This Game Is Too Real
Chapter 248: The Fake Brother Guang, The Real Brother Bing

Chapter 248: Chapter 248: The Fake Brother Guang, The Real Brother Bing

Giant Stone City is vast.

Not just in facilities, but also in population.

To conduct a thorough investigation of the local customs and culture here, one week might not be sufficient.

Let alone that the "New Map Experience Card" is only valid for three days...

The second evening.

Sitting by the window, Fang Chang glanced at the increasingly bustling street outside, then put away the notebook and pen in his hands.

Overall, progress was going smoothly.

Apart from not being able to enter the Inner City, exploration of the Outer City had reached 60%, and the necessary information had mostly been investigated.

Especially those parts that delved into the societal layer.

And this part was what surprised him the most.

"Unlike smaller survivor settlements like Bet Street and Brown Farm, Giant Stone City not only differs in size but also in composition from most minor survivor settlements governed by ’feudal lordship’; it resembles a complex network of intertwined interests."

"The City Lord is the supreme authority here, holding command over the Militia Group, but he does not involve himself in the city’s specific affairs, nor does he operate any assets. He is solely responsible for dealing with the Tide and other threats and for withdrawing money from the city hall’s treasury."

"The residents here have established a bureaucratic system suited for themselves, tasked with handling messy affairs and, importantly, taxation. However, lacking direct support from the forces, their governance over the area is weak, and sometimes they need to rely on ’big shots’ to solve some issues."

"Interestingly, while interacting with NPCs, I unexpectedly discovered an Easter egg left by the production team."

"In the early Wasteland Era, Giant Stone City was not called so, but ’Building Town.’ It was only after they expanded from the first building to the Outer City with the help from an ancient group called the ’Post-War Reconstruction Committee’ and built a massive concrete wall to handle the Tide."

"In the following century, they seem to have lost the ability to build such a massive wall and ceased expanding their territory. Instead, through trade, they accumulated significant regional prestige in the southern areas of the River Valley Province. This made ’chips’ popular in Qingquan City, becoming the hard currency in the locals’ eyes... and this is also the main source of arrogance among most Giant Stone City residents."

"Even though the wealth plundered through these chips has nothing to do with them and hasn’t improved their situation at all."

"Contacting such forces seems a better choice to influence through interests than direct military action."

"However, it is essential to be wary, as this is also the field they are most adept in; the NPCs here are far more cunning than those in North Suburb."

Combining the photos he had taken, he could write an impeccable strategy guide.

Considering the players who have been clamoring to trade and exploit NPCs, Fang Chang also calculated the trade prices of several main commodities at the trade station.

And he organized it into a table!

Thinking of those eagerly awaiting players on the forum, a smile couldn’t help but surface on Fang Chang’s face.

Is this what it feels like to be a boss?

Feels good.

In the past, when pioneering other games, he had often written guides, and several under different pseudonyms were quite popular.

But the sense of achievement he got from those games, even when combined, couldn’t compare to what he was feeling with the game he was currently playing.

Just as Fang Chang was putting away his notebook, planning to log off and rest in the next room, Professor List’s apprentice walked towards them.

"The engineer and equipment are ready, and we’ve hired mercenaries to ensure our safe passage to your outpost base."

"Set off early tomorrow."

Reaching the table, Qian Lai sat down opposite Xu Shun and continued with a smile.

"This is our last night in Boulder City, are you not planning to go out for a stroll? I know a great place to drink, their beer is pretty good and super cheap."

Xu Shun shook his head.

"Thank you, no need."

"I still have a mission."

From the moment he stepped out, Xu Shun had kept the Manager’s advice in mind, remembering every word, slacking off might happen to anyone, but it would not happen to him.

Seeing Xu Shun decline his invitation, Qian Lai didn’t say anything more.

He had already experienced these guys’ stubbornness.

Last night he suggested going out to have some fun to celebrate, after all the busywork was done, but this guy refused without a word.

As for the guy who was sitting by the window before, it was even less said.

There was simply no communicating.

Although this was not his first encounter with the Blue Jackets, it was definitely the strangest one.

...

The following evening,

Chu Guang saw on the forum that Fang Chang had published a complete version of the "Boulder City Market Research Report."

Truly deserving of being the server’s top connoisseur, Brother Fang Chang’s insights never disappointed.

This time was no different.

Fang Chang used a travelogue’s touch to narrate their group’s experiences in Boulder City and analyzed the situation of various trades through multiple clues.

Now back within communication range, the post was also filled with lots of high-definition pictures.

