhao Qiang said, "Yes, but I can't sell it. Hehe, I quite agree with Junior Sister Luo's equity investment plan."
This time it was Hu Qian's turn to ponder. Actually, the reason she rushed to say that she wanted to buy the website was simply because she didn't want Zhao Qiang to join the website's management team. She believed that would dilute her management authority, and the website wouldn't be able to develop according to her ideas.
Zhao Qiang suddenly added, "Even if I contribute my technology as equity, I only want to receive dividends. I don't understand management and I don't have time for it."
Hu Qian's worry vanished instantly: "Zhao Qiang's decision is absolutely brilliant! Let's discuss it in more detail."
Xu Xiaoya suddenly pulled Zhao Qiang and pointed to the bedroom. Zhao Qiang was confused but followed her into the bedroom and said, "Class monitor, what are you doing? This is very impolite. We are talking about important matters."
Xu Xiaoya stomped her foot angrily: "Zhao Qiang, I'm doing this for your own good. Do you know how to negotiate? Do you understand joint-stock companies? Do you know how to maximize your profits? I'm your class monitor, would I help an outsider to harm you?"
Zhao Qiang slapped his forehead: "Oh dear, I really didn't think that much about it. I have no experience. Thank you for reminding me, class monitor. We old classmates are really close. Look at Luo Xiaowei, she never told me these things."
Xu Xiaoya said, "I'll be grateful if she doesn't harm you. Let me talk to them."
Zhao Qiang asked doubtfully, "Are you sure you can do it, squad leader?"
Xu Xiaoya said, "Even if I'm not the best, I'm still better than you. Don't forget that I'm a capable leader in school, and I even hold the position of minister in the student council. In short, I will help you fight for your best interests, but you have to promise me that you'll consider becoming Professor Gu's student."
Anyway, Zhao Qiang already had this idea in mind; otherwise, why would he have brought all the books? So he readily agreed, "Okay, I'll consider it. But don't rush me. Let me think about the 'Big Fool Optimization Software' first. Before, for convenience, it had a high degree of integration, optimizing CPU algorithms, fixing the system kernel, antivirus, scanning and patching vulnerabilities, correcting registry errors, cleaning up junk files, compressing dynamic link libraries, and rationally arranging data sectors—all done with one click. But if we're trying to make money, I think these functions should be separated to maximize profits."
Xu Xiaoya's eyes widened: "Well done, Zhao Qiang, you've become a shrewd businessman too."
Zhao Qiang chuckled: "That's right. I think optimizing the CPU algorithm and modifying the system kernel should be set as advanced functions, antivirus and patching unknown vulnerabilities should be set as intermediate functions, and the rest should be set as ordinary functions. We'll use these three items to talk to Hu Qian. Of course, I'll also ask the software author to break down the software according to my ideas."
Xu Xiaoya said, "Okay, I don't know much about computers, you can help me out later."
The two left the bedroom and sat down again on the office sofa, where Zhao Qiang's bedding was piled up. Hu Qian looked at Xu Xiaoya and then at Luo Xiaowei, her smile strange. Luo Xiaowei, on the other hand, was a little angry. Her cousin meant that she had been defeated by Xu Xiaoya, and that Zhao Qiang had been taken care of by Xu Xiaoya.
Zhao Qiang coughed and said solemnly, "Miss Hu, let me share my thoughts."
Hu Qian quickly sat up straight, her legs turned to the side. Wearing a skirt, she dared not face Zhao Qiang directly. "Please speak, Zhao Qiang."
Zhao Qiang said, "I'm sure you know the effects of the 'Big Fool' optimization software, otherwise you wouldn't be here today. Since you're so sincere, I can't be stingy. I don't think it's necessary to invest my technology in your company. But we can use a profit-sharing cooperation method to form a joint venture."
Hu Qian breathed a sigh of relief; she hadn't originally planned to involve Zhao Qiang in company management. Zhao Qiang's adoption of this operating model to maximize profits was reasonable, as it facilitated any modifications or even reversals of the software.
Hu Qian said, "Okay, I'll be in charge of operating this software, providing the online download platform and promotion, and we'll split the profits 50/50, how about that?"
Xu Xiaoya immediately objected: "No, it's seriously unfair that we only get 50%."
Hu Qian glanced at Zhao Qiang, implying that Xu Xiaoya couldn't make the decision!