Not only were the players thrilled, but the backseat drivers were also blown away.

Thunder Mage Professor Yang: "Damn! Are these actual game graphics?"

Grandpa Ao: "Haha, blowing smoke without a draft!"

Lower Your Voice I’m Brown: "Awesome, awesome, if the finished product can have half this quality, I’m going all in with the spending!"

Fang Chang: "...I will update the trade price reference form for Boulder City on the forum later, everyone can check it out, but it’s just for reference!"

"Wasteland OL’s trading system is indeed very detailed. Bargaining skills and eloquence directly affect the trading price. Especially for commodities with scarce properties, bargaining can influence the final price up to 50%, or even 100%!"

"Considering the language barriers, if you don’t want to get ripped off by NPCs, you can try hiring some high-charisma, high-trading proficiency NPCs to bargain for you! This suggestion is just for reference. If you’re the type of person who can master a completely different culture’s language in less than half a year and is proficient in slang usage, then ignore what I said."

Quit Smoking: "Boss is awesome!!"

Spring Water Commander: "Shocking! The new map isn’t even open yet, and he’s made a price list. That’s too strong!"

Teng Teng: "I want to open a clothing store in Boulder City! Can I hire locals to help me sell clothes?

Fang Chang: "There’s an excess of labor there, definitely possible, but average people’s spending power isn’t great. Beautiful clothes might only be affordable by the rich. I suggest trying to make bulletproof vests or sturdy leather jackets to earn some money from the mercenaries!"

Teng Teng: "Taking notes, taking notes! (Furiously writing.jpg)"

Tomato Eggs: "Me, me, me too want to open a store! I can open a restaurant! A bar works too! (Excited)"

Aaah Sesame Paste: "I’ll handle delivery! Cat Express, mission guaranteed!"

Tail: "Tail will handle the protection! The top bodyguard in the Wasteland is here! Leave the monster fights to Tail! ψ(｀∇´)ψ"

Si Si: "Oh! I’ll be responsible for watching Tail."

Makabazi: "Stop messing around, do the nest! (funny face)"

Stop Messing Around: "Get lost!"

Crow: "Wait, what about mushrooms?! Can mushrooms be sold for money?"

Fang Chang: "Uh... I’ve only seen people buying Blue Umbrella Mushrooms? The price offered is quite high, supposedly they’re used to make radiation antidotes, I rarely see other varieties. Maybe some pharmacies would take them? I’ll ask around for you in a bit."

Crow: "What the heck, does it have to be those blue mushrooms from the sewers? Σ(°△ °|||)︴"

Elena: "Honestly, you’re being a wuss. (funny face)"

Night Ten: "That day, Crow Boss recalled the fear of being submerged by leeches. (funny face)"

Gnome King Riches: "Hahaha! You loser! Hahahaha! What a noob! Did I mimic it well? (funny face)"

Crow: "Shut you up! (#｀Д´)ノ✄"

...

One must admit, each of these players is truly talented.

Chu Guang scrolled through the forum.

He noticed that in just a few minutes, the topic had moved from starting a clothing store and forming a commercial team to culturally conquering the Wasteland world.

Conquering the Wasteland with modern consumerism?

Is this like a cultural renaissance?

emmm...

Technologically, they certainly couldn’t win.

At least not in the short term; the gap couldn’t be bridged by a few black boxes.

Not to mention that others might also have those things.

But indeed, consumption is their weak spot, especially in terms of consumer culture.

The nobles in the Inner City are keen on products from Ideal City, having indulged beyond common taste, while residents of the Outer City are so oppressed by factories they can barely breathe; although their basic needs are met, they have no extra spending power.

Mercenaries, a massive and diverse group, have been overlooked by those teams focused on external markets.

Though they too are poor, with the arrival of spring and the resumption of trading routes, many come across unexpected windfalls.

Just look at Boss Xia.

Most mercenaries can’t save money; those who can either become mercenary leaders, evolve into business owners of trading companies, or start up some other businesses.

These mercenaries need more than weapons and food; not everyone cool-headedly invests all their earnings in themselves.

Besides buying ammunition and supplies and maintaining their weapons, the remaining money either ends up in casinos, or is spent on cigarettes, alcohol, or women.

Chu Guang felt he could definitely find them more aspirational ways to spend their money.

If his players could design items like clothes, shoes, gun straps, protective gear, weapons, etc., that are not only durable but also incorporate elements "favored by mercenaries," the products from Shelter No. 404 might become popular in every bar in Boulder City.

If they could establish a brand effect in the minds of mercenaries, they might actually manage to harvest a bunch of cash crops.

What do you call this move?

Selling skins!

Who says only players can buy skins?

Of course, there are significant challenges involved.

Residents of Giant Stone City, despite their straitened circumstances, still have their basic needs met; they certainly aren’t worse off than those Wasteland Wanderers outside the walls.

That superior arrogance can be felt just from listening to their broadcasts.

"Maybe... just slap an Ideal City label on the stuff we sell?"

Chu Guang’s eyes darted around; he had some naughty ideas, but he had to wait for the trade teams from the East Coast to arrive to implement them.

And he believed even without stepping in, those clever players would surely think of it themselves.

"These are all details."

"The urgent task is to get the commercial team system up and running quickly!"

Chu Guang created a new folder on his desktop and casually typed a title.

[Alpha1.01 Version Update: Business Association System]

"The B4 level unlocking task hasn’t triggered yet, can’t activate more players, the B round testing still needs to wait."

"Let’s just tentatively call this update Alpha1.01 for now!"

After this.

Chu Guang took a screenshot, blurred the version number, and threw it on the forum.

Guang: "We are working on it, everyone keep working hard, after the ’To Forge Swords into Ploughshares’ expansion ends and we finish testing the farming system, we’ll immediately open the new map and all-new game content! The trading system you’ve been clamoring for for 10 versions!"

Almost the instant the post was released, the number of replies soared into double digits, and in the blink of an eye, surged toward triple digits.

Quit Smoking: "Wait, why is there only a folder?"

Si Si: "What’s inside? Let me see!"

Night Ten: "Fake Brother Guang, real Brother Bing. (funny face)"

Crow: "Dang, if only our planners were half as kind-hearted as the manager brother! T^T"

Watching the replies below, Chu Guang’s brow twitched fiercely.

These guys!

Does setting up communicable NPCs not need time?

Does a journey of two-and-a-half days not require a save point? Shouldn’t I include a communications base station too? Do these things not need power?

But most crucially, if you all run off to the new map making a ruckus, who will till the land?

Let’s not even talk about sowing yet.

We at least need to complete the reclamation work.

Could it be that reclamation is something your managers have to do themselves?

Chu Guang felt he had been quite explicit already.

"Damn it!"

"Just updated, why is it asking me to update again!"

Chu Guang cursed as he closed the forum page, finished the cup of homemade sparkling water on the table, and opened the P Company Game to watch the ocean.

...

The next day.

South side of the Outpost Base sanatorium.

An older-looking man was stroking his chin, carefully observing the surrounding architecture, and muttering to himself.

Since he didn’t wear a VM on his arm, many players were curious but didn’t pay much attention to him.

As everyone knew, NPCs without a VM couldn’t properly receive tasks.

"...since defeating the Chew-bone Tribe’s invasion on the front lines, the morale and confidence of the survivors in ’North Suburb’ reached a peak, and the prestige of the local leaders soared to unprecedented heights, giving rise to a new powerful survivor force. This might change the long-time chaotic situation in ’North Suburb.’"

"There is a lot of undeveloped land here and enough labor. Though the infrastructure is backward with no supporting industries, it precisely hides significant business opportunities."

Elder Fang Chang had just published his "market research" on Giant Stone City on the forum when List completed his survey of the area under Shelter No. 404’s control.

He didn’t use a notebook, however.

He used a portable flexible-screen computer.

This gadget was very handy; it was pen-sized when not in use and could be unfolded like a scroll when needed, with adjustable screen size according to user habits.

Such a high-end device integrated with a plethora of carbon-based optical and electronic components wasn’t something that could be produced in Giant Stone City.

However, every year, merchants from the East Coast brought these rare gadgets from the distant Ideal City.

"...correct, I should add the title of ’permanent business partner’ as well."

This was what interested List the most.

Just a few hours ago, he had confirmed through his own channels that Shelter No. 404 had indeed received this extremely rare honor—or "contract."

There are only two plain belts that stretch across River Valley Province from east to west, with the northern one blocked by the Chewing Bone Tribe. It was almost predictable that a large wave of commercial teams would pass through here this year.

Thinking of this, a hint of anticipation appeared on List’s face.

If he could seize this historic opportunity, he might earn more than he could ever imagine in previous years, with his assets skyrocketing like a rocket!

What was that word?

Right!

Win-win!

"How’s the survey going?"

A familiar voice came from behind.

List turned around and saw Chu Guang approaching, speaking excitedly.