Zhao Qiang said, "Xu Xiaoya is now my negotiation assistant. Let me explain the software in more detail, and then you can discuss the rest."
Hu Qian glared at Luo Xiaowei, and Luo Xiaowei understood that she was blaming Hu Qian for not doing her homework beforehand, allowing Xu Xiaoya to get there first. Otherwise, today's negotiations would not have been so passive.
"Okay, Zhao Qiang, please go first."
(Please vote for this story! Thank you so much! Also, thank you to 'Father, You're So Bad' for the 1888 reward! Thank you to 'Flying Flowers in the Mist' for the reward! Thank you to 'First Night Red' for the urging vote! Thank you all!)
Volume 1 [053] Negotiation
Zhao Qiang said, "Ms. Hu should know that this optimization software has many functions. I plan to only open the basic optimization functions in the download version, including correcting system and registry errors, cleaning up system and registry junk, compressing dynamic link libraries, and reasonably arranging data storage. But don't worry, even the basic optimization functions are definitely several times better than the optimization software currently on the market. I dare not say that I can guarantee a minimum speed improvement of 10%, but I can guarantee 3% to 5%, and it is possible for individual computers to reach 30% to 50%."
Hu Qian said, "Go on, the more important ones are antivirus and system kernel and hardware algorithm optimization."
Zhao Qiang said, "Antivirus and vulnerability patching are only available online. As for optimizing CPU algorithms and fixing operating system kernel errors, those are done in the premium member area and are not available to ordinary users."
Hu Qian asked, "Is this vulnerability patching known or unknown?"
Zhao Qiang said, "It is known, but we can fix it for users as soon as we discover that the virus is exploiting an unknown vulnerability."
Hu Qian nodded: "Yes, it's correct to divide users into high, medium and low levels. The higher the level of users, the faster the speed improvement after optimization. Of course, the cost they need to pay will also be greater."
Zhao Qiang said, "Yes, as for sales pricing and profit sharing, you can discuss those matters yourselves."
Xu Xiaoya disagreed with a 50/50 split, so her bottom line in negotiations was also above 50/50. Zhao Qiang was happy to get 40% of the profits, so he didn't need to listen to the rest of the negotiations. He got up, said goodbye, and went to take a shower. He was covered in sweat after a busy day, and being sandwiched between the three girls made him feel very awkward.
By the time Zhao Qiang returned after showering, the negotiations were nearing their end. There wasn't much to discuss anyway; Xu Xiaoya was very firm, insisting on an 80/20 split, otherwise the cooperation would be canceled. This infuriated Hu Qian, causing her ample bosom to jiggle! Of course, she didn't forget to continue glaring at her cousin. If her cousin had managed to win Zhao Qiang over earlier, she would be getting 80% of the profits now.
Xu Xiaoya said smugly, "Sister Qian, don't worry about this little bit of sales revenue. Think about it, this software is bound to be a hit. The indirect benefits it will bring to your website will be immeasurable. Besides, I've already made concessions. The software will only bear your website's name. As long as it doesn't violate the terms of the contract, we will never withdraw our cooperation with the website. If you really think about it, you should be paying us back."
Regarding the authorship rights, Xu Xiaoya had just gone outside the bathroom to ask Zhao Qiang for his opinion. Out of caution, Zhao Qiang chose to give up, saying that this was the idea of the mysterious team behind him. However, any action by Hu Qian that went against his wishes would lead him to withdraw from the joint venture with the website, because the core of the software was in Zhao Qiang's hands, so he was not afraid that Hu Qian would renege on her promise.
Hu Qian said, "Alright, stop pushing your luck. I'll come up with a budget plan for the sales pricing as soon as possible, but will you hand over the software source code to me?"
While wiping his head, Zhao Qiang said, "That's impossible. I will give you three sets of software. The standard version can be open source for you, but it will be protected with a shell for external use. The mid-range and high-end versions are online versions. You will be responsible for the website architecture, and I will upload and maintain the software."
Xu Xiaoya chimed in, "Sister Qian, don't you think about it? Antivirus software alone is incredibly powerful. If it were open source, you could modify the antivirus engine and sell a whole new version. What would we earn then? And what about modifying the system kernel? If it were open source, who knows if Microsoft would sue us for copyright infringement? So don't even think about it. Otherwise, it would affect our cooperation. If we get angry and buy our own servers and start our own website, you'll suffer a huge loss."