"It’s all done! Surprisingly, the situation is much better than I expected, although there are also many problems to solve. For example, you lack a stable power supply, but, commendably, you’ve actually built a steel mill from the ruins."

Chu Guang spoke kindly and cheerfully,

"The power supply issue will be resolved by the end of the month. Our engineers are currently designing the industrial area’s power grid and constructing a centralized coal-fired power station. Anything else?"

"Also, the drainage system," List pondered for a moment and continued, "If you plan to have commercial teams stop here next year, at least make sure they won’t step into something awful, like excrement, while walking on the streets."

Chu Guang was taken aback.

Fuck?

"Is that an actual problem??"

List cleared his throat.

"Not really... it’s just an example. After all, your new settlement already has two thousand residents, but I found only five manually operated latrines. Indeed, locals can manage their needs in the fields, but what about foreigners, merchants, their guards, attendants, and servants? They can’t possibly all follow suit and head to the fields."

Chu Guang stroked his chin.

"That is indeed an issue, anything else?"

"That’s all for now?" List hesitated before adding, "But these are minor issues, just casually mentioned; don’t take them too seriously."

"There are no minor issues here," Chu Guang shook his head seriously and said, "The restroom issue will be resolved within a month."

List was slightly surprised, then smiled and said,

"It seems ’North Suburb’ has encountered a wise manager; no wonder the locals are so confident about the future."

Chu Guang: "Thanks for the praise."

List: "This isn’t praise; it’s reality I’ve confirmed with my own eyes. I have various types of clients, from farmers like Brown to old rivals of yours who are wealthy landowners, as well as the slave owners and mine bosses at Red River Town... Few people consider the issues of ordinary people as necessary to solve. From my perspective, of course, I hope your residents lead better lives so they have money to buy my goods."

Clearing his throat, List confidently continued,

"Perhaps, I should have more confidence in your future too... Oh right, it seems you are short of agricultural machinery? I happen to know a factory owner who mainly deals with engines and various power components. He has a huge stock of agricultural machinery and wood-burning engines in his warehouse. I use his products in my own plantation in the south, and they are very reliable."

"If you want, I can order some for you! Considering our friendship, I’ll give you a ten percent discount."

That’s a decent discount.

And the price I am seeing is already discounted?

This guy almost made Chu Guang forget about it.

But now wasn’t the time for reminiscing.

Chu Guang immediately asked,

"You own a plantation in the south?"

In order to demonstrate his capabilities to a partner, List didn’t hide anything, smiling as he said,

"Yes, not just a plantation, I also have long-term contracts with local survivor settlements there. I take the rubber, and they keep the biomass oil. Every quarter, I bring them the necessities they need and buy stuff needed by Giant Stone City to take back. If you’re interested, we can also collaborate. You provide the land and handle security, and I’ll provide labor for farming. We can split the produce fifty-fifty."

What intrigued Chu Guang wasn’t List’s proposal as much as the information it revealed.

The conditions south of Qingquan City seemed better than here, with many of Giant Stone City’s merchants owning plantations and similar businesses there.

Yet, that was a blind spot for him.

Maybe, with the opening of spring and the restoration of commercial routes, he should send some people to scout around Qingquan City.

Chu Guang pondered for a moment and then spoke.

"This sounds like a very attractive proposal, but for economic crops, we have planned to adopt a more efficient centralized planting, so let’s talk about those agricultural machines instead."

"No problem."

For Chu Guang’s tactful rejection, List was not surprised.

He had walked around "North Suburb" and hadn’t seen a single slave, at most only prisoners of war. Clearly, this survivor settlement was not fond of slavery.

In fact, compared to employment, slavery was indeed a less efficient means of production. Even with the same living standards, the enthusiasm of free citizens clearly surpassed that of slaves.

Thus, even in Giant Stone City which admitted the legality of slavery, it was rare for factories to have slaves working on the assembly line.

Chu Guang provided List with a list and purchased ten "Iron Horse 60" pot-camel machines.

Although this device wasn’t built with any particularly advanced technology, it was a legitimate piece of heavy equipment and naturally much more expensive than the small-scale KV-1 Exoskeleton.

According to the data provided by List, this set of pot-camel machines had a total weight of about five hundred kilograms and could provide a maximum of 60 horsepower.

Compared to the 8~10 horsepower pot-camel machines replicated and improved by players, and the 20~30 model light trucks commonly used by the army, a five-hundred-kilogram weight for a maximum of 60 horsepower pot-camel machine was indeed considered black technology.

Shelter No. 404 was not lacking in light-duty power equipment, but such heavy-duty power equipment was still in short supply.