Since it's a profit-sharing partnership, Hu Qian's request just now was excessive. She was also taking advantage of Xu Xiaoya and Zhao Qiang's lack of expertise. Getting the standard version of the source code was already a huge success. She just didn't want to force Zhao Qiang to go solo, otherwise she would lose everything. "Xiaoya is right, I was rude. In that case, our initial agreement is reached. To celebrate our successful cooperation, I'll treat you to dinner tonight."
In fact, Zhao Qiang had considered going solo, which would have resulted in higher profits. However, he currently lacked the funds to purchase any servers or the ability to promote his business. As the saying goes, even the best wine needs advertising. With Hu Qian handling all of that, he could simply stay behind the scenes and collect the money, which was much safer and more secure.
Zhao Qiang was excited, imagining himself becoming a millionaire or even a multi-millionaire in the near future. During dinner that night, Hu Qian's enthusiasm led him to drink a couple more glasses of wine, resulting in him staggering as he walked. Fortunately, Xu Xiaoya drove him back home.
Xu Xiaoya took a shower and changed into a neat tracksuit. She sat on the sofa without turning on the TV and sat silently for a few minutes. Suddenly, she said to Zhao Qiang, who was lying on the opposite sofa, "Zhao Qiang, since you have complete control over this software, wouldn't it be more appropriate for us to make it ourselves? Wouldn't cooperating with Hu Qian benefit someone else?"
Although Zhao Qiang was still a bit dizzy, his mind wasn't completely blank. He said, "No, we don't currently have the capability to possess this software. If I suddenly released such software, you can imagine the consequences. That's why I asked Hu Qian and Luo Xiaowei to keep it a secret for us. You need to keep your mouth shut, or I'll come after you if anything goes wrong."
Xu Xiaoya stood up and sat down next to Zhao Qiang, pinching his arm immediately. "Who are you calling a shrew? Am I that awful? I even helped you secure so many benefits!"
After groaning in pain, Zhao Qiang said earnestly, "Thank you so much, squad leader. You've only been here for one day, and you've already paid so much for my electricity bill. Now you've even helped me settle the cooperation matter. I don't know how to repay you."
Xu Xiaoya sighed: "I'm already very happy that you agreed to consider pursuing a master's degree. By the way, now you should tell me how so much electricity is used."
Zhao Qiang's mind raced. In fact, he had been thinking about this problem all day but hadn't come up with a solution. Xu Xiaoya knew him too well; they had been classmates for over three years, and it was unlikely that he could hide a lie from her. Besides, there wasn't such a serious power drain here. However, Zhao Qiang still came up with a solution. He mysteriously leaned close to Xu Xiaoya's ear and said, "Class monitor, let me tell you the truth. I'm practicing a divine skill."
Xu Xiaoya's ears tickled from Zhao Qiang's breath, so she rubbed them and asked, "What kind of divine skill? The Sunflower Manual?"
Zhao Qiang fainted. "Please, that's something eunuchs practice. My divine skill requires a lot of electricity, but the effect is very obvious. I can almost fly over walls now."
Xu Xiaoya said, "Who are you trying to fool?"
Zhao Qiang said, "I'm not lying to you. If you don't believe me, I'll jump and show you."
Zhao Qiang was still wearing running shoes, or more accurately, jumping shoes. He had tested them that morning, and they were incredibly effective. Zhao Qiang stood up from the sofa, pushed off with his feet, and shot himself up into the air, a height definitely exceeding two meters. His head almost touched the ceiling, startling Xu Xiaoya so much that she covered her mouth, exclaiming, "Ah!"
Zhao Qiang landed on the ground and said, "So, class monitor, do you believe me now? I've been practicing for three years, and I finally mastered it last night. You have to keep it a secret for me."
Xu Xiaoya nodded and said, "You trained it to steal things?"
Zhao Qiang was furious: "Do you think I could do such a despicable thing with my current net worth?"
Xu Xiaoya said calmly, "You still owe me more than 50,000 yuan."
Zhao Qiang immediately deflated, "I promise I'll pay you back as soon as the idiot optimizes the software and makes money."
Xu Xiaoya said, "No need for that. I think you're a promising stock, so I'll consider it an investment. By the way, since there's no one else here, tell me what exactly this 'Big Fool Optimization Software' is all about. I don't really believe that so-called mysterious team."