Whether used in construction machinery or in land reclamation work, these devices were sufficient to double the original efficiency.

Compared to fuel engines, the benefits of this type of machinery were clear—the manufacture was easy, maintenance was simple, the power source was readily available everywhere, so it was quite popular in the Wasteland.

However, correspondingly, the price was also quite expensive.

A single unit cost an astonishing 5000 chips, equivalent to a hundred iron pipe rifles or thirty automatic rifles.

At a price of 5000 chips per unit, if Chu Guang wanted to buy these, he needed to pay List 50000 chips.

Chu Guang naturally didn’t have that many chips.

Nor could he afford to dedicate that much "foreign exchange reserve."

But no matter.

Paying directly in cash was a strange notion anyway; bartering was the norm in the Wasteland.

Stored in Outpost Base’s warehouse were hundreds of tons of Spirit Leaf, all cut from Greenhouse Ruins.

After some bargaining, the deal was finally closed with ten pot-camel machines exchanged for 1000 kilograms of Spirit Leaf.

Although List repeatedly claimed that a kilogram of Spirit Leaf was worth 50 chips in Giant Stone City and that price wasn’t always achievable.

He would bring these goods back to Giant Stone City, it was impossible not to make a profit.

However, Chu Guang certainly didn’t believe his tale and curtly replied,

"5000 chips for one Iron Horse 60 pot-camel machine, isn’t that also the price from Giant Stone City? And it was the price you quoted to me."

"And I don’t think the 1000 kilograms of Spirit Leaf in your hands can only sell for 50 chips per kilogram. It’s still winter right now, Spirit Leaf is a summer crop and highly demanding of the environment and soil. Can you get so much from anywhere else?"

"Giant Stone City’s pharmaceutical factories will beg you to sell them this batch of goods, just as you believe in my management skills, I likewise believe your business acumen certainly knows what to do."

Chu Guang believed that List wouldn’t be foolish enough to report an outrageous price to himself for the sake of a mere fifty thousand chips that could affect a cooperation worth millions.

But he equally didn’t believe that List offered him the factory price.

As the guy himself said, the straight-line distance on the map would be over forty kilometers, and the actual distance could even be as much as a hundred.

Costs for both personnel and transport needed to be covered.

He couldn’t possibly be running a charity.

"Management skills? You’re really wasting your talent not going into business!"

Looking at the order in hand, although still profitable, List couldn’t help but mutter a complaint before quietly putting away the order.

Chu Guang laughed.

Heh.

How do you know I haven’t done business before?

"I’ll take that as a compliment."

Spirit Leaf had a wide range of uses—it could be brewed as tea, stuffed into cigarettes, or made into Spiritual Water with stronger calming effects and more notable analgesic properties, along with Power Pills, Mint, Radiation Reducers, Anti-Radiation drugs, and various antibiotics—all very popular drugs in the Wasteland.

Although not every mercenary used performance-enhancing drugs, even if only a third did, it was still a considerable market.

The quantity of one ton likely wasn’t enough to cause a significant price fluctuation.

Considering that the trade team of the Outpost Base hadn’t yet been organized, Chu Guang had made a slight concession in price.

Once the trade team was established, he would make the money himself.

"These goods will be delivered within a week. As soon as my assistant returns, I’ll send him back there immediately! I never expected to see an order over ten thousand chips in the ’North Suburb.’ It’s quite something... Looks like I need to expand the scale of our trading team this year."

With that said, List’s tone couldn’t help but carry a hint of sentiment.

Before, he had scoured the ’North Suburb,’ barely scraping together a few thousand chips.

Who knew it would be like now?

One transaction could make so much.

And not just in chips, but also the resources behind them.

Perhaps in not too long, he would be able to enter the Inner City and live the high society life he had long dreamed of.

Hearing List’s sentiment, a thought suddenly struck Chu Guang.

"Do you need a guard?"

Still daydreaming, List replied without thinking,

"Of course, good guards are always in short supply. Even if we occasionally hire mercenaries to fill the gaps, we can’t have everyone in the team being just fill-ins. The combat capabilities of these mercenaries are inconsistent, and their quality is average at best. Only a few mercenary groups are decent; most are just slightly better than the Looters."

Chu Guang’s face broke into a radiant smile.

"That’s perfect."

List paused.

"...Sorry, I didn’t catch that. What do you mean?"

Chu Guang cleared his throat and spoke seriously,

"What I mean is, in fact, in addition to providing quality products, we also offer logistics and security outsourcing services."

"If your trade team needs guards, I can provide them!"